Children of the Rune – Winterer - Chapter 541

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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 311.
Beneath the Almond Tree (54)
The expression on Joshua’s face as he spoke was so childlike—so reluctant to lose—that Maximian found himself at a loss. Demonic Joshua making such a face? Was it because his domain was music?
Joshua continued.
“And I think I understand something about Boris too. The way he avoids talking about swords—it’s like how you tell me not to bring up ghosts. He’s hiding it out of consideration for others’ feelings. But chant is different. It’s taboo. There’s a reason it can’t be spoken of. I’m certain of it.”
The moment Maximian heard this, he understood. Usually his judgment in such matters was faster than Joshua’s, but today was an exception. Maximian nodded and spoke.
“You’re right. Your reasoning seems sound to me. But if it’s truly taboo, why would he touch the score at all? Did he not know?”
“I don’t think Boris merely heard rumors about chant. From someone who knows the answer, how irritating must those notes have been—the ones I scattered and destroyed in complete chaos? But he never expected I’d memorize every single one despite that state. You never explained to Boris what Demonic is, did you?”
It wasn’t a clean score—each measure was layered with three or more variations—a complete mess. Yet Joshua would never fail to notice someone else’s additions to it. Instead of responding directly, Maximian said this:
“You’re being really funny right now. Back then you were acting all pathetic like you were cursed, but now it seems like you want to brag?”
At that, Joshua popped the olive he was holding into his mouth and replied.
“What’s wrong with that?”
Since he’d left like that, I thought he was declining the invitation, but surprisingly, Boris joined us after class ended. When Joshua grinned and looked at Boris, Boris met his gaze with a picture-perfect smile. The smile’s meaning was clear: ‘Don’t bother asking.’
Joshua gave up easily and spoke.
“I actually thought you wouldn’t come.”
Then Maximian spoke.
“Yeah. I hooked this safety-conscious guy with some fresh bait.”
According to Maximian’s assessment after rooming with him for several days, Boris was a remarkable cautious type who always minimized the potential for problems to arise. In other words, he was the complete opposite of Joshua, who could somehow expand non-existent problems in an instant. Though somehow, even living that way, danger seemed like it would seek him out on its own.
“Our life philosophies really do align perfectly, you know.”
Boris’s eyes suggested he didn’t think so, but he didn’t voice it. True to form, he minimized the possibility of problems erupting.
As we climbed toward the lake, Joshua and Maximian told Boris that they’d be taking a self-imposed break from classes for at least five to seven days. Boris didn’t react immediately, but after climbing a bit further, he suddenly spoke.
“But I have an assignment due in five days.”
Joshua and Maximian exchanged glances. A silent conversation passed between their eyes: ‘Forget about it’, ‘You’ll fail if you do this’, ‘Didn’t you already give up?’, ‘Why don’t you even know you have an assignment?’ After that wordless exchange, Joshua spoke brazenly.
“That… really? Could you at least leave an outline before you submit it? I don’t even know what the assignment is, or actually, what subject it’s for.”
Boris looked at Joshua with a puzzled expression.
“You don’t attend class and you’re worried about the assignment?”
“I’m not concerned, but… Makgun needs to graduate, it seems.”
Maximian suddenly thrust his scowling face over Joshua’s shoulder and shouted.
“Hey, why are you suddenly using me as an excuse?”
As we reached the lakeside, a welcome shadow fell across the water’s surface. Joshua and Maximian cried out without thinking.
“Beauty’s Pinnacle!”
Then simultaneously they turned to look at Boris. And at the same time, they raised their eyebrows to say ‘Actually, that name is really…’ but the voice from behind drowned them out.
“I am delighted to see you safe and well, Count Armorique.”
Joshua didn’t know who the person was, but accepted their bow. Meanwhile, Maximian was launching into a lengthy explanation about the ship’s name that the other person hadn’t requested at all.
The woman spoke.
“I am Priscilla Posada. I serve Hispaniae.”
A familiar voice answered from behind the grass.
“Or perhaps he serves me instead.”
“Grandfather!”
Hispaniae walked out slowly and surveyed the three youths before speaking.
“Remarkable that you’ve all managed to survive. Is it thanks to the remaining one among you?”
“What, now am I being treated the same as that grandson of mine who keeps seeking out dangerous situations?”
“You alone would never face mortal peril, but the very fact that you’re here reveals why you’ve come to receive such treatment, doesn’t it?”
“Isn’t it about time you recognized that this cursed blessing came pouring down like buckets because of those Arnims?”
Joshua quickly interjected.
“This is my Grandfather. This is Boris Jineman, a school friend.”
Hispaniae von Arnim extended his hand to Boris first, then spoke.
“I am Hispaniae von Arnim. A pleasure. But how did you end up traveling with such troublesome fellows? Since it’s still early in the semester, take my advice—distance yourself while you have the chance. Nenyaple has plenty of decent people.”
As Boris struggled to respond, uncertain whether the remark was sincere or jest, Joshua laughed and raised his eyebrows before speaking.
“We’re already deeply indebted to you. But hearing you speak, it seems you know what happened to us.”
Maximian also spoke.
