Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: The Twenty-Fourth Fragment, Carpediem
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Jeanne was astonished by Tia's words that seemed to cut straight to the heart of the matter. As expected of a White Silver Pack mercenary, she appeared to have plenty of such experience.
"Impressive. You're right. I'm traveling with you all to search for the fragment that fell here."
Jeanne answered honestly. Judah, who had been listening to the conversation while carving an apple into the shape of a rabbit, tilted his head at her response. The twenty-fourth fragment that fell in Serenia Castle, Carpediem, was already in his possession.
However, that was a fact known only to Cyan and himself. Naturally, everyone assumed it was in the western forest, so why were they heading to the eastern forest? It made no sense. And Tia felt the same way.
"It's said that the fragment fell in the western forest, but you're saying you'll act with us, who operate in the eastern and southern forests?"
"Hmm, my thinking is a bit different. I'm suspicious that the claim it fell in the western forest might actually be true, but perhaps it's not. Maybe it's in the eastern forest on the opposite side instead?"
It wasn't unreasonable to think that way after nearly 150 years without discovery. Sometimes a shift in perspective yields unexpected results, so her choice wasn't wrong. And in a way, she was right that it was in the eastern forest. The problem was that it already had an owner. Tia pondered Jeanne's words for a moment before looking at Judah.
"What do you think?"
"I'm the one deciding?"
"You're the one catching the wolves anyway, right?"
It meant she would just watch from behind. Of course, given her level, she'd be more of a hindrance to his growth than a help. Judah checked Jeanne's level. Hers was 16, just one higher than his. Hunting together wouldn't be bad.
"But what if we don't find the fragment?"
"It doesn't matter if we don't find it. I wasn't expecting anything to begin with. I'm just looking at it from a different angle. The fragment... as the lord said yesterday, will appear on its own to the one fate chooses. If I can't find it, it means I wasn't chosen. Don't worry. Even if we don't find it, I won't cause any trouble."
"Alright. If that's what you say, let's team up."
Judah nodded readily, accepting her request. Jeanne's expression brightened.
"Thank you."
[Apprentice Blue Lance Knight "Jeanne Artroar" joins as a temporary companion.]
[You can check her status while she is your companion.]
[Jeanne Artroar's trust increases by 5.]
As he read the holographic message in front of him, Tia poked him from the side.
"You wash the dishes here. Alright, Jeanne? Shall we briefly discuss the fee and our plans going forward?"
"Ah, yes. Of course."
Judah stared blankly as Tia left him behind and headed to the living room with Jeanne. By the time he finished the dishes haphazardly and went out, their conversation was already wrapping up verbally.
They agreed to an advance on the fee, to meet at the east gate every morning at 7 a.m. except weekends. She had already been briefed on the guidelines from the moment they entered the forest, and they would share a portion of the profits from hunting black wolves.
+ + +
The next day, Judah and Tia headed to the east gate before 7 a.m. Even though they arrived a bit early, Jeanne was already there. She was simply dressed in light clothes with a backpack that seemed stuffed with odds and ends slung over her shoulder. It was attire that seemed a bit taxing for hunting, but Judah and Tia said nothing about it. Even as an apprentice, she was a Blue Lance Knight, so they assumed she had magical gear.
Once they entered the forest and were out of sight, Judah asked Jeanne for the backpack on her back. She handed it over with a puzzled look, and Judah immediately stored it in <Bag>. Like Tia the first time she saw it, Jeanne was surprised, realizing Judah could handle subspace.
They passed through the eastern forest into the southern forest. The moment the black wolf pack appeared, silver particles emerged around Jeanne's body, enveloping her. It was like a transformation scene from a cartoon he'd seen as a child. The silver particles soon became gleaming full-body silver armor and a helmet, and in her hands materialized a conical magical lance glowing blue and a rectangular tower shield.
As discussed earlier, Tia hid using stealth, and Jeanne would draw the wolves' attention. Her shining silver armor worked perfectly for that. Some of the wolves headed toward Jeanne, leaving only two out of five coming for Judah.
She lived up to the name of Blue Lance Knight. She effortlessly blocked a wolf's body slam with her shield and swung her magical lance like a club to pummel the wolf. The wolf, beaten like a dog in the dog days of summer, flailed around unable to move properly, as if its bones were broken. By the time Judah dealt with his two, she had handled two similarly. Before Judah could step in, she thrust her lance into the last black wolf. With a squelch, the lance pierced its body.
It was a quite satisfying combat style. After skinning and extracting the magic stones, they continued hunting the same way. Of course, it wasn't just hunting.
