Chapter 86
Chapter 86
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: The Shape of the Unknown
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The guards at the First Inner Citadel Gate, the passage connecting the central district and the High Clan Street, were dressed differently from those at the Second Inner Citadel Gate.
The Second had worn a mix of plate and chain armor, but these were clad head to toe in full plate armor.
Moreover, they were Professionals faintly enveloped in an aura.
Isilite's mouth fell slightly open in surprise at the sight.
Of the two guards working in pairs, only one was a Professional, but the fact that they were using one as a mere guard left her stunned beyond belief.
'It resembles late medieval European plate armor in many ways.'
Infantry plate armor, as opposed to cavalry, was mass-produced. That was why it often only protected up to the knees or shins, but the guard before him was covered from head to toe in plate.
Moreover, it seemed to prioritize appearance over performance, customized to fit the body's contours.
Even the sabatons weren't pointed at the toes but blunt like shoes.
The female guard, who looked like a knight with her gray hair neatly tied back, checked the temporary pass Hwan-in had presented and spoke.
"You're here for ID issuance. Confirmed. Proceed straight down the main road, and you'll reach the administrative office. Get your IDs there. And do not stray from the main road. This is a warning."
Hwan-in nodded, took back his temporary pass, and passed the guards to enter the High Clan Street, which was even more impeccably paved than the central district.
'Feels like an affluent neighborhood in America.'
There were few carriages or pedestrians on the main road, and no shops or stalls in sight.
All that was visible were waist-high walls or hedges revealing glimpses of refined two- or three-story mansions and their gardens.
The mansions were grand estates spanning hundreds of pyeong, the kind you'd see in upscale American residential areas.
Amid the feast of magnificent mansions, Isilite looked around in admiration.
"Wow... Using Professionals as guards is surprising enough, but the interior is even more lavish. But why can't we stray from the main road?"
"It means don't tarnish the street's dignity."
"Pardon?"
Hwan-in explained more plainly for Isilite, who clearly hadn't grasped the answer.
"The privileged classes don't want common plebeians dirtying the streets they walk."
"...Seriously? They won't even let us walk?"
A faint smirk tugged at Hwan-in's lips as Isilite looked around in horror.
"Looks like you haven't experienced the possessiveness, self-consciousness, or chosen-people mentality of the wealthy yet."
"Master. What's self-consciousness and chosen-people mentality?"
"..."
He glanced at Isilite walking beside her. She raised her eyebrows slightly, her eyes wide like a doe, as if saying, I really don't know.
Seeing the emergency rations dozing on her ample bosom, Hwan-in turned his gaze forward and said.
"I'm a Soul Shaman. I know a thing or two about fighting and can provide decent support."
"Yes."
Not 'a thing or two.' She desperately wanted to point that out but held her tongue, waiting quietly for him to continue.
"Becoming aware of yourself through experiences like this—that's self-consciousness. Now imagine someone kicking you, hitting you, and berating you: 'How dare a thieving wretch walk beside me?'"
"Master wouldn't do that..."
"I said imagine."
"..."
"That attitude where the wealthy or high-status look down on the lowly, going beyond disdain to feel a sense of superiority as if it's natural—that's chosen-people mentality."
"So, it's when arrogant jerks bully the poor because they think they're better. Wow, the people living here must be real jerks."
"Not necessarily."
"...Huh?"
"It could be to guard against thieves who steal or people who litter."
Hwan-in could almost see the confusion swirling in Isilite's head as she scratched it.
So are they jerks or not?
Not inclined to answer, Hwan-in crossed the broad avenue-like road and gazed at the massive gate in the distance, complete with a moat and drawbridge.
The gate stood nearly 20 meters tall.
'A castle in the literal sense.'
What kind of lifestyle did the castle's owner lead? Medieval vibes? Or modern sensibilities blended with medieval?
As he pondered while walking, a three-story white marble building beside the drawbridge came into view.
It was distinctly governmental, unlike the other mansions.
A small park out front was landscaped with trees, flowers, and fountains. Nobles in fine attire came and went from the marble structure...
"That must be the administrative office."
"Whoa! It's marble."
Before entering, Hwan-in stopped Isilite near the fountain and spoke.
"Normally, I wouldn't ask this. But considering what Abbot personally gave me and the resolve you've shown until reaching Wayford, I'll ask one last time. Think carefully before you answer."
"Yes, sir!"
"Will you continue to serve me? Or will you go your own way?"
As Isilite stared blankly, Hwan-in circled the grand fountain—carved with dynamic figures of men and women—and elaborated.
"If you choose to go, I'll forget the past and let you leave. I'll even ask Ssa to help you get a proper job instead of thieving."
