Greenwood Territory (2)
I was in a carriage heading to Greenwood Territory with Scarlet.
The burdensome gaze drilling into my back—no, my temple—continued relentlessly.
...Excuse me, Scarlet? Don't you plan on hiding it?
I'd been pretending not to notice, but her stare clung stubbornly.
Finally unable to endure it, I turned toward her. Sure enough, Scarlet flinched in surprise and whipped her head toward the window, feigning interest in the view.
Ah, this is so awkward.
The moment I turned away, her gaze returned as if she'd been waiting.
Ha... it's burdensome. Why is she acting like this?
Originally, I'd planned to bring Rynel. He could protect me in case of the unexpected.
Just as I was about to tell Elbern it would be Rynel, I felt a gaze and turned to see Scarlet peeking through the slightly ajar door of the audience chamber. Her eyes were more pitiful and desperate than a puppy fearing abandonment by its owner—like they were brimming with unshed tears pleading, Take me with you too... Don't leave me behind.
In the end, completely against plan, I ended up in this carriage to Greenwood Territory with Scarlet.
And even now, her persistent, burdensome stare burrowed into every inch of me.
Astra... from what I see, that executive woman has fallen hard for you.
Ascaros's voice echoed from the shadows, making me furrow my brow slightly.
The tone was serious, but the content was absurd.
Fallen for me? What nonsense?
Scarlet and I had barely interacted, and I figured she was just tense being alone in the carriage with her captain.
Even sealed away for thousands of years, I was quite popular back in my human days. I know a woman's gaze inside out.
Ascaros cited his own romantic history with utter confidence.
Love advice from a millennia-old lich. Right.
As the heavy silence in the carriage dragged on, I finally spoke.
"Scarlet."
At that single word, she jolted, shoulders hunching like a child caught red-handed.
"Do you have something to say to me?"
"N-No, sir!"
Despite her hasty denial, her gaze remained fixed on me.
"Then is there something on my face? Why do you keep staring?"
Scarlet's face flushed crimson in an instant.
The blush spreading from her earlobes to her nape betrayed her fluster.
"Ah... no... it's just..."
At that moment, a servant's voice called from outside the carriage.
"Captain, we've arrived at Greenwood Territory."
"Astra, uh—"
"Scarlet, let's go."
As I stepped out, I glanced back at Scarlet, who sat there dazed.
"What are you doing? Get out."
Under my gaze, her flustered expression deepened as she scrambled out.
She's acting strange. She's not like this in battle...
Her unusually awkward demeanor today made me wonder if she was under the weather.
Lost in thought as I descended, the scenery of Greenwood Territory unfolded before me.
Surrounded by mountains like Cheongam Fortress, but it exuded a cozy warmth rather than grandeur.
"Captain, I'll wait outside."
"Good work."
Just a casual thanks, but the servant's eyes sparkled. He replied with a voice thick with emotion, as if bestowed great honor.
"It's my privilege!"
To them, the captain was godlike.
Even such a small courtesy seemed to hold profound meaning.
Leaving the servant outside, Scarlet and I entered Greenwood Territory.
Just as we headed for the lord's castle, intriguing chatter from merchants by the roadside caught my ear.
"Man, how do they even think of that?"
"Right? Frying precious Wingar—who comes up with that?"
"What was it called... Pride? That one's the best."
"I prefer the seasoned one. That spicy tang really relieves stress."
Wingar.
This world's term for a bird akin to chicken.
Fried Wingar in a medieval fantasy realm of magic and swords?
At "fried" and "seasoned," a vivid image flashed through my mind.
Golden, glossy batter; crispy Wingar; spicy-sweet seasoning tantalizing the tongue...
Imagining that killer visual, saliva flooded my mouth unbidden.
Gulp.
I swallowed reflexively.
As captain, I'd savored the world's finest dishes countless times, but "chicken" clouded my reason.
Yeah...
Even isekai'd into a game world, I could never give up chicken.
That's the eternal truth of a Korean.
Instinctively, I approached the merchants.
"Hey."
They startled at my sudden appearance, falling silent.
"Where's that place you mentioned?"
They exchanged blank looks at my question.
One ventured cautiously.
"Um... you mean... the Wingar fry shop...?"
He eyed my ornate attire, dignified aura, and Scarlet's heavily armored form beside me, sensing high status.
I nodded.
"The Wingar fry place... it's the hottest spot in Greenwood right now..."
Relieved, he smiled and began explaining the location.
