episode_0022

Kartun, the Beastfolk Village

“Ugh… Ugh… I finally got a good night’s sleep today…”

Waking up in the cold wind of dawn, I stretched for the first time in a while, loosening my body. I had indeed slept well today. It wasn’t because Aria did anything again; rather, it was due to accumulated fatigue, causing me to fall asleep the moment I lay down and continue sleeping as if I’d fainted. Well… Aria must have watched me all night again… Now, oddly enough, Aria is asleep. I don’t know why Aria, with her unlimited stamina, is sleeping now.

“Hmm… Should I do some morning exercises and then look around? I heard that the grass that grows between the rocks of the Radel Mountains is very good for wounds…”

I took out the book I brought from Alteon from my backpack and began to look for explanations related to the Radel Mountains. Ah, here it is. Most of the grasses that grow in the rock crevices of the Radel Mountains are good medicinal herbs for wounds… While Aria’s blessing means I don’t have to worry about injuries, Aria previously said that a few blessings don’t work on my body, so it would be good to bring some herbs.

“Let’s see… I wonder if there’s any in the rock crevices around the tent…”

The Radel Mountains are a rocky terrain with only rocks and almost no visible plants. So, there should be herbs in the rock crevices near the tent too… *Sniff*… But no matter how much I search, I can’t find any. No choice… Let’s go a little further.

“Hmm… I’m worried that an Asra Salamander might appear again… Waking up on a cold day like this…?”

Wait. It’s January now. And next year, this region will get even colder… Why are Asra Salamanders, who should be hibernating, moving around normally? The monster encyclopedia can’t be wrong… No. Slimes forming groups like that… Huh? There are many things that don’t make sense. Have their intelligence developed? Or what on earth…?

‘…What is this. A sudden chill…’

A sudden chill came over me. As things I’d dismissed as trivial because of Aria resurfaced in my mind, I felt a problem brewing throughout my body… Still, I have Aria, so I should be fine… First, the herbs… Oh!

“Wow… This plant grows here too. I thought it only grew in Todrua…”

A plant called Hega, with purple flowers, was found in a rock crevice. If crushed and applied to wounds, it’s a good medicinal herb that heals quickly. Still, it’s a good sign. To find such a flower…!!!

“Gasp…!!”

Suddenly, a presence so overwhelming it took my breath away was felt behind me. The moment I picked the Hega from the rock crevice, I felt that presence and quickly turned around. There was…

“Gasp… Gasp… Ah… Aria…”

Aria was looking at me, smiling and crouching down. When did she wake up…? No, I didn’t even sense her presence at all. It was only felt for a single moment. As I breathed heavily and called out to her, Aria spoke to me.

“You shouldn’t go out alone as you please, Zeke-nim.”

“Gasp… Phew… You really startled me… I was just going to pick some herbs…”

“You shouldn’t go far alone, Zeke-nim. You might encounter some trouble if you’re not by my side, like last time.”

What was that? Did Aria originally exude this kind of aura? It’s clear that Aria is worried about me. But it’s strange. A dark, almost scorched atmosphere from Aria, something I’d never seen before, sent shivers down my spine.

“What about Karina…?”

“She’s still sleeping inside the tent, Zeke-nim. You must never leave my side.”

That gaze. That gaze that said she would never let me go. It was certain. Aria couldn’t bury the previous Robdom incident in her heart. Karina said that Aria felt fear when I disappeared, didn’t she…? It seems that experience affected both me and Aria, but it had a more profound and negative impact on Aria.

“Phew… Next time, I’ll try to tell you before I go. Okay?”

“Yes… But I will never let you go.”

Previously, I had somewhat adapted to Aria. But now… I even doubt if I can truly adapt. I quickly put the Hega I picked into my pocket and followed Aria back to the tent. Huh?

“Aria… What’s that?”

“It’s breakfast. Did you think I’d come without any preparations? I can’t make Zeke-nim wait!”

In front of me was a well-made meat stew. So, she cooked and then immediately found me… No. She must know exactly where I am. To constantly use a Saintess’s abilities for something like this… No, wait. For Aria, these abilities are extremely efficient. When it comes to things concerning me…

“Please eat, Zeke-nim! I’ve poured all my love into it just for you!”

“Uh… Okay…”

I started to imagine what Aria would become later. If I couldn’t make Aria normal, I would never be able to finish my exploration. All because of Aria’s self-centered personality. If Karina returns to Kartun and it’s just Aria and me… I think I’ll need to be even more vigilant about Aria.

“Karina, you’re going back to Kartun now… How do you feel?”

“I want to see Mom and Dad quickly. But… will everyone truly accept me, Zeke Oppa…?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I… I was a slave. What if I’m treated as a weak beastfolk because I was taken as a slave…?”

After continuing to talk, it seemed Karina didn’t want to be treated as weak… that is, she didn’t want to feel inferior. Teasing Karina about being a slave could be akin to killing her without a weapon.

“Still, your uncle must have explained things well. Alright… I’m done eating. How about you two?”

