Chapter 239: He Should Even Thank Us
Since Dorigaray had introduced himself, Lynn, Dandelion, and Borch likewise announced their names.
"I am Master Lynn, Witcher."
"Master Dandelion, Poet."
"My name is Borch, also known as Three Jackdaws. The young women opening the wine barrels are my companions, whom I believe you've already met, Master Dorigaray."
"Indeed." Dorigaray replied stiffly. "The beautiful Zerrikanian warriors have already exchanged greetings with me."
"Oh, well! To your health!" Dandelion began distributing the wine and food brought by Vea, offering some to every halberdier.
"I imagine," Dorigaray said, taking a delicate sip of wine, "that your reason for waiting at the bridge is the same as mine."
"Master Dorigaray, if you're referring to that dragon, then indeed it is." Dandelion replied, "I wish to be present and compose a ballad about it. Unfortunately, this captain won't let me pass—he demands a pass, which I find quite rude."
Despite being placated by food, the captain stuck to his principles.
"I apologize, but I cannot allow unauthorized individuals to pass. I am compelled to do this. It seems every person in Holopole has their carriage ready, preparing to hunt the dragon in the mountains, but I must follow orders..."
Lynn, however, waved a hand and spoke.
"No need to apologize. You have a duty, and you've performed it. In my opinion, you don't need to apologize for anything."
"Furthermore, Master Dorigaray, you were mistaken about one thing."
Dorigaray snorted. "I'm listening."
"The reason Master Borch, the two beautiful ladies, and I are stopped here is simply that we intend to go to Holopole; it has nothing to do with that dragon."
"Therefore, since this path is blocked, once we finish this food, we will turn back and detour to Holopole via Hengfors."
"What conspiracy are you plotting, monster slayer?" Dorigaray narrowed his eyes. "A Witcher not interested in murdering a monster is as absurd as a cat not pouncing on a bird."
Lynn spread his hands.
"Think what you like, Master Sorcerer. The truth is, I have no conspiracy whatsoever."
Hearing that Lynn intended to turn back, Dandelion immediately grew anxious.
Though it was his first meeting with Lynn, Dandelion had long considered Lynn a friend, owing to Lynn saving his junior, Mariliel.
"What are you saying, Lynn? You're truly not interested in that dragon? It's a dragon, a poisoned dragon on the brink of death, a dragon that any farmer with a scythe could approach, lop off its head, and become a revered dragon-slaying hero!"
"Are you truly not tempted to try? The King's dragon-hunting party set out hours ago, but they definitely won't reach the Kestrel Mountains where the dragon is hidden today, let alone find its lair."
"As long as this kind Captain is willing to let us through, we can gallop and catch up to the dragon-hunting party by evening at the latest."
Through his Witcher friend, Dandelion knew all too well how difficult the Witcher profession was.
Putting aside the honorary title of Dragon Slayer, even the treasure in the dragon's lair would be enticing enough.
The captain still insisted, "My orders are... hiccup... no one without a pass may cross, no matter who they are."
Dandelion stood up, frantic, messing up his curly hair.
"May the plague take you! Damn it, can't you just toss that cursed pass aside?"
Lynn, however, chuckled, as if genuinely unconcerned.
"I have no interest in the empty fame of a dragon slayer, nor in the riches within a dragon's lair. Besides, I am currently Master Borch's bodyguard, and my commission only ends once Master Borch reaches Holopole."
"Until then, I have no intention of being distracted by anything else."
"Of course, not only that, but I also believe that dragon is far from deserving of an討伐 (tǎo fá - punitive expedition/punishment)."
"Though it ate some sheep, it did not actively attack anyone... Note, I said actively attack."
"As for the two who died by the dragon's maw... You can't possibly expect a creature that has just been poisoned and is now suffering terribly from it, to smile warmly at strangers approaching it with weapons and ill intent, can you?"
"Forget a dragon; even a traveling merchant, encountering two armed people approaching them in the wilderness, might kill out of self-preservation."
Dandelion was stunned.
"I can hardly believe those words came from a Witcher's mouth. I thought only that Witcher friend of mine had such a twisted personality."
The Witcher said, "It's not twisted; it's my principle. I have my own rules."
Thereafter, no one spoke further.
Soon, all the food brought by Thea and Vea was eaten.
There was still plenty of wine left, though.
"Master Borch?"
Lynn looked at Borch.
Borch nodded. "Hmm, then let's leave now. Captain, Bard, and Master Dorigaray, I wish you all a smooth journey."
Dandelion doffed his hat in salute, and the placated captain also nodded, "And to you, too, a fair wind."
Dorigaray hesitated for a moment, then spoke.
"Witcher, I apologize for doubting you earlier. I simply did not imagine that even among sorcerers, there are rarely any who share my views. I never thought I would find such a noble individual among a group of monster specialists who live by hunting."
"Please accept my sincerest apologies."
"I accept your apology, Master Dorigaray. Farewell, Dandelion, Captain."
...
As the four rode a considerable distance, leaving the bridge far behind and out of sight, Borch, still mounted, hesitated for a long time before finally, as if making an important decision, spoke to Lynn.
"Master Lynn, there is something that has been buried in my heart for a long time, and I believe I should no longer conceal it. It is time I told you... about my true identity."
Finally, Lynn thought.
Lynn, who held the "script" in his hands, had long known that Borch's true purpose in coming to Holopole was to help the dragon that had been poisoned by humans.
But since Borch hadn't brought it up before, Lynn had pretended not to know.
Now that Borch was finally willing to show his hand, Lynn would no longer evade the topic.
"However, rather than explaining it with words, it would be better to demonstrate it directly."
....
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