Chapter 224
Chapter 224
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 224
Chapter Title: Confession, Memorial Stone, Return Journey
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The black-clad man left Aurora Skaal behind, leaving only silence and questions in his wake. It was only then that people finally found their voices and began chattering about him.
"Ugh! Uweck!"
"What a strange guy. He was that strong, so why didn't he do anything back then?"
"S-Splitting their heads open while they were still alive..."
The woman who died screaming and the goateed man still had their eyes wide open, gleaming unnaturally. The sight was so gruesome that even amidst the overwhelming stench of blood, no one dared touch the corpses, their heads throbbing. It wasn't until Ronan's group stepped in to handle the bodies that the cleanup truly began.
"Alright. On three, we toss. One, two... three!"
"Hup!"
At Didikan's signal, the three released their grip simultaneously. A sack bound with iron chains sailed into the night sea.
Splash! The sack created a small spray before vanishing from sight within seconds. Adeshan asked with a hint of worry in her voice.
"It won't float back up, right?"
"Don't worry about that. We stuffed it full of mana-disrupting ore."
Didikan nodded confidently. After discussion, they had decided to dump the two thugs' bodies into the night sea.
Though the black-clad man had killed them, Drahavie was the type who wouldn't care much about who offed his underlings. No matter how well they cleaned up or explained, the blame would fall on everyone involved. Pretending ignorance was the safest bet all around. Didikan said,
"Thanks for the help. You didn't have to, but I really appreciate it."
"..."
Ronan didn't respond. His mind was entirely consumed with thoughts of the black-clad man. His strength was one thing, but his identity was impossible to pin down.
What the hell is that guy?
His actions screamed dragon, but Ronan couldn't make sense of how only he had sensed that overwhelming presence during their first encounter.
In fact, Adeshan and Didikan still thought he was human. No sparkling mana meant he wasn't from the church either. Didikan, who had been waiting, asked again.
"Ronan?"
"...Yeah. You too, good work."
Ronan finally turned to Didikan and nodded. It seemed like something he'd need to mull over more deeply. That comment about being intrigued didn't sit right either.
"Hmm... Drahavie."
Didikan stared out at the night sea, his face etched with worry. Though it was the best choice, he clearly feared Drahavie's retaliation. Ronan patted his back.
"Lighten up. I'll talk to Lady Navardoje about it."
"...You don't have a connection to the Mother of Flames, do you?"
"That's a secret."
Ronan grinned instead of confirming. Worst case, he could tattle to the emperor or use Dawn's authority to sort it out. They were criminals anyway—what did it matter?
Time passed swiftly on the sea. The fierce aurora was gradually fading. The central hall, tidied up after a breath of fresh air, was spotless.
Katan summoned them as dawn broke. The workshop's bustle was unchanged from their first meeting.
The blue flames still flickered fiercely, and the artisans went about their tasks. Having heard of the hall incident, Katan's eyes widened.
"What? Green Fang shows up causing trouble? That happened?"
"...It was pretty loud, wasn't it?"
"I tune everything out when I'm focused. Gotta check it out. Anyway, the blades are sharpened."
Impressive concentration. Katan handed over the finished Ramancha. Ronan drew the hilt. Shing! The elegant blade gleamed as before.
"...Not as dramatic a change as I expected."
Ronan examined it closely and spoke. A faint aurora hue traced the thin edge, but it was so subtle it could be imagination. Katan wagged her finger and clicked her tongue.
"Tsk tsk. You'll be shocked in real combat. Lack of faith."
"Hope so."
"You'll wonder if it's even your weapon. Here, miss, yours too."
"Ah, thank you."
Adeshan took her whip and crossbow. Like Ramancha, no obvious changes. Katan rummaged and handed her a bundle of bolts.
"These too."
"What are...?"
"Made 'em on a whim. I like pretty girls. Not many, so use them wisely."
Katan explained they were special crossbow bolts for Adeshan, their aurora-infused tips shimmering mysteriously. Adeshan bowed in thanks.
"Thank you. I'll use them sparingly."
"So polite too. If your boyfriend bullies you, tell me. Big sis'll set him straight."
"......Yes."
Adeshan hesitated before nodding. Ronan missed the implication entirely. Katan said she'd send the rest when ready and saw them off.
"Take care, heroes. Swing by if you're in the north."
"Thanks for everything."
Ronan and Adeshan headed back to the runway. Passersby thanked them profusely, gifting items that further bulged their packs. Didikan escorted them and offered a handshake.
"Lots happened, but it was fun. Things always get lively around you."
"Yeah. Whip up some cool inventions next time."
"Haha, got something in the works. Take care of sis-in-law."
"S-Sis-in-law? That's...!"
Adeshan's face flushed crimson. Didikan fled to the forge, citing a mountain of work.
"He's gone."
"...Yeah."
The runway fell silent with just the two, the freshly groomed griffon, and the crashing waves.
Ronan and Adeshan leaned against the griffon, gazing at the sky. No one rushed departure. The brightening heavens were embroidered with lingering starlight.
Ah.
Adeshan realized Didikan's quick exit was to give them alone time. Fidgeting, she spoke first.
"...Thanks for earlier. Blocking that candlestick."
"Just doing what needed doing. Can't have that pretty face hurt."
"Ah, haha..."
Adeshan scratched her cheek at the compliment. She'd never get used to it. Silence returned.
Hm, should say it now? Ronan pondered their relationship.
"Ronan."
"Yeah?"
"I like you. A lot."
Ronan's eyes widened. She had been timing it too. Turning, he met her steady gaze.
