Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V2C146

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Chapter 146: The Whisper of Hope, Part 9

The Senians’ night was tranquil, serene—a time for resting souls. The forest became a haven where even the mind could drift into slumber.

The arguments of the day came to an end with the setting sun, and the village regained its calm. But beyond the flickering shadows of the square’s bonfire, a small figure quietly slipped into one of the warehouses at the edge of the Senian settlement—

Funiya inhaled softly, her emerald-green eyes wide with nervousness as she cautiously glanced around. With trembling hands, she pushed open the door, slipped inside, and carefully closed it behind her.

The warehouse was pitch-black, save for a shaft of cold moonlight streaming through a skylight above. The silver glow illuminated the floor in a pool of light.

But for a true Senian, such darkness was no obstacle. The werewolf blood within them awakened in the dark, their pupils dilating to sweep away the shadows—revealing every detail of the room with clarity.

Funiya tiptoed toward the earthenware water jar, carefully filling her waterskin before replacing the lid. She scanned the area once more.

Though the day’s debate had ended without resolution, Funiya had already made up her mind. She would go alone to that baron—just as everyone had said. If she did this, she could save everyone. Her father and grandfather wouldn’t have to argue anymore.

She wanted everyone to live happily, not like her mother, who had left forever.

“Mother…”

Funiya sniffled, holding back tears. She didn’t know if she’d ever see her father, grandfather, or anyone else again after leaving, but it didn’t matter. She wiped her eyes, thinking she should be strong enough now.

As her mother had told her—

Funiya needed to grow stronger and stop crying all the time. Even without her mother, she could live bravely with her father because she too was a child of the forest, a Senian.

She remembered her mother saying this while covered in blood—but still smiling warmly. Funiya rubbed her eyes, yet tears still trickled down.

“Funiya, you dummy…”

She bit her lip, whispering through tears.

After carefully checking everything she needed to bring, she paused, her heart pounding as she put on the ceremonial clothes and boots usually reserved for rituals. Girls loved beauty, and though she didn’t know what awaited her, she indulged in this small selfishness one last time—

She thought, at this moment, no one would blame her.

But never mind that.

Funiya smiled mischievously, tears still clinging to her cheeks. Then she hesitated—what else?

Ah, yes, her mother’s flute.

The little girl froze, hesitating as she took the short wooden flute from around her neck. She examined it closely, running her fingers gently over its surface, but finally placed it aside.

“This is for Father,” she thought. “When he sees it, he’ll remember Funiya and Mother.”

Her eyes stung as she reluctantly let go. Placing her hands on her knees, she hesitated a moment longer. After confirming she hadn’t forgotten anything, she prepared to stand.

But just then, something cold brushed against her hand.

Funiya shivered.

Like a startled animal, she turned, her green eyes widening in surprise. From the darkness emerged a silver-sheathed dagger—and as Funiya instinctively looked up, she saw those gentle eyes. The stranger held out the dagger, offering it to her.

“B-Big Brother…” the girl gasped, taking a cautious step back.

It was Brandon.

Standing silently in the shadows, the young man watched Funiya with quiet encouragement.

“When you leave, always remember to bring something for protection,” he said warmly.

Funiya froze.

A faint smile appeared on Brandon’s face as he stepped out of the darkness. He approached Funiya, sat beside her, and gently placed the dagger in her hand, closing her fingers around it.

“B-Brother…?” Funiya asked, confused.

“So, are you planning to go alone, Funiya?” he asked, studying the girl. Her bravery and helplessness softened his heart, but he masked it with a smile.

The little girl lowered her head, silent.

“I understand,” Brandon nodded, exhaling deeply. “Come on—”

Funiya looked up in surprise as Brandon extended his hand, tilting his head with a gentle smile. “Brave lady, would you allow a knight to accompany you on this journey?”

Funiya opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.

Finally, her face flushed red, and she shyly placed her hand in Brandon’s.

Brandon chuckled softly, nodding. He stood, pulling Funiya up with him. Turning back to the silver pool of moonlight on the floor, he smiled faintly.

“Well then, let’s go see what kind of man this baron really is.”

“B-Big Brother?” Funiya looked at him.

