Limited Extra Time - Chapter 184

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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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He was an exceptionally handsome and resplendent man.

Between the fluttering, lightweight fabric of what appeared to be foreign garments, glimpses of well-defined musculature were visible, and his upturned eyes carried a playful, carefree quality.

“The Empire is fascinating. They seat complete strangers of opposite genders at the same table without hesitation.”

“…Yes, I was a bit taken aback myself.”

Of all things, why did it have to be another man?

Though it was merely a chance encounter of little consequence, I found myself somewhat uneasy given Millaiyen’s presence.

‘I should finish eating and head back upstairs quickly.’

It was as I exhaled softly and slowly caressed the innocent dinnerware.

“You have calluses on your hands. Do you perhaps do work involving holding a

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pen? No, you paint, don’t you?”

…

Carina Leopold’s eyes widened at his words.

She tensed, drawing her neck down cautiously as she studied him carefully.

At her appearance—like a wary herbivore baring its defenses—he burst into laughter.

You smell of oil paint.

The man said, sniffing the air.

He rubbed his nose bridge lightly a few times, then smiled and reached out, brushing the tip of his finger gently across her middle finger.

Carina startled and quickly withdrew her hand.

And the calluses on this part of his hand mean he’s held a pen for a long time. Combine the smell of oil paint with pen-holding, and you naturally conclude he’s an artist. So don’t be so guarded.

…How am I supposed to trust someone who touches a stranger’s hand and speaks casually on first meeting, and not be guarded?

Ah, I was just excited. I practice art too.

He opened his palm to show her. His entire palm was covered with thick, hardened calluses.

Carina Leopold’s eyes widened at the sight of such a battered hand.

Have you heard of Karlan?

Karlan…? Ah, I think I’ve heard the name before. Isn’t it a country in the east?

That’s right, I come from that country. A beautiful desert nation cradling three oases.

The people of the Empire say Karlan is one of the places one must visit before death, and there are rumors that all famous sculptures were created by sculptors from Karlan.

It’s difficult to reach, but once you go, they say it’s so hard to leave that

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it’s known as a mysterious and secretive land.

Nestled between countless sand dunes and surrounded by vast oases, one must take a boat to reach the heart of the city, or so I’ve heard.

Rain rarely falls, but the three oases always have abundant water, so there’s no shortage, or so I’ve been told.

Being such a distant foreign land, that was all she knew about it.

“I’ve never met anyone from Karlan before.”

“Really? It’s not common. Whether entering or leaving Karlan, you must cross the desert, and the desert is home to countless monsters.”

“…There are monsters in the desert?”

“Yes. I’ve heard the Empire has many monsters in the Northern Territory as well—is that true?”

“Yes, the Duke of the Northern Territory serves as the gatekeeper there.”

Because he is the final line of defense, everyone outside the Northern Territory, including those in the Capital, can live so happily.

Without him, every domain in the Empire would have to maintain constant vigilance and prepare for battles with monsters every single day.

“We face the same trials! Only the brave can cross the desert. We must cut through monsters to pass through it. That’s also why our homeland cannot exchange with other nations.”

He spoke with tremendous confidence.

His voice dripped with affection for his country.

“Your meal is ready!”

A female server rushed over with a flushed face and set down the dishes.

She seemed busy stealing glances at the man, and noticing her behavior, he curved the corners of his eyes in amusement.

“Thank you.”

“Oh, yes! Enjoy your meal!”

Carina Leopold gazed at the appetizing meal placed before her and pondered.

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Yes.

‘What should I eat first to savor it best?’

The food here was so delicious that she wanted to eat it in the proper order.

After deliberating, she first popped a soft potato salad into her mouth and chewed contentedly.

As she took a large bite of crispy bread topped with egg and ate leisurely, the man from Karlan sitting across from her, who had been enjoying coffee and dessert, laughed.

Say, what’s your name?

There’s no need for you to know.

Hmm, then could you show me the painting you drew?

No.

Carina Leopold brushed off his curiosity lightly. She had no desire to stir up more trouble for Millaiyen during this delicate period.

