Chapter 142. Choice of Destiny (2)

Its a place I should never go?

Seol Jihu raised his voice subconsciously.

[After the previous emperor was executed, the emperor that succeeded him declared it a forbidden place.]

Forbidden.

It wasnt a strange concept. No matter the era, it wasnt uncommon for the ruling party to designate some places as forbidden grounds.

It was just that this Sacrificium place had been designated as a place one couldnt visit easily by an emperor of the Empire, a nation which was said to have reached the apex of magic engineering. The weight of the ban was far heavier than normal.

Why did he designate it as a forbidden place?

[Uuuuun~]

Flone groaned, seemingly having trouble recalling something that happened such a long time ago.

[I think its because people kept dying even after the death of the previous emperor.]

After the death of the previous emperor?

Seol Jihu tilted his head.

Was he raising a monster in his villa or something?

[I dont know.]

The smoke shook side to side.

[Many people wondered what the exact reason was, but no one could figure it out. The only thing everyone knew was that the only person to survive after going into that villa was that greedy emperor himself. Both during his lifetime and after.]

Do you think you could explain this in greater detail?

At that moment, a small cough rang out, causing Seol Jihu to jump in surprise. Jang Maldong was staring at him with narrowed eyes.

Are you calling someone?

Huh? Ah, yes.

You can talk normally. You dont have to whisper.

Thank you.

Jang Maldong closed his eyes again after giving Seol Jihu a fixed stare.

Seol Jihu had many questions he wanted to ask Flone

.

But because it felt like Jang Maldong noticed something, he couldnt open his mouth easily.

*

When Seol Jihu returned to Haramark, he saw that Kim Hannah was calling him. He immediately placed his hand on the round crystal, and they were connected in less than 10 seconds.

The reason she had called was to notify him that she had found the Heaven-Slaughtering Star and the white headband girl.

The brother and sister duo were last seen in Eva. But seeing as how they disappeared after going into the temple, she said they had likely gone back to Earth and that she would notify him when they returned. It was at this moment that she realized Seol Jihu wasnt really listening and furrowed her brows.

Whats up with that attitude? Youre the one who asked me for help.

Oh yeah, thanks.

Do I have to fish for compliments? Whats wrong? Is something worrying you?

Should I say it? Seol Jihu hesitated. Although he wanted to confide in someone, Bok Jungsik had asked not to let the Yi siblings know about the transfer, and had even asked for a non-disclosure request.

But because Seol Jihu wanted to obtain information, he asked in a roundabout way so as to keep the secret.

However, Kim Hannah wasnt someone to be looked down on.

Archer? You mean, Yi Seol-Ah?

She instantly realized what he was worried about when he said, Master visited White Rose because they had a talented Archer.

No?

Dont lie. Ordinary Archers wont catch Master Jangs eye. Since you said White Rose it either has to be their top Archer or a rising star.

Well, he actually went to see their top Archer.

Oh yeah? What was that Archers name?

Uh, what was it again?

Funny. Youre saying that without even batting an eye? Hey, dont lie to me. That top Archer I just mentioned? He recently ended his contract with White Rose and left.

When Seol Jihu fell silent, Kim Hannah laughed as if his attempt to trick her was cute.

Who are you trying to fool? Wet your mouth a little before you try.

Seol Jihu looked dumbstruck. Kim Hannah cackled, then rested her chin on her interlocked fingers.

Anyways, Ill keep it a secret, so just say it.

.

Or dont, if you dont want to. You think I wont find out just because you stay silent?

In the end, Seol Jihu revealed everything that happened until now.

By the time the explanation came to an end, Kim Hannahs eyes had narrowed to a slit.

He~eh. A collaboration for an expedition in exchange for a transfer.

Her eyes rolled.

Thats intriguing, for sure. The conditions are too good.

You think so too, right? Maybe theyre targeting me.

Kim Hannah looked at Seol Jihu strangely before going Ah.

Right, Master Jang is there.

You really dont think I might have figured this out?

