Chapter 27 EPISODE 27 DEVILS HAND (8)

Sunflower.

Beyond the northernmost border of the Slen Kingdom, at the entrance to the land of barbarians, lies a historic site called Frost Anvil.

The most prevalent theory is that it is the ruins of an old kingdom built by the Frost Dwarves. However, the important thing about the Frost Anvil area is that it was an extreme land with the harshest temperatures.

Whats the coldest place on the continent? Its Frost Anvil of course.

In fact, it wasnt just a cold place. It was a place where if you sprayed water in the air, it would become icicles.

Opinions were divided on why this extreme zone was created, with some saying that the Frost Dwarves device was still in operation, and the theological view that it was created because of a gods curse.

There is one legend in Frost Anvil.

Once every 20 years, somewhere in Frost Anvil, a Sunflower blooms with Yang energy.

A flower rich in Yang that blooms in an extreme land.

And this story was a fact, not a legend.

In a way, its more useful than the Sunfire Carp.

Among the items with Yang energy that appeared in

Legend of Heroes 2

, the king of items was obviously the Sunfire Carp, but in fact, the Sunfire Carp was an item that didnt have any other uses except for its Yang energy.

On the other hand, the Sunflower may have less Yang energy than the Sunfire Carp, but it had a function that increased the overall abilities of the body, and also transformed the body of the person absorbing it into having a special physical constitution.

Lucas had said it first.

In the original story, the Sunflower event didnt happen until the main event.

It was close to a hidden event like Cordelia and the Fairies Banquet, and it could be said to be an event prepared for Lucas, although any character in the north, including Jude and Lucas, could trigger it.

WellLucas only knows that the Sunflower is a flower with Yang energy.

There is a saying that those with too much Yin or Yang energy can be rather harmful to the body because the energy is biased towards one side.

An example is Gueumjulmaek.

I have heard of it. Its a flower with Yang energy, right?

Yes, its a flower that is passed down like a legend in the north. But

Lucas suddenly lowered his voice and approached Jude a little closer before speaking in a low voice.

Its a fact, not a legend. Count Hrsvelgrs records show the story of a man who discovered the Sunflower 20 years ago.

Ooh

Although Jude had already known it, he acted like he didnt knew.

The listeners interest was the best way to open up a story.

This is now the 20

th

year. Winter is coming soon in the northit is timely too.

At this point, it was obvious what Lucas intended to say about the Sunflower.

It was a situation in which he was recommending the Sunflower to Jude.

The question is why is he doing this.

No, he already has an idea why.

Jude already knew what kind of person Lucas Hrsvelgr was.

Thats an interesting story.

Jude said, gulping down his saliva.

Pretending to be uninterested but making it look like he is actually interestedit was the kind of acting that Cordelia couldnt do, but Jude could.

Lucas dark blue eyes glistened in excitement.

Mr. Jude Bayer, would you like to go to the north with me?

Bingo!

Jude, who was cheering inside, did not hide his feelings. He played the role of a young master who was still immature by expressing joy all over his face and then hurriedly calming himself down.

You meanto the north?

Yes. If you are fine with it, Mr. Bayer, I would like to invite you to Count Hrsvelgr. If you want, you can even take Lady Cordelia with you.

Oh, Lucas. Oh, Lucas.

He was very useful in the fight against Minos.

Jude tried to suppress his desire to kiss Lucas forehead, and continued his acting by speaking with quivering lips.

ReallyIm very grateful for the offer. Butwhy though?

The relationship between Count Bayer and Count Hrsvelgr was neither good nor bad.

At first glance, it would seem that there was a bad relationship between the two because Count Hrsvelgr took over the margrave position, which was previously monopolized by Count Bayer, but in fact, there was one more family between the two.

From Count Bayer to Count Pael before to Count Hrsvelgr.

It was nearly 50 years ago that the Count of Bayer held the margrave position.

Due to the death of that times Count Bayer from a large-scale battle with the northern barbarians, the position of Margrave was transferred to Count Pael. However, it wasnt long before another tragedy happened, and the newly appointed margrave, Count Pael, unexpectedly died.

Therefore, the center dispatched Count Hrsvelgr, who was a talented man and at the forefront of the ten swordmasters at that time, and from then on, Count Hrsvelgr maintained his position as the head of the 12 northern families.

Were not enemies, but that doesnt mean were on good terms.

Should I say were just friends?

At Judes question, Lucas face slightly turned red as he looked away and said.

BecauseI thought I met a good rival.

As I expected.

Jude felt like his laughter would leak out at the expected answer, but he kept a serious expression.

You meanyour rival?

Yes, Im a little embarrassed, but up until this day, Ive never met someone my age who was a good match against me.

Lucas was a sword genius.

He wasnt born with Gueumjulmaek like Jude, so he grew up demonstrating his brilliant talent from childhood.

I have no peers I can compare withthat may sound good, but in fact, Ive always felt lonely. An existence that can stand on equal footing with me and move forward with meIve always longed for such a rival.

Lucas face and voice was full of sincerity.

