Chapter 12- The Mouth is the Source of Disasters

After saying as such Cael felt rather refreshed all things considered but in that newfound clarity the consequences of his actions eventually dawned on him. Looking up slowly he saw the Emperor practically trembling in his throne causing him to self-reflect somewhat (Wow~ he’s pretty mad or maybe he’s just really cold? You never know those robes could be thinner than they look).

Almost as if he could sense the idiotic thoughts bouncing around in Cael’s head the Emperor all of a sudden stopped and sighed. Cael thought for a moment that perhaps all would be forgiven but soon changed his mind when he saw the older man’s eyes none too dissimilar to how Selene looked at Mob 1 earlier, eyes as if looking at a dead man.

『Caelus . the . Hunter … I have tried to be patient and lenient in my dealings with you otherworlders but at the end of the day there is only so much disrespect that can go unpunished. I am the Emperor, the absolute ruler of the realm of Eden and must receive respect in due or my position is meaningless, however as a last show of mercy I shall not have you executed.』

As Selene’s father spoke his verdict Cael maintained constant eye contact with him. In the background Alice sighed in relief knowing Cael wouldn’t be killed but Alex on the other hand did not look quite as relaxed no doubt thinking there must be some kind of catch.

『Nevertheless punishment must be given where punishment is due, they shall be threefold and I will inform you of the next as you complete the previous.』

Upon hearing he would face three punishments Cael would be lying if he said he wasn’t apprehensive, afterall who knows what kind of cruel torture could be considered acceptable by the standards of a pseudo medieval society like this one.

『The first being you must show your sincerity by going to the Elder Wood in the royal courtyard and retrieve for me a trust fruit which you will then proceed to eat in the presence of the court.』

Upon hearing the Emperor’s words the nobles who had until now been silent suddenly began whispering among themselves. Unfortunately for Cael he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying before they were quieted once more.

『So Caelus the Hunter what will it be, it’s not a bad offer right?』

『Let me get this straight, you want to punish me by making me go just outside, pluck some fruit, walk back here and eat it? I don’t understand where is the hard part?』

『Now, now where would be the fun in that you’ll just have to find out for yourself when you get there. Selene will guide you as she is most familiar with the Elder Wood.』

The older man then glanced at his daughter for confirmation that his words were heard in which Selene promptly answered.

『Yes father.』

『But you understand don’t you Selene? You are only permitted to guide him and nothing else.』

At her father’s words she stared biting her lip but nodded reluctantly, nonetheless.

『As for everyone else court is temporarily dismissed but will resume at midday tomorrow. Caelus the Hunter this is the time limit you have for completing your task, good luck you’ll need it.』

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After the court left, Cael’s classmates AKA the newly appointed heroes were given rooms in the castle to stay in. Cael on the other hand was simply tossed a bag of mixed currency equaling 100 gold coins and told to find his own accommodation for the night using his summoning compensation, what would happen if he didn’t return did not need to be said.

Contrary to expectation though instead of going into town to rent a room at an inn Cael approached Selene and asked her to take him to the Elder Wood as soon as possible. Thus the current scene of the two walking side by side through the castle at sunset going towards the royal courtyard.

『Why did you want to go right now and not in the morning if you don’t mind me asking? I’m not complaining or anything I guess just curious is all.』

Cael didn’t particularly mind sharing his reasons so explained in turn while counting with his fingers.

『There’s actually a few reasons though the first is funnily enough because of you.』

At that Selene stopped and pointed at her face with a dumbfounded expression.

『Because of me?』

『Yeah you. Although you’re not allowed to tell me anything the face you made when given such an order was already plenty helpful for telling me that this isn’t going to be as simple as it sounds. You’re really a nice person Selene so you can stop worrying, I don’t think anyone resents you for summoning us at least I don’t.』

As Cael was still walking forward he didn’t catch the face she made as he spoke but if he did he might’ve understood just how much those words he casually tossed out really meant to her. Seeing she had fallen behind she rushed to catch up with him not noticing how her steps were just a little bit lighter than a moment ago.

『So what are the other reasons then?』

Now holding up two fingers Cael continued.

『The second is because I already figured out what one of the other punishments is and if I go to an inn I would be falling right into a trap. I like to think I’ve gotten a pretty good read so far on what sort of person your father is combined with the clues I’ve been given I know already what the second one’s going to be, a shame I haven’t figured out the third quite yet though.』

Selene was taken aback at how surprisingly smart Cael could be and was only now seeing him in a new light. Dare she say compared to her first impression of the ridiculous goofball that made her laugh at his absurdity, right now he even looked a little bit cool to her eyes even compared to all the handsome knights she had met over the years.

Blushing slightly Selene decided to carry on the conversation so he wouldn’t think she was weird.

『So-so what’s the other reason?』

Though she stuttered a little she managed to pull through and asked Cael while absentmindedly tucking a strand of her silver grey hair behind her ear.

Instead of the expected response though Cael put his hands on his hips and started laughing aloud totally taking Selene off guard. After getting that out of his system Cael smiled his trademark mischievous grin and with his left hand holding three fingers and his right pointing right at her he spoke once more.

『The third and final reason not to mention the most important of all is also because of you, when your father assigned you as my escort I knew what I had to do then and there.』

Not sure quite where he was going with this Selene couldn’t find it in her to interrupt him in any meaningful way as she was doing her best just to reign in her endless blushing.

『What … you had to do?』

『Yes, this was my once in a lifetime chance to go for a walk with a beautiful girl at sunset!』

At hearing his words Selene sobered fast.

『So it could have been any girl as long as she was cute?』

『Yep~』

『…』

『Selene?』

At once Cael had an ominous feeling and when he looked over at his companion he saw her eyes were shadowed over by her bangs as she slowly walked over. Just as she was an inch away from him Selene suddenly looked up and Cael had only one thought. So this is the so-called killing intent, I have never experienced it before!

Like her father Selene seemed to share the ability to detect when Cael was thinking useless things and as such his slightly awed look at that moment was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back.

『Idiot!』

Needless to say the two eventually made their way to the foot of the Elder Wood though Cael was now conspicuously rubbing his head for reasons he himself could not fathom, as for Selene…

『The knights were definitely cooler.』

『What was that Selene?』

『Nothing~』

Such were her honest thoughts though she herself failed to realise the knights in question would kill to have her smile at them the way she was smiling unreservedly at Cael right at that moment.