Let’s Not Write A Novel Recklessly

CHAPTER 8 – THE UNEXPECTED HERO

The party of Tae-ram returned to Runever. They planned to quietly leave for the Demon World after thorough preparation, but their newfound fame didn’t let them off so easily.

The most famous member of the group was, unsurprisingly, Tae-ram. He was credited with defeating the wizard in the Killain Mountains, destroying the illusion barrier that had caused so many people to go missing, and slaying a ferocious dragon in the Divine Mountains that had been causing constant damage to several villages.

His popularity exploded when it became known that he was going to the Demon World to capture a demon king. Add to that the fact that he attended every party and made his presence felt, and his popularity grew without end.

However, the reality was that Tae-ram was experiencing hell.

Today, at another small party hosted by the king, Tae-ram sighed inwardly and crunched on the food in front of him. He was tired of eating the party food, which was luxurious at first, and he was tired of dealing with people.

All he wanted to do was go to his room and rest, but unfortunately, he had an important purpose. He needed to complete one of the main events.

In the original, the main character meets his last companion at a party he attends before heading to the demon world.

Lucias, a demon looking for a warrior to kill him, has joined the Empire after hearing rumors of a new warrior. The main character of the original story meets him, but Tae-ram, who can’t remember the party where he met him, eventually loses track of him.

Today marked the twenty-eighth party. Tae-ram fervently prayed in his heart.

Lucias, please show up. It’s fun to have a party or two. It’s not like it’s a game, the odds are too stacked against him. God, Buddha, Allah, Lord Lian, please let him meet Lucias! And may the crowds be less…

However, just as the king, who had discovered Tae-ram, was approaching, his wish was shattered into pieces.

“Oh! You came too.” 

“Greetings to the Empire’s Sun.”

All eyes in the banquet hall were on him as he finished his brief greeting. He felt overwhelmed by all the praise and envy directed at him.

“I assume you are enjoying the banquet.”

“Yes. Your Majesty, I am enjoying it to the point of overflowing.” 

“When do you expect to set out for the Demon World?”

“No later than this month… We will depart as soon as we are ready.”

“You should have a little send-off ceremony. We have high hopes for you. You performed well last time.”

Tae-ram said the words he’d already repeated dozens of times.

“I apologize. My comrades have worked hard more than I have. I truly haven’t done much.” 

“You are even humble. You are truly the pride of the heroes.”

Tae-ram could only smile awkwardly. He hadn’t done anything, but no one believed him. 

“Then, please enjoy the rest of the party.”

As the king walked away, the people who had been waiting for a chance to get to him rushed forward.

There was the beautiful young lady, flirting coyly with a shy smile, the handsome young master, approaching with a blatant stare, and even wives with children of marriageable age. Some asked to duel purely out of respect.

Needless to say, Tae-ram didn’t like any of them.

If he had been with the party, they wouldn’t have dared to approach so easily, but Tae-ram had purposely blocked Fran and Kairan with Se-ho in advance to meet Lucias. As a result, he had to endure everything on his own.

Had he known, should he have brought Se-ho along? Tae-ram regretted it, but now it was too late.

“Tae-ram, there’s something I want to tell you. Can you spare a moment?” 

“Is it not impolite for a young lady of unknown origin to be so forward?” 

“Tae-ram is a noble person. You, a frivolous woman, are not suitable for him.” 

“What did you say? You arrogant youth! You look like a rotten potato!”

Tae-ram felt his mind wander as he watched them argue over him. Getting involved with them was going to be annoying and tiring.

“Tae-ram! If you don’t mind, how about having a brief chat with me!” 

“You don’t need to listen to the words of a conceited youth like him!”

He never thought that being popular would make him tired. Just as Tae-ram was about to give up and call it a day, a man in a deep robe appeared.

“It’s noisy. He’s feeling uncomfortable.”

The man’s low bass voice echoed through the banquet hall, and the unmistakable intimidation that radiated from him froze everyone in their tracks as they jostled to get to him.

The man strode briskly through the stiff air. His footsteps were the only sound in the silent banquet hall. When he was at his feet, he asked him in a flat voice.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Thank you….”