As if.

Seol Jihu smiled bitterly.

Anyways, expedition expedition

Kim Hannah tapped on her desk. It wasnt as if she knew everything there was to know about Paradise, and it certainly wasnt a strange thing for Earthlings to go on an expedition.

But Kim Hannah showed suspicious movements like tilting her head or twisting up the corners of her mouth.

It smells

Smell?

It smells fishy.

Kim Hannah revealed a furtive smile.

I can practically smell the rotting odor of shit.

Seol Jihu couldnt help but think about how Kim Hannah compared things to poop whenever something happened.

Given what I know about that old man Bok Jungsik, theres no way he would proceed with something so reckless. Aha!

Tak. She smacked the desk before staring at Seol Jihu.

Hey.

?

You havent gone ahead and accepted the offer, have you?

Why would I? I refused, obviously.

Good. Ill be clear just in case. Dont interfere in this matter. Dont get yourself involved and dont be related to it in any way. Got it?

I told you, I refused.

Well see about that.

Kim Hannah snorted.

It wasnt until a few days later that Seol Jihu found out what she meant.

**

Welcome. Its pretty hot today, isnt it?

Its been a while, Princess.

Yes, come in.

Teresa came out to greet Seol Jihu and personally led him to the reception room.

Teresa wasnt in her usual military uniform and was wearing an apron instead. Because of it, she exuded a cozy and graceful atmosphere rather than a lively and energetic one.

I heard that you became Carpe Diems new leader.

Ah, yes.

You must not have been taught all the duties and responsibilities that come with that position. Its hard, isnt it?

It is a bit unsettling, but Im sure Ill get used to it.

Oh, Im sorry to hear that. Would you like to wash up and rest? Or maybe youd like to eat something first?

Saying this, Teresa suddenly blocked her mouth with her hand and dropped her head. Seeing how her withdrawn shoulders were trembling slightly, she seemed to be making considerable effort to rein in her laughter.

Whats wrong with her?

No, I already took a shower this morning. I also

I see, then why dont you eat first?

Teresa spoke gently as she personally took Seol Jihus jacket off.

Ah, Ill hold onto it.

Despite Seol Jihus refusal, Teresa more or less ignored him and headed to the dining hall. As a result, Seol Jihu was able to enjoy the unexpected luxury of having the Princesss handmade food.

Other than Teresa constantly asking Is it good? and staring at him with her chin cupped in her hands, the meal couldnt be more excellent.

Teresa spoke as she watched Seol Jihu tap his mouth with a napkin.

Mm, I guess this is enough for today.

Excuse me?

No, I was just talking to myself. Anyways~

Teresa threw off her apron and returned to her usual appearance.

I heard that you became Carpe Diems new leader.

Didnt you say the same thing just a while ago?

Eii~ The meaning is different, you know~?

Teresa giggled.

Anyways, how does it feel, being a leader?

Mm.

Seol Jihu thought for a moment before replying.

There are many things I want to do, but not much that I can actually do? That sounds about right for now.

Why? Theres something even our Hero of Haramark cant do?

Seol Jihu didnt know when he received another strange nickname, but he still smirked.

There are things in life you just cant do without money.

Hearing the bitterness in Seol Jihus tone, Teresa folded her arms.

Youre right. Money doesnt guarantee happiness, but it at least guarantees leisure.

Seol Jihu couldnt help but agree seeing how realistic this was.

Dont worry too much. If youre lacking money, you can just make more.

Right, like how you can eat cake if you dont have bread.

Seol Jihu nodded his head in agreement.

Aii, thats not what I meant.

Teresa shook her hand.

Im asking if youre interested in making money.

?

Listen. Were not the ones who came up with this plan, but an interesting proposition has been made to us a few days ago.

As Seol Jihu listened attentively, his expression became more and more distorted.

Teresa was chatting away until she saw Seol Jihus grim expression.

Whats wrong?

She trembled inwardly, wondering if she said something wrong.

Did White Rose make this proposition?

