Chapter 68
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: The Girl from the Mint Flower Village
Upon waking from sleep, a refreshing mint flower scent always tickled the tip of my nose.
The white flowers that bloomed in wild profusion over the hills in summer were one of the few points of pride in our otherwise unremarkable village. Some even hailed them as the symbol of Lorenheim, but to me, they were just tiresome weeds.
Yeah. Just like our village.
From a fairly young age, I'd grown up harboring the wish to leave this godforsaken place someday. All we had were endless green fields and rice paddies, mint flowers, and cattle—nothing but that. To a young person coming of age, it was practically a graveyard.
That's why I threw a fit and somehow managed to enroll in magic school, even without any talent. Of course, it was all thanks to Sera, and even that ended with me getting expelled soon after. But those memories fanned the flames of my desire to escape the village.
So, as I approached my twentieth birthday this year, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation, wondering what might happen. Not that I planned to force my way out of the village. This was my hometown, my home—and Eli was here. If it weren't for Eli, I would've fled to the city long ago.
...
Why am I thinking about all this now?
I couldn't figure out the reason myself and pondered it for a long while. Why these thoughts right now?
Did I have a bad dream or something?
As I tried to recall the dream upon waking, I realized I was still wandering in darkness. I hadn't truly awakened yet. I was merely on the verge. Clutching at the remnants of the dream, I thought hard. What kind of dream was it that still held me captive?
What on earth...
What...
...
"Oppa."
"..."
A soft voice whispered in my ear like a spring breeze. The wind, carrying memories of seasons long past, trailed down my cheek like tears toward my chin. I flinched, feeling an astonishingly cool sensation.
"Oppa, wake up."
Warm hands shook my shoulder vigorously, but I couldn't get up. Why? Perhaps the lingering afterglow of that earlier dream. Even as I tried to recollect it, it had already scattered beyond my eyelids. I shook my head repeatedly, not even knowing what it was, though it felt like something I needed to remember. Definitely...
"If you don't get up, I'll kiss you?"
...
But when her playful voice reached me, everything else ceased to matter.
"For real?"
"Of course not. Get up already. The sun's high in the sky."
Of course. She'd come straight here and lain down the moment the morning sun rose. My fatigue had long fled, but I deliberately furrowed my brow and tossed in bed.
"I want to sleep in today. I'm so tired right now."
"What were you doing all night?"
What was I doing all night? Obviously working late. Granny Emil had thrown a fit about fixing the fence before sunset. But for some reason, today I felt like giving a different answer than usual, so I twisted my thoughts a bit.
"Hmm. What do you think?"
I cracked my eyes open slyly to look at her. Her cheeks flushed bright red.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. I'm still not letting you off, you pervert."
She tried to play it cool, but the flush from her throat to her earlobes was plain as day. It worked pretty well. Satisfied, I chuckled softly—only to get smacked.
"Ow."
"Don't laugh weirdly. Come on, get up. I'll hold your hand."
"Okay, okay."
In the end, as always, I took the girl's hand. The soft, warm palm released a burst of mint flower scent the moment our fingers intertwined.
"Morning, Eli."
"Yeah, yeah, morning, Luca. Now get up already."
Eli accepted my greeting with an exasperated air and yanked my hand hard. Normally I'd have risen right then, but today I felt like playing around, so I deliberately went limp and resisted. Eli twisted her lips and furrowed her brow slightly.
"What's this new trick?"
"Hmm... not a trick. I never said I'd get up."
"Oh ho. Playing hard to get, huh? You'll only wise up after I bite you again."
"Whoa, spare me that. It really hurts."
"Or should I just sit on you and squash you flat? Wait, that might be a reward instead? Being under Lorenheim's top beauty's butt."
"Lorenheim's top beauty, huh. Who decided that? No one but me calls you that."
"You little..."
Eli glared at me with mock fury, then burst into laughter, unable to hold it in. She let go of my hand and plopped down beside me.
"Sigh. Fine. Grow up already. I came with good news, but maybe I should just forget it."
Good news.
What, did Sera move away or something? As I teased back playfully, a sudden throbbing pain stabbed my head. Amid the brain-freeze agony like swallowing ice whole, I blurted out words without knowing what I was saying.
"What? Did a knight come from the capital looking for you?"
"...What?"
"Huh? Oh... no, I mean, did some fancy knight from the capital come to whisk away genius mage Sera?"
Realizing it was a bit out of left field, I hurriedly played it off as a joke. But a shadow crossed Eli's usually bright face. Sensing something off, I propped myself up a bit.
"What's wrong? Something happen?"