Isilite opened her mouth to speak hastily, but Hwan-in raised a hand to silence her, narrowing her eyes.
"Hic!"
He continued as she hiccuped in surprise.
"But if you follow me, I can't guarantee your life. I have multiple goals, one of which is exploring high-grade labyrinths. At your level, death could come anytime."
"..."
At first, Isilite reflexively wanted to shout, "I'll follow you even to death!" to please her. But his sincere words—rarer than she'd ever heard—pierced her heart, sealing her lips.
She sank deep into thought.
What do I want? How?
Master purified Abbot's lingering soul and blessed me multiple times, so I won't fall to the abyss.
If I want a normal, comfortable life, choose the first option...
Listening to the trickling water, Hwan-in heard Isilite's resolute voice.
"I'll follow you, Master."
"Even if it ends in death on the road?"
"I'm not smart. I'm dumb and uneducated. But... Abbot told me to stick to you, and if I hadn't met you that day, I'd have died someday—stabbed in the back on the street, sliced by some unexpected powerhouse, or hanged on the city walls by the regular army."
"..."
"That would've been a dog's death, unnoticed by anyone. But dying with you in a labyrinth... A filthy beggar girl from the slums dying as a Soul Shaman's maid—that's a death people will acknowledge. I... I want to die by your side, even if it kills me."
"Fine. Do as you wish."
"Yes, sir!"
Beaming with joy at his permission, Isilite followed her into the administrative office.
Hwan-in's mind was a bit conflicted inwardly.
As Ssa and Brillit had assessed, Isilite wasn't good at deception. Knowing her words were sincere stirred something odd in him.
Die by my side, even in death.
"..."
Shaking off deepening thoughts, Hwan-in entered the office—which resembled a community center—and registered himself and Isilite.
Using Ssa's letter of introduction and the temporary pass as guarantor, and paying 1 gold—50 silver each—they received pale purple metal tags the size of two fingers, plus a 40-silver refund for the pass issuance.
The 1mm-thick tags bore the issuance date, location, owner's name, and at the bottom, guarantor Ssa's name and the seal of 4th-grade Ho Clan Aldjin Bere.
'Identification tag.'
Recalling the damned thing he'd worn around his neck during military service, Hwan-in turned to leave when he sensed a tug on his sleeve.
Isilite pointed at the office with a flustered face.
"Master, you didn't do the unilateral subordination curse contract."
"No need."
Shaking off her hand, Hwan-in exited. Isilite stared blankly before rushing after her, panicked.
"Why? What if I betray you?"
"Will you?"
"No!"
"Then we're good."
Is that it...? Isilite snapped out of it, protesting.
"Master, why the sudden change of heart?"
Hwan-in had tested her.
Had she begged to be released, he'd have let her go as promised—arranging a job via Ssa and sharing some coin.
Had she agreed without hesitation, he'd have taken her along under a unilateral subordination contract.
But she'd pondered his question seriously and bared her true feelings.
That was why.
Like his relationship with the emergency rations evolving from predator-prey, this was a whim to trust Isilite once.
"I've decided to trust you, for now."
"...!"
Of course, complete trust wasn't an option for the perpetually suspicious Hwan-in.
It was simply more convenient than mutual suspicion—a relationship with some faith and trust.
Undeniably, she'd earned a measure of it.
Back at Olts Hotel, Hwan-in immediately had a maid prepare a bath, savoring the bliss of washing after nearly three months.
"Hoo..."
Soaking in hot water, arms outstretched in the tub, all stray thoughts and worries melted away.
"Is the water too hot?"
"It's fine."
Replying to the hotel maid attending him, Hwan-in closed his eyes and propped his legs on the tub's edge.
He'd wiped down daily with wet cloths, but for someone with modern sensibilities, it wasn't enough.
'A bath has to be like this—immersed in scalding water. At least a daily shower...'
To manage that, he'd need to buy a house. Or stay at inns/hotels with such systems.
The hotel maid adjusting the water and massaging his arms and shoulders gently lifted his head onto her cleavage, kneading his neck, shoulders, and temples with a subtle purr.
"Sir, we offer paid services during baths... Care to try?"
Judging by the plush sensation on his occiput, "paid services" implied exactly what he thought.
"Intriguing. But next time."
The maid in Victorian attire with a cap feigned forehead massage, pressing his head firmer into her bosom, and said wistfully.
"What a shame... Call for me then? I'll serve you wholeheartedly."
"Your name, miss?"
"Wenna."
"I'll remember."
