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Chapter 9: Journey to the Misty Mountain
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" The biggest scandal in the Empire as of late!"
" Dalibor rubbing his prostitute of a child to his wife!"
" BAHAHAHAHA! What do you expect from nobles? Always posturing as high and mighty but still ending up on a hallowed pu**y!"
The clinking of mugs and a cacophony of chatter filled the inn, the lively noise enveloping the three figures seated at a dimly lit corner.
A stout woman with rosy cheeks and jugs of ale in hand shouted over the racket, "Not all nobles are like that, you foul old man!"
"Pfft! What would you know, you bloated pig?" a wiry man with a scraggly beard shot back, his voice dripping with mockery.
The woman set her jugs down with a force that made the table rattle. "It’s because you’re like that—that you can’t find a woman. Virgin!"
The man's face turned beet red as the surrounding patrons burst into laughter. "WHAT!? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, YOU WRETCHED SWINE!?"
Adira glanced in their direction just as the stout woman swung her fist at the old man. The impact sent him stumbling backward, arms flailing like a drowning man grasping for air. He barely had time to recover before others stepped in, pulling them apart.
Despite the chaos, the tavern’s buzz of conversation continued unabated, as though such outbursts were no more remarkable than the clink of a mug.
"Well, it’s not like she’s entirely wrong," someone snickered from a nearby table. "Remember the Duke of Lirosa? They say he was so terrified of his wife he’d wet himself every time she raised her voice. HAHAHA!"
Adira nearly choked on air. She coughed, a hand flying to her mouth as Jessie leaned closer with a sympathetic look.
"You alright, Milady?" Jessie asked in a low voice, though his lips twitched with amusement.
Adira nodded quickly, her mind reeled. The Duke of Lirosa? Her father?
"A man afraid of his woman? Oh, heavens, if all men became like that, the world would surely end!" another voice chimed in, drawing a fresh wave of laughter.
"Speaking of piss," a grizzled old man cut in, leaning over his table conspiratorially, "have you heard?"
The group quieted slightly, leaning in as the man lowered his voice just enough to bait their curiosity.
"What now?" The burly man of the two men at the table asked, still clutching his mug of ale as both leaned in eagerly.
"That monster in Solstice," the grizzled old man whispered, his voice trembling but loud enough for everyone to hear. "They say he's so hideous the gods cursed him to burn under sunlight if he dares leave his lair."
"I heard that too," The scruffy man chimed in. "Though, I’ve seen his brother—looks perfectly fine to me?”
"Really?" the burly man pressed, his tone skeptical.
"But the villagers claim that whenever children sneak a glance at his house, they end up wetting themselves in fear." the grizzled old man continued with a grimace.
The scruffy man scoffed. "You’re seriously believing the prattle of frightened children?"
"What? No! Of course not!" the grizzled old man retorted, waving the idea away dismissively.
Adira chuckled softly, though her gaze lingered on the mugs of ale being passed around. Her eyes seemed almost entranced by the golden liquid.
“You know, Lady Adira…” Jessie began, his voice cutting through her trance. “I truly can’t figure you out.”
“Hm?”
“How can a noblewoman remain so calm in a place like this?” Jessie asked, raising a brow and smirking. “It almost makes me suspect you’re not truly a noble—but of course, I jest.”
Adira grinned lopsidedly. “What if I told you I’m actually a beggar?”
“Ha!” Jessie barked a laugh, shaking his head. “That’s a tale I’ve used in my stories. You won’t fool me, not when I’ve seen your manor with my own eyes.”
Adira shrugged, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “ It’s true.” she teased, then her gaze drifted back to the woman weaving through the tavern, balancing trays of drinks with practiced ease.
The three of them were simply biding their time, idly chatting from time to time but mostly listening to the din of the inn while waiting for their food. Well Jessie and Adira that is.
They've already arrived in Luminara the previous night, finally getting the much-needed rest they deserved.
Now, they intended to eat their fill before heading to the village of Solstice, located at the base of the Misty Mountain.
Jessie had warned Adira that the trek through the mountain would be grueling and treacherous, requiring them to leave their horses behind. They hoped to find a safe place for the horses in the village of Solstice before starting their arduous journey to the misty mountain.
Despite Adira's insistence on being called by her nickname, Jessie hadn't abandoned his formalities. He remained steadfast in his propriety. However, as their journey continued, the initial tension between them eased, and they grew closer—enough to understand the basics of one another.
Still, for reasons unknown to Adira, Jessie often carried an awkward energy, one that seemed to surface unexpectedly, lingering in the air like an unspoken thought from time to time.
"I kind of want to make you, Lady Adira, the heroine of one of my stories now." Jessie remarked suddenly, his face bright with anticipation.
"Really?" Astonished, Adira's lips couldn't help but curve into a grin as she shook her head. " No, no, no. I believe I do not possess the qualities to be one. It wouldn’t make for an interesting story."
If only Jessie knew all that she had done in the past—forget about being a heroine. Her role would fit more like a missing piece in a villain's puzzle, for that was what she truly was in her past.
“If you’re going to write a story, make him the heroine,” Adira suggested, pointing toward Cain.
Cain’s expression remained unchanged, as quiet as ever.
“His face is… perfect. Truly one of a kind… But he’s…” Jessie’s voice trailed off as he studied Cain’s features, his lips pursing. He quickly turned to Adira, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “Isn’t he perfect for a villain…?”
“What?” Baffled, Adira stared at Cain.
This man—chosen by the gods, destined to ascend to the heavens, revered by all, with his perfectly sculpted, angelic face and commanding figure— is perfect for a villain? How?
“...”
Jessie burst out, almost too quickly, “Just kidding! Hahaha! Man... Sir Cain really isn’t much of a talker, huh?
“Oh, I thought you were serious there! I was about to say, you need to get your eyes checked—because him? A villain?” Adira laughed, shaking her head.
Jessie laughed too, though it seemed a bit forced, “That’s true! Hm, there’s probably tears in my eyes!”
Adira grinned, “Don’t worry, you’d probably grow old faster than he’d speak a thousand words! He’s like a statue—though a handsome one, at that! Hahaha! We could sell him off, if you think about it, I mean, with those looks.”
