Let's Not Write A Novel Recklessly - Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7 – DRAGON HUNT
Tae-ram’s party has reached the Divine Mountains, where the Green Dragon lives. All they could see was nothing but yellowish-red rocks. It was no wonder they were called rocky mountains. The group walked and walked through the steep canyon.
As time passed, Tae-ram fell further and further behind. At first, the rest of the group was worried about him, but then they started jockeying to see who could carry him.
The stares stung. This is going to turn into a fight like last time… Tae-ram remembered the early days of their journey when everyone was excitedly helping him, carrying him, and giving him rides. Trying to think of a way where no one would complain, he finally came up with a plausible idea.
“Hey….”
Before he could say anything else, the three of them, minus Amil, spoke up.
“You’re tired, I’ll carry you!”
“I can hold you if you want.”
“Are you uncomfortable? Let me help you.”
“That’s….”
“Even if you don’t feel like it, I can carry you.”
“If you don’t feel like it, just say it, Tae-ram! I can do either.”
“It would be nice if I could carry you… but if I transform into a polymorph, I might get caught by the dragon that lives around here. Too bad.”
“…Let me say something!”
The three of them clamped their mouths shut at Tae-ram’s shout, and Tae-ram felt a strange sense of satisfaction at how well they listened to him. They were like well-trained puppies.
“It’s embarrassing, but I think we’re going to be behind schedule, so I have a suggestion: why don’t you magically create a cart and I can ride in it?”
Everyone was worried about Tae-ram, so his suggestion was accepted.
Once the decision was made, Amil gathered branches, and Kairan used wind magic to carve rocks into wheels. Fran connected them, and in no time at all, they had a small cart that was roomy enough for one person.
“Thank you.”
Tae-ram, who was on the verge of collapse, gratefully climbed into the cart. But the problem wasn’t completely solved.
“I’ll push the cart!”
Kairan quickly raised his hand, and Fran jumped right in.
“I’ll just push it, since you went to the trouble of making it, Kairan.”
Se-ho followed suit.
“If that’s the reason, I didn’t help at all, so I’ll do it.”
“That’s not bragging.”
“Considering your physique, it’s best if I pull. From the looks of it, you’re going to struggle.”
It wasn’t a huge difference, but Se-ho was definitely in better shape than Fran.
“You’d think it was a huge difference.”
“Well, it’s true that you’re smaller than me.”
“Then I’m the biggest here, so I’ll push it!”
The winner was surprisingly Kairan, and the two men’s childish bickering was over.
“…Do as you please.”
“Just make sure he doesn’t get hurt.”
“Leave it to me, Tae-ram. Hold on tight.”
With those words, Kairan glided over the white rocks like a Siberian husky pulling a dog sled.
“Kairan, you’re going too fast!”
Kairan’s rough driving made Tae-ram feel like the goblin meat he’d eaten for breakfast had risen to the top of his throat.
“I’m struggling, Kairan.”
“Sorry. Sorry. I was having fun pushing.”
Kairan slowed down. Once he was comfortable with the cart, he asked Kairan what he had been wondering about earlier.
“But, Kairan.”
“Why?”
“Are you sure you’re okay? I mean, they’re your people, after all.”
“If it was young, it might be a problem, but the one we’re hunting today is an adult. It’s fine.”
“I’m kind of sorry because it’s an innocent dragon being sacrificed for my purposes.”
Even if it was for the sake of advancing the story, Tae-ram resisted the idea of harming a sentient creature. If he could just pull out the heart without killing it, he’d do it, even if it was a rabbit and a tortoise.
Sensing Tae-ram’s dark feelings, Kairan spoke softly.
“The dragon that lives here is fierce.”
“Fierce?”
“Yes. He’s done a lot of damage to humans, and the other dragons have complained that he’s caused them a lot of trouble. I don’t do much work, but I’m a Lord, and I’ve gotten reports.”
“I see. Still, even though you know it, it bothers me because you have a relationship with it.”
“I was so young I don’t even remember his face. I can’t help but feel bad for him, but it’s for your good. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
“Thank you for your comforting words.”
“Most importantly, he’s the weakest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I probably shouldn’t say this, but… I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but we have Kairan, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“Oh… I’m sorry. I can’t participate in this battle.”
“Why?”
“Because dragons leave behind residual thoughts when they die. I don’t want it to be known that I was involved. No matter how great I am, killing one’s kind is a great sin, so I found the weakest one I could.”
“Will the three of them be okay?”
“Amil is dangerous, so I’ll have him assist moderately, and… Prince and Fran are pretty strong for humans, so they’ll be fine!”
At Kairan’s words, Tae-ram began to worry about the other side as well, what if Se-ho and Fran fight amongst themselves in the middle of the battle?
“I’ve already told Fran.”
“Already? Kairan and Fran are really close.”
