Limited Extra Time - Chapter 59

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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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—— Page 1 ——

Her brow furrowed. An unfinished painting could not be sold.

“In truth, this is a loophole applicable only to certain works.”

Carina Leopold’s eyes widened. Periel Kalos let out a low chuckle. She, who was typically expressionless when silent, displayed a remarkable range of emotions once her composure cracked.

“For instance, with music, the miracle begins the moment one starts playing, does it not?”

“Yes.”

“Such works cannot employ loopholes.

But with paintings, the miracle occurs only upon completion, does it not?”

“Yes.”

“That is precisely what we exploit. If one forgoes a single brushstroke before completion, it ceases to be a finished work.”

Carina Leopold blinked at Periel Kalos’s unexpected proposal.

So even a man who seemed to live by unwavering principles could conceive of such stratagems. “…You are quite right.”

“Yes. If you paint such works with utmost dedication, I shall make you renowned. I possess the connections necessary for such an endeavor.”

The Kalos Family maintained a network through which they acquired works from talented artisans at fair prices and supported them until they achieved recognition as celebrated artists. Originally, it was a policy designed to protect emerging artists who were forced to sell their creations at pittance. Utilizing this network would make her paintings famous with ease. Moreover, the value of this particular work was considerable.

“Therefore, paint, but refrain from completion.”

“…That is a difficult request.”

To abstain from a single brushstroke and endure. Could one truly suppress such desire? No—it was not a matter of ability or inability.

For the sake of proving my own worth, I had to do it.

“And I shall summon Winston for your inspection.”

“…Yes.”

Carina answered with a reluctant expression. Interrogations terrified her most in the world. One could never predict what words might come flying back. ‘Surely… they haven’t reduced my time, have they?’

—— Page 2 ——

Still, I’ve been doing my best to refrain from painting lately.

“What is that hanging around your neck?”

“Ah, it’s a mineral from the Northern Territory called Harun that Millaiyen gave me.”

“Hmm…”

Periel Kalos narrowed his eyes, examining the crude mineral at the edge of his gaze.

The mineral, which refracted the incoming sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors, was remarkably distinctive. And it was certainly a type of mineral he had never encountered anywhere before.

‘It might work well as an art material.’

The way it shimmered with such varied hues was truly extraordinary.

He had never imagined the Northern Territory possessed such a mineral. Periel Kalos stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Now that I think about it, that’s quite intriguing.”

“What is, sir?”

Periel Kalos’s gaze, which had been fixed on the Harun while he bent forward, suddenly lifted.

“When I hold the Harun in my hand, my body seems to feel more at ease. Of course, it’s likely just my imagination… but human perception is truly fascinating. People can manifest mysterious power through mere belief alone.”

Periel Kalos regarded Carina and Periel Kalos in turn with narrowed eyes.

“…Your body feels more at ease, you say?”

“Yes.”

“In what specific way does it feel more at ease?”

At Periel Kalos’s question, Carina finally furrowed her brow, searching her memory.

I didn’t have detailed memories of it since I’d only grabbed it reflexively whenever the pain struck.

“Well… there are times when my heart feels squeezed and aches, and the pain seems to ease or the nausea lessens a bit… I think it’s about that much.”

There wasn’t any significant major change, but the mere sensation that the pain had diminished held great meaning for her.

Even if it was nothing but self-delusion, it was enough that something existed to give her strength.

“Would you mind if I took a look, Carina Leopold?”

At his words, spoken with a faint smile, Carina Leopold readily removed the necklace and handed it to him. Periel Kalos accepted it and examined it carefully.

“It’s an unusual stone. From what I can see, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about it, though…”

“I suppose I’m just feeling it because I believe in it that way.”

Periel Kalos clenched the necklace tightly, then slowly opened his hand. His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Carina Leopold, if you don’t mind, would it be alright if I took this and analyzed it?”

“…Yes, it’s fine, but please don’t take my words too seriously.”

It’s probably just my own delusion.

Even as Periel Kalos heard Carina Leopold’s added words, he smiled while placing her necklace in his pocket.

“Still, since it’s an unknown ore, it seems worth investigating. I’ll have Winston called, so please get examined by him first.”

“…Understood.”

Periel Kalos rose from his seat.

Following Carina Leopold’s gaze toward the window, he turned his head and fell silent.

At the end of her line of sight was Millaiyen Pestellio’s expedition departing on horseback.

Periel Kalos’s eyes narrowed.

—— Page 3 ——

“Carina Leopold really does like Millaiyen, doesn’t she?”

“…Pardon?”

Startled by Periel’s observation, I turned my head. An awkward smile crossed my face.

“It’s a secret from Millaiyen.”

“Well, it seems there are far too many secrets I must keep from you.”

“I’m sorry.”

At my apology, Periel shook his head, insisting it had been mere jest. That unwavering gaze of his resembled a chick imprinted upon its parents the moment it hatched.

