Chapter 23-2


    Kelidos, the rented mansion where Sion and Hte are staying.


    Kelidos was one of the cities located in the eastern region of the Kingdom of in.


    In fact, Kelidos was not only thergest city in the eastern region, but also the center of it.


    All the roads leading to other cities were open, and it was a ce that must be passed through to get to the capital of in.


    <em>Where did he go again?</em>


    Hte was walking in the courtyard with a displeased expression.


    When she woke up this morning, she heard that Sion had suddenly gone out.


    She wished he had at least told her the reason and where he was going, but he only left a brief message saying that he had to go somewhere.


    He should have taken a guard knight. What if he gets lost


    Kelidos was the first ce where she and Sion had visited.


    Since it was arge city,w and order were established, but that did not mean that safety was guaranteed.


    There were always criminals with malicious intentions whomitted crimes wherever they went.


    There must be a reason why he came here. Thats why he went out alone.


    Since when did it start?


    Hte began to have doubts about Sions actions little by little.


    The 30 gold coin relic, the 320 gold coin glove, and the sudden visit to his hometown to repay his debts.


    There was no clear connection between them, but the fact that they were strange and suspicious remained unchanged.


    <em>Why did he buy a relic and why did he buy gloves?</em>


    Buying a relic meant visiting a cathedral.


    If he spent 320 gold coins to buy an old glove, there must have been a ce where it was useful.


    Even if he did it to repay his debts, she couldnt understand his intentions as much as those two things.


    <em>What is he up to? What is he hiding</em>


    Has eyes narrowed as she spotted someone.


    It was Sion, approaching this way with a bouquet of flowers.


    What could he possibly want to say, buying flowers like this?


    Where did you go?


    I went to buy flowers.


    Why did you suddenly buy flowers?


    Umto give to my sister?


    Why are you giving them to me?


    I was going to give you half and keep the other half for myself.


    ?


    Unexpectedly, Hte was lost for words.


    She thought it was a tant lie, but it was so senseless that it left her speechless.


    If youre giving them to yourself, why divide them in half?


    This is one of the citys specialties. The color changes every time you pluck a petal.


    You went out early in the morning to get a city specialty?


    Its pretty popr. I tried to get it yesterday, but it was all sold out.


    You could have gone with the escort knight.


    I just wanted to walk alone. You know, sometimes you want to travel alone, immersed in solitude


    Thats a joke, right?


    Im being serious right now.


    Sion replied calmly and picked up a flower from the bouquet.


    Hte silently looked at the bouquet for a while before reluctantly epting it.


    Look closely. It will change into one of the rainbow colors.


    Sion ced his finger on the petals and pulled it out, causing a white petal toe out, and the remaining petals changed into yellow.


    What coloures out now is not that important. Its thest one that matters.


    Why is that important?


    Apparently, depending on the color thates out, it shows the future that person will face.


    Do you believe in that?


    Of course not. Im just doing it for fun.


    Sion smiled and started pulling out the petals one by one.


    Purple, yellow, orange, blue.


    Now there were two petals left, and Sion decisively pulled out one of them.


    Oh, its red.


    What does that mean?


    I heard that red means love wille true.


    Hte burst intoughter, but her expression didnt change.


    She couldnt help but treat Sion like a child.


    How thin-skinned could he be?


    How much did you pay for this?


    Why are you asking that?


    Do you have a lot of money? You spent 320 on thatst time and still didnte to your senses?


    Its not like I have a lot of money because of someone. I offered to give it to you, but you didnt take it, so what can I do?


    Sigh Are you making fun of me?


    I never made fun of my sister. I just spoke the truth.


    Although Sion calmly argued, he didnt show it.


    Now he had to make herpletely forget about him going out alone.


    Of course, there was some personal emotion involved in Hte not taking the money.


    From the way youre talking, it looks like you spent least 10 gold coins.


    I only spent five silver coins for this bouquet.


    You spent two gold coins on this nonsense? Are you crazy?


    Its okay. I dont feel guilty since its money that my sister didnt receive.


    Go and get a refund right away!


    But this is my money.


    I dont care if its your money or not, but go and get a refund!


    Then my sister must get a refund herself. Ill just take whats mine.


    Sion reached out towards the bouquet of flowers that Hte was holding.


    But Hte quickly pulled the bouquet away.


    You really dont listen to me! Are you going to keep doing this?


    Well, what can I do?


    Ugh, this darn kid!


    Wanna give it a try too, sister? If you dont can I take this bouquet?


    Hey!


    Thats not possible either? Fine. I guess Ill have to give in for my fiances sake.


    Sion smoothly moved on to a new topic of conversation and walked by Htes side.


    Even though he wasted two gold coins, it was enough to draw the attention of Hte and other people.


    From now on, there wouldnt be any more noise about this incident.


    <em>Now I need to practice using Exceed Rain I should find a suitable ce for it.</em>


    ***


    In the eastern region of the in Kingdom, inside a carriage.


    Hte was on her way back to the capital after a 3-night, 4-day journey with Sion.


    There was nothing particr that happened, but her body and mind were tired. Maybe it was because she was on edge due to the kid beside her.


    <em>But at least I didnt waste any money. I guess I pretended to listen to him.</em>


    Hte looked outside at the scenery and turned her head cautiously.


    Sion was staring out the window lost in thought. What was he thinking?


    <em>Why do you believe that if its red, it means love wille true? Thats such nonsense.</em>


    Hte shook her head, remembering the memory of that day after parting with Sion.


    She had stolen those flowers from Sion and secretly plucked off their petals to see the oue. But the result was so bizarre that she threw them all in the trash.


    <em>How can all three turn out to be red? Its impossible</em>


    Ambush!


    Protect the carriage!


    Shouts came from outside the carriage.


    Hte looked out with a shocked expression to survey the situation.


    Sion furrowed his brow and raised his magic power inwardly.


    <em>In this situation, the only one who can ambush us is them.</em>


    Sion quickly deduced their identity and gave them a cold stare.


    They had been secretly active, and they hadnt encountered the main characters until theter half of the story.


    They were clearly trying to kill Hte after leaving the capital.


    <em>Is it time to use Exceed Rain?</em>