Chapter 171: Listen To The Story (2)
* * *
[Did you hear everything yesterday?]
Bethel asked Russell all of a sudden.
She found it suspicious that he kept smiling.
[Do you think Im always spying on you?]
Russell reacted as if it were absurd.
[I felt your presence.]
Russell flinched at Bethels next words.
[I only saw it when you brought your sword down, because Lucion didnt come, I swear].
Lucion turned his gaze toward Russell.
[Why? I didnt do anything strange, did I?]
I didnt say anything. It seems like the teacher is feeling uncomfortable.
Lucion grinned, resting his elbows on the carriage window frame and leaning his face on the back of his hands.
[No. Not at all.]
Russells gaze remained steady.
[What should I do if my ears are sharp?]
Instead, the corners of his mouth rose up and high.
[Russell, how much did you hear? I was going to tell you anyway.]
Bethel stared at him, her eyes clear, and Russell reluctantly answered.
[All.]
He cleared his throat and quickly averted his gaze.
For a moment, silence fell inside the carriage.
Even Ratta, who had been energetically running around, stopped and perked up one ear.
The carriage hasnt left yet, so cant Ratta run?
Rattas eyes wavered for a moment.
No, its fine. You wont be able to run later, so enjoy it now. Besides, Hume hasnt arrived yet.
Yess.
Ratta giggled bashfully and ran around the room, bouncing on the windows and everything else.
Uhm.
Lucion let out a yawn, feeling the fatigue of their preparations for their final destination in the east.
There was much to be done, including Hume contacting the reserved mansion and packing their belongings before returning to the Central region.
However, Lucion was the only one who wasnt occupied with tasks.
Last night, Kran took over the northern branch as well.
After accepting Bethels knights oath, the three of them had a leisurely conversation over the warm milk Hume had brought, and Lucion noticed that one of the blue threads had been severed.
Now, there were only two blue threads remaining.
He was already curious about which red thread would be revealed when those two were cut.
Knock.
A knock on the carriage door interrupted Lucions thoughts, and he opened it to find Hume standing there.
Ratta, who had been running around, stopped abruptly and climbed onto Lucions lap.
Ratta didnt run. Uh, just now.
Hume patted Ratta and got into the carriage.
Were ready to depart now. Well be leaving soon.
Thank you for your hard work.
Lucion said it with a smile.
No, where did I work hard? Isnt it tough for you, young master? You must be exhausted, replied Hume.
I planned this trip, so what can I do?
To be honest, this trip was somewhat naive.
While it might be feasible for a mercenary, which noble would travel across the empire in just two weeks?
It was only possible because of the portals; otherwise, it would have taken over a month.
Lucion chuckled.
Knock.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Heint entered the carriage.
Well be departing soon, he informed them concisely before taking a seat.
*
As Lucion moved around, he interrogated Chelga intensively, trying to extract information.
However, not much useful information came out of Chelgas mouth.
He revealed that he had followed orders from higher-ups to become a high-ranking priest and that stealing items at the auction house was his final command.
Lucion knew that there was more to uncover
Now that he had captured Chelga, it was a matter of carefully digging deeper to expose the true roots of the enemy.
Lucion didnt disregard Heroans instructions to investigate Chelga.
He believed that if he probed and searched diligently, something would eventually surface.
Ah. I forgot to ask about Twilo.
While Carson would be a suitable candidate to ask, he might grow suspicious.
It would be better to ask Heroan, who probably already had the information.
*
Did you have fun yesterday?
Heint asked after closing the door.
It was a load of crap.
He was in a hurry to come here.
Nonetheless, Lucion smiled and replied, Yes, I wish we had more time.
Despite having traversed half the empire, they hadnt been able to leisurely appreciate the scenery or engage in other enjoyable activities.
The only vivid memories were of the sky, mountains, and landscapes glimpsed from the carriage.
Similar views could be found in Cronia as well.
Damn.
It irritated him to think about it.
They had embarked on a trip, but it didnt feel like one.
Even during designated rest periods, Lucion found himself occupied with work.
Damn it.
