Chapter 69. There are two cat(4)
strangers.
There is one complete stranger here who is strange to me, and another person who is a little less strange than that, but even stranger.
Teylan in the form of a Survain. And Kalyan stands there as someone who does not exist in the world.
“Keep quiet.”
No explanation was given for either of them.
Not as an inexperienced child receiving a conch shell, nor as a prince with everything in the world at his feet, but as a superior of the soldiers who had gathered here, he ordered silence. He told me not to wonder about the situation and not to keep it in my head.
Keeping my mouth shut without seeking my people’s understanding.
Something Calian would never do to smell the scent of Serenus from it. However, Plantz, who does not know what happened between Bern and Eila, can do nothing. I did something like that.
“Instead, I will give you everything you want one by one.”
However, just as I learned how to give orders to Silike, I also learned from Hina that nothing is free in this world. Plantz, who has a knack for putting to good use what he has learned, added these words:
“……Tell me something that can be resolved within my means.”
Of course, I did not forget Kalian’s teaching that conditions must be clear when making a transaction.
While watching the sparring between the sword master and the great swordsmen for free, I saw a scene where the sword master who intervened between the two prevented a major accident, and in addition, another sword master appeared like a shooting star, something that would never happen twice in my life. The eighty-six members of the Vulcan team, who had the experience of being right where I was when the rare sight unfolded, cheered.
Kirie, who was standing from afar and watching the scene, thought.
I’m glad Arsene isn’t here.
If Arsene had been there, he would have received eighty-six wishes, ‘I want to brag about what I experienced today to just one person’ and one wish, ‘You know my wish.’
“Are there any injuries?”
Someone who came to Kirie’s side asked this.
Because he was more familiar with dealing with auras than Siona, he was the one who saved both Kirie and Siona by dispersing Kirie’s attacks and countering with auras that did not harm them both.
It was Teylan Castrin.
“Thanks to you, I’m okay.”
“okay.”
“Anyway, it won’t be long before I take the path of the sword.”
“Are you saying that you are an Auror?”
“If not, would I have come forward?”
Kirie nodded without looking happy at these words. Tailan, who was watching the scene in silence, spoke quietly.
“Do you remember how you did it?”
“I’m not really sure.”
“Is this the first time you sent it out?”
“Yes. This is my first time.”
“You look too calm to say that this is your first time experiencing it. You didn’t even tell Prince Calian about it.”
“No, I’m happy. I’m just holding back so I don’t get impatient.”
“Are you being cautious about being impatient and losing your way?”
“That’s right.”
Teilan’s answer followed immediately, as if he had expected such an answer.
“You can only learn how to deal with Aurors on your own. You’ve probably heard that saying countless times.”
“Yes. I heard it.”
“People say that climbing the sword path and increasing the heart circle are different, but when I look at it, the two are actually very similar. I can tell you how to handle magical power, how to calculate it, and how to create a circle, but increasing the circle is You can’t overcome the wall of self-realization unless you become enlightened. Isn’t it the same with climbing the path of the sword? We can teach you how to hold and swing a sword and how to use your arms and legs, but you have to learn how to create and use auras yourself. “Whether you gain enlightenment and increase your circle, or take the path of the sword. That’s something you have to do yourself.”
“I think so too.”
“okay.”
Tailan, who looked around the training center for a moment, continued.
“After I first manifested my aura, it took me four years to fully understand how to use it. Even though I swung my sword for so long, I didn’t realize it. Then, one night when there was a lot of thunder and lightning, I suddenly realized it without warning. My deceased teacher was stranded in a storm. “He died on a ship and took the path of the sword. He said it happened seven years after he manifested his auror.”
4 years 7 years.
Teilan’s voice continued to ring in Kyrie’s ears as she added the number to her current age.
“Of course, there are other cases. Lord Siegfried said that while sparring, an auror appeared while blocking a flying spear, and while trying to protect the owner of the spear, he learned how to handle the auror. The day he first manifested an auror, he took the path of the sword. yes.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. And one more thing. There was a rumor that Gray Brissen entered the path of the sword after digging up the grave of his deceased grandfather. Not only did he know what he saw inside that led him to the path of the sword, but he also said that he had dug up the grave. “I don’t even know if it’s true. But there were cases like that anyway.”
Kyrie’s eyes fell on Teilan.
