Let's Not Write A Novel Recklessly - Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 – FORMATION OF A PARTY

After a late breakfast, Tae-ram went for a walk and found Se-ho lying in the hallway.

He almost stepped on him. Tae-ram dragged Se-ho into his room.

“Hey. Are you okay? Wake up.” 

“…Senior Tae-ram.”

“Are you okay?”

“…I’m fine.”

Se-ho’s face was pale, but his demeanor was calm. It was true that humans were creatures of adaptation, and now he could pass off most poisons with a frown.

“Is it Fran again?”

“Are there others besides Fran? I think he poisoned my cup today. I checked the tea, but not the cup. As soon as I drink it, I was paralyzed from the tip of my tongue, and I can’t make it to my room before I collapsed….”

“It’s been a while since you’ve been knocked out.”

“I think I’ll be able to move after a while though, I think I’m building up a tolerance.”

“Detox with morning poison! Isn’t this supposed to make your skin look better?” “…That’s not funny at all!”

“Haha… Sorry.”

“Since we’re here, I’d like us to figure out why the gem got cloudy.” 

“Sure. You’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to talk to you.”

“I envy you.”

“I wish I could help you with a simple job, but I’m illiterate here.”

“I didn’t expect that.”

He felt bad for being ignored, but unlike Se-ho, who worked like a cow, he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.

“You said you met Kairan at the banquet, right?”

“Yes. I checked just before I went into the banquet hall, and it was fine.”

Tae-ram looked at the book in his hands and sighed deeply. The gemstone in the center of the book glowed black and red, unlike the bright glow it had before.

“It was a different meeting with Fran that the original, and I don’t know why.”

“I think it’s because you cleared the big stem of Fran falling in love with the main character. I felt it when the first page was filled, but the judgment is not as tight as I thought.”

“Although the timing is different, it seems like Kairan is also interested in me….”

“Every little bit helps, so think about the differences between the two of you.” 

“By the way, Kairan said something weird.”

“What did he say?”

“That my presence is bigger than everyone else’s.”

“Presence… If it’s because you’re from a different world, he might have been interested in me too. The only difference between you and me is just one thing.” 

“What is it?”

“You’re the creator. I think presence is how much you know the original. Kairan’s recognition of that fact goes against the flow of the original.”

“Does that mean I’m screwed if the others find out I’m the original author in the future?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s likely. You’ll have to become an ordinary dimension traveler from now on.”

“What the hell is a normal dimension traveler, that’s weird.”

Suddenly, he remembered someone. But he couldn’t remember the face or the name, as if it were a fog.

“This is so complicated! If only there is …… for times like this… Uh, I don’t remember….” 

“Senior?”

“He was like a family member who helped me whenever I was in trouble.”

Seeing Tae-ram’s confusion, Se-ho also grew serious. 

“Are you referring to Senior Min-ah?”

“Senior Min-ah……Who is that?” 

“Senior….”

“That’s what Yellow said. He said that if you leave the original storyline, you will be assimilated into this world….”

“…Are you okay?”

Tae-ram forced a smile when he saw Se-ho’s expression turned even more serious.

“It’s okay. If we finish the ending, they’ll all come back, right?” 

“Right….”

“Okay, I’ll fill in some pages by myself today.” 

“But….”

“Please take a break, it’s poison and you’re going to overwork yourself.” 

“Okay, just don’t push yourself.”

“Leave it to me.”

Tae-ram calmly organized his thoughts. The next event was the formation of the party. While searching for a way to return to the original world, the main character hears a rumor and forms a party to go on a journey. The first companion, the prince, is no problem, but the second is…

* * *

After parting with Se-ho, Tae-ram called Fran to the greenhouse garden. 

“It’s nice to be lazy like this sometimes.”

Delicately tended garden trees, flower beds in full spring bloom, and a handsome man. The three elements came together beautifully, like a painting.

“I know.”

Stunned for a moment, Tae-ram regained his composure and deliberately lowered his eyes. Let’s think sad thoughts. He is incredibly sad.

