Karahan (5)
"Hephaestus, calm down for now."
"Phew… Huu… Phew…"
Mariel wore a deeply flustered expression, and honestly, so did I.
The idea that a plant cherished by a criminal organization was created by Hephaestus's master…
Of course, considering what I knew about Yuria from the game, she wasn't the type to be captured by some insignificant criminal group.
Which means…
Either Yuria had been overpowered by someone incredibly strong…
Or…
Yuria was affiliated with that organization.
Additionally, the fact that the members were plucking the leaves to take to their boss… implied they fully understood the plant's properties.
"Alright. Now… you can ask what you want to know."
Hephaestus, looking much calmer now, spoke with a resolute expression.
"You've done well. So, first… are you certain that the Eliximona you know matches the plant Mariel described?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Every time Master traveled far, she would transfer it into a portable pot. I remember it clearly. Besides… she even brought it along for this mission."
Hearing Hephaestus's explanation, Rubia gave a small nod.
"Eliximona… Eliximona. It's certainly a plant I've never heard of. Do you know what its leaves are used for?"
"No… I only know it's extraordinary. I don't know the specifics of its effects…"
Hephaestus trailed off, her voice growing quieter, and lowered her head.
Rubia, too, seemed deep in thought, lightly tapping her chin.
A suffocating silence fell over us, and it was me who broke it.
"Th-then… should we return to Ursphere…? M-maybe… Hic…"
Suddenly feeling all three pairs of eyes on me, I froze up.
It's just three people!
Can't I even talk in front of three people? What a weakling!
But… their expressions were all so grim…
What if they lash out at me?
"Ughhh…"
As I shrank and stammered, Rubia gently took my hand in hers.
"Noah, it's okay. Go on and speak."
The warmth of her touch seemed to ease my tension a little.
"Huu… Haa… W-What about going back to Ursphere? Since Mariel managed to escape, she might have a general idea of the location… Or maybe not…"
"That does make sense. Mariel, do you think you can give us an approximate idea of where you escaped from?"
Rubia turned to Mariel, her voice slightly louder, and Mariel flinched before answering.
"Ah… yes, if we go to Ursphere, I think I could point it out, but…"
"That's fine. Just take us to the general area. We'll handle the rest. Right, Noah?"
Huh? Suddenly me?
As I tilted my head in confusion, Rubia leaned in and whispered.
"Can't you use your sensory ability to see inside buildings?"
"Ah…! Y-Yes, I can…!"
Rubia, you genius!
An absolute genius!
"So Mariel, just show us the location, then you can head somewhere safe. I can recommend a temple or a hospital for you."
"In that case… understood. I'll let you know."
Mariel clenched her fists tightly and nodded.
At the same time, Hephaestus raised her head with a slightly more composed expression.
"However, descending the mountain right now is too much. Let's get a good night's rest and move early tomorrow morning."
"Yeah. Got it… but… what if–"
"Hephaestus. It's okay. You said your master wouldn't do something like that, right?"
"Th-that's true, but… hic–"
"It's fine. The worst case scenario won't happen. Let's get some rest tonight and discuss this tomorrow."
With one hand still holding mine and the other patting Hephaestus's shoulder, Rubia looked like a compassionate saint.
"Rubia unnie… thank you, truly…"
"You're thanking me for everything. Anyway, go wash up and get some sleep. Your face will swell up tomorrow morning otherwise."
"Yeah… I will."
As Hephaestus trudged off toward the basin of water, Rubia turned to Mariel.
"Mariel, I still have more questions to ask, but for now, rest. You'll need strength to move tomorrow morning. We'll be walking to the outskirts, so it might be tiring."
"Ah, yes. Understood."
Mariel also got up and followed Hephaestus.
Rubia then turned to look at me.
Watching her constantly turning to everyone made me chuckle softly.
"Noah? Is something funny?"
"Hehe… Ah, um… n-no… It's just funny how busy you are…"
"My head hurts and my neck aches, and you find my state funny?"
Rubia's voice turned playfully annoyed as she pinched my cheek.
"Mwehhk! Agh, I'm showwy…!"
"Pfft– Goodness, you silly thing. Go get ready for bed. We have to wake up early tomorrow."
She released my cheek and gave my back a light pat.
