Chapter 9 (1/2)
Translator and Editor: Lea and Ishy
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Chapter 9
I was slightly relieved by the appearance of the same setting.
The knowledge from the original work felt like it helped a little this time.
“It appears that you have recognized its perimeters.”
“Is there anyone in the empire who doesn’t know of the Duke’s ability to create perimeters?”
“Is this perimeter the same as that of the Rutoru forest?”
When I looked up at Lennox, he let out an exasperated sigh.
“It can’t be said to be completely the same, but it’s similar.”
“I have only read about it, but it’s my first time perceiving it.”
I quickly shut my mouth as I realized I had uttered the words unintentionally.
Luckily, Lennox seemed to naturally understand what I said as ‘read in a book in this world’.
“Let’s have a seat.”
Lennox gestured to a bench made of white clouds that seemed to have appeared into existence.
I walked slowly to where he pointed and gasped as I swept my palm over the fluffy surface of the bench.
“Your Grace knows how to make this?”
“It’s simple.”
Lennox—who made his own bench—sat opposite to me.
“You don’t seem curious.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I supposed you’d ask if I was a wizard.”
It was because I already knew that Lennox’s power was not based on magic.
However, I had no idea about what kind of power his ability was and where it originated.
“I don’t know what it is, but I’m afraid it’s not magic.”
I guessed my answer was unexpected, because he just stared at me and murmured to himself a moment later,
“Is it because she’s an Epure?”
Then, he immediately changed his features.
“So, what is it that you wanted to know?”
Taking a deep breath, I opened my lips.
“Your Grace said I was the ‘target’.”
When I brought it up, he slightly tilted his head.
“I’m sure you’ve seen them, too. Evil spirits rushing after you.”
“Evil spirits?”
Oh, so they were the evil spirits that followed me, who then disappeared when sliced in half by Lennox’s sword.
I stuttered in embarrassment,
“W-Why were the evil spirits following me?”
“Because your Epure has now awoken,”
He shrugged lightly.
“The evil spirits usually feed on negative human energy, but Epure is a greater desired prey.”
‘Oh, no…’
Chills spread down my spine as I took in the shocking information.
“The energy of an innocent Epure naturally attracts evil spirits. They won’t stop until they seek you out and consume you.”
By this point, my body was trembling with shock and astonishment.
‘You said I could purify! Does it make any sense that a person blessed by God themselves would be eaten by evil spirits?’
Feeling betrayed, I reached down at the hood of my cape where Ash had hidden, after making my situation like this.
But there was nothing in my hands. That astute creature had already vanished in the meantime.
‘Just wait, I’ll pay you back when you come back later.’
Grinding my teeth, I decided to find a way to survive.
“Is there any way I can avoid or fight against such evil spirits?”
I asked desperately, to which Lennox answered calmly,
“You need to fully realize the power of Epure in your hands. Because you can’t do anything with just the awakening of it.”
“…”
“Otherwise, you are only defenseless and exposed to those who seek your power.”
I bit my lower lip.
“I’m afraid I don’t know how to express my strength. What should I do?”
The completion of three stages is needed for a total awakening of Epure.
Currently, my power is only at the first level of awakening.
I had asked Ash how to advance to the next level of awakening, but he shook his head.
[You have to enlighten yourself. That’s the only way.]
“After the second awakening, the evil spirits will not pose any threat to you.”
“And before that happens?”
I needed to know how I could deal with dangerous situations.
At my question, Lennox glanced at me with the same persistent gaze as earlier.
“I have no idea.”
“…”
“Perhaps, survive somehow. Regardless of what you do.”
“Haha~”
I let out a nervous laugh, amazingly falsely.
I had to survive by avoiding the threat of my life being snatched away by those evil spirits, until and unless my powers reach the next level of awakening.
‘Will it be possible?’
I failed to hide the nervousness in my tone.
I chewed on the soft flesh inside my lips and gently pressed the handkerchief hidden inside my robe.
Would I be able to reach it safely?
I expected to get a clue if I visited the herbs dealer and asked about the identity of the leaves in my tea.
However, considering my current situation, even that did not seem oh so easy.
‘What do I do?’
It was overwhelming just to deal with Carinne, but now even the evil spirits were chasing me.