Rumors (1)
These past few days, the Free City had been utter chaos. The continent's largest auction house had collapsed, and the cause was none other than terrorism. It would have been weirder if it hadn't been noisy. And when word spread that a black mage was behind it, the city went on high alert. No one knew where a black mage might be hiding.
Soldiers patrolled the streets daily, searching every building for the culprit. But we were under the protection of the city's power brokers, so they didn't comb through us like everywhere else. Thanks to that, no one discovered the elves or the other slaves. Of course, I'd left zero evidence during the attack, so no one pointed fingers at me either.
With no disruptions at all, I truly did nothing but relax. I'd been feeling the strain lately anyway—dealing with black mages and demons, then coming to the Free City and pulling off that terrorist act. I hadn't had a break in weeks. So I had to rest while I could. A major episode was coming up soon.
That's how I ended up lounging by the villa's pool, soaking in the rest.
[Kyle. I heard from Elena. Everything wrapped up safely, right?]
A message came from the World Tree. I took a sip of my prepared drink and replied.
"That was ages ago. Didn't Elena tell you?"
[I just got the news too. She said it ended a few days ago... Is something up with Elena?]
"Nothing major, but..."
Looked like that elf bitch had fallen hard for Evan and delayed reporting to the World Tree.
"Parents and kids, huh? Both man-crazy as hell."
[Oh yeah, she mentioned finding a good guy. That it?]
"Yeah. That's the one."
The two were glued together nonstop. Meals, training at the practice grounds—except sleeping, they were always side by side. Just like in the novel, but it made onlookers cringe.
[Our Elena finally has a man. Evan, right?]
"Yeah."
[I was worried she'd be alone forever. Hehe~ Might as well keep him around.]
"Warning you—don't pull any bullshit."
An elf by Evan's side every time I saw him? I'd find a way to boot her out. Especially since...
"If you had any shame, you'd congratulate her instead of eyeing a 200-year-old..."
[Oh my, Kyle. Talking about a lady's age like that? Who taught you to be so rude? Elves and humans have different lifespans anyway. Elena's an adult by human standards.]
"...Forget it. Should've kept my mouth shut."
Talking more would just hurt my jaw. Plus, that last bit was personal.
"Anyway, we're leaving the Free City tomorrow. She's unharmed as promised—too unharmed, actually."
Elena had eaten well and slept soundly at the villa, recovering to full strength in two days. Now she was burning that energy on Evan.
[Knew I could count on you. Clean to the end.]
The World Tree sounded impressed, then continued.
[Kyle, ever thought of coming to the Holy Kingdom? I'd treat you right. How about Saint?]
The World Tree made the careful pitch. I laughed in disbelief.
Saint and Saintess—chosen by the gods themselves. They held more power than even the Pope, the pinnacle of the Holy Kingdom.
"Must be desperate to offer that."
Only one reason for the World Tree to suggest it: the Holy Kingdom was starting to creak.
[Desperate? It's your talent going to waste. Leaving a completed human alone? Dumbest thing ever.]
"Good talk. But can you swing it solo?"
[I'll convince the other gods. They'd agree once they see you.]
Sure, Saints needed divine choice—but not just one god. All six had to agree. Picky gods' approval? Near impossible unless born bathed in their favor. Estella, the current Saintess, had that love. Me? Doubt it.
Plus...
"Still passing. Don't need that Saint crap."
Serving under those bastards? I'd rather be a human slave. Hard pass.
[Such a sweet deal—why refuse? You're not treated great in the Empire. The Holy Kingdom would love you.]
"My reputation's not your problem."
[Even with a Saintess there? You heard of our Estella, right?]
"Heard of her."
Estella, the heroine and author-endorsed bombshell, could upend the world with her looks and figure alone. Naturally famous across the continent. Walk into any tavern, and vulgar jokes about the Saintess flew.
[Who knows? You might hit it off with her.]
"Shut it. No interest in some alcoholic."
[No interest, huh? But you know Estella loves booze? Not exactly public knowledge.]
"..."
I clamped my mouth shut, refusing to bite. The World Tree chuckled.
[Just a light suggestion. No rush to decide—think it over sometimes. Talk later.]
She cut the link. Hit-and-run expert. Back to sunbathing under the villa's rays.
"Kyle, you here again?"
Rana's bright, lively voice rang out. She'd been playing with her summons but must've wrapped up.
"This spot's got some moisture, so I keep coming back."
Even with the mana barrier blocking the environment, the air stayed dry. Made me crave water constantly.
"Swam, huh? Hair's still wet. Want me to dry it?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"Got it!"
