NOVEL NEXT Chapter 68
I sat silently with my arms crossed, wearing a indifferent expression as I waited for the meal to be served.
Hmmmm…
With my ears wide open, I could hear their conversation clearly.
“Some may say it’s only been a year, but during that time, I’ve endured more than anyone else as a commoner and a poor country bumpkin, working hard in the Magic Tower.”
I wasn’t sure since I couldn’t see the staff, but it turns out he was a mage?
“But now, merely enduring is not enough. To grow as a mage and gain recognition, I need to prepare to ascend through the ranks after establishing some theories, without getting distracted by the Labyrinth.”
“But what about the three of us during this time?”
The stern-looking mage in his robe sounded a bit irritable when he said this.
“At our level now, it’s not like we’ll be sitting on the streets just because we haven’t entered the Labyrinth a few times.”
He sighed heavily and vented his frustration.
“You all could use the funds you’ve gathered to learn skills at the Guild or the training center, or take this opportunity to visit the Great Library to build up any lacking knowledge.”
“I agree! Honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. I really think I need some specialized teaching and knowledge if I want to move up to the next floor.”
The Archer chimed in, supporting the mage’s suggestion.
“Exactly! At this rate, whether it’s two or three years from now, we’ll just remain as low-tier adventurers.”
As I eavesdropped on the conversation, the meal finally arrived.
“Well then, enjoy your meal!”
“Thank you.”
Two plump, perfectly grilled sausages steaming with deliciousness, accompanied by thinly sliced cheese, oat biscuits, and a cup of honeyed mead.
As I took a big bite of the sausage using my fork and knife, yum, the juice burst out and filled my mouth.
Shoving the cheese and biscuits in at the same time made me smile with the salty and savory flavor.
Drinking during the day feels a bit off… but one cup should be fine, and with my magic flowing, I’ll be fine quickly, right?
Soon after, I took a sip of the bright yellow honeyed mead.
While I wasn’t as impressive as Rotten in the kitchen, I was still enjoying my meal quite satisfactorily.
Meanwhile, the adventurers’ conversation took a disastrous turn.
“It’s almost been a year, so when the hell are we going to stop just lazing around, wasting money in the Labyrinth, going out on a few requests, then back into the Labyrinth again?”
Hearing this, a warrior with veins popping on his neck shouted.
“Lazing around? Hey, isn’t that going a bit too far? Each of us has our own concerns and efforts! I thought we had accumulated a lot during this time, but it seems that’s just endless!”
“Everyone’s gotten too emotional. Let’s calm down a bit, okay?”
A priest with droopy eyes and a gentle face tried to mediate.
“What should we calm down about? Now that you mention it, let me just say—Oliver, can you please stop wasting so much at the brothel? How much more are you going to shove into the trash bin like a crazed monkey… gulp.”
“Repeat that! What was that about Oliver and the brothel?”
The mage, who had been emotional, suddenly stopped and covered his mouth upon seeing the priest’s terrifying expression.
“Tha—that wasn’t it! I meant… uh-oh!”
Crack!!
“Edwin wouldn’t make things up like that! If it’s hard to relieve it, at least say something. You said you’d get married later but were just playing around?”
The priest smacked the warrior’s cheek as she spoke passionately.
“Ah, Oliver, I wasn’t any different from a common whore to you, huh? You’ve hidden it well! You trashy bastard!”
Thud, thud.
Bang!!
“What the hell! Edwin, I’ll have my revenge!”
“Ugh! Let’s go together!”
The warrior chased after the priest, who stormed out of the inn, and the Archer also left the table after glancing between the two.
I’m losing my mind. What in the world…?
Despite all eyes being on them, the mage sat in silence, covering his face and collapsing onto the chair.
“Haha. I’m sorry for the commotion!”
Finally, after I said that, making eye contact with the other adventurers, the atmosphere of the inn began to return to normal.
Sigh.
I inadvertently let out a sigh and continued my meal.
Clatter.
Just when I had nearly finished eating, the mage spoke up.
“I’m sorry for ruining your meal and putting on a spectacle because of us.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. That can happen. I can’t say much, but that man who just left was a bit more… well.”
“Heh. Right. He was a bit careless in town, but he was a reliable and earnest friend.”
As the awkward atmosphere made it hard to continue my meal, the mage, no, Edwin attempted to introduce himself.
“My name is Edwin. Though this isn’t the best situation, we’ve crossed paths for a moment, so let’s introduce ourselves.”
“I’m Aren. I’m sorry about what happened earlier.”
“It’s all my fault. I’ve been bullied so much at the Magic Tower that my stress must have reached its peak.”
Edwin, with his hair tousled, suddenly started to unload his burdens.
“Suddenly, a girl from nowhere claims to be the daughter of the tower lord, a duchess’s daughter, and is treated like royalty.”
Edwin looked downcast, shaking his head.
“For a poor guy like me, with mediocre talent and no backing, watching from afar, it only made me feel deprived.”
Thud.
Since I finished my meal, I was about to say something and leave.
That’s certainly what I’d thought until I heard his next words.
“Her name was… Scarlet, right?”
What?
“That’s right. The name of the tower lord is Conrad Ennis. His daughter is Scarlet Ennis. That was definitely her name. Damn, even her name is upscale compared to a commoner like me.”
Clunk!
‘Why is that name coming up here?’
I was dumbfounded.
“W-Wait, why do you suddenly ask that? Why do you look like you heard something you shouldn’t have?”
I realized I had been so shocked that I had instinctively pushed my chair back and stood up.
[Chaos gently calms you down.]
Before more eyes turned my way, I quickly sat back down and opened my mouth.
“Could you elaborate on that story?”
“Uh… about the tower lord? Or about the person Scarlet Ennis?”
“Please the latter.”
