The warmth emanating through his back felt comforting. It was so cozy that Lee Hwan wanted to embrace this sensation and sleep forever. However, the more he wished for it, the more he gradually ascended from slumber to reality.
Lee Hwan quietly opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the scent of fallen leaves and damp soil.
Next, he felt a slight discomfort. The wounds from the Harpies’s claws on his back came to his mind. However, compared to what he had felt before losing consciousness, the pain he was experiencing now was minimal. Moreover, the warmth on his back was peculiar, as if embracing him with the warmth only living beings could have.
Lee Hwan sensed the approaching presence of a living being. Within the quiet movements, there was no hint of malice or aggressiveness typical of someone intending harm.
Could it be a deer approaching? The atmosphere was gentle, as if the lingering drowsiness had not yet departed. He carefully turned his prone body. He didn’t want to startle any benign creature. However, what reflected in Lee Hwan’s eyes as he turned over was not something like a deer.
In the darkness, silvery strands swayed dreamily. Deep azure eyes shone brightly, directed towards Lee Hwan. Meeting those eyes, the last scene he saw before regression flashed before his eyes.
That day was no different. Absalom stared at Lee Hwan with deep resentment in his eyes. Then, he remembered something Absalom had said.
‘What did he say back then?’
He remembered the silver hair soaked in the twilight and the expression filled with an unknown obsession. However, he couldn’t recall the exact words Absalom had spoken.
“At that time…”
A drowsy sound, laden with sleepiness, flowed out. Lee Hwan snapped out of it upon hearing his own voice.
Whatever Absalom said on that cliff, did it really matter now? He stared up at Absalom with closed lips. Then, the frozen Absalom fidgeted.
“Lee Hwan! You… woke up. Don’t move yet!”
Despite Absalom’s warnings, Lee Hwan, showing no sign of having heard, rose to his feet. Considering the deep wounds on his back, even slight movements should have been quite painful. However, it seemed that Absalom had taken measures since there was no visible sign of distress.
Was it the same before regression? Back then, Lee Hwan had also lost consciousness and awakened. The doctor who examined him said that being able to walk was a miraculous recovery. At that time, everyone claimed Yela had taken care of Lee Hwan.
If Absalom did this, the term “magic” would be more fitting than a miracle.
In this world, magic was a power not permitted to humans. However, for dragons, it was a different story.
According to the rumors, dragons could manipulate nature through magic, subjugate monsters, and even control life and death. On Earth, such claims would be met with skepticism, but this was another world. In a realm where gods manifested themselves, the mere existence of magic would not be scoffed at.
However, understanding the phenomenon doesn’t necessarily mean grasping the cause.
Lee Hwan, summoned by the gods to confront Absalom, wonders why he was spared.
‘Why did he save me?’
To understand the other person’s actions, one must delve into their thoughts. Lee Hwan halted his thoughts at that point.
It’s all meaningless anyway. Regardless of Absalom’s true intentions, in the end, he didn’t deceive Lee Hwan into a deathtrap.
Lee Hwan ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. Every time he moved, Absalom flinched. Watching this, Lee Hwan decided to feign ignorance about Absalom’s identity for the time being.
“I remember falling off the cliff… You saved me from the river, didn’t you?”
Absalom blinked and stared intensely at Lee Hwan before lowering his head.
“No, when I found Lee Hwan, you were hanging on the bank. You must have pulled yourself out. I just dragged you a bit farther out. There’s no need to thank me.”
Lee Hwan narrowed his eyes. He threw a tempting bait into the conversation, but Absalom didn’t take it.
“Still, you might need some healing.”
Absalom reached into his pouch, taking out bandages and medicine. Lee Hwan hesitated but eventually removed his shirt, exposing a clear scar that ran from his right shoulder across his back to the left side.
“…Must have been painful. Would you mind telling me what happened?”
“I got attacked by harpies. Got blown here by the wind.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Do you have any intention of returning to the camp?”
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“Just smear it on roughly.”
“No. It might leave a scar, I might end up resenting myself.”
“Adding one more here won’t make much of a difference.”
In response to a seemingly inconsequential remark, Absalom inhaled audibly. His hand, applying the ointment, came to a halt. After a few seconds passed, Lee Hwan, unable to bear the strange atmosphere, opened his mouth.
Tuck.
Something warm lightly rested on his shoulders. Strands of flowing silver hair hinted at the nature of the warmth. Absalom, who had held his breath, exhaled and murmured softly.
It was more of a breath than a whisper, and the sound was so faint that it barely reached Lee Hwan. Interpreting the words from the sparse syllables, Lee Hwan felt the anger intensifying, compounded by the already existing hatred.
‘Sorry.’
His stiff jaw involuntarily trembled. Lee Hwan managed to move the rigid part and opened his mouth.
“Step back.”
He sealed his lips immediately, unknowingly to suppress any profanity that might slip out.
Lee Hwan recalled the Absalom from before the regression. They hadn’t encountered each other many times, but at some point, Absalom had started confessing his love whenever they met. Although he never showed it outwardly, Lee Hwan couldn’t help but feel flustered internally each time.
