With that, Lucius turned and approached Elia, and I, in a similar predicament of having nothing to say, walked over to the Nameless.
Was it because he noticed my bad expression? The Nameless wore a somewhat worried look.
“Did the conversation go well?”
“Um… well, I think it’s okay.”
In reality, Lucius saying, “There’s nothing more to worry about,” was a good sign.
Right?
It’s a blessing to not get tangled up in annoying matters.
“…”
However, my sour expression stemmed from exhaustion.
I just wanted to take a break in the cabin, away from the world and the sword sheath.
I let out a deep sigh.
Was it so obvious how tired I was? The Nameless looked a bit restless.
“How about we head back for now…?”
I guess he had never seen me express such tiredness so openly.
A slight smile crept onto my face.
How could I not feel good? My disciple, whom I thought was just a child, was worrying about me and learning to let go of his own desires.
I felt a surge of motivation at his commendable thoughtfulness.
But right now, it seemed fine to be taken care of.
Of course, I wanted to get him a sword sheath, but without any results, it didn’t feel rewarding.
As I expanded my sensing while moving east, besides the staff stuck up ahead, I couldn’t sense anything else.
Hmm, what should I do?
Perhaps asking Lili to fetch it for me wouldn’t be a bad request.
Wasn’t I told that the ones I collected last time were doing well? I could use them.
If that doesn’t work…
It’s a bit shabby, but maybe I could just carve a sword sheath myself if worse comes to worse.
…That seems good.
To do that, I should return to the cabin, where I can find good materials, right?
“Hehe…”
“…?”
At my unpleasant chuckle, the Nameless tilted his head in confusion.
If this continues, it won’t just be about me wanting to rest in the cabin.
I should drop a hint to the Nameless now, while I still can.
I cleared my throat while trying to maintain a nonchalant expression, and the Nameless’s gaze turned towards me.
“I feel like having some properly chewy bear meat after a long time.”
“…Bear meat? Ah.”
The Nameless seemed confused for a moment, then nodded as if he understood almost instantly.
He couldn’t possibly not know.
When we stayed in the cabin, we ate bear meat five times a week; by the time I was there, I was sick of it.
The Nameless was likely lost in memories too, as his lips curled up.
“Yes, I’d like to eat it too.”
“Oh really?”
I turned my head away so my disciple wouldn’t see how much I was enjoying this trip down memory lane and slyly raised one corner of my mouth.
…According to plan.
After flashing a smile, I subtly moved closer to the Nameless.
Having successfully laid the bait, now I just needed to wait for the Nameless to bite.
I glimmered with anticipation as I looked up at him, and then I heard a deflating sound.
“…?”
Feeling strangely uncomfortable at what seemed like a mocking sound, I narrowed my eyes.
The Nameless had a smirk, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
“There happens to be a place nearby where Camilla is staying that serves delicious bear meat.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I think it would be nice to check it out.”
…That’s not what I was getting at.
When did he find this out?
As I pouted for a while, Lucius approached, having finished his conversation with Elia.
Seeing Elia’s face, she seemed to have calmed down considerably.
Staring intently at Elia’s face, it appeared she was either flustered or hesitating to say something, as she struggled to find her words.
“Harang.”
“What is it?”
I donned my most relaxed expression to encourage her to speak freely.
“I have an urgent matter to discuss, but… um…”
It seemed to have the opposite effect, as Elia fidgeted and hesitated even more.
However, anyone with half a brain could tell what she was trying to say considering how little she was communicating.
I nonchalantly waved my hand and spoke up.
“It’s fine if you want to head back; I’m feeling a bit fed up myself.”
“Ah, is that so…?”
Elia’s face visibly brightened, but that didn’t mean her words were finished as she continued to stammer.
Just as I felt a bit of frustration bubbling up,
“Cheon Ha-rang.”
Lucius took a step forward.
“Yeah, spill it all at once.”
My desire to return to the cabin and my vexation intertwined, causing me to frown deeply.
