Chapter 74
Chapter 74 - Unexpected Reunion(2)
One of my main concerns was the exact whereabouts of my companions.
With no other way to get news, I'm heading to the Valley of the Dead. It's been almost 3 months since I parted ways with them.
'Of course, the group wouldn't have just stayed idle during that time.'
Someone must have passed the test and gotten out. Or like Seolbaek, they might have escaped without passing. There's no penalty for that anyway.
Given how much time has passed, the likelihood of them still staying in the Valley of the Dead is actually quite low.
"So. Where are they now?"
"Probably... the Frog Human and Dwarf old man are still in the Valley of the Dead."
"...Huh?"
This was unexpected.
I raised my eyebrows questioningly, and Jena shrunk back fearfully as she spoke.
"When we escaped that hell... those two were still attempting the test."
"Really...?"
I think I just heard the words 'hell' and 'escape'.
Hell, huh. Well, aside from Halcenberg, it is the most difficult testing ground. Maybe it's natural.
No, wait. Since Halcenberg is essentially an irregular testing ground, this would be the top in difficulty among current testing grounds.
'... Don't tell me. They're still struggling there?'
Bewildered, I asked urgently.
"... When did you escape from there?"
"It hasn't even been a month yet."
"Did you pass the test?"
"My brother barely passed... but I didn't. Rather, my brother saved me when I was about to die, and we escaped right then."
"Hmm."
Passing the most difficult testing ground - seems like her brother is quite capable.
... Maybe having someone to protect brings out superhuman strength. I thought this while quietly observing Jena's dejected appearance.
"...Huh?"
Then suddenly. I realized something and quickly asked Jena.
"Just Skalo and Aldcon? Then what about Cessna... the blue-hair woman? Where is she?"
"Th-that person is probably in Marktress."
"Is that true?! Where! Where is she now?!!"
Bang! I slammed the table in excitement without realizing.
Jena let out a frightened "Heek!" She nodded her head vigorously and barely managed to speak in a tearful voice.
"Y-yes! That nice sister passed the test early and said she was going to Marktress! I-I only heard that much, so I don't know the details!"
"O-okay. Don't be so scared, I won't eat you."
"Yes..."
At my words, Jena's tearful eyes relaxed a bit. Only then did I let out a complicated sigh.
I got excited thinking that one of my few acquaintances from this world was nearby.
"Ah. But, she also said this."
As I was scratching my complicated head, Jena suddenly spoke up.
That look in her eyes and expression.
She knows something.
I gave Jena a look urging her to tell me the truth.
After being lost in thought for a moment, Jena looked straight at me.
"That sister said with a serious expression. That she had something she absolutely had to do in this world..."
"... Something she had to do?"
This doesn't sound good. That carefree woman having something serious she needs to do? I can't even imagine it.
Unconsciously anticipating the worst situation, at that moment. Jena's mouth slowly opened.
"She said she's going on a journey to learn cooking."
"...What?"
"The capital Crossfade is famous for having many delicious delicacies."
"..."
"As soon as she heard that from the Valley of the Dead supervisor... she said she was going to Marktress."
No, fucking wait.
Is there something wrong with my ears? What nonsense is this?
Going to Marktress makes sense. After all, from that country you can go to the Dragon Empire and one other place.
But what came after is the problem.
There are so many things I want to ask that I don't even know where to start.
Feeling dizzy, I held my forehead and asked.
"... Cooking? Why suddenly learn cooking? Is cooking a required course for heroes these days?"
"W-well... I thought brother would know better."
What's this now?
Is today some kind of special episode of 'The Golden Bell Challenge'? Why does everyone I meet keep turning our conversations into a quiz show? [TL/N: A quiz based show]
I raised my voice a bit in frustration.
"How would I know! I haven't even met her since the Trial Veil!"
"She said she made a promise with brother at that very Trial Veil."
"...Huh?"
