<Episode 28>
Melody couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated that something for Deonis was now making her life complicated. But after a few back-and-forths, she finally heard the approving words:
“Don’t return too late.”
“I won’t!”
“We will prepare a carriage for you.”
Stepping out to head to the carriage, Melody froze when she saw the knights standing before her.
“I’m Gilbert, assigned as your escort.”
“I’m Len.”
“I’m Mihail.”
“I’m Talia.”
She had expected maybe one helper from the Duke’s manor, but four guards were waiting.
“Four of you are coming with me?!”
“Don’t worry. Three will accompany discreetly,” Gilbert replied cheerfully, as if it were no big deal. The steward nodded, helpless yet firm.
“The Duke insisted,” he added.
If she complained, she’d need to speak to Deonis himself. Melody sighed—arguing wouldn’t help, and saying no might make her outing seem suspicious.
“I’ll just step into my room briefly. I left something behind.”
“Of course,” Gilbert said.
Back in her workshop, Melody grabbed the small charm tool she had prepared.
“Are you taking this?”
Turning around, she found Anna — mid-cleaning — rushing toward her with hopeful eyes.
“Is that the one?”
“Yes, I almost forgot it.”
Anna glanced at the tool, then smiled softly, closing her eyes in delight.
“Bringing your tool into town? It must be heavy. I can carry it for you.”
“I made it smaller and lighter than before—it’s not too burdensome.”
Anna giggled.
“Is that really what I want to hear?”
Melody’s eyes rolled playfully, avoiding Anna’s teasing gaze.
“I’ll bring you a gift.”
…
The Empire’s capital, Erensia. The market beneath the Grand Temple buzzed with its usual energy.
“Mandragora from Karam! Only today! Limited supply! First come, first served!”
The herbalist shouted as Melody entered the shop. She first bought a bundle of prickly ginseng—it had thorns and was difficult to carry.
“I’ll carry it for you,” offered the knight. He accepted the bulky bundle and helped her.
Melody continued buying supplies—vines, cloth—while one hand remained on the bag of minerals at her waist. Shopkeepers watched curiously, but she couldn’t stop.
At noon’s bell, Melody headed to the inn, exhausted. The only tired person in the group was she.
“This is where I stayed before. I’m stopping by to say hello and have a drink. Want anything? It’s on me!”
“I’m fine,” said one knight.
“How about the rest?” she asked. But the three escort knights, assigned to guard her invisibly, stayed hidden.
“No need to worry about us. Go ahead,” they said politely.
With a sigh, Melody ordered a drink. She spoke with the innkeeper—her face lit up when she recognised her from the Duke’s carriage.
“Ah, yes.”
After finishing her drink, Melody stood.
“I’m a bit tired from walking. May I rest here awhile?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to return to the Duke’s house?”
“I need to buy the Saka berries—they’re sold at five. Please wake me in two hours?”
“Of course.”
The knights quietly left, and Melody was at last truly alone.
“Still not back?”
She used her charm tool, then crept to the balcony. The balconies were narrow, and when she attempted to climb over the railing, her foot slipped.
“O-of course?!”
She nearly fell from the second floor—but a sudden hand caught her.
“I didn’t expect you to come this way,” said Awhin. His strong grip pulled her to his chest.
“Are you all right?”
Her heart pounded from the shock as she clung to him, gasping.
“I thought I’d die! I might not have broken a bone—but maybe…”
He stood silent until she steadied herself. Through her thin clothes she felt his firm warmth holding her.
At last, she pushed away from his chest. The balcony could barely hold them both, and their faces hovered close. His slow, even breaths brushed her hair.
He wore black monk’s robes—no armour, unfamiliar but striking. The change highlighted his handsome features.
“I… I kept holding on,” she said softly.
“It’s all right,” he replied calmly. “How did you know I’d be here? Could you see me?”
“Faintly, yes. More like I felt your presence.”
She turned off her charm and stepped from the railing. Awhin’s face showed surprise at her closeness, then he led her back inside. Worried that the knights might have seen them, Melody followed quickly into the cramped inn room. The bed was all they had.
“Would you like to sit?”
“I’ll stand.”
“Well then, I’ll sit.”
She felt embarrassed—this place felt too intimate. Awhin’s roughness on the bed reminded her of stories of Riheylin—but she pushed the thought away.
Suddenly, she remembered her bag.
“My bag!” She reached, relieved it was still at her waist.
“If it had fallen… you’d really have been upset,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“Stones—minerals. Could you infuse these with sacred energy?”
Even in the dim room, the diamond glinted. Awhin picked up the blue stone beside it.
“A gem to hold sacred energy,” he mused. “Are you planning to make a tool?”
“Yes. Something to help monster hunters.”
His expression softened in surprise.
“For the people.”
And maybe for others living beyond the barrier. But Melody remained silent, merely nodding.
I thought sacred energy hurt the mages~