“Yeah. I like Fran because he’s nice to me, and I enjoy talking to him about magic theory.”
“I was a little nervous after what happened last time.”
“Even if he wanted to poison me, it wouldn’t have worked, he’s too smart to mess with me.”
Kairan smiles, exuding confidence. It was so natural that Tae-ram wondered if the reason Kairan was able to remain so cheerful was because he had been a powerhouse since birth. It was a moment when he saw a new side of him that he had only ever seen innocently.
* * *
“The Delicious Man” Page 113
“Let me tell you something!”
The three of them immediately fell silent at Tae-ram’s words, and I couldn’t help but smile at how cute they were as they waited for him to say his next words.
I loved the idea of the float, but I loved the way Tae-ram took control of the party with his next instruction. I saw new possibilities.
With a satisfied grin on his face, Tae-ram was like a queen bee or a little devil, and he had a deadly charm that made me wonder if the genre was about to change.
Fighting dragons is scary, but… I know I need to rest now.
But…
I couldn’t stop the inspiration that kept coming.
* * *
The road was peaceful for a long time. All around was silence, as if an earthquake was about to strike or a typhoon was about to blow. Suspicious, Amil said cautiously.
“It’s too quiet.”
“It’s rather suspicious that we don’t feel anything.”
“Yeah, it’s like something is about to jump out.”
“It’s vague….”
After listening to their comments, Tae-ram began to think it was strange, too. The Divine Mountains were just as neglected as the Killain Mountains. It was certainly strange to see no monsters in such a place.
Still, he’s sure Kairan will be able to get him out of here if he has to. Tae-ram thought, feeling moderately relieved. The figure of Kairan pushing the cart blurred and suddenly disappeared.
“…Kairan?”
Kairan’s voice drifted into Tae-ram’s panicked mind.
‘Tae-ram. Can you hear me?’
He looked around, but there was no sign of Kairan.
‘I can see you from my side, so nod if you can hear me.’
Tae-ram nodded quickly. Is it some kind of message magic?
‘I just cast a spell on you too, so pretend you’re talking to me in your mind.’
‘Can you hear me, Kairan?’
‘I can. I can hear you. Your voice is so pretty, even like this.’
‘…Thank you, but why did you suddenly disappear?’
‘I sensed the Green Dragon’s presence, so I teleported away. I was going to take you with me, but the cart made it difficult to formulate the formula right away. I’m sorry.’
‘I see. It’s because of my physical strength, but I can’t help it.’
‘The Green Dragon is probably watching you right now.’
‘We’ve got a reverse target on our hands.’
‘Be careful. For now, pretend you didn’t notice anything and go to Fran. He’ll cast a protective spell.’
‘Yes. I’ll do that.’
‘They’re going to attack the main body, and if they do, this whole area could melt. Get to me as fast as you can before the battle starts.’
Kairan’s words about melting everything gave Tae-ram a chill.
‘Let me know if the Green Dragon attacks.…’
Kairan’s voice cut off abruptly. Tae-ram had an unpleasant premonition.
Suddenly, the sky turned black and his vision darkened. The dragon’s enormous size blocked out the sky.
The dragon was flying toward them. The first thing he saw was a short, plump tail covered in plastic. It had a long, lizard-like body, a short neck, and sharp claws gleaming on its three-pronged toes. The large wings on its back flapped with a stomach-churning pressure.
“Lian’s favor upon thee!”
Fran quickly chanted, and a white veil formed around Tae-ram.
“Tae-ram! Go to Kairan!”
“Tae-ram. Hide as far away as you can!”
“Mr. Tae-ram. Be careful.”
“Don’t worry about me. I don’t want anyone to get hurt!”
As Tae-ram got out of the cart, he heard Kairan’s voice again.
‘I’m here.’
Tae-ram ran desperately toward where he could hear Kairan’s voice, though it was faint. Kairan was squatting in the bushes, just like Tae-ram in battle. Despite the gravity of the situation, Tae-ram laughed. The dragon lord was so petty and cute.
“Don’t look at me so pitifully. I’m a little upset.”
“It’s because you’re cute.”
“When you’re punished for killing your kind, the usual punishment is forced hibernation, which means I won’t get to see you, and I don’t want that. Instead, I’ll assist just enough to not be noticed.”
Kairan gestured in the air a few times like a conductor, and everyone, including Tae-ram, was covered in a yellow-gold veil.
“What about the prince?”
“He’s a Swordmaster, and even if we put a shield on him, it’ll break anyway.”
Tae-ram regretted making the prince a swordsman. It was frustrating to have to rely solely on Prince Kirik’s abilities. Still, the prince was the only human to have earned the title of Dragon Slayer in the novels, so it should be okay. Lee Se-ho, please don’t get hurt. And the others.
As Tae-ram clasped his hands over his heart and prayed, the battle began in earnest.
“Amil, don’t get too close. You can’t slay a dragon with your sword.”
