Chapter 115

Who could it be? Even though I’ve never seen this face before, why do they seem so familiar and greet me warmly?

I narrowed my eyes slightly and observed the person who greeted me.

Before they introduced themselves, I wanted to try guessing who they were based on what I saw.

Their skin color aside, every visible part of their body was tinged with blue, as if they had been painted entirely in that color.

Though not as vibrant as Arsilin’s, their hair was a strikingly vivid shade of blue, of appropriate length.

Their eyes, like the surface of a calm lake, shimmered with a blue hue.

Even their somewhat old-fashioned attire was completely drenched in blue.

Despite the coolness one might feel from such a blue hue, there was no trace of coldness in their naturally warm, androgynous beauty.

They were flawless and unforgettable at first glance.

“…”

Unfortunately, my memory told me I had never met anyone with such an appearance.

Even recalling the memories I had when I was dragged to Failord County under Dominus’ influence, nothing came up.

With a hint of hope, I lowered my head and delved deeper into thought, but…

“Hmm…”

The long sigh indicated that nothing came to mind.

Given how noticeable they were, if we had ever met even once, I surely would have remembered.

“Andymion?”

Why would someone I don’t know act so familiarly towards me?

How did they manage to seamlessly integrate the controversial Payload into our fortress without causing chaos…

“Shouldn’t you answer properly if you’re called!”

Bam-!!

“Aah…!”

My contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a sharp pinch on my head.

From the hearty voice I heard before the pain, I knew it must have been Payload.

I turned sharply and glared, ready to scold them for assaulting a patient, but…

“Look beyond the appearance; see the inner self.”

With an exasperated look, Payload lectured me, beating me to the punch.

“…See the inner self?”

It reminded me of a line from the strategic marriage guidebook: “If you don’t like the appearance, delve deeper into their inner self.”

“Okay, I understand.”

Overwhelmed by Payload’s intense gaze, I quickly composed myself and smiled, looking back at them.

They weren’t just observing the outer appearance; they were examining the inner self, specifically…

‘Qi.’

The aura emanating from their body.

I felt it even when I heard their light footsteps from afar.

“Wow…”

The well-harnessed aura emitted an ethereal blue glow, making it hard to tell if it was from a man or woman.

Unlike the ordinary knights who emit a mere faint aura, this person’s energy was on another level.

As I scrutinized this remarkable energy, a loud noise filled my mind, akin to the rumble of thunder.

I realized instantly that it was the sound of thunder.

Such a distinct, bluish aura, visible even to the naked eye, was actually the manifestation of the most powerful force in nature: lightning.

I had never seen anyone manipulate lightning so freely and skillfully.

While Arsilin can blend lightning with qi, they cannot do it as naturally as this person.

Only after summoning Caladbolg did Arsilin come close to matching this level, but…

The perfect form of the lightning displayed here made Arsilin’s seem somewhat crude in comparison.

At that moment, a clue about their identity surfaced in my mind.

Even though it seemed absurd, Payload’s actions before me confirmed it.

“Hmm…”

“Caladbolg?”

A voice emerged, half confident and half doubtful.

Though I felt uncertain as soon as I said it, the person’s smile deepened upon hearing my guess.

“…Impressive.”

They genuinely appeared surprised.

“How did you know? Many people can’t believe it even when they see it with their own eyes.”

“…”

My sigh sounded almost foolish.

“I didn’t think you’d guess right away, but seeing you get it in one go, your senses must have improved.”

Payload’s mixed feelings—admiration and disdain—were evident.

“Let me introduce myself again. My name is Caladbolg.”

Caladbolg, with an appearance similar to those from the Central Continent, greeted me with a unique etiquette and refined speech.

***

Since I regained consciousness, the determination to save Arsilin hasn’t wavered.

I had just finished eating the soup Payload offered while recovering from my wounds.