“Tae-ram, you don’t look well, is there something bothering you?” 

“…Nothing.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll listen to your problems.”

Tae-ram felt pleased that Fran took the bait so quickly. Se-ho wasn’t here to put out the flames, but he had a feeling that things would resolve more easily than he thought.

“Actually….”

He paused for a moment, then spoke slowly. 

“I’m going to the Killain Mountains.”

“Why such a rugged place?”

“There’s someone I need to meet.” 

“You mean the wizard of rumor?” 

“Yes.”

Trying not to sound pitiful, Tae-ram explained the situation he, or rather the main character, was in.

A wizard of the Killain Mountains.

He lives in seclusion in the Killain Mountains and has reached the Tenth Circle beyond human limits. The main character of the original work heard rumors that he could use dimensional travel magic and set out on a journey to meet him.

“I’m scared, but I can’t give up.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but it’s too dangerous.”

Fran’s expression grew more serious.

“The wizard of the Killain Mountains is said to be skilled in illusionary magic, and if you get caught up in a binding, you’ll have nightmares forever.”

In addition, the Killain Mountains have been untouched for so long that monsters are rampant, and there are already hundreds of people missing or dead. But the reason so many people sought out the wizard was because he was rumored to grant the wishes of anyone who came to him.

In reality, it was nothing more than a bored dragon’s amusement, and his identity was Kairan. 

“I know, but I desperately need his magic, and the prince has offered to help me….”

“Speaking of which, where is the prince?” 

“I think he’s busy with something.”

“I don’t think he’s even had lunch, so I’m worried he’s sick.”

Fran’s pretty face filled the water. Tae-ram couldn’t believe that Fran, the perpetrator, was worried about Se-ho, the victim. He thought Fran was an abomination, but to keep from showing it, he kept eye contact with him and smiled softly.

“Don’t worry about it too much. The prince usually skips meals when he’s working hard.”

“Is that so, you two are so close.”

“It’s just that he has a lot to take care of before we leave for our trip, and I have some preparations of my own.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Just listening to me is enough for me.” 

“I’d love to be of service to you, Tae-ram.”

Tae-ram thought he had laid enough groundwork. Tae-ram sighed heavily, then cautiously cut to the chase.

“I’d like to take a priest with me… But it’s difficult to find someone suitable for such a notorious place.”

Tae-ram trailed off and looked at Fran. 

“Do you mind if I come with you?”

Inside, Tae-ram smiled with satisfaction. But should he brush him off this time?

“You’re a great man, Fran, and I can’t get you killed on a journey for my purposes.”

The purest and most divine energy known to be granted by the gods, ‘holy power.’ Fran was a combat cleric with a level of holy power unparalleled in the history of the world, and the first such cleric to appear in decades.

Originally specialized in healing and supportive abilities, Divine Power did not allow for the use of magic. However, there were those among the priests who could manipulate magic, the basis of magic, and they fused holy power with magic to create holy magic. Those who wielded this power were called battle priests.

In a world where wizards were scarce, a combat cleric who could wield both divine and magical power was welcome in any nation. Moreover, as the youngest High Priest, Fran was politically coveted.

“With you by my side, I’d feel reassured, but I know you’re busy.”

“But I want to be of help to you.” 

“If you put it that way….”

Just as Tae-ram was about to give in to Fran’s words, Yellow appeared. What the hell? He didn’t call him.

[I’ll explain it outside, just come out now.]

Fran didn’t seem to be able to see Yellow, was something wrong? Tae-ram felt uneasy and stood up.

“Fran. I’m sorry, I suddenly remembered something important… Can you wait a minute, I’ll be right back.”

“Sure? Take your time.”

Leaving a puzzled Fran behind, Tae-ram walked out of the greenhouse garden. 

“You must have had a very special reason for interrupting me at such a crucial moment, right?” 

Once out in the hallway, Tae-ram tugged on Yellow’s cheek.

[I’m coming to call you because Se-ho ordered me to.]

“Se-ho?”

[He said there was a problem with the story.] 

“…What?”

