Chapter : 47
The thing stuck to my sleeve was a piece of paper that felt similar to the talisman I had received at the prophet’s mansion long ago.
On the small piece of paper, an unfamiliar pattern was drawn.
“What is this?”
Noelle muttered with a serious expression. At that moment, Sirinew, having already finished dealing with all the monsters, frowned and spoke.
“It’s a symbol that summons monsters.”
“Huh?”
Noelle and I looked at Sirinew at the same time. He glanced at us briefly and clicked his tongue.
“Where did you get something like this?”
“What do you mean by a symbol that summons monsters?”
When I asked, Sirinew snatched the paper from Noelle’s hand. Noelle glanced at her empty hand, then spoke as if she had realized something.
“I’ve heard of it. There’s a pattern used to gather scattered monsters in one place.”
As Noelle spoke, Sirinew tore the paper in half. The shredded paper floated in the air and turned into black ash, disappearing. Sirinew’s gaze shifted to me.
“It’s usually only used when clearing out a monster’s lair, so there’s no way an ordinary person would know about it.”
Noelle looked at the area where the monsters had been, wearing an expression of understanding.
“So that’s why the monsters only reacted to you, Selene. No wonder it felt strange.”
I looked confused, and Noelle turned her body toward me, narrowing her eyes.
“You probably didn’t put this on yourself, Selene…”
“No, I didn’t. This was earlier…”
I shook my hand and explained about the woman who had dragged me here.
After listening, Noelle’s usually smiling face hardened slightly.
In a low, quiet voice, she asked:
“Could you describe her appearance in detail?”
I was startled by Noelle’s unusual seriousness.
What? Is she a wanted criminal or something? I should’ve listened to my mom and not followed strangers…
But that woman dragged me off first… she was insanely strong.
I felt so wronged. If I babbled, I’d just seem suspicious. I spoke as clearly as I could:
“She wore a brown robe over her head, and she was slightly shorter than me. She had gloves on, but her hands felt like a woman’s. She disappeared in that direction.”
Hearing this, Noelle raised her hand and called Count Heidel’s retainer, Youngsik, who was standing nearby.
“Did you call, Your Highness?”
“I need you to check something.”
“Understood.”
Youngsik bowed deeply in front of Noelle and replied respectfully.
“Please look for traces of a person in that area.”
“Yes, sir.”
After giving instructions, Noelle lowered her voice briefly to whisper something, then rested her chin on her hand and rolled her eyes.
“That should satisfy most people’s curiosity. Let the uninvited guests leave now.”
“Understood.”
“It would be best to leave their escort to Count Weden.”
While Noelle issued her instructions, I looked at Sirinew. He seemed about to say something.
I leaned toward him, listening closely.
“You… perhaps—”
“Huh? Perhaps what?”
Sirinew, who seemed about to speak, paused and pressed his hand to his chest.
‘What is this? Some etiquette I don’t know?’
Sirinew hadn’t exactly been formal in front of me before… but whatever he did always exuded an aristocratic air. I supposed it counted as etiquette.
While I was distracted staring at him, I suddenly remembered myself.
“Thank you for saving me.”
When I expressed my gratitude, Sirinew frowned. Just as he opened his mouth to reply, Noelle stepped between us.
“Selene, are you truly unharmed?”
“Huh? Ah, yes, yes. I’m fine.”
I waved my hands dismissively, and Sirinew frowned as he lifted my wrist.
“And what about this?”
When my hand was raised, the scrape I got from falling earlier was revealed. It wasn’t serious, so I had been ignoring it.
Seeing it, Noelle looked startled.
“Oh my. I wonder if it will leave a scar. Since we’ve brought a doctor, let’s go immediately.”
I nodded obediently, realizing complaining would only bring more scolding.
Noelle said, in a worried tone:
“A mere self-defense weapon isn’t enough to feel safe. I should stay closer to you.”
“No, it’s fine. I even managed to catch one of the monsters with this,” I said, pointing to the rod I had been holding.