"No, not like that."
Eli trailed off, bit her lip, and stared into the distance. Then, in a deeply serious tone, she asked me,
"Hey, Luca. Can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Do you still dream of becoming a knight?"
...
Knight.
The word I'd cherished since childhood stirred my heart intensely. As a hopelessly immature kid with no way out of my endless adolescence, I'd held onto that dream for years. Truth be told, I still did. Even now, I sometimes imagined myself as a dashing knight roaming the entire empire.
But strangely, today that dream felt utterly foolish—even repulsive. Because knights ultimately took lives. They had to swing their swords. And perhaps...
I might have to leave Eli's side.
"Luca?"
"Yeah?"
My thoughts dragged on too long, and Eli called my name with a worried look. Flustered as if seeing her for the first time today, I asked back,
"Uh... sorry. What was the question?"
"Whether you still want to be a knight, student Luca."
"Oh, that."
I sank back into thought. Do you want to leave her side and choose a path that might turn you into a killer? After mulling it over, I shrugged and answered,
"Well... yeah. It's just a dream I carry around. Not something I seriously plan for. Just a vague wish."
"I see."
Eli replied calmly but hugged her knees, burying her face a little. Wondering why she was acting like this today, I gazed at her profile and noticed some dirt smudged near her cheek. I raised my hand. Where does she even get this stuff? But as I reached out, Eli looked my way, brushed my hand aside, and said,
"You have something in your hair, Luca."
"You're one to talk..."
"Hmm... hold on."
Eli suddenly grinned mischievously and leaned toward my head. Then she bent over it.
"Hey, what are you..."
"Stay still."
Her calm voice accompanied long hair cascading over my face, tickling my cheek. I met her eyes so close and fell silent.
"I won't do anything weird."
A playful smile had returned to her lips. Staring into those chocolate-brown eyes, I felt a shy twinge and averted my gaze slightly.
"...You could do something weird."
"Your face is beet red—what are you saying? Stay still. I might poke your eye otherwise."
"Okay, okay..."
By the end, my voice came out strangled. Mortified, I clamped my mouth shut, and Eli began gently stroking my hair with delicate fingers.
Each pass scattered fine sand particles into the air from who-knows-where. I counted the grains floating against the blue sky while stealing glances at Eli's approaching face. Black-haired Eli. Dirt-covered Eli. Why did grime keep sticking to that pretty face?
Is it the world's cruel instinct to tarnish beauty?
Nah, she's just careless.
I sighed softly and stared at her face. A face I'd seen a million times, yet each glance made my heart race and excitement flood my body. That eye smile of yours. The long lashes flowing beneath. The clear smile—it always made me swallow nervously without realizing. And now, again, I gulped and licked my dry lips.
"Mm..."
"What? Nervous? Because such a pretty girl is touching your hair?"
"Scared you might bite me again."
"You caught on quick? Then offer your neck obediently. Gotta leave a mark."
"Please spare me..."
Unable to take it, I bolted upright. Eli withdrew her hand with a bittersweet sigh. I dusted off my pants and relaxed my tense muscles.
"So? What's the good news?"
More to shake off the tension than curiosity, I asked loudly. Eli hesitated, trailing off.
"That thing."
Eli circled me without opening up easily. What could it be? Seeing the ever-confident Eli act this way sparked my curiosity.
"Come on, what is it? Spit it out."
"Well..."
I approached Eli, urging her on. Suddenly, my heart pounded wildly for no reason, excitement surging through me. What was this feeling? Why was I like this?
"...The village chief wants to see you."
"The village chief?"
"More precisely, he called everyone. But he specifically named you."
"Uh... me? Why?"
"That's..."
What? Did I mess up somehow? That crossed my mind first, but it didn't feel like a trivial issue.
"Ugh..."
My roughly beating heart now caused outright pain beyond tension. My whole body groaned in agony, as if rejecting this very moment.
"It's like..."
Eli continued, oblivious to my state. For some reason, I dreaded her speaking—wanted to plug my ears. No, I was afraid to hear her. Instinct screamed not to listen, reason unknown.
"Eli... wait..."
I yielded to instinct and tried to stop her. But then, slowly, the words fell from her lips.
"A knight from the capital is looking for you."
Thud.
"Huh?"
My pounding heart crashed down. Mouth agape, I stared at Eli blankly.
"What did you say, Eli?"
"You heard me."
"No... uh... I must've misheard. Say it again?"
"A knight from the capital is looking for you."
...
Thud. Thud.
My fallen heart began beating again. I let out a hollow laugh and asked dumbly,
"You're not messing with me, right?"
