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Chapter 249: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (42)

Before encountering the missing persons in the forest, I was rummaging through my pocket.

It could potentially surpass a value of even 10,000 gold.

Just this pouch alone equaled Emma’s life. It made me realize how distorted my sense of money had become.

Moreover, the pouch was crafted from white leather and embroidered with the Imperial Family’s emblem in golden silk.

Considering this, its actual value could be even higher.

However, since it was already in my possession, it was simply a practical tool.

Of course, the pouch from the Imperial Princess lived up to its high price.

Even after I stored dozens of potions, emergency rations, and water in it, there was still ample space left.

Among the numerous items in the pouch, a few caught my attention.

The potions Emma had given me.

Each of these various potions had unique effects. Emma\'s new potions, with their dual functions, were especially useful.

Moreover, there was one more thing I had specifically requested from Emma.

As I fiddled with the vials, my attention was drawn to the presence beside me—a woman emanating a refreshing scent of spring, approaching me unnoticed.

Uncertain of her intentions, I looked at her with a suspicious gaze.

Not only was I unsure of her intentions, but I didn\'t even know the woman\'s name.

I had heard that she had forsaken the name she had during her days at the orphanage the moment she was chosen as a Saintess. The rationale behind this decision remained unknown—whether to conceal her humble origins or to prepare for a new beginning.

Even now, her intentions eluded me. Speculating about events of the past would only be in vain.

However, with a more pressing matter at hand, I asked her a question.

"...Why?"

"Um, just because? I simply wanted to ask if you feel like going for a walk."

At her somewhat absurd response, I couldn\'t help but let out a bitter smile.

The forest held an air of uncertainty, where any manner of creature could be hiding. The Mage Corp of the Rinella family was off exploring on their own.

In other words, if we stumbled upon enemies, we had to rely on our own strength to defeat them.

Although we did have the means to alert each other as soon as we spotted enemies, the looming threat to our lives remained.

And yet, amidst such a critical situation, she said she wanted to go for a ‘walk’?

Nevertheless, the Saintess responded to my dazed expression with a playful smirk.

She rose onto her tiptoes, leaned in close, and whispered something in my ear.

"...After teasing a maiden’s body like that, you\'re not even willing to come with me for a walk?"

"No, that\'s...!"

But wasn\'t it partly your fault as well?

Though those words had formed in my throat, the burden of chastity between men and women was not equal. Even if I were to blame her, I would only end up being the one at fault.

Even if I came up with justifications, the reality was that I could never win.

Ultimately, all I could manage was to release a heavy sigh.

"...Do as you wish."

Only then did the Saintess flash me a satisfied smile and entwine her arm with mine.

A soft and supple sensation graced my arm. As always, it was not an unwelcome feeling.

The Saintess\'s ego swelled, and she whispered to me once more.

"If you listen well, I\'ll let you touch me again next time."

I couldn\'t help but wonder if she was truly a Saintess or perhaps a seductress.

Ever since we crossed the line, the Saintess had been acting extremely familiar with me. Now, it wouldn\'t be unreasonable for anyone to suspect that there was something more between us.

Even my mother, a devoted follower of the Church of the Heavenly God, sent me suspicious glances. So, I guessed there was little I could do to alter this situation.

Just as I was worrying about unnecessary misunderstandings, the one who saved me was the girl famous for her sharp tongue.

"...Hey, Cowtits. Can you maybe stay away from him?"

Her tone was casual, but it was laced with displeasure.

Despite her low voice, the gist of her words would likely be discernible to anyone paying attention. Startled, I turned to Senior Elsie.

Even if she was part of the Rinella family, she still couldn\'t openly insult the Saintess.

The Saintess was practically a symbol of the Church of the Heavenly God. Even if one were to associate her with \'sacrilege,\' the Saintess rarely did anything improper.

However, to insult the Saintess so openly in a place like this...

Even after considering Senior Elsie\'s rough temperament, it was still a rash move. Fortunately, only the Saintess and I had heard it.

Naturally, the Saintess wouldn\'t let it slide and welled up with tears.

"Can a pet dog act like a pet dog? We\'re having a human-to-human conversation right here..."

"Woof woof."

Senior Elsie mocked her with a bark, and then wore a chilly smile.

"Master, it’s better you run away. That woman is nothing but trouble. Though her cowtits may have grown big, her character remains narrow. Moreover, she\'s lewd, skilled only in using her body to cunningly seduce others."

"...Ian, doesn\'t the dog\'s barking sound particularly annoying today? Your pet could use some training."

The Saintess\'s tone, as she ground out those words through clenched teeth, was unforgiving.

Since the incident, the relationship between the two had soured. Naturally, the bond between colleagues who were supposed to trust each other was not meant to be like this.

Especially now, on the brink of battle.

Just as I was about to sigh and interject.

"...Ian Oppa."

Celine\'s voice grabbed my attention.

It wasn\'t just me; everyone turned to look at Celine, and soon, our gazes followed hers, as her tense tone hinted at danger.

The Saintess and Senior Elsie stopped talking and turned their attention forward.

Dozens of figures stood there like specters.

There was no movement, no sign of life, giving the impression of human-shaped gravestones.

"Villagers?"

The Saintess uttered in confusion.

Clothed in rags and with ordinary appearances, they resembled \'villagers\' one might see anywhere.

However, Celine\'s complexion paled for a reason: she had memories of accompanying me around the Percus territory in our childhood.

