Chapter 73

“But it’s the Fruit of Aramoth! It’s a very precious material even for us! Even with just that would make our mission a complete success even if we didn’t find what we are looking for in this place,” Celia said.

“You know that Elder Sister.”

“…it’s frustrating because if what you said is true, then even I would be tempted to try it.”

The Princess shook her head.

"But for now, let’s stick with our original purpose. We need to find that ‘thing’ no matter what happens. And the Fruit of Aramoth can wait after—whether 'it' is really here or not, we can only hope though.”

“We’re here,” suddenly Celis who was just listening to her sisters talk while calming down her emotions finally said when she saw a hazy, wall-like thing seemingly made out of water appeared a few meters away from them.

It was their temporary camp, covered by a barrier.

“Finally… I’ve really thought I’m already done for,”

Celia smiled bitterly as she stared ahead.

“Next time you should not play with your life. Be careful, and don’t be reckless all the time,” Celis her sister warned with a worried expression.

“I know.”

“But actually, I’m more interested in the man you said had saved you from inevitable death,”

Suddenly, as the twin sisters finally regained their usual atmosphere, laughing and giggling with each other, the Princess mentioned the black-haired boy Celia met as she stepped through the hazy, water-like wall. It’s as if she had not noticed it and just walks right in. And then her figure disappeared, leaving the twin sisters and the other people behind.

Celis and Celia who had heard her words before disappearing glanced at each other, recalling that they actually had forgotten that mysterious boy.

They then did the same as the princess and walk through the wall, following their elder sister’s lead. In an instant, they were overwhelmed by a familiar sensation of passing through a wall of thick water, though they did not get wet, and, after two long steps across the flowing extraplanar border of two places of existence, appeared within a familiar forest as nothing happened at all.

This was a barrier made of more than two Arch Magus; the high-level spell [Sanctuary].

A safe place protected by a thick magical barrier. And one that chased away monsters in the vicinity.

“Now that you mention him, Elder Sister… I think you should really meet him. He’s one interesting man. And most of all, he’s really strong and skillful.” Celia said as she spotted the Princess figure after passing through the thick barrier.

When she arrived at the inside of the barrier, although there was still that monotonous environment of the Desolate Forest, the place was filled with large tents and canopy made up of expensive-looking materials such as leather and fabric.

Dozen people walk here and there; most were wearing armors and wielding swords, like soldiers and knights. Though, there were also a few people who wore servant attires, like that of a maid and simple leather clothes that tended the livestock and horses.

The entire place was like a refugee camp, even a military camp.

“I know, and I’m tempted to see him. However, for one, we don’t know where he is, and where to find him. Second, we don’t know who the boy is, and what he is doing in this kind of place—forgive me, but any sane person would never enter this place, much less alone. Perhaps, in fact, he was not alone, but as a group. And that makes him even more dangerous."

"... ..."

"...He’s completely unknown, and the purpose of him coming here was something we need to worry about. And third, from what you said, he seemed to have some relationship with that Monster King…and if he did, we don’t know if we can trust him or not. With the war brewing in the continent, sparing a force to conquer the Desolate cave is impossible. Not like it is easy to do with the existence of a large number of Monster Kings inhabiting this area.”

The Princess said as she stops walking and turned towards Celia.

“We can only remain discreet in this Quest, and you know that. You, almost dying is not in our plan, Celia. Both reasons, I don’t want something bad happening to you, and also the Monster Kings knowing that we had entered their turf. We could be in deep trouble. We need to find that ‘thing’ here as soon as possible. And if not then, we need to leave without creating any disturbance.”

“I know… but I feel that he can really help us. At the very least, we need a guide.” Celia said. “If he has some relationship with that monster King, then we can be certain that he had been in this place, longer than we ever thought. And that, he was much more knowledgeable in this area than us!”

“But what if he is an enemy? We cannot trust anyone, Celia,” The Princess shook her head. “…not in this God-Forsaken Land.”

“But we have no choice. What we know is just a simple theory- a piece of history that said ‘she’ stayed in this place, and there is a strong chance of ‘it’ being here. Just that. We don’t know where. We can't even at least confirm its existence.”

Celia brushed past the Princess and stop in front of her. She stared, biting her lips, wanting to give out her point.

