chapter 45
45. Stay Tonight
Following Kefiel down from the carriage with Niel, who still seemed a bit scared, the scenery around us was nothing like the prosperous beauty we saw in the capital city of London in the Great Ying Empire.
Once notorious as a charlatan fleeing across the mainland, Ojilide was well aware that the nations of the continent only maintained peace on the surface. Given any chance to “flex their muscles,” they wouldn’t hesitate. The so-called “Goddess Relic” that appeared in the no man’s land was no different: it was less an exploration than a display of each nation’s “talent.”
In other words, I was about to meet characters who had roles in the script. And for me, there was only one outcome…
“What are you dawdling for? The Rosian Empire’s delegation has arrived; go greet them.”
In a daze, Kefiel led us to the demarcation line, meeting the gaze of the approaching party.
“I am Kefiel, the candidate from the Great Ying Empire here to explore the relic. These are my personal clergy and maid.”
Among the gazes, two shifty-eyed lackeys were immediately dismissed by me. In contrast, the bespectacled lady leading them caught my attention: her pale long hair tied into a braid, wearing a monocle, she looked like a “civil officer.”
If only that were true. I knew all too well: women dressed like this were never “extras.” Have you ever seen an extra with such a unique and complex design?
“I am Rasputin, the candidate sent by the Rosian Emperor to explore the relic. Miss Kefiel, I’ve long admired your renown…”
【Rasputin will plot to kill Ojilide next.】
Sure enough, at the moment she introduced herself, the script already had her plotting my demise. But that wasn’t all!
The script wasn’t finished yet!
【Neru will soon unleash her hidden power!】
【Kefiel will be injured next!】
Trouble! Being targeted for assassination was nothing new to me, but this bespectacled girl was after our entire crew! It was the typical “murder and loot” scenario often found in scripts!
And my dear “pillar,” Kefiel, seemed to sense something amiss with me and had no intention of shaking hands with them.
“Now that the candidates are confirmed, it seems the Great Ying and Rosian Empires will stand together. From tomorrow, let’s enter the relic to explore.”
“The unknown relic, I believe, would benefit from our cooperation…”
“No need.”
With a cold interruption, Kefiel, the true protagonist, turned away, not even allowing a response before departing.
After distancing ourselves from the Rosian Empire’s territory and returning within the Great Ying Empire’s demarcation line, we entered the campsite Louise had arranged for us. Only then, in the absence of others, did Kefiel look over with a hint of concern.
“Ojilide, you seem afraid of her. Does she know you?”
If only that were the case.
I couldn’t reveal the script’s secrets, but I couldn’t keep the “sub-plot” involving Kefiel, the protagonist, to myself either.
“The prophecy indicates that Rasputin… is not in our favor.”
I couldn’t outright tell Kefiel of the other’s malicious intent; with her prideful nature, she’d likely strike back immediately.
Kefiel sighed softly, not particularly surprised by my prophecy.
“I had a feeling. The Rosian Empire is a martial nation; they wouldn’t entertain peaceful thoughts. So, this time, we’re not exploring the relic together. After confirming no one has cheated, we’ll enter the relic separately to compete fairly. As long as we deliberately avoid each other, there won’t be much interaction.”
With that, Kefiel looked at me, amused yet exasperated: “I thought you were nervous about something serious. Haven’t I told you? As long as you don’t wander off and stay by my side, no one can touch a hair on your head.”
Look at that, the protagonist’s inviting embrace, truly irresistible!
I wasn’t worried about whether Kefiel’s “protagonist’s halo” could protect me; I was more concerned about Neru.
Neru’s “deep-seated enmity” protagonist persona has erupted into a cosmos of energy. Do they think they can “kill me off” without a fight now? And with her close relationship with Kefir, I might not even be able to cling to Kefir’s coattails!
If I want to securely cling to Kefir’s coattails without any mishaps, there’s no other way, I have to use “that move”!
“Kefir, is everything you said true?”
I asked with a serious face, full of righteousness, causing Kefir to look at me with some confusion.
“Of, of course.”
I need to keep an eye on both of your scripts throughout, to prevent any unexpected events, right!? So, next up, I’m going to cling to those coattails from every angle without fail!
“So, shall we sleep together tonight…”
【Slap】
I’m serious, Kefir!
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