Chapter 70 (1/2)

Bringing Maria into the fold was an excellent development in various ways.

There were two G.o.ds that a Priest could choose to serve. Firstly, the Order of Luxuria, the G.o.ddess of l.u.s.t and in charge of healing, dispelling, as well as support spells.

The second one was the Order of Invidia, the G.o.d of envy who preferred to repulse the enemy with holy powers and governing over the operations of divination magics.

Cho Hong was an Earthling that basically straddled two separate paths of Invidia and Ira, while Maria chose to walk the lone path that Luxuria had carved out ever since she was Level 1. You'd already be treated like an aristocrat if you were a Priest, but more than that, you'd be treated almost equal to a Sorcerer if you focused on the healing side of your chosen profession.

A Level 4 High Priest was capable of healing regular injuries with a proverbial flick of her hand. And since Earthlings had a tendency of greatly prioritising saving their necks above all else, not only would they react positively at your team with such a Priest as a core member, they would also try to become friends with you.

Seol Ji-Hu was successful in recruiting a Priest, but he didn't rest after that. His next stop took him to the city's library, rather than back to Carpe Diem's office.

Didn't matter which city it was, the city library could be called the repository of all the ama.s.sed information. The Ramman village extermination request happened frequently, so he figured that there must be past records of the mission itself, just like how Alex's report on the Mole's appearance showed up on the city's noticeboard soon afterwards.

Cho Hong, as usual, was full of swagger, loudly declaring that they only needed to look the part, as she alone would be enough to sweep all of their enemies away. But he couldn't readily accept that.

He developed a certain habit ever since he nearly got killed from the siege of the skeletons back in the Neutral Zone. And that would be to prepare as much as humanly possible in the matters where his life might be on the line.

And so, as he immersed himself in searching for the relevant information, he ran into someone quite unexpected in the library.

”Hoh? I didn't expect to see you here, my man.” (Ian)

An older man with greying beard and wearing a conical hat typical of wizards reached out for a handshake.

”Ah, h.e.l.lo there.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu politely shook the offered hand.

”I'm also surprised to see you here. What brings you to the city library, Master Ian?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Ehehe. I think you might be the only Earthling in history to ask a Sorcerer what's his business in a library.” (Ian)

Ian giggled and asked back.

”So, my man. How have you been?” (Ian)

”Well, it was okay, nothing special to speak of. I tried my hands at being a courier, and I am still training everyday, too.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”It's good to hear that you're enjoying a peaceful life so far. Oh, right. Did you get the spear?” (Ian)

”Ah, that. I've completely forgot to thank you and the princess for it. How is she doing nowadays?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Don't worry about her. Her Majesty Princess Teresa is always pink, pink, if you know what I mean.” (Ian)

Ian threw him a knowing wink. He then grinned at the youth panicking somewhat at the seemingly innuendo-ridden word of ”pink”, before leaning in closer to whisper something else.

”Fufufu. This is a secret only I know, but allow me to share it with you.” (Ian)

Before he had time to realise it, Seol Ji-Hu was paying attention to the older man's words.

”The truth is, there are many, many variations of colour pink, you see?” (Ian)

”….Eh?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”For instance~. Princess Teresa's colour is much closer to ‘baby pink', you see. Yes, indeed. Mm, mm.” (Ian)

”….Master Ian.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Oopsie. I was just messing with you, young man. Just a joke of poor taste from an old man. I definitely didn't use X-ray magic to confirm so you shouldn't look at this old man that way now. If you form a grimace like that, you come across as a total stranger and that kind of scares me a little.” (Ian)

Ian waved his hands about and guffawed out loudly. Seol Ji-Hu could only leak out a sigh. He let his guard down and got fooled again.

”I'm sure she won't mind normal types of pranks, but isn't it a bit much making s.e.xual innuendos to a princess?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”You say that because you don't know what she's really like.” (Ian)

”Earlier today, I cracked a simple joke to her and she responded back with ‘yours can't even stand up again, so why are you asking me that?' To be honest, my feeling's been kind of hurt, you know.” (Ian)

”…………”

By now, Seol Ji-Hu had forgotten what he wanted to say.

”Okay, that's enough of small talk. What brings you here, my man?” (Ian)

”Well, I was given a mission, so I was hoping to find relevant information here.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu took a bit of guard against the older man and made his reply.

”A mission?” (Ian)

”Yes, it's a request issued by Ramman village.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

A certain glint flashed by Ian's eyes.