“So, what I’m saying is that there are many ways to achieve enlightenment, whether you’re in a hurry or not. In the end, one day, you too will take the path of the sword, so don’t tie yourself down too much. I’m happy if you’ve grown one step further. I have to do it too.”
“…… thank you.”
Tailan nodded and stretched out his hand. And then I gently grabbed Kyrie’s shoulder.
“The power that Prince Calian uses is different from mine. In fact, it would be correct to say that he is different from all other sword masters. His power is both aura and magical power. He uses a fusion of the two, so his nature is as pure as his color. is different. That’s why Prince Calian couldn’t have told you this directly.”
As Teilan stopped speaking, a blue light flickered on the tip of his hand. That light quietly flowed into Kirie’s body.
It felt like being hit by cold rain in the middle of summer.
It soon turned into the feeling of gulping down cold water one afternoon when I was tired and thirsty. The power that flows into the body and moves it. The real aura, not mixed with anything else, was pushed from place to place, returned, wrapped around the body, spread out, and came back again and again. I felt like the power that had been there for so long was coming out again.
It allowed me to feel for myself what exactly the energy of an auror is, how it moves, and how to use it. I can’t tell you how to get to the Sword Path, but I can tell you where to look and walk.
“They say this is an aura. Those who create and control this kind of energy are called sword masters. If you remember that feeling and remember it, it will be of some help to you.”
After a long time had passed.
Tailan, who had retrieved his aurors and dispersed them, looked at Kyrie. Kirie, who looked a little surprised, blinked for a moment and lowered her head.
“…… thank you.”
“I can’t thank you enough. Thanks to you, I also have the opportunity to teach people about these things, so it’s good for both of us.”
The current student went somewhere and learned the sword just enough to not die easily. There was nothing more to teach the student from some time ago that I can’t remember. So, if I don’t tell my former student’s student about it, I probably won’t be able to use it for the rest of my life.
For this reason, Teilan, who taught Kirie on her behalf, smiled slightly and said,
“So. Should I keep quiet and put aside my curiosity as to why Prince Calian was disguised like that?”
“No. Prince Calian will explain things to Lord Castrin. I will guide you.”
Kirie answered this while recalling the Auror of Teilan, which she would probably never forget. Afterwards, I guided Teylan to the lounge on one side of the training center.
And then I heard it.
“What should I do if you say such harsh words, Demirea?”
A voice came from inside the break room.
I also got to see it.
Beyond the lounge window. Demirea, who had come to visit us in the midst of the chaos. Someone sitting quietly in front of him with his knees together.
Kirie, who was looking at someone calmly tying her hair up with a sea-colored handkerchief, made an effort to turn her head.
– ……Rather.
Kirie turned her body with such careful movements that I wondered if she had ever moved so silently in her life. Then he spoke to Castrin, who had not yet discovered what was inside the window.
“It appears that the prince has an urgent personal situation… so I will explain it for you.”
There was a long silence.
* * *
Kalian jumped out the window.
Plantz followed without a word.
“Why is everyone running through windows while leaving intact doors? Do you have to do that to live as royalty in this country?”
“No. His Majesty the King and the First Prince use the door and stairs.”
I was talking to myself, but the answer came back.
It was clearly a visit, but the patient and guardian left while eating breakfast. Thanks to this, a lot of criticism was left between the patient’s friend and the patient’s ex-brother’s fiancee, and the patient, who was said to have done something bad to the patient, the patient’s ex-brother, and the ex-brother’s fiancee.
Arianne smiled and nodded.
“It’s good to hear that there is someone who lives like a human. I was worried because the patient and his brother passed away in a hurry.”
“Yes. Thank goodness.”
Arsene’s eyes did not leave the window as he answered this.
It wasn’t because I was worried about what was going on outside. There was a loud noise, but if it was something bad, the knights outside would have reported it. However, since there was no further commotion and there were no Balkan members coming in to report, I thought it was no big deal.
However, I couldn’t leave Arianne alone for something insignificant, so I looked out the window, waiting for Calian to hurry back after finishing the situation quickly, even though I didn’t know what was going on.
“Louise, how are you?”
“You’re doing well. You’re much better than before.”
“Yes. Thank goodness.”
It would have been less awkward if Coco had been brought along.
“Why are you suddenly looking at me?”
Arianne, who surprisingly noticed that he was uncomfortable being left alone with Arianne, spoke first.
