Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 482

482

Tearing open the envelope and unfolding the card, a graceful script caught my eye. The content itself was similar to other invitations, but its presence was so striking that it was hard to ignore. Perhaps it was the gold dust mixed in the ink that made it so captivating.

“What are you going to do? Rejecting Sepion’s invitation is a big risk, no matter what. The head of the family, Duke Theiron, is a ruthless aristocrat. If you get on his bad side, you can forget about living in the Empire.”

“Let’s go, then.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

Chris sent me an anxious look. I felt sorry for him, worrying about me, but of course I was fine. To be honest, it was a moment I had been waiting for. So much so that I was almost giddy, unsure what kind of expression to wear right now.

‘It seems being famous has its perks.’

Whether things were about to get better or more complicated, I hadn’t expected the opportunity to come so quickly. It was different from what I had imagined, but when had things ever gone according to plan? If we were going to clash anyway, this way didn’t seem so bad. I looked at the blue seal on the envelope again and turned to the card.

Theiron Is Sepion.

The elegant signature at the bottom of the invitation was the name of the head of the Sepion family, the Duke himself.

Blue Dragon Lamias.

That was also the name he used while enjoying his time in the Empire.

* * *

Since childhood, everything had been easy.

Ahin Idris could define his life relatively simply. His growth was peaceful and stable. He was born into a poor family, but he never felt impoverished. His parents were diligent and gave their children unwavering support. When needed, helping hands were always offered. The neighbors were also kind to Ahin Idris. The strict and fussy lord was known for disliking children, but even he was lenient towards him. He knew the reason why. It was because he was loved by the wind.

From the moment he was born, his remarkable abilities stood out. Sensitive to movements, able to control the flowing wind, and able to read the weather, the child was noticeable everywhere. Anyone could tell that he was special.

In a small, humble village, a person born with such abilities was a symbol of success. Everyone envied Ahin Idris, tried to befriend him, and liked him. After entering the academy, he became anxious because he didn’t achieve as much as he had expected, but that period didn’t last long. When he faced the given results, even the process seemed like a worthy trial. Because the King of Wind, whom no one dared to face, had chosen him.

It was a blessing arranged from the beginning. A journey to the top, prepared for him to ascend smoothly since the moment he was born. His low birth was not a flaw, as the contractor of the Spirit King was a status in itself. He was treated with respect wherever he went. He had no interest in other statuses, and among those walking the same path, there was no one higher or similar to him. Therefore, he didn’t need to envy or admire anyone. Except for Minerva, who existed above him.

But that was closer to the disappointment that came from not being able to be fully equal with the person he loved. It was like a subtle sadness that unconsciously crept in whenever he realized the unreachable barrier. Still, he thought it couldn’t be helped since he was human. It was enough to be in the closest position to her that he could reach as a spiritist. That’s what he had always thought.

“Ahin.”

At the sound of his name, Ahin slowly raised his face. Seeing the silver eyes looking at him with concern calmed his heart. Or, it felt like it was boiling. Because of the undefinable emotion, his expression was strangely distorted, as if he were crying and laughing at the same time.

“Minerva, I’m back.”

“You don’t look well.”

“…I met him by chance.”

Minerva’s expression clouded at the words spoken with a slight pause. She immediately understood who he was talking about. Ahin bit his lip.

“I couldn’t help but avoid him.”

“Ahin.”

“I was a little strange. I couldn’t face him.”

Even now, if he closed his eyes, the scene from that time would vividly come to mind. Blue energy flowed from the straight sword. The boy who leaped in that state seemed to be flying in the sky. As the hood fell off, brilliant blonde hair scattered. Even without any signal or words, the water wolf followed his flow and moved on its own. The waves parted as if a tide was rising, and he fearlessly cut through the monster’s body. He pierced through the leather that he couldn’t even touch and stirred it, cleanly separating it in half. It was truly overwhelming. His whole body trembled from the shock he felt for the first time in his life.

“It was like he was one with Sicuel [likely a type of magical beast or entity]. It was the first time I realized that a person could move so beautifully.”

What was even more unbelievable was that he hadn’t used his full power at that moment. He could tell just by looking at his consistently relaxed demeanor. He had heard many rumors about him, but he thought they were all exaggerated. But now he thought that they might have been downplayed.

Ahin Idris was confused. He, El, was a high-level spiritist. He was a lower rank than him. All the high-level spiritists he had met so far were not like him. But why?

“I know I shouldn’t compare myself. Actually, I’m closer to a silver-grade contractor. I don’t have any other talents besides spiritism. …I’m not as beautiful as El either.”

