Offers
2402 Words
The cherished sun’s sword. Galatine reduced the plateau to rubbles. Its intensity and power are far more superior to Christine Noble Art.
Seeing that the geography changed to a desolate land, Ernest noticed Christine and Sophia’s burns were starting to disappear. It seems as though the potion worked.
Potions bought in the alchemy shops are not as effective as his health potion. If one were to discover its effects, any merchants from the city would definitely do any necessary means to obtain the formula. Unfortunately, it’s only available in his system, so the danger of it leaking out is infinitesimally thin.
Their visions were hazy and blurred at first, but as time went by, it started to focus, and the image of the desolated land and perched Ernest came to a view.
“Ernest? What was that?” Christine asked. Her voice sounded hoarse. her vitality right now is weak due to expending a lot of mana maintaining the magic barrier.
If it wasn’t for her, then her sister would've probably died from intense heat and radiation.
Ernest didn’t answer but looked to the place where the galatine was laid down. It was a dangerous and powerful sword that shouldn’t be used carelessly.
Now that he knows the potency of the sword, he started pondering on what to do so that this sort of thing will never happen again.
“Ernest?” Christine's voice started to sound concerned. She was worried that he’ll blame himself for this since he’s the one who invited them to this place to show off his new sword and led to these circumstances.
Also, his sword. Where did it come from? How’s there a powerful sword at the hand of a commoner? Only a noble or of a royal disposition have a magic sword, though its power is not comparable to that sword.
Based on earlier events, it’s like the sun descended to the earth and tore it asunder.
Her curiosity about Ernest started to deepen the more she spent her time with him. She needs to keep an eye on this man. Ever since their first meeting, she’s met with surprises left and right.
“Ernest?”
“Pardon?”
Christine’s voice finally went through his head, snapping him back to reality.
“Ernest, what just happened? What is that sword?”
“You mean galatine? Yeah, I didn’t expect that, I’m sorry that I put your life in danger.”
“No, I’m fine. What’s more concerning is that sword. Is the name of the sword Galatine? Where did you get it?”
“Ah, this sword? This was a family treasure passed down by our ancestors. I’m now the current holder of the sword…”
Ernest told a lie. There’s no way he would tell her that the sword came from a system.
“Anyways, I think it’s not safe for us to stay here any longer? Let’s go to a different place.” Ernest suggested.
Ernest was worried that someone might see them here. Considering how powerful the attack was earlier. Its bright light would have reached the capital and alerted the army and would probably have sent a battalion to investigate.
“Okay…” Unexpectedly, Christine agreed.
Ernest carries Sophia like a princess and heads to another location.
…
Meanwhile, the same day, a certain individual watched Ernest and Christine flee the scene while remaining hidden among the trees. He is perched on a branch while holding a blue gem.
“This...might be bad.” The robed figure muttered after seeing the power of Ernest’s sword.
Judging from the voice, the person was male. His expression was hidden under the darkness of his hood, but the tone of his voice showed no panic, despite his words.
“...Sir, Ernest Teucher possibly underwent awakening. I see it with my own eyes. Also, he seems to be with Princess Christine Cryoliniese.”
“I see, I’ve seen the footage through the gem. Ernest probably awakened. There’s no way a D-rank adventurer can level a massive topography. I also heard that Lady Christine started her own guild. Maybe she’s recruiting him but we can’t let it happen. Ernest must work in the Red Dragon, no matter how much money it would cost, as long as he chooses Red Dragon, it’s all worth it.”
“I agree.”
“Okay, we’ve gathered enough information. I want you to deliver a message to Ernest that I seek an audience with him. Is that clear?”
“Yes ma’am. I will not fail you.”
…
Thirty minutes later, Ernest and Christine finally found a place to rest. Ernest was constantly looking behind to see if someone was following them. But there were none. Ernest carefully set Sophia on the bench.
Looking in the sky, Ernest grinded his teeth together as he narrowed his eyes at the scenery above him. The evening sun was setting far on the horizon, painting the extraordinarily beautiful sky.
“Ernest...I think we should return to the house now.”
Ernest lowered his head, eyes forward. Christine, as beautiful as ever, gazed at him with concern.
“I agree with you. Let’s rest for five minutes and we’ll head home.”
“Okay…”
“Hm?”
Ernest noticed something strangely on the tree line. His defenses acted and are now up. Christine on the other hand assumed a defensive position as she also sensed something there.
‘Did someone follow us?’
Ernest consciously materializes galatine, Christine materializes her sword Lævateinn.
Ernest’s brows knitted, “Whoever you are come out or else…”
“Oi oi, there’s no need to be hostile. I’m not here to fight you.”
A voice sounded from the treeline, Ernest gripped the hilt of his sword as the man covered in a robe made his appearance.
“I’m but a messenger and I’m here to deliver a message.”
His presence and intentions were all covered by the robe, Ernest and Christine were uncertain if this man is a threat to them or not.
“Message?” Ernest tilted his head to the side, “From whom?”
“From the guild master of the Red Dragon herself.”
“Red Dragon? Aren’t you the group that visited me in the hospital?”
“What? Ernest, did the associate of the Red Dragon visit you in the hospital?” Christine asked.
