150 - 24 Hearts

Title: Twenty-Four Hearts - Chapter 150: The Land of Entertainment and Culture, Wurun --- Hmm. Yuda slowly replayed what he had just heard in his mind. A request to postpone things for a bit? “Should I call you Sir Wolfram?” “You can call me whatever you prefer.” “Your intention… Am I right in what I’m thinking?” Wolfram interlaced his fingers and nodded slowly. The maid, observing them silently, decided they had finished their meal and began to clear the dishes. But Yuda’s face twisted as he tried to comprehend Wolfram’s intent. No, damn it. Fortunately, no curses slipped out. Asking for more time? What kind of nonsense was that? In Wurun, Yuda thought everything was going smoothly—acquiring the shard without conflict with Count Genoa, winning Rocksin's cooperation. Everything seemed to fall into place, perhaps due to his exceptional luck. Yet, if not for Wolfram’s words just now, Yuda might have continued to think so. When Yuda clenched his mouth shut, Wolfram cautiously began to speak, having noted his expression. “I understand, really. That feeling you have.” Yuda had no idea what he claimed to understand, but Wolfram continued slowly. “It’s not like I haven’t had my own adventures. When a companion suddenly leaves, the sense of loss and concern for the gap in the team is inevitable. But before you think only of your position, consider Lady Jeanne's as well. Can you guarantee that she will return to the Byron Empire in time, just by following you around?” If it were just about getting hold of a mana stone, Yuda thought he could ask Count Genoa to make one. Or with the winnings from the casino, he could purchase one outright. But as if reading Yuda’s mind, Wolfram spoke further. “You probably think you can get a mana stone. Unfortunately, there aren’t many teleportation circles allowed within the Byron Empire. Moreover, if you’re caught teleporting illegally, the consequences can be severe, unless you hold a high position or are granted permission.” “......” “That’s why I’ve asked you in this way.” Yuda let out a hollow laugh at his words. “But if she returns to the Byron Empire, we wouldn’t be able to see each other for a few years at least. We also don’t know how much longer beyond that.” In terms of what he knew about the Blue Lance Knights: during apprenticeship, they could travel freely for a few years, but from intermediate to senior rank, they had to live like a military unit. Senior ranks had more freedom of movement, but it was uncertain how long achieving that would take. Wolfram tried to speak again when Yuda brought up these facts, but Yuda hadn’t finished speaking. “And.” He glanced at Jeanne. She looked uncomfortable with the situation. She probably never expected the conversation to escalate from simple introductions to this. “......” Yuda paused and closed his eyes. Without her, in case of emergencies, there would be no one to protect Arhil. But his desire to keep her with him might be selfish. Considering they would soon pass through the slaver kingdom Shillan and enter the elf forests, she might not find it easy to leave then. Perhaps they would have to break their promise of being together for a year. Jeanne had her own commitments as well, and clinging to her seemed unfair. Despite the pause in Yuda’s speech, no one dared interrupt the silence. Arhil, who had been watching, cautiously broke it, eyeing Yuda. “It’ll be sad to see Miss Jeanne leave, but if she becomes a great Blue Lance Knight, won’t you have something to boast about later? I’m already proud anyway.” Yuda, who had been silent, opened his mouth again. It wasn’t pleasant to start the day with a heavy conversation, nor was it something he enjoyed discussing with her, but there was no other choice. “True... Maybe I’m being stubborn. You need to participate in that tournament as well.” “Yuda...” She called his name softly. All he could do was force a smile. The emotions he felt then were much stronger than even after killing Cain, and he already felt bitter. “Let’s consider this round void, then..." “Wait, void?” Wolfram, who nodded with a satisfied expression, looked surprised, although it was Jeanne who should be feeling astonished. “In any case, when we meet again, you can look forward to a new request.” “Are you really letting me go?” “Don’t take it too hard. Thinking about it, this seems like the fitting place to part.” “Why is that?” Jeanne asked. She had immensely enjoyed adventuring with the party. “Well... It’s not that I want to let you go either, but I have no choice, right? Timing is also a factor, so don’t feel too bad.” Who wouldn’t want to stay together? She was indeed a reliable shield. A shield one could trust completely. The atmosphere felt too heavy, so Yuda stood up. “Instead, let’s create some joyful memories together while in Wurun. Let's go out. Ah, Sir Wolfram, pardon me, but we’ll be borrowing her for a while.” “Hm? Oh, yes. Go on, it’s