158 - 24 Hearts

Title: Twenty-Four Hearts - Chapter 158 > BookRabbit - Web Novel Archives **Chapter 4. The Country of Entertainment and Culture, Urun.** After Roxin left first, Yuda returned to the mansion to rest. He had barely slept for a few hours before setting out at dawn, carrying thousands of gold coins he had earned from 'Avalon', and made his way to the market. While it's said that the people of Urun are most active from night until dawn, the market was bustling with people even in the morning. Fresh fruits, jam, meats, and provisions. In addition, Yuda made multiple purchases from chain stores selling a variety of convenient foods like sandwiches, and miscellaneous items from general stores that might come in handy someday. To an excessive extent, he bought so much that one might think he was preparing for a war, and requested that everything be delivered to the mansion of Count Jenewer. After hastily roaming the market and completing his purchases, Yuda returned to the mansion. As he waited by the side of the wall, he saw cart after cart loaded with goods entering the premises. He asked the deliverymen to unload the goods by the wall and, in return for their efforts, handed them some silver coins as a token of appreciation after verifying the quantity of supplies. The guard stationed at the mansion's entrance observed the scene with a puzzled expression, as if wondering what on earth was happening. 'Did I buy too much?' Though everything fit into my <Bag>, I recall buying a similar amount in Serneia Castle, the capital of Philoria, Aslan. And all of those are safely stored inside the <Bag>. While it might not have been necessary to buy additional supplies... 'Well, it's not like there's anything else to do with all this gold. It's better to convert it into resources, as they'll be more useful.' Yuda nodded slowly. Gold coins, after all, hold the same value anywhere as long as their weight and content are consistent. Resources, however, have value depending on their necessity at a given place. Anyway, he wasn't buying these goods to resell them for profit. "Yuda!" Just as he opened the <Bag> and was about to store everything piled in front of the wall, he heard a voice calling his name from behind. Turning around, he saw Wolfram, the bothersome instructor of the Blue Lance Knights, along with Jeanne and Arhil returning from somewhere. They seemed taken aback by the gathered supplies. "Wow, why did you buy so much?" "I... happened to win quite a bit in Avalon and used that to make these purchases..." "Did you go to the casino again, Yuda?!" At the mention of Avalon, Jeanne tilted her head quizzically before her expression changed, recalling the gambling house. Worry was written all over her face as she approached me. Seeing this, Arhil quickly sidestepped to join Wolfram, who was now examining the supplies. "You said you wouldn't go again! You can't let gambling become a habit!" Yuda responded to her with a wry smile. It might sound like nagging to some, but Yuda understood what she was concerned about. Raising both palms to signal calmness, he continued speaking. "Don't worry. I don't plan to..." "If you do, I'll make sure to tell Tia everything when we next visit Serneia Castle." "...Uh, that would be a problem." This was genuinely troubling. Gambling is not really something seen in a positive light, and Tia would undoubtedly be very worried. Especially when we haven't seen each other in so long, and the news she receives is about this—it's not something she'd take kindly to. "Then promise me. That you won’t go to a gambling house again!" "Uh... okay, for now. I'll try not to go if I can avoid it." "That's not a reassuring answer. Tia specifically asked me to watch over you... It's gotten to the point where I feel like I should just follow you around all the time." Seeing Jeanne sigh, Yuda quickly changed the subject. "So, are you really going to Serneia Castle?" "If we end up acting separately, there will be some time to spare, so I'm thinking of visiting. Sir Wolfram wouldn’t oppose it, I presume." "Hmm. You may know, but keep Cain a secret. I'll inform them myself later." "That... got it. Understood." Jeanne nodded. Although she intended just to give a simple warning, mentioning Serneia Castle naturally brought up thoughts of Cain. Noticing the slight gloom on Yuda’s face, she murmured softly. "I'm sorry." "No need to apologize. Oh!" Yuda opened the <Bag> and handed two magic pouches filled with gold coins to Jeanne. Looking at him questioningly, Yuda urged her to open them. She likely felt the heavy weight, but as soon as she opened the pouch, shimmering gold coins shyly glimmered in the sunlight. "Use one for yourself until you return to the Byron Empire, and give the other to Tia. Don't say you can't accept it because it's casino money. It's meant to assure a meeting in the future, so stay well until then. If you don't take it, I might just go back to the casino to waste the money." Despite showing reluctance by backing away and withdrawing her hands, Jeanne couldn't help but smile and nod. "Alright then. I'll give Tia whatever is left over." "Isn't using not even a single penny an option?" "Don't worry. Until the day I return to the Byron Empire, I'll live well and enjoy life outside with this money. However, are you giving this because you plan to leave soon? Judging from the supplies you bought as well." Yuda nodded. "Yes, it's time to go. I can't stay in Urun forever. I've seen most of what caught my interest. If I stay longer, I might end up visiting the casinos again, just as someone warned." "That's unfortunate." "What is?" "The fact that I won't be able to travel to various parts of this world with you. I think there would be many enjoyable moments if we were together, even if there would be hardship. But those experiences