Barbarian's Adventure in a Fantasy World-Chapter 70: Milayna Akasha (4)

The next morning, Milayna showed up looking like she’d seen a ghost.

“Looks like you’re up. How’s the hangover?” Ketal greeted her with a smirk.

“I’m fine...”

Unfortunately for her, she wasn’t the type to forget things just because she had a little too much to drink. And this morning, that trait wasn’t doing her any favors.

She remembered everything. She had spent hours pouring her heart out to Ketal, complaining how hard her life was.

“I’m sorry. I can’t believe I showed you such a shameful side of me,” Milayna said.

Normally, this never happened. She was always composed, even when drinking. On rare occasions when she had too much, she still managed to hold herself together. However, something about this barbarian had disarmed her.

She had let her guard down, and before she knew it, she’d turned into a full-on drunken mess.

Ketal, however, didn’t seem fazed in the slightest. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to hearing people ramble when they’re drunk. If it bothers you, I can pretend it never happened.”

“That would be appreciated,” Milayna stammered, bowing her head so low it nearly hit the floor. After a moment, she straightened up, clearing her throat and smoothing her dress as though trying to erase last night from existence.

Her flustered demeanor brought a chuckle to Ketal’s lips.

“What’s next for you, Ketal? Do you have some grand goal in mind?” Milayna asked, eager to change the subject.

“Not really. If anything, I am just here to sightsee.”

“Sightsee?” she echoed, surprised.

“The Denian Kingdom is a powerhouse, isn’t it? I figure there must be plenty of interesting things to see.”

“Well, yes, that’s true,” Milayna nodded.

The Denian Kingdom wasn’t just strong—it was one of the strongest. Its military and economy were on par with the combined strength of two or three average kingdoms.

“Exactly. I came to see you, sure, but I also wanted to explore. There’s probably plenty here to keep me entertained,” Ketal said, his tone almost playful. He could not wait to see all the interesting things inside the kingdom.

Milayna paused, clearly thinking something over. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, “Do you have a place to stay?”

“Not really. I was planning to find a nearby inn.”

“In that case... would you like to stay at my house?”

“Hm?” Ketal’s eyebrows shot up. “I’d like that, but are you sure?”

“Yes.” Milayna’s nod was firm, her voice steady. “Please, think nothing of it. It’s the least I can do.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll gladly accept,” Ketal said, visibly pleased.

He hadn’t saved Milayna expecting anything in return. Back then, he had just been out for a stroll, trying to escape his insufferable tribe for a while. Running into her caravan had been sheer coincidence, and approaching her had been little more than curiosity and a desire for conversation.

He never imagined that a chance encounter with a caravan in the White Snowfield could lead to him invited to stay at a noble’s home.

She is like a grateful soul repaying kindness, Ketal thought.

Whatever the case, it was a win for him. Staying at a noble’s home wasn’t something a person got to do every day.

“Then I will make myself at home. Should I repay your hospitality by listening to more of your complaints like last night?” Ketal teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Milayna’s face turned red. “No! That won’t be necessary!”

“It’s just a joke. But seriously, if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask,” Ketal said.

“Thank you, but I’m fine,” Milayna replied, stealing a glance at him.

When she had first met him in the White Snowfield, her motives hadn’t been entirely pure. She had wanted to bring him to her side—a powerful warrior with a sharp mind was a valuable ally, after all. She’d thought she could appeal to his desire for worldly goods.

However, now, things had changed. Ketal wasn’t like the others. He didn’t look down on her, didn’t sneer or criticize her actions. His gaze was calm, neutral, and free of judgement.

And that neutrality put her at ease in a way she hadn’t felt in years. Having Ketal by her side was comforting. Just his presence made her feel steady.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like,” Milayna said softly. “If you ever want to leave, just let me know.”

Then she hesitated, her words trailing off.

Ketal raised an eyebrow, mused. “Go on, just say it.”

“It’s... kind of a strange request, but... if it’s not too much trouble, would you mind keeping me company from time to time?”

“Of course,” Ketal said with a grin. “I’d be happy to.”

***

Ketal decided to stay at the Akasha family’s home for the time being. Milayna, ever the gracious host, told him to rest comfortably and left for her office. However, as she sat down at her desk, her expression grew grim.

Before her was a mountain of paperwork, stacked high enough to rival her torso.

“I ignore it for one evening, and this is what I get,” she muttered, scowling as she dropped into her chair. With practiced movements, she grabbed the first document and began reviewing its content.

To Lady Milayna Akasha, Head of the House,

Lord Aimak Pandula, the eldest grandson of the Pandula family’s 23rd generation, has inquired about extending his repayment period. As I cannot make a decision on the matter, I have forwarded it to you.

Milayna sighed heavily as she finished reading. Most of the documents had the same content.

The Akasha family didn’t lend money to just anyone. Borrowers needed to offer collateral, demonstrate impeccable honor, or possess a reputation befitting the requested amount.

As a result, those indebted to the Akasha family were typically nobles or individuals of equivalent standing. Whenever they made requests, the staff below Milayna often found themselves at a loss. No matter how much debt the nobles owed, their social status made it difficult to treat them with anything but deference.

Ultimately, only Milayna—head of the Akasha family and a noble herself—could handle such matters. She dealt with everything personally, from blatant refusals to repay debts to cases where her collectors were outright assaulted.

If only this part of the job could be resolved..., she thought.

However, it wasn’t so simple. Nobles were, after all, nobles. Milayna began organizing the papers, her movements precise and methodical. As the pile dwindled to half its original size, the door to her office suddenly burst open.

