Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: The Royal Capital #3
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“Those eyes are burning with ambition.”
“Karak, not you too…”
As Juingong clutched his chest and lamented, Karak snorted.
“Why are you actin' all heartbroken? You sick or something?”
“I can’t tell if you’re sharp or just clueless.”
How could he be so quick on the uptake with things like this, yet so dense about *that*?
‘A true protagonist.’
Just as Juingong was about to drift into his usual daydreams, Karak pulled his wandering attention back to himself.
“Anyway, you feelin' alright?”
Beneath his rough words, a deep concern was evident. Juingong pounded his chest and replied.
“Perfectly fine. I actually feel even better.”
It wasn’t an empty boast; it was true. The power of aura was the power of life itself, so a stronger aura meant his very life force had grown stronger.
“Well, that’s strange. You’d think you’d be starvin' after sleepin' for four days straight.”
“Oh, now that you mention it, you’re right. Why am I not hungry?”
Juingong instinctively rubbed his stomach. He could only feel his hard abs, nothing else. Not that hunger was something you could feel just by touching your stomach.
Four days was a long time. At three meals a day, that was a dozen meals he had skipped, yet he didn’t feel the slightest bit hungry.
Green Wind resolved Juingong and Karak’s confusion.
“It is the effect of the Moonlight Herb. Your sleep for the past four days was less for healing and more for absorbing the herb’s properties.”
Green Wind appeared, perched on Juingong’s thigh as usual. Now quite used to it, Karak didn’t jump in surprise but simply looked at her and asked.
“Uh, so does that mean he’s never gonna be hungry again?”
“That is not the case. Now that he is awake, he will grow hungry again with time.”
Green Wind earnestly answered the somewhat off-topic question. Karak let out a breath of genuine relief and said.
“Prince, that’s a real relief. Everything we do is for a full belly. Losing the joy of eating would be a real tragedy.”
If you’re not hungry, you don’t eat, and if you don’t eat, the joy of eating disappears. What a terrifying thought.
‘A genius orc, indeed.’
His way of thinking was certainly unconventional.
Newly impressed, Juingong chuckled a little foolishly before changing the subject.
“How’s the Lycanthrope Palace? Is it much different from the Demon King’s Castle?”
“Huh? This ain’t the Lycanthrope Palace. It’s more like a villa where the royals stay.”
Karak tilted his head as if to ask what he was talking about. Juingong’s gaze naturally turned to Green Wind.
“Greeny?”
It was obvious who he was calling, but Green Wind’s eyes widened and she tilted her head.
“Is there a spirit named Greeny here? Karak, do you know of one?”
Instead of playing along, Karak just chuckled. Juingong’s gaze grew a little colder. Startled by the chill, Green Wind pouted and replied.
“I assumed it was a palace because it is a house where royalty lives. I am very fond of my master, but lately, my master has been a bit mean.”
Then she began to sneak glances at Juingong. Had the centaurs and satyrs, who were likely still offering prayers to the guardian spirit of the Anger Plains, seen this, they might have wept, but to Juingong, it was just cute.
“Well, they’re similar enough.”
Patting Green Wind’s head as if giving her a reward, Juingong turned back to Karak.
“So, what have you been up to?”
“While you and the princess were sleepin' soundly holdin' hands, I was just restin' at the villa. Karma’s learnin' druid magic from Lady Daphne, and Prince Chris seems busy because of that guy who ran off. As for Princess Felicia, she seems real uncomfortable with all the Lycanthrope nobles who showed up late, so she’s been cooped up in her room. I don’t know much else.”
It was nothing new for Karma, who had an aptitude for it, to be learning druid magic from Daphne, and it was only natural for Chris to be busy. But the part about Felicia was a bit concerning.
“Lycanthrope nobles?”
“Seems they came with Queen Elaine. Seira said they’re somethin' like the queen’s personal guard. They all have red tattoos on their faces, and every one of 'em looked formidable.”
Lycanthrope nobles who could be called Queen Elaine’s personal guard.
Red tattoos on their faces.
“The Blood Wolf Brigade, I suppose.”
“Blood Wolf Brigade?”
“Just as Seira said, they’re the 4th Queen’s personal guard. They’re a fearsome bunch.”
If the worst commander one could face in the Lycanthrope subjugation campaign was a bereaved Caitlin or Chris, the worst unit was the Blood Wolf Brigade.
Composed entirely of werewolves, they all carried the blood of the Lycanthrope royal family, whether diluted or not. Each was a master of the Beast God Fist, and since they were raised for the express purpose of forming a single unit, their coordination was truly remarkable.
At Juingong’s explanation, Karak shook his head in disbelief.
“Prince, you really don’t know the things everyone should know, but you know everything no one should.”
Had Felicia been there, she would have nodded her head vigorously.
As if just remembering, Juingong asked Karak.
“By the way, did you ask about that thing before?”
