Chapter 145 EPISODE 145 ARKEMANS TREASURE (1)

Terms used in this chapter:

PvP

short for Player versus Player. A gaming term where two players/teams fight against each other.

At the crossroads between the seventh and eight peaks.

Jude sat next to Cordelia and was looking towards the eight peak when he suddenly spoke.

Theyre coming.

He didnt see them with his eyes. He had felt and confirmed it through sound.

Ever since he had opened the fifth door, his five senses and also his ability to sense the presence of people had remarkably improved, so he could sense anyone approaching from tens of meters away in such an unfrequented place.

Of course, its because I know in advance which direction theyll be coming from, and that were waiting for them.

Moreover, he had scattered some branches on the road where Princess Darianne and her group would come from in order to hear the sounds more clearly. So he would hear a sound if they stepped on it.

Anyway.

Princess Darianne and her group were coming.

At Judes words, Cordelia pricked her ears and then said in a slightly nervous voice.

Isnt this weird?

No, its not weird. Its completely natural.

Ummm

She asked if it was weird, but he replied that it wasnt really weird, so Cordelia thought it was strange.

Because they were pretending to be injured.

Do we have to go this far?

We have to. And as I said before, its not just to appeal to everyone that we fought in a fierce battle.

I know, you want to lie about our real power, right?

Yes, not because of Princess Darianne and her groupbut because of the enemies waiting for us in the royal capital.

The more the enemies misjudge the power of Jude and Cordelia, the more favorable the fight on the royal capital would be for the two.

Whether we like it or not, our history will be known to some extent through Princess Dariannes group. It will be difficult if it is known that we are skilled enough to defeat a giant chimera without any injuries.

HmmI see.

In PvP, it would become disadvantageous for one side if things like the number of items and treasures they have were known.

There was also the need to leak false information so that the enemies would misjudge the power of Jude and Cordelia.

Im just nervous because I cant see.

Its alright. Im next to you, okay?

Thats why Im nervous.

Cordelias eyes were now covered with a bandage.

Their story was that she had temporarily lost her eyesight because of excessive magic usage, but regardless, she felt uncomfortable and nervous because she couldnt see what was in front of her.

If we do this, I wont be able to know the reaction of Princess Dariannes group.

But Jude seemed to be thinking something different, as he tightly held Cordelias hand and said.

Dont worry. Ill hold your hands like this so that you wont fall or bump into anything.

No, thats not it

Here they come. Shh!

Mmph!

Cordelia immediately closed her mouth and pretended to be injured, and Jude looked ahead while feigning to be exhausted.

After a few seconds.

Jude-orabeoni? Cordelia-unnie!

Princess Darianne finally appeared and made a startled voice before running towards them.

Your Highness. You came

Jude stood up from his seat and then groaned as he frowned, and Princess Darianne became even more surprised and asked.

Does it hurt so much? W-whats wrong with unnies eyes?!

Jude had bloodied bandages wrapped around his arms, legs, and so on while Cordelias eyes were covered so she couldnt even see anything.

Jude felt a bit guilty about Princess Dariannes reaction, as her eyes quickly reddened as if she was going to cry at any moment, but he couldnt say that they were just acting.

Lets finish to the end what weve already started.

Jude pushed away his thoughts and said as he skillfully acted.

Please dont worry too much about our injuries. Weve already treated it.

B-but

Its alright, Your Highness. Please dont worry too much.

Although Cordelia spoke in a kind voice after Jude, Princess Dariannes eyes became even more teary.

Because she was heartbroken to see Cordelia fumbling in the air as if she was looking for the princess.

U-unnieyour eyes

Ah, its okay. Its a temporary condition. I used too much magicand I was slightly, really slightly, hit by the chimeras poison.

Cordelia ended her words with a smile, but Princess Darianne became gloomier at Cordelias appearance.

Cordelia had a harrowing and beautiful appearance when she said that she was okay out of her worry for Princess Darianne, even though she had been blinded by poison.

Unnie

Its alright, Your Highness. Is Her Highness alright?

At Cordelias question, Princess Darianne strongly nodded but soon said aloud.

Yes, I wasnt hurt at all.

Thats a relief. The knights

As Cordelias words trailed off, Princess Darianne quickly turned around and Sir Cornwell and his knights approached the three just in time.

There are some with minor injuries, but no one is seriously injured. Its all thanks to the information you gave us.

Haathats a relief.

She thought that it was worth it conveying various information about the dungeon to the princess group by saying that they had heard it from the Fairy Queen.

