episode_0003
by fnovelpiaUsually, in games or novels, there are instances where the protagonist obtains sudden wealth through a stroke of luck.
It could be money, exceptional equipment, or deceitful skills, with various types.
Often considered cheat codes given by developers or writers to players or readers, they truly have a remarkable effect.
“But do you know how most of these end?”
“How do they end?”
Bankruptcy.
Or fraud.
A horse made of golden miracles won’t shine till the end. Often, reckless spending or falling into gambling traps is quite common.
If bankruptcy is the outcome, it’s almost fortunate. If such a grand opportunity slips away, it becomes truly hopeless.
Especially when approached by those with impure intentions, one must be even more cautious. These individuals are usually looking for more than just their main goal.
The point is, we lack both the knowledge and ability to utilize this opportunity.
The villagers here are so fixated on finding something that they’ve even stacked up union badges in the middle for inspection; it must be of great value.
That’s why we decided to hide it.
That’s why we’re painting the outer walls of the union hall right now.
“If you come back from reconnaissance empty-handed, they’ll make you pay with your body. It’s lawless.”
“So, are we going to keep hiding the leaf?”
“No, it’s just not the right time yet.”
There are many unsettling factors.
Without any kind of fancy permit, we’re just rocks in their eyes as we walk around.
We also have no solid ally to guard us.
If we were to lose a large sum without a helper, the risks would be too high. In the worst-case scenario, even the leaf entrusted to us might get stolen.
…I don’t even want to imagine it.
Great achievements always attract villains, so one must always be cautious.
So, we wait and keep waiting until the perfect moment arrives.
Surely, a more suitable time will come.
“Rather than coming all the way here to paint, you’re quite meticulous. Meticulous.”
“Hanul, do you really want to live here?”
The abrupt question from him made the brush stop.
Simultaneously, doubts about the question arose.
One secret, or rather an open fact, is that I’m a fan of this otherworldly setting. But no matter how fervent a fan I am, I would bow my head if I had to live here for the rest of my life.
Moreover, starting not as a scam character but with a leaf of uncertain value in hand, walking forward alone.
After thinking about it, the answer came naturally.
“As if. I want to go home right now. I wish this was all just a dream.”
“Are you dreaming of me, Hanul?”
“Don’t imagine weird things.”
“In the end, you wanted to go back.”
At that moment, while responding to the unexpected conversation.
As the sound of painting ceased, Chaeseol grabbed my hand that held the brush.
Then, she placed the brush on the ground and began wrapping her hand around my neck.
“What are you suddenly doing?”
“You know. If you love me, it’s okay to twist your neck.”
“What?”
“I probably wouldn’t even feel pain and would be ecstatic with just the fact that I received your love.”
Another sudden confession. While his advances were known for being untimely, this time felt different.
It felt weighty.
Or should I say, it felt deeply rooted.
Although it was a repeated phrase.
In his usual demeanor, an unusual face was shown.
“There’s nothing more I can express in words. I can give my body as much as you want, but you hate me.”
“…”
“But it doesn’t matter. You are my entire world, and I won’t let go even in death.”
Was this the usual feeling?
Suddenly, his black hair shining like the night and his eyes as red as blood seemed to sparkle, and when asked about the meaning behind his words.
He smiled mischievously and answered without hesitation.
“It means I love you.”
“….”
Why is my face inexplicably heating up?
At this timing, blushing might lead to misunderstandings. It’s just a temporary thing due to working for a bit and raising body temperature.
Mentally berating himself, he deliberately stared at the wall.
“So, I’ve decided to help.”
“To help with what?”
“Actually, whether it’s here or where I used to live, as long as you’re there, it doesn’t matter.”
‘You seem to look more beautiful when you smile.’
He was engulfed in a sense of foreboding.
Let’s talk about an old story for a moment.
Now, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t get anywhere, so he gave up and feels no emotions.