“Yes! But I’ll support you as much as I can.”
Amethyst light faintly enveloped Se-ho’s sword.
“Fran. Don’t play around this time.”
“…Understood, Lian’s blessing upon you!”
Fran had a frown on his face, but he was cooperative under the circumstances, and Tae-ram smiled as he watched. For whatever reason, he was glad that Fran had given Se-ho his first proper support spell.
The dragon’s glowing green eyes focused on the three of them, and as it opened its huge mouth, a huge ball of mana began to form in front of it. It was a powerful presence that even Tae-ram, who felt no mana, felt overwhelmed.
“That’s the breath attack, right? Can these three stop it?”
Tae-ram shook Kairan’s shoulder with an anxious heart.
“Close?”
Kairan’s words made Tae-ram feel even more uneasy.
The dragon’s bolt of energy shot out like a laser cannon. Tae-ram averted his eyes, unable to see the spectacle. Se-ho blocked the dragon’s breath with his sword, knowing that Tae-ram was behind him, he had no choice. With a tremendous crash, Se-ho’s feet were bound, and the nearby trees, stones, and everything else seemed to melt away.
“Fran! Use support magic quickly!”
“Got it!”
A short distance away, Fran chanted incessantly. Amil realized he couldn’t keep up and fell backward, as did Tae-ram and Kairan.
A moment later, the mana-depleted dragon descended to the ground.
The dragon flew low, aiming its thick tail at Se-ho, who stood at the forefront. Se-ho either dodged or parried the attacks with his quick movements, which were hard to see with the naked eye.
With each clash between the sword and the tail, sparks of energy scattered in all directions. The fierce exchange continued. Neither Se-ho nor the dragon could deliver a fatal blow, and only minor wounds accumulated.
As Tae-ram watched the battle, he felt like his heart was about to burst. At that moment, a change occurred in the prolonged battle.
“Oh, Lian! Block the enemy’s movements before my eyes! Got it! Prince!”
After dozens of tries, Fran succeeded in casting the paralyzing spell. While the dragon hesitated, Se-ho sliced off the tip of its tail. The dragon wobbled, its center collapsing from the gaping wound in its tail. Se-ho plunged his sword into the dragon’s side.
“Fran! Your dog-like attack magic, use it there quickly!”
“Don’t command me! Oh, Lian! Grant me a mace to annihilate the enemy before me!”
Dozens of tiny hammers of light attacked the dragon’s gaping wounds. The dragon’s screams assaulted their ears. Triumphant, the two continued to pummel the dragon without pause.
“Not bad.”
Tae-ram watched Kairan leisurely as if watching a movie.
After several attacks, Se-ho finally sliced off the dragon’s arm. The dragon screamed and struggled frantically. Both Se-ho and Fran were exhausted, but they continued to attack.
Finally, Se-ho’s sword sank into the dragon’s underbelly.
“Oh, Lian! Bestow upon me a fierce blade to vanquish my enemy before me!”
Fran’s blade of light followed, slicing through the dragon’s throat. The dragon collapsed in a heap.
“I’ll take care of the rest.”
“I’ll rest too.”
After confirming that the dragon was motionless, both Se-ho and Fran fell to the ground. They seemed to have poured all their strength into the battle.
“Prince, Fran!”
Tae-ram immediately rushed to the two fallen men.
“Kairan, don’t you have any magic related to healing?”
“Something like that! I’m not an expert, but I’ll give it a try. Heal!”
Kairan’s magic made their faces look better, but their breathing was still unsteady.
“Kairan, one more time! Do it strongly, okay?”
“Oh, okay. Healing, healing, healing!”
Kairan’s healing wasn’t as effective as Fran’s, but he kept repeating it.
Soon, Se-ho and Fran’s breathing returned to steady. Relieved, Tae-ram looked back at Kairan.
“Are you okay?”
Kairan seemed to have reached his limit and slumped down.
“I’m exhausted. I’ve never used up so much mana in my life.”
“If you keep this up, you might collapse too, Kairan. We need to move those two quickly, but what should we do?”
It was then. Amil, with a lively expression on his face, approached Tae-ram and Kairan with a chunk of meat dripping with blood. They didn’t want to know, but the chunk of flesh he was holding looked like part of a green dragon.
“Mr. Kairan, I’ll make you a special dish tomorrow morning!”
“Wow. Really?”
“Sure. It’s my first time using this meat, so I’m looking forward to it!”
“If you’re having trouble with the ingredients, let me know and I’ll help.”
It was good that Kairan was cheered up, but Tae-ram thought that he didn’t want to eat that special dish. Wait a minute. Isn’t Kairan eating a dragon the same as a chicken eating chicken? He doesn’t know. Tae-ram just decided not to think about it anymore.
“I’m sorry, but these two need to be moved first.”
“Yes! I’ll do it. Mr. Kairan, please put this meat over there.”