Lucius nodded before speaking directly without hesitation.
“Can we take care of the staff collection?”
“The staff?”
I looked back at the branch resting behind us and, as if confirming it, Lucius nodded.
Hmm, what should I do?
From Lucius’s perspective, it’s understandable to want to retrieve a weapon previously used by his enemy.
However, I would prefer to collect it myself and prioritize checking on the Nameless’s condition.
Still, for some reason, an unease clawed at me, insisting that it shouldn’t be left near the Nameless.
As I pondered, Lucius’s expression caught my eye.
He seemed unusually tense as he gulped audibly, looking quite earnest.
Hmm, given that expression, it might be better for him to take it.
Moreover, since I showed the Saint the Nameless’s condition already, researching regarding that staff could possibly help me—and the Nameless as well.
All things considered, I clearly lacked a talent in that area.
I turned my body and lightly waved my hand.
“…You handle it.”
“Thank you.”
Lucius bowed deeply and I poked the Nameless in the side.
“You don’t have any objections, do you?”
“No, how could I voice complaints about a decision made by my Master?”
Unaware of how much I was contemplating, the Nameless smiled as if everything was fine.
*
Having decided to conclude the search for the sword sheath, time flew by in an instant.
Elia and Lucius wore somewhat disappointed and perhaps troubled expressions, but
Was that any of my concern?
Stepping out of the ‘world’s end,’ my steps northward felt incredibly light.
Of course, the Nameless pouted and looked sad at the thought of giving up on his sword sheath, but …
“If things get tricky, I’ll just make one myself, don’t make that face.”
“Really?!”
Upon hearing this, the Nameless’s expression brightened immensely, and he now looked happier than I was.
Hmm, what’s so good about something I made? It clearly doesn’t have much practicality…
Well, it’s still a good thing.
Yet, it might be because we were returning after a significant event, but my pace heading north was remarkably swift.
“What did you do to be arriving so soon?”
“I came straight here without stopping by anywhere else, didn’t I?”
Having spent two nights outside, we soon laid eyes on the castle Camilla was staying at.
…This felt too quick, no matter how I looked at it.
After that, we entered the castle through a simple process, and just seeing Lucius’s face was enough for the gates to open seamlessly.
“Welcome.”
An old butler, who had greeted us on our first day, was waiting.
Bowing slightly, Lucius immediately got to the point.
“Yes, where is Lady Camilla?”
“She is waiting in the reception room.”
The butler didn’t seem to mind Lucius’s behavior that came off somewhat rude and replied with a small smile.
“Please, follow me.”
“Thank you.”
Caught a bit off guard by how smoothly things were progressing, I turned to the Nameless.
“Should we follow them?”
“…I’m not sure.”
Having come this far, seeing that wretched boy’s face wouldn’t be too bad, but…
I was getting closer to wanting to part ways with these people, yet I couldn’t find the right moment.
As I hesitated and stopped my steps, Elia smiled and spoke.
“Harang, let’s go together!”
That smile was truly hard to refuse.
I thought Elia might have just checked to see if it was okay for us to follow, but it was probably the opposite.
“…Alright.”
I let out a deep sigh.
It’s hard to believe that such a tiny boy could be living in a space that seemed fit for giants, adorned with extravagant decorations—a massive door stood before us.
“Ugh…”
Once again, I found myself standing before this door.
For some reason, every time I met that insufferable kid, Camilla, it felt like we always wound up growling at each other, sucking the life out of me, and now I had to see that brat again…
It was truly lamentable.
…Given that I’ve come this far, I can’t back down, and even if I could, wouldn’t it make me seem a coward?
As I sighed heavily, I waited for Lucius to open the door.
Soon, the massive door creaked open wide with a screech.
It felt like I hadn’t seen her in a while, yet I felt no warmth in my heart at all.
“Hey, losers! Old lady’s here!”
With a crooked smile, Camilla welcomed us.
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