[If you don’t understand, let go of me. He’s on his way here, so ask him directly. I’m leaving!]

Tae-ram looked in the direction Yellow had pointed as he disappeared. At the end of the hallway, Se-ho was staggering down the hall.

“Why did you come? Your condition is a mess.” “

What about Fran?” “That’s not important. If you keep this up, you’ll be in trouble.” 

“If the story goes off track, it’s not just me.” “

It was going well.” 

“One crucial element is missing in the story progression.” “

…What is it?” 

“Check the book.”

At Se-ho’s words, Tae-ram opened the book, and to his disbelief, the pages of today’s page were blank.

“What? All the fuss I made since morning resulted in nothing? It was all for nothing?”

“In important events, all the necessary characters should be present. It seems we need the prince this time.”

“No way. That Amil guy is usually wandering around, snooping around everywhere, and now he’s gone out of business today?”

“Where is Fran now?” 

“In the greenhouse garden.”

“Let’s make a plan.”

Tae-ram told Se-ho what had happened so far, step by step, and the two used their imaginations to create a simple skit in no time.

“Then I’ll go in first.”

Having said that, Se-ho opened the door of the greenhouse garden roughly and entered, and as soon as he saw Fran enjoying a leisurely teatime, he shouted.

“I can protect Tae-ram without you.” 

“What’s going on all of a sudden?”

Tae-ram, who had been gauging his timing by looking at the dazed Fran, also jumped up. 

“Prince, wait a minute.”

“Tae-ram, what is this?”

“I went to get something for my room and ran into the prince, and somehow I told him about Fran….”

“No explanation needed.”

Se-ho stepped between Fran and Tae-ram. Cold sweat beaded on Se-ho’s forehead, still exhausted. He wasn’t going to collapse again, was he? Tae-ram stood there, looking genuinely uneasy.

“Stop thinking uselessly and return to the temple.” 

“I will accompany him on his journey.” 

“I refuse. I am enough on my own.”

“Are you insulting me?” 

“I don’t think it’s too much for a prince.”

“Look. You’re stumbling around like that now, aren’t you? You’ve got a bit of a possessive streak.”

Fran sneered at the poor Se-ho. 

“You’re all about moderation, aren’t you? There’s a limit to how much I can tolerate your antics.”

“Speaking of pranks, how can a prince who can’t stand the slightest prank be trusted to protect Tae-ram?”

Tae-ram was worried about Se-ho, but the correct answer here was to never intervene. He’s a filthy naive main character. He doesn’t know about poisons and stuff. Tae-ram stood there, rolling his eyes like a frightened rabbit.

“Tae-ram said he needed me.”

“Not you, but a priest. There is no shortage of good priests in the royal family.” “No one better than me.”

Se-ho and Fran glared at each other fiercely. It was murderous. Tae-ram marveled inwardly at Se-ho’s refusal to give in to Fran despite his illness.

“Arrogant.”

“I’ll give you that word back.”

At the height of the viciousness, Se-ho flashed a sly glance at Tae-ram. Now would be a good time to intervene, he thought, embarrassed but determined.

“Don’t fight because of me!”

His stomach lurched at the clichéd line, but he swallowed hard, thinking of Amil watching from somewhere.

“It’s not like that.”

Fran’s long, white hand came down on Tae-ram’s shoulder. Tae-ram couldn’t help but feel his heart flutter at the pleasant fragrance emanating from Fran. He couldn’t dislike the beautiful person who was being kind to him.

“Let go.” 

“I don’t want to.” 

“You shouldn’t touch what belongs to others.” 

“Don’t treat Tae-ram like an object. Nothing has been decided yet.” 

“Arrogant!”

Tae-ram wrenched himself out of Fran’s arms and clung to Se-ho. 

“Prince. Calm down!”

“Let go!”

Se-ho’s rough movements threw Tae-ram to the ground. He knew the story beforehand, but it hurt so much. Tae-ram felt a little frustrated as he realized the difference in their physical abilities.

“Tae-ram!”

“Tae-ram!”

Two people rushed to the fallen Tae-ram. 