“I was keeping an eye on you.”
“You didn’t do that when you were eating with His Highness and His Majesty the Light Green or when you were with Calian.”
“No, I kept watching.”
“It’s surprising. I didn’t think Count Hertz would be like that. He didn’t show it, so I thought he didn’t notice or didn’t care.”
“If you don’t pay attention, is Briesen a person?”
Arianne burst out laughing.
“Are you pretending not to care because you don’t want Calian to care?”
Arsene nodded, trying to get used to having nothing after Calian’s name.
“It’s amazing. People around me care so much. Anyway, you can’t say that one of the two people here is the perpetrator and the other is the victim, right? Anyway, it’s something that neither of us have experienced now and neither of us will experience in the future. . So don’t be so judgmental. I feel like I need to hit you.”
“I’m trying.”
Arsene nodded as he said this and looked out the window again. Then he made a happy face, as if asking when he had been so awkward.
Calian, Plantz, and Demirea, wearing black hoods from head to toe, were seen walking towards this place.
“The prince is coming back.”
“I see. But who is that person behind you?”
“This is Duke Siegfried.”
“Oh, that’s so cool.”
Arsene answered with a grin.
“yes. “You’re a wonderful person.”
Arianne, with an expectant expression on her face, looked to see if her clothes were out of order. Then, a moment later, the door opened with a click and three people came in. Arianne stood up and gave Demirea a quick greeting
. Dmirea, who already knew who was here, bowed slightly in response. After
introducing each other in simple words, Calian looked at Arsene.
“Lord Hertz.”
“Yes, prince.”
“Brother Randel, could you come for a moment? “Can you ask if
Prince Randel will be in Wilhelm’s coffin?”
Arsene’s face hardened slightly.
Calian, who knew that Randel was reluctant, added with a smile,
“If you don’t want Brother Randel to come here, I’ll just go.”
“no. I’ll tell you the story.”
It’s better to have Randel come back here than to watch him go all the way to Chermil with his flowing blue-silver hair. Calian, who smiled at
Arsene who answered quickly, added one more thing.
“And about a week later . Because I have a place to visit for a few days. Get ready.”
“You mean in a week?”
Calian nodded and took off the hood of his black robe.
“To Whitlin.”
“Are you saying we’ll go to Whitlin?” ”
No. I’ll be back.”
“Then what do I prepare?”
Calian, who was fixing his hair that had fallen down because he had tied it with a handkerchief, turned his head slightly and looked down at the fist-sized pea standing next to him and said, “Brother, are you going with me
? Because it is. “I’m prepared to work alone and not be surprised when my brother disappears.”
Ah… that kind of preparation.
Arsene let out a long sigh.
* * *
Teylan Castrin came to visit.
He said he would meet Calian, but he wasn’t allowed, so instead he met Kyrie first. I said I would. Hina, who was with Demirea at Wilhelm’s pavilion, volunteered to be a guide. Leaving Demirea in her office for a while, she brought Tailan to the training ground. Shiona, who was sparring with Kirie, saw Hina. The
two
siblings I thought of my mother, Siona’s friend, and the owner of the bell. I was mistaken. I was standing right in front of Kyrie’s sword heading towards my neck. – Are you okay? I nodded. I moved my head. The voice was transmitted through my head,
not
my
ears
. Hae-joo’s amazing bead. I managed to stop myself from unconsciously trying to hold it in my hand. But that only lasted for a moment. –
My brother may look calm, but his hands are numb. Knights used to be kind… no. To Prince Calian. I used to come here because I was hurt, but these days, I come here every day because my brother hurt me. Are you really injured? Is it okay if I don’t look at you? Once again. Siona, who was
careful
not to put pressure on the beads and clenched her fist, nodded. I think she forgot. I’m also a sword master, so even if I’m an Auror, if I get hurt by a sword I’m not holding, I have to get off the path of the sword. To be honest, it was a little dangerous at the end, but it was okay anyway. Instead of saying that, I just nodded. The silver ring hanging from Siona’s long ear was reflected in it
. The sunlight created a small halo of light on the oatmeal cookie-colored wall. Siona, who was watching the light moving along with her nod, suddenly looked at Hina’s ear. A life even younger than Kirie, who held the young Kirie’s hand tightly and did not let go
. This comes to mind. It reminds me of white silver hair that was pure and pure, and long, pointed ears sticking out and prickling. Yes, I
definitely
had long ears.