His gaze seemed almost like that of a chick that had imprinted on its parents the moment it was born.

“Have you ever harbored affection for someone, Periel?”

“I’m not certain.”

“For me, this is the first time I’ve ever felt such an emotion—caring for someone. Everything about it feels wonderful.”

A heart that once ached merely at the thought of someone could now find solace in that very remembrance. Such a miraculous sensation was entirely new to me.

And yet, this

terrifying emotion was also a first.

“I shall summon Winston.”

“Yes, thank you, Periel.”

The moment the corners of my eyes lifted in a genuine smile—replacing the composed expression that had lingered moments before—the entire atmosphere transformed in an instant.

Periel gazed at that face in silence.

“Then I shall take my leave.”

“Yes.”

Periel turned and left the room.

“I’ll be waiting. Safe travels.”

Her voice lingered in my mind like a whisper at the edge of hearing, and my expression grew complicated.

I had received similar farewells from servants countless times before, yet hers alone seemed to burrow into my thoughts and refuse to leave.

“Commander, isn’t the pace a bit too fast?”

“Is there a problem?”

“A problem…”

The Knight escorting me glanced back over his shoulder.

The distance between us had widened. I had ridden so quickly that the rest couldn’t keep pace with my speed.

“It seems the Knights’ horses are struggling somewhat. Since there’s no urgent schedule, perhaps we could proceed at a more leisurely pace.”

“The goal is to return by noon tomorrow. Tell them to increase the pace.”

With that, I ended the conversation and accelerated once more, making up for the time lost in talking.

“By noon tomorrow, sir?”

The Knight cried out in alarm and hastily pursued me.

The Scout Expedition, which had been catching their breath from the slower pace, shook their reins and rushed after their accelerating commander.

This expedition was composed entirely of elite warriors—a Scout Expedition that performed reconnaissance duties.

Before embarking on actual monster subjugation, only the most skilled Knights were selected in small numbers to scout the movements, types, and habitats of monsters, and occasionally to research new subjugation methods.

Afterward, information was shared with each domain in the Northern Territory, and a full-scale subjugation unit would be organized based on these findings.

—— Page 4 ——

The Scout Expedition had to be capable of adapting to any situation, so only exceptional Knights were selected from each domain.

And following behind the Scout Expedition came another group—the Support Unit, consisting of those who prepared meals, managed the horses of the scouts, and provided various conveniences, along with medical personnel.

“Isn’t the pace far too swift? The schedule you mentioned at first was already tight, cutting rest to a minimum…!”

“Is that insubordination?”

“That is not my intent!”

“Then it can be done. I’ll lead from the front myself.”

At those blunt words, the Knight’s eyes gleamed with fervor.

Hearing that confident voice, the other Knights following behind cried out in unison. The escort Knight grinned wryly and finally withdrew his objection.

“We shall obey your command.”

The Scout Expedition, numbering some thirty mounted riders, moved swiftly and arrived at the entrance of the Forbidden Forest that encircled the Northern Territory.

The desolate forest entrance was cordoned off as a restricted zone—entry was forbidden in winter without authorization. As the winter wind swept through, the sound of leaves rustling struck the ears.

Mingled with that wind came the cry of a magical beast from somewhere deep within the ancient forest, and Millaiyen tilted his head back.

Soon the subjugation would begin. That exhilaration naturally bolstered the soldiers’ morale.

The Northern Territory was called a nest of magical beasts, and winter brought no shortage of dangers. Without authorization, one could not even venture beyond the Territory’s bounds.

By that time of year when winter came around, there were considerable dangers. Without permission, it was impossible to leave the Territory.

According to an old legend, there’s also a tale that a hero was born in this place, which was originally the domain of demons, and drove out the demons to establish what is now the human realm.

It remained unclear why the demon’s eyes opened precisely in winter, when everything shrank back.

“We shall make this our assembly point. Everyone dismount and prepare yourselves. Take a simple meal, and once the Support Unit arrives, we move in at once.”

“Yes, understood!”

Hearing the resounding affirmation, Millaiyen descended from his horse.

Drawing his sword to inspect its condition, he leaned against a tree, watching his men move with flawless coordination.

‘I hope we find Herta.’

This was the season when the demonic beasts were awakening one by one from their summer slumber, which was why we could move forward with such a small, elite force.

Once the weather turned cold and snow blanketed the world, freezing time itself into stillness, that was when the true nature of the demonic beasts would reveal itself.

Starved throughout the summer, the beasts would begin their frenzied rampage, their ferocity beyond all description.

“If, after the subjugation is complete, you think I’ve been of help… would you hold me tight when we part ways?”

“Would that… be possible?”

Standing quietly in the cold wind, her voice suddenly echoed in my mind.

That careful, trembling voice—so tense that her hands had turned pale as she gripped her garments.

“…I hope we find Herta.”

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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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