Children of the Rune – Winterer - Chapter 393

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 163.
In the Name of Loyalty and Vengeance (5)
“Right. No fever means it’s not a fever illness. But there are so many types of fever sickness, you know. Back in my village, there was actually a boy who caught a fever illness and lost his voice. But even after the fever broke, his voice never came back.”
Joshua’s eyes widened in alarm. Maximian continued.
“Joshua, do you remember that Monk who used to practice medicine in our village?”
Joshua could not possibly have forgotten. That Monk was the one who had given Maximian first aid when a dog bit his leg.
Before Joshua could answer, Maximian spoke again.
“Of course you haven’t forgotten. Anyway, that Monk treated the boy too, and he said the boy was possessed by a spirit. I tried to convince myself it was just something he said because the cause was unknown and incurable, but….”
Maximian glanced at Joshua, as if gauging how the words “possessed by a spirit” would land.
“That man was a Monk, you see. The Monastery is a place that serves God. God is different from a spirit, but still an invisible being with power, isn’t it? So when someone who serves such things speaks, it might not just be an excuse born of incompetence. Of course, at that time I had no idea I would ever speak with a spirit myself, so I couldn’t believe his words. That’s why I kept pressing him about where this spirit was and how it entered people, and then….”
Maximian glanced around.
“Joshua, Kelce isn’t here, is he? None of those other spirits or ghosts either?”
Joshua shook his head immediately.
“No.”
“Right. I think this might be connected to Kelce. Didn’t Kelce say that if you maintain communion with him, he can travel to very distant places? And he said he’s still trying to fulfill the wishes of those People of Promise from long ago, but he couldn’t tell you what that was. And lately, it seems like he hasn’t shown up at all. Did he used to do this often before?”
“No. He’s never stayed away this long before.”
“Really hasn’t come at all? Not even once while we were in Kalayso?”
Joshua lowered his eyes as he answered.
“Not once.”
“Then couldn’t we think that Kelce went somewhere for that wish or whatever it was? And it seems like it would be a very distant place….”
Maximian rubbed his cheek, his mood souring.
“That Monk said there’s a place on the entire Continent with the most spirits, and where spirits keep gathering. Like The Mage Juspian’s house, but with even stronger energy or power flowing through it.”
“Where is that?”
“The Land of Mortals.”
Joshua paused for a moment before answering.
“I’ve heard stories about that too. That spirits swarm in that place. But I heard they’re all mad spirits? In other words, they don’t have clear minds like Kelce does….”
“According to that Monk, both mad and sane spirits like the Land of Mortals. So countless spirits and ghosts flock there, and when they leave, they apparently drag others out with them. At that time, the Monk said he didn’t know why spirits liked that place, but didn’t Kelce tell you before that it’s because spirits want to collide with energy? But it might be more than that. I don’t think Kelce explains everything to you.”
Just then, Milestone’s voice came from the doorway.
“So what you’re saying is, while the young lady was unconscious and ill, one of the spirits from the Land of Mortals swallowed her voice? And since this spirit Kelce has been hovering around Joshua’s side all along, there’s plenty of reason to suspect this, right?”
Milestone had gone to find writing materials, and enough time had passed for him to return, but no one knew he had come back. Maximian was somewhat taken aback. They had told Milestone their real names except for Joshua’s family name, but they hadn’t explained the difficult matter of Joshua being able to see spirits.
Maximian quickly composed himself and answered.
“Well, fortunately you don’t seem too shocked. I didn’t mention it until now because I was worried you would be, but that’s the situation. I’ll give you the details after we finish investigating this matter, but let me say one thing in advance—Kelce is a very benevolent spirit. His attitude is more a matter of not telling the whole truth rather than outright lying.”
Maximian turned to look at Joshua.
“But my basic thinking is what Milestone said. That Monk said the source of the spirits’ power might be in the Land of Mortals. And he also said all the illnesses called possession come from the Land of Mortals. What if Kelce really has been coming and going from the Land of Mortals and that’s why he hasn’t visited? What if he’s gradually summoning more and more spirits that way?”
Joshua shook his head vigorously.
“But before he met me, Kelce was bound to the Castle. So he would never have been to the Land of Mortals during that time. Would he really have any reason to seek it out again?”
“He might, or he might not. But how would Kelce have known he could travel far if he’s with you? Didn’t he say the farther your power grows, the farther he can go? Wouldn’t he mention such a thing if there was somewhere he needed to go? So why not just call him and ask? Right now. He can hear your call no matter where he is, can’t he?”
Joshua remained silent for a moment before speaking quietly.
“Recently, even when I call… he doesn’t come.”
“Why do you think he won’t come?”
