Before encountering the missing persons in the forest, I was rummaging through my pocket.
Inside was the expandable spatial pouch bestowed upon by the Imperial Princess as a gift.
A spatial pouch, even with its slightly enhanced capacity, was already valued at hundreds of gold. The one given to by the Imperial Princess was a luxury item, estimated to be worth thousands of gold at the very least.
It could potentially surpass a value of even 10,000 gold.
Just this pouch alone equaled Emma’s life. It made realize how distorted my sense of money had beco.
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, ergency rations, and water in it, there was still ample space left.
Among the nurous items in the pouch, a few caught my attention.
The potions Emma had given .
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 —a woman emanating a refreshing scent of spring, approaching 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 na.
I had heard that she had forsaken the na she had during her days at the orphanage the mont 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 . 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 sowhat 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 ans 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 sothing in my ear.
"...After teasing a maiden’s body like that, you're not even willing to co with for a walk?"
"No, that's...!"
But wasn't it partly your fault as well?
Though those words had ford in my throat, the burden of chastity between n and won was not equal. Even if I were to bla her, I would only end up being the one at fault.
Even if I ca 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 a satisfied smile and entwine her arm with mine.
A soft and supple sensation graced my arm. As always, it was not an unwelco feeling.
The Saintess's ego swelled, and she whispered to once more.
"If you listen well, I'll let you touch again next ti."
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 extrely familiar with . Now, it wouldn't be unreasonable for anyone to suspect that there was sothing more between us.
Even my mother, a devoted follower of the Church of the Heavenly God, sent 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 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 temperant, 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 so 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 ant 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 ; 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 movent, 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 mories of accompanying around the Percus territory in our childhood.
"...Doris, Mari?"
Celine's whisper prompted dozens of humans to slowly lift their heads.
Their eyes seed vacant. As if awakened by the call, emotions surfaced on the faces of these n and won.
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 rembered 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 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 rcy 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 . 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 ho!"
The party was waiting for my words.
It was most likely a trap. They were likely Mitram's test subjects, prid 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 , there was only one conclusion I could draw.
"…Everyone, prepare for battle!"
Blades erged, each emitting a distinct sound.
The Saintess and Senior Elsie instinctively positioned themselves in the center, forming a solid defensive line with Seria and at the forefront. anwhile, Celine readied for a surprise assault from the rear.
As the blades pointed toward them, Doris and Mari scread 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 aid 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 n's and won's bodies showed bizarre movents 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 , 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 tornting 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. Rembering the self-destruct chanism in the previous encounter, I ensured to sever their heads as well.
Shattering and killing seed so effortless. Yet, why did it feel as challenging as protecting?
I gritted my teeth and retrieved a parchnt from my pocket.
It was a scroll with a contact spell recorded. Tearing it would imdiately summon the Rinella Family's Mage Corp here.
Just as I prepared to eliminate the remaining enemies and tear the parchnt…
Sothing was hurled at , 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 .
That test subject looked like Doris.
My brain heated up along with the excitent of the battle.
Doris smiled tauntingly, emitting an eerie sound as if scraping his vocal cords.
"...Nice to et 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 erged 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 imdiately 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.
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