Chapter 244
The object inside the pendant was a portrait. Not a photograph like in modern times, but literally a portrait painted by layering pigments many times on metal.
“Ah.”
I had simply thought of it as a picture frame and assumed it could be separated. But it’s something that can be erased like a fresco, but not separated.
In the end, we left the temple with no particular gain. The Guardian gave me a reprieve, telling me to think about it a bit more.
—I will give you time until the water clock in the village square is completely full.
I recalled The Guardian’s words. I knew that water clock. I had asked how they measured time when there was no separate day or night, and that’s what they told me.
—First, it would be good to fill our stomachs. You’ve been through quite a bit.
“Oh, yes. That would be good.”
And so, for the first time, I visited the elves’ communal dining hall. Unlike me, Killis and Isaac seemed quite accustomed to it, having used it several times, and quickly took their seats.
“Lord Reno must be hungry too; I should bring him something later.”
—Don’t worry about that. I’ll bring it to him.
Natura replied. Indeed, as soon as he finished his meal, he gathered things Reno might eat and quickly disappeared.
‘Is it because he thinks Reno might be Pinus’s son?’
Natura was quite proactive. I wanted to go with him, but it seemed like it would make Reno uncomfortable, so I left it to Natura.
It was when I finished eating and sat in the square, biting my lip.
‘Is there no way……?’
Giggle, clear laughter was heard. Following the sound, I saw young elves gathered in small groups, scratching the ground with wooden sticks.
The sight seemed to pique Killis’s curiosity as well. He looked at Vita and asked,
“Is it alright to let them do that?”
—It’s fine. They’re drawings that will disappear quickly anyway.
“Drawings?”
—They tie plants to the end of a stick, wet them, and then doodle on the ground. After a while, it all dries up and disappears, so many of them play like that.
Listening to Vita’s explanation, the wooden sticks held by the young elves looked like brushes.
“That’s a good game.”
If children can draw freely like that……. Wait, draw?
‘I remember now. A way to solve it.’
As I stopped, Killis called me with a puzzled expression.
“Your Highness? What’s wrong?”
“I’m going back to the temple.”
“I’ll come with…….”
“It’s okay. I’ll go alone. Isaac, you rest here too.”
It felt bad to make them go back and forth to the same place because of me.
I didn’t wait for their reply and immediately turned and ran to the temple. I had only run a short distance, but my breath grew ragged.
Pant, gasp, as I gasped for breath, I felt a presence beside me.
“Vita? And Isaac?”
It wasn’t strange for them to catch up to me. Still, when I showed a bit of embarrassment, Vita spoke.
—I was curious what decision you would make, so I followed.
“I understand Vita. But why did Isaac follow? Even when I told him to rest.”
“It’s alright.”
Truly, his stubbornness…….
I entered the temple with Isaac and met The Guardian again.
He seemed a little surprised. It was natural, as I had only left a short while ago and returned immediately.
—Have you already made your decision?
“I’d like to borrow the pendant for a moment. Would that be possible?”
—You wish to borrow it?
“Yes. I’ll return it to you by the end of today.”
—Lending it itself is not difficult, but I do not understand your purpose. What do you intend to do with it for such a short time?
“I intend to copy the portrait inside the pendant.”
It occurred to me after seeing the young elves drawing earlier. That I could just copy the portrait inside the pendant.
Coincidentally, I had drawing tools. Before leaving the palace, I had packed simple tools like charcoal and paper in my inventory, thinking there might be a chance to draw.
‘My stamina was constantly low, so I forgot about it, let alone drew anything.’
It seemed to have found its use now. It would be difficult to perfectly replicate the portrait, but I could imitate it closely.
—You mean you will draw it? Did you possess such a talent?
“Not enough to boast about.”
—Then I understand. I shall lend it to you. However, as you said, you must return it today. We need to use it for the memorial service tomorrow.
Ding!
[<System> New Quest Arrived!]
[<Quest> The Portrait in the Pendant.
The Guardian holds great favor for you. Normally, he would not have lent out the memento of the village hero and next Guardian.
Do not forget the kindness he has shown you and return the pendant within the time limit.
—Failure: Guardian’s distrust and refusal of all future requests
—Time Limit: 3 hours]
[Cancel] / [Confirm]
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