"I heard she promised to serve you delicious food. A plain-looking man with black hair... isn't that you, brother?"
"..."
"That sister always smiled when talking about you. I was even jealous."
Ah. Aah.
I covered my forehead.
Finally, I could grasp the full story.
'... This is crazy. She took that joke seriously?'
―Learn to cook. Make me a hearty meal later. As much as I received here.
The voice ringing in my head is none other than my own.
Words I had thrown out jokingly while pushing Cessna through the gate.
'This robot-like person who's naive and honest and doesn't understand jokes.'
In social life, there are idioms.
When parting with an awkward friend you haven't seen in a while, it's common courtesy to say 'Let's have a meal sometime!' but you never actually meet again for that meal.
It's just a cliché that people agree to say.
"My head hurts..."
I muttered those words while letting out a heavy sigh.
'Phew. Calm down. That's not what's important right now.'
Only after a long while did I finally manage to get over the shock.
After organizing my thoughts, I suddenly remembered my original purpose of talking with this red-haired elf girl here.
"Ahem."
I cleared my throat to set the mood. Jena glanced at me while nibbling on the remaining food.
"Alright Jena. Where is your brother now?"
"He... went out for work and hasn't... come back yet."
"Work? What kind?"
"That's...."
Jena's voice trails off. And again, shadows fell across her face.
Just when I thought she might cry again. At that moment.
Jena slowly shook her head and opened her mouth.
"I don't know. Brother... hasn't really told me about his work since coming here."
"Hmm."
Must be some shady work.
Just from that reaction, I can pretty much figure out what's going on. The angle is so perfect that I don't even need to ask more.
If that's the case, the possibility that Jena's brother is the man I'm looking for has increased. This is a good sign.
Jena's brother has turned to the dark side. Taking that as a given, I thought of the next question.
"Alright Jena. Your brother... wait."
I can't remember the brother's name. Surely his name must be on the list?
I reached under the table and quickly glanced at the list.
[32. Zenon - Slum District 3, Alley 8, Shack. Lives with sister.]
So his name was Zenon. I nodded and continued my question.
"Right. Zenon. Has he shown any strange behavior lately?"
"Strange... behavior? In what way?"
"Any way. Just tell me whatever comes to mind."
"Strange behavior... ah."
Jena, who had been lost in thought, suddenly opened her eyes wide. But when our eyes met, she averted her gaze and closed her mouth.
She must have thought of something. But she seems to be hesitating whether she should tell me.
'That means. It must be important information.'
That's exactly the kind of information I wanted.
The kind of information that makes you wonder if others should hear it.
After slightly raising the corner of my mouth for a moment. I hardened my expression as much as possible and started thinking sad thoughts.
"Please, Jena. Someone's life is at stake."
I leaned forward towards Jena and clasped her hands tightly.
She flinched for a moment. But seeing my desperate face, the tension gradually left her eyes. She must have read the sincerity in my gaze.
Her gradually opening mouth was trembling.
"L-life?"
"Yes. Someone precious to me is in danger. So won't you tell me?"
"B-but... brother told me not to...."
"They're truly precious to me. Just like your brother is precious to you."
"... Ugh."
I wasn't lying. After all, I'm most precious to myself.
Whether my expression looked pitiful, or my manipulation involving her brother worked well. My act soon bore fruit.
After contemplating for a while, Jena finally closed her eyes tightly as if giving up.
"A-actually... recently brother started bringing home a lot of money. An enormous amount."
"He's bringing home a lot of money?"
"Yes. He said he found a reliable business partner...."
"Business partner...."
"H-he told me... if this job goes well... we might be able to leave the shantytown and proudly buy a house."
That line is beyond dropping hints - it's practically giving away the answer.
Zenon, whose face I barely remember. Your circumstantial evidence is way too suspicious.
No matter how I think about it, that business partner must be related to my death.
'Just what kind of work are you doing, you bastard.'