Chapter 11
Losing the right to control one’s own life and death. No longer living as an individual, but becoming a possession. And in return, the weak are given a chance to survive.
Since the concept was not entirely incomprehensible, Siren resolutely nodded.
No matter how she looked at it, wasn’t this an arrangement that could only benefit her in her current situation?
“No matter what you are, I will cherish and raise you. It holds a meaning far deeper than mere husband and wife… And it will ensure that the southern warriors who are dying to tear you apart won’t be able to lay a single finger on you.”
“……”
“Marriage wasn’t your choice, but this must be. What do you say?”
“I accept!”
Had she answered too quickly?
Siren, who had spoken even before he finished his sentence, flinched and wiggled her toes.
However, having little skill in conversation and even less experience interacting with people, she had no way of knowing what would be considered ‘normal.’
“You seem dazed. Do you even understand what you’re agreeing to?”
“I do. Y-you’ll protect me, won’t you?”
Under Yasamin’s name, she was free.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought it through—rather, this was the best possible outcome, so she saw no reason to hesitate.
But… there was something she was curious about.
“Then… what do you gain?”
A transaction could only be established when both parties possessed something of value to exchange.
In this deal, she was to receive the ultimate shield and a place to belong in the form of Yasamin. But what about him?
“I sleep better when you’re around.”
A human pillow…?
“And it’s amusing. So I’d appreciate it if you kept doing things that make me laugh.”
Was he saying she was his personal jester?
“And more than anything, this thing wants you to stay alive and well.”
Tap, tap.
He lightly struck his chest, roughly where his heart would be. Siren tilted her head, unable to immediately grasp his meaning.
“Anyway, come here. Let’s dry your hair.”
“O-okay…!”
A sudden realization struck her. He was adjusting his pace to match hers.
‘And… he never urges me to walk faster.’
When they walked together, there was always just a single beat of difference between them. Just enough for her, with her limp, to keep up. And honestly… she didn’t mind that at all.
“P-please, spare me! If you let me live… I’ll let you have me!”
“Not interested.”
“I’m the most beautiful woman in this nation…!”
“I said I don’t care.”
Swish.
In her dream, Yasamin wielded his sword with a cruel smile. The screaming woman’s head separated from her neck and rolled across the ground, blood splattering as proof of life violently severed.
She had merely dozed off, only to awaken from such a nightmare that evening. As if to mark their approach toward the south, the wind carried a wave of heat.
Though the temperature was oppressive, it was bearable as long as she remained still. So Siren sat quietly in the corner of Yasamin’s tent, as motionless as a piece of furniture. Forcing herself to suppress the tremors in her body.
“I am Eltan.”
“I… I am Siren.”
The southern man who approached her had a sharp, hawk-like presence.
His eyes carried neither goodwill nor hostility, an impassive gaze that made her uneasy, causing her to shrink back—but this was Yasamin’s order.
Eltan was here to teach her.
“Let’s get straight to the point. Are you aware of the deep-rooted animosity between the South and Wilkeron?”
“Yes, uh, somewhat…”
“Good. Then you must also know why the South harbors such hatred for Wilkeron.”
“Yes.”
Of course, what Siren had been taught was entirely from Wilkeron’s perspective.
Her instructors had referred to those living south of the Taran Desert as heretics, emphasizing their savagery and lack of education. It was dangerous, so she had been told never to even think of going toward the desert.
The reason the military was concentrated along the desert border was not only to handle the <Infected> but also to prevent the barbarian refugees from recklessly invading Wilkeron.
The land south of the desert was a rotten, festering place that should be cut away if possible. A cursed land, abandoned by the gods, a region of dreadful beings.
However, what Seiren discovered buried in the old books of the library was entirely different.
“A long, long time ago, when the gap between gods and humans was so small that they mingled freely—so, until about 1,000 years ago—the kingdom of Wilkeron was a prosperous land without deserts.”
In particular, the region now commonly referred to as the ‘Land of the Barbarians’ was once an abundant paradise overflowing with fish and fruit, a land blessed by nature.
But one day, the king, while vacationing by the sea, encountered a maiden at a village festival. And that was where all the trouble began.
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