Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 63

63.

In the age of magic, seers were divided into two kinds. Those blessed by the gods—they glimpsed the future through divine mercy, paying little price beyond fatigue.

The other kind was different. They weren't born seers—they were ordinary people, turned into seers by dark mages serving the Demon King, using humans as fuel to proclaim the world's destruction. These artificial seers paid a heavy price: lifespan, blood, happiness—all drained away with each prophecy.

"They all should have died."

That line should have ended—but bloodlines are strange. Quiet for ages, then suddenly expressing peculiar traits in descendants.

Unknown was one such descendant.

Actually, Unknown wasn't his real name. When his parents were alive, he'd been called something else—lovingly. If the Teyrin Empire hadn't discovered his ability, would his parents still be alive?

He often wondered.

As blood and life force flowed from his wounds, they showed him the fixed future.

Ibelin and Kite will seek out Kahn. Then I'll use Vallak. Backed by Teyrin, he's eager—a little push and he'll charge to kill Kahn.

But he won't succeed.

Because Kite would save Kahn and maintain friendly relations. He'd also discover Teyrin backing Vallak. As events piled up, the Pabeln Empire wouldn't stay idle.

Unknown had been moving toward that end—provoking greedy Draven, stirring Vallak, lulling Teyrin into complacency. He might be caught someday, but he didn't care—he didn't expect to survive anyway. Revenge was enough, even if it consumed his life.

---

Meanwhile, Ibelin faced Kite.

Entering the northern fortress city, they received a grand welcome. The people remembered Kite's past deeds—their enthusiasm, though modest, was heartfelt.

They entered House Redwood.

"Welcome, Lord Kite."

The head of House Redwood greeted them warmly. Though aged and frail, he came out to greet Kite.

"Long time—you've aged."

"Heh heh—so much time has passed. Did Albert escort you well?"

"Yes—he's grown."

"He has. I wanted to send my eldest, Sain, but he was too busy."

"I understand—the North needs people to stay."

Kite also greeted Sain, a civil official unlike his knightly brother.

"We need more civil officials here."

Sain, with dark circles, complained. Knights were sufficient, but civil officials were scarce—rumors of danger kept applicants away.

The head had delegated most duties to Sain, so Kite discussed matters with him. He added details Grux and Albert had missed.

"Kahn's tribe is here; Vallak's is across the river—though it's shallow and easy to cross. They plan to meet for talks, but I doubt good results."

"Why?"

"Vallak has a bad temper—already violent, but recently worse. He won't conduct proper talks."

"I see—could we approach Kahn?"

"...Possible, but dangerous. Is there a reason?"

"Another source told me Kahn's goals differ from Vallak's."

Kite disguised Ibelin's information as hearsay. Sain pondered, biting his lip.

"You want to accept them?"

"Better than fighting to the death like before."

"True—but can we trust them?"

Sain had witnessed the last war—his distrust was understandable.

"That's why I want to make contact."

"Wouldn't it be dangerous?"

Sain asked. Kite replied incredulously.

"Me?"

"Even if you're strong, they're many."

"I can at least escape."

"And I'm going too."

Ibelin, silent until now, added. Sain stared at her, lost for words.

"You're going too?"

"Yes."

His gaze turned to Kite, who shrugged.

"Sorry—my fiancée's stubbornness is beyond me."

"Still—"

Did he really dislike her? Sain looked at him suspiciously.

"I'll gouge your eyes out."

Knowing he'd do it, Sain looked away.

"Personally, I think she should stay—it's no place for a lady. The journey was hard enough; beyond the border, it'll be worse."

Sandstorms, scarce water—rations would be poor. His objections weren't unreasonable.

"It's fine."

She smiled.

"I'm used to it."

Why would a noble lady be used to such things?

Because following her grandfather had taught her—waiting motionless for hours, eating hard jerky.

"Hmm."

Still skeptical. Kite chuckled.

"My fiancée caught a grizzly bear alone."

"...A grizzly?"

"At age ten."

"Is that possible?"

"She did it."

Birds of a feather flock together—Sain finally understood her insistence. Someone who could catch a grizzly wasn't ordinary.

But worry remained.

"Beasts and people are different."

She might never have killed a person.

"I'm prepared for that."

Her grandfather had said hesitation would cost precious lives. She would give her all—even if it meant harming others.

"...Remarkable. You two suit each other."

"Right?"

Kite smiled contentedly. Ibelin's expression was hard to read—embarrassed or bewildered. Whatever their relationship, it wasn't ordinary.

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