episode_0004

The perfect balance of humidity, not too damp nor dry.

The temperature in the room, where coolness and warmth coexisted, was as delicate as his condition.

Outside the door, the incessant clamor continued. It was only natural since the person in charge could not attend to the patient’s needs.

A mysterious illness that refused to improve.

As the days passed and his condition worsened, the loyal crimson-feathered servant began to tremble.

“Great Sage…! This won’t do.”

The marching band and chaotic commotion from outside tormented his eyes and ears.

Perhaps the current world leader and Great Sage lying incapacitated.

He seemed to be posturing as a king, convinced of the death of ‘Rumpel.’

The Royal Knights of Behimos were not solely tasked with protecting Rumpel.

They were individuals driven by his desire to protect all life in Behimos, fostering harmony among different races.

Rumpel embodied such ideals.

A leader known for dedication to coexistence and selflessness, rather than self-preservation.

However, the very person entrusted with his closest counsel seemed to be secretly celebrating his demise.

Witnessing this, the Deputy Knight Commander rose, embracing a fiery resolve.

“Though you are my direct superior, I can no longer stand idly by and watch the folly of a naive fool! I will go out immediately, whether to cut off that blockhead or set fire to the O’ben Forest and bring back the leaves.”

“…Leave him be.”

His voice, weak even with a raised staff, barely carried.

A voice so faint that it would go unheard if not listened to carefully, signaling his dwindling strength.

One who had a habit of explaining everything now refrained from stating why he should ignore the reckless behavior.

No, he couldn’t move an inch.

Each word to him felt like crossing into hell.

Despair.

His current state was truly one of despair.

Look at those outside who have lost their minds.

The faces showed the futility of losing a leader and the despair of facing a new world.

According to tradition and law, some foolish lackey would likely seize power. Moreover, time seemed to favor the other side.

With fists clenched in the face of a future without hope, there seemed to be no way out.

…Unless a miracle occurred.

“Deputy Commander!”

The lad who remained calm in any situation.

Even he, who remained composed even as his comrade lay dying, rushed breathlessly.

It wasn’t just a hurried visit; he sensed something truly important.

Moreover, what he held in his hands was unmistakably a replica of the O’ben leaf shell. He must have been involved with O’ben leaves until just a moment ago.

His agitation began to convey hope in line with expectations.

“I found it…!”

“Found it, really?”

There was only one thing to hope for in this situation.

Seeing the lad’s flushed face, it seemed the awaited moment had arrived.

Was there truly no way to avoid death?

It was a moment of grasping hope after reaching the depths of despair.

“Well done! Quickly, bring it to the Great Sage! Time is of the essence!”

He grabbed the lad’s proud shoulders and shed tears.

Legends were not just legends.

Providing robust vitality when consumed, the mystical plant that offered stronger vigor than before.

The man who had been the strongest knight known through the ages reportedly ate an O’ben leaf between meals and snacks.

Although it took time to find, what could be more crucial?

As he hastened to receive the leaf, a sense of unease crept in.

“Why are you empty-handed?”

He couldn’t answer that question.

The pallor that had been present when he entered had deepened, mirroring theirs.

Soon, he realized that the information he received was not secured but stumbled upon.

Behind great hope always lurked a shadowy aspect.

“…What, now…?”

“That… seems to be what the wandering man I saw during the day discovered. It’s definitely authentic in appearance and emotion, but unless a ‘deal’ is made, he won’t hand it over….”

“Do you not understand the current situation? Don’t fall for such shallow tricks; instead, either rob or extort the money!”

“So, we are currently in a standoff, threatening to swallow it right here….”

“Damn it!!”

The deputy chief could hardly contain the rising anger.

To dare to trade with someone’s life, especially the breath of one crucial to the world.

I don’t know what tribe they belong to, but judging by their insistence on the document, they must be well aware of the current situation.

One day, they will have to bear responsibility for this.

“We have the Great Sage with us. I intended to hold my ground, but I can’t afford to waste any more time.”