Ahin Idris gave a twisted smile. At first, he was so surprised by the majesty before his eyes that he didn’t even notice his appearance. He just thought he had beautiful blonde hair. But when the complete appearance was revealed as the ink-like contamination flowed down, he forgot the majesty he had displayed this time. Everyone forgot the situation and was lost in thought. Ahin Idris was among them.

“Ahin, you are also a beautiful person.”

Minerva hurriedly grabbed his hands. Warm warmth touched him, but Ahin’s face was more painfully distorted. Originally, Minerva had no body temperature. This was the warmth she had deliberately brought for him.

“El told me not to worry Minerva. I couldn’t say anything. Because it was true. I’m always a weak being who makes you worry.”

“That’s not true, Ahin. You are strong enough.”

“I’m a terrible guy who can’t even catch a single monster.”

Minerva’s eyes shook at the dim voice that seemed to be fading away. She wanted to stop the self-deprecating words, but it seemed that comfort would not be of any help to her lover who had already learned heartbreak.

“I’m sorry. I said something pathetic. I’m already enjoying more than enough, but I’m making ridiculous complaints. I’ll take back what I said earlier.”

Fortunately, Ahin Idris soon shook his head. The awkwardly smiling face was the same as usual. Minerva was finally relieved.

“I didn’t mean to, but I only show you my weak side.”

“I’m okay, Ahin. You can show me your weak side as much as you want.”

“I hate it because I’m ashamed.”

Ahin shook his head with a much more easygoing tone. The faintly smiling face seemed to be in a better mood.

“Actually, it’s been too peaceful of a daily life without any challenges. I think it’s a good thing. I think I’ll learn swordsmanship this time.”

“…Swordsmanship?”

“I want to become stronger. I want to become a person who is more suitable for you. Can I become like him, like El?”

Minerva held his hand tightly. The aptitude for martial arts is mostly innate. To build it up with effort, you had to start from a very young age. Ahin was already an adult, and he didn’t have the aptitude to achieve anything with a sword. Furthermore, reaching the appearance he was hoping for would be difficult even for those with talent. But Minerva didn’t want to break her lover’s hope.

“You can do it, Ahin. I’ll give you a sword that suits you.”

“Thank you, Minerva. I feel encouraged when you say that.”

“Yes, Ahin. You’ll do well.”

As if those words were very reassuring, Ahin Idris’s face clouded again as if he was about to cry. As if to soothe him, Minerva hugged him and quietly buried her face on his shoulder.

—I saw the end of your contract.

The tired voice of her young colleague brushed through her mind again. Whatever that end may be, he too would see it someday.

* * *

The unicorn’s home is deep in the forest, within a spell that only they can reach. The unicorn race, created by Luseph, the god of justice and distinction, was originally a race of gods belonging to the divine realm. They settled in the middle realm shortly after the end of the Cheonma War [likely a great war between celestial beings], when the chaotic period had subsided to some extent.

It is known to the world that their race was sent to the middle realm because the role of gatekeeper was no longer needed, but in reality, the purpose of recovering from the aftereffects of the war was greater. It was a kind of recuperation. Therefore, the unicorn race regarded the land they now live in as merely a temporary settlement. For them, the divine realm to which they would one day return was their true home and foundation.

“That’s why you, as a Rune [a title or position within the Unicorn society], must use your power.”

The elder’s nagging was so familiar that it felt like it was etched in his ears. Sibelius, who was fed up with the sermon that had started early in the morning, swallowed the urge to sigh and answered dryly.

“I know.”

“You know? Why is there still no progress from someone who knows?”

“…….”

“It’s been over a thousand years since we last saw Lord Luseph’s descent. We, his children, have a proper priest in front of us, but we have to go to the temples in the human world to hear his voice. Do you think this makes sense?”

“I’m trying.”

“That’s not enough. How old are you, Sibelius! It’s been a whopping fifteen hundred years! Your older brother, Rigleo, awakened before he even came of age!”

“What do you want me to do if I can’t?”

“Sibelius-nim!”

“Just get out. I want to rest. I’m tired.”

Sibelius, who was holding his forehead, pointed to the door. The elder, who turned his head with dissatisfaction, suddenly found a basket on a nearby table. It was filled with freshly baked bread and pastries. Next to it were cooking utensils that had not yet been cleaned up. It was obvious who had made it. Flames flashed in the elder’s eyes. He rushed over and picked up the basket and threw it to the floor.

“What are you doing!”

“Are you wasting your energy on such useless things again? Isn’t it because you’re doing things like this that you can’t concentrate on awakening!”

“I only do it when I’m resting! It’s my business how I use my rest time!”

“Pull yourself together! You are a Rune! But how long do you think a Rune who hasn’t awakened can be called a Rune?”

His heart dropped. Sibelius bit his lip. He knew it too. He couldn’t hold out in this state forever. He knew it, but what did they want him to do if he couldn’t?