“Sure!”
With empty hands, Amil quickly picked up Se-ho and Frank, carrying them like a load on his shoulders.
* * *
Tae-ram’s party returned to the Killane Mountains for reorganization.
“I’ll see if I can use this as a medium to travel between dimensions. I’ve got a magic formula I made a while back, but I haven’t used it yet. I’m not sure, but I think the output should be enough.”
Saying that, Kairan took the green dragon’s heart that Se-ho and Fran had obtained and inserted it into his rare. The rest of the group set up a barricade around the rare.
Even after a day had passed, Kairan didn’t come out, making Tae-ram worried. Nonetheless, he sent Fran, who was knowledgeable in magic, inside. Shortly after going in, Fran came out.
“Kairan wants us to wait at least two days.”
“We’re behind schedule.”
“We can rest until then.”
“That’s right, Tae-ram. Or you can go back alone, Prince.”
Just as Se-ho and Fran were about to start arguing, as they always did at Fran’s insistence, Amil, who was outside cleaning up, poked his head in.
“I want to go to that village!”
“The village?”
“Is it possible? I am planning to replenish our supplies….”
Tae-ram’s eyes widened at the mention of supplies. At last, he had a chance to escape Amil’s monster dishes, so he jumped at the chance.
“Yes, let’s go! I’ll carry the luggage.”
“Really? I’ll prepare quickly! Ah… the luggage is fine.”
Fran and Se-ho, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between Amil and Tae-ram, naturally joined them.
“Tae-ram, can I come along too?”
“I’m going too.”
“Of course. Now that I think about it, this is a rare opportunity for our journey, and we haven’t properly rested.”
“Since the purpose of the journey was not sightseeing, right?”
“You’re getting more arrogant, Frank.”
“Arrogant? It’s just something I can’t ignore. Who are you, Prince?”
“You are a subject of Runever, and I am a prince.”
“The temple has been granted an independent status, and the only one above me is the Lord Lian.”
Tae-ram quickly pulled them apart before a second round could begin.
“Fran, could you maybe set up a barrier around the camp? Prince, please assist Amil.”
“Yes. Although I may not be as good as Kairan, I’ll create the strongest barrier I can.”
“Understood.”
Se-ho moved toward Amil, and Fran began chanting. Tae-ram sighed inwardly, thinking that the two of them were getting more childish by the minute.
“Give me, Lian. Make this place an absolute tabernacle that no one can breach!”
With a whirring sound, a veil of light was drawn over the barracks. It was Kairan’s territory, so nothing would happen, but it was reassuring nonetheless.
With that, the four traveled down to the nearest town to the Killain Mountains.
They arrived in the village of Conn, a quaint town with medieval European-style buildings.
“It’s so different from the capital.”
Tae-ram thought the colorful town of Conn was pretty, unlike the villages around Runever, which were neat at best and drab at worst.
“This is your first time in Conn, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so.”
“It’s so far from the capital that it’s developed a culture of its own, and it’s one of the few self-sufficient villages.”
Tae-ram listened to Fran’s explanation with interest.
Unlike the capital, which is strictly governed by law, the town of Conn has a looser rule of law, which has attracted many artists, and as a result, a cultural industry has developed.
A small town away from the capital. It has a different atmosphere from the capital.
It was a one-line setting. He hadn’t even named the town. Tae-ram was surprised that what he hadn’t written was filled in so well. It’s a weird feeling to be so proud.
Taking advantage of his sentimentality, Fran casually put his arm around him, and Se-ho, watching from the sidelines, opened his mouth to say something, but then remembered Tae-ram’s embarrassment and clamped his mouth shut.
“Look, Tae-ram! The dance is so elegant.”
With the interruption gone, Fran pressed more aggressively against Tae-ram. He subtly touched his body, but he didn’t notice as he was mesmerized by the sight.
“It’s really impressive….”
Conn was splendid and full of life. Musicians were playing unique instruments, beautiful singing, magic shows, and various spectacular performances. Everyone, except Se-ho, seemed to be having a satisfying time. But just then, Amil suddenly called Fran over.
“Mr. Fran, I need your help.”
“What can I do for you?”
“There’s something I want to buy, but I think it’ll be too heavy to carry by myself.”
“If it’s something that requires strength, I think the prince is better suited to do it than I am….”
“But we might need magic!”
Amil dragged the faintly rebellious Fran to his feet,
“Then Mr. Tae-ram. Prince. We’ll meet you at the fountain in the square!”
Before Tae-ram could respond, the two were gone like the wind.
Se-ho and Tae-ram were left alone. Tae-ram spoke up first.
“Why don’t we go explore some more?”
“Yes, I’d love to.”
With that, Se-ho held out his hand to Tae-ram.
“Just in case, so you won’t become a bother if you get lost.”
“If you didn’t say that, it would have been even better.”