After answering in a daze, Tae-ram looked at the man carefully. Even at a glance, he could tell the man was extremely handsome. Such a good-looking man was not common.

Is he Lucias? Is this the end of the party hell? As Tae-ram looked back and forth, he became increasingly certain that the man before him was indeed Lucias. He had the urge to shout out loud, but he suppressed it.

“And who are you?”

The man didn’t answer his question of who he was, but silently reached for his face.

Uh, what should he do? Should he stop him? Was this how it was in the original? He must be Lucias, right?

As Tae-ram panicked, wondering whether or not to stop the man’s actions, he felt a careful, gentle touch on his hair. Strangely, he didn’t feel repulsed.

The man continued to play with his hair, and he watched him intently, conscious of his touch. Big hands. Even for a demon, his body temperature is warm.

The man looked at Tae-ram, who was meekly offering his hair to him, and gave him an unreadable look. 

“You’re not stopping me. Why?”

“Just because….”

“What if I were an enemy targeting you?” 

“I don’t think you’re a bad person.”

“Mmm.”

“Maybe.”

The two were silent for a while. After a while, it was Tae-ram who broke the silence first, wanting to solidify his conviction that the man was Lucias.

“Could you show your face?” 

“If you want to….”

Without hesitation, the man removed his robe.

His long black hair, hidden beneath the robe, flowed down. Hair that flowed like a river. And a statuesque face with sharp features and depthless black eyes. The man was Lucias, the demon he had waited so long to meet.

His sculpted features were better than he had ever imagined. It was as if his aesthetic senses, dulled by the company of his superior peers, had been reawakened.

“I would like to know your name.”

“It’s polite to give your name first.” 

“Lucias.”

“Lucias…. That’s a nostalgic name.”

Tae-ram recited the same line that the main character had said in the original. Lucias’ eyes darted from side to side like a lake with a small pebble thrown in.

“Do you miss someone?”

Lucias’ eyes deepened in scrutiny, and his dull face came alive.

“That was a strange thing to say, I’m sorry, it just came out of nowhere.” 

“…It’s not strange at all.”

Lucias smiled quietly. His dark eyes were as bright as the moonlit night sky. Even Tae-ram, who had prepared himself, felt his heartache at the sight of it. The others who were watching them gasped and swallowed hard.

“A strange sensation.”

Lucias’ small murmur was filled with longing.

Once upon a time, long ago, Lucias had lost someone dear to him, though he hadn’t realized it was love at the time.

When he suddenly realized the empty place in his heart that would never be filled, he was devastated. The rest of his life was a pointless search for a warrior to kill him. Today’s party was attended by rumors of a new warrior.

At the moment he saw Tae-ram, Lucias was captivated by an inexplicable attraction and acted on impulse. Indeed, it had been a long time since he felt such fixation. Who is he? No, it doesn’t matter who he is.

Lucias believed it was all fate. 

“…I want to know your name.”

Looking at Lucias as he asked again, Tae-ram looked troubled.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go.” 

“You’re going?”

Tae-ram could see the disappointment beneath Lucias’ expressionless face. With a single glance, Lucias shook Tae-ram’s heart without any special action. Sympathy and a slight sense of guilt filled Tae-ram’s heart.

Who could be so callous when faced with the traces of a loved one who hadn’t been seen in hundreds of years? He’s the one who gave Lucias that past. Can he just stay a little longer? …No, he has to go. He has to finish the story.

Tae-ram gathered his resolve not to falter. In the original story, the main character didn’t reveal his name during the first meeting with Lucias and left. This was a rule that must be strictly adhered to.

“I’m sure we’ll meet again, just like fate.”

After saying this, Tae-ram ran out of the banquet hall. 

“Fate. Destiny… Are you my destiny?”

Lucias remained behind, muttering the word fate several times, each time more precious than the last.

* * *

After making it through the long hallway and out into the garden, Tae-ram collapsed to the ground in a heap. Lucias looked very sad, but at least he finally got to see all the characters and the ending is coming. When it’s all over, he’ll be able to go back with Se-ho, right?