“Do you need me to treat you?”

“Are you okay, do you want me to call the doctor?”

“I’m fine, I’m just sad that the relationship between you two is broken because of me.”

Tae-ram cried deliberately. Think of a sad movie. Please! Flow. Fran was the first to raise the white flag in response to Tae-ram’s fake tears.

“It’s not that the prince and I don’t get along, we just don’t see eye to eye.”

“That’s right. Tae-ram. You did nothing wrong. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“So you’re not going to fight and you’re going to get along?” 

“I promise.”

“Okay. I’ll grant it.”

That’s how Fran became a party member.

* * *

With one major case solved by recruiting Fran, Tae-ram returned to a life of leisure and relaxation. He had a week to spare before their departure.

For now, a dessert party. Tae-ram made his way to Amil with a light step. He would have been happy if he hadn’t seen a head of red hair wandering down the hall.

Kairan? Trouble. Tae-ram spun around carefully, faking it, only to be stopped dead in his tracks by Kairan.

“Look. We met again, didn’t we?”

“…Hi.”

“Why are you trying to run away, do you hate me?”

Seeing Tae-ram trying to run away, Kairan became as sullen as a puppy whose food bowl was taken away. Tae-ram’s conscience was pricked. Looking at him like that would make him weak.

“I have something to do over there.” 

“You’re lying. You’re agitated.”

That damn cheat. It’s a total scam. Why did his past self set it up like that? Tae-ram

chalked it up to karma, but was also annoyed.

“By the way, I think Kairan works for the Kingdom.”

“There he goes again, pretending not to know. Okay. Well, I’ll let it slide. But you have to play with me today.”

Kairan snapped his fingers. The next thing he knew, he was in an unfamiliar place.

“Where are we?”

“My room.”

Old books and strange-looking magical tools. An unrecognizable magic circle on the wall and a mysterious herb in a glass jar. Kairan’s room was strange, and the clutter was maddening.

“Sit wherever you like.”

“Where can I sit? I don’t see any place to sit.” 

“Okay.”

Kairan waved his hand and a small space was created. 

“This is interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“Yeah. Show me again.”

Kairan performed colorful magic tricks until Tae-ram grew tired of them. 

“It feels good to see you smile.”

“Uh, thank you.”

The flame fluttering resumed, and Tae-ram didn’t know what to do.

“I don’t know what this feeling is. I want to know everything about you.” 

“Maybe it’s friendship?”

“I don’t want to think of it that way?”

It was getting weird, and he decided to get away before he got in more trouble. 

“It’s almost dinner time, and I should probably get going before it’s too late.”

As he prepared to leave, Kairan stopped him. 

“I saw you in your dream, touching that strange machine.”

Kairan snapped his fingers in the air like he was playing the piano. Tae-ram realized the gesture meant a computer.

No… Kairan, can he see into other people’s dreams? This is a scam. Se-ho has power, Fran has divine power, and Kairan has magic. Everyone is extraordinary except him.

“Tell me what that machine is, and I’ll let you go.”

Kairan laughed crisply, oblivious to the burning in Tae-ram’s stomach. It was like a scene ripped from a teen novel. He couldn’t completely fool Kairan, who was a living lie detector anyway.

“As you might have guessed, I came from a different dimension. The machine that appeared in my dream is a universal machine from our world that can access information.”

“Interesting. If I could figure out the structure, I might be able to build one.”

“But Kairan, you have magic, which is much more impressive in my opinion.”

“But I thought you were writing something, not searching….” 

“Oh, a journal, I wrote in it every day.”

This was the moment when a high-level 19th-century BL novel was disguised as a wholesome diary. 

“Since I don’t want to bother you any further, should we stop here?” 

“…I’ll go now.” 

“Just one last thing.” 

“What is it?”

The next moment, Kairan leaned down and rested his head on Tae-ram’s chest. Is this for real? Does he want him to pet him? Is he really a dog?

“Ah. Quick.”

“Oh, okay.”

