Chapter 305
Chapter 305
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 305
Chapter Title: Flower's Lingering Fragrance
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"It spoke!!!"
"It spoke, it did!!"
We were plunged into inhuman shock at the monster speaking human words, clutching each other and hopping around in place. The spirit girl we'd seen before had spoken too, but that was just fragmented hatred spat out like a curse that was more scream than anything.
But as Kobson said, this true monster called the Alraune conveyed its will to us loud and clear.
Come closer?
Fuck that, why the hell would I go there!
"What the fuck!! Barbarian! We're totally fucked now! The Alraune is the Queen of Flowers herself! Legend has it she turns enchanted men into nothing but fertilizer!!"
"No way! That's too cruel!!!"
"If we get caught here, we won't even die—we'll just mummify and get our nutrients sucked dry forever, miserable husks!!"
Images of me and Kobson mummified in some pathetic end flashed through my mind. This was crueler than even Old Man Mangtae's nasty legends!
If that's what happens, we're done for!!
"Fuuuuck maaaaan!!!!!!"
"We're fuuucked!!"
—Fwoosh!
In full panic, we ignored the Alraune's words and bolted wildly into the jungle. Better to get chased by dryads than tussle with that bitch-ass whore!
That thing looks fucking strong as hell!
Anyone taller than me is off-limits!!
—Shoooosh!
"Ah, no!"
"Goddamn it!"
But before we could even cross the jungle's edge, blunt vines burst up through the ground. Like a prison for sinners, they sprouted continuously along the garden's border.
"Did it trap us?!"
"Barbarian! Stay calm! We can chop 'em down!"
"Hya!!"
I immediately raised my sword and slashed at the vine shooting up high. —Splurt. Sap sprayed, but it had already formed a wall, so my attack didn't land properly—I couldn't cut through.
—Stab!
If slashes don't work, thrust! I jammed the blade tip in deep, then sawed like a rip with a saw. At this rate, we might really die!
"Fuck! Hey! It ain't working!"
"Ngh...!"
I hacked away in a frenzy, but it regenerated faster than I could damage it, and new vines popped up. This... isn't working!
Try running another way?
The thought hit, but iron-bar-like vines had already risen almost everywhere. We'd meet the same end no matter where we went.
Just like an arena.
No escape.
We were trapped.
All that remained here—me and Kobson. The Alraune and the garden's flowers. A voice rang out toward us, gripped in terror.
"Didn't I tell you to come closer?"
"..."
"..."
Her tone was warm and benevolent, like a spring breeze, but I knew better. Folks with beautiful voices aren't the pleasant type.
No, they're con artists and heartless criminals, the lot of 'em.
Take nagas, for example.
They say those scaly bastards truly use their lovely voices to deceive... ominous fuckers!
"You're scared, aren't you? Hehe... It's okay. Come here."
—Creak.
I tried relaxing my fear-stiffened muscles and turned around.
There stood a woman of stunning beauty. Nearly two meters tall, with an alluring figure and breasts. And very long crimson hair.
Green long boots and gloves, plus a leaf bra—she looked like a rose turned human.
"...Hey, Kobson."
I had no clue what to do. If we could talk, maybe we could resolve this peacefully?
...Damn it.
Thinking we could talk our way out—must mean I'm pretty spooked.
"Let's just do what she says for now."
"Wh-what are you saying...! We could end up mummies!"
Kobson shivered and yelled.
"But we got no choice. Can't get out anyway. It's die or live—only two paths. Let's at least try talking."
"No way words'll work on a monster!"
"You're right. Not expecting much."
But no other options.
Can't run? Then bet on muscle, blade, and grit.
That's this world.
When cornered with nowhere to flee, just entrust your fate to the blade. Half-dead already? No need to fear.
"...Stop shaking! Damn it!"
I stepped forward first; Kobson clung to my waist like a little sister hiding behind her big bro, following my moves while shielding himself. Slowly, cautiously, we approached as the Alraune instructed.
"Such courage. Yes, come closer."
As we neared, she clapped her hands together delightedly, smiling and stroking her cheek with her knuckles.
So human-like it threw me off... Is that really a monster?
For a second, I thought maybe we could talk. But even humans don't always get through—seeing a half-baked freak act a bit human didn't convince me dialogue would work.
—Shiver shiver shiver.
Kobson's trembling from behind transmitted to me. He was just a human vibrator now. Combat help? Forget it.
—Smile.
Up close, she flashed a radiant smile.
Definitely a beauty... Though nowhere near Clodia.
"Pleased to meet you. Lady Alraune, is it?"
I put on a polite tone, bowing 90 degrees. I even pushed down Kobson's still-frozen head to bow him too.
She looked like a queen—probably sensitive to manners.
"Hehehe, a nostalgic name. Humans always called me that... Fine, call me what you like. I'm generous to those who know etiquette."
