Chapter 161: Frugally
* * *
The road was shorter than it seemed, aside from the distance.
As he walked, Lucion felt the darkness grow, as if he were being held down by some force that weighed him down.
-Lucion.
When he reached the end of the path, the darkness called.
Lucion stared at the fluorescent darkness, gathering one by one.
-You know, I told you through Asha that you could come here anytime, but things have changed.
Things have changed?
Lucion slowed his pace.
-Hes found the divine beast.
-We hid it so hard, but he found it.
You mean Ratta? Why is it a big deal that he found her?
In response to Lucions question, the darkness hesitated on whether to say it or not.
The darkness came as close to Lucions ears as possible.
But the darkness never touched Lucion.
-That guy.
-Because hes going to kill the divine beast.
At the brief warning, Lucion felt the blood draining all over his body.
The words were barely out of his mouth when he saw Ratta tilting her head.
Is it really true?
That was all he could manage to ask.
Russell, who had his arms crossed, lowered his arms with a surprised expression.
It seemed as if he understood what the darkness had said just by looking at Lucions expression.
-Yes, its true.
The darkness answered.
Crazy.
Lucions fists clenched involuntarily, and he trembled uncontrollably.
Why?
Deep questions lodged in his mind.
What was the connection between that guy and Ratta that would lead to killing Ratta?
Whats wrong, Lucion? What did Ratta do wrong? It hurts when you clench your fists like that.
Ratta, who knew nothing, stamped her feet, wondering if it was just her fault.
Is there nothing I can do?
Lucion urgently asked.
The only way is to buy time.
-I already told Asha about that. Asha will tell you.
Lucions pace quickened.
-Im sorry.
-Im sorry, Lucion.
The darknesss apology didnt reach Lucions ears.
Why they were apologizing, why Ratta was being targeted.
He couldnt understand any of it.
All he knew was that he needed to see Asha.
-If you want to come here, let me know.
-Ill send an invitation to avoid his gaze.
With the darknesss words as the last, Lucion opened the door.
And there was Asha.
Please.
Lucion knew he was being rude, but as soon as he saw Asha, he urged her.
Here it is.
But Asha didnt flinch, and she held out her hand.
A bell was in her palm.
When he approaches, this bell will ring.
Just this bell as a solution.
Even if the darkness said it was a way to buy time, was it too much?
Lucion looked proud and held the bell in his hand.
Thank you.
His mouth felt dry as he spoke.
It means that there is no solution.
Ooooh! Sparkle!
When Lucion laid eyes on Ratta, someone he had developed fondness for despite knowing little about her, an overwhelming and indescribable emotion washed over him.
The intensity of this feeling surpassed even the pain he had experienced when Carsons sword had pierced him.
What mistake did that young fox make that her life was being threatened?
Hume.
Lucions voice calling out to Hume was heavy.
Hume answered, trying hard to hide his startled expression. Lucion looked as if he might burst into tears at any moment.
Yes, young master.
Did you find out how many black orbs there are in total?
How do you know that?
Hume gasped in surprise.
He hadnt even spoken yet.
How many?
Lucion urged Hume.
There are five more to come.
This meant that there were a total of six black orbs, including the ones Lucion had absorbed.
One belonged to the knight of death, Broson.
One belonged to the prince of Myronist, Brachion Myronist.
Apart from these, he didnt know where the other three were.
Some were made, some are being made.
Are there things that are being made?
Yes, thats right.
Hume answered.
The Darkness would not tell Lucion what the black orbs were, even when he asked.
However, the darkness just stated that it was a completely necessary power.
Its being made. Doesnt the location matter?
Lucion had a question.
In addition to the black orb that Broson took at the request of the darkness, the first black orb that Lucion discovered was in Russells hideout.
What kind of connection is there?
Then where are the others?
Lord Lucion.
At Lucions urging, Asha gently called out to Lucion.
Please speak.
Please, dont be impatient.
Its not up to me; I dont want to be impatient either.
Lucion said it with a frown. How could he stay still if that guy was going after Ratta?
Russell squeezed Lucions shoulder.
[Okay. calm down.]
Lord Lucion.
Asha held Lucions hand tightly. He wanted to shake her hand away right away, but it was so strangely warm that Lucion slightly slumped his shoulders.
Lucion himself knew he was angry, but it didnt ease his frustration.
The Divine Beast of Darkness is also very precious to us.
Asha smiled sweetly at Lucion and Ratta.
Ive been waiting for a very, very long time.
Are these Ashas words? Are these words of darkness?
It was confusing.
The divine beast has finally been born. She is a being who gives us a lot of hope.
Asha seemed to be holding back what she wanted to say.
I will protect it.
How?
Lucion wished that Ashas words were not a plea for reassurance, but rather a statement of confidence in herself.
He wanted her to be more specific.
I will resist.
Suddenly, Asha pursed her lips and looked around.
Then she spoke with a certain determination.
even if it means risking my very existence.
Lucion was speechless at Ashas next words.
Risking her existence.
Had she not crossed the line of ensuring that she would protect it?
Is that really necessary?
Lucion asked with a trembling voice.
If Ratta was to be protected by someone elses existence apart from her preciousness, was this right?
This is the only way.
Ashas voice was flat.
Thats the only way.
Since Lucion himself was Rattas owner, he couldnt help but do nothing.
In that case, there was only one thing he had to do now.
If I find a black orb, can things get better then?
Yes.
Asha answered briefly and boldly.
That was enough.
Lucion turned his gaze to the sky.