“….”
Joshua couldn’t answer easily. In the years he’d spent with Kelce, nothing like this had ever happened. Maximian sighed and straightened from his reclined posture.
“Joshua, of course I don’t want to suspect that Kelce did this to Riche. But the People of Promise are different, aren’t they? Kelce said so himself—they’re hostile to you, and they could target me or Riche. There’s every possibility they could access the Land of Mortals just as easily, or they could have done this directly.”
Silence fell. After a moment, Joshua lowered his eyes, then opened them again as he spoke.
“Fine. I’ll call them directly and ask.”
“Kelce? But you said he won’t come even if you call?”
“Kelce isn’t the only one I can summon.”
“What do you mean? That would mean….”
Joshua didn’t bother explaining further. He closed his eyes, then opened them again moments later. Since no one but Joshua could see what was happening anyway, there was no way for the others to know what was occurring. Yet the three others scanned their surroundings with bewildered expressions.
When Joshua opened his mouth, his tone was starkly different from when he’d addressed Kelsni.
“I summoned you because I have questions. Sit where you are. Don’t move—the others are startled. And speak so the others can hear you.”
「Didn’t you say Kelsni would be here when you summoned us again?」
Riche forgot she couldn’t produce sound and covered her mouth with her left hand. Milestone flinched and tried to retreat toward the door. Only Maximian held his ground, though his face clearly showed tension.
This being’s voice was different from Kelsni’s. There was nothing human about it. It was exactly as one might expect a spirit’s voice to sound—or rather, a hundred times more sinister than expected, like the grinding of metal.
Joshua alone remained unmoved.
“I decide the timing. Don’t think of complaining to me. Now, I’ll ask: do you spirits come and go from the Land of Mortals?”
「That place is like a sanctuary for all spirits. Hehehehe…」
A laugh sharp as clashing blades pierced their ears. Everyone’s shoulders involuntarily tensed. Joshua raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t like that laugh.”
「Understood. I won’t laugh again.」
The reply was obedient, yet it sounded as though it carried murderous intent. Only now did they realize how docile Kelsni had been. This spirit possessed no human sentiment whatsoever. Only displeasure and rage emanated from it.
Maximian’s mouth twitched as he asked.
“Joshua, are you sure you summoned a spirit you can actually control?”
“There’s no spirit I can’t control.”
Maximian shrugged at Riche and Milestone as if to say, ‘Should I believe that?’ The other two shared the same thought. This situation was unbearably difficult to endure. Above all, a chill had settled over the entire room. Yet was Joshua truly unaffected?
“Next question: you spirits who come and go from the Land of Mortals—do you bring diseases that harm humans? Or can you yourselves cause such afflictions? My friend lost consciousness yesterday, and when she woke, she’d lost her voice. Could such a thing be related to spirits?”
「It certainly could.」
For the first time, instead of a voice, came a sound like rustling fabric—sharp and piercing.
「Spirits possess many powers. Humans cannot withstand them. When we perch upon a human’s shoulders, that human’s shoulders grow heavy and ache, their spine curves, and they become hunched.」
“….”
Though Riche couldn’t speak, what she must be feeling at this moment was obvious. No one dared to tell her it would be alright.
“Then what about Riche’s voice? Could it be your doing? You understand what happens if you lie?”
「I understand perfectly well what happens if I lie. Demonic Young Master.」
Joshua raised one eyebrow and immediately shot back.
“I told you not to call me that.”
「Hehehehe…. Very well, Duke. I am but a servant bound to your dominion.」
“I told you not to laugh. Don’t my words sound like words to you?”
Joshua suddenly pushed off from the wall he’d been leaning against. When he extended his fingers, Milestone, who had been leaning against the opposite wall, startled and stepped back, pressing his hand to his forehead.
“The wall… it cried out.”
The spirit’s voice fell silent for a time. Joshua turned his gaze away from the wall, still staring at it as he spoke.
“I’m sorry for startling you, Milestone.”
No one knew what had happened. After a long silence, the Ghost’s voice echoed once more.
“Forgive me, Duke…”
“One apology is enough.”
Joshua leaned back against the wall, raising his index finger as he continued.
“Answer the question I asked before.”
“The lady’s voice is not our doing. Nor is it the work of another Spirit. I do not know precisely. However, I possess clues worth considering.”
This time, the Ghost’s voice was unmistakably more subdued than before. Joshua pressed further.
“What are those clues?”
Children of Rune – Winterer
Author: Jeon Min-hee
Publisher: 14 Months Publishing
The copyright of this book belongs to the author and 14 Months Publishing.
To reuse all or part of this book’s content, written consent from both parties is required.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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