Tae-ram felt a pang of relief, and then a pang of regret. For some reason, he remembered Fran and Kairan’s faces.

“Your clothes will get dirty.”

Tae-ram looked up and saw Se-ho.

“Lee Se-ho? How did you get here….”

“It’s easy to guess with you. Get up quickly.”

Despite his blunt tone, Se-ho helped Tae-ram to his feet with a gentle touch and carefully brushed the dust off his body.

“…Thank you.”

“You’ve barely eaten today, too, haven’t you?” 

“That’s right.”

“Follow me.”

Se-ho led Tae-ram toward a well-tended flower bed. 

“What’s all this?”

“You were complaining that you were tired of the party food, so I made you something.”

In front of the flowerbed was a round table with an elegant tablecloth. It was large enough to seat a half-dozen people comfortably, and there were mountains of clunky, sloppy-looking rice balls on the table.

“Did you make these?”

The mismatched shapes and sizes of the onigiri were served in an ornate bowl, which made them look even more shoddy.

“They don’t look good, but they’re good enough to eat.”

After saying this, Se-ho was too embarrassed to make eye contact with Tae-ram. 

Tae-ram was dumbfounded by the unexpected event. Se-ho’s homemade food, not someone else’s. It was a huge step up from the days of fighting like dogs. To be honest, he was a little touched.

“If you don’t like it, I’ll put it away.” 

“No! I’m eating it! I’m eating it!”

Tae-ram stopped Se-ho from putting the dishes away and quickly grabbed one of the onigiri. 

“I’ll eat it.”

Taking a bite, he could taste the spicy, salty flavor of the stir-fried meat along with the savory flavor of the rice. Se-ho’s culinary skills were abysmal, but it was thanks to the generous use of quality meat.

“…Delicious.”

Even if Se-ho’s onigiri hadn’t been delicious, Tae-ram would still have praised it. Seeing Tae-ram eating the onigiri with a happy face, Se-ho breathed a sigh of relief.

“I made a lot of them, so eat as many as you want, and you worked hard.” 

“Did you read the book?”

“Yeah. It was perfect, Senior.”

“Don’t flatter me. But really, was it good?”

Tae-ram put down the rice ball he was bringing to his mouth for a moment. 

“Is something bothering you?”

“I’m using Lucias, and that doesn’t make me feel good.” 

“It’s just the way it’s supposed to be.”

“That’s the problem. If I hadn’t set up Lucias’ past, he wouldn’t have had to go through that heartbreak.”

Tae-ram remembered the last time he’d seen Lucias, the pity in his eyes.

“Did you know this was going to happen?”

“Of course not.”

“It’s not your fault, and even without the setup, there’s no guarantee that Lucias would have ended up with him.”

“I know that, but….” 

“Does that bother you about him?”

“Of course, I care about him. I created them.”

Se-ho’s eyebrows twitched. He knew that Tae-ram felt a sense of responsibility as an author towards the characters in his novel, but he found it difficult to control the growing negative emotions.

“Would you let Lucias go as far as you did with Fran?” 

“…What do you mean?” 

“I asked if you would easily surrender yourself to Lucias as you did with that kiss with Fran.”

Se-ho’s words, with their strange nuances, touched Tae-ram’s nerves. There was no way Se-ho, who meticulously checked his book every day, didn’t know what had happened that day. Tae-ram knew it in his head, but his heart wasn’t in it. It didn’t come naturally to him. He hated that Se-ho knew what had happened with Fran.

“You read about it in the book, didn’t you? Do you really need to see that part?”

“Then, should I not have checked at all? I had to know the progress.”

“I shouldn’t have let him do it in the first place. I shouldn’t have gotten caught off guard. It was only on the cheek and….” 

“Whether it was on your cheek or nose, does that matter? You were taken aback because you left room for it!”

“What does that have to do with you!”

“It matters because I told you that Fran is dangerous. And yes, it does matter!” 

“Tell me why it matters.”

“It’s because….”

“If it’s inconvenient, then keep your mouth shut.”  

“I…”

“If you don’t tell, I won’t know.”

Se-ho hesitated, trying to speak. A thunderbolt struck Tae-ram’s stomach. 