Cain’s gaze sharpened as he fixed Adira with a quiet, intense stare.
Adira laughed nervously and scratched the back of her head. “Sir Cain, I’m just kidding!”
“Se-sell!?” Jessie sputtered, bewildered that such an idea could come so naturally from a noble lady. He chuckled nervously. “A-anyway... Why is our food taking so long?”
THUD!
“Well, I’m sorry for the delay, your majesty!” A woman grumbled as she unceremoniously dropped their food in front of them.
Jessie paled, his nerves prickling at the sight of the noblewoman beside him being treated so roughly with the food being served to her. One should never disrespect a noblewoman, especially one who was the daughter of a Duke in the Empire!
Yet, it seemed he was the only one concerned, as Adira showed no reaction—her demeanor as if this was second nature to her.
Once the food was placed, the woman extended her arm and held out her open palm before Adira’s face. “Pay up.”
Adira’s eyes widened—not from the woman's brash demeanor, but because of the two jugs now sitting before them.
Still staring at the jugs, Adira handed the woman seven silvers. The woman snatched the coins with a scoff and turned away leaving them on their table.
“Who ordered the ale?” Adira asked, her eyes betraying her growing excitement.
Jessie shook his head. "Not me... I don’t drink. Did you?"
“Well, my memory may be weak, but I obviously didn’t either!” Adira replied, a playful edge to her tone.
Then, both of them had the same realization as their gazes slowly shifted to Cain.
Adira’s mouth fell open as she watched Cain, utterly unfazed, calmly take the jug and drink the ale right in front of them.
The image of the Holy General—the paragon of abstinence in her mind—came crashing down.
Not only was he underage as she assumed at the moment, but Adira also remembered him as someone ascetic. After all, he was part of the church, a direct disciple of the pope.
The rules there were strictly enforced for everyone, especially someone like him. Paladins, the counterparts to knights directly under the Pope’s command, were role models for the people, and Cain had been one of them before he became a general.
Given how rigid their teachings were, this was certainly unexpected. Who would have thought that Cain, in his younger years, was a rule breaker?
At first, Adira felt a twinge of guilt, realizing she had brought him to an inn where the atmosphere didn’t suit him at all. But it seems Cain is not an exception, everyone went through that phase—the one they called puberty.
Cain’s gaze shifted from the lone ale now growing warm on the table, then to Adira.
Adira, sensing his attention, averted her gaze, her voice soft and almost shy. "I’m... I’m only 15."
"…" Cain remained stoic, his expression unchanged as he stared at her, he declared,“ Then it’s mine now.”
Without another word, Cain placed the ale he had been holding down and reached for the tankard in front of her. However, Adira’s arm moved instinctively, swiftly snatching it away. “Ah—no, no! I’ll take it, thank you.”
Adira’s face brightened as she held the jug of alcohol in her hands.
Jessie’s eyes lit up in amazement, his grin wide like a child’s. “You drink too!?”
Adira grinned back and, without hesitation, drank half the ale in one gulp.
In the past, she would always—always—seize any chance to drink alcohol. It had been her way of relieving stress and worries.
The bitter liquid sliding down her throat felt oddly refreshing, like the sensation of stepping out of a freshly cleaned bath.
“Wow!” Adira wiped the foam from her mouth.
Ale in the South and the Empire had subtle differences, but both offered the same comforting warmth.
Adira chuckled. “ Let’s eat, let’s eat! The trip to the village will be long. We need to energize ourselves!”
Jessie grinned. “I won’t even be surprised if you could drink an entire barrel of ale at this point.”
Adira smirked. " Want to test it out?"
Jessie’s eyes widened, sparkling with excitement. "Oh my god! Really!?"
Cain spoke firmly,“Indulging too much in alcohol is an abuse of one’s body. One is enough.”
Adira paused, thinking for a moment.
Yeah, true. Since they were still going to travel for a long while, despite Cain’s strength, it would be difficult for him to drag two drunkards to the next village. Besides, who’s to say a person can’t drink when they’re with a drinker? Adira was certain she would eventually drag Jessie down with her in the long run.
Adira nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Sir Cain.” She then turned to Jessie with a grin. “Let’s just test it out next time, Jessie. Hahahaha!”
“Oh my go—” Jessie could hardly believe what he was hearing, though his eagerness and fascination were evident. The idea sparked an intriguing story in his mind: a noble acting out of character. Surely, that would draw in a lot of readers! He replied eagerly, "Okay!"
Adira laughed and with a sharp glare from Cain, they quickly finished their food and made their way out.
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As they rode through the broad daylight, they passed the Empire's old border.
The massive walls loomed high, casting their shadow over them as they made their way along the winding road.
Once, these walls had held great significance, serving as the Empire’s boundary—a supposed "protection" from the nations beyond. But time and war had worn them down. The walls were now mere remnants of their former selves: parts had collapsed into rubble, and gaping, hollow sections stood as silent reminders of a past long gone.
Were a powerful earthquake to strike, the walls would surely crumble to dust.
For a while, they rode in the shadow of the walls, the coolness offering a brief respite from the sun’s heat.
Adira felt her neck straining as she gazed at the towering walls, tracing the faded patterns and carvings that once spoke of glory. Her rear was growing numb from the long ride, so she decided to focus ahead, though all she could see was the wide shoulder of Cain.
This time, Adira had chosen to sit behind Cain on this ride, not wanting to tarnish his perfect image of horseback riding in front of anyone who might be watching.
With her view blocked, she turned her attention to the sides, gazing at the endless green fields. As she clutched his cloak firmly at the back, she thought, This is getting far too boring. A lazy sigh escaped her lips as she rested her head against Cain’s firm back.
Who would have thought being a passenger for hours could be so dull? Adira couldn’t even fall asleep, for fear of toppling off the horse.
Adira silently prayed for the ride to end soon, eager to stretch her back and relieve the stiffness that had set in.
Once they passed beyond the wall, an open field greeted them, the vast expanse of green stretching to the horizon. In the distance, the immense Abysmal Crevice loomed, its massive rift separating the South from the Empire. Spanning this great divide was a wide bridge, connecting the two lands.
It was said that during the Revolutionary War—the conflict that had toppled the corrupt king—this very bridge had been used by the Southern soldiers to assist Emperor Augustus, altering the course of the battle in ways that would forever change history.