He looked like a handsome and attractive-looking man out of a painting, so the listening Jude had to use his all to maintain a serious face.

Ah, really. Its so cheesy.

I already knew it from Lucas character settings but listening to it in person felt new in many ways.

Mr. Jude Bayer.

Yes, Lord Lucas.

When Jude barely answered in time, Lucas stared at Jude with a serious face and abruptly grabbed Judes hand.

I was convinced when I saw Mr. Bayer fighting. It became clear to me that Mr. Bayer was my long-aspired rival.

Well, Maximilian was originally his rival, but Jude has Cheonmujiche, so Im worthy of being his rival. But why is he holding my hand?

Jude barely suppressed his inner thoughts as he faced Lucas strong gaze head on.

So I thought. Lets heal Mr. Bayers disease as soon as possible.

If that happens, Jude can use his talents properly.

In fact, after we defeated Minos, Lucas mind was filled with thoughts of Cordelia.

It was not because he fell in love with Cordelia, but because her true colors were so shocking.

But as time went by, Judes fight kept coming to his mind.

The movement shown by Jude.

His unmatched fighting method.

A talented genius that can be recognized by a fellow talented genius.

Mr. Bayer, lets go to the north together. I will help you find the Sunflower.

It was an unexpected proposal.

But this time again, instead of answering right away, Jude paused and took his time.

It was to keep Lucas in suspense.

Hmm, this should be okay.

Was it roughly 20 seconds already?

During that time, Lucas eyes shook, before Jude finally responded in a heavy yet serious tone, as if he was opening his mouth after careful consideration.

Thank you very much. Howeverrather than asking to find the Sunflower together, I am more touched that Lord Lucas, who is called the Girin of Hrsvelgr, regards me as a good rival. I have just begun walking the path of martial arts, but I want to live up to Lord Lucas expectations.

Mr. Bayer, your words are

Yes, I will go with Lord Lucas.

When Jude spoke with a big smile, Lucas breathed out in relief and brightly smiled too.

I look forward to going north with Mr. Bayer.

Yes, I look forward to it too.

Once the story came to an end, Lucas rose from his seat with a happy face and returned to the knights of Count Hrsvelgr.

Seeing that Lucas lingering excitement could be seen in his steps, Jude thought he was still a young boy of sixteen years.

Hes a heroic novel enthusiast.

The current situation itself was almost the same as the beginning of Biltwein the Hero, one of Lucas favorite hero novels.

The words that Jude said in the end, about being happier that he became Lucas rival more than the Sunflower, was almost the same words that Catelan, the rival of the main character Biltwein, said.

Lucas must have felt like he was Biltwein during our conversation.

So, does that solve one thing?

Judes shoulders lightly drooped as he turned to Cordelia.

Cordelia was even using body movements in telling Sylvia and Viola, who were so absorbed in the story, about the fairies banquet.

After all, her Cordelia self becomes stronger except when shes with me.

Jude and Cordelia have awakened their memories of their previous lives.

And as a result, many things have changed.

With the sudden addition of twenty or so years of memories to a life that has only lived for more than a decade, his Outboxer009 self was a little more prominent than his Jude self.

And it got even worse as he faced Cordelia who equally had memories of her previous life as Yellow Storm.

Although Jude and Cordelia were engaged, they were originally in an indifferent relationship.

But it was not for Outboxer009 and Yellow Storm.

Its been 5 years since Ive known her, and nearly 3 years since weve been arguing with each other in the chat rooms every day, so when were together, our identities as Outboxer and Yellow Storm were more prominent than our Jude and Cordelia selves.

The proof was that we still call each other by our past lives nicknames rather than our present lives names.

The affection for our previous lives that only the two of us sharemaybe its something like an obsession.

Of course, as time goes by, it would change little by little.

Right now, the memories of Jude and Outboxer mixed with each other, so his personality has changed as well.

The current Jude was close to a new person who was a little different from the existing Jude and the previous lifes Outboxer Kang Jin-ho.

The way we address each other will also change someday.

Since the first meeting, the frequency of calling each others nicknames has gradually decreased.

The day may come that well call each other with new nicknames that have special meanings.

Someday.

Jude stood up and walked to Cordelia who was still excitedly talking.

***

Time has passed, and its been two days since the Devils Hands attack.

The first to arrive was Count Dahut, who was the closest in geographical location.

The Golden Deer Knights, the pride of Count Dahut, quickly left Langesthei with the twin brothers. The next to arrive were Count Crossbell and Viscount Langues knights.

Cordelia, this social gathering was scary, but it was really nice to meet you. I look forward to next years social gathering.

Me-me too. Cordelia-unnie.

They were two people who sincerely regretted breaking up with Cordelia because they had become close in the last few days.

I look forward to it too. Ill miss the two of you so much.

Cordelia hugged Sylvia and Viola in turn, and the hug of an incomparably beautiful girl made the absolutely beautiful woman and cute girl blush their cheeks.

Three days from the Devils Hands attack, Sylvia, Viola, and Felix have left. Now, only three people were left in Treigian: Jude, Cordelia, and Lucas.

