𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 (𝟐)
“Uh, uh. . .”
“Johan. Finish it.”
Johan slightly bowed his head in apology and exerted his strength. Gulrak felt his body lift off the ground and was shocked.
“What. . . What. . . WTF!”
“Sorry about that.”
“Where did you find this bear-like guy!”
Gulrak, who had fallen, protested to Suetlg. Suetlg avoided his gaze, pretending not to hear.
Gulrak got up and dusted himself off. Then he had a look of realization.
“Marcel! Marcel’s troll slayer!!”
“Yes.”
“Such a cowardly and cunning old man!”
“Bring out a chair. You need to treat your guests.”
Gulrak slapped his knee. He should have taken the rumors more seriously when he heard them!
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
Although Gulrak grumbled continuously, he did not go back on his word. Suetlg and Johan were allowed to sit as guests.
“You smell like a wolf. What have you been doing?”
“My wolf is outside.”
“You can talk freely, since you’re a guest. So. . . do you plan on calling your wolf?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see it?”
“If it’s okay with you.”
When Johan called, Karamaf walked out of the stable. Gulrak was surprised at the sight of the large wolf; such a size was uncommon.
“Amazing! A wolf like this. . .”
━𝐆𝐫𝐫𝐫.
Karamaf growled, a sign of warning not to provoke him. Gulrak understood immediately and stopped.
“How did you become friendly?”
“Uh. . . just acted friendly. It followed me.”
“!”
Gulrak was really surprised at this and looked at Johan. But Johan did not seem to be lying.
“Clearly, it’s the magic of the forest.”
“Don’t just attach magic to anything. What magic in such a gloomy place.”
“Don’t listen to that sly old man. The forest is the place that truly holds mysteries. The sacred darkness that has been passed down since ancient times covers the forest. The river is. . . well, it’s just a river. I saw sailors peeing in it yesterday.”
“Do you think people don’t urinate in the forest?”
Ignoring Suetlg’s words, Gulrak spoke.
“Monsters are one of the forest’s mysteries. If such a mystery follows you, it must be because of the greater mystery sleeping in your blood and soul.”
Gulrak explained that he could hear and understand the words of all kinds of animals in the forest and speak to them.
This was because Gulrak had embraced the secrets and mysteries of the forest.
“Does any of your ancestors have a story related to wolves?”
“It doesn’t seem so.”
“Then it might be innate. Love from the forest, a wonderful gift from the gods.”
“. . . . . .”
Though not by blood, Johan felt there was something about his soul. His soul was one of the greatest mysteries.
“If there’s nothing more to say about wolves, let’s end it there. You’re here for a reason. This friend is hard to see in the city except in winter.”
Pointing at Gulrak, Suetlg said.
“Do you only stay in the city during winter? Because of some magical reason?”
“No. It’s cold in winter.”
“. . . . . .”
“Anyway, why did you come?”
“I’ve come to share the mysteries I’ve gathered on my travels with you.”
Suetlg, along with his words, laid out a purple cloth-wrapped Fire Goblet and the diaries held by Nahra’s followers.
“One is a magical tool from the ancient Empire era, and the other is a book filled with mysteries about shadows and fire.”
“. . .What do you want?”
“This knight and I are heading to Duke Brduhe’s territory. As you know, the east of the Empire is a rough place.”
Even though the Empire had forests, mountains, and unexplored territories, they couldn’t compare to the east.
Tribes rejecting the Empire and monotheism, attacking pioneers, nobles continuing the legacy of ancient kingdoms in the area, vassals of the eastern Empire boasting of their ancient Empire lineage. . .
The eastern part of the Empire was a land of wild and turbulent savagery.
“So, hand over some leather.”
“. . . . . .”
“Leather?”
“The skins that fellow has are not only of good quality but also imbued with magical power.”
Gulrak, who lived in the forest and communicated with animals, could obtain better quality skins than any hunter.
“It must hold warmth to fend off the cold, and be tough enough to resist spear and sword.”
“I didn’t say I’d give it!”
“So, you’re not interested?”
Gulrak had many skins, but not the ones Suetlg had. Gulrak, with a greedy expression, scratched his beard and asked.
“So where did you get this magical tool?”
“I can’t disclose that.”
“Ugh. . . Can I open it?”
“Do as you please.”
Gulrak, removing the cloth, was astonished.
“This is a Fire Goblet!”
“Yes. Thought you’d like it. Looks handy for the forest, doesn’t it?”
“. . .Wait. Fire Goblets are usually used in pairs.”
“Couldn’t find the other one. Maybe you could try looking for it.”
Gulrak’s expression turned very suspicious.
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