episode_0005

Rune.

That was the name of the guy who looked down on us earlier as if we were beneath him.

If there’s a figure as significant as a king ruling the nation, then there must be a guard protecting him too.

The unique pattern engraved under his crimson feathers likely signifies this place, and he must be someone belonging to the ranks of knights.

“…Is what you want my information?”

“Well, more like wanting to know your name before making a big request.”

“You suddenly got concise. Fine. Speak.”

Judging by the atmosphere of the soldiers following behind, it’s clear that the guy occupying the space is important.

I will demand three things.

“Of course, you need money. I want enough for a year’s worth of lodging and wages.”

“You heartless fellow. Do you even know how much the deputy commander of the royal knights earns?”

“Not yet. I’d be disappointed if it all boiled down to just money.”

One must choose carefully.

I have no idea how long I’ll have to stay here.

Money alone cannot ensure security.

Moreover, using money for settling down might quickly lead to bankruptcy.

Something necessary for living here, possessing more value than money.

“I need power.”

“Power?”

“I’ve heard that wanderers like us struggle to find a way to survive. With humble origins, one must have some impressive abilities, right?”

“…Impressive abilities? I don’t understand. However, I can’t grant you magic powers, especially considering your uncertain backgrounds.”

He firmly stated.

He cannot grant power.

This world operates with magic and supernatural abilities.

No matter how much money you have, without the strength to protect yourself, it’s meaningless.

But why hide that fact? Can’t even the market ladies use it?

It was time for drastic measures.

“Hey, wait! What are you trying to do now?”

“Oh, don’t you see? Just wanted to taste a bit.”

“You fool! If you damage the leaf, it loses its effectiveness!”

“I didn’t know that. Do you happen to know if eating this will make fire come out of my hands?”

Do I look like I want to eat this unidentified weed?

Even so, it seems like I’m in a position to help you.

Since we both need something from each other, shouldn’t we cooperate?

Judging by the look on your face, it seems like your patience is wearing thin. It’s time to stop.

“…It’s not going to work. It’s impossible for weak wanderers to absorb magic with their bodies. I cannot fulfill your demands.”

“Oh, I see. You’re the one protecting this place, right?”

“What’s with the sudden…?”

“In fact, before arriving here, I was also involved in protecting the country.”

“Are you saying you’re a knight in hiding?”

“Not a knight, but part of the army, where there’s a legend that comes down.”

Sizzle-

“If it doesn’t work, make it work.”

“Okay, okay, wait! I understand! I get it!!”

Although it didn’t take long, there was a fact I learned upon landing in this world.

You can’t say it in words.

By giving power to the Oben leaf and making a sound, the desired answer finally emerged.

Just by slightly twisting it, if this is the reaction, it must be something really important.

…I somehow feel like I’ve become a villain.

“So, you understand, right? A place to stay for a while, a year’s worth of wages, and some magical thing to protect yourself.”

Even if the guy is unlucky, how could you pull out all the hair on his body to make a long coat?

That would be too cruel, so this deal is quite gentlemanly.

“Since we’re talking about it, bring it now. It’s easy to deduct a year’s worth of wages from the national treasury.”

“…Fine. I’ll introduce you to a place where you can infuse magic.”

Should have done this politely from the beginning.

And it wouldn’t hurt to smooth out that flushed face.

As a final act of waiting for a little while, he handed over a substantial bundle, a key, and a note.

Finding a place to stay before nightfall meant avoiding homelessness.

He shook the trembling hand and wiped tears of emotion with it after receiving the obin leaf.

“Well, with just this….”

“It was a good deal.”

“…Wanderer with no name, let me give you one piece of advice.”

Rarun delivered a heavy warning.

“If you go to the place written on that paper, stay alert.”

With those words, he hastily withdrew from his position.

It’s unsettling; I must be cautious.

The paper contained descriptions of a structure with no indication of the handwriting resembling a sign and an address.

That was all that was written.

Regardless, the deal was concluded well, so it shouldn’t matter.

“Phew.”

At least financially, he felt a bit relieved now.

Major events had transpired in less than a day, but what mattered most was that he was still alive.

To return with an intact body, he needed to adapt perfectly to this place.

For that purpose,

“Even if I’m a little tired, I have to finish what needs to be done.”

Chaeseol-a also agreed with this.

According to the instructions, straight ahead for about 5 minutes from here, then turn east and follow along where there is a well for another 5 minutes.

If you continue without paying attention to the signboard at the front of the alley that comes out…

“It seems like no lie.”