“Ah….”

His stomach churned with hunger, and he blushed with embarrassment. Se-ho was like a deflated balloon, losing his confidence.

“Haa… Finish your meal.”

Tae-ram lowered his head, still feeling embarrassed, and shoved his rice ball into his mouth in silence. Se-ho’s last words bothered him a bit, but he chewed and swallowed the onigiri with a gurgle.

“Eat slowly. You’ll get sick.”

A cup filled with water was suddenly placed in front of Tae-ram’s eyes. He looked up and saw Fran standing there. 

“Fran?”

“I’m here!”

Behind him, Kairan poked his head out. Upon closer inspection, they both held large baskets in their hands.

“What’s that?”

“Sandwiches, I thought you might be hungry.” 

“I have fruit and sweets!”

“But the prince took precedence over me.” 

“What? Then, can’t I eat with Tae-ram?”

Tae-ram offered the disappointed pair a seat.

“If you’re okay with it, let’s all eat together.” 

“As long as Tae-ram is fine with it.” 

“We don’t need the prince’s permission.” 

“I like eating together!”

They sat down and opened the basket. It was filled with delicious food.

Sandwiches with fresh vegetables and ham and cheese. French fries with crispy bacon on top. And a muffin covered in chocolate. It was a delicious combination.

“Tae-ram, you have to try these muffins. I drove to another town to get them. They’re so good.” 

“Yeah, I’ll eat them for dessert after we finish our meal.”

“Yeah! Definitely.”

“Have a sandwich first. Here, Tae-ram. I don’t know if it will fit in your mouth.” 

“Did Fran make this sandwich by any chance?”

“Yes. I’m embarrassed to say it’s the first time I’ve ever made it for someone else.”

He took a big bite of the sandwich, which looked delicious. 

“It’s delicious. It’s like something you’d find in a store.”

“You’re being flattering. Do you like people who cook well?” 

“Yes, of course, I do.”

“I’ll try harder to learn to cook.” 

“I look forward to it, Fran.”

As Tae-ram looked at the now silent Kairan, he glanced to the side. Kairan was eating his food quickly and energetically. Feeling a sense of urgency, Tae-ram sat next to him and began eating with determination.

“It’s ugly, but it’s salty and delicious! What kind of dish is this? Who made this?”

Kairan, who had been eating rice balls for a while, pointed to the onigiri that Se-ho had made and exclaimed, and Tae-ram explained smoothly. He was now able to handle unexpected situations without blinking an eye.

“It’s called rice balls, and I told the prince about it.” 

“Oh? The prince is quite something too.” 

“I made plenty, so eat as much as you want.” 

“Great! Thanks.”

As the three of them were enjoying their meal, a sullen voice came from somewhere. It was Fran.

“I can’t forgive you for cooking with Tae-ram….”

Tae-ram continued to eat, trying to ignore Fran’s mutterings. He decided to be meticulous in checking the corridors tomorrow morning in case Se-ho collapsed from poison.

Despite the slight commotion, it was a pleasant evening.

* * *

“The Delicious Man” Page 195

In the banquet hall, Tae-ram’s expression seemed somber for some reason, probably because the prince and the others weren’t at the party. I don’t think anything special happened, but I was also feeling down, though for different reasons than Tae-ram.

Just when I thought the party had ended without incident, Tae-ram was approached by a man I didn’t recognize, dressed in a black robe that looked too suspicious to pretend. I kept my eyes on the two of them, thinking that if I had to, I’d go out and save Tae-ram.

The man exchanged a few words with Tae-ram and then suddenly took off his robe. The person underneath was as handsome as I had expected.

Pale skin, like a vampire. Long, shiny black hair that looked like it was cut from the night sky. Most of all, he had mysterious black eyes that drew people in. He had a sexy, decadent vibe that our party lacked.

Giving me a trembling heart while I was observing the two of them, the man actively approached Tae-ram. The man touched Tae-ram at will, but Tae-ram received his touch like a docile lamb, and it seemed that he didn’t mind it inwardly.

I was very reflective when I saw that. Honestly, I thought that three people at a time was the limit for Tae-ram, but I was foolish. Yes, there was no limit!