“Elder Sister, trying to seek it without help is like running around blindly, looking a single needle in a haystack. It will only increase the chances of the other Monster Kings to notice us and we will be seen as an aggressor.”

“… …”

“I agree with Celia, Elder Sister. Although we don’t know who that man is and whether he is a friend or foe, we need to try.” suddenly, Celis who was just keeping quiet, agreed with her sister.

“He might just be what we need. And with his relationship with the Monster King, I think it would be best if we make friends with him.”

The Princess furrowed her brows, but it was clear that she was now deeply moved by the idea. Celis smiled faintly and grasped her shoulder, “Actually, I think he was not an enemy…at the very least, he’s alright. He had saved Celia, despite not knowing anything or who she was, so I know he’s a good person. And besides,”

Celis furrowed her brows, seemingly trying to remember something.

“I felt an odd familiarity coming from him. I felt as I know him, but at the same time I couldn’t remember who he is.”

“So you too, Celis?”

Celia exclaimed in astonishment.

“I did not say anything because I might be mistaken, but I do feel an odd sense of familiarity coming from that person. It’s as if I have known him for a long time. Just that I can’t remember anything, not even his face.”

Celis nodded her head.

“I only felt it vaguely hence I can’t really say it for sure, after all, I had only seen him through your eyes. However, the thing is—”

“You cannot birth any doubt or any kind of suspicion of his appearance, and felt as if, ‘Right, he’s here, I’m safe’ or the kind of feeling that gives off ‘It’s good that he’s here, now I had an ally’ or something along those lines,”

Celia finished what Celis wanted to say with a queer expression.

“Because that’s what I truly felt at that time. I didn’t even doubt why he had helped us, not, of course, after I calm down.”

Celis thought for a moment before nodding her head.

“Yeah, that’s what I felt when I saw him appearing in the vision. A vague sense of comfort and familiarity that I couldn’t make heads or tails with. But I'm pretty certain that I haven't met him before. Because if I did, I would have remembered him.”

“If both of you say that, then congratulations, you moved me. My interest in this man just gone up a whole new level,”

The Princess who has been listening to the twin’s conversation frowned and her eyes flashed a strange glint of curiosity and interest. Her sensitive and beautiful face was composed but slightly pale. She must have been more than a woman if she did not feel some uneasiness on their quest this time.

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They were basically surrounded by many possible dangers and without any hope of the kingdom’s assistance and protection this time. In fact, her background could give her many kinds of troubles, rather than helping. Even still, her self-control was perfect.

“I guess we need to try to find him…and see for ourselves who this mystery man truly is,” she said with a solemn expression.

… …

“A Barrier,”

Avreda stared at the patch of land before her. Although she couldn’t see anything other than trees and plants, the wind revolving around it, hallowing its spherical form give it out.

“This must have been the place where those humans stayed.”

Looking around, she found several people hiding expertly from trees and bushes, seemingly guarding it. She was not found by them, because she was investigating the area through the eyes of a small snake beast. She was a few dozen meters away from the site, and this is her ability.

She was capable of sharing her senses with other beings. Of course, there is a limit, just like how she can only control three to four beasts simultaneously, there’s also a limit in distance between her and her controlled beast.

“To think that they are really inside the Desolate Cave…and with the size of the Barrier, it would be safe to assume that the number of people staying inside would be quite large,”

Avreda muttered with a grim expression.

“What are they intending to do? The guards scattered in every direction seemed quite powerful as well—it was said that seven people managed to stop and block his majesty Arfa for quite a long time. And that is already quite a praiseworthy achievement,”

But why so many human elites in this kind of place?

What are they trying to do?

Avreda watched as several people go in and out of the barrier. After a while, she turned around and departed. When she returned to the village, she went straight towards Zarda where the others were already gathered.

“Just like what you feared, Chief. The humans are indeed gathered inside the Desolate Cave, taking camp at the southern part, just close to the mouth of the forest.” Avreda said.

“They are covered with a large barrier, so I wasn’t able to gather much information. However, judging from the size of the barrier, they should have quite a lot of people inside. And most of all, I noticed that all of them are elite soldiers of the kingdom. The leader of this group must not be a simple birth of status…along with their purpose, that is,”

“As I feared indeed. It seems like their purpose is treated with much importance,” Zarda sat down, and her face grew white to the lips. Her beautiful face overshadowed by dark, “…are there any clue on what they wanted?”