When Cordelia touched her chest as she sighed in relief, the knights were moved.

Angel.

Shes a saint, a saint.

She was sincerely worried about others even though she had suffered from an injury that caused her to lose her sight, even if it was temporary.

Not only did she have a beautiful face, but she also had a heart of gold.

In any case, at the time when everyone was focused on Cordelia

Jude somehow felt lonely, so he spoke while very naturally acting like a wounded person.

By the wayhow did it go?

Did you find the Seven-Colored Herb?

The expressions of Sir Cornwell and the knights hardened at Judes question, and Princess Darianne was on the verge of tears again.

It was as he expected.

Just as I thought.

Sir Cornwells voice was then heard.

We found the Seven-Colored Herb. Butthere was only one that had grown enough to be useful The rest were still young sprouts.

Then

We could only dig one root.

Sir Cornwell dejectedly answered with mixed feelings as he looked at Jude, and the knights turned their gazes away from Jude.

They had decided to split the Seven-Colored Herbs that they would acquire, but they only got one root.

They couldnt just divide one root into two.

Jude Bayer.

Sir Cornwell closed his eyes for a while before he opened them and tried to continue his words, but Princess Darianne tugged at his arm at that moment.

She shook her head and said.

No, Sir Cornwell. ThisI have to be the one to say it.

Your Highness

Princess Dariannes eyes were red as if she would shed tears at any moment, but she had a determined expression.

As a member of the royal family and as a representative of the group, she must be the one to speak.

Sir Cornwell felt sorry and happy at the same time at her straightforward behavior even though she was still young.

I understand.

Sir Cornwell took a step back, and Princess Darianne gulped and met eyes with Jude.

Orabeoni.

Yes, Your Highness.

As Sir Cornwell said, we could only get one root of the Seven-Colored Herb. So So

The words that should have followed.

The words conveying that she couldnt give the Seven-Colored Herb to Jude and Cordelia.

But those words wouldnt come out of her mouth.

Princess Darianne eventually began to seriously cry, and Cordelia was flustered at her crying.

Princess?

Princess Darianne finally shed her tears upon seeing Cordelia groping in the air again. And among the knights, those who were softhearted like Hunt were almost in tears too.

Then Jude knelt down on one knee.

Its okay, Your Highness.

Jude-orabeoni?

It cannot be helped if theres only one root. Its not Your Highness fault. So please dont look so sorry. Take it with you. Its really okay for me and Cordelia.

When Jude kindly spoke, Princess Darianne bit her lips and Sir Cornwell shut his mouth.

Sir Cornwell had acted quite unfriendly with Jude until now, but that didnt mean he really disliked Jude.

He only maintained the minimum vigilance he should have as an escort.

Jude Bayer

But it seemed that he couldnt act unfriendly anymore.

Sir Cornwell thought that he himself couldnt say something like he was okay with such a selfless face.

Could he say to them to take the Seven-Colored Herb and smile while saying he was okay with it?

B-but orabeoni and unnie arebadly hurt

Princess Darianne looked at the bandages wrapped around Judes arms and legs, and raised her head to look at Cordelia.

She ended up crying again at the appearance of Cordelias awkward and sad smile and the bandage that covered both her eyes.

You two, you twothe Seven-Colored Herb

Your Highness, its okay. Its really okay.

Cordelia quickly lowered her posture and hesitated for a while before she carefully opened her arms, and Princess Darianne hugged Cordelia.

Unniiiie.

Its okay. Im not that hurt.

Having said so far, Cordelia faced Princess Darianne again, and Jude opened his mouth.

Your Highness, are you planning on giving the Seven-Colored Herb to Duke Spencer?

Sob

Yes, orabeoni.

When Princess Darianne responded while in Cordelias arms, Jude continued.

Yes, so all the more does Your Highness should take the Seven-Colored Herb. Because Duke Spencer is like a strong pillar that supports the royal familyand the Slen Kingdom. Furthermore

Judes words slightly softened at the end, and he looked away as if thinking of someone. He then said as he looked at Princess Darianne again.

Because Duke Spencer is Your Highness family. I also have people whom I really care about and love in my hometown. People who I care about like my life. Duke Spencer is such a person to Your Highness, right?

Yes.

So please take it. Please protect your family.

Jude warmheartedly smiled, and Princess Darianne was about to cry again.

Sir Cornwell and the other knights looked at Jude with deeply moved faces.

Hes the example of a knight.

As I thought, he is the child of Count Bayer, the Sword General

He was loyal to the royal family and thought of the country.