My familys knights will be joining halfway through our journey.

Lucas, who had been in touch with his family for the last few days, smiled as he said that.

The Thunder Doom Fortress, where Count Hrsvelgr is located, was too far from Langesthei.

It meant that if Jude and Cordelia were together, then Count Bayer and Count Chases escort would be together too, so there would be no problem in terms of escorts.

It would be all right for Count Hrsvelgrs knights to join in the middle.

Are we the ones left?

They from Count Bayer and Count Chase.

And in the next morning, the group from the two counts finally arrived in Langesthei.

***

Hmph, youre still weak and frail.

Fa-father?

Surprisingly, it was Count Chase himself, not anyone else, who came from the Count Chase side.

Hahaha, Jude. I heard the story. Youve become incredibly strong in just a few days.

It was Gal Bayer, the next Count of Bayer, who came from the Count Bayer side.

Count Chase himself went, so shouldnt our side match their assortment?

Gal whispered to Jude with a smile.

Since it was Count Chase himself who went, Count Bayers heir would at least be approximate to match Count Chases group assortment.

Count Chase looked at Jude with a stern face as usual, as he said with a snort.

You fought against a demonic human?

Yes, thanks to Lady Cordelia and the wizards of the Red Dawn Tower, we were able to take it down.

Hmph, youre still weak if you cant take it down alone.

Count Chases harsh criticism embarrassed those around him, but not for Jude. He had a happy smile when he saw Count Chase, who was now searching for something in his inner pocket.

Youre too weak that my mind cant be at ease. This isnt something big so take it.

I love you, father.

Jude took the pitch-black bracelet from Count Chase without hesitation and smiled again.

It was because the C-rank dark bracelet had a blessing to increase ones magic defense.

Tsk tsk, you still look dried up as before. This is something I bought by chance on the way here. Take it.

Jude looked back and saw Count Chases knight with an awkward smile, who lifted up a paper bag he was holding in his arms.

It was clear that the contents were healthy food that was good for the body.

I didnt really prepare it for you, so dont be mistaken.

Of course, father.

It was at that time when Judes eyes were sparkling. Cordelia stealthily peeked at Judes side.

Why? Do you want us to properly divide this again?

This crazy bastardits not that. You know, that one.

Ah, that one.

After communicating with their eyes only, Jude and Cordelia looked back at Count Chase together, and Jude cleared his throat and adjusted his breath before opening his mouth.

Father and brother. I have something to tell you.

He then told the story of the Sunflower and of Lucas invitation.

He also added about Cordelia joining him.

I-I want to go with my beloved Mr. Jude Bayer. I-I dont want to be separated from hi-him.

Cordelia held Judes arm tightly as she said that with a flushed and tearful face.

She was embarrassed by her act, but in the eyes of others, she seemed like a girl who was strongly in love with him that she even had tears in her eyes because she wanted to be with her fianc.

My brother will say okay for sure.

Gal was staring at Cordelia with a fully satisfied smile.

Jude turned to Count Chase with his arm held by the clinging Cordelia as he gulped unconsciously.

Count Chases gaze was too scary.

But it was only for a moment.

Count Chase snorted as he searched around in his inner pocket again and said.

I wonder if this weak guy can protect Cordelia.

The way he spoke was aggressive, but there was a new item in his hand already.

These are trivial items, but still take it.

What Count Chase offered was a pair of rings.

It looked like he casually bought and prepared it for Jude and Cordelia, but it seemed to be items that he had carried for a long time, as one could feel the energy of powerful mana emanating from the rings.

It was at that moment.

Please take care of Cordelia.

Jude heard those words in his mind from <Message> magic.

As Jude raised his head, Count Chase turned around with a cold expression.

Now that Ive finished my business, Im going home. Ill tell that old man, Count Bayer, well, so make sure to get back safely from the north.

Thank you, father.

Father! Ill be back!

Count Chase replied by raising his hand at the greetings of Jude and Cordelia, as he settled down in the drawing room because he had other business before leaving Treigian.

His business with Jude and Cordelia was over, but there were still other things to do, such as meeting with Ronin and the other wizards of the Red Dawn Tower.

Hmph, do your work.

When the slightly red-eared Count Chase turned his head and waved his hands, the Counts knights went to Sir Zebeck, who was in charge of the journey and began to coordinate this and that.

Because we were going on a long trip again, there were a lot of things to discuss, which included the composition of escorts.

Father wont say much either, so dont worry and leave.

Gal spoke without hesitation, as he personally arranged the escort group whod follow Jude.

As for the remaining two, Cordelia was fiddling with the ring Count Chase gave her, as she slightly pouted her lips and looked at Jude.

Wellwhat the hell just happened?

Jude was invited by Lucas, and I got permission from my father.

Theres even a couple ringno, we got a magic item.

Its a great success.

Jude smiled in satisfaction as he held out his fist to her. Cordelia laughed and snorted as she bumped her fists with him.

The next morning, the three groups of Count Bayer, Count Chase, and Count Hrsvelgr set off for Thunder Doom Fortress, in the northernmost part of the Slen Kingdom.