Chapter 332
Chapter 332
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 332
Chapter Title: Chapter 8-1. The Nation of Dragonkin, Reillysa.
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The old dragonkin known as Lumiren extended his hand to Selion, apparently suggesting they depart right away. Gazing down at the wrinkled hand, Selion didn't grab it immediately and instead flashed a wry smile.
"Before we set off, there are some people I want to introduce you to."
The old dragonkin blinked in surprise and echoed, "Pardon?" as he followed Selion's gaze to the back of the room. It seemed he hadn't noticed the others present until now. His shocked expression softened into a hearty laugh.
"Oh dear, my apologies. These old eyes of mine only see what they want to see... I didn't realize we had guests."
He bowed his head sincerely in apology. Even upon realizing they were humans, he showed no hostility or disdain—perhaps he'd heard about them on the way here. Selion glanced toward Yuda, who stood by the window.
'Should I go over?'
But the old dragonkin beat her to it, offering Yuda a kindly smile and a slight bow. Caught off guard, Yuda returned the greeting from where she stood. Selion watched the exchange with a pleased expression and made the introductions.
"That's Yuda Arsher. She's the one who saved me—my benefactor. And over there are Lime, Arhil, and Iris."
The introductions were brief. No mentions of age, occupation, or traits—just names. Yet that seemed enough for the old dragonkin, who nodded as if he understood.
"I see. A pleasure to meet you all. I am Chevre Lumiren, who once served by the former queen's side. My position... in human terms, it would be something like the lord of a magic tower. Though I represent the kingdom rather than a tower. In any case, I am truly grateful for bringing the queen here safely."
He bent his already stooped back even further to express his thanks.
"Now, it is an honor to escort the queen's benefactors..."
"Her benefactor is Yuda alone."
"...and serve you."
Selion spoke up from behind as if to correct him, but he pressed on steadfastly. Unhappy with this, Selion shot him a glare and moved to stand beside Yuda.
"Then let's head to the palace together."
Lumiren raised his staff slightly before tapping it firmly against the ground. A magic circle emitting blue light appeared in the room, centered on the staff. Drawn would be the precise term, but it happened so swiftly.
"Gasp."
Lime inhaled sharply, goosebumps rising at the casual ease of the teleportation circle. Though he himself was a high-ranking magic swordsman, the gap in skill was immense.
"No one else to bring along? Then we'll be off. There might be some nausea, so I recommend closing your eyes in advance."
Selion shifted to Yuda's side just before Lumiren activated the spell. In the instant before the flash, she felt Selion grasp her hand. She squeezed her eyes shut against the blinding light that filled the surroundings, but the warmth of the firmly held hand came through clearly.
"Selion!"
As the light faded, someone called out to Selion. The hand trembled and slipped away. Opening her eyes, Yuda saw Selion rush forward into someone's embrace. The middle-aged male dragonkin held Selion tightly, tears streaming down his face.
"Oh, Selion! My daughter, I believed in you. I knew you'd return. I knew you wouldn't die! Haha! Look, she's back! Just as I said she would!"
"Father...! I'm sorry. Forgive me. Because of me!"
"No, say no more. Whatever happened, it's all in the irreversible past. That you're alive and back is enough."
Yuda watched the emotional reunion of father and daughter with a bittersweet gaze.
Esther Seoh.
His imposing stature was fit for a giant. He was the king of Reillysa and Selion's father.
His appearance felt unfamiliar to Yuda. In the game, he was a one-off NPC who received Selion's belongings from the player, rewarded them with good items, and that was it. He didn't give special quests, so there was no reason to meet him again—making his unfamiliarity natural.
Feeling awkward about staring at the embracing pair, Yuda lifted her head to survey the surroundings instead.
The vast room contained no furniture, only a carpet embroidered with golden threads in intricate patterns. Four long rectangular windows offered a clear view outside, while at the two doors, numerous dragonkin had gathered. They watched the tearful father and daughter with reddened eyes.
For the moment, no one paid Yuda's group any mind. As she observed them, the touching reunion seemed to conclude. Esther Seoh wiped away his tears alongside Selion, rose to his feet, and gazed at her tenderly. He hugged her tightly once more before finally releasing her. About to speak, he sensed Yuda's gaze and looked up.