Moreover, he was worried about the feelings of Princess Darianne.

I-is orabeoni really okay with it? The one who needs to be treated with the Seven-Colored Herb is

Its me.

Eh?

Its me. My illness is not yet completely cured I was thinking of getting the Seven-Colored Herb to help me. But it cant be helped. Ill put if off for the next opportunity.

W-wait. You arent healed yet?

Ah, I meanI just feel some discomfort at times. But its usually fine. I still look very healthy now, right?

Jude smiled and appealed that he was healthy by pulling off his sleeve to show off his muscles, but in the eyes of Princess Darianne, Sir Cornwell, and the knights, his muscles werent visible.

They could only see an ideal knight who deferred to the royal family and the princess even though he was ill.

Ah, how could there be someone like him?

He took on the most dangerous mission of luring the chimera and also provided the most information about the dungeon.

But despite that, he generously gave up on the Seven-Colored Herb.

I have to admit it.

He deserves to be with the angel.

Theyre good people.

The knights looked at Jude with the same thoughts, and Sir Cornwell made up his mind and nodded before speaking.

Jude Bayer. Ill make sure to tell Duke Spencer about your loyalty.

Eh? No, you dont have to

Sir Cornwell firmly shook his head when Jude said so with a surprised face.

Princess Darianne also clenched her fist and spoke.

No, we have to tell him. Ill also tell Daphne-unnie and Dion-orabeoni about you two. Andplease accept this.

What Princess Darianne took out of her arms was a small seal made of jade.

Thats

Yes, this is my seal. A token of my pledge to help the owner of the seal no matter what.

Princess Darianne had actually questioned the need of it ever being used, but she still carried it according to royal tradition.

But now, she thought that it was fortunate that she had it.

Because she really wanted to express her gratitude to them.

But instead of happily receiving the seal, Jude shook his head.

No, its fine.

Orabeoni?

Jude looked at Cordelia instead of answering right away, and Cordelia groped the air to find the small hand of Darianne before she slightly pushed it away.

Its okay, Your Highness. We did not hope for something like this. We dont want to pressure Your Highness too much.

But

Its really okay. And theres something that I want instead of the seal.

Eh?

At her unexpected words, Princess Darianne widely opened her eyes, and Sir Cornwell frowned for a moment.

Is she now revealing her greed?

Its not even anyone else but she herself?

Of course, what they did was worthy enough to ask for something

But still.

Cordelia had yet to finish talking.

Your Highness, do you know the story of Marie?

Eh? Uhare you talking about the fairy tale?

Yes, Marie and Annie exchanged coins with each other as a token of their friendship.

Ah!

Princess Darianne broadly smiled, and the faces of Sir Cornwell and his knights brightened up again.

I think thats enough. Ummis asking for that too rude?

No, rather, Id like to do that too. Do you think of me as a friend?

If you allow it.

As Cordelia gently smiled, Princess Darianne unconsciously blushed.

Because Cordelia really looked like an angel.

And Sir Cornwell was in admiration again.

Ahtheyre ideal nobles.

How come both of them have such noble and beautiful hearts?

Theyre really a fantasy couple.

They look so good together.

I have no choice but to admit it.

Lady Cordelia is a real angel.

Warm expressions spread on the faces of the knights, and Princess Darianne wiped away her tears and shyly smiled as she hugged Cordelia.

Ill give you the prettiest coin I have when we arrive at the inn.

Me too, Princess.

It was a beautiful scene like a scene straight out of a story.

A satisfied smile appeared on Judes face.

***

Hohoho, hohohoho.

As soon as they entered the inn, or to be exact, their room on the second floor, Jude dramatically laughed, and Cordelia who was holding Judes hand because he was escorting her, pulled her hand away and clicked her tongue.

My goodness, my scammer. Why are you so good?

Hey, what do you mean by scammer? Everything was real.

Did they come forward to play the role of the bait who was the most in danger?

Yes, they really did come forward. Though they very easily defeated the chimera.

Did they need the Seven-Colored Herb but gave it up?

That was also true.

Because it was true that the Seven-Colored Herb was a mysterious herb that contained life energy.

Whether he ate it right away or carried it around in case of an emergency, he did give up on what could have been helpful to him, so it was true that he conceded.

All according to plan.

There was no need for them to worry about on how to get acquainted with Princess Daphne and Prince Dion now.

Furthermore, Duke Spencer, an influential member of the royal family, wouldnt treat them unkindly.

