Chapter 390

The fine wasn’t paid by me, it was covered by the Academy, which means Godin took care of it.

But they say the Academy might impose some kind of punishment, and it’s likely to be community service or something similar.

First of all, they insulted me over there, and not just a little – it was some really foul language, yet from the Tartar’s perspective, it’s not a problem at all.

Isn’t there a saying that when in Rome, do as the Romans do? According to the Tartar code, there’s no issue, so it’s all just going to blow over.

“The fine is 5,000 silver coins.”

“Huh? For throwing trash?”

Especially since I’m facing community service over a fine related to littering.

Godin’s eyes widened for a moment when he saw how much money he had to bring to pay the fine.

It makes sense to protest why such a simple act of littering costs so much. I’m with him on that one.

The guard shuffled through the newly compiled legal code and explained it to Godin.

“Regular littering starts with a warning, and from the third offense, it’s 700 silver coins. But littering a body part costs double that.”

“Is there really such a law?”

“Our people are so used to fighting that we ought to keep it in check with money, as His Majesty said.”

“……”

“If it was just a tongue, you got lucky; if it were an arm or leg, you’d be paying in the tens of thousands.”

The person who compiled the legal code is Hector. In other words, Hector set such laws.

I can’t help but feel genuine admiration. The Tartar people are not only fighters but also traders, so they care deeply about money.

So instead of getting into a big fight and facing ridiculous penalties, it’s better to just let things go quietly.

After all, there’s nothing more terrifying than money. Hector knows his people all too well.

‘What a genius, huh?’

He clearly didn’t become king of the Tartars for nothing. His intellect is extraordinary.

No wonder the locals would rather argue than fight. They’re scared of losing money.

“Is there anything else I should be cautious about?”

“Not particularly. If you want, I can give you this.”

Godin received the legal code from the guard. It was quite thick.

Just as the guard was tidying up and about to leave, he seemed to remember something and said to me.

“Oh, and student.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll tell you in advance, you touched a clan chief’s family.”

With civilization being established, it seems they treat it more like a family rather than just a chief now. That makes sense.

After hearing that I’d touched a family member of a clan, I just stared blankly. The guard chuckled and added,

“We Tartars don’t forgive those who harm family. Even if you’ve paid the fine, be careful with your body.”

“Are we going to duel then?”

“Probably. The chieftain of the Bouar family, or rather, the chief, doesn’t have the best temperament, so it’s wise to be careful.”

If the guard is saying it so openly, how bad could this guy’s temper be? That made me even more curious.

I secretly hoped that if he came at me, he’d just get thrashed to the point of no return. That would be a lot easier for me.

“Sivar! Sivar, are you here?!”

It was a little while later that I finally heard someone calling for me, just as my break was about to end.

Seeing as Kara looked a bit frantic, I guessed she’d already heard the rumors.

“Yep, I’m here.”

“I heard you cut someone’s tongue?! The clan chief’s brother?!”

“Yep.”

“Oh my!”

As I admitted it straightforwardly, Kara covered her face with one hand.

It’s no surprise that after not being here long, such a major incident has occurred; it must be dizzying for her.

After that, she began mumbling to herself while wringing her hands and then glanced over at me.

I just gave her a completely innocent look.

“……Okay. I heard they were rude first, right?”

“Yep.”

“And they stabbed you first?”

“Yep.”

“Then it’s all good. Good job. You didn’t kill him.”

As long as I didn’t kill him, it was fine. That’s a very Tartar way of thinking.

Kara then went over to Godin and started talking with him.

Every now and then she would glance my way, so I figured they were discussing something related to me.

I cautiously moved closer, finally able to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“I understand Kara’s point, but I’ll be taking Sivar with me. He speaks Tartar fluently.”

“Our language? He couldn’t have learned it for that long, right?”

“I’ve seen him communicate just fine with the locals. You say he hasn’t learned it long?”

“Yeah, maybe just one or two months…”

Kara looked at me while saying that, her expression filled with curiosity.

Godin was also looking at me like Kara but with a lot more intrigue.

Yet when I made eye contact with Godin, I felt an inexplicable sense of unease wash over me. It’s been a while since I felt this uncomfortable.

‘What’s going on? Godin should clearly be a good guy, right?’

Why does he look like he’s eyeing a tasty morsel? Especially with those half-squinted eyes; it makes it even worse.

In any case, I decided to follow Godin instead of Kara. I had no choice because of the translation.

“Sivar, from now on, try to settle things verbally as much as possible. Understood?”

“Yep.”

“And if you do fight, don’t chop or cut; just break stuff. The fines are outrageous.”

“I heard.”

Looks like I’ll have to consider breaking limbs instead. Now Kara seemed to relax a bit and nodded.

A moment later, she left, and we resumed walking. It felt like the heat was easing compared to earlier.

Now that Godin realized I was fluent in Tartar, he started using me more actively.

Thanks to that, we could buy various items at a surprisingly low price.

“100 silver coins!”

“40.”

“100…”

“40.”

“… …”

“40.”

“Okay, 40 silver coins! Is that good?!”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Well, there were times when he pushed hard, but only when the other side was trying to rip us off.

Still, it was too early to get excited. With those fines looming, I had to be careful to haggle well.

This incident would surely reach Rod’s ears. I was already looking forward to what would happen when I returned.

Anyway, thanks to my role as a translator, I was able to finish earlier than planned.

“We’ve bought all the items. Now let’s head back to the lodging.”

“What happens after we return to the lodging?”

“Free time. Oh right, Sivar?”