Tae-ram grumbled but took Se-ho’s hand. Their palms were touching, and it somehow felt embarrassing. Looking at Se-ho, he realized Se-ho’s face was blushing from his fingertips to his cheeks. Tae-ram was engulfed in a ticklish feeling.
The two walked side by side through the bustling crowd, exuding an air of innocence.
“It’s been a while since we talked so comfortably.”
“That’s because we’ve been playing the main character and Prince to each other on our travels.”
“From what I’ve seen, you should join acting school when you get back.” “Don’t tease me.”
“I’m serious. You’re a cute guy, and you’re a good fit.”
“You’re a flower girl, too.”
“Only looks? That’s strangely offensive.”
“Did you really think you were an innocent flower girl with your dirty temper?”
“What the hell, I’m a decent enough character.”
“A bratty temper. Nothing more, nothing less, but….”
“I don’t want to hear it from a bratty social misfit like you!”
“I have friends!”
“Oh, so you do, do they count for ten fingers?”
“I guess it’s better than the senior who gets annoyed because he can’t be a flower girl.”
“Not that I want to be!”
It was a savory smell coming from somewhere that stopped the two of them, or more accurately, Tae-ram, in their tracks.
“Chicken? That’s seasoning, too.”
“…Now, wait a minute, senior!”
“I can hear the sound of chicken being fried.”
Tae-ram followed the smell into the alley as if mesmerized. Se-ho couldn’t help but follow.
A small, old, dilapidated mud-brick house on the corner had a crude sign that read ‘Chicken Cuisine’. Tae-ram was giddy with excitement.
“I can read simple culinary terms now, so that’s chicken, right?”
“…and it’s lunchtime, too, so let’s go in, shall we?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Unlike the outside, the inside of the restaurant was quite clean, and the food came out quickly as soon as they ordered. On the plate in front of them was a dish that, no matter how you looked at it, you could only recognize as chicken. Tae-ram was thrilled. He’d seen pizza and other similar dishes here, but never chicken.
“Stop looking and eat it.”
Se-ho was fed up with Tae-ram’s excessive happiness.
Tae-ram looked away from Se-ho’s gaze and reverently picked up a chicken leg and took a bite. The savory flavor wafted through his mouth, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
“Delicious….”
Tae-ram ate as if to erase all the bizarre monster dishes he had ever eaten.
“Please eat slowly, senior. It’s one chicken per person.”
Tae-ram laughed unintentionally at Se-ho’s serious expression when he said such a simple thing, but the chicken got stuck in his throat. Se-ho quickly scoops up some water for Tae-ram, who is gagging.
“That’s why I told you to eat slowly.”
“…Thanks.”
“Please be careful. Do you want to die while eating chicken?”
With that, Se-ho gently patted Tae-ram on the back.
“If you think about it, it’s because of you. You were an arrogant prince just a moment ago, but suddenly you’re acting like a small citizen when you say one man one chicken….”
“That’s because of me?”
“Not really, but….”
Seeing Tae-ram’s mouth sticking out, Se-ho smirked.
“In any case, senior, you change your attitude constantly. It’s so….”
“It’s so what?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Se-ho’s face was red as he said that.
“Embarrassed, huh? Why? Do you find me cute again?”
“It’s not that….”
“Then what is it?”
Tae-ram made a grim face, remembering the incident in the barracks earlier in the trip.
“…Yeah, I thought it was cute. Why on earth would someone like you… Oh no.
You’re mad at me.”
Caught off guard by Se-ho’s sudden outburst, Tae-ram dropped the chicken he was eating. He intended to tease, but instead, he received a counterattack.
“I feel embarrassed when you look so serious.”
“You were the one who brought it up first.”
“Haha… I was being naughty. I’m not going to make fun of you, let’s eat chicken.”
“Every time you laugh like that and act nonchalant, it attracts guys like Fran to stick to you.”
“Suddenly?”
“I’ve been thinking about it, but you’re too soft on Fran.”
“Is that so? I thought I was drawing a line in the sand.”
“Earlier, you stayed still when Fran touched you here and there.”
“I can’t be too harsh on him. After all, he’s the character I put the most effort into, right?”
“A character, you say? Fran is older than us.”
“By the way….”
“Even if you’re the creator, I want you to keep some distance. He’s getting too close to the main character.”
“I didn’t realize you were so concerned about it.”
“I care a lot. I don’t want Fran to touch you.”
“Oh, really?”
Embarrassed, Tae-ram poked at the chicken in front of him, shredding the flesh.
“I hope you watch out for Fran.”
“No… Fran’s character setting is extreme, but… what I meant is that he listens well to me.”
“That’s the thing, Fran is already becoming different from the original, remember what I said at the beginning?”
“…That this place is real?”
“That’s right. If we stray any further from the original than we are now, we might lose all our memories. I want to go back with you.”
