Chapter 61: Since You Want to Test Me, I’ll Oblige
The sound of wheels crushing gravel was particularly clear in the silent forest.
Hien leaned against the carriage window, fingers rhythmically tapping his knee, knuckles striking the solid wood armrest with dull “tap-tap” sounds.
Sunset’s afterglow slanted through curtain gaps, casting mottled light and shadow on his angular profile.
Outside the window, several crows fluttered from treetops with harsh cries.
“Even the birds seem to be warning us.”
Hien watched the rapidly moving scenery outside, unable to suppress a light laugh.
Suddenly, shadows in the carriage rippled like water, a slender figure slowly emerging from the darkness. Silver-white hair gleamed pearl-like in the sunset.
Skadi gracefully settled beside him, crossing her long legs, black leather boots lightly touching the floor.
“Hien, why not use shadow transfer directly?”
She tilted her head slightly, purple eyes flowing with confused light, slender fingers playing with a strand of fallen hair.
“We could reach Celestine territory directly. Why waste time on this slow carriage?”
“This matter probably isn’t simple. Cynthia accused of colluding with the Ouroboros Cult?”
Hien gazed at this girl as exquisite as a doll, noticing she’d specially changed into movement-friendly attire – form-fitting black uniform outlining beautiful curves.
“Others might believe it, but I know clearly – this is definitely a frame-up.”
He couldn’t help smiling, taking out his magic pocket watch to check the time, thumb gently stroking the armrest edge, voice low as a cello’s resonance.
Skadi noticed his knuckles whitening from pressure, silently shifting closer. The carriage’s sudden jolt made their shoulders lightly touch, and she caught Hien’s faint cedar scent.
“The Celestine family wouldn’t frame their own saintess without reason.”
Hien snapped the watch shut with a “click,” the metallic collision particularly crisp in the small carriage. His gaze sharpened like an unsheathed blade.
“There must be a deeper conspiracy behind this. And the real mastermind…”
“The Ouroboros Cult?”
Skadi continued, slender fingers tracing shadow trails in the air.
“Exactly. They want to reclaim saintess authority as a surface goal. If that were the only purpose, they could have acted long ago. Why choose now?”
Hien nodded, pausing his speech as his eyes sharpened.
“Because… their real target is you?”
Skadi’s pupils contracted slightly, suddenly understanding.
“Yes. After your mission failed, they definitely won’t let it go.”
Hien’s voice was light yet carried icy certainty.
“Framing Cynthia serves two purposes – reclaiming authority, and drawing me out.”
As he spoke, he reached out to ruffle Skadi’s head, fingers threading through her silk-like white hair. This intimate gesture made the girl instantly stiffen, even her breathing becoming careful.
“If I used your ability to teleport directly to Celestine territory, they’d definitely notice. They don’t know you’re on my side yet – you’re my most important trump card, absolutely can’t be exposed early.”
Hien’s thumb gently brushed her earlobe.
“Not only that, there are definitely eyes watching me in the Radiant Sanctuary. Seeing me depart alone by carriage, they might even attack en route. If I can eliminate the instigators early, Cynthia’s pressure will lessen.”
Skadi took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She noticed Hien’s eyelashes casting long shadows in the sunset, his brown eyes sparkling with reassuring light.
“Then… what do I need to do?”
She asked softly, voice unconsciously tinged with anticipation.
Hien’s lips curved in a sly smile.
“Now, it’s time for ‘Sniper Skadi’ to debut.”
He leaned to Skadi’s ear, warm breath brushing her sensitive earlobe as he whispered instructions, watching the girl’s eyes gradually brighten.
“I understand. I’ll definitely do well.”
Skadi nodded solemnly, rare determination appearing on her face. Before she finished speaking, her figure melted into the air, leaving only a faint violet fragrance.
Hien stared where she’d vanished for a moment, then leaned back in his seat.
The carriage returned to silence, only the sound of wheels on gravel and distant wolf howls. He closed his eyes, letting his thoughts return to two hours ago…
In the Radiant Sanctuary’s side hall, Helaris slammed the table and rose, violet eyes filled with shock.
“Hien, are you insane?!”
She lowered her voice but couldn’t hide the anxiety in her tone.
“Going to Celestine territory alone? Do you know how dangerous it is there now?!”
“I will definitely bring Cynthia back.”
Hien stood before her, expression calm but eyes terrifyingly determined as he answered resolutely.
“But this is obviously a trap! Since the Ouroboros Cult dares target a saintess, they must be fully prepared. Going now is walking into a snare!”
Helaris bit her lip.
“Even knowing it’s a trap, I’ll go. Lady Cynthia has treated me well – now it’s time to repay her.”
Hien appeared resolute.
Since the Ouroboros Cult’s appearance, the situation had become complex. He needed more allies. Having finally improved relations with Cynthia, both emotionally and rationally, he wouldn’t let things develop unchecked. This might even be an opportunity to completely win Cynthia’s trust, making her entirely his.
So regardless, he wouldn’t watch that saintess be executed.
“Precisely because of this, I must go. They want to draw me out, so I’ll oblige – only, who falls into whose trap remains to be seen.”
Hien’s lips curved in a cold smile.
“…I really can’t do anything with you.”
Helaris rubbed her forehead and sighed, finally looking up helplessly.
“I’ll go with you. Having the Radiant Saintess present will at least deter some people.”
“No, you can’t appear this time.”
Hien shook his head.
“What?!”
Helaris’s eyes widened.
“You can’t really think you and Skadi alone can face the entire Celestine family plus the Ouroboros Cult?!”
“If they truly had such strong forces, they’d have directly attacked the Radiant Sanctuary to take me by force.”
Hien laughed, analyzing calmly.
“They need to set traps to lure me out, proving their power isn’t enough – in that case, I’ll give them an ‘opportunity.'”
“…For Cynthia’s sake, you’re really going all out, willing to walk into their trap yourself.”
Helaris clicked her tongue, staring at Hien for a long moment before turning away, muttering softly.
“If you were in danger, I’d go save you without hesitation too.”
Hien keenly caught the sourness in her tone, unable to suppress a light chuckle. He stepped forward, gently pulling Helaris into his embrace.
“Don’t… don’t try this on me…”
Helaris’s body stiffened momentarily, then pushed him away with feigned disgust, but her reddened ear tips betrayed her feelings.
“Though you can’t come with me, I need your help with something else.”
Hien smiled, then spoke seriously as he leaned to her ear, whispering instructions.
“…I understand.”
Helaris’s expression gradually became serious, finally nodding.
The carriage suddenly jolted, pulling Hien’s thoughts back to reality. He slowly opened his eyes, gaze sharp as a blade.
“Hien.”
Skadi’s voice came from the shadows, only he could hear it.
“Magical beasts approaching… should I eliminate them?”
“No need.”
Hien narrowed his eyes, shaking his head.
“This route should be a safe zone. Sudden magical beast appearance… heh, seems they can’t wait anymore.”
He slowly sat upright, shadow handguns materializing in his hands, eyes turning icy.
“Since you want to test me, then – I’ll oblige.”