Chapter 323
Chapter 323
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 323
Chapter Title: Chapter 8-1. The Beastkin Nation, Reillysa.
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" Hm…"
Celine furrowed her brow and lowered her head to look at the robe she was wearing.
The robe she had on was made by the Langritsa Mage Tower, crafted from premium materials and inscribed with multiple useful enchantments, making it quite expensive.
However, from Celine's perspective, everything about it—the materials, the design, the magic—barely scraped by her standards. If it hadn't been a gift from Yuda, she never would have worn it so happily, even in unavoidable circumstances.
"Everything here is of superior quality."
"Pardon?"
"In non-emergency situations like war, artisans above a certain level custom-make everything: clothes, armor, weapons, furniture, houses, you name it."
"Wouldn't that make it ridiculously expensive?"
"Well, the price varies based on the materials, the enchantments, and who makes it. I don't recall any particular issues."
Races with exceptional craftsmanship, like dwarves or elves, preferred making and selling such goods, while apprentices or simpler items were handled by lower-class races like gnomes or orcs, enabling mass production.
And the prices weren't exorbitant. Without enchantments or jewels, even the lowest rung in a class-based society could commission them easily.
"Uh…"
Arhil's face showed she wasn't fully convinced. Celine read her thoughts from her expression and curled her lips slightly.
"I can tell what you're thinking. You figure since I'm the queen, I can't understand the plight of the common folk. That's not true."
"Mm. Okay. So what else is there?"
"…You're asking me because you want to know what's in Reillysa right now, right?"
Arhil nodded. There was no reason to hide it, and no trouble if caught. Celine glanced at Yuda before continuing.
"If the Reillysa that Lord Yuda is taking you to is the same one I know, it'll be a chaotic mix of architecture since so many different races live together. Some might see it as harmonious, others as cluttered. It depends on the viewer."
The group recalled the cityscape they'd seen upon first entering <Otherworld>. With multiple races coexisting, house sizes varied wildly, and even the long benches on the streets came in all sorts. But looking back, it hadn't felt cluttered.
As Celine said, it had seemed harmonious—better matched than expected. They hadn't paid close attention amid the chaos.
"The food's diverse too. All sorts of flavors from every corner."
"Ah, that's the thing I've been most looking forward to hearing!"
Arhil beamed. But Celine gave a wry smile and continued.
"I hope so. I'd love for Reillysa to be exactly as I remember it."
After that, Arhil peppered her with questions. Celine answered patiently and sincerely. Iris grew interested too, jotting notes in her pad to show Celine and meticulously recording the responses. The group was far livelier than in the desert.
Plop!
As they walked cheerfully, a raindrop fell on their heads.
"Hm?"
They looked up at a clear sky—no storm clouds, just fluffy white ones. Yet the rain pattered down, soon pouring in a steady roar.
Lime, as in the desert, conjured a thin, transparent magical barrier overhead like a giant umbrella.
It trailed them like a roof, shielding from the downpour. Fresh grass scents rose with the rain. They'd thought it a passing shower, but dark clouds gathered from nowhere, blotting the sun and darkening the day.
"Hm?"
"Looks like more than a shower."
Lime muttered from behind, sharing the sentiment. The clouds blanketed the sky. Unlike the desert, a chill rose from the cool, pouring rain. Walking through it stirred old memories.
"It was raining like this when I first met Arhil."
"Whoa, yeah! Ugh… I really thought I was done for if Yuda hadn't shown up."
Arhil whined, frowning. Without Yuda's reminder, the refreshing rain wouldn't feel so chilling. Strolling in it dredged up those memories, making ghosts seem imminent.
But fear didn't grip her. Yuda, who appeared like a ray of hope when she'd given up everything, had been with her ever since. No matter the rain or spirits, she trusted he'd save and solve it all.
-What happened?
Iris sidled up to Arhil, curious about their meeting, and showed her notepad.
"Huh? It's not that exciting a story."
"I'm curious too. Won't you tell us?"
"Ah…"
Celine, reading Iris's notepad over Arhil's shoulder, perked up and urged her on. Like pushy big sisters, their prodding made Arhil pout as she began the tale.
Yuda smiled wryly at them. Bored, Lime joined him, chatting about dinner options.
As they talked, Yuda kept eyeing the sky. The encroaching blackness from all sides felt unnatural—something amiss.
But two days later, the rain stopped, clear skies returned, and they entered the forest from the vast plains. Not true mountains, just tree clusters on flat land—easy walking.
'Herbs?'
As sunset neared, they stopped to eat and rest. Yuda spotted an herb—not rare, but Tia in Serenia Castle had said it was great for health, and the leaves matched.
Digging it up confirmed it. While Lime prepped food, Yuda said he'd scout briefly and ventured in, soon realizing the forest teemed with valuables: not just hemostatics or stomach remedies, but stamina boosters, immunity enhancers, and more.
'Up early at dawn to gather some?'
Marking the spot on his , he spotted a blue dot behind him, whirled, and saw Celine peeking from a tree. She ducked back instantly.
Anxious, she'd followed. More pitiful than stalkerish. Yuda approached.
She froze, neither fleeing nor advancing.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ah, L-Lord Yuda. Just… taking a walk. Felt stuffy…"
Celine fidgeted, eyes downcast—no one would peg her for queen. Yuda didn't pry. He knew why she'd trailed him.
"Right? Let's head back together."
"Yes!"
Gone was her charismatic poise around Arhil or Iris; tailing him like a puppy, she was endearing. Yuda felt guilty for "ruining" her, but who could've foreseen? Hiding remorse, he led her back to the group, dinner nearly ready.
They ate by a campfire in the forest, relaxing. No major topics—just women chatting today's or past events. Lime and Yuda sipped warm milk, watching, until night fell.
Before dawn, Yuda woke first. Lime, on final watch, quietly added wood, eyeing Yuda stretch and pack his bedroll—not just a bathroom break.
"Still early. Why up so soon?"
"Saw some rare herbs nearby yesterday. Gonna grab some before we go. Nice-to-haves, not essentials…"
"Hoo."
"If I spot any stamina boosters, I'll snag one for you—after all your hard work. Heading back to the tower soon? Gotta perform for the wife, right?"
Lime coughed at Yuda's teasing, then nodded slowly.
"True… Appreciate it. Haha."
Nostalgic for his mage tower family—staring at their photo moments ago—he mused that such herbs could let him torment his wife all night.
Usually, he started the torment only to end up tormented, so maybe it'd turn the tables.
"Seriously, please."
Realizing he needed them, Lime said earnestly. Yuda grinned, thumbs-upped, and entered the forest.
Soon after, Celine stirred.
…?
Brushing herself off, she scanned around, smoothed her messy hair, packed her bedroll like Yuda, and gazed his way.
"Where you off to?"
"Walk."
Her curt tone brooked no questions. She strode off. Lime wasn't oblivious. Lips tight, he watched her go, sighed softly, and turned to the fire.