”Dylan and Hugo shouldn't be able to partic.i.p.ate in that. Does that mean it's you and Cho Hong forming the team?” (Ian)

”Basically, yes. Master Ian, you heard about that, as well?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”I'm also partic.i.p.ating in that ‘mission', so indeed, I know of it. Dylan has given you the leaders.h.i.+p role, then?” (Ian)

Hmm, hmm~. Ian carried a somewhat contemplate expression, but then, he suddenly formed a mysterious smile.

”Fufufu. Oh, Dylan, you one sly….” (Ian)

He muttered to himself and s.h.i.+fted his gaze back to the youth.

”My man. Can you spare me a bit of time? I only need around five minutes.” (Ian)

”Of course.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Alright. I'll be right back, so please wait for me.” (Ian)

With a serious expression now etched on his face, Ian hurriedly went over here and there in the library. And precisely five minutes later, he showed up back again, now carrying an armful of scrolls and various doc.u.ments.

”Take these. These are all the historical records pertaining to the extermination mission you're about to take on. And this is….”

The older man pulled out a ridiculously thick book just as Seol Ji-Hu barely managed to receive them all.

”This here is the recorded history of the region. You don't have to read everything, of course. I've made a bookmark somewhere in the middle, so you only have to browse that.” (Ian)

”You have?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Mm. It has been a long time ago, but you see, I also partic.i.p.ated in the extermination mission before. The thing is, the Ramman village's matter is one of the most endearing mysteries of Haramark, so once upon a time, I was rather interested in solving it, you see.” (Ian)

Ian sounded philosophical.

”Well, it all ended in failure, though. Back then, I thought I had caught onto a pretty solid lead, and I felt confident of my suspicions. But in the end, I still couldn't uncover the origin.” (Ian)

”People are telling me the same thing so far. I'd probably end up the same as you.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”I wonder about that. We'll have to wait and see first, no?” (Ian)

Seol Ji-Hu smiled embarra.s.sedly, while Ian was stroking his beard in contemplation.

”Us walking out of the Forest of Denial alive, the famous forbidden zone, and then, us miraculously recovering the fortress that everyone thought was a lost cause - both of them were events easily exceeding one's wildest imaginations.” (Ian)

”Thank you for your kind words, but I think I just got lucky.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”No, not true at all. Your actions were responsible for both of those events, not lady luck.” (Ian)

Ian formed a warm expression.

”Apologies for burdening you even further like this. But, if you manage to solve this mystery, it'd be the same thing as you aiding with the overall stability of the entire Haramark region, so you should be able to earn a substantial amount of ‘achievement points'. And the royal family might reward you something extra on the side, too.” (Ian)

”I'd feel so much more confident if you were to accompany us, Master Ian.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”I'd love to do that. Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement to fulfil, you see. Even the Sicilians are involved now, so it'll be difficult to extricate myself out of this one.” (Ian)

”There's no helping it, then. Thank you for these records. I'll study them right away.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu smiled refres.h.i.+ngly.

”I'll pray for your success.” (Ian)

Ian raised his tightly-clenched fist up high and cheered on.

Cho Hong returned to the office late at night, her current mood absolute worst.

For whole day, she went around looking for a Priest, only to meet with rejection at every turn. So, when she spotted Dylan drinking tea in the office, she loudly complained and said, ”Are you going to do nothing and spectate from the sidelines?!”

But then, she was rendered completely speechless after Dylan informed her of Seol finding a Priest already.

”For real?!” (Cho Hong)

”Mm. He himself went to talk to the Priest, apparently.” (Dylan)

”Who is it?” (Cho Hong)

”It's Maria Yeriel.” (Dylan) (TL note at the end.)

”Whaaaat?! That b*tch?!?!” (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong's voice became even louder. Dylan calmly covered his ears and nodded once.

”I agree that it's somewhat unbelievable, but how about lowering your volume a bit? Seol is in the middle of work, you see.” (Dylan)

”….Work?” (Cho Hong)

”Right. I wondered if there was anything I could help him with, but there was no need, judging from how he was handling it. He doesn't even look like a newbie anymore from the way he's taking care of things.” (Dylan)

There was a content smile on Dylan's face now.

”Look. Do you know for how long I wanted a team member like Seol to join us? That's why, if we can't help him, we should at least not bother him, right?” (Dylan)

Too bad, Cho Hong wasn't someone who'd heed such an advice. Her thudding steps led her directly into the shared bedroom. She found Seol Ji-Hu sitting by the desk, quietly jotting and studying all by himself.

”Hey.” (Cho Hong)

”Oh, you're back?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu replied without looking back.