Tae-ram stroked Kairan’s head gently. The fluffy softness was strangely addictive, he thought. He pondered for a moment about what kind of dragon he might be. It’s supposed to be a midge, but it’s actually a lizard? He’s not sure.

“I really have to go now.” 

“Yeah, be careful. Oh, by the way!” 

“What else?”

“Because I know you’re leaving in a week and I’m going to be there.”

“What?”

Tae-ram fought down the urge to scream in exasperation. No. How does it make sense that he’s going to a party where they’re going to look for him?

“Do you know who I’m going to find?” 

“I do. That’s me, isn’t it?”

“Uh….”

Kairan’s response was so nonchalant that he was momentarily speechless.

“You know my real identity. At first, I thought you only knew the surface, but every time you see me, you keep thinking of the dragon. How did you know?”

“Well, it just so happens that….”

“Don’t give me that look, I’m not going to dig deep.”

Kairan looked at him with understanding eyes, as if he knew everything, which only made him more nervous. What could it be?

“…If you know that much, why are you following me? You have no reason to follow me.”

“Do you have a reason to go there when the dragon you’re looking for is right in front of you?”

In his frustration, Tae-ram blurted out something he shouldn’t have. 

“Because I’m the main character….”

“The main character? Tae-ram is the main character?”

Oh, no. Se-ho was nagging Tae-ram in front of his eyes. He didn’t know anything else, but he couldn’t let him know he was the author. Okay. Let’s get rid of the shame.

“I always think I’m the author of my own life.”

“…I’ll take that. Anyway, don’t try to stop me. I’ve already told the king.”

Tae-ram belittled Kairan. The wicked, cunning dragon.

“If you’re going to be a part of the party, you have to promise me something.” 

“Yes! What is it?”

“If my party breaks through Kairan’s barrier, you’ll have to meet us as a wizard of the Killain Mountain.”

“You want me to act with the prince?”

He’s so close. Tae-ram was powerless to be more surprised. 

“…Uh, yeah.”

“It’s weird. Why are you making such a big deal out of it, like you’re being watched.”

“You told me you weren’t going to pry.”

“But I’m curious.”

Tae-ram was inwardly relieved. The fact that he did not know Amil existed means that this is the world in the novel, that he did not know that Amil was the narrator and that he was the original author. Not that he could let his guard down.

“There are some things I can’t tell anyone, but I’ll tell you the truth when it’s all over.”

“…Please tell me.”

“Sure. Until then, consider it a game of disguise.”

“A game? Hmm, interesting. Anyway, okay, now I feel closer to you like a prince.”

“Of course, and I hope you’ll take care of me.”

“Yes! I’ll be by your side until you accept my hand in marriage.”

Tae-ram sighed deeply. Scary dog, no, dragon. He’d tell Se-ho later, in moderation.

And just like that, they had an unlikely ally.

* * *

Late at night after parting ways with Kairan. 

Se-ho came to find Tae-ram.

“You still don’t look good. Are you okay?”

“Not at all. I feel like I’m going to throw up. That damn bastard.”

Se-ho still looked weak from the poison. Tae-ram found it refreshing to hear Se-ho swear. On the other hand, he also realized that he had built up quite a bit of resentment toward Fran.

“If you were sick, you could have come tomorrow.” 

“…Are you okay, Senior?” 

“Huh?”

“In the greenhouse earlier. You said you could handle it, but I think I pushed a little too hard… You’re a normal human being, aren’t you?”

Tae-ram was about to say that he was just another human being, but then he saw Se-ho’s toned body.

“It’s okay. It’s not easy to keep up the act when your body isn’t used to it. Still, thanks for worrying.” 

Se-ho’s next words broke the cordiality.

“I saw the book. You had a great time with Kairan.”

“Oh, yeah? Amil must have been watching from somewhere. Still, the gem didn’t get any cloudier, and Kairan agreed to cooperate, so I guess it went well.”

“Cooperate?”

Tae-ram explained to Se-ho how he had negotiated with Kairan, except for the part where he accidentally said he was the main character.

“Kairan knows I’m special, but he doesn’t seem to know about novels or narrators or anything like that. Still, the gems didn’t get any more tarnished, so I guess that’s a good thing, right?”