Rana summoned a spirit to shake off the dampness. As she did, she asked, "You like rivers or the sea, Kyle?"
"Sea's fine by me."
Gazing at the open horizon was its own thrill.
"Then wanna hit the beach next year? Justia's got that huge coast."
I pondered. Parang's Beach in the Holy Kingdom was drenched in divine power. Hated it, but I'd have to visit eventually.
"Sure. Good resort spot anyway."
"Hehe, can't wait. Oh, gotta prep a swimsuit?"
"Way too early for that."
Exciting, sure, but still. Hair dried, we chatted idly as she sat beside me. Then Senior Ruina showed up.
"Why here again?"
She crept closer, eyeing the pool warily.
"Too dry. Wanna swim?"
"No. Water's fine to drink."
Her disgust tempted me to splash her, but it'd backfire. She sat by Rana instead—a habit from days together.
Rana hugged her. "Hehe, Senior Ruina. Beach trip later? With Kyle."
"...No."
Hoped she'd waver at my name, but nope. Water-hater like her? Beach was hell.
"When we leaving? Bored."
"Bored?"
"Yeah. Wanna go."
Made sense—nothing to do, no alchemy like in the workshop.
"Heading out around lunch tomorrow. Hang in there?"
"Lunch?"
"Yeah."
"Fine. I'll wait."
She nodded, munching dessert she'd brought. Admiring her, a massive shout echoed from afar.
"Hyungnim! This junior needs your wisdom!!"
Evan, yelling loud enough to drain the pool. I sighed deeply.
"Shows up only when he needs something. Ghost otherwise."
Barely seen him despite sharing space—except meals and sleep.
Evan played innocent. "Can't help it. Elena's teaching swordplay."
"Dropping honorifics already? That quick? Advertise it why don't you."
"She said it'd be nice if I called her comfy... Ow! Hurts, hyungnim!!"
I smacked his head. He ducked fast now, used to it.
"And if you need lessons, hit up that fancy elf. Why bug me?"
"Ahaha, testy today. Jealous I'm all Elena's? Or envious?"
A vein throbbed on my forehead.
"Crazy? Feel that for a guy?"
"No, but no need to kill aura..."
That cheeky trait—always one word too far.
"Haa... What ya got?"
"Thanks, hyungnim! It's about Elena..."
Wanted to ignore, but couldn't. Protagonist and all.
"That's 'cause you're subbing spirits with magic. Fundamentally different."
Only an academy thing anyway.
Just wait. Post-graduation, I'll work you ragged. Gonna collect on this debt.
Hid my thoughts, finished explaining.
Next day, lunch. Time to leave the Free City. Breakfast at the villa, then the station.
"We'll handle things here."
"Don't worry. I'll see it through."
Quick chat with Barto Bennett before boarding—about the auction slaves. Spotted Evan farewelling Elena afar, face disguised by magic. Couldn't risk exposure.
"See ya, Elena."
"Come to Justia, I'll teach more."
"Thanks. But academy life's tough. Or you come to the academy?"
"If... Mother allows..."
Like a drama shoot. Cringe-fest.
Train time. Dragged sugary Evan over.
"Hyungnim! Goodbye not done!"
"Shut it, time's up. Board."
"Told ya we should've synced directions! Why different... Mmph!!"
Muzzled his fuss. To glaring Elena:
"Bye. No more dumbass captures."
"Don't worry, I'll manage. Let Evan go. Stop bullying."
"He's my junior. Who're you to boss?"
"..."
Elf blushed, speechless.
"We're out. Later."
Final wave, joined the group. Elena gazed wistfully at our departure—at Evan, precisely.
Boarded, departed. Evan grumbled beside me.
"Too much, hyungnim. Took it slow coming—why rush leaving?"
"Not heading back to academy?"
"No, but..."
Couldn't take a week return. Detour via Parun Magic Kingdom beside the desert, warp gate to Empire. Elena straight to Justia Holy Kingdom.
"Haa..."
Let sighing Evan stew. Partings happen.
"Nngh! Fun break though. Busy midway, but satisfying."
Rana stretched arms skyward. Bittersweet returning to routine, but pleased overall.
Good if they enjoyed.
Protagonist and heroine needed recovery after episode hell. Can't run forever.
Two hours later, Magic Kingdom. Short hop. Why not inbound? No rush then—waited for auction anyway.
Warp to Empire. Air felt serene after so long. Street lunch, back to academy.
But...
"Kyle, vibe's off."
"Yeah. Everyone staring at us?"
"Nah. Just you, junior."
Academy after two weeks: chaotic mess.
"Something happened again, huh..."
One thing sure: I was at the storm's center.