I Became the Keeper of a Suspicious Forest - Chapter 64

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 64

 

As Ponia thought about the meaning of Sionel’s words, she realized that her reason for staying in the forest had disappeared.

 

Ponia had become a forest keeper purely for money. However, thanks to Gordon’s written promise, she no longer needed to obtain 20,000 gold.

 

This meant she could quit being a forest keeper immediately without any problem.

 

The six months that had seemed so long vanished in an instant. Ponia thought about what lay ahead.

 

First, I need to settle the debt. Then I’ll have to keep my family in line too. Since Gordon won’t be coming near Father, things should get much better, right?

 

Then, I’ll give Kustin, who has worked so hard, a long vacation. I’ll raise his salary while I’m at it. And if nothing else comes up, I’ll manage the estate so I can accumulate wealth.

 

I’ll buy Mother some dresses she likes, completely fix Albio’s mindset, and spend more time with my family.

 

Once everything is stable, I can do whatever I want to my heart’s content…

 

Ponia thought that far and then stared at Sionel.

 

Before entering the forest, all her pleasures had stemmed only from things related to Sionel.

 

Days when she would learn news of him through newspapers, imagine when he might become a duke, and while looking forward to the days when she would meet him again, she also rejected them on the other hand.

 

Her happiness was already right before her eyes.

 

Seeing him looking at her so desperately, Ponia impulsively opened her mouth.

 

“I won’t leave right now.”

 

“…Really?”

 

“I can’t coldly turn away leaving behind a sick traveler. Besides.”

 

She avoided his blue eyes that were filled with strange anticipation.

 

“Where else would I find such a good job?”

 

“…”

 

“Even after paying off all my debts, the more money the better.”

 

Yes, that’s what it is.

 

The reason for postponing leaving this forest is purely for that reason.

 

The forest keeper’s contract period has three months remaining.

 

Earning money and casually spending time with Sionel is only possible in this forest.

 

Since the debt has disappeared, couldn’t she spend the remaining three months for herself alone, not moving out of duty for her family?

 

“Why are you trying so hard to hide yourself from me?”

 

“I’m not hiding, it’s really true.”

 

“Do you distrust me that much? Do you think I can’t protect you?”

 

So, it would be really nice if Sionel would just stay like this too.

 

“Is that why you won’t tell me anything?”

 

“I don’t know why you’re saying such things.”

 

“Are you really certain you’re not hiding anything from me?”

 

Even with an expression showing he wanted to grab her right away, Sionel didn’t approach.

 

He continued to suppress himself because he didn’t want to frighten her even a little. But even that was reaching its limit now.

 

The strength left his arms where veins had bulged from tension. His face, with head bowed, showed not a trace of confidence.

 

“I don’t care what you are.”

 

“…”

 

“Give me a chance to know you too, Ponia.”

 

After Gordon appeared and he learned a little about her circumstances, he felt frustrated.

 

Because he realized that while Ponia knew everything about him, she was reluctant to talk about herself.

 

He had never been able to be a support for her.

 

He was angry at his past self who had only been weak.

 

“Good night, Ponia.”

 

As he stepped back, shadows enveloped him instead of moonlight, and Ponia unconsciously grabbed his sleeve.

 

“It’s not like that…”

 

Sionel Devonham was weak.

 

While he noticed her lies so well, he couldn’t even guess the most important reason and only blamed himself.

 

‘I knew I couldn’t leave him alone like this!’

 

She had tried to remain as a forest keeper until the end and return to her original place.

 

Ponia was weak against Sionel. That’s why she couldn’t leave him alone. She wouldn’t be able to in the future either.

 

“I am…”

 

The surroundings were quiet, and while everything in the cabin had lost its light, only Sionel was reflected in Ponia’s eyes.

 

As if bright light was emanating from behind him, only he was luminous.

 

“I am…”

 

Like bright flames shooting up… That’s strange?

 

“Wait a moment.”

 

When she pushed Sionel aside from the window, she could see small flames rising from deep within the forest.