"No joke. Why would I lie about this?"
"A real knight?"
"Yeah. Seems like it. He showed the knight order emblem. Fancy armor too. He... wants you."
Thud. Thud. Thud.
My heart raced madly, warm energy spreading thickly. Like it was screaming something inside my chest, radiating heat.
"Why? What's it about? Did he say?"
"No idea."
"No guesses? Any hints or vibes?"
"Nope. Totally clueless."
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
"Ugh..."
I clutched my wildly beating heart and groaned. Why? I asked myself. Why this agitation and sweat at the news of a knight seeking me?
"I see... a knight came..."
The warmth now spread from my chest throughout my body. It felt profoundly significant. The dream from today, the odd sensation earlier, this frenzied heartbeat—they all signaled something crucial. Never forget, my head shook, demanding I remember.
Cold sweat beaded as I thought. Luca. Remember. Why am I like this? Why?
"Luca?"
A soft voice called. I looked up at Eli. She gazed at me with deep worry.
Suddenly, mint flower scent filled my nose, easing my pained chest. Refreshing energy seeped deep into my lungs, the body-wide agony vanishing like a lie. Straightening up, I met Eli's eyes.
And beyond her shoulder, the vast blue sky unfolded.
"Ah..."
Finally, realization dawned, and I smiled. Why the racing heart? Of course.
This might be the turning point of my life.
The boundless sky breathed dreams into the heart of a boy trapped in a tiny village. Turning twenty, and suddenly a knight from the capital seeks me. No coincidence—this was fate's call.
"Haha..."
Yes, that was certain. I wasn't destined to rot in this rural backwater. Roaming the empire as a chosen knight—that was my life.
"Luca...?"
Eli looked at me anxiously, but I beamed back brightly. Yes, that was my fate. Becoming a splendid knight.
Yes.
Definitely my fate.
"Eli."
I called her name. My chest swelled uncontrollably, trembling. Lungs full of air, I felt like I'd burst if I didn't do something.
"Yeah?"
"Let's go."
So I grabbed Eli's hand and bolted forward.
"Kyaa!"
My sudden sprint dragged a yelping Eli along. Panting but trying to keep up, her cute struggle made me smile unwittingly.
"Kyaa! S-slow down a bit, Luca!"
"What? Can't hear you!"
"Slow down!"
"Can't hear, Eli! Just run!"
Laughter crept into my voice. I laughed openly now and kicked off the ground with all my might.
Cool wind brushed my cheeks, racing alongside me. The sun blazed brilliantly on my forehead, and the ground felt solidly reassuring underfoot. Inhaling the fragrant earth rising from the soil, I lifted my head.
Like that blue sky, a bright fate awaited. Had this rural air ever felt so pure and invigorating? No idea why, but everything symbolized my future clearly.
I ran laughing toward the horizon. Like a shot arrow, straight to fate. A strong premonition told me today was the first step on a great path. I ran endlessly forward, till the sky's end, till my lungs exploded. Embracing my now-scorching chest, I strode powerfully.
But the next instant, I felt something blaze hot in my chest and let out a pained groan.
"Ah... ugh...!"
"Haa... haa... Luca?"
Panting, Eli called my name worriedly. I forced a smile and looked at her.
"I'm fine... I'm... ugh...!"
"Haa... haa... haa... What's wrong?"
"Nothing... aaagh!"
I clutched my chest instinctively, then yelped as my hand seized something burning hot. In that moment, I let go of Eli's hand without thinking.
"Kyaa! Luca!"
"Eli...! Ah... ugh..."
Eli tumbled into the grass with a faint cry, but I couldn't slow down and kept running. Even then, my chest burned like red-hot iron.
"Augh...! Ah... haa..."
Hand to chest again, I realized my mistake. It wasn't my heart burning hot.
Something else inside my chest.
"Urgh...!"
Moaning, I halted my sprint. Nearly tripping, I steadied myself in the vast meadow's midst. To calm my ragged breath, I bent over, hands on knees.
"Haa... haa... haa..."
...
Plop.
As I bent, something heavy popped out over my clothes. Something was in my chest pocket.
"Haa... haa..."
I exhaled slowly, head hot. My vision blurred, mind dizzy amid humid breaths. Yet the object's weight in my clothes felt distinctly real.
What? Did I ever put anything there? Racking my memory, no recollection. But it was definitely in my pocket.
"Haa... ha..."
Breaths quickened, excitement faded. Holding my breath, I slowly reached into the pocket.
"Ha..."
Fumbling deep, my hand closed on something palm-sized. Smooth metal texture. I pulled it out.