“…Me too. I want to go back with you.”
“Senior….”
Se-ho looked at Tae-ram with a puzzled gaze and slowly approached him. Their faces drew closer.
Will they kiss? Though he didn’t particularly want it, Tae-ram closed his eyes tightly. Finally, Se-ho’s hand touched Tae-ram’s face. Nervous, Tae-ram unconsciously swallowed.
The next moment, Se-ho gently wiped the corner of his mouth with his finger. “Huh?”
“You have sauce on your mouth.”
“Yeah.”
Meeting Se-ho’s questioning eyes, Tae-ram felt embarrassed at his misunderstanding. Tae-ram buried his face in the table.
“Senior, what’s wrong with you all of a sudden?”
“I don’t know! Just leave me alone.”
* * *
The ring on Fran’s finger sparkled incessantly.
‘Even if you’re the creator, I want you to keep some distance. He’s getting too close to the main character.’
At the sound of Se-ho’s voice in his head, Fran stopped walking. The creator? The main character? The conversation that followed was unfamiliar.
“Mr. Fran, what’s wrong?”
Amil looked at him curiously.
“It’s nothing, you don’t have anything else to buy, do you?”
“Nothing, thank you for your help.”
“Shall we go to the square now?”
“Yes! There’s a shortcut over there!”
Fran followed Amil as he led the way with his usual gentle smile.
The ring he had received from Kairan was a magical item that allowed him to listen in on conversations within a certain distance. Fran replayed the conversation between Tae-ram and Se-ho in his head, piece by piece.
Tae-ram. Prince. They’re talking about something very interesting. Error rate, force, losing memory, and being assimilated. Is this the secret Tae-ram has been hiding?
Fran remembered the suspicious circumstances.
Tae-ram had grown close to the prince in a short time. The way he called him by an unfamiliar nickname. The way he sometimes acted as if he knew the future. Most of all, the strong attraction he felt from the moment they met.
This world is a story created by Tae-ram. Perhaps his feeling was destined to be this way. But Fran didn’t mind such things. He only thought endlessly about how to prevent Tae-ram from leaving this world.
Tae-ram. He’s responsible for the story he created, for him, to the end. If he deviates from the original, he will remain here, right?
If all his memories are lost, will he be able to keep him by his side forever?
* * *
Fran came to Tae-ram while he was resting after dinner.
“Hey, Tae-ram, would you like to go for a walk with me?”
“Sure. I was just thinking of going for a walk.”
“Good.”
Fran smiled at him as he accepted. Tae-ram’s spirits were lifted by the fact that Fran was so full of life today. Fran is so pretty at night. Does he like him a little… No, he likes him quite a bit, but he’s made it clear that he wants to be friends, so that should be fine.
Tae-ram, unaware that Fran had just eavesdropped on them, was nonchalant.
“There’s a very special place only in Conn, would you like to go?”
“Conn, won’t that be too far?”
“Don’t worry, we can travel there with magic.”
“Okay then!”
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Fran grabbed Tae-ram’s hand before he could say anything. Tae-ram flinched at Fran’s slightly chilly grip.
“We need to be connected like this to move, so hold on tight.”
“Okay. I see.”
“Lord Lian. Lead us on the right path.”
With Fran’s incantation, the two were surrounded by a mass of light.
The sensation of being sucked in was unfamiliar, and when Tae-ram came, he saw a small building in front of him.
“It’s really Conn. This is amazing. We can go all the way to the Demon’s Castle.”
“You can only go where you’ve been before. It costs a lot of mana, and there’s a lot to think about when it comes to coordinating space, so I can’t use it often.”
“I see. This is an unusual building, by the way.”
The small building was colorful and funky, like an amusement park ride.
“What does this place do?”
“It’s a place to get close to the sky.”
“…The sky?”
“You’ll know once you go inside. Only two people can enter.”
Instead of answering, Fran bought a square piece of wood from what looked like a ticket booth.
“Is this a ticket?”
“Yes, follow me.”
Upon entering the entrance, a woman dressed in a colorful clown outfit, just like the building’s exterior, stepped out.
“Hello! Welcome to Sky Park, where love comes true! Just go into that room!”
The grumpy woman didn’t even give them a chance to reply before shoving them into a room.
“Fran. Where the hell is this place….”
Tae-ram was speechless at the sight before him; it was literally another world. The room was shaped like a round dome and filled with stars, large and small.
“It’s beautiful….”
The stars sparkled and twinkled, shifting from place to place like fish in water. Some spun in circles, others moved up and down.
“Oh my God, the stars are moving!”
Tae-ram’s mouth dropped open. A magical planetarium? That’s some scale.
“You can fly freely in here.”
Before he knew it, a floating Fran was pulling him up into the sky. Along with the feeling of floating, Tae-ram’s body floated. Excited, he bounced around, waving like a puppy swimming.
“Is it that exciting to see the stars move?”