Then Scarlet, beside me, suddenly glared at them, eyes wide.
"Insolent! How dare you speak casually to—!"
The merchants flinched at her icy tone.
"It's fine."
I raised a hand to stop her.
Captain's authority?
Chicken mattered more right now.
"Can you show us the way?"
The merchant nodded and led on.
Scarlet followed, still glaring discontentedly.
Thus, instead of the lord's castle, we headed to the Wingar fry shop.
Soon, we arrived at Greenwood's "hottest" Wingar fry joint.
A long line snaked out front.
A testament to its popularity.
I peeked inside.
Sizzling oil and crispy Wingar aromas assaulted my senses.
"The line's long, but I guarantee—no regrets once you taste it."
I agreed.
Wingar—or chicken—was worth any wait.
Without Domain of the Absolute's composure buff, my face would be ecstatic.
"As thanks for guiding us, Scarlet."
"Yes, Captain."
She grasped my intent instantly, pulling gold coins from her pouch and handing one to each merchant.
"Gasp!"
Their eyes bulged at the gold.
One coin equaled a commoner's monthly living.
"Th-This is too much..."
"Go on."
At Scarlet's cold command, they bowed hastily and fled.
They'd never know the man they'd chatted with was Jin Gang Regiment's captain, far above their dreaded lord.
"Captain, shall I clear the way?"
"No. Chicken tastes best after the wait."
Scarlet stared, eyes round in confusion.
I ignored her and took my place at the line's end.
Jin Gang's captain queuing at a common fry shop...
No one would believe it.
Scarlet looked dissatisfied but silently followed.
We waited quite a while.
My nose endured endless torment from the savory, crispy scent.
After repeated olfactory torture, our turn came.
"Welcome!"
The owner's cheerful voice greeted us.
Scarlet and I entered.
I swiftly claimed the prime corner seat overlooking the shop.
Sitting, I pored over the menu.
Pride Wingar, Seasoned Wingar, Soy Wingar, Spicy Wingar, Wingar Fry Rice Bowl, Wingar Fry Set, Wingar Fry Salad...
I want it all. But the stomach has limits...
"Hmm..."
After intense scrutiny, I decided.
"One whole Pride Wingar and one Seasoned Wingar."
"Pardon?"
The server blinked at my attire and Scarlet's intimidating presence, then nodded.
"Got it! One Pride, one Seasoned—right away!"
Soon, golden Pride Wingar arrived.
Glossy yellow batter, crispy Wingar, spicy-sweet aroma. I couldn't hold back.
As I lifted a piece to bite—
BAM!!!
The door flew open, kicked violently, as a man stormed in.
All eyes turned amid the commotion.
His luxurious garb screamed high status.
Fabric quality, jewels, gear—all worlds apart from common folk.
Armed guards flanked him with fierce glares.
"I'm here—why no escort? What is this?"
The cooking owner paled at his face and hurried over.
"Welcome, Lord Lihen. An honor to have you."
"Hah, made me wait, so I came in. No issue?"
"P-Pardon? Haha... of course not."
The owner's laugh dripped tension.
"Heard Wingar fry's popular, so I grace this dump—filthy and tacky, as expected of plebs."
"Hahaha, we're sorely lacking for nobility."
"Then show basic courtesy!"
The owner faltered.
"Wh-What would that be...?"
"Hah, typical plebs—explain everything. Eat with these vermin? Clear 'em out!"
The owner scanned helplessly, then bowed to customers.
"Everyone... sorry... so sorry..."
His guards gripped sword hilts, glaring threats.
Chaos erupted; patrons screamed and fled.
Scarlet and I stayed seated, of course.
Who the hell is this interrupting my meal?
Haven had no nobles—just lords, captains, monarch. Probably the lord's son to rampage like this in Greenwood.
Daughter's sick, but no son discipline?
The lord's image soured in my mind.
Lihen's gaze landed on us.
"You two—what? Want to die?"
"Arrogant."
"Arrogant? Not to me, I hope?"
"Didn't hear? Then again: stop your impudence and get out."
"Who do you think I am!"
Lihen turned to his guards.
"What are you waiting for? I was insulted—chop off that bastard's limbs now!"
Guards drew blades at his order.
As Scarlet moved to intervene, I raised a hand.
I rose slowly.
Coldly eyeing the swords aimed at me.
"Hmm..."
I murmured lowly.
"Then you know who I am and that's why you're doing this?"