“We were already tidying up the dishes~”

“I’m already done too, Oppa.”

…Fast! Aren’t you eating too fast…? The moment I was dumbfounded by their fast eating speed, Aria took the empty bowl I was holding and started washing it with water. Was I just slow because I kept eating while thinking…? Oh well… I set aside my doubts and began dismantling the tent with Karina.

“Karina, did you have friends?”

“Yes… I wonder how they all grew up?”

“You’ll see them soon.”

“I guess so…?”

It’s dark… Why do the women around me always exude such a dark aura…? Moreover, considering that both of them were originally slaves, it was truly a strange twist of fate. After dismantling the tent and packing our belongings, we continued on our way. And finally…!!

“Wow…! We kept crossing rocky mountains, but there’s really a forest!”

We reached the end of the Radel Mountains! As shown on the map, there was a forest where the mountain range ended. Now, if we just go down these stone steps, we can go to Kartun…! A place where beastfolk gather… My heart pounded at the thought of going to a village where non-human races lived together for the very first time in my life.

“Alright. Come on, let’s go down. If we keep going, you’ll reach your hometown.”

“Okay!”

“Zeke-nim. Be careful when you go down…”

“Uh… Okay…”

With you constantly watching my every move, I might trip, you know…? Under Aria’s frightening protection, Karina and I slowly descended the stairs. Then the forest began to appear, and we continued to walk through it.

“Yeah… I remember now, Zeke Oppa! Look at this!”

“Huh? What is it?”

“It’s the mark I left to show I’d been here!”

Oh, it’s true. There were claw marks on the tree. Seeing Karina remember this made me realize that this place must be near Kartun. And… how long has it been since this burning spirit of exploration ignited within me! After spending 11 meaningless days in Artyun, I wanted to rekindle this sense of adventure. Ugh… Yes, this is the feeling!

“Zeke-nim seems very happy, doesn’t he? Is it because today is New Year’s Day?”

“Oh… That’s right. Today is New Year’s Day.”

I had completely forgotten because of what happened this morning. I knew it was January, but I’d forgotten to make a wish on New Year’s Day. Hmm… But I don’t think I need to. My wish is for Aria to return to her previous personality.

“Karina, returning to your hometown has become your first New Year’s gift.”

“I guess so. What wish did Zeke Oppa make? I… I wished for Oppa and Unnie to do well!”

“Oh my… Karina, really…”

…After Tiara, are you putting ideas into Aria’s head too…? Ugh… Looks like it’s going to be a tiring New Year’s Day… I don’t want to age so much from exhaustion… Who can stop Aria…?

“Zeke-nim…!!”

“!!!”

While I was still grumbling in my thoughts, Aria suddenly pulled my arm hard. Why is Aria acting like this all of a sudden? Huh…!! It’s a spear..! A spear was stuck where I had been standing. I almost died if Aria hadn’t been here…

“Who’s there?”

“Who are *you*…!!! Zeke!!”

“Ugh… This voice… Tess?”

The man who walked over and pulled out the spear stuck in the ground was Tess. So you managed to escape… But why would you suddenly throw a spear at me…? The moment I had this question, Aria pointed her gold staff at Tess and spoke.

“Did you throw that spear?”

“That appearance… So that woman is the Black Saintess Zeke mentioned!”

“Yes… Aria, this beastfolk is also a benefactor who saved me.”

“But since he threw a spear, he’s now an enemy.”

“It’s fine… Let’s hear his side of the story before judging. Okay?”

When I grabbed Aria’s arm and pleaded, Aria began to frown, as if she couldn’t resist my request. Then she let out a big sigh and spoke.

“…Haa… Zeke-nim is too kind, that’s the problem…”

“Because I trust you.”

“!!!!”

At my words, Aria, who had been sighing heavily, covered her flushed cheeks with her hands and began to sway. Are you that happy…? Right… It’s good that you’re pleased… And Karina…

“Uncle…”

“Karina… I’m glad you’re healthy. I heard everything from Raskal, Zeke. You were poisoned, weren’t you?”

“Ah… Yes. And Mr. Raskal?”

“Everyone in Kartun decided to forgive Raskal. Raskal banged his head until it bled, you see.”

“Ah… But why did you throw a spear at me?”

“*Sigh*… That might need an explanation. Follow me. Karina, let’s go to the hut where you and I used to play.”

“Okay, Uncle.”

Aria and I began to cross the forest, following Tess and Karina. Tess’s expression just now confirmed that something unusual had happened. What’s going on in Kartun, if Raskal was even forgiven…? No, wait. This direction…

“This direction is the Nergal River… Huh?”

Looking at the map, I was utterly dumbfounded by the sight before me. There was a single hut made of dark wood near the Nergal River, and an unconnected wooden bridge built for fishing. Tess lived in a place like this?

“This is my house. I’ve cleaned it, so it’s spotless; everyone, feel free to come in. I’ll even make some tea.”

