Chapter 131: Harmful Tradition (3)

Chapter 131: Harmful Tradition (3)

Night falls.

Tomorrow was the day I had planned to return to Stockpin.

After finishing training to clear my head, I sat in a suitable spot, gazing at the darkness descending over the city.

A chilly wind brought back memories.

Maybe it was because of the human Village, it reminded me more of my childhood.

Sometimes, I think those days were happier.

There was no food or place to sleep, but I didnt have these worries.

Surviving day by day with friends was fun, and the time spent with Sien was blissful.

In times like these, it was easier when the body was weary.

Thinking and worrying were certainly not in my nature.

-Thum...Thum...

Just then, someone approached this place.

It was the sound of the heavy footsteps of a man.

Turning around, I saw a Lizardman from the Pantora family walking towards me alone.

Although Ive gotten used to meeting nobles through my wives, I didnt want to cause any trouble.

I stood up, preparing to show respect.

Stay seated, its alright.

But the Lizardman stopped me.

He then stood next to me, looking down at the city together.

This place has its charm. Theres a sense of openness.

...

The one who broke the silence greeted me.

I am Mir Pantora, the head of the Pantora family.

Im Berg.

Right, I know. Theres been a lot of talk about you. Ive been wanting to have a chat for some time.

The atmosphere wasnt hostile.

Relieved by that fact, I too let out a sigh.

He spoke.

Must be complicated in your head, right? Suddenly facing a divorce with one of your wives.

...Hasnt that decision not been made yet?

Well...

The head of the Pantora family, who approached casually, shrugged his shoulders.

In his words, there seemed to be an implication, as if to say just watch.

My expression naturally soured.

Honestly, it made me wonder if this was even reasonable.

But then again, I couldnt object.

Opposing the royal family would easily spell the end for a mercenary group like ours.

Another reason I could somewhat suppress my emotions was because of the feelings my wives had for me.

They were still just friends.

It was no secret that they wanted to leave me.

No matter how close weve become... a lifetime commitment needs a promise.

...Maybe they would be happy if polygamy was abolished.

Perhaps they were hoping to part as good friends.

This thought made me feel a bit suffocated.

How is your married life going?

Mir Pantora asked, as if inquiring about my well-being.

I just nodded, without another response.

I didnt want to tell him about the strains starting to show in our relationship.

Surprising. Who would have thought that such special beings would become your wives, a human, and a commoner.

I looked up at Mir Pantora.

Special beings?

Why, Ner Blackwood was famous for that white tail. You being a commoner might not have known. It was also a shocking fact that Lady Blackwood died because of her. And how sensitive Lord Blackwood became afterward, you probably wouldnt know.

...It wasnt Ners fault.

Well, thats what they say. And Ner Blackwood, despite all, was coveted by many because she grew up pretty. Who would have thought shed end up with a mercenary? Ah, Im not being sarcastic, dont take it the wrong way.

I nodded.

For a mercenary like me, it was indeed unusual as he had said.

Mir Pantora continued.

Then theres Arwin Celebrien. An elf born with an exceptionally long lifespan. But that very lifespan led to her ruin, and she went through a period of erratic behavior. Ha, never thought she would end up with someone.

I knew Arwin had many scars, but I didnt realize she was a topic of such gossip among the nobles.

I was unaware of how much information circulated among them.

Is it common for nobles to have such information about other families?

Not really, our family is a bit special. I have a keen interest in others stories. Thats also why I approached you, to dig into such information.

He said with a slight smile.

His frankness actually put me at ease.

So, the two of them... are they doing well?

Again, I nodded.

...Yes.

Perhaps that was more my hope than reality.

Mir Pantora nodded as he spoke.

Well, they seem to be getting along. I never expected Ner Blackwood to be so expressive with her tail. Nor did I imagine Arwin Celebrien could smile like that.

...

It was comforting to know that others saw our relationship positively.

I just hoped our slowly developing relationship would continue to progress.