But back then, stalkers were scary, annoying, incomprehensible beings.
Moreover, since the moment Chaeseol found out about me, she had been so obsessed for four years that she followed me everywhere, showing her affection in her own way, insisting on doing whatever she wanted.
That’s how relentless she was.
“I’ll help you go back. I’ve come up with a good way.”
Originally, everything started with you, but now you say you’ll help.
Of course, if we must compare, being obsessed with in this world is better than being obsessed with in South Korea.
However, the problem is that despite portraying him as if there were some backstory, the fact remains that Chaeseol is a strange woman.
The emotions he feels now are just meaningless illusions.
In summary…
…Can I trust Chaeseol?
“I agree with Hanul about your thoughts. We can’t just hand over valuable leaves without knowing anything.”
“So, is waiting the only option?”
“But before that, why are the people here so obsessed with that leaf?”
Obsession.
An emotion that constantly attracts one’s mind, making them unable to forget and always engrossed in it.
The reason why the people here are fixated on a leaf with eyes…
Come to think of it, why?
Even at a glance, why are these aristocrats who seem like they’d burst into flames if you provoke them, so dissatisfied?
It doesn’t seem like such a simple leaf would fetch such a high price, nor is it a treasure passed down through generations.
Perhaps it promises a long and healthy life if consumed.
One thing is certain: there is a secret.
“…In games and novels, there’s usually one place where magic doesn’t work.”
“The only place where magic doesn’t work?”
“Usually, if ‘that’ works, it’s too unfair.”
Right.
Come to think of it, Chaeseol was more of a fan of otherworldly stories than I was. After all, we first met at a bookstore.
Looking at the definition of fantasy literature, the foundation of otherworldly stories:
Events unfolding in a virtual world, countless inexplicable things happening, breaking conventions repeatedly, be it in literary works or movies.
She listed places where magic doesn’t work in such a worldview.
“So, it means that this eye-catching leaf plays an impossible role as a life-giving herb through magic?”
As Chaeseol painted, she gestured towards the back.
A drawing of a leaf on the yellowed wall.
In the center of the picture, as if a notorious criminal or the worst villain were being wanted, there was a leaf drawn.
And somewhere, a bustling crowd kept moving inexplicably.
They were running so fast that it was hard to see clearly, but it seemed like they had dirtied themselves all over, as if they had been rolling in grass.
“Well, seeing them so busy, it seems like someone important is in danger.”
“In that case, maybe there’s no need to wait. If what you say is true, that person could die from the delay.”
That’s when it happened.
“Clear the way!!”
Far away, something began to advance slowly, raising a sandstorm on the barren land, reminiscent of an ancient king’s procession, causing everyone to hesitate and make way.
Some hesitated to move and listened intently, while others hurriedly vacated their spots.
Five words. With horns here, probably unicorns.
On top of a massive carriage led by five unicorns, a bloated furnace exuded the smell of money, glaring down at everyone with a sinister face.
“Everyone out! Those who block the path of our great leader will die where they stand!”
Leader.
At first glance, he seemed like a king, but judging by the words of the one who had just issued a command and the expressions of those around him, that was not the case.
Quite literally a leader, or perhaps a tyrant.
No matter how high his position, openly displaying tyranny in front of a crowd. Judging by the atmosphere of the village, it was not a situation where one group dominated the whole.
Moreover, if such behavior were to be exposed to those above this man, he would surely not escape responsibility.
It is clear that there was a time of kings and knights, but since this doesn’t seem to be Earth in the first place, perhaps it holds no significance.
Amidst the hushed atmosphere, no one dared to step forward.
“…The timing is perfect.”
“What did you say?”
“Now, Hanwool.”
Chaeseol grabbed my wrist and hurried into a narrow alley.
“What are you trying to do?”
“Right now.”
“Right now?”
Then, she whispered so softly in my ear that no one else could hear.
“Herbs, let’s go.”
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