hold their own value." "There's no need to feel that way. We'll meet again someday, and then I might have a new wish to make of you." Jeanne approached Yuda, looking into his eyes with a gentle smile. There was sincerity in her soft laughter. She remained silent for a moment, watching Wolfram and Arhil sift through the supplies piled by the wall, and then spoke slowly. "I'll be looking forward to the day we meet again, Yuda." There was a wistful air to her words, creating an atmosphere where it seemed like all other sounds faded, leaving just the two of them standing there. Yuda glanced at her. "Why not save that for when we're actually parting? Someone might think we're saying goodbye right now." "True, though it's always good to prepare for just in case. We may not get a chance to say goodbye later." Yuda offered a wry smile at her words, as if she knew more than she let on. In the distance, Arhil called out to Yuda, seemingly curious about something, signaling that the conversation with Jeanne was drawing to a close. "Why? Is there something strange?" "No, not exactly. Are you planning a festival or something? Why did you buy so much?" Wolfram, listening from nearby, nodded. "What on earth are you going to do with all these goods? There's even fruit, which is difficult to store." "Exactly. Are you planning a festival today?" "No, it's just that I'm leaving soon. I bought them just in case." Wolfram clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "Still, buying such large amounts so recklessly... How can you possibly carry all of it... along..." His voice trailed off as he fell silent, his eyes widening in shock as Yuda opened the <Bag> in front of them. All of the supplies piled in front of the wall vanished into the magical space. He even labeled it as -Urun Supplies-. The black space opened into the air, devouring the resources at Yuda's gesture, leaving Wolfram with his jaw dropped. "My goodness, a subspace bag?" "Don't worry, it's not a reckless purchase." "Huh?" Unable to continue, he merely stared into the now empty space. "You aren't a Mage Swordsman... Is this an ability of yours? Seeing such a rare ability here is truly surprising," Wolfram commented, observing Yuda with a rather covetous gaze. "But... where do you plan to go with such provisions? If you're heading to Serneia, Philoria, Rizen, and Urun... that would mean you're going north." "Yes, you know well." "Of course." Oddly, Wolfram's face hardened. He let out a sibilant sound as he pondered, scanning their surroundings. Apart from Yuda, Jeanne, Arhil, and the two guards rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the mansion's entrance, there wasn't anyone nearby. "Are you thinking about going to the <Silan Slave Empire>? Or perhaps the <Elven Forest>?" "The Elven Forest. I'm not sure if the elves will welcome me, but I want to at least go there and see the elves." "……." Wolfram remained silent, his brow furrowing as if he were wrestling with something important. "Don't go." "What?" "It's better you come with Jeanne and me to the Byron Empire. The timing isn't right." He continued speaking in a lowered voice. "It seems you haven't heard the news, but Silan is currently preparing for war, aiming to enslave all the elves to settle the disgrace from a hundred years ago. If you head to the Elven Forest recklessly, you'll get caught in the conflict. Even if you go to Silan, there's nothing to see because they're busy preparing for war." "I-I..." Listening to Wolfram's words, Arhil appeared startled and quickly covered his mouth. The word 'war' carried weight. The continent had been relatively peaceful for the past decades. While there had been minor conflicts between the Byron Empire and Baekje, things never escalated to a full-scale war. But Silan declaring war on the Elven Forest was unexpected. "Combining the manpower conscripted by Silan and the influx of adventurers and mercenaries from all over the continent, there are over 200,000 troops, as per imperial estimates. Considering that many nobles from various kingdoms are financially backing them, the numbers may be even higher." "Good heavens... is that really necessary?" Arhil murmured. "Many desire elves, yet the number of elf slaves in circulation is very low. They are beautiful, capable, and live long, making them living assets that can be passed down to descendants. It's tempting. However, they haven't realized that such greed brings calamity, which they faced a hundred years ago. Perhaps they've gained confidence, with rumors that <Spear Star> is involved this time." "Hmm..." "Even though the elves have <Sword Star> and a mysterious giant protector, whether they can fully fend off an army of over 200,000 is uncertain. Even if they win, the losses they'll suffer are unfathomable, so there's no point in going and witnessing that." Although Wolfram spoke as though this was vital information, Yuda was already aware. That’s why he had purchased weapons and provisions, and rescuing the elf slaves in Urun was part of gaining trust amidst the heightened mistrust due to war. "The Byron Empire is very culturally prosperous as well. It may not be as lively as Urun, but there's plenty to see—I assure you. Why not come with us? That way, you wouldn't have to part with Jeanne either." ---------= Author's Note ---------= 1) Author, I binge-read Norse Mythology and this work after my discharge. But... where has the author I knew gone?! There's a lack of spice!! It's 95% story and only 5% excitement..! It's harsh! Please unleash your full potential! This is not the author I remember!! And why didn't you use subjugation on Isabel? I thought she was the heroine! Ugh! → The author you knew is gone! Dead! No more! Hahaha! 2) Oh dear. It's already Wednesday. Exams are in two weeks, and tomorrow brings the start of December.