TFSAWE - Chapter 244: Curiosity (Patreon)

Oh, how many lives had been saved by his skill and strength when facing evil forces.

"But it's futile."

Latvan recalled the menacing gaze of Aslan, as if he were about to kill him.

In the face of Aslan's words about finding Lina, he couldn't offer any excuses. Everything that had happened was solely due to his own inadequacy. He didn't want to hear the sound of barking dogs, so in response to Aslan's angry demand to briefly explain what had happened and where Lina was, Latvan truthfully revealed everything. In turn, Aslan coolly replied.

"The only reason I'm not killing you right now is that it would be annoying to waste my energy on someone as pitiful as you."

With those words left behind, Aslan ascended into the sky and vanished. Even without asking, Latvan knew exactly where he was heading.

[Sigh]

Undoubtedly, he must have gone to Leon to find her. Latvan speculated on the possible places Aslan could have taken her.

"The Tower of Sorcerers, perhaps?"

There were a few ways to reach that place, and Latvan was familiar with some of them.

He turned his shoulder once more and gazed at his hand under the bright moonlight. Despite the extensive damage and the spread of poison, his hand was neatly healed, as if to say, "When did this ever happen?"

Although he had witnessed the marvels of his life force countless times before, Latvan couldn't help but feel awe-inspiring greatness in the power he now possessed. However, his face, as he looked upon the traces of miracles, was not particularly bright.

After gazing at his palm for a while, Latvan turned around and spoke.

"Now, please rise. It may be tiring if you continue sitting for too long in the chilly night air."

As he said this, the distant bushes trembled ever so slightly. In response, Latvan spoke again.

"It's alright. I knew since the moment you approached."

With his words, Iris, who had been hiding in the thicket, slowly rose to her feet. Her face had turned crimson, and she hadn't even considered brushing off the dirt and leaves that clung to her hair and clothes. Fumbling, she opened her mouth.

"Uh, well. I just.. I was afraid you were going too far."

However, Iris herself knew better than anyone that it was no excuse for having been spying.

"Thank you for your concern. I was just about to leave."

"Um. Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, thanks for taking care. I have fully recovered now."

Iris lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers before mustering the strength to speak again.

"Um, if it's alright. Could you tell me more about the Saint?"

At that moment, Iris noticed a slight softening in Latvan's face.

After Aslan left, Iris naturally found herself moving alongside Latvan and the other knights. She had worried that Latvan might treat her as an enemy because she followed the previous Saint.

But Latvan simply expressed gratitude for rescuing him and explained that he understood she couldn't kneel as her powers rightfully belonged to Lady Evelina. Iris was most delighted by those words.

While everyone had expectations of her as the new Saint, Latvan coldly stated that she was not the Saint. However, he treated her with respect and consideration, which brought Iris a sense of relief.

And then Latvan shared some stories with Iris, small details about what the Saint did and the daily life in the temple.

"But for some reason. My heart is pounding."

Even though they were stories that could be considered insignificant, Iris enjoyed them immensely. It was as if she was listening to the tales of a close friend.

"Are you curious about the Saint?"

"Yes! I-I have never thought about possessing such powers or anything like that. I just hope that this power can return to the rightful Saint somehow."

Her words were sincere. Strangely, the more she heard the stories, the more Iris wanted to meet the Saint.

Watching Iris walking ahead with a determined step, Latvan pondered.

"First, I need to find out where Lina is."

For those who confessed their love, expressed their desire to stay by her side but failed to fulfill that promise, they would have to seek forgiveness from their master once again.

***

"Hmm..."

I slowly opened my eyes. After blinking a few times, an unfamiliar landscape entered my field of vision. Not only was it a traditional pavilion, but it also had geometric patterns that I had never seen before in any place I had visited. Startled, I rose to my feet and looked around, realizing with astonishment that I was in an incredibly vibrant and otherworldly place.

"Where am I?"

"It's the Tower of Sorcerers," came Aslan's voice from behind me.

I turned my head and saw Aslan, who had been resting his chin on the side of the enormous cushion where I had been lying.

"Aslan?"

In response to my call, Aslan reached out his hand and gently held my chin, then lightly kissed me on the lips and whispered:

"Welcome to the place where you will spend the rest of your life with me."