Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 144

As the atmosphere grew heavy, Isana and I fidgeted, glancing at each other. Then, Kaitain, who had been pondering quietly, looked up and asked,

“Could you tell me how many temples have shown signs of illness so far, and what their names are?”

“Huh? Oh, there were four in total. The Temple of Purification, the Temple of Healing, the Temple of Medicine, and the Temple of Peace, I think?”

“Have you ever been to the Temple of Punishment?”

“Nope.”

“I see. So, you haven’t tested the healing power of the dark attribute yet.”

“What’s the difference?”

Isn’t healing the same no matter what? I asked, puzzled, and Kaitain smiled gently, meeting my eyes. It was a kind face, like a grandfather looking at his grandson.

“Think of it as a difference in method.”

“Method?”

“For example, imagine you have to persuade someone. Depending on the person, you might coax them, or you might threaten them, right? The method of healing is similar. If the divine power of the light attribute helps the body’s self-recovery so that the disease falls off on its own, the dark attribute forcibly drives it away. In fact, if you don’t control it well, it can even kill the person.”

“Hee, I see.”

It’s similar to how using poisonous herbs well can have a healing effect? Thinking about it, it made sense. The dark attribute’s inherent nature is very rough and aggressive. Even with the same healing power, it would be different from the gentle light attribute. In a way, the healing power I have seems to have a similar effect.

Then, Kaitain, who had been lost in thought, nodded as if he had come to some conclusion. I couldn’t help but be surprised by what he said next.

“Let’s do this. I will go with Endil.”

“Pardon?”

“What are you talking about, Kai?”

Going with Endil meant he was going to leave us. Looking at him in bewilderment, he replied with a gentle smile.

“While you two are gone, I will go there first and take care of the patient. If the divine power of the light attribute showed temporary improvement, then the dark attribute might also be effective. Perhaps even a complete cure is possible. It’s a slim chance, but I think it’s worth trying. Even if it doesn’t work, I can at least buy time until El arrives, so I think it’s a good idea. What do you think, Endil? Is it okay if I go with you?”

“Huh? I, I don’t mind, but…”

Endil was very flustered as he answered, probably because he was taken aback by the sudden question. At that, Kaitain shrugged.

“As you can see, he says it’s okay.”

“But Kai, that’s…”

“This isn’t a rash decision. Either way, I won’t be able to play a big role in finding the Demon Sword. So, I’d like to contribute in a more efficient way if possible. Please allow me.”

“…”

At his polite request, I swallowed a groan. I was hesitant, but the answer was already decided. If Kaitain went, I could worry less about that side of things. It wasn’t bad for me, it was even a helpful suggestion. In the end, I sighed deeply and bowed my head.

“…I’m sorry, Kai. I’m shameless, but please take care of us.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m doing this because I want to. Besides, I’m also interested in the patient’s illness. I probably would have made the same decision even if I was traveling alone.”

He smiled, but I wasn’t stupid enough not to know that he was saying that to be considerate of me. Should I call this person an adult? How can a priest of Ellyuen be so kind? Sometimes it was more than just amazing; it was even awe-inspiring.

“Here, take this.”

Not many people got off at Lyton Harbor. Since we were all in a hurry to get to our destinations, we decided to part ways at the harbor. Before leaving, I handed Kaitain a sack filled with jewel flowers and gold nuggets brought from the Spirit Realm. Kaitain, who received it with a puzzled look, peered inside and then looked up, his face paling.

“E, El-nim?”

“I don’t know how long it will take for me to go. I was wondering if there was anything that could help in the meantime, and these are the only things I can give you. Use them when you need them.”

“That’s… You don’t have to do this. I have enough expenses.”

“Kai’s expenses are public funds received from the temple. Use that for other people in need and please accept this too. That way, I’ll feel better.”

“But you don’t have to give me this much… Besides, El-nim, you’ll need to use it too…”

“I have a lot of that. I’m a Spirit King, you know.”

At my smiling words, Kaitain smiled as if he couldn’t help it.

“Then I will gratefully accept it. Thank you for your consideration, El-nim.”

“It’s nothing. This much is natural as a colleague. Endil, please take care of Kai.”

“Yes! Of course! Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he doesn’t have any inconveniences while he’s there.”

At my request, Endil answered as cheerfully as his lively face. Perhaps because he was thinking of returning to his younger sister soon, he seemed very excited. He hadn’t shown it at all while on the ship, but now that he had arrived at the harbor, he seemed to regret the passing time even more. He hadn’t shown it, but in fact, he must have been very worried and missed his younger sister who was alone.

Considering the round trip time, it would be almost a month that he would be leaving her alone, so it was natural to worry.

“Now you’re going on a long journey. I’ve heard that the monsters in the desert are very dangerous. Please take care of yourself.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect him well.”

“May Ellyuen’s blessing be with your journey.”

“To Kai too.”

The returning ship was scheduled to arrive in a few days. In the meantime, the two planned to stay in the village and purchase the necessary herbs and supplies.

I waved my hand until I could no longer see them. I knew I would see them again, but I felt more regretful about the parting than I thought, now that I wouldn’t be able to see them for a while.

Then, a scene suddenly caught my eye: a group of men in uniforms. For a moment, I was wary, thinking it was a pursuit team, but I remembered that this was a foreign land and relaxed again. It seemed to be the local security force. Now that I looked at it, the clothes and equipment they were wearing were all unfamiliar. Seeing that, I realized once again that I had crossed over to another country. They were carrying a man who looked like a prisoner in a cart with bars. Coincidentally, the man tied up with ropes was someone I knew well. It was Moose.

“Looks like he’s being transferred to prison.”