“What?”

When Godin called for me, I looked over. Godin wore a friendly smile.

“Sivar, could you help someone else? We finished quickly thanks to your translation besides.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you. I’ll make sure to tell the professors how helpful you were.”

So, they’re planning to overlook the fine? Given the price I managed to haggle, it makes sense.

I had no reason to refuse from my side, so I willingly accepted. I also wanted to wander around a bit.

“The price of this item is 1,000 silver coins! If you don’t want to pay more…!”

“Stop scamming.”

“Huh? Si, Sivar student?”

“I bought it for 500 silver coins earlier.”

I schooled each person trying to rip us off one by one as we wandered.

Since everyone was rusty with Tartar, they didn’t even know they were being scammed.

They seemed to just think they had to fit everything into the budget.

It was while I was helping the professors shop that I heard a voice calling me.

“Hey, you there.”

“?”

I turned upon hearing a voice that seemed to be calling me, and it wasn’t friendly at all.

When I looked, men wearing deep navy turbans – darker than the blue ones worn by the guards – were standing there.

Since the blue turbans were the guards, those in navy turbans must be a higher rank. They were probably more military types than police officers.

They called me over and began to look me up and down, almost like they were inspecting me.

“Well, that red-eyed one is definitely familiar. I heard you can understand our language?”

“And?”

“You are being summoned by Chief Bouar…”

I didn’t wait to hear more and spun around. I heard flustered voices from behind.

I didn’t want to be dragged into this situation. Not just ‘didn’t want’, it could well become a headache.

“Damn it. Where did he go?”

“He was just here a moment ago…!”

I anticipated this and slipped into the crowd. While hiding in the crowd, I didn’t forget to wrap a turban around my head.

My black hair and pale skin stuck out too much, so thick clothing was necessary.

I had a feeling something like this might happen, so the turban came in quite handy. As a result, I avoided unnecessary trouble.

“Sivar?”

“?”

But some people can recognize me without a doubt, without even a bit of suspicion.

Hearing a familiar voice, I turned to see who it was.

With those familiar golden eyes blinking at me, the girl was Ellie.

“Ellie?”

“Yep. It’s Ellie.”

“Why are you wrapped up so…”

“Quick, hide! They can’t have gone far!”

Before I could even question her more, I heard an annoying voice from behind. I made sure to cover my face and act oblivious.

Meanwhile, Ellie glanced over my shoulder and said to me.

“Sivar, show me your face for a sec.”

“My face?”

“Yeah. Show me your face. Lower your mask.”

I had no idea what she was trying to do, but I complied. Just as we leaned in closer, she swiftly pulled down her own mask.

Then, she wrapped her arms around my neck.

– smooch!

As she tightened her grip, our lips met. I was so startled, I could only blink.

But Ellie didn’t care, continuing the kiss. She closed her eyes as if concentrating.

What started as a surprise kiss felt somewhat familiar. I also closed my eyes and accepted it without a word.

– smooch! smooch!

“Where did he go?”

“That way!”

As our kiss grew more passionate, I heard voices right next to us.

Luckily, they seemed to overlook the part with the foreign kiss and rushed off to another area.

As soon as I saw them disappear, I cautiously pulled my lips away.

Was it because we kissed for a long time, or was it just a kiss packed with emotions?

But there was a long silver thread left connecting our lips; what a bizarre sight indeed.

“Hehe, how was it?”

“……”

“I think I did well on the fly, right?”

With a bright smile, Ellie said that, warming my heart with her happiness.

I awkwardly pulled my mask back up over my face. My cheeks had suddenly flushed.

“……Thanks.”

“If you’re grateful, can you do it again?”

“N-now?”

I glanced around, worried about others’ reactions.

Since I had just put on such a cringe-worthy display, there must be unfavorable eyes on us.

It was a street bustling with many people, so it felt a bit embarrassing.

They might not be a judgmental country, but I’m not immune to this kind of scrutiny. It was all so sudden.

“Tsk tsk. For a man, you should be bolder about these things.”

“Traditionally, the man should initiate the kiss.”

“If you were my son, I would’ve nagged endlessly.”

“Can a weakling even protect his own wife?”

I was definitely getting roasted, and most of it was directed my way.

Is there only the concept of macho men or women among the Tartars? Or should this be called barbaric?

Caught in a middle ground between civilization and barbarism, there was just a flamboyant display of ‘romance.’ It was all rather ridiculous.

“Aren’t you going to do it?”

“……Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Hehe, come here.”

Compelled by her enthusiasm, I had no choice. Ellie beamed as she opened her arms to me.

At that moment, I could feel the eyes of those around us. Everyone pretended not to notice, but I could see them sneaking glances our way.

I hesitated, then in a moment of surrender, I pulled Ellie into an embrace and slowly leaned in.

– smooch! smooch!

The kiss intensified from before, our faces tilting as it deepened.

“Right! This is what it’s about!”

“That foreign girl is quite something, huh? It’s not every day you see a woman like that.”

It’s sad that my translation function is failing me here. They probably don’t realize I can understand them.

Feeling like my face was flushing even more, I slowly detached my lips again. The silver thread stretched once more.

– lick

Ellie licked that silver line. She might not realize it, but what an audacious act.

I turned my head slightly to hide my embarrassment. Then, Ellie looked down at me intently.

“What’s wrong? Are you embarrassed?”

“……No.”

“Your face is all red.”

I quietly replied to her playful teasing.

“……It’s just hot.”

I knew even as I said it that it was a weak excuse.

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