– Ears…
not mouths to the other person. Since I had never used an object that transmitted voices inside my head, the words flowed out without my knowledge and were passed on to Hina.
Hina opened her eyes wide.
And he put his hand to his ear, which was no different from other people’s.
– My ears?
Siona saw that and closed her mouth, unable to say anything. Then he quickly opened it again and spoke.
“I’m sorry. What I was thinking came out without me knowing.”
Blunt tone of voice. A voice that is extremely dry.
However, the face that said those words was neither dull nor dry. Therefore, Hina smiled as she understood why Siona said such a thing.
– You don’t have to be upset. I never thought it was disappointing.
Nod again.
Siona moved her head.
– wait a minute.
Saying this, Hina got up from her seat and went to the corner of the office, making a rattling sound. And after a while, he brought two cups of tea on a small tray.
With a clicking sound, a cup filled with tea that closely resembled Siona’s hair color was placed in front of Siona.
– It’s a tea made from amaranth flowers. It was given to me by Corps Commander Manasil, and it feels like I’m sitting on a rock in the sunlight. It has a cozy taste.
Siona’s golden eyes turned to the teacup.
Instead of wondering what it would be like to sit on a rock in the sunlight or what the cozy taste would be like, I closed my eyes for a moment.
‘Siona this sounds really good.’
‘Tingle-tangle. It’s just a drop.’
‘no. It sounds like fox cubs playing around.’
‘…I don’t know.’
‘okay? ‘You’re still young so you don’t know much?’
‘You’re young. How many years apart are you?’
‘I’m kidding. Take one and listen. If you listen carefully, you will hear it.’
‘Where should I use this? ‘I’m done.’
‘Freya gave me one to share with you. So don’t throw it away even if it’s useless.’
Jingling jingling.
No matter how much I listen to it, I don’t get the feeling that the fox cubs are playing around. If you listen to it all the time, do you ever feel that way? I’ve been thinking about that so many times every day, but I still don’t know. So it’s still a useless bell sound that I can’t separate.
I felt the sound of bells coming from the pink car, so I closed my eyes like that for a moment.
Hina smiled slightly as she looked at Siona, who had her head slightly lowered without even touching the car.
– The car isn’t that hot. Try it.
“okay.”
Siona answered quietly, picked up the tea cup and tasted it.
It didn’t feel like I was sitting on a rock in the sun. I don’t know what the cozy taste is, but it didn’t taste like that.
Instead, it’s the taste you get after stuffing your mouth full of rye bread, chewing it, and swallowing it.
It tasted like that.
– Do you like it?
“…… okay.”
Siona, who downed a mouthful of tea she didn’t like, looked up again. And I looked at Hina’s face for a long time. I felt like I was happy, sorry, missing, and sad all at once, so I couldn’t say anything else and just looked.
I felt like I heard the sound of a bell at the end of Hina’s laughter, so I couldn’t say any more awkward words and just kept looking like that, as if I was following the sound with my eyes.
Hina, who was looking at Siona, lowered her gaze for a moment. And then I looked at Siona’s hands full of calluses. I looked at the hand that delivered the letter, the hand that patted young Kirie on the back, the hand that carefully stroked Hina’s head, the hand that took all the money I had out of my dust-filled clothes and handed it to her. I saw.
And then I raised my head.
I looked at Siona, not sure if she was seeing Hina or if she wanted to see someone who lived beyond her.
– My name is Hina.
A voice like the dawn of dawn, finally greeted after a lost night. A soothing voice that makes you let go of all your worries. A voice as pretty as a handful of rainbow dissolved in sugar water.
The voice called Siona. I made my name known.
– Hina Bern. That’s my name. Thanks to you, I learned this name. If you hadn’t given me Mom’s letter, if you hadn’t given my brother the money for a month’s worth of bread, that name wouldn’t have existed in the world.
Siona slowly lowered her head.
He lowered his head and nodded quietly.
Hina continued.
– We got along well.
Whitlin.
Whitlin….
There’s no sound like a fox cub playing in that bell.
No matter how much I listen, I don’t hear anything like that. I’m much older than you now. Even after hearing it for so long, I still can’t hear that sound.
– Thank you.
It just smells like rye bread.
That’s all I hear in my ears.
