If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 41
As she spoke, she moved in slow motion. Moving gracefully, as if performing a dance, she swung her staff.
Another thump, the sound as loud as a mountain crumbling. Ivan and Liam stood rooted in place, mesmerized by Ruby’s presence.
Then, with a slow but determined gesture, Ruby drew a line around them.
‘Ahh!’
‘What’s happening?’
‘No, my body is disappearing!’
Mercy was a luxury only to psychics who could afford to harbor evil spirits.
Ruby was in the process of expelling all the spirits present and erecting a barrier around the entire mansion. It was a practice passed down from her ancestors, a ritual for harmony with nature. The harmony of yin and yang, the balance between the moon and the sun, the cycle of void and existence.
Drawing upon the wisdom of her ancestors to maintain absolute balance, she beseeched the guardian deity. For the utterly foolish and pitiable spirits, she pledged to offer her prayers. As she prayed, the long-lost guardian of the ash tree appeared at her side.
A presence with long, now darker, azure hair extended over her shoulder with the same warm smile as ever.
‘Child, you can summon me whenever you desire.’
As the guardian spoke, a glow emanated from Ruby’s body. A strange reddish color began to spread out like a sunset. Ivan and Liam watched in astonishment as it noiselessly swallowed the space. Not only did they watch, but everyone in the manor and even those outside, witnessed this mysterious spectacle.
Thump, thump, thump…
As if following a set path, Ruby stepped silently, stamping the floor with her staff. Each time she did, the spirits that had surrounded Ivan disappeared or bounced out of the circle. Even the spirits within the manor fled in fear.
It was only when the inaudible screams had completely died down that Ruby’s footsteps come to a halt. Beads of sweat trickled down the curve of her rounded forehead. The staff Ruby was holding disappeared into thin air, as if it had done its job. Then there was a faint tinkling sound, the radiant chime of her earring.
Ivan glanced once at the restored sealing stone earring, then at Ruby’s fatigued face before approaching.
“My lady, are you alright?”
“Huff… No, I’m just exhausted.”
Seeing that she was as tired as she said, Ivan unconsciously reached out. He gently lifted Ruby, supporting her back and knees, bringing her close in an embrace.
“Hey..”
Ruby looked up, her eyes wide, not expecting him to do this. He continued without saying a word, shifting his steps. Liam discreetly opened the door, allowing the two to pass through.
Hastening to his chambers, Ivan wasted no time and laid her down on his bed.
“I’ll call for the physician.”
Ruby nodded faintly, her complexion looked deathly pale.
Unwilling to immediately leave her side, Ivan said, “You’ll feel better if you rest.”
“…Then let’s have something to boost my energy.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
As her energy had visibly drained, it was indeed time for the physician. Liam, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up.
“Would you like some refreshing carrot juice?”
“Yes, please.”
Nothing beats carrots for revitalization.
It had been a long time since she had fully opened up her yin energy, and it was taking a toll on her body.
Sensing his anxiousness, Ruby decided to talk to Ivan, who stood nearby in a daze. Firstly, she wanted to explain the recent situation.
“Now, as long as you stay inside the mansion without me, you should be fine for a while.”
“…Why?”
“I’ve cast a barrier. It prevents the spirits from entering the mansion without permission.”
“Was that… even possible?”
“I don’t blame you if you feel cheated, but casting a barrier isn’t an easy task.”
“But why did you suddenly cast a barrier now?”
At his question, Ruby pursed her lips for a moment before slowly coming up with an answer.
“The spirits following Your Grace seemed strange.”
“…What?”
His brow furrowed deeply at her unexpected words.
