Chapter 259: A■■ne(7)[R-18]
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 259: A■■ne(7)[R-18]
“Hayangi.”
A voice she could never forget.
Even in her worn-out memories, it was the one thing that had never lost its luster...
The only warmth the world had left her.
Into Hayangi’s blurred vision, a face covered in filth appeared.
She couldn't believe it.
She thought it might be a cruel illusion, a miracle granted by the world’s malevolence in her final moments.
Nevertheless, Hayangi reached out with a trembling hand.
Touch—
The moment her skeletal fingertips brushed Ian’s cheek, a warm heat radiated through her.
It wasn’t an illusion.
“...I...an.”
“Yeah. You’ve been waiting, haven't you?”
The moment she called Ian’s name, Hayangi collapsed like a doll with its strings cut.
“...Hayangi!”
Dash!
There wasn't even a second to waste on panic.
His physical condition was at its worst, but conversely, his mind was colder and more composed than ever.
Without hesitation, I pulled Hayangi into my arms.
She was impossibly light, and her entire body was burning up like a fireball.
Her skin, once as pure and white as the first snow, was now covered in all sorts of scars.
“...Just bear with it a little longer.”
With Hayangi secured firmly on my back, I headed out of the Silent Forest.
It was a path I had traveled once before.
While it was easier than the way in, the malevolence that rejected all life and the fog that obscured my vision remained the same.
‘Don’t stop.’
Without halting my pace, I typed a nickname into the Gallery search bar.
‘Divine Power Vessel■’
▷ Would you like to check the current location of Fixed Nickname ‘Divine Power Vessel■’? [Yes/No] (Remaining attempts: 2/3)
[Yes]
▷ Checking... Please wait a moment… Check complete!
▷ The current location of ‘Divine Power Vessel■’ is [7Jyg66/as7Iqk].
Hayangi desperately needed the ‘Healing’ and ‘Recovery’ abilities of Lady Yuris.
I immediately opened the Gallery board and left a short comment.
Anonymous(89.74): Come to my house right now. It’s an emergency.
Clop, clop—
How long had I been running?
Finally, the ominous air of the forest thinned, and the familiar breeze of the outside world brushed against my cheeks.
Fortunately, the horse was still right where I had tied it.
However, as I approached, the horse began to thrash wildly, consumed by terror.
Neigh—!
Just as Laplace and Poporing had...
The horse seemed to feel an instinctive revulsion toward Hayangi.
Even so, I couldn't let it go.
I approached the horse and struck it hard on the head with the back of my broken blade.
Thwack!
While the horse staggered from the impact, I forced myself onto its back with Hayangi in my arms and leveled the broken blade at its throat.
“Run.”
The horse felt it in that cold, hollow voice.
It knew that if it didn't run now, it would die.
Suppressing its instinctive loathing with the fear of death, the horse began to gallop like mad.
Gallop! Gallop!
“....”
I held the sleeping Hayangi tightly in my arms, riding endlessly along the most optimal route.
When coming to the Silent Forest, I had changed horses several times, but I couldn't do that now.
I had lost my luggage in the forest and had no money...
And above all, I couldn't even predict how people would react if they saw Hayangi.
If even a horse acted this crazed, other people might lose their minds just by looking at her.
Gallop! Gallop!
However, accidents always happen in the most unexpected situations.
Thump!
The horse, which had been running all night, finally collapsed, frothing at the mouth from exhaustion.
“Hayangi!!”
“....”
The moment the horse fell, I pulled Hayangi close, using my own body to absorb the impact of the fall.
“...Ugh.”
“....”
Hayangi was safe.
In exchange, it felt as if my ribs were cracked; every breath brought a stabbing pain, like heated needles piercing my chest.
Wheeze... wheeze...
“Haa... haa... I’m sorry.”
After apologizing to the fallen horse, I put Hayangi on my back again and started walking.
Fortunately, there was a village not too far away.
I hadn't planned on stopping at another village, but...
I had no choice now.
The distance to where Yuris was located was not something I could possibly cover on foot.
Step, step—
“...Hayangi, just wait a little longer. I’ll be right back.”
I carefully hid the unconscious Hayangi in some bushes near the village.
I knew it was dangerous.
But it was better than being seen by others.
‘As fast as possible.’
Hiding myself in the darkness, I moved toward where a stable was likely to be.
....I intended to steal a horse.
“My, you’re Master Ian, aren't you?”
Just then, a languid voice drifted from behind me.
Swish—
When I turned around, a woman with pink bobbed hair, dressed in Eastern-style clothing, was standing there.