An old house with gilded walls on the outer wall.

Compared to the clean street just seen, this place seemed as though it had experienced an earthquake.

A door that didn’t even seem like a place where people could live.

Knocking cautiously on the door that was slightly ajar, revealing the inside.

“……”

The door opened with just a knock before it could even fulfill its purpose.

The interior of the welcoming house creaked and was incredibly desolate.

It was cluttered like a house abandoned in wartime, emitting a nauseating smell as if cleaning had never been done before.

“Wait a moment, Hanul.”

At that moment, Chaeseol-a suddenly blocked my path.

He began to guard the interior with a somewhat serious expression.

He showed an extremely heavy expression as if he had a foreboding feeling.

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“I smell something.”

“A smell? Now that you mention it, it does feel a bit damp…”

“No.”

Eventually, Chaeseol-a uttered the words ‘a woman’s scent.’

“This won’t do. Let’s kiss.”

“What, what are you saying?”

“We have to do it before you show yourself to another woman.”

“What are you talking about. Suddenly, what…!”

Chaeseol-a tripped me over as I stood there.

Wait a minute. This is serious right now.

Whether he intended to passionately kiss in a place he had never seen before or not, his eyes showed determination.

It was when the face of the boy, who scratched his face with his long hair and blushed slightly, approached.

“Oh, what a lovely pair.”

A white-haired fox appeared.

Moreover, she was completely naked without even wearing a single thread.

“But married couples should do that at home.”

“Oh, no! Hanul, close your eyes! The knife, the knife…!”

“Oh my, have you never seen the body of an unmarried woman? Be ashamed.”

“…I swear I didn’t see anything. Please put on some clothes.”

“I saw it, what.”

Her name was Mary.

As she fumbled with the clothes stuck in the corner and sat down, she revealed her name.

From finding a remote house in such a remote place, our purpose seemed to have already been seen through.

“So, Rarun sent you.”

“What is this place?”

“Nothing special. Just doing this and that.”

This and that.

As the growing unease towards her turned into distrust,

Mary yawned loudly, saying, “It’s all over,” and then got up from her seat.

“Since everything you want is already inside, you can go in.”

“So soon? Besides, we haven’t said anything yet.”

“To a genius magician, everything is visible. It’s because of Rarun’s request that I made it ‘special’ for you.”

“No, at least an explanation…”

“I paid special attention, so you’ll know when the time comes. I treated you specially because it’s my style. By the way, while we’re at it, would you like to date me?”

In response to those words, Chaeseol-a immediately grabbed Mary by the collar.

“XXX. XXX!”

“Cha-Chaeseol-a!”

“Oh, surprised, aren’t you? Or did you misunderstand?”

Unbelievable things had happened.

Mary, who was being grabbed by the collar, pulled Chaesol towards her and kissed her deeply.

Startled and flustered, she tried to push away his shoulders, but once again he pulled her in, sharing a breath so deep it felt suffocating.

“Of course, even boys can be cute, but I was talking about you. If you’re interested, feel free to come find me anytime.”

“Crazy… crazy X!”

“You’re cute, anyway, since business is done for today, I’m off to bed. Goodbye.”

After causing a commotion, whether to really go to sleep or not, he lay down on the sofa just three steps away.

The snoring that followed hinted at her personality.

Leaving that place where Chaesol started to darken as he barely restrained himself from looking like he was about to kill Mary.

Once they were alone, it seemed like they calmed down.

Using that as an excuse, although not letting go of the hug, night had fallen anyway.

We couldn’t know what tricks he had up his sleeve for us, but it was a gamble we had to take at least once.

Even if we end up stabbed in the back, there’s no other choice.

We must follow our fate.

“That guy has a conscience, after all.”

This is my home now.

The first house prepared in this world had only a table and a bed to share stories, but it was quite decent with its clean and spacious area.

Comfort bubbled up, fatigue rushing in.

Still, this is a pretty good start, isn’t it?

It bothers me that it’s not a room for one person.

“I’ll say this beforehand, living together is strange…”

He was a beast.

Such quick speed.

I’ve been uneasy about the decreasing number of words since earlier.

Whether it’s not completely calm, Chaesol pushed me onto the bed with force.

At the same time, his arms and legs that slowly wrapped around me began to embrace my body.

“I… this is strange.”

“…You were always strange.”

“Is that so…?”

This.

The atmosphere is a bit strange.

His hands seem to be moving on their own somewhere.

Something felt more intense than usual in his eyes, breathing, and face.

“Well then, I’ll do something strange.”