“Yes, after the double dungeon incident, I found myself in the hospital and was visited by two associates. But this man is different because I’m not familiar with his voice.” Ernest said.
“You can stop pointing your swords at me. I do not pose a threat.”
With his words, Ernest and Christine lowered their swords, but it doesn’t mean their guards are down.
“Before you do anything stupid, I’m here to notify you that I’m not a girl to be messed with…” Christine informed me.
“Yes yes…You’re the third princess of the Kingdom of Cryoliniese, of course. I am not stupid to pick a fight with someone to someone like you.” The hooded man said.
“Wait? You know?”
“Of course.” The hooded man affirmed and continued, “Now that we know each other, how about I deliver the message so that four of us will be on our merry way?”
“Spill it out.” Ernest said dryly, “Are you here to test whether I underwent awakening or not?”
“Testing? No, we wouldn't do that. You’ve already proved it earlier? There’s no way a D-Rank like you can perform such magic.”
“Wait…You were there all the time?” Ernest asked he raised his hands and pointed his sword at him.
“Oho, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
“Why? If what you assume of me is right then I think it would be stupid to fight me right?”
“Yes...but I suggest that we take this on…”
“Ernest!”
Suddenly, a sword Ernest was holding was bustled at the hooded man. But it didn't bother him, maybe because he didn’t want to. The sword is thrown at him bore a huge hole at the tree behind him.
“I’m not the one to be f****d with.” Ernest’s eyes gleamed, “I could kill you know? You’ve seen it after all. You need to be silenced.”
The hooded man gulped as his body trembled slightly. It was sudden, he wasn’t able to react quickly to the sword thrown at him. If that was meant to hit him, then he would be the one who would have a gaping hole in the chest.
“Wait...wait!” The hooded man blurted out of panic, “I would never tell anyone about this. Of course, this is only between you and the guild master of the Red Dragon.”
“Hoh? Then what’s the message of your guild leader to me?”
“She requests an audience with you.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, maybe you are being scouted.”
“Scouted? Does that mean that I’ll be part of the Red Dragon Guild?”
“I believe our guild master would love to have you in her guild. Of course, there will be an offer…”
“No, I disagree!” Christine interjected, “There’s no way I’ll let you have Ernest on your guild. She’s already in my guild.”
“Oi, Christine,” Ernest whispered.
“Shh…”
“Huh? As far as I know, Ernest Teucher is not registered to any guild. You must’ve been mistaken.”
“Well, he’s planning to. Right, Ernest?” Christine looked at Ernest sternly.
Ernest sighed, “I am not part of any existing guild in the kingdom.”
Christine’s eyes widened. “Ernest, what are you talking about…?”
“Calm down Christine.” Ernest raised his hand, stopping her. And gave her a look of ‘Let me handle this.’
“It’s true that I’m not affiliated to any guild, but it doesn’t mean it will remain that way. Of course, I will join a guild in a matter of time since it has perks right? Well, I want my options on the table and I’ll choose who has the best offer.”
“Ernest?!”
“That’s good! Red Dragon would give you anything you want as long as you join us. Money? We can give you a lot of money.”
“If money is the one you want, Ernest. I have tons of it. I'm royalty after all.”
“Yeah, it’s true that I need money and I want a lot of it. So do your best to please me with the offers. By the way, when is the meeting?”
“Anytime you want.”
“Okay, set a schedule for me in one week.”
“Understood! Thank you for considering looking at Red Dragon. Sir Ernest.”
“No need to be formal. I’m just a nobody yet.”
“If you say so. Then that’s all. I’ll be taking my leave.”
After saying that, he reached for something in his pocket and threw it on the ground. As soon as it impacted the ground, it produced black smoke, covering his hooded figure.
Several moments later, the black smoke dissipated and the hooded man was no more.
Since the threat was gone, they lowered their weapon. Christine sauntered towards Ernest and grabbed him by the collar.
“We need to talk about something,” She said with a voice that sent chills down his spine.
Ernest gulped. This was the first time he had heard such a menacing voice from a girl.
They decided to talk it out here, in the park.
“Ernest. What should I do to keep you?”
“Huh?”
“What should I do so that you won’t leave me, stupid!”
She tightly gripped his collar with eyes filled with anticipation, waiting for his answer.
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, because...you’re considering taking the offer of the Red Dragon right?”
“Of course, it is our fundamental right to have choices, right?”
“So if I offer you a lot of money, you will join my guild, is that correct?”
“Yes, possibly. I’m a commoner who would be swayed with money. But Red Dragon is the top guild and will definitely increase my reputation as an adventurer. I have a lot of things to consider...By the way, why do you want me badly?”
Christine was silent at his words as she averted her face away from him.
“That’s...something I can’t tell you…”
“Huh? Be clear so I can understand.”
Christine remained silent.
“If you won’t tell me then I will not join your guild or even consider you as my option.”
“I can’t tell...but I can show you…”
“Show? What do you mean?”
Christine puffed up her chest. Steeling herself.
“Be grateful as you won’t get it from any noble or royalty in this world...Come closer.”
Ernest moved closer to Christine.
“More.”
“What are you doing—”
When Ernest took another step forward Christine kissed him on the lips.
- Writer