I should meet with the maid and have a serious conversation all night.

* * *

The hot sunlight beat down on Tae-ram’s face, making him feel as hot as a sweet potato, but in his sleep, he didn’t want to lift a finger. His body felt heavy from the recent party.

“I thought you were still sleeping, get up.”

At the sound of someone’s voice waking him up, he tossed and turned but didn’t wake up. His mind was awake, but he didn’t want to open his eyes. It was a nuisance.

“Tae-ram. Wake up.”

Tae-ram burrowed deeper into the fuzzy blankets, ignoring his wake-up call. 

“If you don’t get up, I’m going to throw away all your breakfast.”

“Hey. That’s not right!”

Tae-ram finally opened his eyes. Breakfast might not be a big deal to some, but to the foodie, it was a great threat. Tae-ram’s reaction exceeded his expectations, and Se-ho couldn’t help but laugh.

“Haha… Just kidding.”

His eyes narrowed and the corners of his mouth gently arced. His platinum hair glistened in the sunlight. Tae-ram couldn’t take his eyes off Se-ho.

This is no joke. He always thought he was good-looking, but with this level of looks, he could probably survive just by selling his face.

Just as he was seriously thinking it was like he was full even if he hadn’t eaten yet, his stomach rumbled with a primal need.

“…Breakfast is served on the terrace.”

Tae-ram nodded humbly and moved to the terrace.

The breakfast was perfect. A clear fish soup that made his stomach feel better just by looking at it, a salad neatly topped with large slices of cheese and tomatoes, and an omelet filled with shrimp, mushrooms, and meat for the main course.

“Wow… This is so good.”

Tae-ram exclaimed, marveling at the fluffy texture of the omelet and the harmony of the ingredients. Se-ho also marveled at Tae-ram’s cheeks, which were puffed up like greedy hamsters coveting sunflower seeds.

“…You eat so well.”

“Sometimes I think I want to stay for the food.”

“That’s like you.”

“Is that an insult?”

“It’s a compliment.”

“Or it was a cute junior who came to wake me up this morning? You’re not cute.” 

“I’m sorry I’m not cute. That kind of thing only happens in games and novels.”

“We’re in a novel here.”

“Don’t puke on me, and cut the crap and see if you forgot anything, we need to get out of here before it’s too late.”

Tae-ram pondered, mouth agape.

“So… meeting with Lucias again….” 

“Stop talking while you’re eating!” 

“You’re being sassy.” 

“You’re being messy.”

Tae-ram was tempted to make fun of Se-ho when he saw him freaking out, but then, afraid that he might clean up his breakfast, he chewed his food tightly and swallowed it all before speaking again.

“In the capital, the main character will meet Lucias at the jewelry store.”

“…Is that okay? The capital must have hundreds of jewelry stores….”

Se-ho remembered Tae-ram’s distress during the previous party. He worried that Tae-ram might have to visit every jewelry store in the capital again.

“It’s okay this time, I know exactly where to go and when, and there’s a piece of jewelry there that Lucias might be interested in.”

“Lucias is into jewelry?”

Se-ho questioned, having heard about Lucias’ aloof, tasteless personality from Tae-ram.

“Don’t worry.”

With a reassuring smile, Tae-ram explained the situation to Se-ho.

The Tear of the Fallen Angel is a gemstone handcrafted by dwarves from obsidian without a single impurity. It was the one thing that Lucias, who had no interest in anything else, was obsessed with.

In the past, Lucias was given the Tear of the Fallen Angel by someone he loved. But he wandered for a long time after his loved one left, and he lost the gem. Since then, Lucias has made sure to stop by a jeweler wherever he goes.

“You know, the biggest jeweler in the capital.” 

“Ah. I know where that is.”

“They’re having a special obsidian sale. Just today.” 

“Where did you hear that?”

“At a party. I heard it from a countess I’ve gotten to know a lot.”

“So party isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

“Not twice, but… Anyway, Lucias is sure to come.”

Coming down to town with the prince to purchase supplies for their journey, the original main character is distracted by jewelry and loses sight of the prince, and is mistaken for a thief.