And when she heard this, she blinked her eyes.

Oh, you already knew?

Princess.

Seol Jihus voice suddenly dropped an octave.

Did White Rose tell you to ask us?

His manner of speech changed as well.

Feeling that something wasnt right, Teresa quickly fixed her posture.

No. White Rose made this proposition to collaborate, then asked us to introduce them to a good team if we knew one.

.

It sounded like a good offer, and Darlings, I mean, Carpe Diems team popped up in my head.

Teresa was speaking fluently when the end of her speech became blurred.

Princess.

Seol Jihu slowly opened his mouth.

In truth, we visited White Rose a few days ago and heard the same offer.

Oh, you did? I didnt know.

Yes, and we refused.

Seol Jihu had thought the matter was over when he refused them. However, the same offer had now returned to him through the Haramark Royal Family.

Was this a coincidence? Or was it part of Bok Jungsiks scheme?

Or was this destiny?

Seol Jihus eyes narrowed.

Have you accepted?

We havent given a definitive answer.

Teresa shook her head.

But we gave a favorable answer. The evidence they provided was flawless. Since the villa belonged to an ancient emperor, even a rock lying around there might be made of gold. We could tell that White Rose made careful preparations for this expedition. They were offering us an opportunity to take a bite out of an already-prepared meal, so we didnt really want to refuse outright.

Teresa mumbled before asking carefully.

Why did you refuse?

Seol Jihu became speechless. At this rate, there was a huge chance that the Haramark Royal Family would participate in this expedition.

He wanted to tell them not to go, but he couldnt think of a proper reason.

Saying, Youll die if you go; he would be lucky to not be treated as a madman.

Maybe I should reveal the existence of my Nine Eyes.

If it were Teresa, perhaps she might believe him.

He bit his lips lightly and fell into deep contemplation. Meanwhile, light flickered in Teresas eyes as she watched the youth intently.

The Seol Jihu she knew didnt cower no matter what wave came crashing in. He didnt shrink, nor did he back away.

In fact, the more difficult the problem was, the more he would work to find a solution. The result he produced always impressed her as well.

But now he was showing such disapproval for what seemed like a well-planned expedition

Could it be?

After staring at him for a moment, she initiated a conversation.

You see Ive actually been thinking about not going.

Seol Jihu shot his head up.

Well White Roses offer was good and all, but I wasnt really sure about having to enter the Parasites territory. I mean, they did tell us that they would travel by sea, and not land, but you remember, right? What we experienced while we were escaping from the laboratory.

Teresa continued nonchalantly.

Im still jolted awake from sleep whenever I think about it. I dont want to crawl into that situation again just to make money.

Then

Checking that Seol Jihus complexion had brightened, Teresa dealt the finishing blow.

Eii, Ill just not go. Life is more important than money anyways.

Princess.

Please understand. Im a fickle woman, you see.

Right, I agree. Well thought, Princess. Well thought.

Seol Jihu didnt nitpick about she changed her tune completely. He nodded his head, relieved from the bottom of his heart.

Seeing how the youth smoothed down his chest to finally relax, Teresa was convinced.

I dodged a bullet.

She hadnt changed her tune for no reason. Teresa had noticed the secret Seol Jihu was hiding a long time ago.

To be more precise, it was when they were escaping from the Delphinion Laboratory. Although Teresa was the one who led the way, Seol Jihu was the one who told her about the enemys whereabouts.

At first, she found this rather mystical. But when the youth was spot on 100% of the time, she couldnt just chuck it up to him having good intuition.

It wasnt as if he was an Archer. No, even if he was a High-rank Archer, it would be impossible for him to be right hundreds of times consecutively.

She wasnt sure about the details, but it seemed likely that this mysterious ability of his had activated this time as well.

In other words, there had to be a reason.

A reason that the youth known as the problem-solver was taking his foot out of this matter.

Moreover

If Hubby says dont go, I wont.

Teresa smiled bashfully as she rubbed the apron she took off.