Now he knew that all of it had been a lie. Apologies for calling the Monster King’s personal charm beautiful. Lee Hwan thought to himself, feeling bitter.
In response to Lee Hwan’s words, Absalom raised his head calmly. The silver hair, which had descended from his shoulders, lightly brushed against Lee Hwan’s chest as it slowly ascended.
Suddenly, Lee Hwan thought it resembled spider silk—a beautiful device to immobilize prey completely. It was a dreadful thought.
Lost in thought, Absalom lifted his head and slowly applied the ointment. Lee Hwan unconsciously grunted at the realization of the situation.
Lee Hwan removed the bandage from Absalom’s hand. The situation of wrapping it around while being assisted by Absalom was a diplomatic gesture.
As Lee Hwan wrapped the bandage, Absalom helped from behind. The situation of wrapping it tightly in front of the chest and presenting the remaining bandage to Absalom was like a surrender.
“Well done.”
“You’ve said enough. Between us.”
“…Right.”
Lee Hwan replied, suppressing his anger, in a voice that even he considered remarkably calm. However, as soon as Absalom heard those words, he smiled like a flower.
Turning away from Absalom, Lee Hwan stood up. He flicked off the dirt and fallen leaves from his pants. They were still damp, but wearable.
Next, Lee Hwan surveyed his surroundings. Besides Absalom, there was nothing noteworthy in sight. He leaned against the baggage tied to the horse and gave it a try, but as expected, everything was submerged in water.
He mentally counted the items he currently possessed. The wallet and identification card securely tucked inside his clothes were unharmed. As for the flashy new moon calendar, which he knew was now lying at the bottom of the river like an advertisement board, he had intended to discard it from the beginning. To achieve that, he had also brought along an ordinary knife.
The issue lay with his clothing. The tunic, torn by Harpies claws, had a shredded back. It would have been ideal to have a cloak, but he had abandoned it for survival. Lee Hwan awkwardly inspected his jacket and shirt.
“Do you need clothes?”
Absalom smiled brightly and held up something. It was a shirt and a cloak.
“Although they are mine, since our body types are similar, they should fit well with you.”
“Thank you…”
It was the moment when Lee Hwan extended his gratitude for the offered clothes. Absalom subtly moved his arm, and Lee Hwan’s hand swirled through the air.
“I appreciate the offer for clothes, but I’m not in the mood for jokes.”
“No, I just…”
Lee Hwan diverted his gaze to Absalom, who seemed somewhat anxious. Absalom, who had been pursing his red lips, spoke in a low voice.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Tha…t’s not necessary, and it might be difficult. Above all, why should I trust you to take me somewhere?”
Lee Hwan bit his lips, refraining from uttering a curse. It was risky, but he needed to find a way to redirect the conversation. Crazy. Why would I take you with me? As he thought that, Absalom rushed forward impulsively. The hesitation he showed a moment ago seemed to have vanished.
“You’re going to find the relics, right? Don’t deny it. Since that’s the case, considering I provided you with the information, wouldn’t it be beneficial for us to go together as guides?”
“Things will work out if I go alone. I don’t really need a guide…”
“In today’s world, how dangerous is it to go alone?”
Lee Hwan stared at Absalom in disbelief. His body, hardened by years of battling monsters, coupled with the strength, agility, and enhanced vision granted by the dimensional traveler’s privilege, made the notion of the world being harsh for him quite ironic. In the current situation, it seemed more like this world should be worried about facing the consequences of Lee Hwan’s formidable capabilities.
As Lee Hwan remained silent, Absalom, seemingly boosted by newfound confidence, continued speaking earnestly.
“I’m a merchant, and I’ve traveled to many countries. I know plenty of shortcuts that can save time.”
“Hey.”
“I have skills in appraising items, gathering information, and various other talents that could assist in what Lee Hwan wants to achieve. I know traveler’s secrets that even a soldier like Lee Hwan might not be aware of. Moreover, I can share my knowledge about markets and…”
If left as it were, it seemed that Absalom would endlessly boast about his advantages. Lee Hwan pushed his hand to shut his mouth. At that moment, Absalom quieted down as if asking when he had been shouting.
“Why? What do you gain by doing all this?”
Regardless of Absalom’s claimed talents, Lee Hwan had no intention of traveling with him. Logically, Lee Hwan’s return would be something Absalom should welcome. However, the driving force behind living beings might be more than just reason. There might come a time when Absalom changes his mind and interferes with or destroys the relics.
So he asked. It was a crucial aspect to scrutinize if Absalom indeed insisted on being a merchant. However, on the other hand, it was also about drawing a line in the relationship with Absalom. Just having a camaraderie wasn’t reason enough to act together.
Even though Lee Hwan removed his hand, Absalom stood still for a while. Lee Hwan thought he understood his words. However, what followed was beyond Lee Hwan’s expectations.
“I just… want to be with you. Is that not enough?”
“So, why?”