“Deputy Chief….”

“I will personally bring the Ovem leaf.”

And so, he took heavy steps towards the wanderers.

***

“…Will this work?”

“Yes. It won’t break like this.”

This was a ‘special sturdy spider web’ easily available even in the market.

It boasted a strength that could not be cut without considerable skill or a good lever.

Although it was cheap compared to its performance due to its commonality, in their penniless situation, it wasn’t easy to obtain.

…My arm hurts from moving things around so much.

“It might be better to wear it around your neck. My clothes are torn from falling off the cliff earlier.”

“What happened?”

Chaeseol asked about that.

“Oh, that.”

Just ten minutes ago.

The Alliance Leader couldn’t have imagined that this simple wanderer would cause such a stir.

But his expectations were pleasantly overturned.

From the foolish subordinates to the apparent head of this place, everyone seemed so shocked that their eyes almost popped out.

No matter how you look at it, a unicorn is just a pearl necklace on a pig’s neck.

Scenes from historical dramas or period pieces where those unable to ascend to the throne plot to assassinate the king or devise schemes came to mind.

He clearly seemed to be saying, ‘If the king dies, I’m next in line, so maybe I should start making moves.’

As expected, the figure resembling a king was dangerous, and this could be the master key to curing that illness.

“Hey, don’t touch it without permission.”

Where.

She reflexively slapped the hand reaching for the leaf.

“Oh, oh, oh, how…!!! How did you do this!!!!”

“Geez, your eyes are popping out.”

The cold gaze that had been watching us turned into a respectful one.

Although when they first came in, they showed such fierce eyes, now that they’ve got something they need, they’re all polite.

After all, heroes in troubled times are treated exceptionally.

If even I were to solve a problem for them in one go, what wouldn’t they offer in return? I understood their attitude perfectly.

Anyway, I’ll give this to them….

“When will the permit be ready?”

“I-I will give it to you now!! I will give it to you right now!! Anything!! Please wait for the permit!!”

“What’s so good about having it? I’ve lived without it until now.”

“If I had known you were such an esteemed person…. With this, you can move freely in any region and be relieved of the obligation to follow royal orders!”

Are they kidding me right now?

How great can a permit be? A permit. Do they eat with it hanging from their mouths?

If it’s so hard to get, it should become a card that lets you get anything for free or a ticket that lets you travel anywhere easily.

Was this document, traded for a stroke of luck, nothing more than a piece of paper turning a commoner into a noble?

Perhaps it’s a shabby treatment for a hero who may have saved the world.

“But if you tear it like this, won’t it be useless?”

“Haha, it already has a binding spell on it, so it’s fine. The document is just for record-keeping.”

“Alright. Since you gave it to me, I’ll make good use of it.”

“Thank you. So, about the Oben leaf…”

She gently pushed away the approaching hand once again.

“I didn’t say I would give it to you.”

“…??? Pardon??”

“???”

No matter how you look at it, it’s a rude thing to do.

Trying to exchange the esteemed and precious Oben leaf with a mere permit and a few coins?

Are the people in this world ill-tempered or bad at calculating money?

It would be a huge loss to end the deal like this.

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one must squeeze every last drop out of it to avoid regrets later.

“Haha, hahaha! Of course. Of course. Please just take it. Do you think we would only offer this? Naturally, there will be money involved….”

“Money is fine, but I need something else.”

“If it’s something else….”

That day, a demon whispered to the head of the alliance.

“Tell the guy playing knight with a red feather.”

I have what you’re looking for.

If you want it, come find me yourself.

After turning their hideout upside down and more than 10 minutes had passed,

A familiar silhouette began to appear in the distance.

“They’re coming over there.”

Even from this distance, it was clear.

The footsteps of the guy whose face was flushed from dancing in our grip.

He seems quite angry, so we should be prepared too.

As a precaution for unforeseen circumstances, I muttered to myself, “Chew on the Oben leaf.”

Now, let’s see who comes out on top.