That moment had shifted the war’s momentum so drastically that the soldiers of the Rotten King quickly lost ground, and the path to the Golden Castle became an easy march.
It was said that the citizens, in a surge of hope and fervor, rioted at the churches, demanding the inner gates be opened to let the now Emperor and his men in.
The holy land, responding to the people's demand, saw each neighboring town to open their gates for the Emperor and his soldiers to rest.
Once Emperor Augustus finally reached the heart of the empire, it was the Southern and Eastern lords who, having fought beside him in the war, opened the inner gates of the Golden Castle, allowing Emperor Augustus to end the Rotten King’s reign with a single, decisive blow.
In the wake of that momentous event, the bridge came to be known as The Bridge of Freedom—a symbol not only of the alliance between the two lands but also of the camaraderie that had once seemed impossible.
image [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdWNZduytYCi7E-Xc0cAVfBOz0OLbKSkJh22BywHhrzAyhVQptBNc3tFDyCWUx9OQJ27JVKY8mxl0YnsLgTwRPrtxs8yPvTcmCH-vAukraNLRLi3eJBFp4nykmvqDnsHSGUl88hH0v4ksnyAo1Y8v0?key=vZVccjHmriNyNqWn3iGSK3Y8]
In the past, the two nations had never shared a harmonious relationship, forever bickering over superiority, while the East… well, the East always did what it did best: remained distant and aloof whenever disputes arose between the other nations.
Adira thought to herself as they approached the bridge, gazing at it with a contemplative expression. Emperor Augustus was truly a great man.
Now that she thought about it, she wondered, Will Cain be like that in the future? Since His Imperial Majesty represented the unity between nations, could Cain represent the gods?
Adira paused, considering the possibilities.
No, even though it's just a rumor, he might very well become a god himself and leave this earth to ascend to the heavens. That’s what gods do… right? But why had Cain been chosen in the first place? What was the prophecy for in the past? What were the gods preparing Cain for? Surely it wasn’t just to turn a human into a god, was it?
Adira chuckled at the thought. Too bad she had died before she could find out.
At the farthest edge of the Abysmal Crevice, somewhere in the west, stood the silhouette of four giant statues.
The glorious figures of the four gods towered so high, they seemed to brush the heavens themselves. From their vantage point, it appeared as though the gods were holding back the crevice from splitting any further.
The sight was mesmerizing, a spectacle that no matter how many times she had passed through this area, always felt otherworldly.
There was simply no way a human could craft such massive statues—ones so distinct that they could be seen even from a great distance.
Adira silently enjoyed the view for a moment, but the sight was fleeting, lasting only a few minutes before they reached the end of the bridge.
They rode on, the dry, barren landscape gradually transforming into wide, lush fields. The breeze swept through the tall, green grass, and wild animals darted playfully across their path.
Every so often, they would stop for a thirty-minute break to feed the horses or allow them to drink, for without these pauses, things would become complicated if their horses were to tire or, worse, collapse from exhaustion.
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Despite the cloak shielding her from the sun, Adira still felt as though she were being slowly roasted from the inside, the heat of the blazing sun searing through the clear blue sky.
The trees and flowers they passed were serene, with a river flowing gently beside them. Deers, graceful and delicate, drank from the water, their movements a quiet dance in the soft light.
As they continued on, Adira had to peer over Cain’s shoulder to catch a glimpse of what lay ahead.
Adira’s gaze landed on orange silhouettes in the distance, and as realization struck, her eyes widened in astonishment. She couldn’t help but murmur aloud, mesmerized by the fiery sight. "Maples..."
Their horses soon entered the grove of maples, hooves crunching softly on the fallen leaves as they trotted. The leaves swayed gently in the breeze, creating a soft rustling sound that seemed to caress their ears.
It was as if they were riding through the essence of the maples—each fiery hue and the warm, refreshing air, providing shade from the sun, brought a sense of comfort.
Unable to resist, Adira reached out to catch one of the falling leaves. As her fingers closed around it, the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a radiant glow on the delicate leaf. For some reason, her heart tightened at the sight.
There had been so many moments in her past that she had taken for granted—only to recognize their significance too late. This, too, was one of them.
Adira’s mind drifted back to the time when she had been blind. The world had been a vast, uncharted realm—colors, trees, stones—everything had been an enigma, waiting to be understood.
Adira’s hand tightened around Cain’s cloak just as his back suddenly vibrated with a low murmur. “Hold on tight. At this speed, I won’t be able to catch you if you fall.”
Adira chuckled softly. “I can land on my feet!”
“…”
"Hey, Sir Cain!" Adira shouted, her voice barely reaching over the wind.
"..."
"Sir Cain, do you like trees?"
"..."
Eager to break the silence, Adira added with a playful tone, "You know what I think? I think the title ‘General’ really suits you! You have such a strong presence. I can tell you're going to become someone great in the future! I can feel it in my gut! Woman's intuition!"
Adira felt a slight vibration in his back but didn’t catch his words. "What!? Can you speak louder, General!?" she teased.
"Nonsense!" came Cain’s voice, clear through the wind.
Adira grinned. "It’s not nonsense! I can tell you're very dependable!"
For a fleeting moment, Adira thought she saw Cain’s lips curve slightly—though it might’ve just been her imagination.
“What about you?” Cain’s voice came louder than expected.
Though the wind still carried his words away, she called back, “What!? What did you say about me?”
Cain seemed to nod ever so slightly before asking, “What do you think about your future?”
Adira’s eyes widened, not because of the question, but because for a brief moment, as he turned his head toward her, the sunlight filtered through him, casting a soft, ethereal glow.
Wow! Adira thought inwardly, such an ethereal human being! How had she been fortunate enough to acquire such a company in just the first few days since returning to this time?
Adira pondered Cain's question carefully, lifting a brow in thought. "Well—!" She paused, then answered playfully, "I’ll probably live a lazy life! I’m a lazy noble lady, Sir Cain! I enjoy tea parties and gossip more than anything in this world!" At least, I hope so!
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Cain’s back vibrated again, but Adira couldn’t make out his response.
"What!?" she asked, eager to hear him clearly this time.