“...Who are you?”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn't be so guarded. Well, we met under somewhat unnatural circumstances... but for now, I’m on your side, Master Ian.”
The woman continued speaking, wiggling the index fingers of both hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ricoris, from the Investment Analysis Department of Red Rose Commerce.”
“...Red Rose?”
“Yes. See this Silver Rose? It’s something only those in relatively high positions within Red Rose Commerce receive.”
Ricoris pulled out a glittering Silver Rose from her waist to show me, then let out a sigh.
“Haa... Normally, it’s unheard of for the Investment Analysis Department to move personally just to find one person... but what can you do? I’m just a salary earner in the end. If the higher-ups say jump, I have to jump.”
“...Why is the Investment Analysis Department looking for me?”
“Well, didn't you disappear for over two weeks without even announcing your destination, Master Ian? Lady Helen is very worried.”
‘Two weeks?’
Only after hearing Ricoris’s words did I realize that so much time had passed in the forest.
“Still, I think I was quite lucky. To run into you just like this, by ‘coincidence.’ It seems I’m the first to find you. Can I look forward to a reward?”
“I don't have time. Get to the point. What do you want?”
“My... you’re quite prickly, unlike the rumors. I don't particularly want anything. I’ve confirmed that you’re safe... well, you don't look safe, but at least you’re alive and in one piece. Phew. What a relief. The Imperial Intelligence Agency had already started moving; if they’d found you before I did, I don't even want to imagine what Lady Helen would have said to me.”
“Then, move. I’m busy.”
“Oops. Of course, I understand. ...is what I’d like to say, but.”
Step—
Ricoris took a step closer, her squinted eyes narrowing further as she scanned Ian’s wound-covered body.
“By the looks of it, it seems you’ve gone through something quite ‘significant,’ Master Ian. I don't know where you’re headed, but if you need help, I can escort you ‘safely.’”
“...I don't need it.”
At the blunt refusal, Ricoris tilted her head.
“Hmm, I don't understand. Why are you refusing? Unless I’m mistaken, it looks like you’re in desperate need of help right now.”
“....”
It wasn't that I refused because Ricoris seemed suspicious.
If she was someone Helen had sent, she could be trusted.
However...
I didn't know how Ricoris would react if she saw Hayangi.
Shift—
Despite her frivolous way of speaking, her stance alone suggested she was no ordinary woman.
If Ricoris were to attack Hayangi, I wouldn't be able to stop her in my current physical state.
“Well, if you don't want to say, then fine. Curiosity killed the cat, but it kills people too. If I don't want to die, I should kill my curiosity. Then, I shall take my leave to go report.”
“No, wait...”
“Ah, even if you try to stop me, I have to report. For now, you could be considered my superior, Master Ian... but Lady Helen is ‘higher up.’ Or have you changed your mind? Good choice. Don't worry. I’ll stake the honor of the Investment Analysis Department on escorting you truly ‘safely.’”
“No, I’m not trying to stop the report, and I’m not going with you.”
At Ian’s answer, Ricoris scratched her cheek as if troubled.
“...Then why did you call me?”
“I was hoping... you could lend me some money.”
“Eh?... Money... you say?”
“Yeah. Is it possible?”
“Hmm... I’m usually the one collecting, not lending... but well, I doubt Lady Helen’s ‘precious’ person would run off without paying. It wouldn't be bad to have you owe me a favor this way.”
Chink—
Ricoris opened her waist pouch once more and handed over the entire leather bag.
Checking inside, I saw it was filled with gold coins.
“Will that be enough? I’m sorry it’s only at the level of emergency funds, but that’s all I have on me right now. If you need more...”
“No, it’s enough. Thanks.”
“Oh... I see. Well then, Master Ian. Please take care of yourself.”
Just like when we first met, Ricoris waved her hand and vanished into the darkness.
‘Some time was lost... but the result isn't bad.’
Because I had obtained money this way.
Considering the time that would have been wasted if an accident occurred while stealing a horse, this was actually a relief.
Dash! Dash!
I ran straight to the stable.
Since it was late at night, the doors were naturally closed.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
But as I continued to pound on the door, a sturdy old man opened it with a face full of rage.
“What crazy bastard is making a scene at dawn!”
The old man looked me up and down and clicked his tongue.
“This crazy prick, I don't care where you got beaten up, don't bring that shit here! Get lost!”
Clink—
“The best horse.”
I said, shoving the entire pouch of gold coins into the old man’s hand.
The stable owner, suddenly receiving enough money to buy dozens of horses, asked back in bewilderment.
“Uh... huh?... You... no... what did you say?”
“Bring me the best horse.”