Elshimer and Katarina explained the events that happened while I was unconscious, giving me a rough idea of the situation.

But stalling here by discussing my condition would only give more time for Dominus’ unsettling words to echo in my mind.

So, with nearly recovered strength, I left the hospital room and headed towards a nearby area outside the fortress to confront the barbarian tribe’s camp, avoiding direct confrontation.

“Hey! You’re not fully healed yet, where are you going!”

Payload suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my way with a stern command.

Though I couldn’t sense any pressure from her larger-than-average frame, her voice carried a subtle power.

“Don’t you remember what I said earlier? If you force yourself to move when you’re not fully healed, you might not have the strength you need in crucial moments.”

Her low, commanding voice showed genuine concern, making it hard to ignore.

“Your nagging is annoying. If you keep this up, you might die from your nagging before you freeze to death in the snow.”

“Stop exaggerating! Just focus on recuperating that battered body for one more day.”

“…Okay.”

Reluctantly, I raised my hands in surrender, showing I wouldn’t resist, and returned to the bed.

“Really, why do all the troublemakers I meet end up driving me crazy.”

Payload relaxed her stern expression, relieved that I didn’t resist much.

Seeing me return to the bed without much struggle, she must have relaxed.

This was my chance.

Lying still on the bed wasn’t going to help in such dire circumstances.

Since I decided to take over the family after my brother’s death, my life isn’t just mine; I can’t afford to hesitate.

As soon as I saw my chance to escape, I moved like lightning.

Surprised by my sudden action, Payload tried to stop me, but evading her attempts was easy.

“Nagging can wait until after the deed is done.”

“Wha…? Ahh…?! Aren’t you letting go?”

I easily dodged Payload’s attempt to grab me and grabbed her nape.

With her surprisingly light and small build, lifting her by the nape was effortless.

“Hey! Let go quickly!”

Payload clung to me, screaming and struggling.

Even though she was nimble, I couldn’t openly block her without hurting her.

“Hey!”

I growled, injecting a bit of hostility into my grip.

“Ouch…!! You…?!”

Payload’s struggles lessened as time went on.

…

I didn’t want to admit it, but…

When Payload transformed into a human form, I recalled using hostility to subdue her. I did it out of hope, but…

“…That devious girl.”

I hadn’t expected it to work now that she was in human form.

Hostile towards me, she… calmed down when hostility was injected.

I felt like jotting it down in my secret notebook, but now wasn’t the time.

I composed myself and decided to gather the minimum number needed to leave this mess.

“Elshimer. If you have a plan, follow me. I won’t stop you if you stay behind.”

Of course, Elshimer was the obvious choice. I was sure they wouldn’t abandon me in this state.

Sure enough,

“My body is fine, I can carry you to the barbarians’ encampment if needed.”

Elshimer immediately stood up, lightly tapping their chest with their right hand and approaching me.

For a moment, I felt a sense of camaraderie, but…

Elshimer’s steps halted abruptly, leaving me alone.

“…”

Elshimer struggled to move forward, but a sharp slap echoed behind them, followed by a scream.

“Guh-!!”

Elshimer fell, their movements cut short.

Behind them, appearing out of nowhere, was.

“…I prepared for this moment with Caladbolg.”

Katarina covered her forehead with her hand, shaking her head.

“Really, sis, you should be more careful during critical moments.”

Contrary to their respectful demeanor towards me, Caladbolg teased Payload with a playful wave of their hands.

…Even with a surprise attack, how could they knock out someone as large as Elshimer with just a palm strike?

I was momentarily stunned.

“But since you asked, I can’t use harsh methods, but if you continue like this, I have no choice.”

With a gentle tone, Caladbolg threatened me politely.

“…Tsk.”

I finally released Payload, putting both hands and feet on the ground.

“You…!!”

Bam-!!

Payload’s sharp pinch hit my head, adding to the pain.

Their concern seemed empty when they tried to kill me with a single pinch.