"...Doris, Mari?"

Celine\'s whisper prompted dozens of humans to slowly lift their heads.

Their eyes seemed vacant. As if awakened by the call, emotions surfaced on the faces of these men and women.

The pair looked around with puzzled expressions.

"Y-Young Master? Miss Celine? What in the world is happening...?"

"Eek, who are these people!"

I was left speechless.

They were Doris and Mari, villagers whom I remembered from the past.

Doris, who used to cause trouble and upset Mrs. Yona, and Mari, who loved apples and suggested creating an orchard in one corner of the estate.

However, it was clear that the two of them were not normal.

Not only were they standing there motionless like statues, but surely, Mari had already died.

At Seria’s hands.

The Mari standing before me was a duplicate. Hence, I slowly raised my hand.

Issuing commands was the proper course of action.

I had to kill them. It was the only mercy I could offer.

However, I couldn\'t bring myself to say it.

The two stumbled, fear etched on their faces, taking hesitant steps backwards towards me. With pleading eyes, they cast glances in my direction.

"Y-Young master! Who are these people?! Why am I in this place...?"

"W-We were supposed to be on our way home!"

The party was waiting for my words.

It was most likely a trap. They were likely Mitram\'s test subjects, primed to attack us.

It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

What if the two weren\'t test subjects?

Even if Mitram left behind a healthy original and set them upon me, there was only one conclusion I could draw.

"…Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Blades emerged, each emitting a distinct sound.

The Saintess and Senior Elsie instinctively positioned themselves in the center, forming a solid defensive line with Seria and me at the forefront. Meanwhile, Celine readied for a surprise assault from the rear.

As the blades pointed toward them, Doris and Mari screamed in alarm.

“Ky-kyaaack!”

"Y-Young master… why are you doing this! I\'m Doris!"

I was the last one to unsheathe my sword.

And as to what I should say...

In the end, all I could do was bite my lips to endure.

"...Mari, Doris."

With a heavy sigh, I aimed the tip of my sword at them.

"It\'s my fault."

What could a noble who failed to protect his people say?

The expressions on Mari and Doris\' faces couldn\'t have been paler.

Just as they were about to plead...

"Y-Young master! What\'s this no, no, no, no... NOOOOO! Ugh, uuugh?!"

The men\'s and women\'s bodies showed bizarre movements as they snapped and bent their spines.

Their bodies contorted in grotesque ways, limbs snapping and blood oozing. Their torn flesh grew hot and turned crimson.

"Ah, it hurtsssssss! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! Please, help! Help me, Young Masterrrrrr!"

"Cough

, cough...Y-Young Master... P-Please!"

Their necks snapped with a sickening crack, and their heads drooped.

Blood trickled from their decapitated forms, barely clinging to the skin and flesh.

Tears of blood.

Blood seeped from Mari and Doris\' eyes.

"I-I\'ll curse you..."

"I can\'t forgive you, I can\'t forgive..."

And with the sound of joints realigning, dozens of bodies began to move in unison.

As if infected, the eyes of the other test subjects turned red. The eerie wails of creatures devoid of reason emanated from their mouths.

I exhaled heavily, swallowing the tormenting emotions.

"...These motherfuckers, what a performance."

The beasts charged in, howling.

I drew my hatchet from my hip and hurled it forward.

Upon impact, the hatchet caused their heads to explode, flesh and bone scattering in all directions. I spun around, hitting the ground as the hatchet bounced back.

"Light, engulf!"

At Senior Elsie\'s command, the mana in the air surged.

A pure white electric charge enveloped the ground, emitting a crackling sound.

It was blinding.

Amidst the blazing white expanse, I drew my keen blade in a swift stroke.

The test subjects were impaled through their chests without resistance, emitting screams. Swiftly, I twisted the blade horizontally.

A thud echoed, sending a shockwave rippling through the vicinity.

Blood splattered, staining the fading white view with a new vivid red glow.

Among them mingled the blood of Mari and Doris.

The test subjects, their chests cut open, struggled against the recoil, tilting to the opposite side. Remembering the self-destruct mechanism in the previous encounter, I ensured to sever their heads as well.

Shattering and killing seemed so effortless. Yet, why did it feel as challenging as protecting?

I gritted my teeth and retrieved a parchment from my pocket.

It was a scroll with a contact spell recorded. Tearing it would immediately summon the Rinella Family\'s Mage Corp here.

Just as I prepared to eliminate the remaining enemies and tear the parchment…

Something was hurled at me, forcefully crumpling the scroll.

Blood trailed behind it. Following the bloodstains, I realized what it was.

It was an arm.

One of the test subjects had torn off their own limb and flung it at me.

That test subject looked like Doris.

My brain heated up along with the excitement of the battle.

Doris smiled tauntingly, emitting an eerie sound as if scraping his vocal cords.

"...Nice to meet you again, Ian Percus."

Yuren was right.

The Dark Priest was here.

As Doris\' body slumped like a marionette cut from its strings, a figure cloaked in black emerged behind him.

Their features hidden in shadow, all I glimpsed was their jet-black hair and the lips curling into a sinister smile.

I was about to rush towards the Dark Priest immediately but couldn\'t help but hesitate as I saw the color of the fiery eyes within the hood.

It was golden.

"As promised, your destiny has arrived."

Despite the woman\'s mocking laughter, I stood there in a daze.

Black hair and golden eyes—That was the color Mitram possessed in this world.