episode_0108

From Bole to Villach, from Villach to University and to the Vatican.

If we were to compile the stories we shared when we walked this long road alone into a book, we would reach the university’s tallest spire three times.

However, while she was accumulating many stories, Lisia rarely opened up about her childhood.

Based on what the girl said sparsely, I could only guess that she didn’t seem to have grown up in a good family. My father ran away before I could even walk, and I lived with my uncle after that.

You may have lived half your life without receiving much warmth from home.

It was fortunate that he felt this from me, who was half-representing his father’s role.

‘But still, a little bit of marriage.’

Of course, perhaps because he had not yet lost his innocence, he seemed to lack a bit of common sense in a strange corner.

Still, I thought it was because I was still easily confused about my emotions and wandering around.

-Kkiik

As I was lying in bed thinking these thoughts, I heard a noise at the door.

No, rather than pretending to be popular, it was more like shouting for someone to recognize me. If you see him moving back and forth in front of the door, is he probably drunk?

I opened the door to at least tell him to go down and sleep rather than wandering around in a place like this, and what I encountered there was someone unexpected.

“Ah, Raven.”

Perhaps because she was worried that she would wake me, I found Lisia just lingering in front of the door and not coming in.

In that case, it doesn’t really matter if you come in without worrying.

He has such kindness and innocence, but I need to guide him well.

It is the adult’s duty to embrace and correct this.

I carried the hesitant girl to the bed and covered her with a blanket.

And I went back to my bed, closed my eyes, and when I opened them, it was the next day. After yawning a few times, Lisia and I, who managed to escape, prepared to start the day with a half-asleep body.

“Ah, that’s right. I had something to try.”

“Why do you want to eat more? If you go there for bread-”

“That’s not it. Just in case, I need to check just one thing.”

And as I was eating human food one by one for a simple breakfast before departure, Lisia suddenly stretched out her hand and said to me.

He had a determined expression, as if he had decided on something. And saying things like that was rather trivial.

“Let’s arm wrestle.”

“… Why?”

“Yes, just once. Of course, don’t look at it.”

It’s not like I had to try to know the outcome, and Lisia wasn’t old enough to notice if I intentionally lost.

Nevertheless, I felt like there was something to be believed in the way she waved her arms in front of Yeonsin, so I decided to hang out for a while.

I don’t know what the wind was blowing, but I’m asking you that much.

-Kwaak

And while I was trying to act with a playful attitude, I was taken aback by the strength of my arms, which felt stronger than I expected.

Did they use some kind of trick? As I lowered my gaze a little to find the cause of something out of the ordinary, I caught a glimpse of my arm shining slightly through my clothes.

It’s magic. The moment I confirmed it, the back of my hand started to tilt toward the floor.

“Aya… … .”

Just as I was about to adjust my posture and sit down, wondering if I should really be sincere, out of pride, Lisia removed her hand first.

The girl let out a small moan and continued to massage her soft arms.

Then, seeing the soft light coming from the palm of my hand for a moment, it seemed like healing magic had been used this time.

“Ugh… This is not something worth doing for a long time.”

“So, why are you suddenly trying to do something like that?”

“Even if I try to use magic after a long time, there is no one I can ask for like this other than Raven. It’s a magic that makes your strength stronger for a while. How was it?”

“To be honest, it was pretty strong. Did you learn it in college?”

“Yes. I was wondering if I might need it, so I asked a saint to learn it.”

If I learned something like that, I would have a competitive spirit.

However, if I were to really ask the question, it was only useful to me as a knight, and I wondered if it was really necessary for Licia, who was closer to a wizard than a knight.

For a moment, I imagined a girl fighting with a sword, but it wasn’t an image that came to mind easily.

Since you just said that it is difficult to use it for a long time, I guess you really tried it out.

“I think you will get more used to it if you try it a lot. No, Raven is stronger than that.”

“Huh?”

“More than you think… It’s worth it.”

“… … ?”

“Hey-.”

Perhaps somewhat satisfied, Lisia smiled slightly.