Her beast ears were hidden under the cap, tail under the long skirt emphasizing modesty, but her lush blonde hair and beauty mark under her left eye screamed allure.
Her looks were slightly above this world's average. Plenty of warmth down below too—tempting enough, but he had to visit Ssa's soon.
After Hwan-in bathed, Isilite went in. Once both were ready, Ssa arrived precisely on time in a carriage.
Not a wagon—a luxury carriage like those he'd seen escaping Rehil.
Entering through the coachman's opened door, Ssa—dressed like a 16th-century European nobleman—beckoned with a smile.
"Oh! New hooded cloak. As expected... Buying from a renowned city brand—your eye is unparalleled, Mr. Hwan-in."
Isilite, following, scowled and chided her flattery.
"Quit the bootlicking, you sycophant. We bought it from a random tailor on the way. Brand, my foot."
"Heavens! Have you lived a life of deceit? Ruardo Tailor Shop is the brand of brands, even commissioned by High Clan folk! ...Anyway, cleaned up and dressed nicely, you're at least presentable—not embarrassing Mr. Hwan-in."
"Good to hear."
"..."
Ssa had baited for outrage but got sincerity, leaving him awkwardly sheepish.
"Your outfit looks sharp too, Mr. Ssa."
"Nonsense. It's comical, unable to match the hem of Mr. Hwan-in's sophistication."
He grinned bashfully. White boots to the knees, wide green trousers, vest, and coat—it was straight out of a 16th-century stage costume.
'Wonder who popularized that style.'
The carriage headed west along the main road. Ssa's home wasn't High Clan mansion-tier but a respectable three-story luxury house with high walls and at least 15 rooms.
His occasional tales during travel hinted at wealth, and it matched.
Disembarking at the entrance, they entered the front gate into a small hall where eight maids and servants bowed in unison.
Two women and two children approached from the hall's center.
One was Brillit in light riding breeches. The other, a fragile beauty in a Victorian-esque dress.
Ssa swiftly positioned himself between them, hand on chest, bowing deeply.
"Welcome. We honor your visit, Mr. Hwan-in."
"Welcome."
"Welcome."
"Thank you for the gracious reception."
Hwan-in mirrored, hand on chest with a slight nod, as Ssa beamed joyously.
"Less than half a day apart, and it feels awkward saying this, but I'm thrilled to see you. Inviting you fills me with joy."
"Not at all. Having someone invite me so warmly eases the loneliness of travel. And these folks beside you?"
"My family. This is my wife, Anplind. You know Brillit. Here, the rascal is our eldest son Jileu; the little lady is Eara, my children. Ann, Jileu, Eara—this is Mr. Hwan-in, the noble traveler we bonded with on this journey, walking the path of souls. Greet him."
The beauty introduced as his wife bowed deeply, her voice soft yet faintly weak.
"Anplind here. Thank you for saving my husband from peril time and again."
Up close, her fragility was outright sickly.
Her autumn-rice hair was lavishly piled up, makeup a bit heavy, but it couldn't hide her pallor.
Moreover...
'Her warmth is only a quarter of other women's. Low innate vitality causes frailty?'
Yet her beauty was top-tier—one of the finest he'd seen here.
"Hello! I'm Eara."
"I'm Jileu!"
The boy and girl proved Ssa and Anplind's offspring: Jileu a round-cheeked kitten-like boy, Eara already showing budding beauty like her mother despite her youth.
"Pleased to meet you. Hwan-in."
Removing his hood to greet, Ssa's children gasped softly, eyes sparkling.
Too shy to speak, they peeked from behind Anplind's skirt upon eye contact.
Chuckling at their cuteness, Ssa led Hwan-in courteously.
"No standing about—let's to the dining room. My wife and chefs prepared for you today. I hope it suits your palate."
"Looking forward to the culinary skill."
The dining room was set for ten, with intricate rust-red wallpaper and patterns catching light from a small chandelier, creating a unique ambiance.
At the center, a 5m rectangular table groaned under dishes far beyond "a little effort."
No nearby lake or sea, yet a massive fish—man-sized trunk—sizzled golden, steaming. Golden turkey, veggies, fruits filled the spread.
Candleholders gleamed on the food, making it all the more appetizing. Isilite poked Brillit's side.
"Ssa's loaded, huh?"
"Mr. Ssa's a renowned figure in the city. Not someone a wretch like you should address casually."
"My master's greater than Ssa."
"It's the Soul Shaman who's great—not you."
"Heard Ho Clan mutts can't touch High Clan?"
"..."
How does she say that so casually?
Brillit gaped at Isilite, who ignored her, fidgeting at the table's foot, waiting for Hwan-in to lift fork and knife.