"T-then, I'll brush my teeth and come back…"
"Alright, go ahead."
As I walked slowly toward my bag, I thought I heard Rubia muttering to herself.
It must've been my imagination...
* * * *
Just as Rubia suggested, we woke up early the next morning, packed our belongings, and set off for Ursphere.
Since Mariel was a civilian, her lack of stamina slowed us down a bit, but we managed to reach the outskirts before sunset.
My first climb of Karahan ended rather anticlimactically, contrary to my initial resolve.
"This place is still noisy as ever," Hephaestus muttered while glancing around.
"Mm… yeah, it is…"
I also looked around, and I was feeling hungry.
We hadn't eaten anything in our haste to descend, and now I was starving…
But the atmosphere was too heavy for me to suggest eating.
So I quietly clutched my growling stomach and trudged along.
Then Rubia asked, "So, what now? Should we head there immediately or rest and go in the morning?"
"Logically, we should rest and approach when we're in good condition. But…"
"I… I think so too…"
Hephaestus clenched her teeth and lowered her head.
She must be desperate to go as soon as possible…
"I don't mind either way."
Mariel's response indicated she'd agree to any decision.
Rubia and Hephaestus both turned their gazes to me.
"Uh, um… I…"
"Speak freely, Noah. Honestly, despite all my talk, your opinion matters the most."
"…What?"
"If something unexpected happens, you'll be the first to face the enemies. Of course, I'll handle it if I can before that, but…"
Hmm… she's right.
I silently expanded my sensory ability and took a closer look at Hephaestus's expression.
Her face was tense, her lips pressed tightly as if holding something back.
If it were me.
If I were in her position.
If Rubia had been kidnapped…
"Let's go right now."
There's no need to think further.
"Huh? Unnie, are you okay…?"
"B-but…"
Hephaestus's face brightened for a moment, then quickly darkened again.
I hesitated, gripping my sword hilt tightly, my lips twitching.
And then…
A loud grumble echoed in the air.
Hephaestus tilted her head.
Rubia looked at me with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
Mariel's expression seemed… uneasy?
"F-food first… I'm so hungry…"
"Oh, right. We haven't eaten yet."
Hephaestus finally realized we'd been starving this whole time.
"Yeah, let's eat first."
Rubia still wore a faintly amused expression.
Mariel… she smiled? Just barely.
It wasn't visible in her face, but subtle muscle movements hinted at a faint grin.
"Pardon me for interrupting, but… may I use the restroom?"
Mariel spoke with an embarrassed expression, wiping away any previous trace of that smile.
Something feels… off.
"Oh, yes. Go ahead."
"Then I'll–"
"Hephaestus. Let's check out some restaurants while we wait."
Rubia cut Hephaestus off, grabbing her shoulder to stop her.
"Huh…? Unnie…? No, I was going to the bathroom–"
"Noah, shall we go together?"
"Uh… oh, uh…"
Rubia's expression made it clear I had no choice but to nod.
"Great. Mariel, we'll look around nearby."
"Ah, yes. I'll be back quickly."
Rubia maintained a friendly smile until Mariel disappeared from view.
Then…
"Listen carefully, everyone."
The moment Mariel was out of sight, Rubia's face turned fierce.
"It's clear Hephaestus's master isn't in Red Scorpion's base. The chances of Eliximona being there are slim too."
"Huh? W-what do you mean…?"
"There's no time for questions right now. Listen to me first. And take this."
Rubia pulled a small stone out of her pocket.
"Huh…?"
It was the tracking artifact taken from Mariel's stomach.
But didn't she say it had been destroyed?
"It wasn't remotely activated; it had to be triggered manually."
"What…?"
"Wait… what?"
After taking a moment to steady her breath, Rubia continued.
"That's plausible enough. But the moment she saw me… she started pressing her stomach, as if searching for something."
Rubia clenched her teeth silently for a moment, then growled through gritted teeth.
"That damn woman… She's a Red Scorpion, no doubt. Actually, I'm certain."
"U-unnie…?"
Hephaestus's startled voice broke through the tension as Rubia muttered something under her breath.
"Those bastards… trying to mess with what's mine? Even tearing them apart wouldn't be enough."
Rubia's face, twisted like that of a vengeful demon, turned toward me.
"Hic–"