We should have planned a more relaxed travel schedule. When I first heard about the travel plans, I thought someone was chasing after you, Lucion, Heint remarked with a soft chuckle.
Im being chased by my brother. My life is on the line.
Despite his inner thoughts, Lucion maintained his smile.
I would like that, but I cant stay for long.
Still, this time
Heint was about to bring up the idea that things might be different this time, but he quickly shut his mouth.
How could he be so certain?
Lucion.
Yes.
Have you noticed any suspicious individuals lurking around? Heint inquired.
Suspicious individuals?
Someone wearing a very shiny mask, Heint described.
Its Lucion! Just as Ratta said, its Lucion, right?
Rattas eyes widened.
[Yes. Hes talking about Lucion.]
Russell nodded.
Heehee! Ratta got it right! Yahoo!
Rattas tail wagged.
No, I havent seen anyone like that.
In response to Lucions answer, Heint instinctively turned to look at Hume.
Instead of speaking, Hume shook his head. It was only then that Heint slightly slumped his shoulders.
Well, thats good. If you happen to come across him, let me know, Heint requested.
Who is he?
Heints face wrinkled in response to Lucions question.
He is an asshole.
Thats my brother.
Lucions mouth suddenly itched.
He didnt expect to hear gossip like this.
[Pfft!]
Russell burst out laughing next to him.
Have you ever fought with him? Lucion inquired.
No, its not that. Its how should I put it? I simply had some misunderstandings about him, Heint explained.
Misunderstanding?
Its not just me; Im often misunderstood by others as well, Heint replied with a touch of resignation.
But has the misunderstanding been resolved?
Partially. No, maybe half. No, maybe even less than half. Anyway, I dont completely suspect them anymore. Ive seen their sincerity.
Heint took a deep breath, and at that moment, the carriage began to move.
To hear those words right in front of me gives me goosebumps.
Lucion forced himself to endure it and stroked Ratta soothingly.
Recently
Heint hesitated for a moment before speaking.
He couldnt quite comprehend why he was sharing this story all of a sudden.
However, when he saw Lucions eyes sparkling with curiosity, he found himself unable to resist the urge to reveal more.
Recently, that misunderstanding has been slowly unraveling, and its making me feel unsettled, Heint confessed.
Why do you speak of it as if its a problem?
Because Im becoming increasingly uncertain about whose standards I was misunderstanding. No, its more than that. Its embarrassing, and its difficult to face someone when I know it was all a misunderstanding, Heint explained.
Is it because of the opinions of others around you?
Maybe so.
I thought you didnt pay much attention to the opinions of others, Brother Heint, Lucion remarked.
I ?
Even though you received the Blessing of Light, you chose to become a knight instead of a high-ranking priest. I may not know the exact reason, but I can imagine it must have been a challenging decision, Lucion continued.
Heint momentarily held his breath at Lucions words.
Knight.
His gaze trembled as he looked at the sword he had placed beside him.
Why had he chosen to wield this sword instead of taking the comfortable path of becoming a high-ranking priest?
Was it a sense of justice?
No, he couldnt claim such nobility within himself.
He simply desired to be a man of integrity.
He felt shame in using the power of the light to discriminate against others and make himself feel unique.
Thats why he had opted not to become a priest.
He feared that, with the same power as those individuals, he would eventually lose his sense of shame and commit unjust actions without remorse.
Despite being born into nobility, Heint understood that his status was not merely a bestowed privilege.
It was a position built upon the sacrifices and hardships of others.
However, he didnt harbor the desire to relinquish his privileges entirely.
Instead, he aspired to be someone deserving of his positiona person of worth.
To him, a sword served one purpose: to defeat the enemy.
He had no need for anything else.
He believed that by doing so, he was prioritizing his identity as a knight.
So he wielded the sword.
Didnt I choose to become a person first?
Heint clenched his fist momentarily and then released it.
The realization that his actions had been driven by cowardice overwhelmed him with shame.
He had aimed to be someone who wouldnt be consumed by his position, but in the end, he had allowed himself to be consumed by it.
Brother ?
