At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 297

While Jiwoo was still debating whether to ask, Lanceil brought the subject to a close himself.

“The others probably already organized everything so they could explain it to you properly. I’m sorry I told you first.”

Apparently, even this made him feel as though he had stolen a precious moment that should have belonged to someone else.

“I can always listen again.”

“Yes. And if you have questions, they’ll probably explain it better than I can.”

Still reluctant to part, Lanceil smoothed Jiwoo’s clothes and adjusted the fabric around her shoulders before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Come back safely.”

“I will.”

***

Jiwoo rarely had anything to prepare for a trip herself.

Her husbands usually packed whatever supplies they needed, and she did not even carry her own luggage. In a sense, the only thing required of her was to show up in person.

This time, all she had to do was fasten the dagger and leather belt Lanceil had given her around her waist.

Once everyone finished gathering their own belongings, the trip party would usually meet in front of Jiwoo’s house before setting out.

“Oh.”

After Jiwoo had waited outside for a short while, Narkreed arrived first, strolling toward her at a leisurely pace.

…While dragging Shaen behind him, bound in vines like a dog on a leash.

There seemed to be nowhere left to wrap another strand. Shaen had been tied up as thoroughly as a parcel, and naturally, his expression was twisted into a furious scowl.

He was supposed to be their guide, so Jiwoo gave him a small nod in greeting despite her unease. Shaen merely scoffed and turned his head away.

Meanwhile, Reed looked Jiwoo over and immediately noticed what had changed.

“Lanceil gave you that, didn’t he? Let me see.”

“Ah, this?”

“Yes.”

The dagger was fastened behind her waist, yet Reed had somehow noticed it despite the black cloth still covering his eyes.

Jiwoo handed it over. Reed drew the blade in one smooth motion, inspected its edge, then spun it deftly through the air. It looked almost like a knife trick. The weapon certainly suited him far better than it had when Jiwoo held it awkwardly.

“It’s light. Well made too.”

Reed held the blade safely and offered her the hilt. Jiwoo wrapped her hand around it, only for him to laugh softly and place his hand over hers.

“Not like that. Hold it this way. If you grip it backward, you could hurt yourself, so remember what I show you.”

“Like this?”

“Yes. That’s good.”

He stroked her fingers into the proper position, then guided her hand through the basic motion of swinging the dagger. Once Jiwoo had grown somewhat accustomed to it, he added lightly.

“Though it would be best if you never had to use it.”

Still standing behind her as though embracing her, Reed used their joined hands to slide the dagger back into its sheath.

Click. The crisp sound of the blade settling into place rang pleasantly.

“You won’t have any reason to use it while you’re with me anyway.”

“I suppose not.”

Even though he said it casually, Jiwoo found his confidence reassuring and smiled.

“Still, I agree that learning some basic self-defense would be useful.”

“As though such clumsy skills would accomplish anything.”

Shaen inevitably muttered another provocation.

Afraid Reed would strike the back of his head again, Jiwoo quickly changed the subject, lowering her voice.

“Reed, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

Would it be all right to ask him what she had hesitated to ask Lanceil earlier?

“It’s about the void we’re visiting.”

“Ah, that.”

That was not actually the question Jiwoo had intended to ask, but she was curious about it as well.

“Incidents like this are rare, but not unheard of. I suppose the location makes it sound more frightening, but with you there, it shouldn’t be especially dangerous.”

Perhaps Reed had grown tired of Shaen listening in, because he lowered his voice and moved closer to Jiwoo, speaking almost conspiratorially.

“There may even be something worthwhile to gain from it. If safety can be guaranteed, it’s the sort of place worth examining at least once.”

“What can we find there?”

“Something you can imagine that still has a chance of existing in reality. That’s about the best way I can describe it.”

While Jiwoo chatted with Reed, the others joining the trip began arriving one after another. Lugarmel came carrying a large bag while studying a written list.

“What’s that?”

“Mm? This? There are plants that grow only underground, so I thought I’d gather a few things we need while we’re there.”

Apparently, several people had asked him to collect specimens so they could expand the variety of plants grown in the village and preserve some for research.

“You must think this is such an easy matter that you can afford to run errands on the side.”

Shaen raised his voice with a mocking edge. He seemed to interpret Lugarmel’s additional plans as proof that they were not taking the serious situation before them properly.

Mel merely smiled without answering the provocation, but Silevion, who had arrived behind him, clicked his tongue loudly enough for Shaen to hear.

“How unfortunate… A wretched clan without an El must live in terror of every minor irregularity.”

“You speak proudly for someone who has to escort even a weak little thing like that.”

Thump! Kelvar, whose temper was especially short in this season, kicked Shaen sharply in the shin.

“Fix that filthy mouth of yours, bastard!”

“Filthy? You should be grateful this is all you’re getting after your side damaged a perfectly healthy territory.”

At this rate, they looked likely to start fighting before they had even left for their destination.