Yes, as long as you like it, that’s fine. I patted the head of a girl who was proud of herself, saying she did a good job.

There is also this type of magic. Actually, this was my first time learning about it.

Rather than the fact that I am illiterate in the field of magic, the bigger reason is that there is little or no demand for it.

Even if you start working from the age of seven, you will be in your mid-twenties to become a skilled knight, and if you want to use even basic magic, you will be in your fifties.

If I wanted to become a skilled wizard, I would have to be at the age where the coffin would beckon me to come in. So it wasn’t strange that I didn’t know.

“This made me feel a little relieved. Then shall we go?”

“Okay, did you pack all your luggage?”

“Yes.”

It probably means that I feel relieved because Ilshin’s safety has been secured.

I accepted that and tied the luggage I had packed the day before on Sancho and Dulcinea’s backs.

Leaving behind Licia, who had now become adept at riding a horse alone, I also climbed on top of Sancho.

After waiting for a while, the group began to walk one by one.

My steps were quite light. The journey, which was not short, was slowly coming to an end.

*****

I often forget that this world is not a game. It’s not always like that, it’s just sometimes.

And the moment you realize that it is reality is when you check that the status window you have opened is made of parchment and when you are safely walking down the street.

“Status window.”

“Here!”

-Palak

First of all, the road we have taken so far has been safe.

What Lysia took out after hearing my words was also a piece of parchment. This was a bitter reality.

And realistically, bandits are not like mobs that respawn at certain times.

It just appears frequently enough to make you wonder if it’s respawning, but it doesn’t mean it has to be there.

Even though it was a chaotic world, it was quite a new feeling.

“You came this far peacefully.”

“Sure. After all, war is war.”

There was a reason for this.

What kind of being is a thief?

If you are caught while stealing, you are a bandit group. If you are fighting under a temporary contract, you are a mercenary group.

In short, it can be said to be a quantum mechanical group that has different states depending on the point of observation and the presence of the observer.

And if you observe them during this war period, you can see that they are usually mercenaries, not bandits.

Therefore, people who want to fight are flocking to the front lines to earn money fairly and honestly for the first time in a long time.

All that remains are groups like after-school clubs with three or four, or at most, less than ten people.

Naturally, they were busy running away as soon as they saw the group of dozens of combat personnel from far away.

“If you see that mountain, it means you’re almost there.”

The guide ahead said. Only after confirming that was I able to let go of the tension.

Despite the worries, there had been no significant interference from the prince so far.

I still don’t know if it was because it was really just a warning, or because I didn’t have time to move quickly and do anything. Still, in the end, everyone was able to arrive safely.

After walking along the ridge for a while with the mindset of cheering up since it was the last time, a city appeared beyond it.

“Thank you all for your hard work in coming this long way. This is the bishop city of Brixen.”

“You must be very tired. Can I help you find a place to rest?”

“No, let’s put in the message that we have arrived first.”

Since the group was led by the princess, they easily passed through the castle gate.

Leaving behind the long city walls, we headed straight to the church in the center of the city.

The streets were crowded with people, as if to prove that Heine’s words that something would happen soon were true.

As I made my way through them, and sure enough, a familiar face appeared in front of the church to greet me, as if he had already heard the news that I had entered the city.

He came out, dragging his long clothes behind him, bowed his head slightly, then opened his mouth and spoke.

“Your Majesty, was your trip comfortable?”

“Yes, nothing special happened. Thank you for your concern, Bishop.”

“I heard the news. I heard you did a great job with quinine. His Majesty was delighted to hear the results.”

“The words are too heavy. I didn’t do it alone, and I didn’t play the biggest role.”

“Nevertheless, His Majesty’s presence must have been a great comfort to the people. And best of all, I have something to say about that… … .”

The bishop, who was talking loudly, soon turned his head to me.

As I was watching from the side, I quickly approached him. Unlike when he greeted Heine a moment ago, his expression was more serious.

“Lord Raven. I’m a little sorry to say this right after you arrive, but there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is that?”

“Your Majesty calls you.”