But Cain remained silent, and Adira couldn’t help but chuckle. She was already looking forward to meeting the other general.
In the past, Adira had always thought that, if circumstances had been different, she might have been able to befriend the two generals who had persistently pursued her for her crimes.
Now, with these new circumstances, the chance to form a genuine friendship with them seemed more possible than ever. A glimmer of hope flickered within her that, this time, things might just turn out differently.
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After a long day of travel, the sun had set, and the moon now illuminated the road ahead. The once blazing heat of the day had given way to a cool night breeze, offering a much-needed reprieve.
As they rode on, small, flickering lights began to appear through the trees, like tiny stars winking in the darkness. Known as min-min lights, these glowing orbs were said to be born of spiritual remnants—harmless and often regarded as guides for travelers. They would always appear before people, and sometimes even lead them toward others.
In the distance, a cluster of stationary, star-like lights grew more distinct, and the silhouette of a structure began to take shape.
"I think that's the village! Let's rest there for the night!" Jessie called out, his voice tinged with relief after the long ride.
Adira nodded in agreement. “Alright!” she replied, glancing at Jessie, who had been massaging his waist during their breaks. Though he never complained, it was clear the ride had taken its toll on him.
As they approached the village, Cain slowed his horse, guiding them along the uneven, unpaved road. The rhythmic trot of hooves echoed softly in the stillness of the night.
Eventually, Cain halted near a sturdy tree, tying the reins securely. Adira dismounted first, her legs slightly unsteady after the journey, followed by Cain.
Adira stood for a moment, stretching her arms and back to ease the stiffness of the long ride. The cool night air and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a quiet, soothing backdrop as they prepared to rest.
After a while, they set off to find an inn for the night. As they walked through the quiet streets, Jessie pointed toward a distant mountain, its shadowy outline barely visible against the darkened sky. "That's the Misty Mountain, Lady Adira,"
Adira followed his gesture, focusing on the shadowy outline of the mountain. The swirling vapor gave it an otherworldly appearance, as if it were part of the night sky itself, blending seamlessly into the darkness. It was hauntingly beautiful, yet unnerving.
The mountain was this close to this village?
The realization of its proximity made her pause. She felt torn—part of her wanted to push on and confront whatever awaited them, but the other part knew better. The mountain, with its foreboding presence, seemed to warn against late-night ventures.
Adira knew the danger well; ghouls were far more active under the cover of darkness. But the mountain was so close. If they traveled now, they could save time and perhaps even uncover information sooner.
Adira’s resolve wavered as she stared at the swirling mist, calculating the risks.
“Don’t even think about it,” Cain said suddenly, his voice steady and low, cutting through her thoughts.
Startled, Adira glanced at him. His sharp gaze told her he had already read her mind. “Hahaha! I’m not,” she lied with a nervous laugh. “You know how dangerous it is. Ghouls are much more active at night, it’s not worth it.”
Cain didn’t respond immediately, but his piercing stare lingered, as if daring her to contradict herself before turning and walking toward a building that looked like an inn, its flag fluttering with the word Wine written in bold letters.
Adira sighed inwardly. She had thought about it—briefly—but Cain's unwavering presence was enough to extinguish any lingering temptation to risk a nighttime journey.
Adira took one last look at the mountain before following Cain’s steps.
Once they stepped inside, they were greeted by a surprisingly tranquil atmosphere.
The inn was much quieter than any she had stayed in before, especially compared to the bustling, lively inns of the southern villages, it was much more similar to the one they experienced in Luminara.
The contrast was stark; inns were usually filled with chatter, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of laughter or argument, but this one exuded an unusual air of calm.
“It’s pretty quiet…” Adira mused, glancing around before turning to Jessie. “Now that I think about it, what village is this again, Jessie?”
“This is the village of Solstice, Milady,” Jessie replied.
Adira tilted her head, the name lingering in her mind, vaguely familiar. She raised a brow. “Solstice? That’s an unusual name for a village near the South.”
Jessie nodded, gesturing subtly toward the innkeeper, who was already making his way toward them. “This village has an interesting history. Some say it was named after the solstices because the changing seasons are particularly vivid here, especially during winter. If you’re wondering why the name stands out compared to other villages in the South, it’s mainly due to the influence of the Empire. The Empire’s constant colonization of the South left its mark, including on the village’s name. That’s also why, much like Luminara, this village still celebrates the Dawn of the Dragon, even though it now falls under the South’s territory.”
Adira hummed thoughtfully, intrigued but weary from the journey. “Interesting... Luckily we went here during the spring.”
The innkeeper, a stout, middle-aged man with a kind yet worn face, greeted them with a polite bow. “Welcome, travelers. What can I do for you this evening?”
Adira and Jessie exchanged glances before Jessie asked, “We’re under the man who came in earlier before us. Did he already secure rooms, or do we need to handle that separately?”
The innkeeper smiled knowingly. “If you’re referring to the tall youth, he has already paid for three rooms. You can follow him upstairs—he’s already there.”
Jessie nodded. “ I see. Thank you. We’ll head up now.”
Adira, Jessie and the innkeeper ascended the stairs, the wooden steps creaking faintly with each step. The innkeeper thankfully had pointed them toward their rooms, which were conveniently located right next to Cain’s. It seemed he had already taken care of everything, ensuring each of them had an individual room. How generous!
Jessie, who had been trying his best to stifle his groans of discomfort, exhaled deeply and turned to Adira. “Milady, if you don’t mind, may I go in first? I just need to put my belongings down—they’re a bit heavy.”
Adira smiled warmly. “Of course, Jessie. No worries.”
Jessie nodded, returning her smile with gratitude. “Thank you, Milady.” Then, with a final glance, he entered his room to settle in.
Before the innkeeper could leave, Adira stepped forward with a polite smile. “Excuse me,” she said. “Could we place an order for dinner now? Anything from your evening meal set is fine—we’d like it prepared and ready by the time we come down.”
The innkeeper nodded, his demeanor calm and efficient. “Of course, my lady. I’ll see to it right away.” Then he turned and went downstairs.
Adira paused before Cain's door and knocked gently. “I’ve placed an order for our meal,” she informed him. “We’ll be eating shortly, so make sure both of you come down later, okay?”
