Chapter 68
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Stop the Bullying! (10)
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Bayard walked past Yana, heading forward. I immediately stayed close by her side. Because I could see it. Her legs were still trembling.
Fear ingrained from long ago is hard to shake off. Even so, Bayard choosing to press on made her remarkable. That meant I had a duty to support her from the side.
So that those fragile steps wouldn't falter.
Neither Bayard nor I said a word as we entered the cabin. There, looking out the window, was Yuyeong.
I'd heard they hadn't seen each other in ages. Yet Bayard recognized her right away. Yuyeong must have sensed the gaze too, as she slowly turned her head to meet eyes.
"This is an unexpected reunion."
"……."
"Clearing up a misunderstanding isn't that big a deal."
Sincere advice slipped from my lips. Misunderstandings pile up and turn into some kind of emotion. It could become hatred or anger. But it never lasts forever.
"A heartfelt conversation is enough to sort it out. Otherwise, it'll just keep building."
"That's……."
"It might become something that can't be resolved with words. You know that, right?"
Neither Yuyeong nor Bayard could respond to my words. Because they both knew. The Royal Knights had been completely wiped out on that expedition. But was it the awkwardness?
They spent a long time in silence, just dealing with the uncomfortable stares. Just as I was about to say something out of frustration at the sight, Bayard spoke up.
"H-Have you been well?"
"Bayard, you……."
Yuyeong kept a nonchalant expression. But her voice mixed joy and complexity. We couldn't resolve everything right then. I knew that.
But as time passed and they understood each other's circumstances, they could unravel it bit by bit. So, I had to do what I needed to. I stepped outside.
Time Stop
The world loses its color, replaced by gray. All movement halts.
And I could see it. That presence in the corner.
Ah, fuck, you startled me.
What the hell is that?
I'd sensed movement outside, so I figured someone was up to something and stopped time. Never thought there'd be someone in the room. Really caught me off guard.
Looking closer, it was huddled up like some snake. A snake beastkin? But if a snake tribesman was here, that meant the snake tribe hadn't betrayed us?
This was another surprise. I'd been sure one of the six betraying tribes was the snakes. Anyway, I immediately dragged the huddled figure out from the corner.
"Heavier than expected."
It was wedged in there on purpose; pulling it down wasn't easy. For about ten minutes, it was like hanging from a pull-up bar—I had to dangle almost fully to finally yank it down.
But that wasn't the end. Now I had to drag this thing outside. I let out a sigh. Today, I was really craving a smoke. But what could I do?
I didn't want to ruin my old friends' reunion, so I had no choice. I dragged the corner-dweller outside. After struggling to haul it out...
What the hell.
Outside, Yana and the beastkin warriors had surrounded the entrance like they were besieging it. This was insane—in this situation, they had to go this far? Were they crazy?
I examined each one carefully. Armed to the teeth, they'd even sent a spy inside. And every single glare was downright ferocious.
Everything else aside, I couldn't ignore the fact they were drawing and holding weapons. No matter how I looked at it, this wasn't a joke. In the end, I had to make a decision.
"No choice."
I drew the sword from my waist. Then I started severing the arms of the warriors in front, one by one. I threw everything I had into it.
What if there were monsters in Lionheart Fortress? Or something else? Unable to shake the thought, I kept searching for over thirty minutes with time frozen.
But I found nothing in the end. That meant they were after us. And I had zero confidence in subduing them head-on.
Still, I couldn't just kill them outright. So, as a compromise, I chose to cut off their arms. One by one, meticulously. It was no easy task.
Psychological repulsion aside.
I kept wondering if this was the right thing.
But right now, I needed conviction.
Not some complacent "probably not" attitude.
Because with that, I couldn't do a damn thing.
Aspiring to beautifully shining stars is no sin.
For beastkin not chosen, looking up to the selected Twelve Tribes from the ground was everything. Someday, I want to shine like them too. That was their sole wish.
Then opportunity knocked. A chance to befriend the heir of the Rat Tribe, the pinnacle of the Twelve Tribes. For their lower tribe, it was...
Even if it meant licking boots, they had to impress the Twelve Tribes somehow. That was the only way to survive the harsh storms. But Yana thought differently.
Not for the tribe's better future.
She wanted a true lord to serve with all her heart. Even if not the moon itself. She hoped to become a star shining alongside the moon.
[I wish to serve you as my lord.]
And fortunately, Yana met her lord. One worth staking everything on. From then on, she served him with utmost devotion.
For example, dealing with trash harassing her lord.
For example, handling the clueless Bear Tribe fool.
For example, carrying out her lord's wishes.
Of course, the second one was a bit tough. The oblivious Bear Tribe kept clinging on. Sorry to her lord, but she used his name. No choice.
Her lord would surely understand. He'd even praise her for a job well done. The finally humbled Bear Tribe settled into a fitting position. Or so it should have been.
"Clueless wretch, daring to eye a higher seat……?!"
Vulgar. A Bear Tribe oaf without manners, dreaming of standing beside her lord? Unacceptable. So she had to teach manners herself.
Her obsession bordering on compulsion soon turned to action. The warriors following her thought similarly. Whether following Yuyeong or Yana...
It no longer mattered. Anyway, they drew swords to protect their lord. But just before entering the room, Yana finally noticed.
Her sword-wielding hand was gone.
The moment she realized it, pain surged. Blood poured endlessly from the severed stump. And the other warriors were the same. What?!
"A reunion of old friends. Please don't interfere."
A voice rang in their stunned ears. Cold and sunken. Yana whipped her head around. There was a man quietly closing the open door.
Black hair, a scar on his face. A black eyepatch over the other eye. He looked every bit the battle-hardened knight.
And he was. He was none other than Hans, captain of the Royal Knights. Yana clutched her severed part with her hand. Then she glared at Hans and spoke.
"What the hell is this?!"
"You drew weapons first. Against your lord, no less."
"They're a threat to my lord! How could I stand by?!"
"Why are you deciding that on your own?"
"What a rude tone."
Why wouldn't he understand? Only they were needed by the lord. Take what's useful, cut away the harm. That's the right way.
Just like now.
Cracks formed on Yana's severed wrist. Soon, a massive blade protruded. Yana swung it, slicing the pained beastkin warriors.
"Cut away the useless ruthlessly. You offered my lord nothing. So I'll cut you out myself."
"Y-Your arm……."
"That day, I swore my loyalty. With everything I have!!"
Yana roared and charged at Hans. Hans gritted his teeth and swung his sword. Claaang!! An explosive clash sent Hans's body flying back hard.
Hans silently stared at his hand. His arm, twisted from the overwhelming force, came into view. Perhaps because it was such an unfamiliar sight, it didn't hurt.
Even amid this, his mind raced furiously. He'd seen something like Yana's arm before. And he quickly pieced together its nature.
"……A parasitic curse."
A demon curse that slyly infiltrates true feelings, hijacking the body. Yana's sincere loyalty mixed with the demon curse. A horrific result.
But the outcome didn't change.
Even calling it the curse's fault...
She'd committed too many wrongs in the past.
Hans slowly rose to his feet.