“By my deduction, it appears we resolved what the Old Man came here to accomplish.”
Hispaniae von Arnim nodded.
“Indeed. I’m aware the Puppet Master is dead.”
Hispaniae von Arnim explained that after sending Joshua and Cardi to Nenyaple, he anticipated the Puppet Master would appear nearby, so he dispatched several Mages to surveil the Mountain Range surrounding the Academy. When they detected a barrier manifesting in this location, he commandeered the ship he’d borrowed from Juspian and rushed here.
“So it came to pass in the end….”
After hearing the full account, Hispaniae von Arnim exhaled a long sigh. He too had spent time with Cardi.
While they conversed, Boris stood some distance away at the Lakeside, gazing up at the ship. This was the fresh bait Maximian had mentioned. Most people wouldn’t believe a ship could fly, but Boris seemed to have heard of such vessels somewhere before. As Joshua approached, Boris spoke.
“That’s a ship that flies through the sky, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve read about it in books. I never thought it actually existed.”
Joshua simply smiled. But after gazing at the Beauty’s Pinnacle a while longer, Boris spoke again.
“Though I must say, it looks rather peculiar.”
“That’s… not an essential aspect, merely a matter of personal preference….”
Boris glanced sideways at Hispaniae von Arnim at the word “preference.” Joshua quickly clarified.
“Not that one….”
Then Boris’s gaze returned to Joshua. Joshua spoke again, this time with an expression of utter exasperation.
“Not this one either, alright?”
At that moment, Hispaniae von Arnim approached and extended his hand to Boris once more. As Boris grasped it somewhat bewilderingly, Hispaniae von Arnim spoke.
“I wish to formally express my gratitude for what you’ve done. Should you ever need assistance, tell me. I swear upon my honor that I shall help you.”
Boris, unfamiliar with the man, couldn’t predict what such aid might entail, but sensing the sincerity in his words, he answered without demurring.
“Yes.”
The Sailors Hispaniae von Arnim had brought prepared a boat to cross the Lake. It was time to depart. Joshua looked at Boris and laughed.
“Seeing your face, I feel I really ought to give you a ride, but circumstances don’t permit it now. I apologize.”
“It’s fine. At least I’ll get to see it fly.”
“True. It’s actually far more impressive from aboard… But promise you’ll do the assignment, yes?”
Boris didn’t answer, but Joshua laughed to himself, gave a thumbs up, and boarded the boat. After the party crossed the Lake and climbed the rope ladder, and the boat was hauled up, the ship lifted skyward with remarkable ease in less than five minutes. Immediately after the ship rose, a tremendous spray erupted from beneath the Lake and surged toward the Lakeside.
Boris kept his head raised, watching until the ship vanished far into the sky. Not particularly because of those aboard it.
Having boarded the Beauty’s Pinnacle after so long, Maximian observed that the ship had been meticulously repaired throughout, and there were ten Sailors. Watching them go about their tasks with practiced efficiency and take their positions, he murmured.
“Three of us hoisting sails, manning the helm, keeping watch… thinking of those chaotic days, tears blur my vision.”
“You didn’t manage to do either one properly anyway, did you?”
“Be quiet.”
Joshua went below deck to inspect the cabin. Maximian, sleep-deprived, was fumbling about gathering blankets for a rest, while Hispaniae, who had personally checked the sails, descended from the mast. Despite commanding the toy-like Beauty’s Pinnacle compared to the Chasing the Devil he’d piloted before, he wore the captain’s jacket with unshakeable confidence.
“You lot. The way you’ve been handling her—this ship’s been acting like she’s dying.”
Maximian spoke, glaring at various parts of the vessel.
“When we sailed her, she never complained. It’s only because Grandfather indulges her tantrums.”
“Is it any wonder you nearly drowned several times, showing the ship such disrespect?”
“We’d just finished breaking her in. We would’ve sailed her just fine without the Old Man, honestly.”
Hispaniae let out a hollow laugh.
“The two of you were planning to sail this all the way to Sunset Island? That’s audaciously presumptuous of you.”
“We’ve done it before with just the two of us and managed fine. What’s the problem?”
“When have the two of you ever done that? You’re conveniently forgetting someone.”
At the sudden familiar voice, Maximian spun around in surprise, his expression as though he’d been struck.
“What are you doing here?”
Riche stuck her tongue out playfully and giggled. Unlike her days of arduous travel, she now wore a skirt that reached her knees and a cape that gave her an airy appearance. Even her hair, which she’d always found bothersome, was now cut short around her shoulders. She placed her hands on her hips and let out a thoughtful hum through her nose.
“So this is how boys greet someone they’re happy to see. I’ll forgive you since it’s you.”
Maximian narrowed his eyes and turned to Hispaniae.
“Why did you bring her along?”
Hispaniae evaded the question and changed the subject. Maximian shrugged his shoulders, then started to shout toward the deck entrance.
“Joshua! Right now, here—”
Children of Rune – Winterer
Author: Jeon Min-hee
Publisher: 14 Months Publishing
The copyright to this book belongs to the author and 14 Months Publishing.
To reuse all or part of the contents of this book, 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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