A faint sound drifted from inside, but it was unclear whether Cain had heard her. Still, Adira made her voice loud enough to ensure Jessie and Cain had heard. With a final glance at the door, she decided to leave him to whatever task occupied him.
Adira entered her room and collapsed onto the hard bed, her body aching from the long day of travel. For a while, she lay there in silence, staring at the ceiling, but the stillness only made her thoughts swirl faster. She sat up, rubbing her temples in frustration.
Adira needed more information, but there was no clear lead—only the misty mountain to the southeast. What about the southwest? Why was the southern region so vast and complicated? Would two weeks even be enough to gather what she needed? And if she reached the misty mountain, where would she even begin?
Adira wiped her face with her hands, her mind a chaotic mess. Overthinking would get her nowhere, though. She knew she had to stop spinning in circles and face whatever was at hand right now. Her options were limited, but thinking about them would only drain her energy. There would be time for planning later. For now, it was best to focus on the present and make the most of it.
Adira unconsciously bit the skin of her thumb, her thoughts tangled in a web of frustration and uncertainty. Lucien’s letter was coming, and she had no doubt that there’s no stopping it.
The idea of finding Lucien—tracking him down, killing him—seemed simple enough at first glance. But Adira knew better. Lucien wasn’t the type to operate alone. His web of influence stretched wide, and even if she silenced him, his connections would carry on. If the wrong people got wind of what had happened, it could all unravel. Worse still, it could hasten the end that she was desperately trying to avoid.
"An annoyingly persistent, cunning bastard," Adira muttered under her breath.
Whether by fate or not, Lucien was the type of man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
That was it. No matter what, Adira was cornered by her father’s secret, yes, but not helpless. This time, she wasn’t the naive girl who had been manipulated by his taunts and games.
Adira needed a strategy—something that would outwit Lucien’s expectations. He would never anticipate her actions now, and for that reason alone, she could only hope that whatever came from this trip would catch him off guard.
In truth, when they first met, she had been around this age, and Lucien had looked down on her—cruelly. Everything she did was a move he could predict with ease, all because she had been naive, responding only to the emotions his constant taunts provoked, making her dance at the mercy of his whims.
But now, everything will be different.
What she needed was information—something to counter the accusations Lucien wielded as blackmail. There had to be a reason behind her father’s actions, and that was exactly what she needed to uncover in order to plan her next move.
Adira paused, a wave of disappointment washing over her as she realized she had already branded her father guilty of something she had yet to fully uncover.
“If only I had a clearer mind back then,” Adira sighed. “All of this wouldn’t be a mystery…”
For now, she had several options depending on the situation she might face.
One of them was force.
Now that she possessed the strength to control the situation, she could impose her will.
However, such an approach would undoubtedly displease her family and might even turn them against her. Yet, if it came to the worst, their complaints would be of little consequence.
The main goal now was for them to survive and avoid public condemnation. If force was the only means to achieve that, then it was something she could easily resort to.
Adira couldn’t help but close her eyes, the veins on her forehead pulsating painfully.
No, there’s still no evidence. What she was doing now was gathering concrete proof to clear her father’s name. Innocence, and if not, then… Well, even if he was tried and found guilty, she had to present something that would transform his punishment into banishment rather than execution. That was the only way to emerge clean—without any lingering complications. Then, they would leave, far away, perhaps to a village in the east. It didn’t matter if they became commoners, as long as they were all alive.
Knock! Knock!
Jessie’s voice echoed from behind the door. “Strange, she’s not answering… Lady Adira? Hello? Are you there? Aren’t you going to eat?”
“Oh! Sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment…” Adira replied, “I’ll come now.”
She opened the door to find Jessie waiting for her. A flicker of concern passed over his face as he spoke. “ Are you alright Milady? You look pale…”
At that moment, the door beside them opened, and Cain emerged, his gaze fixed firmly in their direction.
"Hi!" Adira waved at Cain before turning back to Jessie. "I’m starving—I feel like I haven’t eaten in days! It seems the travel really took it out of me, that’s all." She suppressed a quiet laugh and began walking toward the stairs that led down to the dining area, where the tables and the food she asked for earlier awaited them.
Jessie stared at her, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. He sighed. "If you say so, Milady. Thankfully, we’re about to eat."
Adira chuckled. "Yep! Let’s go, let’s go."
Jessie and Cain followed her down, and the three of them seated themselves at a vacant table, settling in comfortably. There didn’t seem to be many people in the inn, though not enough to fill all the vacant tables.
A young woman in a red dress with a parallel collar approached them. "I apologize for the inconvenience, dear customers," she said. "Your food will be served shortly, but you'll need to wait a moment."
Adira and Jessie exchanged a glance before responding, stumbling slightly over their words.
"Y-yes, we can wait. Don’t worry about it," Adira said.
Jessie cleared his throat and offered a reassuring smile. "Yeah, we can wait, but, uh... how long is the—" He trailed off.
The young woman smiled faintly, nodding toward the counter before returning her attention to them. "It will be served eventually." With another forced smile, she turned and walked back to the counter without waiting for their reply.
Adira and Jessie followed the young woman with their gaze, watching as she was reprimanded by an older woman at the counter. Seeing this, they decided to settle in and wait patiently this time.
To their surprise, a woman in a bard’s outfit caught their attention. Carrying her harp, she dragged a chair over to the side.
Is there a bard here? Adira wondered. Well, this part of the South isn’t so far from the Empire.
The bard seated herself, instantly drawing the gaze of everyone in the room. With deft fingers, she strummed the harp, her voice rising as she began to sing a poem. The melody, while not as captivating as Adira had anticipated, carried an intriguing story in the verses.
The bard sang of a guardian beast that protected children too young to defend themselves from malicious predators. The beast wept for the children who suffered, its tears flooding the land.
Adira hummed along with the harp’s tune before turning to Cain. "General, what do you think of this place?"
Cain turned to her but remained silent, his composed expression unchanged.
Confused, Jessie asked, "General?"
Adira chuckled. "It’s a joke. I gave him that nickname. It suits him, don’t you think?"
Jessie smiled awkwardly and nodded, tapping his finger on the table as he glanced around.
Adira, lost in thought as the image of the misty mountain lingered in her mind, asked, "What time do you usually go to sleep, Jessie?"