"Thank you for the kindness."
...She knows humans call her Alraune?
Anyway, politeness seemed to improve her mood.
—Rustle.
She extended her arm; vines and flowers rose from the ground, forming shapes. They morphed into a table and chairs.
Incredible power.
She could freely manipulate plants themselves.
"Sit."
"..."
I pulled out a chair and sat with Kobson.
The vine chairs were detached from the ground. Seeing that, the Alraune sat opposite. Huge breasts— so big they naturally rested on the table.
Thought those would calm Kobson, but he was still shaking.
I whispered to him softly.
"...Kobson. Calm down."
"I-it's fucking terrifying...!"
"It's your type of beauty."
"Fuck. Still fucking terrifying...!"
—Shiver shiver.
The chair was rattling.
Still, better fear than charm.
The Alraune just smiled, chin on hands, watching trembling Kobson and tense me.
I opened my mouth heavily.
"So... Lady Alraune. You had something to say to us?"
—Heheheh.
At my question, she started laughing ominously like a dryad. Whatever amused her, the laughter lasted a while before she answered.
"Oh, plenty. So much to ask. Truly so much."
Her tone screamed utter delight bordering on madness.
Most lunatics are like this—lost in their own world, giggling regardless of others.
I was scared shitless but didn't show it.
After a pause, the Alraune began.
"Yes... I've regained my senses after so long, got a bit excited. So many questions. By human reckoning, how many years now? Is the Kingdom of Sirgen still thriving? The Idol War? Did that long war end? And did the Green Dragon Lergdaiser Wellostate uphold the contract?"
Questions poured out like machine-gun fire, all jumbled.
"Sigh, so very many curiosities."
I listened carefully, fearing offense, but couldn't answer a damn thing. Fuck. No clue about any of it.
But saying "dunno" felt deadly, so I jabbed Kobson's side.
"Eek?!"
He jolted like crazy, then exhaled.
"Wh-whoo... Hah... W-well, not sure exactly, but... th-the Idol War you mentioned ended over a century ago... O Queen of Flowers."
"Oh? A century? So much time has passed."
Her eyes widened.
Idol War... Elise mentioned it before.
A brutal holy war against pagans worshiping false gods.
Immensely long, on a world-spanning scale.
"Heh. Hehehe. Hahaha... Huhuhuhu...!"
Covering her mouth, she burst into mad laughter. Terrifying sight. Kobson's answer pleased her?
She'd said she'd just regained consciousness.
Asking about ancient events... Could she be one of those ancient monsters, sealed since primordial times, freshly freed and remaking her jungle kingdom? Ominous thoughts rose like smoke.
"Kuhuhuhu... Yes, then my next question."
Curiosity piqued, she bombarded us with random trivia.
She seemed like a maniac starved of conversation after eons alone.
I answered each earnestly to stay on her good side, steadying my mind.
Questions flowed: daily life to history, history to personal, personal back to daily.
"Isn't the garden beautiful?"
"Yes... Truly. Never seen one like it."
Like that.
Meaningless queries galore.
She'd nod, chuckle at answers. Her joy was almost infectious... If not for the situation.
This wasn't the time for casual chit-chat...!
—Shiver shiver.
Kobson, overwhelmed, gripped my hand tight.
This fucker, let go.
"Why tremble so? Think I'll eat you?"
"Q-Queen...! I never thought—!"
"Kekeke. Like a little mouse. Yes, child. What scares you so? I'm curious. Tell me, quickly."
"H-heek...!"
Targeted, Kobson's face drained to ashen. Too scared to speak... Damn it!
Kobson! You're not that kind of guy! Overcome it! Beat the fear!
"Kuhuhuhuhu... Can't answer? Hm, you seem to know more than the black-haired one, but no good as conversation."
—Crunch.
Mocking? She laughed at Kobson heartily, then leaned back, crossing her legs. Lethal legs fitting her height. Those green leaf-like long boots were striking.
Long-legged women suit long boots.
Especially no-panties status—big plus.
"Hmm, what else to ask..."
Like pondering an outfit.
Why?
No idea. Why keep us? If eating, she'd have done it... Unless toying with us.
"Hm?"
Our eyes met.
"Hehe? My legs catching your eye?"
She smiled seductively, long fingers stroking her thigh. Brain-meltingly provocative. Made the "men as fertilizer" legend feel real.
"Mm... Yes. You're boys, aren't you? Then that works."
"...What do you mean?"
What the hell is she on about...
I moved my hand to my thigh.
If shit hits, pad-rip and ambush.
If chance comes, full-power thigh-splitter to crack her skull.
"Nothing at all."
"...!"
For a split second, her yellow eyes gleamed...!
"Now, doesn't a lovely fragrance waft?"
—Swaaah.
In that instant, the world began turning pink.