How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 4.13
***
The loud sound of the train’s departure echoed through the station. It was faint enough to be heard by those on the train, and the people who had come to see off at the station gazed at those sitting beyond the windows.
‘I hope Master can complete his schedule without any discomfort…’
Eum stared at Zergard sitting inside the train. His master, as a dark mage who enjoyed tainting the world with impure emotions, had decided to travel around the territories to support still inexperienced dark mages, even when told to rest.
How diligent indeed.
Thus, Eum could imagine how unusually industrious he must have been when he was a priest.
‘But even someone who diligently and faithfully served the god turned his back, the temple was that corrupt.’
The priest who had raised him, an orphaned child, and told him about the ins and outs of the temple was gone. What remained was someone who had left the priesthood, going by the name Theseus, focusing on dark magic to increase his power by increasing sacrifices. But Eum thought this honest appearance of being devoted to dark magic suited Zergard better than putting on airs of hypocrisy as a priest.
“Eum. Take care then.”
As Zergard smiled through the window, Eum smiled as well. His trait of treating those around him well made Eum continue to serve him as Master. So, in his absence, he would have to take charge of the dark mages’ plans and support as the temporary master.
“Have a good trip. I’ll be waiting for your contact.”
“Alright. I leave the guild in your care until then.”
The train slowly began to move. Eum’s figure gradually receded from the window of the compartment where Zergard was. Zergard watched this scene, hoping that the day to offer the empire to the demon god by increasing sacrifices would come quickly.
Because he was truly disgusted by the human appearance that couldn’t abandon hypocrisy and was intoxicated with cheap emotions like compassion, love, and pity, Zergard’s wish was to quickly offer the empire and create a world governed only by power.
“……”
Meanwhile, in a carriage not far from him, Resena and Renard, who had chartered the entire compartment, were comfortably enjoying the rapidly passing scenery as the train picked up speed.
Surrounded by 15 knights sitting around them, they had enough military power to quickly stop anyone who might intrude into the compartment. Because of this, they could take in the scenery of lakesides along the railway with peace of mind until they reached their territory.
“Wow. I didn’t know they had laid tracks on top of cliffs. I see why this train route is highly recommended for those visiting the Arnasus territory.”
“They installed the tracks on the cliff using magic, so the scenery is really exciting. The view of the lakeside from above is quite nice. Don’t you think, Sis?”
“That’s right. Hehe. By the way, I wonder what can be caught in that lakeside? It would be really fun if we could catch some giant freshwater fish. Don’t you think so, Renard?”
Renard chuckled and his eyes curved. Resena smiled back at him. Come to think of it, Renard always responded well to her words, which was really appreciated. In reality, siblings often fight terribly, but Renard had no resistance towards her at all, making conversations easy.
‘Well, both Father and Mother… always listened to what I had to say.’
Resena wore a calm expression as she became aware of her comfortably beating heart. Seeing his sister like this, Renard turned his head towards the window without saying anything more.
‘For the sake of such a family, I will definitely prevent the world’s destruction.’
The train continued to run, receiving the increasingly darkening sunset light.
With about three hours left until they reached the Arnasus territory, Resena tried to sleep in the most comfortable position, stretching her back. Renard, also tired from watching the scenery, closed his eyes and fell into a doze.
How many tens of minutes had passed?
When there were about 30 minutes left before arriving at the Arnasus territory, Del woke Resena up.
It seems she had a dream, but she can’t remember it. Resena covered her yawn with her hand and looked at Renard, the family’s ultimate sleepyhead.
Given his characteristic of sleeping a lot, she thought he might be dozing, but surprisingly, his eyes were wide open, which made her smile anew.
“Renard. Aren’t you sleepy?”
“No. I slept more in the morning before meeting His Highness. That’s why I’m not sleepy.”
Ooh. Renard. I’m impressed.
Before Renard could say something in response to Resena’s expression, Del continued speaking.
“We’ll arrive at Arnasus Station in 30 minutes, Young Lady. There will be people to greet us, so we’ll leave the luggage with them and take you to the most famous restaurant in the territory for dinner first.”
“Hmm. That sounds good. I’m starting to feel a bit hungry since we didn’t have dinner. But I don’t feel like having a snack.”
“Same here. I’m really looking forward to the most famous restaurant in the Arnasus territory.”
Although there was no rumbling sound, it was well past seven o’clock, their usual dinner time. Because of this, Resena was eagerly counting down the minutes until the train stopped, excited about the meal.
The train stopped right on time. “This is Arnasus Station,” the announcement said as Resena and Renard got off. While the knights were disembarking behind them, a group of people holding a placard saying ‘Welcome to Arnasus Young Lady and Young Duke’ approached Resena.
“Welcome, Young Lady, Young Duke. We are truly grateful for your visit to our territory.”
“Adelman. It’s been a really long time. I haven’t seen you since I turned twelve.”
Then, a chubby man with a benevolent smile responded gently.
“I’ve come up to the capital occasionally for reports, but I couldn’t meet you each time. I suppose it’s because I was worried about leaving the territory and always came back down soon. Young Duke. But now that you’re here, you’ll be seeing me constantly whether you want to or not.”