It was a small pendant engraved with the Ennesic goddess's emblem.
"Huh...?"
Clearly unfamiliar, yet oddly intimate. Even without magic talent, I sensed immense mana emanating from it. Scorching hot moments ago, it cooled instantly in my palm, emitting white smoke.
"What... is this..."
Why was this in my possession?
Thud. Thud. Thud.
"...!"
A powerful rumble echoed from somewhere. Startled by the earth-shaking tremor, I looked up—but no massive source anywhere.
"Huge rumble?"
I voiced my own puzzled thought hollowly. What was I thinking? And why did I have this pendant?
A divine relic untouched by time?
"Time?"
Unknown thoughts flooded my mind. As if something else controlled my head alongside me.
No—recalling memories of a self I didn't know.
"Ah... augh..."
My head throbbed again. Clear memories now flowed in. I'd been running like this then too. Madly toward somewhere.
Suddenly, white clouds veiled the radiant sun, shadowing my face briefly. Ignoring the blue sky, I'd stopped in the meadow, peering at the tiny pendant. What was this feeling? Why the inexplicable heartache?
"I..."
Unresolved questions turned to the pendant. Staring long, I noticed a hinge.
Church pendants usually held talismans inside. Wondering if there was a clue, I slowly opened it.
Click.
"Huh..."
No talisman or spell inside. Just a crumpled note. Roughly torn paper bore childish, crooked handwriting.
Oppa.
"..."
An unfamiliar voice echoed from somewhere. No—familiar voices, two of them. A vibrant child's voice, overly lively. And a slightly precocious one always overlaying it.
Hearing them, I picked up the crumpled note. After endless time, I slowly unfolded the long-awaited letter. It held little—just one short, enigmatic sentence.
Oppa.
Don't hesitate.
Kiss the sister next to you!
-Kate.
...
If you're alive.
If you're alive, eventually we can be happy together.
A knotted phrase seeped into my ears. Savored on my tongue, I slowly voiced the letter's last line.
"The sister... next to me..."
"Luca."
"...!"
Someone nearby called my name. I looked up at the distant sky again. Dreams, horizon, fate still waited there.
But ignoring it all, I slowly turned back.
And finally faced her.
That instant, lingering sand from my hair trickled down. Stone-still, I gazed at her.
No.
At Eli.
"Ah..."
A sigh escaped me. Simultaneously, forgotten memories seeped into my mind.
"Ah..."
Suddenly, mint flower scent pierced my nose. The long-missed hometown aroma brought tears to my eyes, heart aching with longing.
"Luca?"
Still panting, Eli tilted her head and called me. Her face bore the usual smudge of dirt.
Not deep shadows. Not bloodstains. Not unidentified black aura.
Just dirt.
"..."
That moment, I began walking.
Sunlight warmed my back from behind. Blazing harshly, as if resenting my turned back. Long shadow stretched ahead, sweat flowed, but I ignored it.
"Luca... why..."
Eli called again, puzzled. But my steps didn't stop. Not forward, but back. Toward her always at my back, I advanced steadily.
'...'
Static buzzed in my head. The voice striving to reach me across eons trailed off, head bowed. Still, I walked. Step by step. Eli's face neared, sweat beads on her forehead visible.
"Luca..."
As she called my name again, I was already close enough for breaths to mingle. Our toes touched; no closer possible.
Then, I embraced her with all my strength.
"Eli...!"
"Kyaa!"
Incredibly soft, warm body filled my arms. Dizzy, near-fainting, but I hugged Eli desperately. Feeling her weight solidly. Proving this moment real.
As if affirming, Eli's heartbeat echoed within me.
The tiny, unbelievable thumps pulsed clearly in my embrace. To hear closer, I wrapped her shoulders and waist, burying my face in her shoulder. Damp, sweaty skin met warmly; soft hair crumbled over my hands. Mint scent flooded my nose—tears welled inescapably.
Eli.
I reaffirmed it anew.
Eli.
A sharp pain stung my bitten lip. But I couldn't stop. Otherwise, I'd collapse; this long-awaited moment would shatter.
Biting harder, knowing blood would come.
"Luca."
Then Eli's hand gently stroked my hair. Remaining sand grains scattered into the air.
"Something happen?"
Her dearly missed voice wrapped my heart tenderly. That one phrase unleashed past pains and memories like a waterfall. But no time or need to recount them.
"Eli."
"Yeah?"
More words burned to be said now.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For staying by my side."
"What the heck, suddenly..."
"For always being with me."
Long-held words escaped between us, leaving a hollow void. But Eli's warm body heat filled it. Eyes closed, absorbing it fully, I poured out my heart.