“Yes! Is this normal in this world? That star is cute. It looks like it’s alive.”
“Tae-ram is cuter. That’s right. We can do things like that here.”
Fran plucked a small star and placed it on top of Tae-ram’s hand. The star danced on the bottom of his hand and soon slipped out of his hand.
“These stars here, are they the same as the ones in the sky?”
“Not exactly, but these are all pieces of real stars.”
Moving slowly, Fran explained the constellations to Tae-ram. The names of the constellations and their origins were all unfamiliar. He could feel the world he had created come alive. His heart swelled with a sense of wonder.
“How did Fran know this place?”
“The priest who took care of me brought me here. It was a very special experience for me as an orphan. When I was younger, it was hard to get a meal, so a place like this was a luxury.”
When setting up Fran, Tae-ram put a lot of thought into his appearance and personality. Because of all the work he put into it, he later found it annoying to fill in the other settings. So he left all the secondary stuff like family relationships blank.
It was those little blanks that changed Fran’s life. He supposes it’s his fault he doesn’t have a real family. Tae-ram’s expression darkened sharply.
“You don’t look well, did I drag you here by force?”
“Oh, no! I think it’s an interesting place, I’m just a little tired….”
“Want me to cheer you up? Give me your hand.”
“…Like this?”
Tae-ram slowly opened his palm.
“Give it to me, Lian. Wrap your arms around us and hold us close.”
As Fran chanted, one of the floating stars was enveloped in light. A moment later, a faintly glowing star crystal fell into Tae-ram’s hand. The crystal was mysterious, changing colors depending on the angle of view.
“It warms my heart to look at it.”
“It’s said that carrying a star crystal will make love come true. Actually, it’s forbidden to take one like this, but I’ve been here often, so one would be fine, right?”
Tae-ram suddenly remembered Se-ho’s face. He wished Se-ho had come with him…
“Who are you thinking of?”
Fran was smiling gently, but the air around him turned cold. If he was honest here, he thought, Se-ho’s death flag would be confirmed.
“I was thinking of my companions, Amil and Kairan and the Prince.”
“Why not me?”
“Because you’re with me, and I’m only thinking about them right now.”
“Tae-ram….”
“Thanks for showing me such a cool place, I’m glad I came with you.”
Se-ho told him to be careful with Fran, but Tae-ram couldn’t let him go. Because of a setting he’d overridden out of annoyance, Fran had become a family-less person. He couldn’t hurt him any more than he could hurt his own heart.
“You’re traveling to return to your world, Tae-ram.”
“Yes.”
“Will you be returning as soon as Kairan finds a way?”
“If time permits, I’d like to stay here for a little longer. Eventually, I will return, but I want to stay a bit longer. Regrettably, I won’t be able to see everyone, but I plan to go back.”
“Even if I or the prince tell you not to go?”
“Yes….”
Fran closed his eyes and pondered,
“Fran?”
“Can’t I follow you to your world?”
“But… Fran probably has ties here….”
“I don’t have strong attachments to this place. I just want to be with Tae-ram.”
Tae-ram felt Fran’s heavy heart weighing on him. On the other hand, he also felt sorry for his heart which would never be reciprocated.
In the original story, the main character does not return to the original world but chooses the prince. When he sees the ending, he will return to the original world. Tae-ram hoped that at least what he was doing now would give Fran a little comfort.
“If there’s a sure way, and if Fran wants to go, we can go together.”
“Thank you for saying that, Tae-ram.”
Fran’s lips gently touched Tae-ram’s cheek and then fell away.
“Did you dislike it?”
Tae-ram shook his head furiously at Fran’s words. The scent of his minty breath and the faint lingering warmth of his touch disturbed him. Fran smiled shyly at him.
His heart pounding, Tae-ram felt sorry for Se-ho.
* * *
?The Delicious Man? Page 147
I was sorry for Fran, but I forced him away from the Prince and Tae-ram, and that night I regretted it bitterly.
There were a lot of pretty and handsome men in Conn, where I went to play during the day, so I was sneaking out at night to look around. But my God, I saw Fran and Tae-ram affectionately entering Sky Park. I think Fran has a delicate side to him, choosing such an intimate and affectionate place.
I secretly followed the two of them, and I wasn’t spotted, I was able to enter the Sky Park with ease, thanks to the concealment skill I learned at the Training School.
Tae-ram was looking around with innocent eyes like a flower deer, wondering what Sky Park was all about, and Fran was staring at him with a gaze that was so adorable, it was already a heartwarming sight.
And then all of a sudden, Fran leaned over to Tae-ram and kissed him on the cheek. I thought my heart was going to drop to the floor. I couldn’t hear what was being said, but when Tae-ram said something, Fran laughed, and it was like a flower blooming.
I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming, and I decided that from now on, I wouldn’t let anyone get in his way. As long as Tae-ram was happy, I am okay with it, but I still wished the prince would try harder.