As she requested, they sometimes scouted the surroundings, venturing farther on certain days. Midway, too many black wolf packs appeared, so Tia joined to take them down.
A day passed, then a week, and soon they grew accustomed to coordinating with Jeanne.
On weekdays they hunted, and on weekends they lounged at home with Tia or went out playing. Once her affection surpassed 70, her displays of affection grew bolder. She often gave him subtly seductive glances, came out of the shower without a towel, or joined him in the shower for another wash if he was bathing.
Her words about devouring him when he grew up seemed real; she watched him constantly like fruit ripening. He liked her affection, but it was a bit burdensome too. Quick on the uptake, she sensed his discomfort and gave him space accordingly. What was it called—push and pull? It felt strangely like being tamed.
And just like that, a year flew by. Nothing special happened in between.
No news of finding the fragment, and Jeanne, who wandered the eastern and southern forests searching, found nothing.
The number of black wolves had dwindled; they were hardly seen now.
Well, hunting two to three packs daily, it would be strange if their numbers stayed steady.
Selling a steady supply of black wolf hides and magic stones in Serenia Castle had lowered hide prices slightly and greatly eased the residents' anxiety. A year ago, talk in the square was always about black wolves, but not anymore.
The east gate restrictions were lifted. But with black wolves possibly still around, hunters traveled in groups to the upper areas, and herbalists or foragers still went out with soldiers. However, not having seen black wolves for months, it seemed they'd soon roam freely again.
As usual, they hunted black wolves and returned to the castle. They sold the hides and magic stones as always and divided the money. Tia, handling the accounts, split the pouches of coins between Judah and Jeanne.
"Good work today."
"Um... thank you."
Jeanne hesitated, looking like she had something to say. Over the year together, he'd realized she was a true knight—upright, speaking directly without metaphors when she had something to say. Seeing her falter like this meant it was something truly important.
"What's up, Jeanne? Something you want to say?"
At Judah's question, the hesitating Jeanne let out an "Ah." Then she bowed her head deeply.
"Um... I'd like to end the request today. Thank you so much for everything. I didn't find the fragment, but it was a time when I could grow in many ways."
Tia and Judah glanced at each other, then back at Jeanne.
"Something happen?"
She opened her mouth with difficulty.
"No, nothing happened, but something upcoming. You know I'm an apprentice, right?"
"Yes."
"Blue Lance Knights get 2 to 3 years of free time during apprenticeship. You can work for the empire, go adventuring, train—whatever. Once that's over, you return home for the exam to become a mid-level knight. It's about time for me to head back... I'll check the western forest a bit with the remaining time."
Judah and Tia nodded at her words. It was sudden, but she had her own circumstances.
"Then before we part, how about a quick drink tonight?"
"Drink?"
Jeanne rolled her eyes, seemingly tempted as she licked her lips. Tia cast the bait.
"I'll buy. At the most expensive place."
"Sounds like a great idea. Shall we go now?"
"Let's wash up first and meet again. Hehe."
The conversation proceeded without Judah.
"Wait. Tia, if you're going drinking, what about me?"
"I'll bring back something tasty~ You wait at home."
As if asking the obvious, Tia grinned. She waved "See you later" and led Judah home. Blue Lance Knight Jeanne smiled at the sight of Judah being dragged by the wrist, bowed her head in farewell-like greeting, lingering a bit solemnly, then turned away with somewhat lighter steps.
"Wait, you're really leaving me behind?"
Tia's eyes curved like crescent moons as they walked home lightly. She seemed in a good mood thinking about drinking after a while.
"No choice. You haven't had your coming-of-age yet. Sure, no one would complain if you drank, but there are prying eyes. What's wrong, can't stay home alone at night without your master?"
It was light teasing aimed at a child. Judah sighed.
"...Ugh, fine. Just drink in moderation and come back early."
She just gave a mysterious smile without answering. Of course, nagging an adult like her was pointless meddling. Watching her head to the bathroom saying she'd wash first, Judah lay on the living room sofa.
'Ah. I'm bummed. I want to drink too.'
The cooking wine at home didn't taste good. In a few months he could drink as much as he wanted, but by then he probably wouldn't feel like it. Rolling around on the sofa, feeling like he'd fall asleep before Tia finished showering, Judah sighed and checked his status window to review his stat gains so far.
========== Afterword ==========
1. Huh? Judah's status? He went from 13 to 15 years old! If it feels like the intermediate steps are seriously omitted, it's not an illusion.
2. Eh, what are you all saying.
I don't have a girlfriend. How could I? If I did, I wouldn't write and would go playing every day. Haha! The girlfriend talk in the previous afterword was a reply to a reader's comment!