|
Kindly note that the novel you are currently reading is 100% machine-translated. |
|
– Machine translation lacks the ability to fully comprehend context, it may contain misinterpretations and incorrect translations. – Please be aware that this is not a full-fledged project but rather a teaser designed to give you a taste of the story’s potential. – Its primary purpose is to help patrons make informed decisions about which novel they would like to support for a full translation. – For more information, check out this post: Introducing Machine Translated Teasers! |
|
He ran alone through the dim forest filled with the chilly air. Struck by protruding branches and overgrown grass, leaving scrapes all over, he gasped for breath as he desperately sprinted.
…Should he have waited for the other knights and joined them before pursuing? The thought fleetingly crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. The knights who were searching together had been caught in a trap magic set at the entrance of the forest. It wasn’t lethal, but it was the type that took time to deactivate. Weighing the likelihood of the person escaping during that time, there was no choice but to take the risk and chase alone.
“Ah…!”
Suddenly stumbling, he nearly tumbled forward, managing to catch himself by placing his hands on the ground. It was likely that he had tripped on a tree root protruding beneath the cover of leaves. He muttered a curse as he got up.
Adjusting the position of his shifted glasses, he felt a dull pain around his wrist. It might have been injured when he used his hands to break the fall. However, there was no time to fuss over it. Grateful that the injury was in his hand rather than his foot, he started running again.
He couldn’t let her escape. He had to catch up to her and capture her as soon as possible.
At that moment, the bushes ahead rustled loudly.
He reflexively halted his steps, and before him, the silhouette of a person emerged.
“…I didn’t expect you to come chasing after me alone.”
“…Floria!!”
The honey-colored hair woman, called by her name, displayed a sly and enchanting smile.
Her body, always wrapped in beautiful dresses, was now covered in plain travel attire. It was likely evidence that this incident had been premeditated.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, he forced the question to the woman.
“…Why? Floria… why? Why did you kill him?”
“Oh? What on earth are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb!! I heard his final words! It was you who handed him that wine!”
“Indeed. His Highness is properly dead. Well, he couldn’t have survived that poison.”
“You!!”
He was infuriated. He reached for the hilt of his sword at his waist but stopped himself just in time.
“Oh? Won’t you cut me down? There are plenty of things you need to ask me, don’t you? Motive, the source of the poison, and the identity of the one who ordered the assassination.”
“Don’t think I won’t! You need to answer for this! Giving him that poison-laced wine was your doing!”
“Do you really think I acted alone?”
She tilted her head like a bird and while anger surged within him, he resisted taking the bait.
“Can I spare you from being slain?”
“…I have a multitude of questions for you. The motive, the source of the poison, and the identity of the one who ordered the assassination.”
“Do you think I did it alone?”
Slightly raising her arm, she smiled again.
“…This is the last time, so I’ll tell you. His Highness was the ‘Balancer.’ Just that.”
In that instant, he felt a shiver run down his spine.
He instinctively turned to look behind him.
There, reflecting the moonlight, was a gleaming, large blade raised high.
