~Chapter 40~
Sestia kept talking.
“So if you’re thinking of doing something stupid—don’t. We’re getting kicked out of this inn tomorrow, and I’m getting dragged to Baron Orman’s house. Nothing can stop that now.”
Ahin replied, “What do you mean, stupid?”
“We’re twins, remember? I only call you ‘big brother’ sometimes because I know you like it. So don’t feel responsible for me.”
“…”
“I’ll be fine. You should go to the Academy or something and live your own life. If I’m not around, they’ll accept you.”
Sestia had a sharp side to her. Ahin avoided her gaze and stepped out of the inn.
He carefully looked around. They were in a wealthy neighborhood, where nobles stayed.
‘I need to find someone rich enough to target…’
His heart was racing, but there was no other choice.
Sestia was starving. If he waited too long, she could die.
Just then, Ahin spotted a fancy carriage. It looked expensive, but the coachman looked plain—though muscular.
‘Maybe a slow-witted brute…’
At that moment, the carriage stopped and three nobles stepped out: a hooded man, a noblewoman, and another person.
They didn’t look dangerous, and the group was small. Something about their vibe seemed easygoing and harmless.
‘Perfect. They look like the easiest target among nobles.’
But Ahin didn’t know—traveling through monster-infested areas with only a few people meant you were very strong.
✦✦✦
Delphina, Elcayan, and Calyx had just arrived at a village near the Empire. It was their last stop before reaching the capital, and Delphina was determined to rest here.
<Frad, the god, shouts that “it’s here”!>
‘Are you sure it’s really here?’
<Frad nods eagerly.>
Delphina stepped down from the carriage and looked around. The village looked normal.
‘Where am I supposed to find it?’
<Frad says “It will find you.”>
‘It’ll find me?’
<Frad explains that although the priests won’t notice, Delphina has been blessed.>
‘Blessed…?’
<Because of the blessing, priests will naturally feel comfortable around her—even too comfortable, like she’s easy to approach.>
‘And what does that have to do with meeting your followers?’
<Frad says, “Just wait. You’ll see.”>
Delphina frowned at the vague response. Elcayan noticed.
“Are you okay, Delphina?”
“Yes, I think I just feel a bit carsick.”
Elcayan and Calyx looked at her with concern.
“Maybe we pushed too hard.”
“I asked for this, remember?”
Delphina looked at them. They both looked healthier—maybe even gained weight—while she looked pale.
Calyx felt bad.
“I must’ve been too harsh teaching you self-defense…”
Delphina had been learning from him on their journey to the capital. After the incident with Ivelina, she realized she couldn’t always rely on others for protection.
“You were so talented that I got carried away. I’m sorry, Delphina.”
She shook her pale head.
“You were doing it to help me. I actually enjoyed it.”
Calyx nodded seriously.
“Then I’ll make sure you rest somewhere as comfortable as possible.”
He bowed and said,
“This is the best inn in the village. I’ll find us the best room. Please wait here.”
He left for the inn.
Now Delphina was alone with Elcayan—and she felt awkward.
Elcayan had stopped wearing his mask entirely now. His good looks were… intense. Even with his hood up, bits of his face peeked out and only added to his charm.
People were already staring at them from afar. Delphina took a step away from Elcayan, afraid he might hear her pounding heart.
‘I said I wouldn’t fall for him… but his face is too much.’
Then suddenly—
A boy rushed toward her and almost crashed into her.
Elcayan instinctively pulled Delphina close, shielding her. They were suddenly very close. Delphina held her breath.
‘He’s… way too handsome…’
With concern in his voice, Elcayan asked,
“Were you frightened, Delphina?”
“W-what?”
“Your heart is racing and your face is red.”
“I—I was startled, yes…”
Though it was really Elcayan’s face that startled her.
But Elcayan turned his attention to the boy who almost hit her.
The boy tried to run away with a scowl, but Elcayan caught him by the scruff of the neck.
“L-Let me go!”
Ahin trembled and looked down.
“Why did you try to bump into her on purpose?”
“I didn’t!”
“It was obviously intentional.”
“…”
“You’re too clumsy to be a real pickpocket. Looks like this was your first time.”
Elcayan’s sharp gaze made Ahin lower his head even more.
Delphina gently placed a hand on Elcayan’s arm.
“I’m okay. Really—I was more surprised by your face than anything.”
“You were surprised by my face?”
Her cheeks turned red.
“Yes… Being that close was a shock.”
Elcayan’s ears also turned pink. He understood what she meant.
Aside from his mother, few had ever called him handsome so openly.
He said cautiously,
“Still, his behavior was suspicious. He could be a terrible pickpocket… or have another motive.”
Delphina looked up at the floating system window:
<Frad is freaking out. He tells Delphina she must not lose that boy.>
That one sentence told Delphina everything.
‘Wait… this pickpocket kid is the follower Frad was looking for?’
The system offered an awkward excuse:
<Frad says his followers aren’t usually like this—bad environment, bad choices…>
Delphina sighed deeply. Her eyes lingered on the boy’s skinny wrists.
‘Now I understand my grandma…’
In her past life, Delphina’s grandmother used to cook free meals for kids from troubled homes.
Delphina looked Ahin in the eyes.
“Have you eaten today?”
Elcayan looked shocked—and so did Ahin.
The boy blinked.
“W-what?”
“If you haven’t eaten, would you like to eat with us?”
“Eat…?”
“I’m actually a really good cook, you know.”