fine.” Leaving Wolfram behind, Yuda hurried Jeanne and Arhil out of the estate. They decided to skip visiting scenic spots or famous sites, reasoning that such visits wouldn’t foster joyous memories. The place he took her to was where artists painted at the plaza. He requested a painter to capture an image of the three of them together. Afterwards, they went to a clothing store. Although the Requiem coat he gifted Jeanne suited her well, there was another matter. “That... seems like an awfully expensive outfit.” "You're not just going there for training, right? Accept it. You've got to look the part of a Blue Lance Knight." The clothes in Wurun are quite expensive, catering to high-ranking nobles and merchants. But the fabric and design are exceptional, and custom-made options are available too. While the prices might be overwhelming for her, Yuda had already won a substantial amount at the gambling tables. Even after gifting her, he had plenty left over. He also bought several outfits for Arhil, so she could wear something other than her nun attire. Arhil was overjoyed at the new clothes. After being told that the dresses and attire they liked would be tailored and sent to Count Genoa’s house, they left the store. “Wow—just where did you earn all this money, Yuda? This amount is no joke…” “Well, I won it through gambling.” “Wait, did you just say gambling? With whom?” Jeanne exclaimed in surprise. Perhaps he shouldn’t have mentioned it—seeing her about to scold him, Yuda abruptly started running. Jeanne chased after him with alarming speed, while Arhil followed, flustered but unable to keep up. They only stopped when Arhil finally called out to them in distress. Wurun was a place with many forms of entertainment. It wasn’t all about gambling or ladies of leisure. There were surprisingly wholesome and enjoyable activities like archery and spear throwing, reminiscent of ancient traditional games. After spending a whole day enjoying themselves, they returned to the manor to have a meal with the Genoa family, accompanied by drinks. It was late into the night when they finally retreated to their own rooms, but Yuda decided to step out for some fresh air. The alcohol had left his face feeling warm, but activating his magic and breathing in the cold air quickly sobered him up. Nevertheless, the fatigue didn’t dissipate easily. “Urgh…” Walking through the streets, he stretched his body. Parting with Jeanne unexpectedly weighed heavily on him. He had vaguely anticipated that they would part ways someday, but not so suddenly. Though they hadn’t officially said their goodbyes, it was disheartening that their time together was dwindling. Her presence had been a great source of strength and assurance. Sigh— With a small sigh, Yuda activated his Map and followed its guidance. He sensed he was nearing his destination, the grand estate of the Neyube family, a leading noble house in Wurun. As grand and imposing as the Genoa estate, its high walls were a testament to its wealth. There was no sign of people or guards around the perimeter. ‘Well then. I hope this will be an easy task given my foul mood.’ Hiding in the shadowed alley, Yuda donned one of the masks he had acquired from Rigen. The mask Isabelle had gifted was too ornate and burdensome, but a simple wooden mask presented no issue. If it broke or cracked, he could simply switch to another. With a light bounce on the spot, Yuda unleashed his skills. Release of Latent Potential. Unfolding Shadow. Opening of the Mystic Eye. The influx of information from these abilities surged through his mind, and a light breath produced a visible mist. “The moon is beautifully hanging in the sky…the silence around is just to my liking.” Shall we proceed? Let's see how well-guarded a high noble’s estate is. Moving into an alley where the streetlights couldn’t reach, Yuda pressed himself against the wall of the Neyube estate, extending his shadow over the wall. The night was dark, and the shadows cast by streetlights weren’t close enough for a passerby to notice anything amiss. “Ah, it’s a hassle every single time.” “I'm getting sleepy too. I honestly don’t see the point of this patrol.” Two guards patrolling walked nearby. Yuda clearly sensed their presence through the shadows. As they passed, Yuda bent his knees and leaped. Feeling his powerful legs propel him upward, he landed atop the three-meter wall and immediately scanned the surroundings. The patrolling soldiers walked away into the distance without looking back. “Please let me become a just thief.” It wasn’t clear to whom he was asking permission, but Yuda muttered, recalling a memory from a cartoon he watched as a child, laughing quietly to himself. As if in response, the moon hid behind a cloud, making the surroundings even darker. ---------= Afterword ---------= In the world of novels, I just want to forget all the things happening in reality. I hope everyone has a restful holiday.