 

“Huh…?”

 

The flames were devouring the vast forest.

 

* * *

 

As they hurriedly stepped outside, they could feel a faint heat that hadn’t been there before.

 

Chad also came outside and looked at the forest before asking.

 

“Could it be a monster’s doing?”

 

“I’ve never seen a monster that creates fire in that area.”

 

Even if there might be demons she hasn’t spotted yet, there’s no way they would attack like that without any reason.

 

Even at this moment, the flames were rapidly spreading everywhere. The smoke began to reach the area where the cabin was located.

 

‘If they cut my pay just because I didn’t manage the forest properly, they’re really not human.’

 

Thinking of Jerome, who hadn’t come for three months and wondering what he was up to, Ponia headed toward the forest. Sionel grabbed her arm.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“We can’t just stand by and watch. We need to put out the fire while it’s still small. Otherwise, it’ll spread to the cabin.”

 

I can’t lose my own home twice!

 

“Does it make sense for the forest keeper to just sit still? You’re the one who should stay here.”

 

“Does it make sense for a forest keeper to just sit still? You’re the one who should be here.”

 

“I’ll be with you.”

 

After getting into an argument with Sionel, Ponia tried to dissuade Chad, who had followed along.

 

“Chad is watching the baron’s party from here. If we try to sneak out for no reason, we might run into monsters.”

 

Chad was about to shake his head but then realized that no one else could control the baron’s group besides himself, and he sighed.

 

“Then, go together. That would be safer.”

 

“Fine.”

 

At their opposing answers, the two locked eyes once again, and Ponia didn’t bend her will.

 

As soon as they entered the path, acrid smoke obscured their vision.

 

“The position we saw from the window was straight from here. Let’s get water from the riverbank first.”

 

Sionel took the bucket from her hands.

 

“I’ll fetch the water, so you go to where the fire is.”

 

Ponia’s permission wasn’t needed. Sionel immediately ran off.

 

“Sionel!”

 

It was night now. The monsters would be active, and the riverbank wasn’t safe either.

 

‘At least monsters won’t approach where there’s fire.’

 

Ponia was even bewildered by Sionel, who had instantly distanced himself from her and was no longer even visible.

 

“He’s still not fully recovered though.”

 

He doesn’t look hurt at all though.

 

Contrary to her grumbling thoughts, Ponia’s lips were unconsciously forming a gentle curve.

 

He casually throws away lies like that, but later he’ll probably make excuses again.

 

And Ponia didn’t dislike his duplicitous nature.

 

It was too late to follow Sionel. Ponia also ran straight ahead, and before long, a chill unexpectedly came to her neck.

 

A sharp blade tip scraped against her neck.

 

Rough breathing reached her ears. She tried to tense her body to escape from the assailant, but the man’s voice was faster.

 

“Move and I’ll stab you.”

 

“…Who are you.”

 

“Someone who saw you hoarding treasure all to yourselves.”

 

The voice drenched in excitement laughed alone as if feeling ecstasy.

 

‘Treasure?’

 

“Stay still!”

 

The man took out rope and tied her wrists, then took her somewhere.

 

The place they arrived at had a small pit. And he pulled something out from the pit.

 

“You thought I wouldn’t know if you buried it here? I saw everything!”

 

Soon after, Ponia’s eyes widened.

 

Soon after, Ponia’s eyes widened.

 

She was shocked for two reasons.

 

One was the man’s identity.

 

It was the man she had encountered in the forest on that day when thick fog had settled due to the monster.

 

And the other.

 

It was the object the man was holding.

 

The man’s eyes as he gazed at it, holding it preciously in his arms, were filled with greed and thirst. Ponia turned her eyes away as if she couldn’t bear to watch any longer.

 

‘That’s the monster’s head from back then.’

 

The head of the deer monster that Chad had cut off was decayed, with flesh hanging loose and bones exposed.

 

Only one thing remained unchanged—a single lily attached to its antler.

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