It would take him at least four or five hours to complete the pilgrimage.
He didnt know how long it had taken him to complete the pilgrimage, but the sun was still high in the sky.
There will be time to rest for a while.
Lets stay calm.
Lucion let out a long breath and blew away his anxiety into the air.
No matter what happened, he couldnt afford to be shaken or agitated.
The enemies I have to deal with just got a little bigger.
Escaping death felt like getting out of a sticky swamp.
Solving one problem led to two more.
Solving two led to five.
But staying still meant death.
Even as the enemy increased, he had to remain calm.
Keep calm.
Lucions expression softened, and he spoke toward Asha.
Do you happen to have anything tasty?
* * *
How was it?
Heint wanted to ask Lucion immediately upon seeing him, but he waited until they were both seated in the carriage before speaking.
He understood the desire to share the same experience, but Lucion felt like punching Heint in the face.
Whatever. I came here after hearing that Ratta was being targeted.
But Lucion forced a smile.
It was amazing. Ive never seen anything like it in my life.
Really?
Heint said it cheerfully.
Yes, unexpectedly warm.
Was it dark?
It was brighter than I thought.
As Lucion noticed and responded appropriately, the corners of Heints mouth went up.
[It looks like hes mistaken about going to the same place.]
Russell looked at Heint and smirked slightly.
[But what happened?]
Bethel couldnt help but ask, as the atmosphere had strangely calmed down a little while ago.
Even when Lucion was eating snacks with Asha and chatting, he was different from usual.
Russell looked at Ratta, circling around, trying to catch her own tail, quietly putting his index finger to his lips.
Bethel was certain that something had happened, and she quickly became worried about Lucion.
I hope nothing happens.
Lucion.
Heint spoke up.
Please speak.
Now were done after going to the East Festival, right?
Youre right.
Is there anywhere else you want to visit? Or any place youd like to stop by?
Ill stay in the North for a short while. About two days.
Nice. Its a good idea. Its a trip, so you should take it easy. You always seem to be focused and determined, akin to a bull charging ahead. So I was about to ask if taking a break would be good for you.
Whats a bull? Ratta has never seen one.
Ratta spun around and looked at Lucion.
Heint, who finished speaking at the same time, also looked at Lucion.
[A cow with horns. Lets ask Hume to draw it later.]
Bethel said, petting Ratta.
By the way, your complexion is looking better.
Heint said.
Ah.
Lucion belatedly realized that the heat lingering on his forehead had disappeared.
Did it really work?
[what? Thats what Bethel said earlier when she was touching your forehead.]
Russell rubbed his eyes.
[Lucion, stop thinking about it and take care of yourself; itll be fine.]
Lucion hesitated for a moment, but then he patted Ratta and spoke calmly while looking at Heint.
Maybe its because Ive been walking the pilgrimage route.
Probably, because I did too, and I feel better for it.
Lucion said, but Heints smile didnt seem to sit well with him today.
* * *
[Who on earth would do something like that?]
Bethel scrunched up her face as she looked at Ratta, who was enjoying her nap.
The idea of someone contemplating harm against the innocent little fox perplexed and disturbed her.
I guess the darkness cant say it.
Lucion showed the bell he received from Asha.
I tied it temporarily, but its loose.
They said the bell would ring if he got close.
Thats why the young master had such a sad expression. I didnt even know about it
Humes eyes dropped downward.
He really didnt know anything, but he was glad that Lucion was feeling better, and he was pleased to see a Ravien like him.
Lift your head up, Hume.
Lucion said.
Nothing will change right away.
[Yes. Nothing changes right now.]
Russell also agreed with Lucions words.
[They were probably targeting Ratta the whole time. Until now, the darkness has desperately tried to prevent it. Maybe just one mistake can lead to this result. But in the end, nothing changes.]
Russell spoke again.
It was just that what had to happen happened sooner or later.
I hope everyone can keep it a secret.
Lucion took a short breath and said.
[If thats the case, you dont have to worry, Lord Lucion.]
Bethel smiled softly.
Yes, young master. Dont worry about me either.
Hume also reassured Lucion and said,
[You know my mouth is heavy, right?]
Russell grinned.
Only then did Lucion feel relieved and look at the bed where Ratta had fallen.
Okay then, Im going to take a quick nap. Im feeling strangely tired.
Although not completely, most of the power of the black orbs that could not be absorbed had been channeled into his own darkness.
Considering hed passed out the first time hed absorbed a black orb, the small amount hed absorbed now wasnt enough to fight off the tiredness that was creeping in.
[Good idea. Because what the Lord needs is rest. Go to sleep quickly.]
Hume quickly went to the bed and slightly changed the positions of the blanket and Ratta.
I will wake you up later.
Okay.
Lucion moved toward the bed with a languid gait.
As soon as he lay down on the bed, sleep overtook him, but he made an effort to hold onto his eyelids and called out to Hume.
Hume.
Yes, young master.
If you miss Asha, let me know. Ill find a way to take you to her.
Young master.
Why?
Dont think about anything right now, and I want you to get a good nights sleep.
Hume said softly, pulling back the covers.
Lucion already had enough to worry about, and now he was thinking of him.
When will Lucion have time to think about himself?
Hume felt sorry for him.
Okay. Later. Lets talk when I wake up.
Lucion smiled and closed his eyes.
Only then did Hume feel relieved, and he waited until Lucions breathing deepened.
Hume had a lot to say to Lucion.
Mr. Russell.
[Yeah.]
May I ask you one thing?
[Say.]
What kind of person was the young master in the past?
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