“Lucias helps the main character out of a jam.” 

“Sorry for the predictable development. Anyway, it looks like everything will go smoothly this time, right?” 

“Understood. Now, you should start thinking about the ending too.”

Se-ho’s words made Tae-ram, who had been so energetic earlier, sullen.

“I don’t remember it yet. I do remember arriving at the Demon Castle and the battle between the Demon King and the Prince….”

“Try to think of something.”

“I’m trying, and you said you don’t like roughs.” 

“It’s better than a blank slate, but it’s frustrating.”

Tae-ram was just as frustrated as Se-ho.

How did the prince defeat the demon king? Why were they fighting in the first place?

They were supposed to be allies. He couldn’t remember. Se-ho spoke softly to Tae-ram, who was grunting and rubbing his forehead.

“Let me know if it comes to you, even if it’s late. We’ll figure it out somehow when the crisis is right in front of us.” 

“Uh? Y-yeah…” 

“It doesn’t seem helpful to think too hard. Let’s proceed with the next event for now.”

For now, somehow. They were all words that didn’t sound like Se-ho. Tae-ram realized the source of his discomfort.

“Why do you look at me like that?”

“No. I just think you’ve changed….” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Seeing Se-ho looking fat, Tae-ram wondered where the fresh-faced handsome man of the morning had gone, but feeling good that Se-ho seemed to be affected by him, he decided to play it cool.

“Yeah. Yes. Of course, let’s get ready to leave.” 

“…Alright.”

* * *

Tae-ram and Se-ho went down to the village and gathered traveling supplies. Their luggage grew to include emergency scrolls, potions, and other magical items, as well as various necessities.

“Are these all we need?”

Se-ho said, his hands full of luggage, his face barely visible through the high wrapping. 

“Oh, we also need a blanket. It’s very cold in the Demon World. Think of the desert.”

“…Hurry up and get one.”

“Don’t glare at me like that.”

“I’m not glaring, I’m just tired. This is already more than Amil can carry alone.” 

“I’d like to help, but Tae-ram, the main character, is fragile.”

Se-ho was annoyed by Tae-ram’s ridiculous coddling, but he found it cute again, and he hated himself for thinking so.

“Don’t pretend to be cute.”

“I can’t even breathe cute.”

“If I didn’t have a load on my hands, I’d punch you in the face.” 

“Your aesthetic sense is dead….”

“You shouldn’t be walking around like that. Nothing good comes of overdoing it.” 

“Sticking your nose in? You’ve been acting like an ass lately. I’m your senior.”

“Someone like that is called a jerk.” 

“I’m annoyed. I want out!”

“Have it your way. Anyway, according to the story, the prince and you must part ways.”

Se-ho shrugged with a nonchalant expression. Frustrated, Tae-ram left Se-ho alone.

Just talking about plot twists and developments! An enthusiastic writer is getting excited. He wanted to explore the town for a moment… It shouldn’t be a problem to take a break!

Tae-ram walked toward the largest jewelry store in the village. He felt uneasy at the thought of being treated like a thief, but there was no other option.

* * *

As he entered the shop, the owner, a middle-aged man, quickly put down the gem he was appraising and greeted him.

“Welcome, and if there’s anything you’re looking for, please feel free to ask.” 

“I’ll just take a look around.”

The owner blatantly scanned Tae-ram’s attire up and down, then became more friendly. 

“Take your time looking around, Guest. Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

Beautiful gems glistened on the luxurious display cases. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and even magical gems with special enchantments. The gems were colorful and exuded elegance, but it was the magic gem that caught Tae-ram’s eye.

There’s a flame inside the gem! And there’s water sparkling. It’s beautiful. Interesting. He looked at the jewelry for a long time.

As time passed, the owner’s gaze toward Tae-ram turned chilly. Tae-ram was feeling exhausted just standing there with nothing to do. He couldn’t buy any gems because he had to play the role of a thief.

“Sir, is there anything else you would like?”

Eventually, the owner approached him, unable to hide his disapproval. All he could do was smile awkwardly and hope Lucias would show up soon.

