Emperor's Alternate - Chapter 47
‘…Why are they coming at me?’
The monsters walked on all fours like wild animals, yet there was an oddly human resemblance in their unpleasant appearance. As I backed away, the creatures lowered their backs and growled, slowly following me step by step. Why me, when they could have been dealing with Lecan in front of them and tearing him apart?
‘Even if animals can’t be controlled, they’re supposed to only attack those with a a participation badge.’’
I was neither a participant nor armed. Moreover, I didn’t even know how to handle mana—I’m just a scholar without even basic physical fitness.
I didn’t like to socialize and preferred reading, usually staying awake only in the early morning. Basic exercises like running were never part of my routine. Trying to escape would almost certainly result in being caught and killed.
I glanced desperately at Lecan.
“…Are you just going to watch?”
“What?”
“Help me.”
“You made noise to get the monsters’ attention, and now you want me to help?”
“You wanted me as a subject. Regardless of how much you dislike it, there’s been time invested. Are you going to let me die like this?”
Even though I spoke in the lowest voice possible to avoid agitating the monsters, Lecan chuckled with a sword in hand.
“Don’t you carry any protective gear? Why did you come in here?”
“I was exhausted… Please…”
Would he believe that excuse? Now that I thought about it, it sounded absurd. It was the bright midday afternoon, the most active time for ordinary people. Despite my nonsensical mumbling, the monsters’ approach felt ominous.
Even if I explain that I was a nocturnal creature, active at night and sleeping during the day…
“…!”
Shlink!
Just as calmly as he spoke, Lecan drove a dagger into the back of the monster that had approached me. As the monster’s blue blood splattered, I turned around and started running away.
The monster, with the dagger embedded in its back, howled and lunged at Lecan, and other monsters followed suit.
‘Just die there, please.’
The more I worked for the Empress Regent and Teiles II, the more I felt Lecan’s influence. The deeper I delved into politics, the more I realized how absolute Lecan’s power was. I respected him on the surface, but deep down, I didn’t want to be associated with him.
‘I hope he dies in an unfortunate accident.’
I ran and ran. I thought there might be a few watchers or knights secretly guarding me. That was my only hope for a glimpse of salvation. Despite stumbling a few times while running, hearing someone scream not too far away, and feeling my skin peel as I gasped for breath, I didn’t stop.
Gasping for breath, I kept moving my feet. The extreme fatigue combined with my usual lack of exercise caused my mind to blur. If it weren’t for my survival instinct, I would have collapsed in exhaustion long ago.
Looking back, it’s not like I had a burning desire to live, yet in situations like these, I put in effort not to die.
It was the same on the day of the catastrophic fire at the grand fortress when everyone was dying. I quickly sensed something suspicious and bolted.
I knew that a few seconds of hesitation could cost someone their life. I ran and ran, barely catching my breath when I reached safety.
But even my mind had its limits, and I couldn’t memorize the way back in this state. It felt like I had ventured too deep into the forest. Nevertheless, I found a place where I could be safe from both wild animals and monsters. A small, secluded cave with no signs of human presence.
‘Someone will come to rescue me. A watcher, secret guard, anyone will do.’
Leaning against the cave wall, I sat down. The overwhelming feeling of relief for surviving came first. I considered using the protective gear I carried on my body, just in case. Despite the drowsiness overwhelming me, sleep strangely eluded me.
“Where were you? What are you doing, hiding in this narrow cave?”
“…You’re not dead.”
“Did you think I’d die? Just barely.”
Without permission, Lecan suddenly entered the cave. As if the small space wasn’t cramped enough, it became even more crowded with Lecan inside. I glared at him with a wary look, and he silently stared back at me.
“You’re badly hurt.”
“I’m not hurt.”
“I saw you abandoning me and running away.”
“You said yourself that you weren’t going to die from that.”
“I think I saved your life.”
“Your Excellency is not even my lord.”
Lecan placed a large palm on top of my lowered head, pressing it down as he crouched beside me. Why was he messing up my hair? Irritated, I glared at him, but Lecan seemed focused on my swollen ankle.
“…Looks like you can’t even walk.”
“I can survive on my own.”
“The hunting tournament was a mess. The monsters were stronger and more numerous than expected, and most participants are either dead or injured. Didn’t you see the signal fireworks announcing the suspension and return a while ago? The competition has been disgracefully canceled. We have to move.”
“…Considering how hastily the courtesan prepared, I thought we might get caught up in some trouble.”
“Do you still address the Empress as the courtesan?”
Even though he could easily survive on his own, why did he bother searching through the forest and finding this narrow cave just to have this conversation with me?
