Chapter 8 Part 10

Kroaskes were the most common beasts in the North. Although it was reassuring to have faced them before, we couldn’t afford to be careless.

“A beast with horns?” 

“Is it a Minotaur?” 

The knights speculated about the unidentified beast.

Aksion continued with the information he had received. “A caravan crossing the northern region was attacked. Only one person survived, so we don’t know the exact species, but two mercenary squads were wiped out.”

The news was grimmer than expected, causing the knights’ expressions to harden. Using the gate required a vast amount of magical energy. Merchants who couldn’t afford the gate fees often armed themselves and crossed through the forest.

“We need to be cautious. That beast might be the boss of the forest.”

“But with that size, it won’t ambush us.”

The knights, having received their instructions, descended the cliff path. The refreshing sound of water from beyond the valley reached their ears. Although the forest was rich in resources, everything froze in winter, which was its only flaw.

“The hunt is until sunset,” Aksion ordered.

“Yes, sir!”

It was the month when the sun stayed in the sky the longest. Even in the evening, the sun didn’t set, making the hunt easier. ‘We won’t exhaust much magic today,’ Elia thought, surveying her surroundings.

Today’s hunt had fewer beasts than the first battle, so it was faster to move in separate groups rather than hunting collectively. She cast illusions to assist knights in need. The Crown Prince’s forces also moved in designated positions.

Varlan continued the hunt silently. With more forces joining the battle, they could reduce the number of beasts faster than expected. Aksion’s sword pierced the neck of a beast. His swordsmanship resembled water—smooth yet dangerous like nature itself. ‘He moves so gracefully,’ Elia thought, always impressed. However, today there was someone else who could match him.

The Crown Prince’s sword cleaved through a beast. Without pausing, he turned and faced multiple beasts alone. ‘He looks experienced,‘ she mused, wondering how many beasts Varlan had encountered during his pilgrimage across the empire. ‘It would have been easier if Varlan could use the gate,’ she thought, knowing he was prohibited from using it under the pretext of the pilgrimage.

His swordsmanship was more practical than formal. ‘His swordsmanship is exceptional,’ she noted, remembering seeing it on the plains. Varlan, the cold and handsome heir of the empire, was perfect on the surface. Yet, ‘I don’t know what kind of person he really is,’ she pondered. Her memories of him were limited to her early childhood.

Despite knowing he had a cold nature, something else bothered her. ‘Does the Emperor truly care for the Crown Prince?’ she wondered. It seemed excessive to keep him out of the capital so frequently, even if it was due to Parmeo’s prophecy. She had never thought deeply about it before, believing the imperial family loved Violet and Varlan and sacrificed only her. Her throat felt dry. She reached for her water flask, finding it nearly empty.

As she lamented this, a hand appeared from nowhere, offering her a new flask. “Here, drink this.”

“Oh, thank you,” Elia said, accepting it absentmindedly. The man who handed it to her was Varlan’s aide, Prosek, with dark blue hair and gray eyes, resembling the Crown Prince.

‘His name is Prosek,’ she recalled. He had always been with the Crown Prince. Following Varlan’s recovery and decision to go on pilgrimage, Prosek had to travel the empire with him. With Prosek by her side, the Crown Prince’s gaze naturally turned towards her. Trying to avoid his eyes, Elia drank from the flask, but merely looking away wasn’t enough to escape Varlan’s attention. He approached and stood before her.

While she hastily lowered her head, a summoned butterfly fluttered around her. Watching the spirit’s movements, Varlan commanded, “Show your face.” Elia remained silent, thinking it was a process she had to go through eventually. ‘It’s not like he’ll see through the illusion,’ she reasoned, yet she still didn’t want to reveal her face. Gripping her robe tightly, she said, “It’s covered in burns, you won’t want to see it.” She hoped he would lose interest if he thought her face was disfigured.

If he insisted, she was prepared to lower her hood. However, “I spoke unnecessarily. It’s fine.” 

“What?” she asked, startled. Varlan had already turned away. 

“Let’s go,” he ordered.

“Yes, Your Highness.” While she stood there in a daze, Prosek followed the Crown Prince. 

Soon, the battles quieted down, having successfully eliminated most of the nearby beasts. The sky turned orange as the sun began to set. Assessing the situation, Aksion commanded, “Prepare for camping.”

The knights swiftly set up the barrier stones. The campsite, now a safe zone, quickly filled with large tents. The Crown Prince’s side did the same, and soon, campfires were lit across the campsite under the night sky.

“Spiritist, take this,” said Jacob, handing Elia a bowl of hot stew, bread, and jerky pieces.

“Thank you, Commander.”

A large pot hung over a campfire, filled with stew made of meat and vegetables. “Spiritist, sit over here!”

“What are you doing over there? Come join us!”

The knights called out to her, and their lively atmosphere lifted her spirits. “I’m coming,” Elia responded, joining the knights around the campfire. Though they used split logs as chairs, it was more comfortable than any furniture. “Hey, give me some too!” 

“Bring more bread!”

Under the night sky, a lively atmosphere quickly spread. Watching the knights eat, she took a big spoonful of stew. ‘Delicious,’ she thought, savoring the tender meat and vegetables. Eating the slightly softened jerky was also enjoyable. ‘Now I understand why food tastes better outside,’ she realized, enjoying the warmth of the stew.

As Elia looked up at the starry night sky, the warmth of the stew made the forest night feel cozy. “You’re eating well. Does it suit your taste?” Jacob asked.

“Yes, it’s very delicious.”

Pleased with her response, Jacob smiled. “That stew was made by the Young Lord.”

“Aks… I mean, by him?” Elia almost dropped the bowl in surprise. “In spring, when monster hunts are frequent, camping becomes routine,” Jacob explained, though she still found it surprising. ‘I didn’t know he had this side,’ she thought, realizing there was much she didn’t know about Aksion. According to the original story, she believed he had always lived alone.

While she pondered, her bowl was nearly empty. “Ah, Spiritist,” called Chelsid. 

“Yes?” she replied, feeling she might have answered a bit late due to her deep thoughts.

“Do you fancy any of the knights? Oh, wait, I should ask if you’re seeing anyone first.” Scratching his head, Chelsid’s question made Jacob gape in shock.

Unsure why he was asking, Elia smiled under her hood. “I’m married.”

“Married?” Chelsid’s eyes widened in shock. Jacob smacked Chelsid on the back of the head.

“What are you saying?”

“Why not ask? She might have someone,” Chelsid muttered, a hint of regret in his tone.

Jacob, half-laughing, half-angry, ordered, “Run twenty laps around the barrier stones now!”

“What? Now?” Chelsid looked dismayed, not expecting this.