It didn't take long to realize Yuda and the others were humans.
"But who are these people behind you? Why humans...?"
"They're my benefactors."
"Benefactors? What on earth happened?"
"There's so much I want to tell you. Really. But it'll be a long story, so if you could prepare a place later, I'll explain everything then. For now, could you show Yuda and the others to some rooms and provide clothes?"
"Hmm. Very well, if that's what you wish. And... understood. Don't worry about them. Since you call them benefactors, even though they're humans, I'll ensure they're treated with the utmost respect."
"Yes."
"Selion."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming back."
"Me too. Thank you for waiting."
Esther Seoh nodded with a pleased expression, then summoned Lumiren, who had been watching quietly from behind. He ordered him to personally guide them to rooms and ensure they lacked for nothing.
Lumiren affirmed the command and led Selion and Yuda's group out.
The moment Selion stepped into the wide corridor, the dragonkin standing there lowered their postures in formal bows. They congratulated her on her safe return.
It wasn't just the dragonkin. As a legendary figure to them and other beastkin in the past, everyone in the castle gathered, chanting her name and bowing their heads.
"We must be traveling with someone truly remarkable."
Arhil whispered to Yuda as they walked behind Selion.
It was an understatement. Among Yuda's group, Iris was probably the only one whose status could even compare to hers. Without her trauma, she'd have been overwhelmingly superior in ability as well.
Passing through the crowds, Lumiren assigned each of Yuda's group their own room. The widely open rooms were more splendid and beautiful than anywhere they'd stayed before—opulently luxurious to the point of being overwhelming.
"Please choose any room that suits you. If you need or want anything, just tell the maid assigned here shortly. You're free to roam, but since not everyone knows yet that you're the queen's benefactors, unpleasant incidents could arise. If possible, please wait until tomorrow to explore."
"Understood. Thank you for guiding us personally. Mr. Lumiren? Is it all right to call you that?"
"Yes, call me however you like. Even 'Grandpa' is fine by me."
Yuda nodded.
"Now, let me show you to Selion's room as well."
"Hm? No need. I'll take the room across from Yuda's."
"Pardon? What do you...?"
He looked flustered. Why would she stay in a guest room prepared for visitors? A special room had been ready for her long ago. Lumiren, who had planned to show her that one, was caught off guard.
"I'm staying here. No problem with that, right?"
"Well, no problem per se, but..."
Lumiren stroked his long beard. He recalled how, even a century ago, her stubbornness once set couldn't be easily broken. Fine, let's hear her reason. The old dragonkin asked Selion why.
"Why on earth do you want to stay here?"
"A reason? Hmm. Do I have to say?"
"It would give me something to tell Seoh. He's kept a room prepared and maintained for you all this time, believing you'd return soon."
Selion hesitated. Should she follow Lumiren to the room her father had prepared and waited in all these years? But even the thought of being apart from Yuda for a moment made her chest tighten uncomfortably with anxiety. She didn't want to be separated. She hated the idea. She wanted to stay as close as possible. But just for a little while—wouldn't that be fine?
After wrestling with it, Selion shook her head.
"No, I can't. Yuda's here. Sorry, but I can't be without Yuda anymore. If she's not by my side, I feel so anxious I can't live like this."
It was already a phrase ripe for misunderstanding, and Selion made it worse by blushing shyly, casting her eyes downward with a small smile.
"Ahem. I didn't mishear that, did I?"
"But it's true. When I'm by Yuda's side... my heart feels at ease."
Lumiren, who had watched while stroking his beard, let out a deflated laugh.
"Heh heh."
It took him a while to process her words. Quite the shock. Was this what they called denial of reality? The other humans who'd been with her seemed startled by her statement too. His eyes turned to Yuda.
"It's a misunderstanding."
Yuda stated firmly. But he didn't look convinced. His gaze sharpened as if asking what she'd done to Selion. Lumiren spoke in a grave tone, far from his earlier kindly one—a warning.
"Heh heh, of course. I hope so. Desperately so. Understood for now... I'll relay that to Seoh. But to learn what happened in the meantime, I must attend the dinner gathering later."