140 - 24 Hearts

### Chapter 4. The Land of Entertainment and Culture, Urun While engaged in a pleasant conversation with Count Genuine, there was a gentle knock on the door before it swung open. Such audacity within the walls of the Count's home seemed unusual, but the sight of the intruder quickly justified the action. It was Sarah, the Count’s daughter, standing at the entrance, scanning the room with a bright smile. Her waist seemed even slimmer than the last time, as if she's been cinched by a corset since morning. Swiftly, Sarah took a seat next to Count Genuine, extending her hand with eagerness. As Arhill and Jeanne offered their hands somewhat bewilderedly, Sarah grabbed them and shook them energetically. "It's been a while!" "Sarah! How have you been?" "Of course, I'm doing well! Hehehe, can't you tell by looking at me? After winning the flag tournament, it's as if I’ve achieved a life goal, and I'm very happy. It's all thanks to you!" Her words were filled with enthusiasm. Until moments ago, Count Genuine had been leading the conversation, but with Sarah's lively presence, he found himself sidelined, unable to interject. Although conversing with the Count was enjoyable, Sarah's emotional expressiveness enriched the dialogue further. "Wow—I thought something might have happened to you in Risen since you took so long to return. Did you have a good trip?" "Hmm, well, it was an interesting experience, so yes, I'd say it was worthwhile. However, I don't think I'd want to go again unless someone takes me directly because the journey there was truly arduous." As Arhill exhaled a sigh, Sarah laughed gleefully, finding it amusing. Not long after Sarah joined the conversation, the butler entered to announce that breakfast was ready. They decided to relocate to the dining area for the meal. Walking ahead, the Count paired with Judah, while Sarah, Jeanne, and Arhill followed, sharing stories that blossomed with laughter over even the simplest tales. "My daughter missed you very much." "Me?" Count Genuine threw a slightly irritated glance at Judah. "…I meant Jeanne and Arhill." "Um—no need to say it with such a stern face. Despite appearances, I have a tender heart. It hurts!" "It was a joke." "Same here." In contrast to the lively chatter of the women behind, Judah and the Count shared less vibrant conversation as they made their way to the dining area, where a dignified-looking middle-aged woman awaited them with her hands neatly clasped. She warmly greeted Judah and his companions, the guests of Count Genuine. "Welcome. I am Silenia von Acklen, the lady of the Lava House." Upon introducing themselves—Judah Ahres, Jeanne Arthroir, and Arhill—she smiled gracefully. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My husband has told me much about you. Now, why don't we sit and enjoy some warm, delicious food while we chat?" Wow, she speaks so beautifully. Admiring her noble demeanor inwardly, Judah couldn't help but feel that in contrast to Sarah's boisterous energy, Silenia exuded elegance and poise. The long rectangular table was set with bread, stew, and salads, offering a simple yet appealing breakfast spread. "Enjoy your meal," prompted the Count, initiating the meal. Everyone started their meal without much conversation, sipping stew and tearing pieces of bread to eat. 'Tasty.' The dishes were simple but perfectly suited his palate. The bread tore softly, the stew was savory and slipped effortlessly down his throat, and the salad was so fresh, it crunched with every bite. Urun's culinary supremacy was evident in the quality of every dish. The meal was so delicious that it was devoured almost instantly. "You finished quite quickly?" "It was so good, it just disappeared. Thank you for the meal." "I'm glad to hear that. I'll make sure to pass the message to the cooks. They will be thrilled." Though he was tempted to indulge further, asking for more felt inappropriate. Once everyone had finished eating, they transitioned to tea and sweets and shared brief conversations over about ten minutes. Afterward, with Sarah as their guide, they planned to explore the vicinity of the mansion in Urun. "If you want, I could show you around," Count Genuine offered. "But my wife mentioned that young people find it bothersome to have someone tailing them. So instead, I'll give you these." From his spatial pocket, Count Genuine produced three badges and handed them over. "They're proof that you are guests of the Count's house. If any issues arise, just show these badges." "Will they solve all problems?" "…Not exactly, but they'll ensure you're treated with considerable respect. It's better to have them than not, just carry them around. And no causing trouble like murder, we can't cover that up." For being the power in Urun, not covering up such matters seemed reasonable. Guests causing disgrace to the Count's family wouldn’t do. Judah had no intention of causing trouble, anyhow, so he nodded, placing the badge in his pocket gratefully. It would certainly be more beneficial than nothing. "Have you been waiting long? Let's go!" Changing clothes would have been bothersome, yet Sarah had swapped her corset and dress for the practical leather