Isana, who had also spotted the scene, muttered from beside me. I nodded and watched Moose enter the barred cart. In just a few days, he had become a complete wreck. Looking at his already distant eyes and his body covered in wounds, it seemed he had been assaulted again in the meantime. Knowing that he was a sinner with no room for sympathy, I couldn’t help but frown at his miserable appearance. Looking at the shadow of death hanging over his emaciated face, it seemed he wouldn’t live much longer.

I quietly took in the sight. He was the first person I had directly harmed, including in my past life. Ellyuen helped, but it was the same as me doing it since it happened because I wanted it to.

The blood splattering before my eyes, the desperate screams echoing, were still vivid. If it weren’t for me, he would have had a completely different outcome. Thinking that his fate had changed miserably because of me, I suddenly felt strange. It seemed to be the most intense experience I’ve had so far. Of course, that doesn’t mean I regret it.

“Well, shall we go again?”

As I turned around with a smile, Isana also nodded cheerfully. But for some reason, I felt very empty. Tilting my head, I soon realized the source of the discomfort.

“Huh? Now that I think about it, it’s just the two of us left?”

“Huh?”

Isana seemed to realize that fact only after hearing my words. He blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing.

“That’s right. I didn’t even realize it. How long has it been? It seems like it’s almost the first time since we parted ways with Alex and the others.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s just one person missing, but it feels strangely empty.”

“Me too. I guess I got used to being among a crowd of people without even realizing it.”

“When you think about it, it’s natural for the two of us to be together.”

When did I make so many relationships? I was sure there were many people who were together, but at some point, it was back to square one. Looking at Isana smiling brightly, I realized how short a relationship can be. Among the countless relationships of meeting and parting, how many will be able to stay with me until the end? Someday, Isana will also be buried as one of those countless relationships. Thinking that, one corner of my heart felt empty and chilly.

“El? What’s wrong?”

At the voice I heard, I suddenly came to my senses. Isana was looking at me with worried eyes. My dazed appearance must have seemed strange. I stared at him for a moment, then chuckled.

“No, it’s nothing.”

*Whatever.* We’re together like this now.

There’s no need to worry about things that haven’t happened yet. What’s clear is that I’ll be with him for a long time to come. I have to diligently build up many memories from now on. They will become good memories and support me in the future. Of course, it’s still a distant future that I can’t reach yet.

* * *

Step, step.

In the long corridor, the heavy sound of military boots echoed on the wide marble floor. People who inadvertently raised their heads began to stir at the sight of the man walking. With hair dyed a deep yellow color and purple eyes staring indifferently ahead, the man with a somewhat sharp impression was the young genius swordsman of the continent – Pylon de Caribdis.

The red cloak hanging over the black uniform fluttered vigorously as he moved. A spectacular sight occurred as the groups gathered on each path he passed split to both sides. The gazes pouring in from all directions had long become routine in crowded places. Perhaps because it was his first time entering the palace in a long time, it seemed more intense than usual today, but Caribdis quickly passed through the people without paying any attention.

Soon, he stopped in front of a black door decorated splendidly. The knights guarding the door recognized Caribdis and saluted politely.

“Your Highness, Duke Caribdis has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

Along with a short reply, the tightly closed door opened. Caribdis entered the room without hesitation, heading towards the window where the sunlight was shining. The Grand Duke, sitting at a huge table, was concentrating on his duties. Caribdis silently walked to the table and stood motionless.

Even though he must have sensed his presence, the Grand Duke didn’t look up. Of course, that didn’t mean he was ignoring him. He spoke while still fixing his gaze on the documents he was skimming through.

“I heard that a dragon appeared and caused a commotion?”

“…”

“It blew up the building quite spectacularly. The number of deaths and injuries, and the amount of damage, is no joke.”

“I’m sorry.”

It was a heartless answer, devoid of emotion. Only then did the Grand Duke raise his head and look at Caribdis. Unlike someone looking at a subordinate who had caused an accident and been caught, he had a very pleasant expression.

“So, what was the dragon you actually saw like? Was it as strong and scary as the rumors say?”

“It was strong.”

“Hoo, it didn’t seem scary?”

“…I was too busy concentrating on the battle.”

“There was no time to recognize fear? That’s a very *you* answer.”

As bright as his face was, his voice was also cheerful. The Grand Duke was someone who could fabricate emotions as much as he wanted, but this time he really seemed to be in a good mood. Caribdis was silent for a moment and asked.

“…Aren’t you angry?”

“Get angry? Me? Why?”

“…”

At the Grand Duke’s question, Caribdis’s eyebrows twitched slightly—a reaction he had when the taciturn man was troubled. The Grand Duke burst into a hollow laugh.

“Huhu, geez. You’re still a man who’s insensitive to rumors. Do you know that you’re the most famous man in the capital right now?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you don’t know, I’ll tell you. Right now, there’s a rumor spreading throughout the capital that you fought and won against a dragon. All the people in the capital are praising you.”

Was that why the gazes were unusually sharp today? Caribdis frowned slightly. The Grand Duke looked down at the sight as if enjoying it.

“The achievements of my subordinates are my achievements. It’s nothing bad for me. I knew I had an eye for people.”

“I’m sorry.”

“In that sense, I’m thinking of holding a banquet for the hero who defeated the dragon tonight, and I’d like to hear your opinion. As the main character, you should definitely attend, right?”

“That’s… I understand.”

It was already a suggestion close to a command. Caribdis, who couldn’t bring himself to say no, answered with a resigned face. Either way, it didn’t matter to the Grand Duke whether the rumors were true or not. Caribdis had realized that it was meaningless to refuse what he had decided to do while staying by his side for so long.