The golden, elongated rectangular earring hanging from the man’s ear swayed gently as he rested his chin on his hand.

I actually have a keen sense of smell.

…Pardon?

I caught the scent of one like me from you.

What are you talking about…

He withdrew something from his pocket and held it out. A rabbit-shaped sculpture smaller than the palm of his hand came into view.

It was an exceptionally small carving. The gracefully flowing lines, the texture, and the stiffly upright ears and bright eyes were so vivid it felt like gazing upon a living rabbit.

The moment he drew out honey and lightly scraped away one side with it.

My name is Karsan Erha Karlan.

The rabbit, which had been nothing but stone, perked up its ears and soon began hopping across the table with glowing crimson eyes.

And I perform miracles.

…

Carina Leopold’s eyes widened considerably.

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Unable to hide her astonishment, she stared blankly at him with her mouth firmly closed. It was her first time witnessing an artist who possessed the same miracle of creation as herself.

“And the price of miracles is life. I suffer from the artist’s curse.”

“…”

“You’re the same, aren’t you? Carina.”

She had barely finished trembling when Karsan Erha spoke, and she reflexively shot to her feet.

“Who… who exactly are you… Ugh…”

As her body swayed violently, she gripped the table for support. Her head spun. Her eyelids felt impossibly heavy, and something about this sensation was deeply wrong.

The more she tried to stand, the more the room tilted before her eyes, and she stumbled as her breath caught in her throat.

“…Surely not.”

She shook her head forcefully and blinked repeatedly, but her mind only grew hazier with each passing moment.

“I apologize for resorting to such crude methods. When you wake, everything will be settled. You see, I need a companion of exceptional ability. I believe you are precisely suited for that role.”

“You’re insane… you bastard…”

Carina Leopold forced out curses she had never uttered before, each word slipping through gritted teeth.

In all honesty, this was utterly unforeseen. Who could have imagined such a fate awaited her simply because she had obeyed the instruction to remain at the Inn and eaten her meal there?

“…Millaiyen…”

She called out the name of the man who had promised to come running to her rescue at any moment, yet her body only pitched forward helplessly.

“I was merely visiting as I always do, but the moment I witnessed your ability, my entire being trembled. I never imagined there could exist another like me in this world.”

“…I don’t… want this…”

“Sleep well, Carina Leopold. When you wake, I shall show you my beautiful realm.”

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Karsan reverently pressed his lips to Carina’s forehead and held her trembling form firmly in his embrace.

“About that promise…”

“Ah, yes. I must pay you. You lured her here beautifully.”

Karsan Erha withdrew a generous handful of gold coins from his pocket and placed them upon the table.

The Innkeeper’s mouth fell agape as he hastily shoved the gold coins into his pocket, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.

With this money alone, he could expand his business and earn far greater profits.

“I’d recommend spending the money I’ve given you quickly.”

After all, it was obvious he wouldn’t live long enough to use it all anyway.

Karsan swallowed the rest of his words along with a thin, mirthless smile.

A thick stench of death emanated from the Innkeeper in palpable waves.

He would undoubtedly be killed by Carina Leopold’s Fiancé—the Duke or whoever he was—because of this affair.

Of course, that was none of Karsan’s concern.

“Let’s go.”

The patrons who had been chattering noisily around her suddenly stiffened, their expressions hardening as they rose from their seats without a word.

Outside, in a quiet place, Karsan draped a robe over Carina Leopold and pulled her into his embrace, then gave a light nod of his chin.

A man stepped forward and hurled a sculpture that resembled a door onto the ground. The shattered fragments dissolved into the earth, and a brilliant gateway of radiant light materialized in its place.

The Portal Creator coughed violently, spitting blood onto the ground.

Karsan observed this with indifference before his expression darkened slightly.

“Hmm, your usefulness is running out already? Well, no matter. This is all for the sake of the Empire, so it’s none of your concern.”

Soon, Karsan and his entire entourage

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stepped through the gateway together.

With a brilliant flash of light, the portal vanished. Only dark crimson bloodstains remained in the silence.

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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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