Chapter 18 - 18: ‘I Still Have Very Long Way Ahead of Me…’ (1/2)

After gathering all his courage, Eirwen decided to maneuver his way to the woman, attacking them with a ballista armed with magic spears. He heaves a heavy sigh as he steels his determination to confront her.

Thankfully, he manages to approach the lady without alerting her. He fears she will aim at him while he is airborne, and he won't have any opportunity to escape. He will be skewered without a doubt.

”Greetings, Holy Guardian Lord White Tiger. The Holy Guardian Vermilion Bird sent us to find you. Please refrain from attacking us. We don't mean you any harm...” He was kneeling and bowing before her in his human form.

The beautiful lady in a white dress calmly looks at his direction and carefully observes him. She could sense that he wasn't lying as the ballista quickly vanishes.

She rolled her eyes as she snickers, ”Why didn't you just say so? I could have killed you.”

He genuinely wanted to retort, but he just heaved a sigh of relief instead. He is already thankful and relieved that he manages to survive. His lips, on the other hand, involuntarily twitched as he forced a smile.

They weren't even given an opportunity to say anything before she mercilessly attacked them. How did she expect them to inform her?

”We could have explained ourselves if you didn't just start raining arrows at us!” Haru refuted as he arrived. He threw a bunch of spears that nearly killed him as he continued, ”As if those magical arrows weren't deadly enough. You decided to switch using these spears!”

He is obviously annoyed as he continues airing his grievances to her. How can he not complain after his near-death experience from her assault?

”Yes, yes… I know. My bad. Can you blame me? Those Shadows are hunting me down and being pathetically persistent.” She sneers cooly.

The rain starts pouring as the sun sets down. The Holy Guardian Lord welcome them inside the cave, where she has taken refuge those passed few months.

The cave is comfortable and lit with warm flare gems. A bunch of native fruits is piled in a corner, while a makeshift bed on another. The Holy Guardian has apparently been staying there for a long time.

”I heard Holy Guardian Lord Black Turtle is in Themis and tried to save him.” She began her story as she hands them a bowl of soup as she continued, ”I barely made it out, I was injured and ran to these parts to recuperate. Unfortunately, those Shadows manage to follow me and been persistently trying to subdue me ever since. My wound is not healing, so I can only assume I was also poisoned...”

She told them everything she encountered and discovered so far. Indeed, Themis is undoubtedly one hell of a well-guarded place for a supposed to be, an abandoned city.

If they plan to save the Holy Guardian Black Turtle, they should take all precautionary measures.

”We should head back tomorrow and report to Lady Freya, Holy Guardian…” Eirwen said after hearing her story.

”How could you call Little Freya casually and address me so formally?” she asked curiously and in disbelief as she continued, ”You can call me Lady Rean. I have not been in the position for two hundred years. It is only fair if you address me like that.” she took out a new roll of bandages as she continued, ”Rest up. We will depart this area first thing in the morning.”

”Use this ointment on your wound, Lady Rean. It may help with your healing…” Haru handed over one of his precious ointments.

He always gets free valuable items from the ladies he meets during his conquests. That includes an assortment of high-grade medicines he barely even uses.

”Thank you, Haru. I apologize for my impulse behavior. You two sure are lucky. I did try my best after all…” she chuckled as she heads to her corner.

The two faces darkened as she says that. They are having mixed feelings towards her. She doesn't sound too sorry, or rather, she seemed more amused.

What do they expect? She is just her 'oh, all-mighty' self just like Lady Freya.

Should they get used to working with them? They can only inwardly sigh as they retire themselves.

Before the break of dawn, the group has already prepared to leave. Haru destroys pieces of evidence and any traces that they have settled in that cave. It is a precautionary measure, just in case the Shadows came to look for them.

Also, thanks to Haru's ointment, Lady Rean's injury started to heal. Their month-long mission has come to an end.

It was again a long trek back, but they were glad the journey went smoothly with no mishaps or attacks. They head back to their rendezvous point to meet their companions in Celesea and report everything they learned around the area.

Meanwhile, the Divine Lord Foeni is getting only dire reports regarding the situation. He wanted to travel back to the Inner Courts, but he is tied to duties.

Without the Holy Guardian's assistance, there simply too much to accomplish on his own. It's like he was intentionally being held to work and prevent him from doing something else.

Every day he ensures Little Eu's well being and check with Jairu. He stares at his dull pale blue dragon ring as he misses her terribly.