Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Soo dusted herself off on the spot. Then, as if it was only natural that the beginning should start from his side, she gazed vacantly at Beric.

So, should I start the timing?

Click.

Soo set the pocket watch hanging on her waist. Simultaneously, Beric lunged in, hurling his fist at Soo.

Get ready for a cry when you get hit! No mercy!

Bring it on!

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The chill sound of fists cutting through the air echoed. Beric, exuding vitality in every move, seemed quite desperate. In contrast, Soo was remarkably calm, dodging all attacks just by retreating step by step.

There we go. 1 minute passed.

Crazy! How long are you going to run away?

What if I dont run away? Can you handle it?

What nonsense! F*ck! Fight properly!

Emotion seeped into his punches, throwing off his rhythm. Ian, who seemed to understand the meaning of Soos words well, sat on a neatly cut rock and watched.

See what happens when I attack!

Smack!

Soo, who seemed to enjoy it, smacked Berics chin.

Her punch landed squarely. Berics balance wavered significantly, but he barely maintained it by putting strength into his thighs.

He looked up at Soo, slightly startled. To be honest, it seemed that the shock was less from the physical impact, and more from surprise.

You

Isnt it a bit frustrating? Not being able to lay a finger on your opponent and just getting beaten up. Well, I dont mind if youre okay with it.

This crazy, assh*le.

Smack!

Before he could even finish swearing, Berics head spun to the left again. Soo pressed Beric continuously with swift attacks.

All Ian could do was sigh, with his chin propped up.

Hes met his match.

Given Soos temperament, its doubtful if the duel will conclude neatly. Beric could do nothing but stand still and take the onslaught of blows coming from all directions. It was as if dozens of bees were stinging him, Soos strikes exploded from all sides.

Smack!

Beric. Are you okay?

F*ck. Dont talk to me.

Glad youre okay.

Beric glared at Ian with narrowed eyes. If his focus was disturbed even slightly, his opponent would strike his vital points. For now, defense was the best strategy.

Ian also glanced at the annex while checking the pocket watch. There was a man, presumably Nersarn, standing by the window.

2 minutes left.

Smack! Smack!

Soos footwork became even more intense in response to Ians announcement. She seemed to be having a great time, almost sorry that the time was about to end. Although there wasnt much time left, one thing became clear from the 3-minute duel.

Soo. You are really fast.

Of course. Do you think his lordship Nersarn brought me along for nothing? No one in the tribe can keep up with me.

But did you know?

Was it because Ians voice was tinged with laughter? Unconsciously, Soo turned her head back. For a moment, she had the illusion that Ians eyes were golden in the darkness.

Despite your tens of unidirectional attacks, Beric is still fine. You are fast, but theres not much substance.

No matter how much magical power was suppressed and no matter how good Berics stamina was, it had been a one-sided fight. Despite constantly being hit, Beric hadnt fallen.

Soos dark complexion flushed red when the bulls eye was hit. It seemed to be a problem she was aware of.

You!

Normally, one should be severely injured by now.

Hah! Because I was going easy on you, you guys!

Soo screamed in excitement. Simultaneously, her kick lost its finesse and gave birth to flaws in her attack. Beric, who was gripping the back of her neck, seized the opportunity and grabbed her ankle.

It hurts like hell even if it doesnt bleed.

Hey! Let go! Wont you let go?

This is Ian.

Come in.

No! Dont come in!

Soo. Youre being noisy.

Opening the door and entering, a scene of pandemonium registered in Ians eyes. Gansha and Mujurun were wiping Soos face with a cloth. However, it was only getting more stained, with no progress being made.

If you wish, I can offer you a cleaning solution to erase it.

Are you joking? Offering a disease and a cure!

Nersarn raised his finger, indicating for silence. Then he turned towards Ian.

I certainly allowed a duel, but this is absurd. I feel insulted.

Do you? If so, I apologize, but surely this is better than appearing in front of Bratz with a bruised and swollen face?

In a contest, there are no ifs.

However, Soos face makes ifs possible. Considering how much paint has been applied, what more is there to say.

Nersarns eyes narrowed. Soo seemed ready to explode in fury, while Gansha and Mujurun exchanged unreadable looks.

Ahaha! Haha!

Breaking the silence was Nersarns laughter. Along with him, Gansha and Mujurun also burst into laughter, leaving Soo the only one with a glum face.

Fine. I lost. Theres nothing as vulgar as not accepting a loss. Beric, was it? Soo was gritting her teeth quite a bit. Ill have to take the boy to the desert and make him work like a slave.

Even though he said that, there is no slavery among the Cheonrye people. Everyone is family, Ian added politely,

Please forgive the rudeness, but I hope you understand my intentions well, Nersarn.

A wound on someone along with Dergha noticing it could call for unpredictable variables in a mutual relationship. If unlucky, both Ian and the Cheonrye people might find themselves in a difficult situation.

Nersarn laughed, with a long pipe in his mouth.

Very well. Bring one more Kusilre during the reconciliation ceremony.

This meant he would bring transportation for Beric. Ian expressed gratitude and took out a small bottle from his pocket.

If you mix this with water and use it while washing, it should work.

Ta-da!

Soo grabbed the solution without a word and ran into the bathroom. Gansha and Mujurun chuckled while Nersarn offered a glass of wine to Ian.

Would you like a glass?

There were no restrictions for children among the Cheonrye. All were free under their own responsibility. Ian felt a thrill from sipping the wine after a long time.

* * *

Nersarn.

Yes, Your Lordship.

The dawn was breaking.

The city was still asleep, but the Bratz mansion was as busy as midday. Preparations were being made for the guests who came like the wind to depart.

They all gathered in the main dining room and had a hearty meal. They had a long journey ahead.

I will accept your request. The reconciliation ceremony will be one week from today. Its urgent, so we will carry out the schedule with minimal preparations.

On behalf of the Cheonrye tribe, I thank you for your understanding, Your Lordship.

Please convey my wishes for safe travels to the chief.

Dergha had returned home a few hours ago, when it was still very dark.

He must have had a deep conversation about the situation with Sir Molrin. Probably, within today or tomorrow, Sir Molrin will probably be heading to the capital very soon. For the sake of Ians admission, theyre likely to present the emperor with the whistleblowers seal instead of an admission application.

Then, until we meet again, Demosha (God Bless You).

The Cheonrye tribe left their greetings and climbed onto Kusilre. Soo, who had freshened up overnight, wore a hood and looked at Ian. When Ian smiled slightly, she gritted her teeth in annoyance, out of sight.

Lets go!

Open the gate!

Neigh

With the sound of Kusilres cry and the loud clatter of hooves, they quickly left the mansion just as they had arrived.

Dergha, the Countess, Chel, and most of the servants watched their departure. They seemed not yet awakened from the drowsiness of dawn.

The reconciliation ceremony is in a week. Well need to keep it simple, but well need to be prepared.

Yes, understood.

Then, the one urging them on was the butler. The servants snapped back to their senses and looked at Ian. They couldnt read the childs expression.