Avreda shook her head. “Not for now. They were holed up inside the barrier, and I believe they wouldn’t make any move soon, after rattling His Majesty Arfa. They would be keeping a low profile for a while, less they would garner attention from the other Monster Kings as well. Invading a Monster King’s territory is nothing but a death sentence. They should not be so ignorant that they would wander around without a care.”

“Waiting for them to come out would be troublesome. I think we need to make contact, Elder Sister. They are the ones who had trespassed our territory. Hence we have the upper hand. We need to chase them away if possible, and as quiet as possible, as a large commotion would surely reach Rain’s ears. We can’t have that,” Stagna said with a solemn expression.

"Well, I thought as well," suddenly Avreda seemed to think of something. "But Chief, they seemed to be going closer to the Eastern Ogre Tribe, so I don't think their goal is Rain."

"The Eastern Ogres? Those rebellious exiles?"

"Yes. Quite a lot of human presence is gathered in that direction. If it was Rain that they wanted, then they should have followed him here. But they didn't. So I can only think that their purpose is not Rain... but something else,"

“I see... let's keep watch for the time being then. Avreda, don't keep your eyes and ears out of them. And report immediately the moment they step foot on the northern region."

"Yes!"

"Why don't we take the initiative, elder sister? We should chase them as soon as possible!" Drova grumbled.

"We can't do that unless we are clear of what they want." But Zarda shook her head. "If we start now, and we are mistaken, they might turn their attention on us... on Rain."

"But Elder Sister- "

"If they don't know about Rain, they can be left alone. The other Monster Kings would not allow their presence here anyway. We don't need to take any action ourselves. And besides, judging from the forces they brought, they seemed to think of whatever they are doing here is a matter of importance. Even if we can kill them and chase them away now, there is a chance that they would come back again with a greater force. The Desolate Cave is not an unbeatable fortress. Its walls are not high enough to keep them out forever. Not to mention, this is the Great Kingdom we are talking about." Zarda said with a grim expression.

It would have been better if it was the other Kingdom or even the two great Empires. However, the Delouria Kingdom is the closest neighbor of the Desolate Cave. And that their power is something that not even a great Empire can compare.

The only salvation for the monsters and Demi-humans is that, the Delouria Kingdom is not a greedy country, and that they would not actively provoke the Desolate Cave which is inhabited by a lot of Monster Kings. It will just create a meaningless war, which the current ruler of the Delouria Kingdom is not fond of.

The country is not lacking any resources. Not to mention, they are facing other threats. If they tried to provoke the Desolate Cave, it would be like waking up a sleeping dragon beside them. It would only create more problems for them, rather than helping...

They would not dare provoke a lot of Monster King simultaneously while facing danger in every direction. They are not that stupid enough to do it.

Though, depending on that assumption- what are they doing here?

"...no matter what the reason is, we need to take this carefully. Don't let Rain run around in the Cave for a while."

"But what can we tell Rain? He might start to get suspicious. You know how he is like... he likes playing around, especially at Full Moon. He would be bothered if he can't go out,"

"...we have no choice. We will ask Arfa to let Rain play around in his territory. I doubt the humans would come there now that they provoke the King," Zarda let out a bitter sigh. "Just don't let him find out about the humans."

"So we are just going to leave them alone?" Drova frowned.

"As long as their aim is not Rain, they can go unbothered…”

Zarda muttered solemnly.

"But if it's him..."

A dark and heavy tension suddenly covered the entire room, and the serpentine eyes of those presents gleamed brightly with thick blood lust. "...you might as well prepare, for a war,"

… …

*wooosh~!

A single candle atop of the table stayed burning, its thin rays of light made Lafetti’s skin glow faintly as she slept in her lover’s arms.

Rain smiled sweetly and ran a finger gently down her white back; the warm and smooth feeling that traveled up from his fingertips was absolutely intoxicating.

Truthfully, he couldn’t help but recall the beautiful woman he had met in the forest. He had the urge to see her again—of course, not because he fell in love with her. He’s not promiscuous enough to try and cheat. But something just makes him want to see her- to know about her.