Even though he was asleep, Caitlin was right beside him, and he spoke vaguely in case someone was listening. Fortunately, the quick-witted Karak immediately understood his intent.
“If you’re talkin' about that, I asked Delia and Seira about it separately while we were restin'.”
It seemed he hadn't forgotten what Juingong had discreetly mentioned before they left the Demon King's Castle. Juingong nodded, satisfied.
“Good, tell me later.”
“Got it. By the way, how’s the princess doin'?”
Karak smoothly changed the subject. Juingong looked over at the peacefully sleeping Caitlin and answered.
“Thankfully, she seems to be okay.”
He could feel Caitlin’s aura through their clasped hands. Just as he himself felt healthier than before, so did Caitlin. He had been worried when she didn’t wake up for so long, but if she was absorbing the Moonlight Herb’s effects as Green Wind said, there was probably no need to worry.
“Does holdin' hands like that really make you both feel better?”
“Yeah.”
Juingong replied, adjusting his grip on Caitlin’s hand. It was actually happening, but it was still quite a marvel to him.
“Master, I believe the princess is waking.”
At Green Wind’s words, Juingong quickly turned to Caitlin. Caitlin’s eyelids were slowly lifting.
After staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment, her eyes darted around, and a small smile graced her lips.
“Shu…tora?”
Her voice was a bit hoarse, but it seemed to be from sleeping so long, not because anything was wrong. Juingong smiled back and said.
“It’s all over. We defeated Gerard, and everyone’s safe.”
That was the most important news. Caitlin’s body seemed to relax in relief, but then her eyes shot wide open. She looked utterly bewildered. Guessing the reason, Juingong spoke quickly.
“Focus on your aura. Thanks to the Moonlight Herb, both you and I have gained a new power.”
Chris and Caitlin were true geniuses, and as such, they were sensitive to the flow of aura. She was undoubtedly surprised by the sudden change in her own.
As Juingong suggested, Caitlin closed her eyes and focused on her aura. A faint, dark blue light began to emanate from her entire body.
After about a minute, the dark blue light subsided, and Caitlin opened her eyes again. Juingong playfully sent a small pulse of aura through their joined hands and asked.
“How is it?”
He was sure Caitlin would have noticed not only the Starlight Core but also the Moonlight Core within him.
And indeed, she had. Caitlin smiled as brightly as the moon. With her characteristically sparkling eyes, she said.
“It’s incredible.”
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On the bed, Juingong and Caitlin sat facing each other. After assuming a cross-legged position and straightening their backs, they interlocked both hands, closed their eyes, and regulated their breathing.
Before beginning the aura circulation, Juingong first raised his Sura Fist level from 3 to 5. It took every last skill point he had gained from defeating Gerard, but it was well worth it.
A pure white aura rose from Juingong’s entire body. He circulated his aura in the same way as always. Then, the flow of aura originating from the Moonlight Core naturally joined the circulation.
The total amount of aura hadn't increased by much. However, Juingong found he could control it with much greater freedom. The paths his aura flowed through became wider and deeper, and empowered by two hearts, it could now flow twice as fast and strong as before. This also meant greater explosive power.
But that wasn’t all. This change was only what happened when Juingong was alone.
And right now, Caitlin was in front of him.
The Moonlight Core reacted to the Starlight Core. Without any conscious effort, their auras began to merge into one.
Caitlin’s dark blue aura flowed toward Juingong. Juingong’s pure white aura enveloped Caitlin.
It was no longer just two hearts. It was four.
A Quad Core, if you will.
Despite the mixing of different auras, there was no repulsion. As Juingong accepted Caitlin’s aura, he felt the depth of his Sura Fist, based on the Beast God Fist, deepen.
As Caitlin accepted Juingong’s aura, she began to naturally learn the Sura Fist, a technique even its creator, Juingong, had not known how to teach.
Smiles naturally formed on both their faces. The white and dark blue auras, born from the Quadra Core, mixed into one and circulated powerfully.
Their auras were growing stronger. The rate of their growth was far faster than before.
Juingong and Caitlin felt a sense of euphoria. One could even call it a kind of pleasure.
“I don’t really get it, but it looks amazing.”
About an hour had passed since Juingong and Caitlin began their aura circulation. Karak spoke as he stuffed his mouth with finely chopped food meant to be easy to digest, while Green Wind, who had been watching the two from the beginning in the same posture, said with a warm expression.
“It is a beautiful life force.”
Daphne and Karma nodded with the same expression. As druids, they could feel the life force that was the essence of aura.
Amidst everyone’s joyful admiration, there was one person who was complaining.
“This is all well and good, but do they really have to start training the moment they wake up?”
Felicia muttered quietly, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. She had come to see them as soon as she heard they were awake, but she hadn’t even had a chance to say hello yet.
Seeing them training with such smiles on their faces, it was clear they were both fine, but she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.