“I don’t have anything in particular, but the jewelry is beautiful.”

The owner clicked his tongue and returned to his seat, but immediately ran into a problem. The jewelry he had just been appraising was gone. The owner stares in disbelief at the missing jewelry and then turns to Tae-ram with suspicion.

“You stole it, didn’t you? I’ve been suspicious of you since the beginning. You’re always putting on a front. You’re always looking!” 

“I’m a little on the cautious side, so I guess I’ve been misunderstood. It’s not me.”

“You like being cautious. Do you realize how many hours it’s been?” 

“I was considering a lot of things….”

Finally, the owner raised his voice, shouting at Tae-ram.

“Don’t be ridiculous, you’ve been drooling and staring at my babies!” 

Tae-ram could somewhat understand the owner’s reaction, but at the same time, he couldn’t believe it. He had been lingering around for a while, but to be mistaken for a thief was absurd. What if someone else heard this misunderstanding? They would think he’s some kind of kidnapper!

“I didn’t steal it.”

“You’re still lying! Hand over the stolen jewel!”

The owner threw up his clunky hands, unable to contain his anger.

If this is a crisis, why isn’t Lucias coming? Maybe he can’t be a victim if he dodges or fights back. He doesn’t know. He’s bound to get hit by a punch or two.

Tae-ram squeezed his eyes shut in half-despair. Before the merciless attack could reach his face, someone grabbed the owner’s arm.

“Stop.”

A familiar voice rang in Tae-ram’s ears. It was Lucias. Tae-ram’s face widened at the sight of the man he’d been waiting for.

“He’s in the wrong, he’s been snooping around and stealing my jewelry!”

The owner stammered, but he got the point across.

“How much is it?”

“It’s….”

Lucias said, and the owner blurted out the price. He threw a sizable sum of gold coins at the owner, then looked back at Tae-ram and spoke briefly.

“Come out.”

“What? But….” 

“It’s okay, come on.”

Tae-ram quietly followed Lucias out the door. The situation was neatly resolved with money. Although he felt relieved, he still felt a little nervous as he left the store.

Surely this wouldn’t make him a thief? Fearful of misunderstandings, he quickly proclaimed his innocence.

“I’m innocent.”

“I know.”

“If you know that, why did you pay so much money?”

“Because time with you is priceless.” 

“Uh….”

Expecting a grunt, Tae-ram was surprised.

“Money means nothing to me. If I can help you with something as simple as this, I’ll do it again and again.”

Lucias’ words were simple but powerful. He smiled faintly at him, and he couldn’t help but want to call him brother. It was reassuring to feel a sense of grown-up comfort from him.

“Thank you.”

“Be careful next time.”

Puzzled by Lucias’ seemingly imminent departure, Tae-ram gripped the hem of his robe tighter. If they didn’t become friends here, he knew the gem would dull.

“Now, wait a minute! If it weren’t for you, Sir Lucias, I’d be accused of being a thief, and I want to repay you.”

“Lucias.”

“What?”

“Don’t add the ‘sir’. I like Lucias.”

“I will, Lucias. Anyway, tell me anything you want.” 

“Anything?”

“Yes! Anything!”

“You don’t say things like that to just anyone.” 

“I don’t say things like that to just anyone.”

Lucias reached out and brought his hand to Tae-ram’s face. He stroked it slowly across his face as if to confirm something. Tae-ram didn’t think to pull his hand away, as he had the first day he met him.

“You’re so defenseless, and what if I’m the bad guy?”

“You’re not a bad person, Lucias.” 

“…You resemble someone.”

“Who?”

Lucias laughed wordlessly and bitterly.

“I want to know your name. Let that be my reward.” 

“Tae-ram…. I’m Han Tae-ram.”

“Different, but it has a pleasant ring to it.”

At first, Lucias had thought that Tae-ram might be his descendant. However, upon hearing the unfamiliar and unique style of the name, he realized that there was no connection between them. Still, he was fine with that.

“Lucias?”

Lucias was lost in thought for a moment, but the sound of Tae-ram’s voice brought him back to reality. 

“…Would you mind hanging out with me for a bit?”

