The Reward for Saving The World is a Husband - Chapter 33
Although its mountainous terrain made Rachdel difficult to navigate, it was nothing compared to the wealth of Tenaclade, with its abundant mines and resources. The land Elias had been rewarded with was practically a wasteland.
‘Those bastards. They should at least pay him properly for all the dangerous tasks he’s been forced to do.’
It was maddening that the reward for risking his life was so meager. My teeth clenched at the thought.
I had been completely absorbed in my reading. By the time I had gone through half of the pile, I suddenly noticed that it had grown dark outside. Judging by the moon’s position, it was close to midnight.
The magic lamps illuminated the room, likely due to a visit from Callen at some point, and a bowl of cold potage sat on the table.
‘No wonder I felt hungry.’
I quickly finished the bowl of potage, still delicious despite being cold, then washed up and slipped into my gown before crawling under the blanket.
Mana training completely eliminates physical fatigue, but it’s best to recover from mental exhaustion through sleep.
“Wow…”
Lying on my back and staring at the ceiling, a sigh of amazement escaped me.
Being able to use warm water freely, eat nutritious and delicious food, and rest on a soft bed—it was truly incredible.
Filled with a sense of contentment that made my chest swell, I started rolling around on the bed.
‘Guys, this place is heaven…’
The thought prompted me to pull out the soul stones and place them in my palm, where I felt a gentle warmth.
The two stones, whose spirits often bickered, were in harmony for once, glowing faintly as if they were checking in on me. It made me smile.
Well, the last one, true to his nature, sent a sharp burst of light before calming down again.
I couldn’t wait to revive my companions and enjoy this amazing world with them. And, of course, to boast about my handsome and wonderful pair.
The thought of their jealous expressions made my lips twitch into a grin.
‘Elias… Will you be back tomorrow?’
Even though the sheets had been freshly laundered, I could still faintly catch Elias’s scent.
As I buried my face into the pillow, I was reminded of the time I nestled my face between his shoulder and neck in the temple.
His body had been firm yet supple, and warm. The feeling of embracing him was incomparable to anything else.
‘His lips were so delicious too.’
I suddenly found myself thinking that everything about him, not just his lips, must taste good. His skin had a scent that made my heart race.
“I’ll make you so happy, Elias.”
I whispered softly, as if he were there beside me, and then, feeling oddly ticklish and embarrassed, I pulled the blanket over my head.
The slight discomfort reminded me of being enveloped in Elias’s arms, making me giggle. I had a good feeling that I’d be able to sleep peacefully tonight, without any nightmares for the first time in a while.
* * *
Contrary to my expectations that Elias would return in a day or two, there was no word from him even after four days.
Aside from missing him and being worried, I had been able to accomplish most of my goals.
I had devoured over two hundred books in those four days, and I concluded that I had acquired enough knowledge from reading.
‘First of all, it’s certain that the materials needed for reviving the soul stones exist in this world, but…’
I ate the cold potage while deep in thought.
‘The problem is that most of them are hard to obtain in Rachdel. Many of them are ores, and particularly those classified as gemstones.’
It seemed I’d have to deal with Tenaclade first and get Elias to secure it if I wanted to make progress. That way, helping him would be much easier—two birds with one stone.
‘But what reason can I give to go there…?’
Once I entered Tenaclade, it would be easy to slowly nibble away at it until I had swallowed it whole.
As I pondered for a good solution, I suddenly heard a knock. Knowing that Callen would barge in whether I responded or not, I didn’t pay much attention. But then, the knocking came again.
‘Hmm?’
Only then did I sense the presence outside the door, and I awkwardly sat up.
‘Why is she here?’
Surprised by the visit of someone I hadn’t expected, I answered.
“Come in.”
No matter the reason, I had wanted to meet her again.
“Hello, Lady Elesha.”
It was the saintess of the Amern Church, with whom I hadn’t been able to properly finish my conversation due to Elias’s intervention.