Chapter 88
“The garden is beautiful.”
“The north is even more beautiful.”
Irene smiled lightly at Burt’s comment. Together, they made their way toward the barely visible tower in the distance.
“You cannot proceed from here.”
A knight appeared, blocking their path, but that was all.
With a flick of Burt’s finger, the knight became rigid like a statue.
“He’ll be freed later.”
Once a few knights were restrained, no one else blocked their way.
“Is this the tower?”
Irene looked up at the dilapidated structure. It was hard to believe anyone lived there.
“Yes.”
“Oh, right!”
Irene suddenly struck her palm with her fist.
“I should have told Lani to prepare another set of men’s clothes.”
“You’re mistaken, but I’ve already taken care of it.”
Burt didn’t bother correcting her misunderstanding about Noah’s clothes.
They entered the tower together.
“The stairs are steep. Would you like me to carry you?”
“I can go up on my own.”
Irene rubbed her arms with her hands as she answered. The inside of the unlit tower brought back memories of that day.
‘I feel like I’m going to vomit.’
She was terrified. She wanted to turn around and run away, but she knew she shouldn’t.
‘I have to overcome this.’
She couldn’t live in fear forever.
Irene slowly began to climb the stairs. Before she even made it a third of the way up, she was exhausted and sat down.
“As I thought. Let me carry you.”
Burt calmly sat on the floor and offered his back.
It was truly frustrating, but seeing no other option, Irene climbed onto his back.
He silently ascended the tower. Even with a person on his back, he didn’t seem strained at all.
When they finally reached the top floor, a sturdy-looking iron-reinforced door stood before them.
“By the way, how do we open the door?”
At Irene’s question, Burt stepped forward and drew his sword. It didn’t take long for the door to collapse.
“Cough!”
Irene coughed as dust spread, and Burt reached out to cover her mouth and nose. Her coughing soon subsided.
The real problem lay ahead.
When the door was removed, Irene couldn’t help but grimace at the sight inside. The cramped space contained only a toilet and a worn-out bed.
On the bed sat a man with a thick beard, his gaunt body bound by handcuffs and shackles.
It was obvious even at a glance that he was in terrible condition.
“I’ve come as promised.”
Burt then announced.
The man slowly raised his head.
His piercing eyes were the same color as Garan’s, but they didn’t have the same snake-like quality.
‘He seems like a more formidable presence.’
Irene thought of the Eastern dragon she had seen in the capital. But that impression faded when the man lowered his head again.
“Burt.”
“Yes, Guy.”
“Even if you release me like this, it won’t solve anything.”
“That’s why the saintess is here with me.”
“The saintess.”
The man stared intently at Irene.
“Truly red eyes and black hair. But are you really the saintess?”
It was strangely rude, yet Irene didn’t feel offended. She quietly nodded.
“Yes, I am.”
“Can you prove it?”
At those words, Irene stepped past Burt and approached the man. The space itself was frightening, but she felt a sense of reassurance with this man.
She gently placed her hand on his emaciated body, and light emanated, enveloping him.
Her now quite proficient power revitalized Guy. He seemed to feel it too.
“You truly are the saintess.”
Even his tone changed.
“Yes.”
“To think I would meet a saintess in my lifetime. It’s an honor.”
“Don’t mention it. Burt, could you remove his handcuffs?”
“He should be able to do it himself.”
“Huh? Then why…?”
Seeing Irene’s puzzled expression, Guy responded with a bitter look.
“Everyone wants me to stay here.”
She felt the need to say something but couldn’t find the right words.
Irene opened and closed her mouth a few times, then closed her eyes tightly before opening them again. Finally, she managed to find the right words.
“What about your own thoughts?”
“My own thoughts?”
“Yes. Do you want to stay here?”
“If it’s necessary.”
“No, not that. Your own thoughts! Don’t think about anyone else right now.”
Irene spoke firmly.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.