“Sure! Anytime.”

The two walked for a while until they came to an area where artists were performing. There were performances, large and small, everywhere.

“They’re all so cool.”

Unlike Tae-ram, who was looking everywhere, Lucias kept his eyes on the deserted alley. 

“What are you looking at?”

Following Lucias’ gaze, Tae-ram saw a calm and serene singer singing calmly to the slowed-down music. Although her talent was exceptional, her simple and unpretentious performance in contrast to the flashy ones around her attracted fewer spectators. However, she remained unwavering, bravely unfolding her world.

“That’s a good song.”

“He sang songs like that, too.” 

“Was he someone important to you?”

“Someone I can’t forget, no matter how much time passes.”

Lucias told Tae-ram about a time when he had lost a loved one.

The more Tae-ram listened, the more he was overcome by a strange feeling. It was a story he had made up, but hearing it from Lucias’ mouth made it feel different.

The man with the heart of sand had a coolness about him that was unshakable. Delicious food, gorgeous clothing, rare jewelry, beautiful women. He could have it all, but he was always empty. Nothing could fill his heart.

Then one day the man met a young man with a bright smile, who was like water, taking in everything. He was full of emotion, bright and upright, so different from the man, and the man liked it. He was naturally at the man’s side, and the man felt comfortable for the first time in his life.

The man’s sandy heart, which flowed no matter what he filled it with, began to harden and take shape. The young man, who had been the only light in his life for a few happy days, had suddenly disappeared without a trace. The man was left with a void that was incomparable to the days when he knew nothing. An even greater despair overtook him.

“I still can’t figure out what I did wrong to him.”

A deep sadness hid in his bland tone. Tae-ram could not meet Lucias’ eyes with the intensity of his guilt.

He’ll never know why, because he doesn’t either…

Lucias’ long-suffering was just a set-up for the one-liner that Tae-ram had created. He just needed a good reason for the demon to fall in love with the main character quickly, and it didn’t mean anything else.

Lucias spoke to Tae-ram’s confused mind. 

“I hear you’re a warrior, and that you’re leaving for the Demon World.”

“Yes. By chance….”

“I’d like to join you on your journey. I’ve been a mercenary long enough to have traveled to the Demon World a few times. It would be helpful.”

“Well, that’s….”

It was the moment he was hoping for, but Tae-Ram didn’t answer. 

“…Are you tired?”

“Oh, no.”

“You look troubled.”

“I’m just tired. I am looking for someone who knows about the demon world.” 

“You should go inside and get some rest. You don’t look well.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Lucias joined the party, just as Tae-ram had hoped.

After giving him a brief itinerary, Lucias left. Alone, Tae-ram stood there for a while, unable to move.

“I remembered.”

Tae-ram remembered. Why the Demon King had become an ally, and how the Prince had defeated him. Lucias’ hidden setting was a sacrificial ball: He ripped out his own heart for the main character.

Lucias’ last line in the original echoed in Tae-ram’s head.

‘I didn’t have anything left in me anyway. You’re the one who filled my heart, so I’m willing to give it to you. Everything I have.’

Tae-ram thought Lucias’ kindness was heavy.

He’d sacrificed himself for the main character, and now he’d sacrifice himself for him. Is that okay?

Tae-ram decided not to tell Se-ho what he had discovered today. The sky, which had begun to turn red, unnecessarily heightened his anxiety.

* * *

Meanwhile, in the royal palace, Fran was scheming. 

“Kairan. Are you there?”

Kairan opened the door to find Fran holding a tray of food.

“What is it, it smells delicious.”

“I made it with Amil. It’s fried ogre fingers.”

He can see the blade in Fran’s mind. He’s always doing that to the prince. As long as he doesn’t hurt him or Tae-ram, he doesn’t mind, right?

Kairan was momentarily wary at Fran’s uncharacteristic smile but then relaxed.

“It must be delicious! Did you make it for me?”

“Yes, of course. I have something to ask about magic, can I come in for a moment?” 

“Sure. Come in!”

“I apologize for intruding. I have some questions about illusion magic.” 

With that, Fran walked into Kairan’s room.