6686-chapter-249

249 A Warrior’s Offering

William let out a small chuckle.

“Well, in that case, there’s nothing to worry about.”

This wasn’t just an empty custom—it was a system designed for survival.

No one would be foolish enough to break it.

“Fine. I’ll accept it.”

William and his group decided to stay at the last outpost for the night before moving on.

Too much time had already passed, and in the frozen wastelands, conserving one’s strength was just as important as speed.

The only difference from before was the increase in numbers and the resulting change in their evening meal.

Sizzle.

The rich scent of roasting meat filled the cabin, thick and savory.

Everyone swallowed involuntarily, their appetites stirred.

Gunstein, now free from his earlier humiliation, sliced a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth.

“Hmm.”

Nodding in satisfaction, he carefully plated the meat and, with both hands, presented it to William like a formal offering.

“It’s ready, my lord.”

William accepted the plate in silence, cutting a piece and placing it in his mouth.

Unlike the plain meals he had tasted before, this one had a sharp, tingling kick—something unfamiliar, but enjoyable.

“This is an interesting flavor. What did you season it with?”

“Seasoning?” Gunstein tilted his head. “I don’t know what that is, but I ground the dried liver of a black weasel into powder and used that. It makes any dish taste better.”

“Not bad.”

“Here, the rest of you should eat as well.”

Gunstein personally served each member of the group, cutting the meat and handing it over with the utmost politeness.

The arrogance from before was nowhere to be seen.

The others hesitated but eventually accepted the plates, still bewildered by his sudden change in demeanor.

One of Gunstein’s subordinates, clearly unsettled, stepped forward.

“Brother, let us handle this for you.”

“It’s fine. This is my duty.”

Despite their concern, Gunstein remained firm.

Offering food to someone was a gesture of respect in many cultures, but here, it seemed to hold even deeper significance.

Helen, watching quietly, finally spoke after accepting her portion.

“Gunstein, I believe it’s time for some explanations.”

“Explanations? About what?”

“Don’t play dumb. Why did you ignore my mediation earlier?”

Gunstein blinked in genuine confusion.

Helen’s gaze sharpened.

“The Gunstein I know is not so reckless. You’re someone who understands reason and respects my master.”

Her voice was calm, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

Gunstein remained silent.

For the first time since their duel, a flicker of hesitation crossed his face.

“But then, not only did you ignore me, you also dismissed my master’s guest. Why?”

Helen’s voice was as cold as the frozen wasteland around them.

Gunstein hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line before he let out a heavy sigh.

No matter how he framed it, any excuse would sound pathetic. He might as well be honest.

“I wanted to bring the Guide to my side so I could become chieftain.”

Helen narrowed her eyes. “Explain.”

“My father is growing old. He can still move, but he’s long past the point where he can call himself a warrior with pride.”

A chieftain who could no longer fulfill his duties as a warrior had to step down. That was the long-standing tradition.

Soon, the chieftain’s sons would be forced into a battle for succession.

Gunstein, as one of the chieftain’s blood, was entitled to participate. He also desired the position.

“But unlike my brothers, I have no solid foundation. They’ve spent over a decade building their names, leading warriors, and gathering allies. I… have not.”

If the competition were a simple one-on-one duel, Gunstein might have stood a chance.

But status and influence were just as much a part of the trial as strength.

If the battle for succession began now, he had no hope of winning.

“My brothers don’t even see me as a contender. And, honestly, they’re right. But there is one person who could turn the tables in an instant.”

Helen’s voice was quiet. “My master.”

Gunstein nodded.

“If the Guide stood by my side, I could compete on equal footing. But there was no sign of that happening, so…”

“You tried to use us,” William interjected. “You were going to declare us your property under the guise of tradition, then offer our release as a favor in exchange for our loyalty.”

Gunstein’s face flushed red.

He nodded, ashamed.

He had schemed and lost. The embarrassment of it all weighed heavily on him.

“…But in the end, I’m glad things turned out this way,” he muttered. “None of my brothers are fit to be chieftain.”

Better to serve William than be ruled by one of them.

Gunstein’s expression was strangely relieved, as if he had finally found his place.

William chuckled. “Well, if that’s how you feel, then good for you. So, this competition—how soon will it happen?”

Gunstein blinked, caught off guard by the shift in conversation. “Ah… Within a few days at most. My father has been dropping hints, nudging us toward it.”

“In that case…”

William set down his plate, a slow grin spreading across his face.

“Can I participate in your place?”

Gunstein froze.

“…What!?”

The next morning, William and his group left the cabin, heading toward their destination.

This time, there was no need for Helen to fumble through memories from years past to navigate.

They had Gunstein and his men—locals who knew the way.

“If we keep up the pace, we’ll arrive before the afternoon,” Gunstein reported.

“Good. I was getting tired of nothing but snow in every direction.”

Gunstein hesitated.

“My lord, are you really going to participate in the trial?”