”I heard you found us a Priest?” (Cho Hong)

”Yeah.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu nodded.

”By the way, why is Miss Maria a b*tch?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Because, she is a b*tch, that' why! How did you even manage to sweet talk that girl? I mean, that crazy b*tch's infamous for having a re~ally high standard and all.” (Cho Hong)

”Please stop swearing for a second. I knew her from the Neutral Zone, actually.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Hey, you! You are supposed to look at the person you're talking to!” (Cho Hong)

Only then Seol Ji-Hu turned around half way. He leaned against the chair's back at an angle and continued.

”Ah, right. What about Archers and Warriors? Did you ask around?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Cho Hong faltered a bit where she stood.

”N-no, not really? I was busy searching for a Priest, so, like….” (Cho Hong)

”But, I told you I'd find a Priest?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”I didn't know you'd find one this fast! I felt bad just dumping you with the responsibility, so I wanted to help out, too! So what!” (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong yelled at him. Seol Ji-Hu formed a wry smile.

”Fine, fine.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

He turned back towards the scrolls laid out on the desk.

”Don't worry about it. Miss Maria's supposed to meet me tomorrow at the ‘Eat, Drink, and Enjoy', so let's search together.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Cho Hong didn't say anything else to that. Nevertheless, she wanted to show off for a bit since she was supposed to be more experienced in these sorts of things, but just as Dylan had alluded to earlier, Seol Ji-Hu was doing admirably well all by himself. She did feel a tiny bit apologetic in her mind, too.

”….What are you doing?” (Cho Hong)

When she got closer to the desk, she spotted lots of unfurled scrolls and doc.u.ments. There was even a thick book there, too.

”Oh, these? Historical records of Ramman village's extermination missions.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Annnd, this?” (Cho Hong)

”Recorded history of the kingdom. Master Ian gave it to me, saying that I should check it out.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Wait, you ran into that geezer?” (Cho Hong)

”Yeah. Happened by chance.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Cho Hong took a sneak at the book and immediately grimaced in shock.

”Euhk~. Imma get sick just from looking at this thing. You actually feel fine reading this?” (Cho Hong)

”Really? I thought it was pretty interesting, though?” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Is there a need to go this far? I mean, all we have to do is go there and kick some a*s, right?” (Cho Hong)

”Well, those monsters will most likely show up again in the future. If it's possible, I want to prevent that by finding out the root cause and eliminate it. Which means, we need solid leads.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Reading those things won't get us anywhere, though?” (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong sourly remarked. Seol Ji-Hu yawned and stretched his arms high up above his head.

”Maybe. But, there are a couple of suspicious…. No, hang on. Let's just say that there are a few things here that don't feel right.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”Don't feel right? How?” (Cho Hong)

”I can't be sure of it, yet. It's just a working theory of mine.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu covered his mouth to yawn again. Cho Hong's sigh was so long that the ground might have caved in from that.

”Argh, I don't know. Do whatever you want. I'm going to bed. I've been walking around the whole day, and I'm p.o.o.ped out, you know.” (Cho Hong)

”You worked hard. Get some rest.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Cho Hong lay sprawled on the bed. For a while, she stared at the ceiling with a bit of a pout, before sneaking a glance at him.

”Aren't you going to sleep?” (Cho Hong)

”In a little while. I have an illuminating stone with me, so you can turn off the lights if you want.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”….No, I'm cool.” (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong didn't fall asleep right away, though. Her coy eyes were fixed on the youth sitting by the desk studying the contents of the thick book. His sleeves were rolled up, his expression one of deep concentration and seriousness; silent and determined glint flickering within his eyes. She thought he looked refres.h.i.+ngly different.

‘This is so weird, isn't it?' (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong whispered to herself ”Been only a short while since you joined up, yet….” and lightly hugged her pillow. She then stared into his wide-open back that seemed more dependable today for some reason. Only until she fell asleep, of course.

Next morning.

As promised, Seol Ji-Hu met up with Maria. If there was one thing he didn't entirely count on, that would be her attire: she seemingly only wore an oversized white s.h.i.+rt that was probably very, very easy to move around in. And secondly, that she also happened to be an old acquaintance with Cho Hong. Not in a good way, either.

”Hiya~, so it was true. Just what's gotten into Miss I Love Money that she decided to join in our little mission?” (Cho Hong)

Those words were the opening volley Cho Hong fired as soon as she saw Maria. The latter slightly c.o.c.ked an eyebrow as those sarcasm-laden words p.r.i.c.ked her ears, before forming a refres.h.i.+ng smile.