"Me?" Jessie placed a hand on his chin, considering the question before answering. "Usually around 10. I sleep as early as I can. I don’t want to risk a breakout on my skin."
"Oh, then will you sleep after we’re done eating?" Adira asked.
Jessie groaned. "Yes. This trip drained all my energy! I’ll probably wake up late tomorrow." He stretched, then added, "What about you, Lady Adira?"
Adira’s gaze shifted toward the bard. "I’m tired too. I think I’ll do the same."
Suddenly, loud shouts and stomping from outside interrupted their conversation. The three of them stood alert, exchanging puzzled glances.
"What’s that?" Jessie asked nervously. "What’s going on outside?"
"I don’t know…" Adira replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Should we check it out?" She turned to Cain.
Cain stood, his posture calm yet attentive. Seeing him still, Adira decided to step forward and walk toward the entrance.
"I—I don’t know… uh, I think it’s best if we stay here—oh, we’re going? Right, okay," Jessie stammered.
Without further hesitation, they hurried outside, Adira leading the way.
Upon stepping outside, they found a crowd of people clad in red, gathered in front of a house that seemed on the verge of collapse, its age and dilapidation evident.
The villagers held torches, their voices rising in a chorus of curses aimed at a single, ragged man.
"Why are they carrying torches?" Jessie wondered. "There’s supposed to be a lot of Min-min lights in the South, right? Shouldn’t they be holding lamps or something?"
Adira nodded, contemplating the same question. What are torches for in a land blessed with such natural light? she thought. Unless… their purpose is to burn?
Looking at the villagers' faces, she saw the same fury reflected in their eyes as in the flames of their torches.
As Adira, Jessie and Cain drew closer, the words of the crowd became clearer.
"Bring him out!"
"We’ll burn that lunatic to the ground!"
The man in ragged clothing came into clearer view as they edged closer to the side of the crowd.
Terrified by the mob surrounding him, the ragged man knelt and pressed his palms together, shouting desperately, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! My brother is mentally ill! Please, have mercy on us!"
"Sick!? To hell with that!" one of the villagers snarled. "Your brother has gone beyond sickness! Screaming every night—noble this, noble that! Even insulting us on our very land!"
"We don’t care about his wild delusions, but to insult us as if we’re dirt beneath his feet—"
"He’s really asking for it!" another villager spat.
The man looked up from where he knelt, his face contorting in pain. "I beg you, my brother is sick! He cannot understand mere words! If you have even a shred of conscience, then please understand! My brother has gone mad—you all know it! He’s not like us! If he disappears, I won’t be able to live with myself!"
He pleaded desperately, his head pressed against the ground again. "Please, I beg you. Let this one slide, and I swear it won’t happen again!"
Instead of pity, the crowd’s faces reflected disbelief.
"How many times do you think we’ve heard that excuse? A bloody million times already!" one villager barked. "And what? Nothing ever changes!"
"It’s because you keep letting your brother believe his delusions that he acts this way!" another villager snapped. "Teach him a lesson, and we’ll finally see peace in this land!"
The crowd seemed to agree with this sentiment, pushing toward the entrance of the dilapidated house even more.
The ragged man immediately stood and spread his arms wide, blocking their path, pleading with them to calm their fury.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from Adira’s side, halting the crowd in their tracks. They turned in unison, eyes wide with confusion.
"May the lords of the heavens punish you for what you are about to do!" Jessie proclaimed, his voice unwavering.
The crowd clad in red stared at Jessie, bewildered.
Jessie boldly pointed at them. "What do you think you're doing? Breaking into someone’s house—have you no shame?" he demanded.
The villagers eyed him with disdain. "You’re not from around here, are you? Stop meddling in matters that don’t concern you and go back to where you came from, outsider," one of them sneered.
They were about to continue when Jessie shouted once again. "Stop! Stop!"
Jessie ran in front of the ragged man, his arms stretched out to block them. "What you're doing is illegal! You could get punished for that! Imprisonment! Three—no, t-ten years! Ten years, I’m telling you!" she urged, her voice rising in desperation.
Hesitation flickered across the faces of the crowd. They stared at him, with a lace of terror in their eyes, before murmuring amongst themselves, their words buzzing like insects.
"Nonsense!" one villager scoffed.
"What do you know? You're just a wanderer from who knows where," another jeered.
Jessie bristled, his head snapping back and his brow furrowing in disbelief. "Excuse me?" he retorted, his voice sharp. "I’m a renowned author from the Empire’s land!" He smirked, a glint of pride flashing in his eyes. "I am an educated man, one who attended the academy founded by the Emperor. My knowledge is well-earned!" he declared.
Shock spread across their faces.
"Th-then you’re—" one villager stammered.
"Yeah... He's one of those..." another muttered.
Someone from the front of the crowd exclaimed sharply, "Those smartass nobles?"
The crowd suddenly erupted, hurling profanities at Jessie, calling him naive and a golden spoon touring the land of poverty, as though they were mere animals on display!
This, of course, irked Jessie, for it was far from the truth. He was no noble; he had earned his place through the Emperor’s scholarship! His mouth fell open in disbelief, and he shot back, "How rude! I am not a noble, I am simply smart enough that I passed the entrance exam!"
They all gave Jessie a look, but for some reason, after that, they began to scurry off, returning to their homes while muttering among themselves about how annoying people like Jessie were, though careful with their words.
Their remarks grew so faint they were barely audible. It seemed they understood the consequences of crossing a noble, or at least, someone they assumed to be one.
They couldn’t be bothered, knowing they could return to this house soon enough without the lavish man blocking their path.
Soon, the torchlight faded as the crowd melted away, leaving only the four of them in the silence of the night.
"I am not even a noble…" Jessie muttered irritably to himself.
Adira chuckled softly and smiled at him, patting his back. "That was a good move, Jessie! I’m proud of you."
Jessie could only smile in reply. Suddenly, the ragged man stepped closer to them.
"Thank you, my lord..." The ragged man trailed off, unsure of how to properly address his protector, he spoke softly, "If there’s anything you desire, I—"
Jessie quickly cut him off, waving his hand in dismissal. "No, no, you don’t have to. I did it of my own free will."