Edwin scratched the back of his head, showcasing a flustered expression, but nodded in understanding.
“Sure! Where should I begin?”
“Just suddenly dropped in, huh? When did she enter the Magic Tower? What was her entrance time?”
“I don’t know the exact date, but it’s been at least a few months since she came. Time passed after her arrival, and the Labyrinth opened three times.”
After I killed Scarlet and escaped from the Labyrinth, I had entered twice more since then, and considering that I hadn’t entered for more than a month, her time at the tower seems to correspond with my death.
“Was there any sign of her being sick or in poor health?”
Edwin laughed heartily as if I was joking.
“Haha! Sick? Not at all, she was perfectly fine! And not just fine, but enough to burn a poor soul to death!”
I doubted my ears, wondering if I heard correctly.
“Burn someone… to death?”
“She literally set a noble mage on fire in the tower lobby while attempting to hold hands, with a cold expression. The tale is quite famous among mages.”
[Chaos shakes its head.]
“The tower lord used his power to cover up the incident, locking her away in the top floor, but I clearly saw it along with others from different factions. I even remember what she said at that time.”
“What did she say?”
“I couldn’t catch it all from a distance, but roughly, she said, ‘No one aside from him can whisper love to me. Who touches my body will be burned, no matter who it is.’ I think that’s what she said.”
“…”
“What nobody seems to know is who that ‘him’ she was referring to. Well, whatever the case, that’s just horrifying.”
[Chaos furrows its brow as if this is ominous.]
Feeling an unexplainable dizziness wash over me, I pressed my forehead momentarily and continued questioning.
“You mentioned she was locked away. Is there no news after that?”
Edwin shrugged casually.
“Though that’s what they say, essentially, it’s just a guise to let her showcase her overflowing talent through closed-door training.”
“Closed-door training?”
“I heard from a senior in the fire faction. The tower lord and elders take turns teaching her daily while generously providing potions and items.”
Wow, she seems to be climbing an elite course luxuriously.
“I once heard that a senior participated in processing natural elixirs, but knowing who that would go to left him feeling liver-achingly envious.”
“Still, for Scarlet herself, it must be quite miserable not being able to go anywhere, not knowing when she will be freed.”
“Well, erm… that’s true. But, it’s her own doing, right? Someone like me, with nearly no support, can only envy her.”
I couldn’t help but think this story was more unbelievable than I imagined. My head felt all jumbled.
“With the previous incident, you probably weren’t feeling great, but thanks for your time. As a token of my gratitude, I’ll cover the meal, so please take your time.”
Upon hearing that I was heading out already, he just nodded slightly and immediately went to pay the food bill at the counter before exiting.
“Okay… I think I should head back. I’m not in the mood to wander anymore.”
Climbing into the carriage, I headed back to the inn.
*
I couldn’t recall what thoughts I had while on the way back.
Huff! Ha!
Upon returning, I swung my sword in the backyard, sweating.
“There’s too much clutter in my mind!”
Feeling suspicious with how early I had returned, I thought something must have happened outside.
“Oh, Rotten!”
As I turned upon hearing his voice, Rotten was standing there with his arms crossed, looking at me.
I hesitated for a moment, gazing back at Rotten before speaking up.
“If it’s just a ‘what if,’ what should I do if I hear that the person I killed, my first murder, is alive and well as if resurrected?”
“Hmm. I can guess. Tell me, did you kill a member of royalty or something?”
Rotten rubbed his chin thoughtfully and continued.
“If resurrecting items are exceedingly rare unless a high-level adventurer gets them, they’re usually well-protected, handed down through generations. Throughout those I just mentioned, only a handful might possess a revival item.”
‘Rotten is reliable. Let’s keep this conversation going.’
“…Ennis. How about the Ennis family?”
Rotten raised his eyebrows slightly.
“Oh, you mean the Duke Ennis family, led by Conrad? I only know that he is powerful, but being a guardian of the beast lineage, they likely have a way to conceal their strength.”
“As expected.”
“The important thing is if the resurrected or the family themselves are likely to harm or threaten your life?”
No, that’s not it. Nothing’s happened so far, so they probably don’t know who killed what.
While I couldn’t be certain of Scarlet’s intent, recalling her last moments, she likely wouldn’t try to kill me again.
I shook my head, denying that notion.
“Then, was it because the first person you killed is still haunting you? Are you still hesitant about taking a life?”
“Not at all! If they deserve to die, then they should. But the circumstances are a bit complicated. It feels weird knowing she’s alive, remembering her last moments.”
The feeling of her flesh sinking as I pierced her, her voice whispering as death approached lingered vividly in my mind.
“Her, huh? Hmmm. Anyway, until the person involved contacts you, just keep it out of your head for a while.”
Rotten then cautioned me.
“And whatever happens, I hope it won’t end up hurting Lumia.”
[Chaos comments that this old guy can’t be trifled with.]
“Then it’s decided. If anyone or any beings threaten you or those around you, I’ll step in myself, so don’t worry.”
“Thanks. Talking to you, Rotten, helps me sort things out.”
He laughed heartily.
“Hmph! And your master is even more formidable than I am? Don’t be needlessly worried about some minor issue. Just don’t overexert yourself without a goal.”
“Yeah. I’ll just meditate a bit before heading inside. No worries.”
“Right. Once everything is settled, make sure to show your face to Lumia. It’s been too long since you’ve been gone, and she’s been wanting to see you.”
Crossing his roaring laughter with my awkward smile, I finally sank into silence once his presence faded away.
“Yeah. I shouldn’t worry about things outside. Let’s forget it and focus on what I need to do.”
Now that the subject of mages and Scarlet had come up, it might be a good idea to fulfill Heins’ quest to deliver the golem core tomorrow.
Let’s go. To the Magic Tower!