attire seen during the flag tournament, along with a light longsword at her waist. "Well then, we shall be off." "Enjoy your time." With a wave, the Count bid them farewell. Outside the mansion, tidy streets extended before them. Mansion after mansion lined up, marking their boundaries with long fences. Along the brick-paved roads, carriages paraded, and nobles sauntered leisurely on sidewalks adorned with trees and flowers, some carrying parasols or walking sticks. ### Chapter 4. The Land of Entertainment and Culture, Urun Though Urun is famously known for its gambling and nightlife, its foundation is deeply rooted in culture. It is particularly renowned for constructing buildings that harmonize beautifully with its stunning natural landscapes. This craftsmanship ensures that, whether occupied by nobles or commoners, the mansions in Urun are exceptionally elegant. Simply walking along the streets and taking in the surrounding scenery turns into an immensely satisfying experience. Unreserved, Sarah seems to consider Arhill and Jeanne as friends, introducing them to Urun with a cheerful demeanor regardless of their status. Judah trailed two steps behind them, explaining that he wanted to leisurely enjoy the view when asked why he lagged behind. 'If I were with the Count, I might have gone elsewhere, but I guess we won't explore the nightlife.' As if to prove this, Sarah showed them Urun's famous bakeries, shops, and unique architectural sites. Within the city of Urun, numerous magnificent structures exist that almost serve as its symbols, including a colosseum and a tower leaning like the Pisa Tower. Urun’s model draws inspiration from Rome and China, sporting the grandeur of Chinese landscapes with the architecture style of Rome. ‘I never thought I’d see such architectural marvels from places I didn’t visit even in my own world.’ This realization brought a chuckle of disbelief. Reflecting, Judah realized his reluctance to travel the world stemmed from vague fears—concerns about unfortunate accidents, misunderstandings due to language barriers. Yet, these were often unfounded worries. Whatever the reason, Urun’s notable architectural models allowed Judah to enjoy a valuable sightseeing experience. After marveling at the magnificent, intact sights like the colosseum and the leaning tower, by the time they finished admiring and exploring their interiors, it was already lunch. Not feeling hungry due to snacking on the way, they opted for a light rest at the plaza by the fountain. There, with a cone of ice cream in hand, Judah pondered deeply. Although today could be spent leisurely without thoughts of responsibility, walking through the streets naturally turned his thoughts towards future plans. Before seizing the shard from Count Genuine, there were things to address here first. 'I killed Kain, so…' Do I have some breathing room now? Had Kain been alive, he might have interfered, adding to the worries of accomplishing the task alone. Fortunately, dispatching him sooner than anticipated allowed for a relatively more relaxed plan. Indeed, every detail meticulously noted for years, assuming Kain's presence, now required revision. In Urun, the first target to locate is the 'Thief from the Shadow Kingdom.' 'Loksin.' Finding him is pivotal. Somehow, he possesses blueprints to noble estates within Urun. By paying him a sum, he divulges the layout of these estates and ways to disable the protective magic set in them. Unlike regular guilds in the underworld, they hold valuable, concealed information. "Judah?" Deep in thought, staring intently at the brick-paved streets, Judah belatedly heard someone calling him. "?" Glancing up, he saw Arhill. "What’s up? Is it because we didn’t entertain you, and you’re sulking?" "Of course not. I’m no child." "Hmm, you may be our leader but let’s be honest—you’re quite young in age and appearance. Just turned adults aren't really considered grown-ups yet, you know? Hehehe." Finding amusement in teasing, Arhill shrugged with a smug expression. "Well then… fair enough. So, why are you calling me?" "Sarah wants to show us the flower fields outside Urun. If we go now, we’ll make it back by evening. I came to find you since you didn’t respond when we called. Thought you were pouting. Not joining us?" Saying he wanted to venture out solo would be suspicious. "No, I'll join you. Of course." "Then hurry up." "Impatient, aren’t we?" Judah nodded agreeably and followed her. After spending a fulfilling day without incident, they returned to the mansion. Judah decided to fully engage in his plans starting tomorrow. Apologizing to Sarah, who had kindly offered another guided tour, Judah expressed that he planned solo activities for the day. When she questioned if he was bored, Judah reassured her with a smile, saying he just wished to experience the sights on his own—calming her unnecessary worry. After settling the evening meal at the mansion, he retired. At the crack of dawn, Judah set out from the mansion. His goal: to locate Loksin, the thief from the Shadow Kingdom. --- ### Author's Note Ah, I’m late. I was out handling some business, and it's two hours past the scheduled upload time of twelve. I apologize.