Chapter 75
Chapter 75
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: The Impulse Subsides
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The impulse subsided. Reason took control of her body. It had happened the moment she peered into Cal's eyes.
She thought of Silder. They weren't similar at all, but those eyes reminded her of him.
The meaning was clear. The man before her was truly dangerous. It was time for calm judgment. What should she do with him?
In the end, she let go of her sword. Instead of murderous intent, she gifted him a smile.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You did well. My head isn't worth much. Taking it wouldn't gain you anything."
"Enough with the nonsense. Let's each go our own way."
She gave Cal a nod with her eyes and pulled away. Killing him would be easy, but the aftermath was the problem with a man like this.
Cal had foreseen his death. And yet he remained composed. Touching someone like that would only bring loss. She needed to investigate his background thoroughly before dealing with him.
"Since you've shelved those thoughts, let's part amicably. We can even have a pleasant chat."
"I have nothing to say."
"Then listen to me. I'm known for telling stories in an entertaining way. You'll never regret hearing me out..."
Cal fell silent. Someone was approaching from the opposite direction. A man on horseback. He seemed to be in a hurry, pushing his speed even in the murky night.
"I can't see clearly, but he looks familiar somehow."
She could make out the man's features clearly even from afar, but there was no need to explain. She pretended not to know and urged her horse forward.
Soon, they crossed paths with the oncoming rider.
"Uh, uh, uh!"
The man let out a dumb sound and reined in his horse. She glanced at Cal and said,
"Looks like you know him."
"Yes, I know him well. He's good at his job, but a pitiful friend lacking any tact."
The man turned his horse around and approached the two.
"You saw me and just passed by!"
The approaching man shouted.
"Deong, you fool. Can't you tell at a glance? When I'm enjoying a ride with a beautiful lady, you should pretend not to notice and keep going. Tsk tsk, that's why people say you have no sense."
"Is that something you should say?"
She addressed the grumbling man.
"Let me apologize on behalf of this rude fellow."
"No need. There's no reason for you, miss, to apologize."
"Unfortunately, I'm not married yet. Come to think of it, I'm well past marriageable age."
"I've been impolite, miss. My eyesight is poor, so I make mistakes often."
"It's fine. More importantly, do you two work together?"
She smiled at Cal. But he didn't flinch. Instead, he met her gaze with a pleased smile.
"He's my senior from Wolfji. But whatever you do, don't fall for him. This senior is just bad luck."
"Is that so."
"He only knows how to order people around without looking after them. And how he chases women..."
"You two must get along really well. To say such things without hesitation."
"Misunderstanding. I'm just speaking the truth. So miss, you absolutely mustn't fall for this senior. You'll regret it and beat the ground later."
The man said to Cal,
"Anyway, I've done my part. As promised, I'm on leave for three days, so don't come looking for me. See you in three days. Be careful on your way, miss."
The man spurred his horse and left. Cal smacked his lips and said,
"Forget everything that guy said. He was half-mad from work. Normally, he respects and follows me so much... Hey? Dianne?"
She ignored Cal's call and pressed forward.
The man they'd just passed was definitely from Bluebutton. How much did Cal know, and how deeply?
She needed to hurry. She'd take Inebil back to Silder Territory and begin the investigation. Countermeasures had to be prepared too.
"Come along!"
She snapped the reins to pick up speed. Facing the biting cold wind, she galloped down the straight path.
Some time later, lights came into view. It was Bluebutton.
"It would've been better if it were early evening."
She'd deliberately pushed hard, but hadn't shaken Cal off.
The horse she rode was panting heavily with its mouth agape, while the one he rode breathed steadily.
She dismounted. Her destination was set.
She headed to the village's only inn. There was Ran, boasting his rust-red fur.
"Long time no see."
She stroked Ran's long neck.
Ran stared at her with black eyes, then perked up his ears and brought his face close. A sign of affection.
If she had time, she'd groom his mane, but not now.
Leaving Cal's staring gaze behind, she entered the inn. A man and woman sat at a table. Inebil spotted her, eyes widening in surprise as he jumped up.
"Master. How did you...?"
He looked dumbfounded. She approached, pinched his cheek, then greeted the two seated men.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Dianne. Also this rascal's guardian."
"I've heard a lot about you. I'm Lander."
The cloaked man spoke first. Lander. The reason Inebil had bolted from the territory.
She lightly gripped Lander's offered hand. Firm, but not rough.
Doesn't look like hands that've long held weapons. If she hadn't been briefed beforehand, she'd have pegged him as just a sturdy man.
She turned to the remaining one. A man in his early to mid-forties. But his face was familiar. If she smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead and brow just a bit...
"If my memory serves, you're the one I met at Korn Lake."
She spoke first.
"I was wondering too. Never expected to meet here."
Now she realized why the name 'Guchi' rang a bell. To reunite here with the bumbling hunter stranded in the frontier.
"What brings you here?"
Inebil asked with a joyful face.