“No need to worry, Funiya,” Brandon said calmly. “Just as the Senians fight to leave hope for their people, I must also leave hope for myself. Therefore, Funiya—”

“Even in this world, I’ll show you how to overcome it this time.”

---

Even deep into the night, the baron’s castle remained brightly lit. The hall bustled with activity, but Grudin’s expression was grim as his icy gaze pierced through the arched stone windows into the vast night.

Beyond the castle walls, the plains shimmered with countless campfires, glowing brilliantly under the cover of darkness.

Seven scribes stood nervously beside the ruthless baron, fumbling for words, none daring to speak. Finally, Grudin’s trusted subordinate bowed low, speaking in a subdued tone:

“My lord, mercenaries have gathered outside the city walls. I fear our men can no longer contain them.”

Before he could finish, Grudin’s cold gaze snapped back, silencing him. The rest of his suggestion caught in his throat, forcing him to swallow it.

Clatter!

With a sweep of his arm, Grudin sent the lavish dinner on the table crashing to the floor. His sudden outburst startled everyone present. Servants immediately retreated, terrified of being dragged out and crucified by the volatile lord.

After all, the bloodstains on the corpses of mercenaries and adventurers outside hadn’t yet dried—

“Fools.”

Grudin’s voice was icy. “Tell me, why hasn’t Kerry’s cavalry returned yet?”

His subordinate swallowed nervously. “Perhaps they’ve been blocked outside the city by the mercenaries…”

“Perhaps?” A glint of cold light flashed in Grudin’s eyes.

“My apologies, my lord. Our men can’t leave the city because the mercenaries are blocking the gates. We’ve been unable to gather any news…”

“Mercenaries, mercenaries, always mercenaries! Can’t you think of a solution?” Grudin roared, tempted to throw his fork at the man. “Why don’t you kill them all?”

“Well…”

The subordinate shifted awkwardly, thinking, There are at least a dozen mercenary groups out there, plus adventurers. It’s Marsha’s grace that they haven’t stormed the city yet. How are we supposed to wipe them out? Besides, earlier today, you were the one who refused to teach them a lesson instead of slaughtering them outright. You relied on Madara’s undead army to back you up without considering the consequences, and now you’re blaming us for your mess.

Of course, these thoughts stayed unspoken—he valued his life too much. Bowing his head, he waited silently for Grudin to change his mind.

After a long silence, Grudin seemed to realize the current predicament. Still, he wasn’t overly concerned. With a dismissive flick, he tossed his fork onto the floor.

“What about Madara’s people?”

“Shall I call them?” the subordinate immediately looked up.

“Of course. This involves them too. Just tell them the truth—I want results. By tomorrow morning, I don’t want to see a single filthy mercenary left in my territory.”

Grudin waved his hand, his tone icy.

Kill them all?

Everyone’s faces paled. This wasn’t a small matter.

---

As Grudin’s subordinate had said, though the mercenaries had gathered, not all of them were eager to challenge the authority of a powerful noble lord.

The campfires burned fiercely, casting a ruddy glow on everyone’s faces.

A young apprentice wizard surveyed the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the faces of mercenary captains, representatives of adventurer groups, and scattered freelancers. Beyond their shared indignation, each harbored their own hidden agendas.

The young man sighed. He knew revenge was unlikely tonight, but the deaths of so many companions still gnawed at him.

Clenching his fists, he spoke coldly: “Do none of you want to fight? So many have died, yet you choose cowardly silence. Do you truly believe our lives are worthless, mere insects to be trampled?”

“Companions, friends, fellow fighters—their bodies are still warm, and you’ve already surrendered?”

His words fell into an abyss, met with silence.

The crowd exchanged glances, but no one responded.

“Is that it?” someone whispered.

“What else can we do? That’s a noble,” another replied dejectedly.

“Not just a noble, but a lord,” someone added.

“And lords can kill freely?” the young man snapped. “I don’t recall that written in the kingdom’s laws. Those bodies hanging on the crosses were your living companions just hours ago. Don’t you feel even the slightest anger?”

Project Update: Volume 2 is now fully translated! However, as I'm currently focusing on stacking chapters for Volume 3, the release of the remaining chapters in Volume 2 will slow down a bit.

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