Lucion was taken aback by Heints sudden, deep concern.
Whats going on? Surely this isnt a moment of awakening?
Usually, when the protagonist gains enlightenment, they undergo an awakening.
[What is he doing?]
Russell stared at Heint.
Bethel, too, found herself puzzled by his actions.
The red thread connecting Lucion and Heint remained taut, providing some relief to Lucion, despite the uncertainty of the situation.
Ah Sorry. I just suddenly recalled something from the past, Heint belatedly explained.
Anyway, Lucion, youre right. Resolving the misunderstanding isnt the problem. Thank you. Youve been helpful.
Yes. Im glad I could help.
Regardless of the situation, Lucion felt relieved that Heint seemed to be one step closer to seeing him, or rather, Hamel, without any prejudice.
Ah, brother.
Lucion suddenly remembered something he had forgotten.
Why?
Is it correct to rest in the Central region for a day and then head to the Eastern region?
Is there somewhere you want to go?
Heints question caught Lucion off guard, causing him to respond with a slight delay.
Yes.
Lucion, youve been diligent in keeping your promises, but were there truly so many things to explore within a 30-minute distance?
I have a scheduled appointment this time.
An appointment?
I decided to meet my close friend, Lady Tella.
Ah, Heint chuckled suddenly, a laugh reminiscent of Russells.
Of course, you must go, Heint acknowledged, granting permission to Lucion.
Despite receiving permission, Lucion felt an odd sense of annoyance.
That laugh, in particular, struck a nerve.
[Hes quite an understanding friend.]
Russell commented, sympathizing with Heint.
Even Russells understanding didnt alleviate Lucions annoyance.
* * *
Since Lucions visit to Count Luteons house, where Tella resided, was unofficial, he arrived accompanied by the Imperial Knight and the Cronia Knight, both of whom were inconspicuously disguised.
Lucion had attempted to dismiss the knights once again, but the Cronia Knights were insistent, leaving him with no choice but to bring them along this time.
He couldnt help but feel a tinge of frustration, always being pursued by the knights and unable to escape their presence.
Who are you? The knight guarding the main gate of Count Luteons residence became alert upon seeing the groups suspicious appearance.
Hume stepped forward and displayed the emblem of Cronia.
I believe the details have already been conveyed, Hume responded.
Oh, my apologies. Please proceed, the knight quickly relented, glancing at the crest before opening the gate.
The head of the household had received explicit instructions to allow the saint, Lucion Cronia, to enter discreetly and without raising any questions.
As Lucion and his companions entered the mansion, the main gate closed behind them.
The knights remained silent, their disappointment evident in not having caught a glimpse of the saint.
* * *
Lucion entered through the gate, guided by the butler, who had already stood in front of the gate.
I hope Lord Cronia will feel more comfortable now. The Lord has temporarily relieved all the servants, so you can remove your uncomfortable attire here, the butler remarked.
Ah, thank you, Lucion replied, finally removing the hood that had concealed his face and the outer coat he had worn beneath it.
His face was flushed, and beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.
I might not survive if I have to do this again.
The daytime heat was unbearable, and he had no desire to venture outside.
Wearing a mask would have been preferable.
Hume handed Lucion a handkerchief.
Ill bring something refreshing shortly.
The butler hesitated for a moment, observing Lucion, before quickly bowing his head.
As the longtime butler of Luteon, he had encountered various guests, but none had ever captivated his attention for such a prolonged period.
He couldnt help but believe that this person must truly be a saint, regardless of what others might say.
Will you, sir?
The butler felt a bit nervous at Lucions gentle tone and walked forward.
The once-familiar mansion, which he had traversed countless times, suddenly felt unfamiliar.
However, as they reached the reception room, the butlers tension eased slightly.
Please wait a moment. I will bring a refreshing beverage shortly, the butler assured.
Take your time, Lucion replied, offering a soft smile.
Thank you, the butler expressed his gratitude with a bow.
[Wow. Lucion.]
Russell regarded Lucion with indescribable awe.
Only after the door closed did Lucion let out a chuckle.
Teacher, have you forgotten? I am a saint.
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