"What else? To fetch my runaway colt."
"I thought you'd leave me be until I returned."
"That was the plan. But circumstances changed."
"Circumstances? What happened? Something with Silder?"
"Even when I tell you to show respect, you never listen."
"Silder's Silder. Anyway, tell me. Did something happen because of me?"
"Not that, so don't worry. Above all, I'm not so sloppy that your absence would cause problems in the territory."
She nodded toward the inn door.
"Right now?"
"It's not urgent, but no time to spare either. Any reason you can't leave?"
"Not really, but."
Inebil glanced at Lander. He must like him a lot. Hesitating at the word to go home.
"We're fine. Please head back."
Lander said.
"My creed is to help to the end once I commit."
"Your intentions are enough. And if help was coming, it's here now, so rest easy."
Cal, who had been standing quietly behind, approached Lander with arms wide.
"A leisurely vacation is nice, but being by your side is far more fun, Lander. Amazing things are about to happen. Long time no see, Guchi."
"Long time? Feels like less than a month."
Cal hugged Lander while shaking hands with Guchi.
She eyed the three men. Cal flaunting familiarity alone was noteworthy. What had they been up to here?
"I should say goodbye too."
Inebil lightly hugged Lander, then opened his arms to Guchi. Guchi backed away saying no need, but Inebil chased and hugged him.
"I'll wrap up our business quickly and come back here. Master said it's nothing major, so it'll be fast."
"Don't worry about us and focus on your side. Rest well while you're at it. Time to part ways, no?"
"Hearing that from you makes me even more determined to return. Anyway, I have things to learn from Lander, so I'll come back no matter what. Leave a note when you leave, or wait for me."
Inebil dashed to his room to pack. Seeing her innocent disciple eased her taut nerves.
She spoke to Lander.
"I heard. That our side was rude. Allow me to apologize here."
"Water under the bridge."
"You're very understanding. I hear your skills are impressive too."
"Enough to protect myself."
As soon as Lander finished, Cal and Guchi clicked their tongues in unison.
"Modesty like that is just playing around. Right, Guchi?"
"What can I say? If he says so."
Lander smiled as if to brush it off. She considered probing their relationship but held back. It'd give him an opening.
"It'd be great if Dianne stayed the night and chatted with us."
Cal spoke up.
"I'd love to, but time's tight. We can meet anytime, so next time."
"Promises with beauties are always welcome."
Inebil returned with his luggage. Even the halberd he'd neglected was with him.
"Lander, old man. If it seems dangerous, wait for me."
"Quit talking nonsense and go."
"I can see you're disappointed. Anyway, stay healthy while I'm gone. Eat breakfast properly. Don't forget it's more important as you age."
"What nagging."
Inebil flashed a bright smile at Guchi and came to her side.
She stared at the grinning Cal, then nodded to the remaining two.
"Let's go."
They left the inn.
"Master, you take Ran. I'll use this one."
"No need. Ran's yours now."
"Don't regret it."
Still cheeky as ever.
Mounted, she glanced at the two-story house atop the hill. Where it all began, and now a place that must be destroyed.
"It's dark, so follow carefully."
"I'll stick right behind you, Master. No worries."
They left Bluebutton. The kid's stamina was unmatched, so she'd endure a night march.
Night deepened, and dawn's damp air wetted their faces. Her quietly following disciple drew alongside.
"You're not mad, right?"
"Does it seem that way?"
"A little. You seem worried too."
"I'm wondering when you'll finally mature, that's the worry."
"Can't promise that. You know my personality."
Her cheerful reply made her laugh despite herself.
"Yeah. I know well. Knowing, I still kept you close. Silder too."
"You know I really like and respect you, Master?"
"What's this flattery? Scared of a scolding when we get back?"
"Laying the groundwork early."
"It works, somewhat."
Inebil began recounting what happened after fleeing the territory.
How amazing Lander's skills were, how kind Guchi was—it came through even in words.
"Domain and Posture."
"You know it too, Master?"
"Somewhat. But it's useless now."
"Huh?"
"In the new horizon I saw, such concepts are meaningless. Overwhelming speed and power. That's all there is."
"True enough."
"And you'll realize it soon too. How foolish all that past training was."
"You're scaring me, Master. Sounds like brutal training awaits."
Inebil looked up at the sky and said,
"Actually, I saw something really horrific."
"Horrific?"
"Yeah. There's a two-story house in that village, and in its basement was something truly bizarre."
"Yeah?"
"I don't even want to describe it. Master, if you have time later, help Lander out. It's personal, so I can't say now, but once you hear the situation, you'll want to help too."
"I'll think about it."
She lightly kicked her horse's flank to speed up. She didn't want to show her face to her disciple now. It was probably twisted in a scowl.
The two-story house had been discovered. And Cal and Lander. The damn Master's consideration was about to cause trouble.
"Inebil. We need to hurry."
She ground her teeth thinking of the absent Master.
(To be continued next time)