CH 193

Estian quickly traversed down the mountain path, but not before looking back to the spot where he’d left Cecile. He could make out the bluish protective barrier of the blue phoenix in the distance. ‘That should be enough,’ he thought.

The phantom beasts ruining the apple farm were considered the weakest among even the lesser kind, and apart from the apples, they hadn’t inflicted any casualties or damage to other areas yet either. That meant the creatures were strictly inhabiting the farm. Though it was somewhat bothersome, by no means was it dangerous.

This matter was like having to catch flies that couldn’t be shooed away, except that the pests in question were slightly larger and stronger, and were considered difficult opponents for ordinary folk. However, for Estian, they were truly no more than flying pests.

Entering the orchard, Estian was confronted with a scene just as Maggie had described. Countless withered apples hung all over the apple trees, and those were the ones in better condition. Most of the fruit were scattered on the ground.

Estian felt annoyed at the sight of apple husks that weren’t even rotting due to the phantom beasts having sucked out all the juices. Why’d these beasts have to appear and wreak havoc now of all times, when Cecile was visiting the city? If it weren’t for them, she’d have been happily enjoying an apple pie by now. Resolving to lay waste upon those phantom beasts, he began to move.

‘Is it there?’ When he moved further inside the orchard, he found several untouched apple trees. He knew that the moment someone attempted to pick the fruit, the beasts would appear, but he moved without hesitation. Immediately, he heard the large buzzing of a bee. Ignoring the angry sound, he reached out and plucked a ripe apple from the tree.

Giving the apple a sniff, a sweet and sour fragrance filled his nose. It was a scrumptious smell that made the tongue salivate. Estian smiled as he slipped it into his pocket. He was already thinking of how happy Cecile, as a lover of fruits, would be when he handed it over to her as soon as he dealt with the phantom beasts.

While he was lost in his thoughts, the buzzing sound had grown more furious and drew closer. Estian immediately drew his black steel blade. A phantom beast with some degree of intelligence would’ve immediately halted the instant Estian drew his sword, recognizing that it possessed the power to inflict huge damage. However, the buzzing didn’t stop.

Clang! One of the phantom beasts immediately connected with his sword, causing Estian to instantly take swift action. ‘I’m glad it’s nighttime,’ he thought. It was a relief that Cecile wouldn’t be able to witness him massacring these beasts under the cover of night. If she did, it would certainly be hard for her to welcome him back with a smile.

* * *

Within the span of minutes, Estian had dealt with the phantom beasts that had plagued others for several weeks. If Kane had been here to witness it, he would’ve shaken his head in disapproval—it was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

The emperor immediately began plucking the fruits from the apple tree to his heart’s content. He decided half should be transported straight to the villa, with the other half returned to Maggie. Since the woman had claimed she’d be able to bake pies as soon as the apples were procured, he intended to hold her to it. Once he was satisfied with the pile he’d gathered, Estian hastily made his way down the mountain path to where he’d left Cecile.

To his relief, he found the blue protective barrier was still shining in place, and Cecile seemed fine inside it too. However, as he got closer, he noticed what was in her hands. She was sitting and reading a book. Estian instantly broke into a frantic sprint towards her.

“I feel like the books always help in times of danger.” Although Cecile had professed a sense of reassurance from the mysterious books, Estian hadn’t yet been able to completely trust the help they gave. “Cecile!” Estian cried. He immediately snatched the book from her as soon as he was within reach.

Seeing that Estian was about to toss it, Cecile shouted, “The title! Look at its title!”