“Uh… Yes… Thank you…”

Going inside, I was even more astounded. Even fairly luxurious-looking teacups… No, could such a rough person own such items…? And it was even clean inside… It’s almost the first time I’ve seen a man’s dwelling so tidy… I sat at the table and began to listen to Tess while drinking the tea he poured.

“Phew… Actually… Karina’s mother, your sister-in-law, was among the slaves in Robdom.”

“…My mom…?”

“What…?”

Drinking my tea, I almost spat it out at Tess’s shocking revelation. What…? Karina’s mother was in another prison… there?! Karina, too, seemed greatly flustered, trembling as she held the cup of milk Tess gave her with both hands.

“Yes. I didn’t know either. I never imagined your sister-in-law would be there because she was in a different prison. According to the slaves who were with her… Karina, they said she was caught by humans while looking for you.”

“…Because of me…?”

“…When I returned to Kartun, everyone told me. My brother and sister-in-law fought with humans to find Karina, and your sister-in-law was caught by humans when she let her guard down for a moment…”

“No, there were such circumstances…? So even when I helped you and Mr. Raskal escape…”

“Yes. Your sister-in-law was still there.”

“…But how was Raskal able to be forgiven there…?”

“Raskal kept apologizing to our kin, even as blood flowed from his body. He was beaten for about three days, and the exhausted beastfolk understood his sincerity and forgave him. But that’s not what’s important now, Zeke…”

“Ah…”

Oh no. Karina was visible across the table, starting to shed tears. Damn it, why did I ask about Raskal when this isn’t the atmosphere for it?

“You must be very surprised, Karina…? I’m sorry… If I hadn’t been caught early, your mother wouldn’t have had to go through that…”

“Mom… Mooom… *Sob*… *Waaah*…”

Karina buried her head in the table and began to weep bitterly… We’d only be in the way now. I grabbed Aria’s arm and went outside with her. Then Aria, her face flushed, asked me.

“Hehehe… Zeke-nim, really… You could have just said it…”

“What?”

“You wanted to leave quickly just now, didn’t you? So Zeke-nim also wanted to enjoy traveling with just the two of us!”

“No… That’s not it. Karina is crying right now. Let’s stay out of the way. I’m curious about Kartun too, but we, as adults, should understand Karina’s feelings right now.”

“…I don’t empathize.”

“…You don’t even try to understand other people’s feelings besides mine…”

“But there’s no need to think about them, is there? I don’t care what those people think of me, and similarly, I don’t need anyone else’s feelings. But only Zeke-nim’s… Hehehe…”

“There’s that bad habit again… Sometimes, think about others too, Aria… Even if not for yourself, then for me, you should think of others. While you’re receiving all the fame I dislike in my stead, that won’t stop me from becoming known to the world. There are many other ways besides fame.”

“…Can I truly do that?”

“You have to believe you can… As I said before, I trust you, Aria. I believe you can do it.”

“Since Zeke-nim says so, I’ll try my best. Really.”

Aria said, fidgeting with the brooch I gave her, which was pinned to her clothes. Right… Even though you’re scary, it’s also my responsibility to trust you. I try to believe in Aria every day, but the growing fear of her keeps burying that thought deep in my heart.

“Alright. Let’s just fish until Karina calms down. It doesn’t seem like we can offer comfort in this atmosphere.”

“Yes… But do you like fishing?”

“No. But I don’t dislike it.”

I attached a piece of fish to the hook on the fishing rod beside me and cast it into the river. Then I sat on the bridge, and Aria also sat beside me, waiting for a fish with me.

“Zeke-nim. Why did you save me back then?”

“Why?”

“Perhaps because it’s the New Year, I suddenly remembered that time… The moment you saved me, Zeke-nim. I can never forget that blessed time. I truly believe you saved me because you loved me.”

“*Sigh*… I was happy that there was a survivor in Esrad… and I heard the voices of what sounded like violent men and thought something big had happened, so I went to save you. Do you think even that is too kind?”

“Yes. Still, I love such a kind Zeke-nim… Everything in my heart is made of you, Zeke-nim.”

“Why to that extent?”

“…It was love at first sight, Zeke-nim. If you’re not by my side… I don’t think I can bear it.”

“Still, don’t do things like imprisonment. I couldn’t say it because I was scared… but I thought you might…”

“No~ Zeke-nim likes exploration… I absolutely cannot do anything to hinder that. But… I will only look at you, and I will make you love me. Only me…!!”

That’s scary too, Ari… Oops… The fishing line went taut. I lifted the fishing rod with all my might and caught a freshwater fish. And at the same time, Tess emerged from the hut.

“Tess, how’s Karina?”

“She’s sleeping in bed. *Heh*. What a catch, huh?”

“Yes… *Sigh*… It’s regrettable that such an unfortunate thing happened.”

“Indeed… If you hadn’t saved us, I would have lived without knowing any of this. Simply saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t feel like enough for you, Zeke.”

“It’s nothing…”

“So, Zeke. Absolutely don’t even think about going to Kartun.”

“Underst… Huh? What did you just say…?”

As completely unexpected words came from Tess’s mouth, Aria and I were dumbfounded.