There’s this feeling inside of him that seems to say that he knows her, that he was familiar with her. But, that should not have been possible. He is from Earth, and would never believe that he had some acquaintances in this world. However, for some strange reason, she felt familiar with him. Rather, strangely enough, even the wolf inside him felt some closeness to that beautiful woman.

Because of this, he has some urge to see her again to clarify this strange feeling. However, he couldn’t. There was something in Zarda and Lafetti’s eyes, a fierce determination in their expression, an animal instinct that he knows too well; the desire to protect.

But protect him from what?

He didn’t know, nor did he have any clue about it. But he understands that if he went out now, he would be disappointing the others. Hence, he endured, and stop his recklessness of leaving again. He sigh. Suddenly, Lafetti stirred in her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. She blinked twice and then smiled. Then, she saw him looking down at her.

“Sorry. Did I wake you?”

As Rain said that, he brushed a loose strand of hair and hooked it behind her ear. His fingers grazed her skin at the same time and their love deepened.

Lafetti seemed to be half-asleep by the looks of her eyes. Her snow-white skin is flushed red. Her hair messy and curly around her round face, making her look cherub-like, and her eyes staring directly at him. Her body was hunching over him, as though she could curl up and fall asleep at any moment.

“No, it’s nothing,”

The Lamian’s tongue was flicking rapidly back and forth, as she let out a beautiful smile. She looked at him. his features were quite blurred due to her sleepy eyes, but she could make out clearly his gleaming beautiful blue eyes focused on her. A wave of longing swept over her.

She suddenly furrowed her brows. She reached her hand and stroke his cheek with eyes full of concern.

“What happened?” she asked. “What bothers you?”

Rain was certain that he had covered his expression extremely well. But give it to her to immediately see through him. This must be love... he muse. He shook his head and smiled at her; “Nothing, just that… I had a strange dream. One before I met you, staying in that cold, dark place, all alone…danger everywhere, my heart always feels restless, knowing that I could lose my life at any given moment. I was very weak…” he tried to cover his true thoughts, less he would worry her.

And it seems like it worked. Lafetti's lips curved into smile, seemly recalling that time as well. That time when they are just alone together... now that she remembered it, she felt it was a bit funny. Though, when she first met him, she never had imagined that they would come this far. And she was happy that she didn't kill him that day. No, not killing, but, you know treated the same as other people.

She cared for him... in her clumsy own way. In which, Rain had repaid in kind.

Truly, it was the best decision in her life.

She continued to smile as she rubbed her face against his chest. Her hands on his thigh, slowly running it back and forth—dangerously close to the area between his legs, causing him to jerk.

“Within the dream” he started, feeling strange, but very familiar heat surging through him. “I had wondered if suddenly waking up in this world and meeting you had all been a dream. And I was really afraid. It's a relief...that it wasn't all a dream."

They were so close he could feel the warmth of her breath tickling his ear and sending a shiver down his spine. The natural scent Lafetti gave off was always like vanilla crossed with strawberry- just the way he likes- appetizing and the way her plush lips transitioned into a smile was titillating as he took solace in her embrace.

A very good dream... one that he would never want to wake up again.

Indeed, it is.

Lafetti suddenly switched to a serious expression and grabbed his right hand, which Rain had placed on her shoulder, then brought it to her chest and hugged it tightly.

“You can feel this, right? Then, it’s not a dream. I’m true and this is real,” she said. Then, she wraps her arms around him, pulling him, and hugging him tightly.

“I will always be here, forever. I told you before, Rain. I would never let you go…” never…

The Lamian said with a soft smile on her face.

Rain stroke her hair, and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Same with me… you will be stuck with me, you know. Forever. Truly, I'm happy to have met you, Lafetti... I love you," he said wholeheartedly as he put his hands on her neck, where every nerve ending in her body was now located, following his touch as he stroked her.

"I love you too, Rain... I love you very much,"

It felt like something passed through both of their bodies, speeding up their hearts while staring at each other. Then, she bit her lips and watched with love and endless excitement as Rain leaned over her, like a rock pulled by gravity. He placed his lips softly on that lovely full lips. Lafetti's lips were just as soft and delicious as always.