Sirinew cut me off with a cold tone.
“Don’t brag about catching a dumb monster by chance.”
I had briefly wondered if I might have hidden talent with swords, but now my confidence deflated.
Noelle, watching nearby, also looked a bit awkward and said:
“I’ll protect you. There’s no need to struggle unnecessarily.”
“Yes…”
My dream of becoming the world’s strongest swordswoman—well, I never really had it—vanished bitterly.
After receiving some quick first aid from the doctor, I saw Luri running toward me.
“Miss… I really, from afar, didn’t take my eyes off you for a moment… I called for you, but someone took you…”
I quickly reassured Luri.
“It was complicated, so it’s normal to miss me. It’s okay. Did you see the face of the person who took me?”
“No. They just had a hood over their head…”
Luri looked disappointed. I patted her arm to show I was fine. She nodded determinedly.
“I’ll never leave your side again. Even when you sleep or go to the bathroom, I’ll be with you.”
“No, that’s a bit much.”
As Luri and I spoke, Arcas approached. I took his arm and moved toward the carriage.
After a brief silence, he spoke:
“I was searching for a long time. Are your hands okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
I smiled brightly, not wanting to worry him unnecessarily. Arcas pressed his lips together, then continued:
“The Crown Prince ordered the nobles to be sent back. I’ll escort them near the capital and return.”
I nodded, having already known this.
“Got it. Be careful.”
“I’d like to stay by your side, but… the Crown Prince and the Duke have decided to personally oversee your protection for now. I’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Okay.”
Even after I replied, Arcas squeezed my hand once, worriedly, then let go and turned away.
As he walked off, people suddenly began gathering around me.
“Lady Weden, I caught a monster earlier!”
“Step aside. I caught more, so I’ll announce it first.”
Everyone eager to claim credit started talking at once, causing a commotion.
Luri looked displeased, but the crowd consisted of higher-ranking nobles, so she didn’t know what to do.
“Can we discuss this later?” I asked cautiously. The closest person frowned.
“Monsters might appear again anytime. Perhaps you should choose who to bring along now? For your information, I—”
The man, who was about to continue speaking passionately, suddenly went silent. The noisy crowd quieted down.
I noticed nobles lowering their eyes subtly, and I instinctively realized it was because of the fragrance behind me. Musk? Wood? Refreshing… I’d like to make this into a perfume… ‘Day of Sirinew’ might be a good name.
While I was lost in this thought, Sirinew stepped in front of me.
“For your information? Go on, say it.”
“I caught two… But Your Grace! They were very violent!”
“Violent, huh? The lucky one or two you caught can go back.”
“…Your Grace!”
“Didn’t you hear me? You’re just a nuisance, so go back.”
Sirinew’s cold voice caused the talking nobles to quietly step aside.
Even Luri, who had been staying close to me, noticed and moved back. Sirinew then turned to me.
“You.”
Even when displeased, Sirinew looked cool. Our Sirinew was someone who spoke only what was necessary, concisely.
I tried not to grin foolishly and replied:
“Yes?”
He tilted his head slightly, pressing his hand to his chest.
‘He did that earlier too… is his chest hurting?’
Was he in pain? That shouldn’t happen. My heart would break… Should I fetch a wet towel?
He might have overexerted himself fighting the monsters. I remembered Sirinew’s state in bed, and my heart raced.
‘A doctor! Where’s the doctor? I should lay him in my carriage and fetch a doctor.’
I pointed to my carriage and spoke calmly so it wouldn’t sound strange.
“Let’s lie down in there.”
“…Why?”
Wouldn’t lying down even briefly be better? Or should we get fresh air? Where’s the doctor?!
As I panicked, Sirinew sighed deeply, took my wrist, and started walking toward the carriage.
His stride didn’t match mine, so keeping up was hard, but the touch of his hand made my heart race.
Opening the carriage door, Sirinew looked at me. I opened my mouth, and at the same time, he said the exact same words.