“What’s good is good, Princess. And this is really delicious. You’re an amazing cook.”
Karak grinned and reached for another bite of the patient’s meal Felicia had made herself. Felicia shot him a glare but eventually gave up with a sigh.
Some more time passed. Just as everyone except Green Wind was considering leaving, a voice came.
“I expected as much, but seeing it in person is even more incredible.”
It was Chris, who had appeared at the open door. He arrived once again without an escort and turned to Felicia’s group to ask.
“How long have they been in that state?”
“About two hours, I’d say.”
Karak, who had been there from the start, quickly answered.
“Is that so? Then it would be best to stop them soon.”
“Huh? Can you just interrupt them? Isn’t it dangerous to disturb someone during aura training?”
Felicia asked in surprise, grabbing Chris’s hand as if to stop him. Chris shook his head as if to say not to worry.
“There’s a way to break them out of it naturally. You don’t need to worry.”
Moreover, the Beast God Fist was a technique that could be practiced even while walking or running. A sudden attack during aura circulation would be a problem, but a little stimulation from the side wouldn't cause any issues.
After reassuring Felicia, Chris didn’t touch Juingong or Caitlin but instead fiercely unleashed his blue aura. The immense power radiating from Chris made everyone, including Felicia, newly aware of his presence, and the same was true for Juingong and Caitlin.
The auras shimmering around Juingong and Caitlin’s bodies slowly subsided. The pure white and dark blue auras separated once more, becoming distinct entities, and even those faded away like smoke in the wind.
Juingong and Caitlin opened their eyes at the same time. Chris smiled and greeted them.
“Are you two back with us?”
“Brother!”
Caitlin shot up from her spot and practically threw herself at Chris. Chris caught her in a tight embrace and laughed heartily.
“It seems you two had quite an experience.”
Caitlin nodded from within Chris’s arms, and Juingong simply answered with a smile. Chris let Caitlin go and said.
“Now, since you’re both awake, go say hello to your big sister. She’s been sulking this whole time.”
At Chris’s words, Felicia glared, but only for a moment. Caitlin had now wrapped her arms around Felicia.
Felicia fidgeted for a moment, unsure what to do, before finally hugging Caitlin back. Juingong spoke to her.
“I’m glad you’re safe.”
“You two are the ones I was worried about.”
There was much more she wanted to say, but it was too much for Felicia. Instead of teasing her as usual, Chris drew everyone’s attention back to himself.
“It’s a lovely sight, but I’m a bit short on time. Let’s get straight to the point.”
“The point…?”
Tensing up at Chris’s slightly stern tone, Felicia asked back in a worried voice.
Chris’s expression softened slightly as if to reassure her.
“I’ll be returning to the main Lycanthrope Palace with Mother today. It seems I’ll be swamped with work for a while.”
It was an expected answer. Though Gerard was missing and presumed dead, his death wasn't confirmed. With the investigation into those who aided his escape and other matters to resolve, it was absurd for the 4th Queen to be away from the palace for long.
Chris spoke to Juingong.
“After you meet the artisan named Amita, come to the Lycanthrope Palace. You’ll have to stop by anyway to return to the Demon King’s Castle, right? I’ll hear your answer to my proposal then as well.”
At the word ‘proposal,’ Felicia’s eyes narrowed for an instant. Juingong simply gave a single nod.
“And Caitlin.”
At being addressed, Caitlin looked up. Chris glanced at Caitlin, who was still half-hugging Felicia, then spoke with some difficulty.
“You will go with Shutora.”
“Huh?”
“What I just saw confirmed it. Right now, you need Shutora more than you need me. Both you and Shutora will grow stronger.”
The Moonlight Core and Starlight Core were new variables. And this was Lycanthrope territory, not the Demon King’s Castle. There was no need to keep Caitlin under his wing.
But it was clearly an unfamiliar situation for both Chris and Caitlin. After all, Caitlin had always been with Chris wherever she went, ever since she was born.
This was different from when they went to find the Anvil that Births Thunder. This wasn’t a matter of a day or two; it could potentially take more than half a month.
Caitlin hesitated, unable to answer right away. Chris stroked her hair.
“For now, it’s just for this one thing. You don’t have to worry so much.”
“Okay.”
Caitlin nodded. Chris let out a small laugh and looked back at Juingong.
“Shutora, I’m leaving Caitlin in your care.”
“Got it, brother. Leave her to me.”
Juingong answered, pounding his chest. Felicia, who had been watching the entire exchange, glared and said.
“Excuse me, but shouldn’t you be entrusting her to me, not Shutora?”
After all, among the Demon King’s children present, Felicia was the eldest.
Chris nodded with a serious expression as if he understood, then turned back to Juingong.
“Shutora, take good care of Sister Felicia. Really, you must.”
“I will, brother.”
“Hey!”
As Juingong replied with equal seriousness, Felicia snapped, and Caitlin quickly bit her lip to stifle a laugh.
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