I remained silent, looking ahead.

He asked.

...Have you been intimate?

...

I looked at him coldly in response to that question.

Even for a noble, it was too bold a query.

I was reminded of the inscrutability characteristic of Lizardmen.

Seeing my look, Mir Pantora smiled.

Dont be so hostile. I have my reasons for asking.

...

The Saintess nodded at her answer.

Again, a voice tinged with sadness.

Unable to hold back, Ner finally asked,

...Is something troubling you?

Me?

Your voice sounds sad.

...

Upon hearing the question, the Saintess body stiffened, and then she managed a strained smile.

...No, its nothing.

Then she took a deep breath.

Quickly wanting to shift back to the main topic, the Saintess turned around.

Looking directly into Ners eyes, she handed her the book she was holding.

...What is this?

Ner asked, and the Saintess replied.

...Its a book filled with various medical knowledge.

...

Ner-nim?

Ner carefully received the book, making sure her fingers didnt touch the Saintess hand, and simultaneously asked,

Why this... to me...

Ive traveled the world healing people, thanks to the miracle bestowed upon me by the goddess Hea.

The Saintess said with a smile.

At the same time, as a reward, I received many gifts... but medical knowledge isnt necessary for me. My mere touch heals wounds.

...

Ner felt grateful, but the Saintess answer still didnt explain why she was giving her the book.

It was odd for someone she had no prior connection with to give her a gift.

Ner spoke,

Thank you. But... I still dont understand why youre giving this to me.

Why out of so many people, she chose her.

The Saintess cautiously explained.

Use it to protect your husband.

...........What?

Ner suddenly became defensive.

Her expression involuntarily frowned.

She already didnt like the exchange of looks between Berg and the Saintess, and this only added to her discomfort.

Could it be that the Saintess has developed feelings for Berg?

Even though shes a Saintess.

Being from the same human race, Ners guard was raised even higher.

Why would you, a Saintess, be concerned about my husband?

...Its my way of repaying Ner-nim. I received much help as a child. Besides, knowing the werewolf tribes extensive knowledge in medicine, I thought it could be helpful. And...

...?

Ner waited for the Saintess to continue.

After a moment of hesitation, the Saintess finally spoke.

...Because Berg saved me.

......

Ner was stunned by her words.

Before she could let anger rise, the Saintess added,

...In the recent war, he moved me to safety when I was unconscious.

......

So, please take it. It might be of great help someday.

Ner, about to express her anger over the Saintess casual use of Bergs name, realizes its not that simple.

She wasnt the type to easily show anger towards someone.

She also wondered if she was being overly sensitive.

Berg had saved her life, after all. Maybe it was okay to act this way.

Getting angry at the Saintess just for calling his name felt petty.

Moreover, Ner had been worried about Berg getting hurt.

As the Saintess said, this book might contain vital information she needed.

...

Despite feeling displeased, Ner decided it was right to express her due gratitude.

...Thank you. Ill take a look at the book.

At her words, the Saintess once again wore a bittersweet expression and nodded.

Ner!

Just then, Bergs voice echoed from somewhere.

Ner immediately turned her head toward the direction of Bergs voice.

Berg!

She ran towards him, feeling a sudden surge of joy.

However, Bergs eyes were not on Ner.

Instead, he was looking past her, seemingly in a standoff with the Saintess behind her.

...?

Realizing Bergs gaze wasnt on her, Ner felt a twinge of displeasure and turned around.

The Saintess had already turned her back and was walking away.

What were you talking about?

Berg asked as he approached.

Ner held up the book she had just received.

I got this book. She said she hopes it will be helpful.

What kind of book is it?

A book with medical knowledge. She hopes it will be useful to us.

....

Berg closed his mouth, falling silent.

After a moment of silence, he finally said to Ner,

...Lets go back. We need to depart tomorrow.

The End of The Chapter

[TL: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 5 chapters ahead of the release: /readingpia

Join Our Discord for regular updates and have fun with other community members: /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]