"Me too."
Ronan replied, cupping her face and kissing her. Their lips met softly, not unpleasant. They parted soon after.
"I like you a lot too."
"Say it once more."
"I like you."
In their narrowed world, only each other existed. As faces neared again, a girl's voice echoed in their minds.
[Hmm... Waking up to this. Touching.]
"Kyaa!"
"Damn it, what?"
Vision widened. They pulled back, scanning like culprits. The runway was empty. The familiar voice made Ronan frown.
"...Rin?"
He remembered. It was the holy sword Rin's voice. First time since Parjan.
Regained power? Ronan shook Ramancha like waking a sleeper.
"Hey, you up?"
-Pfft.
No reply. The griffon snorted impatiently, as if saying it had seen enough—time to go.
Damn, what the hell?
Bewildered. Adeshan, unaware of Rin, looked at Ronan confusedly.
Awkward silence settled. Scratching his head, Ronan spoke.
"Shall we head out?"
"Y-Yeah."
Regretful, but mood broken. The griffon took off south as they mounted, Aurora Skaal shrinking to a white dot in the brightening world.
"Instructor, we're back."
"Hm. Faster than expected."
The wooden door opened. Naviroje set down her cup upon seeing them. She sat by the inn's fireplace, sipping warmed honey mead.
"Good weather, so it didn't take long. Griffon's outside. Ugh, starving."
"Water and two bowls of reindeer stew, please."
Adeshan ordered. They arrived at Border Fortress Barshava as day fully broke. The well-rested griffon flew nonstop.
"Huh?"
Ronan raised a brow approaching Naviroje. A fluffy arctic fox sat opposite her, hidden by angle on entry. Their eyes widened.
"Professor Secret?"
"Good work, you lot."
First reunion since Rindalian. He climbed the table, shaking Ronan's hand vigorously.
"When did you get here?"
"This morning. You did the impossible."
His voice nearly broke with emotion. Usually cynical, he was deeply moved.
"Tukan Plateau's curse is mostly gone. It'll take time to purge the built-up hatred, but laughter's starting to echo."
Secret recounted events during Ronan's absence. Much changed in little time.
Barca's curse lifted, beastkin conflicts eased. Long-forgotten peace resurfaced.
Marya's Karabel Merchant Group turned toward the capital last night. Zaifa focused on cleaning his brother's mess.
"Barca lurked long, but Zaifa's influence is swaying hearts quickly."
"Good. What about Jaeger?"
"Funeral three days ago. Largest beastkin gathering since Fang's Night."
Jaeger's funeral was grand. Zaifa didn't expose him as Barca's puppet—reward for his final courage.
New Beastkin Alliance didn't disband immediately. Zaifa, interim leader, had them rebuild the ravaged north.
Ultimately, to bolster forces against Nebula Klazier. Naviroje drained her cup.
"Better not get ideas. I'd have to kill you then."
"Should be fine."
Ronan said confidently, recalling Zaifa's grateful voice. Post-cleanup, he'd be a steadfast ally. Secret said,
"I'll stay north a bit longer. Just in case curses linger. Back by autumn."
"Autumn? Right, it's summer now."
Over a month north dulled seasonal sense. They rose after chatting. Time to return to the capital. Suddenly, Adeshan tapped Naviroje's shoulder.
"Instructor, mind if Ronan and I step out briefly?"
"Fine. Just make the carriage."
"Thanks."
Adeshan smiled brightly. Ronan tilted his head at the suddenness.
"What? Where to?"
"Something to show you. Won't take long."
"Hey."
She grabbed his hand, pulling him outside. Secret watched smilingly.
"Heh, youth. Tough schedule, yet..."
"Love blooms in harsh lands. You've no idea how long I've waited for this, Professor."
Naviroje chuckled. Their vibe screamed progress. Their heights matching now pleased her too.
Outside, Ronan and Adeshan walked north through the city. The sky was a flawless blue.
Fitting a fortress city, buildings were sturdy stone. Adeshan stopped, picking roadside wildflowers by a mailbox.
"Why flowers?"
"They liked them. Said the hardiness of blooming anywhere appealed... Take some."
"Hm?"
Ronan took them absently. They stopped atop a hill.
High enough for Barsha's panorama and untamed lands beyond. The memorial stone for the fallen stood tall. Adeshan spoke to it.
"Mom. I'm here. Brothers doing well?"
"This is..."
The skyward rock was pale gray like her eyes. Names of Fang's Night fallen densely inscribed on its broad face.
"See it from afar. Mom and brothers are top row."
She pointed near the top. Ronan bit his lip. Words failed.
"Don't look so grave. Just saying hi."
"...I'll try."
"Kinda embarrassing, but first time dating... They said bring anyone special before they passed..."
Adeshan bowed her head. Ears peeking through hair glowed red. Ronan nodded slowly.
"Good. First for me too."
"What, really?"
"Yeah. Embarrassing."
"Liar. Just reassuring me."
"Wish it was... Stop that face. First time matters, right?"
Ronan soothed her glaring eyes. He'd watch his tongue henceforth. They placed the wildflowers before the stone.
"Won't wind scatter them?"
"Fine. Can't sprout staying put."
"True."
Ronan nodded. Apt. Hands clasped, they lingered long before the stone.
They departed noonward. As latitude dropped, earth reclaimed summer; clothes lightened. The trio reached Phileon Academy two days before break's end.
"Been a while."
Ronan inhaled deeply. Muggy grass scent filled his lungs. Cicadas sang amid verdant campus.