The ragged man smiled faintly, something appeared to gleam in his eyes. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, only for the dirt on his palms to leave an even larger smudge.
"By the way..." Adira asked, her curiosity piqued. "What do they mean by 'noble'? Are you... are you an offspring of a noble?"
"No! No, of course not..." The ragged man pursed his lips, his hands fidgeting nervously. "My brother... he’s a lunatic. He says things that aren’t true. He’s mentally ill. Please, don’t mind him."
Suddenly, the sound of glass shattering pierced their ears. It came from within the house, followed by a voice bellowing in rage:
“I AM NOT A LUNATIC! I AM A NOBLE! A NOBLE! YOU INSOLENT BRAT! LEAVE ME BE!”
The man inside continued to hurl profanities, his voice resonating with anger and despair.
Outside, the ragged man lowered his head, his eyes shutting as though to block out the chaos. Jessie and Adira couldn’t help but exchange uneasy glances.
Jessie asked hesitantly, “Is he… alright? Something broke inside—it could be dangerous.”
The ragged man replied curtly. “He’s fine. I’ll handle him,”
Jessie turned to Adira, who merely shrugged her shoulders. Both were concerned, yet they hesitated to intervene, wary that doing so might escalate the situation.
Jessie, however, pressed cautiously, “If it’s not too rude to ask… judging by his behavior, something must have happened to make him this… volatile. If he continues like this, I can’t promise your safety here. That said, I believe I can offer at least some temporary comfort. If there’s anything you need, please just say so,” he offered, his tone sincere yet careful.
The ragged man’s eyes brightened momentarily, and he dropped to his knees as if to offer his gratitude. Startled, both Adira and Jessie reached out to stop him before he could bow further.
“I—I must!” the ragged man insisted fervently. “Please, allow me to express my utmost gratitude!”
Jessie exchanged an uneasy glance with Adira. Feeling equally helpless, Adira turned her gaze toward Cain, but the unfazed quiet man’s demeanor revealed his own helplessness in the matter. He was as lost as they were in navigating the delicate situation.
“Please, there’s no need…” Jessie reassured him gently, choosing his words with care. Hoping to gain insight, he asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your brother?”
The ragged man’s eyes shifted away, his voice faltering. “It’s just… he reacts this way whenever he sees fires being lit in the village. But he’s not always like this, I swear!”
Looking around at the buildings near the house, Adira noticed torches hung nearby, their flickering flames clearly visible through the windows of the dilapidated house. It was evident that this scene played out every night, and the villagers had likely grown weary of the man’s incessant and insulting screams.
This whole time, Adira had not said a word to the ragged man; however, she couldn’t help but feel troubled. The word fire and the image of flames seemed to echo too much tonight in this small encounter with him. She asked something that had been bothering her, “If you don’t mind, what happened to him to make him this scared of fire?”
“Huh?” The ragged man’s fingers fidgeted nervously. “He’s… um… he got burned once when he was young.”
Adira’s gaze sharpened. “Burned? How did it happen?”
“It’s—it’s not that bad!” the ragged man stammered.
Noticing his nervousness and how his answer strayed from her question, Adira grew suspicious. A cold sensation crept through her stomach, and she couldn’t help but gaze at the misty mountain, feeling its presence looming closer.
“I didn’t ask how bad,” Adira said, her tone steady but firm, as she met the ragged man’s eyes. “Where did you both come from?”
The man’s gaze wavered, his mouth trembling as he stammered, “I—I would like to drop this discussion at once.”
Jessie sensed the tension growing, an unease settling over him. Something about the man’s speech struck him as peculiar—it carried an unusual refinement for a simple villager.
Even so, Jessie voiced his concern hesitantly, “Lady Adira, perhaps it’s best to—”
“I won’t push you to talk any further,” Adira cut off Jessie, her focus unwavering as she locked eyes with the ragged man. Her voice turned cold, cutting through the man’s hesitation. “But, can we see him?”
The man’s eyes widened, startled by her request. Jessie noticed his reaction and felt a pang of guilt.
He was about to speak to Adira, but as he looked at her, he found himself frozen in place, confused and unable to discern her true intentions.
Adira almost seemed entirely different—gone was her usual playful self. Instead, she exuded a threatening air, even intimidating.
Adira took a deep breath, her gaze softening slightly. Her voice, now tinged with an almost pleading note, softened as she said, “Can we see him? We won’t hurt him, I promise. We’ll just look and leave.”
The ragged man hesitated, his eyes wavering. “His burns… his scars are severe. I don’t think he’d want strangers looking at him,” he mumbled, taking a step back as though retreating into himself.
Adira fixed her gaze on him, her expression intense, as though she could see past his defenses. “You said he only got burned once; surely it’s not that bad?”
Adira recognized the look in his eyes all too well—the fear, the way his gaze darted left and right, seeking an escape route. He was hiding something, and it was painfully obvious.
Jessie broke the silence, his tone calm and reassuring. “This young lady means no harm. She’s kind and generous. She’s asking to see your brother because she wants to help, isn’t that right, Lady Adira?”
Jessie gulped as he glanced at Adira, but she remained locked onto the ragged man. His gaze then fell on Cain, whose jaw seemed to clench.
Thoughts churned through Adira’s mind in a relentless torrent, each idea surfacing and fading in rapid succession. Her gut tightened into an unbearable knot, leaving her lightheaded and faintly nauseated.
“Lady Adira?” Jessie called out softly.
“Lady Adira?” Jessie called out softly.
“…Yeah.” Adira nodded in agreement, her voice steady despite the tension, then she gave a faint smile. "I only want to help."
The ragged man glanced at Jessie for a moment, then shifted his wary gaze to Adira and briefly to Cain. After a pause, he nodded hesitantly. “Only… only for a little while.”
“I understand.” Adira exhaled, relief softening her features. “A little while is more than enough. Thank you.”
The ragged man still hesitated but eventually turned to the door and untied the knot securing the wooden frame. As soon as it was undone, he stepped inside, motioning for them to follow.
The three entered, Cain being the last one in line. Inside, chaos greeted them—a splattered bowl of food lay on the ground, shards of a broken mirror scattered nearby.
By the window hung a tall curtain, behind which the silhouette of a figure was visible, his heavy, labored breathing filling the silence.