"Thank you for being there whenever I missed you. Even when I didn't want to see you, thank you for staying. I was always too dumb to say it, but I can't tell you how happy your presence makes me. Waking from dreams to see you before me—that ends my day right there. Because it's enough. Nothing else needed."
"..."
"In my foolish youth, I thought my life needed more. Becoming a knight. Heading to the city for success. But looking back, it all led to you. Wanting to be a knight, to go to the city—it was because I felt so pathetic next to you. Silly dreams born from that."
"..."
"I know. How much you exceed me. Your overflowing presence sometimes weighs so heavy I feel I'll topple. So I've held back, left so many words unsaid. But no more."
"Luca..."
"I love you."
"..."
"I love you."
"..."
"No matter how much time passes. No matter what you become..."
"..."
"I love you, Eli."
Ultimately, that one phrase remained. Seemingly meager, worthless—but the only way to convey my heart, so I repeated it. Praying it reached her. That my feelings touched you.
All poured out, I awaited reply. But Eli stayed silent in my arms long. Knowing well her inner turmoil, I waited.
"You."
Only after ages did Eli speak. Her low voice trembled delicately.
"Do you have any idea how long I've waited for those words...?"
"I do."
I gently held Eli's shoulders and pulled back slightly. Long lashes brimmed with tears.
"Really... really waited so long..."
"Sorry."
"Following around an oblivious idiot—how hard it was..."
"Sorry, Eli."
"Really... really..."
"Sorry."
Tears now streamed truly. Hating to see streaks on her lovely face after so long, I wiped her eyes and cleaned the cheek dirt. Long-clinging shadows vanished at my touch. Gazing, I teased playfully,
"But you haven't waited longer than me."
"...Funny."
"Ow."
Eli giggled and nipped my finger playfully. Harder than expected—no blood, no pain.
I clutched my finger, meeting her eyes. She smiled at my face, then shyly glanced down.
"...Not gonna ask?"
"Ask what?"
"If I love you too?"
"Because you already know I know."
"What?"
A smile bloomed on my face too. Was smiling this easy? Amazed at the sensation, I caressed Eli's cheek again.
"I heard your answer long ago."
Eli eyed me ambiguously. I grinned fully, holding her gaze.
"...Luca...!"
Then, faintly, my name called from afar. Probably villagers searching. Eli heard too and asked cautiously,
"Shouldn't you go?"
"No. It's fine."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Because now, truly, no need.
I removed all hair strands from Eli's face, stepped back, and admired her. Eyes red-swollen from tears, still beautiful. Eli met my gaze, then asked mischievously,
"So?"
"Yeah?"
"So, what now?"
"Dunno."
The simple question stumped me. Yeah, never thought past this. But something flashed in my mind.
"We won't meet anyone else anyway, right?"
"Well... true."
"Then, wanna get married?"
"Huh?"
Remarriage? Laughing at twice wedding the same person, Eli giggled, teased back—then blushed at my serious face.
"Well... maybe... not bad."
"Right?"
I grinned, then looked around, something recalled. Got nothing, but men must give this.
"Bit sudden... yeah. Doesn't look bad. But don't you need to give something for this? Wait. What do you have anyway? Guess no choice. This big sis will..."
"Hand please?"
"Huh?"
Slipping through her chatter, I took Eli's slender finger. Slid the object onto her ring finger. Eli burst laughing at it.
"What's this?"
"Only thing I have now. Wedding, I'll get you something real nice."
"It's fine."
Eli shook her head. Gazing at the mint flower ring, she said,
"I love this too much."
"Then..."
I stepped back slowly. Eli sensed the mood, lips pursed, watching. Should I kneel? First time, dithering—stood firm, clenched fist. Trembling voice called,
"Eli."
"Yeah."
"Marry me."
My voice sounded awkward even to me. But Eli cherished it, clasping hands to chest, beaming dazzlingly.
"Yes."
Warm sunlight poured as Eli smiled prettily like a full-bloom mint flower. Unbearable now. Forgetting later words, I approached. Eli saw, softly closed eyes.
"...!"
Still, voices called from behind. Villagers, capital knight—maybe the world. But no reason to answer anymore. Fate or prophecy—yours, not some rural Lorenheim youth's burden.
My burden was only this girl before me.
Even clouds parted, sun shining on our faces. Before blinding light, I closed eyes, leaned to Eli. Astonishing warmth flooded me.
Eli gripped my shoulders. I hugged her fully. All time passed; only this remained in my hand. More than enough, overflowing—so I cradled her fully, never to let go.