It was a frustrating question. Absalom remained silent in response. Suddenly, Lee Hwan felt a familiarity with this situation.
Absalom behaved similarly when they had first met. Performing inexplicable actions, avoiding proper explanations, and then, at some point, silence replaced the need for explanations with a plea for love.
As Lee Hwan remained lost in thought, Absalom awkwardly smiled. An awkward excuse slipped from his lips.
“We’re friends, aren’t we?”
Lee Hwan’s expression instantly hardened. Even though Absalom must have seen it, he didn’t say anything more.
Friends. Lee Hwan muttered quietly, then clenched his teeth, wanting to crush that insincere word, even if he had to chew it up and swallow the curses stuck to the tip of his tongue.
He despised him. If only he could make Absalom feel the bitterness Lee Hwan had tasted. Each time, Lee Hwan had to suppress the natural yet destructive desire for revenge.
Lee Hwan was twenty-four now, and no one had betrayed him yet. Except for that one reason, he tried hard to forget not only revenge towards Absalom but also towards Lucian and the royal family. So, perhaps it would be alright to at least hope not to encounter them again.
Lee Hwan’s pupils gradually grew colder. Absalom stared directly at them and spoke.
“But if you still refuse… as I mentioned, I know the shortcuts well. You won’t be able to prevent even an accidental encounter, no matter how much you try.”
In essence, Absalom was declaring that he would follow Lee Hwan wherever he went. This might be more annoying than traveling together. Nevertheless, Lee Hwan nodded. If the journey was bound to be physically exhausting, he wanted at least peace of mind.
Finally, Absalom played his last card.
“Lee Hwan, you haven’t paid the price for the information I provided. Let’s settle it this way.”
Lee Hwan hesitated for a moment. Absalom’s offer had been on his mind all along. An irritating companion and an unknown price to pay. Despite the frustrating situation, he wanted to minimize uncertainties.
If he had to stick around anyway, he thought it would be better to eliminate at least one burden.
“…Then, I’ll wager my name on it. Promise me just one thing – you won’t interfere with what I’m doing.”
“Of course.”
A promise wagered with a name is something not even a novice Yela can break – it was one of the absolute propositions in this world. Absalom casually accepted it. Not pleased even with that, Lee Hwan glared at Absalom.
“I’ll let you indulge to your heart’s content.”
“Yes, please indulge as you wish.”
Absalom responded nonchalantly. His attitude was so natural that it seemed audacious.
In the end, having obtained what he wanted, Absalom offered a shirt and a cloak. Lee Hwan grabbed them as if snatching something and headed towards the river.
After roughly wiping off the mud with water, Lee Hwan put on the clothes. The white shirt wrapped around his bandaged upper body. Wearing a dark gray cloak on top, Lee Hwan didn’t even spare a glance at Absalom and started walking.
“Let’s go together, Lee Hwan.”
Absalom, also with a smile on his face, began walking. Their shadows were soon engulfed by the darkness of the mountains.
***
“Hah..!”
Lucian woke up with a start. Although the room was dim, it wasn’t too dark for him not to distinguish objects. After a moment, he realized he was in his bedroom and let out a relieved sigh.
“That dream again…”
The voice that escaped like a sigh carried a hint of irritation. Understandably so, as Lucian had been experiencing the same dream repeatedly for almost a month now.
The details didn’t remain vivid in his memory. It was only considered the same dream because that’s how it felt within the dream itself. The only clear thing was the scene right before waking up from the dream.
In the dream, Lucian sat crouched, looking up at something. Where his gaze landed, there was a massive, silvery-white creature.
‘A dragon.’
Although he had never seen or even imagined such a being before, he knew.
The dragon peered down at Lucian, its azure eyes filled with hatred and resentment. As those eyes terrified him, a swarm of meteors fell from the sky. Crushed beneath them and about to die, Lucian deeply regretted something.
If they were to meet again, then—
“Feeling bad.”
He buried his head in the pillow once more. Lingering emotions clung to him stickily even now, having awakened from the frightening dream like a child waking from a nightmare. He closed his eyes tightly as if shutting out the world. The image of the strongest man Lucian knew appeared in his mind.
When Alexander returns, let’s talk about the dream. Surely, he’ll embrace me and comfort me.
The gentle touch of sleep revisited Lucian’s soft eyelids.
The next morning, news of Lee Hwan’s disappearance swiftly reached the palace.
TL/N: FINALLY FINALLY we finish the first Chapter of the novel!!! ಥ‿ಥ
Thanks for the chapter 🙂
Bad Luck to you, Lucian. I don’t even feel a slight remorse 😶
Very curious how this is gonna go cause Lee Hwan has every right to have all his feelings and have no idea how Absalom could turn this around
Embrace and comfort my ass! You shameless prince! Hope you die by the hands of the dragon again!!
Thanks for the update!!
Thanks for the chapter and dang what happend with Absolam like did he mean to betray LH or not ??! And is L having nightmares that are really memories maybe form befor the regression about him????
Thanks for the long chapter … I like the story