* * *
When Kairan showed up a week later, well over two days after the promised date, he apologized as soon as he saw Tae-ram.
“I’m sorry, I tried, but it’s not good enough.”
Already knowing the outcome, Tae-ram feigned regret on the outside while coldly contemplating the next move on the inside. Now he just needed to get anyone to mention the demon world or the Demon King.
“It’s a shame you all went through so much trouble.”
“I’m so sorry….”
A sullen Kairan hung his head and fiddled with his hands. His sagging shoulders made him look even more pitiful. Tae-ram stroked his hair gently, soothing him.
“I don’t blame you, Kairan. On the contrary, I’m grateful that you went to such lengths for me.”
Then he lowered his eyes, giving off an air of innocence and pity.
“It’s okay if I don’t make it back. I’m worried about my family, but… I’m sure they’re doing fine.”
Tae-ram’s performance, which had improved tremendously from the awkward beginning, was now comparable to Se-ho’s. Se-ho, who was next to him, also chimed in.
“Tae-ram… Don’t be heartbroken, I’ll make sure you get what you want.”
Se-ho looked at Tae-ram like he was his acting role model.
“Prince. Thank you.”
The others joined in the warmth.
“I’m weak, too, but I’ll lend a hand.”
“Reliable as always, Amil.”
“Tae-ram. I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’m counting on you, Fran.”
“Me too! I’ll scour the rares to see if I can find anything that might work as a medium.”
“Don’t push yourself too hard, Kairan.”
Tae-ram looked around and smiled brightly.
“Thanks for all your support. I’ll also think of a way. I think a high-powered medium would do the trick….”
Fran took a good bite out of the rice cakes Tae-ram deliberately threw at him.
“I think the heart of a higher being, equivalent to a dragon, would work.”
“A higher being… We’ll be fighting again, won’t we?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to protect you.”
“I’m more worried about someone else getting hurt than me.”
“You’re very gentle, Tae-ram. I’ll try harder to make sure everyone doesn’t get hurt.”
With that, Fran patted Tae-ram on the back. Then Se-ho slapped Fran’s arm, which was stroking Tae-ram’s back, hard.
“The heart of Lian must be good.”
Se-ho’s remark crossed the line, and Tae-ram cautiously glanced at Fran. But he had already turned cold.
“What about the heart of a Swordmaster? If it’s strong enough to defeat a dragon, there’s a chance.”
Fran put his hand on Tae-ram’s back again. This time, Se-ho slapped Fran’s hand away.
“If the Lord Lian can’t do it, how about the High Priest? It’s symbolic.”
“Are you suggesting we fight now?”
“I won’t shy away from the fight I’ve come this far for.”
Here they go again, Tae-ram thought to himself. It was frustrating that Fran and Se-ho were picking fights at every opportunity. They hadn’t always gotten along, but traveling seemed to have deepened the rift.
He thinks Se-ho isn’t acting when he’s dealing with Fran, either. Naturally, he tried to push the topic to the demon world. …. Screw it, he’ll just go back inside and get some sleep.
Tae-ram was about to go back into the barracks to wait for the next time. Amil spoke cheerfully through the grim atmosphere.
“What do you think about beating up the Dragon Lord?”
“Dragon Lord?”
“Yes! I heard he’s the strongest of the dragons.”
Amil’s natural virtue stopped Se-ho and Fran from fighting, but it created another problem. Kairan glanced pitifully at Tae-ram, looking for help. He thought he heard a puppy whimper.
Kairan is looking more like a dog than a dragon. By the way, shouldn’t they keep the fact that he is the Dragon Lord to themselves? Is he the only one who can hold back?
Tae-ram looked even more troubled and turned to Amil.
“I don’t think we can defeat the Dragon Lord.”
“Why?”
Because he’s one of them. Amil was completely oblivious to the situation.
“We barely managed to defeat the weakest Green Dragon. It would be tough to face the Dragon Lord, wouldn’t it?”
“If the prince and Fran have become stronger, it might be possible. I will train harder too!”
Amil did not back down.
“We already failed once against a dragon. Trying again with another dragon seems inefficient. Kairan, don’t you think so too?”
“Yeah! I agree with Tae-ram. Let’s think of something other than dragons….”
Kairan crossed his arms and sank deep into thought. He could almost hear his little brain working. After contemplating for a while, he cautiously opened his mouth.
“Should we go to the Demon World?”
“The Demon World?”
“Yes. Let’s catch a demon king. I know it’s a lot of work, but we can do it if I join you! We can’t work together if it’s a dragon, but I have no problem dealing with demons.”
“If you say so, I’ll be ready.”
Once Amil was convinced, the others nodded in agreement.
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”
“I’m in. If it’s a demon, I can play a part.”
Tae-ram was relieved that things were going according to plan.
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