Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Amidst the tranquility, the sound of wood burning echoed dryly, spreading its resonance throughout the silence. It was the crackling fire that Philip had kindled. The flickering firelight faintly outlined the surroundings, painting a hazy picture of the landscape.

It was a nightmarish scene, countless wolf corpses lay severed, their limbs and entrails scattered and entangled. However, amidst this chaos, Maeve stood still like a statue, her eyes showing a hint of unease. Thankfully, the silence didnt last long.

Ian? Is that you? Maevee asked as she stared into the darkness.

Philip, who had been flipping logs, also turned his head abruptly. Through the darkness, the faint outlines of an approaching figure emerged.

Yes. Im unharmed, a slow reply followed. The voice was as languid as Maevees sluggish state from waiting.

Maeve took a step forward. What was that thing from earlier-

Have the wolves all retreated? Interrupting Maevees question, Ian finally furrowed his brows.

Taking a long breath, she answered,Yes. Not long after you entered the forest, they scattered in all directions. But more importantly, you should explain what that was all about- Once again, she couldnt finish her sentence properly. Ians lack of response registered in Maevees eyes belatedly. You dont need to explain.

Ian retorted as he took a step forward. Its exactly how it seems. With a swift motion, he tossed something in his hand towards the fire. The blurry trajectory landed near the bonfire, rolling towards Philip who sat crouched nearby. It was Andolfs severed head, with its tongue sticking out.

By Lou Solas mercy! Philip exclaimed, falling onto his butt, What is this?

A werewolf. He was the one leading the pack of wolves. Ians response halted his words.

Maeve, who had been scrutinizing Andolfs head, turned to look at him with surprise. Ians lips twitched slightly as their gazes met.

How did you know that such a monster was leading that pack of wolves?

I didnt know, but I heard rumors. They said that a pack of wolves were roaming this area that only hunted people. Havent you heard the stories? Ian spoke slowly, Even rumors that seem absurd are bound to be mingled with the truth, especially these days. He shrugged, But these mutts are just big, there was nothing special about them. Thats why I decided to cut the boss off.

He didnt need to say anything more, his expression spoke volumes. It wasnt just empty bravado. Ian looked like he had just left a river of blood and flesh. He had, indeed, confronted the werewolf and returned victorious. It also meant that he had been in a grueling fight by himself in that forest.

With that realization, Maeve regarded him with new eyes, a gaze of genuine surprise. She realized that the claim he had single-handedly annihilated the kobold camp was neither exaggerated nor a mere stroke of luck. Perhaps Ian truly had the ability to track down the warlock. It was still reckless. Maeves voice remained grave. If that creature had been stronger than the werewolves, you could have died. You should have moved with me. Putting aside personal considerations, Ian must not die. He had to arrive safely in the capital. For that, such impulsive actions couldnt be repeated.

Scratching his jaw, Ian glanced at her. I dont think you wouldve been very helpful chasing him down in that outfit..

Maeves eyebrow twitched upward at his audacity. Her voice carried a newfound strength. I am faster than you think, even in this state.

Of course. Ian replied with a sly grin. He wouldve sensed you as a threat. I moved alone to bait him, otherwise, he might have fled. If he did, we wouldve lost him, and we wouldnt know when hed come after us again. We cant let that threat linger.

Even if thats true, its nothing but speculation.

Then why do you think he was hiding and watching us ready to spring into action. He mustve felt the danger, besides hes not as formidable as he appears. So I went alone.

Maeve fell silent for a moment.

After a couple of hours of travel, the group unpacked by a stream that crossed the center of the forest. While Phillip prepared the campfire, Ian leisurely got off the horse. Phillips horse was much more comfortable than Ians old horse that he had been riding.

When he got off, the headpiece of Andorf, tied to the saddle next to it, swung loosely. It was Phillips work, although Ian wondered why he had brought it in the first place, he turned his gaze to the stream. What was important right now wasnt that headpiece, he had only thought the stream would be so small that he could only wash his face, but the stream, which roughly imitated a river, was quite strong.

As Ian sat down on a nearby rock and started to loosen his armor straps, Maeve raised her head and asked, What are you doing?

As you can see. Im taking off my armor.

And what if we get attacked again?

You didnt feel it on the way here? There probably isnt even a single deer left in this forest. Ian shrugged his shoulders. The werewolves occupied the forest, remember? If there was anything around here, they probably all fled. Even if there was something in the forest, he needed to wash off. Muttering to himself, Ian took off his armor and shoulder pads with some difficulty. His whole body was sticky with sweat and blood.

Oh, I see. Thats true. Maeve mumbled as she scratched her head.

Ian, are you planning to wash up now? Phillip, who had already set up a campfire and laid out the ground, asked suddenly.

Ian was struggling to peel off his shirt, which was sticking to him, along with the armor that didnt come off easily. Of course!

Phillips face turned red as he heard this. Ian glanced at him with a strange look. And then he took out a bundle from his bag as if he had suddenly thought of something. It was the smoked ham, cheese and wheat bread from the maid. Take half of it and prepare it for tonight. We will finish it tomorrow.

Yes! Ill prepare it right away.

Wash your hands first. After the food is ready, wash my armor off too.

Yes! Philip hurried to the creek.

Ian smirked at his back as he hurried away. He added, as if suddenly remembering, Ill ask for your understanding in advance. Im going to take off my clothes. Im planning to wash my body as well.

As long as I dont see it, I dont care. Maeve calmly replied as she nonchalantly took off her helmet, then her steel gloves one by one, and put her hands through the armholes of the elbow guards.

Ian said. I thought you were going to sleep in that armor.

Im planning to wash my body too. Maeve casually replied.

Are you serious?

Maeve looked at him. What do you mean?

I mean, youre going to wash your body now?

Of course. Is there a problem?

Oddly, a flustered expression appeared on Ians face.