Se-ho let out a small sigh, and Tae-ram looked at him. 

“I see. Anything else?”

“Nothing in particular, other than that, do you think Fran and you will be okay traveling? I mean, he put poison in the palace, it’s easier to do it outside.”

“Since you’re with me, we’ll figure something out.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.”

“That’s right, I’m relying on you a bit.”

Tae-ram was a little touched by the warmth in Se-ho’s voice. 

“That’s right. You were truly amazing. How could you play the prince so well without even reading the book?”

“The main characters in your novels always follow the same pattern, don’t they?” “What!”

“Jealous, possessive, and causing trouble for those around. Just like you! If someone tries to look at you kindly, you act out.” 

“I don’t do that as much as you! If someone tries to treat you well, you become distant.” 

“I never asked to be treated well.” 

“But wait! How do you know the main character’s pattern in my novel so well? Be honest. Are you my fan?”

Se-ho was silent again. Tae-ram was sure that was the right answer.

“You’re always speechless when you’re at a disadvantage. You’ve read my novels, haven’t you? Did you buy the collector’s edition? You’ve read them all? You’ve read them all, haven’t you?”

Se-ho remained silent, only wiggling his eyebrows in displeasure. Tae-ram didn’t give up, though, and persisted. After a while, Se-ho muttered in a low voice.

“…It was just market research.”

It was only an ant’s voice, but Tae-ram heard it.

“Funny. You’re always writing heavy stuff, and you’re doing market research that doesn’t even make it into the novel.”

“It was to get me out of a slump. I figured if it was selling, I could do it, especially since I was going to read the whole thing out of courtesy, but I couldn’t get past the beginning.”

“Dude, do you really have to say that?”

“Just in case you got the wrong idea, I don’t like your novels.”

“I don’t like your novels either because they’re heavy and cheesy!” 

“Cheesy? I thought of that before, but your word choice is childish.” 

“What?”

That night, the two of them had a heated debate and argument that lasted all night.

* * *

A week later, Tae-ram’s party set off on their journey.

Tae-ram glanced at his companions. It was a surprisingly unusual group. Not in a good way.

There was Se-ho, a foul-mouthed man with a tendency to fight over everything; Fran, a cleric who seemed kind but carried poison hidden in his smile; and Kairan, the dragon who would explode into flames if you let your guard down around him. And even Amil, who looked cute but was quite creepy.

He was still nervous about this party, but it felt good to be out of the palace.

An hour later, Tae-ram’s face, which had blossomed like a singleton flower, crumpled into a terrible ball. He was tired of the steep forest paths and the unchanging scenery. His low stamina was also a problem. He’s going to die. His legs are shaking.

Tae-ram’s party’s decision to take such an arduous route was by no means intentional; they had traveled inconspicuously, with only Amil as an attendant, but the group attracted far too much attention. A hasty purchase of a hood pressed down deep, would only make them look more suspicious, so a detour through the forest was the method of choice.

“Hey, Tae-ram. Are you tired?”

Fran approached him as he struggled to walk. Unable to answer, he nodded wordlessly. Kairan, who had been watching them closely, interrupted their conversation.

“I’ll hold you if you need it, or do you want me to carry you? Give you a ride?”

Tae-ram inwardly sighed. Oh, Kairan. Humans can’t carry other humans. Is he trying to prove he’s a dragon?

“Kairan, Tae-ram is the representative of the gods. Please be mindful.” 

“Tae-ram said it was okay?”

“Still, there are lines to be drawn….” 

“If you are so envious, will I yield?”

“You said I was envious… I never did!” 

“I can see everything!”

“…You don’t make any sense.”

Tae-ram thought it was kind of funny to see Fran frozen in place. Fran’s scissors, Kairan’s fists. While Tae-ram was quietly analyzing, Kairan suggested to Fran again.

“Well, if you’re that eager, you should just go ahead and do it!” 

“But….”

“Well, we’re on our own anyway, so what the heck, Tae-ram’s having a hard time.”