It was clear where the shattered remnants and thrown food had come from.
“Watch your step,” the ragged man whispered, his voice low and cautious. He led them forward, sweeping the curtain aside to reveal the figure behind it.
Adira’s hands clenched into fists instinctively, her nails biting into her palms. The longer she looked at the figure seated on the bed, the more her head throbbed, it was as if something pounding against her mind like a cruel hammer.
Overwhelmed, she turned her head away, shutting her eyes tightly as if to escape the harrowing sight. A cold, unyielding dread seeped into her, like icy water poured over her soul.
The man’s brother was far from the “burned” they had imagined.
His skin, grotesquely contracted and raised by the scars of a severe burn, no longer resembled that of a human. Though the wounds had healed, his head was devoid of any hair, and not a trace of facial hair remained.
His eyes seemed unnaturally wide, permanently stretched open. His mouth was frozen in a ghastly state, unable to close due to the absence of lips, leaving his gums and teeth exposed to the air. One ear had been entirely lost, replaced by thick, melted skin fused to his head.
Though he wore a long white top covering his neck and the skin below it, and a blanket draped over his lower body, it was painfully evident that his torso bore the same cruel marks.
“WHO THE HELL ARE THESE PEOPLE?” the man with burns bellowed. “WHY DID YOU LET THEM IN!? YOU REALLY—!!” In a fit of rage, he hurled a pillow at his brother’s head.
“USELESS!!! ALL OF YOU!! GET OUT!! GET OUT!!!”
With every word, spit flew from his mouth as he shouted at them.
“GET OUT!!!”
The scarred man’s voice cracked painfully on the final word, as though he had inhaled his own saliva. He coughed violently, gasping for air, his eyes welling up with tears.
His brother, the ragged man, instantly grabbed a wooden cup filled with water and offered it to the scarred man on the bed. But the scarred man swatted it away, sending it flying into his brother's face.
"YOU THINK I’LL DRINK FROM SOMETHING SO CHEAP!? I’M A NOBLE!" he yelled furiously.
“We…” Adira cleared her throat, her voice trembling for a moment. “We are here to help you.”
“HELP ME!? IF YOU’RE GOING TO HELP ME, THEN BRING BACK MY TITLE! I AM A MARQUESS! I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE!”
Bitter tears streaked down his scarred face, though even the act of crying seemed to cause him unbearable pain. His sobs were guttural, punctuated by ugly whimpers that reverberated through the room.
Adira’s gaze hardened, her eyes burning with an intensity that seemed to sear the very air as she stared at the grown man sobbing before her.
A strange, unfamiliar emotion stirred within Adira—there was no pity, only a relentless curiosity. She longed to peel back the layers of his suffering, to unravel the mystery behind those scars.
A sharp, insistent desire tugged at her insides. Adira muttered almost to herself, “I could do that…”
All eyes turned to her.
“I could do that.” Adira’s voice was cold but confident, devoid of warmth, as her gaze fixed upon him—like a predator eyeing its prey.
“I can restore you to the position you so desperately desire. I may not look it now, but I hail from a respectable household. I believe this is something you can tell? I am dressed to blend in, but my skin is clean and my hair tidy. You see it, don’t you? As a fellow noble? If you wish, I’ll provide further proof. But first... before I do, you must tell me. What happened to you? Where did these scars come from?”
The ragged man, who Jessie had saved earlier, abruptly stepped in front of his brother, eyes wide with terror. His bloodshot gaze locked onto Adira, filled with a mix of horror and pleading.
“No! You said you’d only look! The deal’s done! Get out! Get out, we don’t need your help!”
With a weak shove, the scarred man pushed his brother aside, sending him stumbling. Despite the weak force, Adira could see the shift in the scarred man’s demeanor—it was clear he'd already taken the bait.
“ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID!? THIS IS WHY THE LIFE OF A COMMONER FITS YOU PERFECTLY!”
The scarred man’s gaze snapped back to Adira, his eyes burning with manic anticipation. “You’ll do it, won’t you? Right? I’ll tell you! I’ll tell you everything! Come here!” He patted the side of his bed, his smile warped and twisted with gleeful madness, only intensifying the horror of his appearance.
Adira moved toward him, but suddenly, she felt a firm grip on her arm. She turned her head to see who was holding her back.
Adira’s gaze turned sharp, though it no longer surprised her to see who held her back. “Let go of me, Cain.”
Cain’s eyes met hers, his expression unreadable in the dim light. Adira couldn’t quite place the emotion swirling in his gaze, but it unsettled her.
Cain spoke softly, almost in a whisper. “Is this going to fix whatever troubles you?”
Confusion flickered in Adira’s eyes for a moment, but without a word, she yanked her arm free from Cain’s grasp, leaving his hand suspended in the air.
Whether this would solve anything or not, the information Adira needed was too valuable to let slip away. The coincidences were aligning far too perfectly. She couldn’t afford to lose this chance, especially with a man before her who seemed to be the very result of the “fire” she had heard far too often.
Cain’s fist clenched so tightly that veins began to bulge on the back of his hand.
The scarred man, undeterred, spoke with renewed enthusiasm, the remnants of his earlier tears still present but no longer as fresh.
“You look clean and rich, Young Lady! Hahaha! If you can help me… You must be someone higher than a Marquess, Milady. Perhaps… a princess?”
Adira stood at the side of his bed, her lips curling into a scoff. “Let your imagination run wild. I might be the Empress for all you know.”
“The confidence... the posture... the boldness, and the complete disregard for what’s to come—Oh, I can tell, Milady!” The scarred man grinned, his expression almost giddy. “You must be someone close to the Emperor. A sheltered lady, no doubt! I am, after all, a noble and have attended numerous occasions. I’ve seen all types of nobles and interacted with many important figures as the next in line. You are an important person.”
“I am.” Adira smiled, though the expression never reached her eyes. “Now, for you to get what you want, first, you must tell me everything, without leaving a single detail out.”
“Of course! Of course!” The scarred man nodded vigorously, his eagerness palpable.
Adira steeled herself, bracing for the unsettling truths she was about to hear. She could only hope for the best, even as a sense of dread lingered at the edge of her thoughts.