“L-Lady Milayna!”

It was one of her guards. His abrupt, unannounced entrance caused Milayna to frown deeply. She opened her mouth to reprimand him, but the look on his face made her pause. The guard’s complexion was deathly pale—paler than when she had once threatened to punish him directly.

The guard stammered, “Th-the Sword of Denian is here!”

Milayna’s face instantly turned as white as the guard’s.

***

“Welcome,” Milayna said.

In the reception room, she bowed stiffly, her posture betraying her tension. Sitting across from her on a sofa was a man—one of the knights who had accompanied King Barbosa during Ketal’s audience with the monarch.

It was the knight who had tried to intimidate Ketal, only to be left flustered when Ketal brushed off his threats without a care.

Even as Milayna offered her respectful bow, the man remained seated, leaning back against the sofa with a casual nod. His demeanor, far from what one would expect when addressing a noble, was outright rude, but Milayna didn’t dare call him out on it. It wasn’t just her—no noble in the Denian Kingdom would dare question this man’s behavior.

The man spoke, his tone calm yet commanding. “There is no need for all the formalities. I’m here unofficially.”

“Is that so?” Milayna forced a smile, though it lacked warmth. Her mind was racing. Why is he here?

Sitting before her was none other than Swordmaster Maximus, the Sword of Denian—a figure regarded as the kingdom’s strongest swordsman and one who reached the realm of Swordmaster.

His strength was said to transcend the limits of humanity. If Maximus wanted to destroy her family, she knew there was nothing she could do to stop him. He could single-handedly wipe out an entire estate if he wished.

But why has someone like him come here? Milayna thought. She gulped as she began to speak. “What brings you here today?”

Maximus was a direct extension of the king’s authority. His presence here meant one thing: he was acting on the king’s orders. However, she could not think of a reason that would allow the king to send Maximus to her home.

“I hear you have a barbarian guest,” Maximus said, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

“Uh, yes, that’s correct,” Milayna replied hesitantly.

How does he know about Ketal? she wondered. Is he here to demand that I expel Ketal, or worse, banish him outright?

It was a very possible scenario. Barbarians weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. As this thought crossed her mind, Milayna’s expression darkened slightly. Maximus’s sharp gaze caught the flicker on unease in her eyes.

“You’re mistaken if you think I’m here for something like that,” Maximus said, his voice tinged with irritation. His expression showed how much he hated having to explain himself

“Treat the barbarian well,” Maximus said, his words measured. “That’s an order from His Majesty.”

“What...?”

Milayna froze, completely caught off guard by the unexpected command. She blinked, trying to process what she had just heard.

Treat Ketal well? she repeated in her mind. That’s the king’s order?

“May I... ask why?” she ventured cautiously.

“I don’t know,” Maximus replied bluntly, clicking his tongue in frustration. “I don’t understand why His Majesty would give such an order, but orders are orders.”

“I see,” Milayna said quietly, her surprise deepening. freewebnσvel.cѳm

Even Maximus, the Sword of Denian, didn’t know the reason. That could only mean one thing: no one knew the king’s motives except the king himself.

“I will follow the order,” Milayna said, nodding. In truth, she had already planned to treat Ketal well, so this changed little for her.

Maximus studied her for a moment before speaking again. “How do you know the barbarian?”

“Well...,” Milayna hesitated, scrambling for an answer. “I met him during one of my trade expeditions. He helped me back then.”

“A barbarian helping someone? Well, that’s new.” Maximus raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

“He is not like most barbarians,” Milayna added quickly.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you treat him well. And as a token of goodwill, I will grant you one thing.”

“Excuse me?” Milayna’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You can use my name,” Maximus said nonchalantly, leaning back in his seat.

Milayna stared at him, stunned.

“I’ve heard enough to know you’re dealing with troubles caused by those idiot nobles,” Maximus continued, his tone laced with irritation.

“So you know about that...,” Milayna muttered.

“Even if the kingdom supports you, it’s not like those fools will listen easily. But if you invoke my name, things should go a lot smoother. Consider it my gift to you,” Maximus said.

“That would certainly make things easier,” Milayna admitted, though she couldn’t hide her lingering confusion.

Using Maximus’s name was no small thing. It wasn’t just an endorsement—it was a declaration that her actions carried the personal backing of the Sword of Denian himself.

With his name attached, even the most stubborn nobles would back off. The fear of incurring Maximus’s wrath would ensure that.

But why? Why would the king’s order to treat Ketal well be so important that Maximus himself would extend such an offer to me? Milayna thought.

Without further discussion, Maximus departed as abruptly as he had arrived. It was clear that his only purpose in coming here was to deliver the king’s command.

As the door closed behind him, Milayna sat in silence, her thoughts a whirlwind.

“Just who is Ketal, really?” she muttered under her breath, her thoughts consumed by the mysterious man.

***

Later that day, Milayna found Ketal earlier than usual.

“Ketal,” she called.

“Hm? Finished already? That was quick,” he replied, lounging casually.

“It wrapped up faster than expected. By the way, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what’s on your mind?”

“You mentioned you used to work as a mercenary, right?” Ketal nodded. The night before, during their conversation over drinks, he had briefly talked about what he had been doing after leaving the White Snowfield.

“I worked in a place called the Barcan Estate. Good people there,” Ketal said, his tone turning a little nostalgic.

“What exactly did you do there?” Milayna asked carefully, her curiosity piqued.