More than anything, we might meet the First Sword.

The Sword Saint of Light, Rhun Froud.

He was said to be the strongest among the Ten Swordmasters and held the title of the First Sword.

Hes close to Duke Spencer, right?

Hes almost like an adopted son.

Currently, the father of First Sword was the leader of the Knights of the Red Rose, the knights who served Duke Spencer.

First Sword also served as a member of the Knights of the Red Rose in his youth.

Good, good. With this momentum, well be able to save everyone in the royal capital!

They would save the royal family by destroying the Devils Hand and the conspiracies of the Minister of Defense.

Cordelia spontaneously laughed when Jude spoke as he clenched his fist.

Why?

No, its just funny.

A scammer who does his best in scamming in order to save everyone.

As expected of my Jude.

After taking off the bandage on her eyes, Cordelia smiled again as she looked at the coin she was tightly holding in her hand.

It was the prettiest silver coin that Princess Darianne chose and gave.

So nice.

Who? My princess?

I mean, Princess Darianne.

She was genuinely apologetic that she even cried.

At Cordelias words, Jude nodded too.

Although Jude was aware of Princess Dariannes character through the game, he couldnt help but be surprised when Princess Darianne shed tears.

Because shes not like royalty.

People who took the sacrifice and concession of others for granted.

In the first place, there were people like that because they were trash, but the situation was a bit different for the royalty.

Because theyre literally royalty.

They had received the sacrifices and concessions of others since they were born as if it was as natural as breathing, so it was also natural for them to become numb to it.

Like how people usually didnt understand the preciousness of air or water.

Perhaps shes the reincarnation of the Second Queen. When she was young, she was actually raised by the duke rather than the royal family.

But isnt the duke technically royalty?

Youre right. He has the natural personality of an angel. Just like my princess.

Stop saying nonsense again and again and again.

Jude laughed when Cordelia growled, and he sat down on the bed and said.

Anyway, you did well. Princess Darianne was also happy to be friends with my princess.

Is it okay?

What is?

We didnt get the seal.

In fact, it was Cordelias ad-lib when she said to exchange friendship tokens instead of getting the seal.

Because she truly didnt want to put a heavy burden on Princess Darianne.

Why, are you worried about it now?

Yesa little?

She had arbitrarily done something without consulting him.

Doing things without consultation was certainly Judes specialty, so she really didnt need to feel sorry about it, but the situation was different.

In a way, Cordelia had thrown out something that they could have greatly used.

Its okay. I was the first to refuse it.

What, you truly refused it? You didnt reject it for some reason?

Hey, how exactly do you see me as? Do you think Im the kind of person wholl take the seal from Princess Darianne?

Yes.

When Cordelia answered straight away without even hesitating, Jude looked hurt and Cordelia giggled.

Well, if I have to say the truth, my Jude is a scammer but not a villain.

No, Im not even a scammer in the first place.

Yes, Daddy. If you insist.

Cordelia spiritlessly answered before she giggled again and sat next to Jude and said.

Anyway, shall we just wait now?

Yes, lets take a break and move at night.

To Arkemans Dungeon.

To get Arkemans treasure hidden in a secret place.

And it was at that moment.

Mr. Bayer, Lady Cordelia. Her Highness is waiting for you two downstairs.

Jude immediately raised his voice to the knights polite voice that they heard from outside the door.

Yes! Well be out soon!

Perhaps she wanted to have a meal together.

Uh, I have to cover my eyes with a bandage again.

Dont worry, Princess. Ill perfectly escort you. Ill also feed you your food. Just be like a baby bird and be good in saying ah.

Lets just say that my eyes are better now.

No, no, that doesnt make sense. The princess is waiting, so lets go.

Yes, yes.

Cordelia covered her eyes with a bandage again and naturally extended her hand, and Jude smiled as he held her hand.

They had so naturally extended and held hands.

Hmm, this is good.

Huh? What are you talking about?

No, its nothing.

Jude shrugged and left the room as he led Cordelia who had tilted her head.

And a few hours later.

When the night was deep, and everyone was asleep.

Hold me tighter.

Tighter?

Yes, tighter.

Cordelia, who was dressed in black, hugged tighter the neck of Jude who was also wearing black clothes, and Jude took a deep breath.

He used Twenty-Four Gale Steps that was based on Ninth Heavens Nine Doors.

They were now about to reach the completion stage of their plan.

Lets go, to Arkemans Dungeon.

Jude said in a small voice and then kicked the ground.

He turned into a black gale and traversed the dark night.