At Kairan’s urging, Fran finally snapped into action. 

“Okay, then. Tae-ram. If you’ll excuse me.”

“What? Now, wait!”

Without warning, Fran swoops in and scoops Tae-ram up into a quick hug. Tae-ram

squealed inside. This crazy guy! His butt. He never noticed that Fran was this strong. He’s subtly touching him!

Amil was staring at them intently, diligently writing something down, which made Tae-ram feel even more embarrassed.

“Are you uncomfortable?” 

“Well… I’m really fine! Can you put me down?” 

“But… what if you collapse?”

After struggling for a while, Tae-ram finally managed to get out of Fran’s arms. The priest was strong and persistent. He’s a slender beauty, but he can’t let his guard down.

“If you don’t feel comfortable, you can lean on me.”

“I can’t let Amil, who is younger than me, walk alone. Besides, it’s all my fault that we can’t ride horses.”

And so it was. Tae-ram’s party had initially traveled by horseback.

However, Tae-ram, who had never ridden a horse before, couldn’t manage it at all, and he ended up riding with Se-ho. But Tae-ram’s slender body, even after receiving main character stats, couldn’t withstand the long period of horseback riding. Eventually, they had to sell the horses and proceed on foot. Tae-ram’s butt was still hurting. This level of debuff is a disaster.

“Tae-ram, you’re just an ordinary person. Amil is an Imperial servant, a battle servant.”

Amil, who had been leading the way, turned around and spoke up.

“Yes, this is nothing, I’ve been training steadily!”

Tae-ram suddenly realized that Amil was carrying an enormous amount of weight. At first glance, it looked like it weighed several times his body weight. And yet, he didn’t break a sweat. Tae-ram, on the other hand, was carrying a lighter bag that weighed less than half of what Amil was carrying, but he was pouring sweat like rain.

Damn. He’s the weakest one here. Tae-ram was forced to admit that he was the weakest one.

“Hey, Mr. Tae-ram, let me carry your bag!” 

“That’s really okay….”

Tae-ram pretended to give in and tried to hand his bag to Amil. It was a little embarrassing, but he had to live.

“I’ll carry it.”

Se-ho appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Tae-ram’s bag from the middle. He gently pulls him to his side, and Fran, who had been watching, steps forward.

“I’ll carry it. I can’t dare to impose such a task on the Prince.” 

“You’re joking. Since when did you care about such things?” 

“I already decided to offer my help first.”

“Let go. What’s Tae-ram’s is also mine.” 

“Do you think Tae-ram feels the same way?” 

“Not exactly, but…”

Earlier, Fran was a bit timid compared to Kairan, but when it came to Se-ho, he was more forceful. Tae-ram found the dynamics between the three of them fascinating. Then, Se-ho seemed like a mediator.

For a moment, the two of them jerked off with Tae-ram in between. Tae-ram was pushed this way, pushed that way. As if he wasn’t tired enough, his irritation rose.

“Get out of my way!”

All eyes turned to Tae-ram. He was so tired, his true colors were coming out. If nothing else, he found Se-ho’s stony expression particularly frightening. Tae-ram realized that he needed to make amends before he got into trouble with Se-Ho.

It was an unexpected figure who summarized the situation five minutes ago.

“I’ll do it!”

Using magic, Kairan appeared behind Tae-ram’s back and snatched his bag. Having lost their target, Se-ho and Fran were stunned for a moment, but soon recovered and returned to their respective positions. This is amazing. Tae-ram marveled at Kairan’s natural virtue.

Now that things had calmed down and he was unburdened, he felt better. 

“Kairan. Thank you.”

“No. You’re my boyfriend material.”

No. No, that’s not it. Ignoring his protesting glances, Kairan tugged at him.

“Let’s go!”

“Slow down.”

Amil muttered meaningfully, a sinister look on his face that was unthinkable given his usual exuberance.

“Innocent and naive… Delicious.”

Anyway, the conflict was safely resolved and the trip continued. Tae-ram enjoyed the peace, unaware of the potential dangers that lay ahead.