“Get out.”

“Sibelius-nim.”

“Get out now. Please! Can’t you hear me telling you to get out?”

The elder’s face contorted at the words he spat out. Only after exhaling several times as if suppressing his anger did he nod with a more composed face.

“Rest for now. We’ll talk again later.”

“…….”

Only then did Sibelius’s breath flow out of his mouth.

“I guess we have no choice but to hurry up with the succession. My brother was a genius who will never be seen again, but my younger brother’s talent is so poor…”

The elder’s voice, muttering lowly as he left, was clearly audible. He didn’t even try to hide it, so he couldn’t help but hear it even if he didn’t want to. But there was nothing he could do but clench his fists. After all, resistance and appeals would not work. That’s what an unawakened Rune was.

Brushing his hair back as if years of fatigue had piled up at once, Sibelius looked at the bread scattered messily on the floor. It was a waste that it was dirty, but he didn’t feel anything. After all, they were the only ones who didn’t eat anything else even if he made it. If he left it alone, bugs would swarm. He sighed and got up. But it was when he reached out to clean up. A voice he had heard someday brushed past him.

I like this bread.

Ah, this was the bread he gave to that human girl. Sibelius thought blankly. Since it was a food that was not welcomed by anyone here, he was inwardly cautious even while giving it, but the girl accepted it as if she was really happy. She also said it was delicious and that she hoped he wouldn’t stop. Even though she wouldn’t know anything about his situation. It felt like she knew everything and was cheering him on, so his heart was complicated.

Are you a pushover? Why don’t you say anything when they treat you like that?

He gasped for a moment. His head was dizzy even though he was just reminiscing. Runes must not go to the human world. They must not associate with other races. His brother, who was said to be a Rune of the previous generation, whom he didn’t even remember, broke that taboo and went out into the human world, fell in love with a woman, and abandoned his clan. He, his only family, was also abandoned at that time.

How much had he resented that all his life? Sibelius had no intention of following the same path as his brother. For the sake of the repentance of the predecessors who had betrayed everyone, he alone must not do that. The place he had to protect was here. So he had never even thought of going to the human world. Going out to save the Weldy party who had been kidnapped a while ago was the farthest outing in his life. He thought that he would never have to go out again after that.

But, is this really my place?

What can a Rune who hasn’t even awakened do here?

If you come to the capital, there’s a hunter guild called Dawn.

If you ever need my help in the future, come find me anytime.

You can just come and hang out without any business. You’re always welcome.

The ripple that resonated from within his body spread quickly like a lit fuse. Maybe he had wanted this moment from the beginning. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been shaken so easily. When he came to his senses, Sibelius was already packing his bags.

“Sibelius-nim?”

He raised his head at the sudden voice. A girl with abundant silver hair was standing in front of the door. She was one of the most beautiful women in the clan, but Sibelius’s gaze towards the girl was not particularly impressed. To be honest, he had never looked at the girl with a comfortable gaze. It was because of the image of the elder that was added on top of that appearance.

“What’s wrong, Weldy.”

“I heard the sound of grandfather getting angry. I thought Sibelius-nim would be upset…”

“It’s normal for the elder to get angry. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“Yes, well, what are you doing now?”

Weldy glanced at the luggage Sibelius had packed and the papers floating in front of it with an uneasy expression. Sibelius, who had been looking at her for a while, recited the scheduled spell. Then, the papers that had been floating around gathered light and connected to each other in a circle, and then disappeared at once with the things in front of him. Weldy, who was surprised, opened her mouth, and Sibelius explained calmly.

“It’s a subspace spell.”

“Oh my gosh, a subspace that activates without a medium? You’ve completed that difficult spell.”

Weldy’s face brightened. It was also a gaze filled with regret as to why such a great sorcerer could not awaken the Rune. Sibelius, who smiled, brushed past Weldy.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m leaving here.”

“Yes? What…!”

Weldy, who was flustered, quickly grabbed his sleeve. Sibelius, who turned around at that moment, put a piece of paper with letters written on it on Weldy’s forehead. He had already lightly grabbed and stopped the arm that was trying to resist reflexively. Weldy’s eyes widened.

“Killida [likely a spell or incantation].”

The letters written on the paper began to glow silver.

“Quies, Kado, Kasma [likely components of the spell].”

“In(引) [likely a component of the spell].”

“Si, Sibeli…us…nim.”

Soon, Weldy’s body, which had lost its strength, collapsed. Sibelius picked up the deeply sleeping Weldy and laid her on the bed.

“Rest well, Weldy.”

A low voice whispered towards the ears that could no longer hear.

Sibelius raised his head and looked again at the door where the light was coming in.

It was the first freedom.