Disconnected

Chapter 6: Chance Encounter (pt.1)

"Once again, thank you, sir… I will certainly pay you more once we get back," Cherry said, showing her gratitude.

If others heard about this, they might think that it's good to get more from this generous noble girl.

Bright pink hair that still looked expensive despite being dirty from all that had happened to its owner.

Creamy skin tone, soft to the touch, got tainted with mud and littered with small cuts. Yet still, it spoke of how much care had been spent maintaining such beauty before it was ruined by these harsh experiences.

Hazel eyes shifted upwards and met with magenta orbs that were staring back at her almost pleadingly.

'Such beautiful clear eyes this princess has.'

And that honeyed voice?

That dangerous tone could have lured innocent people into agreeing with her request for free.

However, Serein understood the true meaning behind those words, hence why she opened her mouth to negotiate.

"Make that 500, pay for my food and a place to stay, in addition to one wish to be granted as I asked for it. If you agree that much, I'll take you to the mountain and guard you back to the Capital."

The two were in shock as Serein revealed that she knew of them and even their motives.

"That pink hair of yours is quite a distinct trait, Princess Cerise. And though you're famous for enjoying a great hunt in the forest, I doubt that's enough reason for someone like you to risk your life in one of the three treacherous regions."

This time, however, Gil was the one to respond to her words.

"What's your name?"

His tone was harsh and alert.

It's just as if they're back to square one once again.

Serein found it funny that they finally asked this question. Although, she understands that it couldn't be helped with the pressing matter that has been hitting them like a brick to the face.

"It's Serein."

At last, that young adventurer answered.

She purposely did not mention her last name nor did she bother to fix the misconception of her gender, feeling that it'll be a complicated matter later if these high-rankers know of her identity.

'Serein wouldn't have to deal with these people once the mission is done after all.'

Min Suhyun was sure of it.

"I'm a mercenary."

Instead of saying how she is an adventurer, she revealed that she was a mercenary as the knight finally noticed that from her physique alone, their guide was fairly younger than he had initially thought.

"I see. 500 gold coins, you say?"

Serein shrugged nonchalantly before then honestly revealing to them what she had in mind.

"I actually planned to rob you off and ask for more since this would definitely affect my future as well, but from the looks of it, you don't have that much cash on you, and I do not wish to get involved with the palace."

Cherry, now revealed as Princess Cerise, was about to ask what Serein meant by that when she took off the hoodie of her raincoat and revealed exactly what she meant by that.

"...you too."

The pink-haired girl let out a silent gasp, eyes rounded like Gil's as they witnessed the beautiful silverish streaks that framed Serein's face.

"I'm not in immediate danger unlike her Majesty, the Queen Regnant. But if you were in my place, wouldn't you get annoyed too? I'd say 500 gold coins are cheap in comparison."

She nodded as if agreeing with her own words.

The legend said that Adelweirn Flower only grows once in a century and even then, it's almost impossible to get back since the forest guarding it would develop and get stronger each time its 'heart' is taken away.

'Of course, I know that it's not true.'

As the writer of this novel, Min Suhyun knows that the first part of that legend is false.

Adelweirn Flower would grow back on the 29th of the 2nd month, which occurs every four years. They'd only last for a whole month after being picked off their root before drying out. Regardless of whether anyone finds it or not, the flower would shrivel and get replaced by a new bloom every four years.

This flower bloomed in the 788th year of the Felix Calendar, which was last year. That means if Serein can endure it, there'll be another chance for her to get the flower in three more years.

There are also several other ways to suppress the cold from spreading. One of them is the elixir owned by the royal family.

The Queen Regnant already has a gulp of it, but it doesn't really cure her. Even the magnificent elixir was only able to slow down her death.

'And this princess brought it with her.'

The crown prince snuck it for her, knowing that she'd be in great danger trying to find the legendary Adelweirn flower.

'If I can have at least five drops of it, that'd be enough to prolong Serein's life for a few more years.'

That amount mentioned was originally used for Gil here, as Cherry desperately tried to save her friend. Which is why she's not feeling all that guilty.

"Serein-shi—"

It was at that moment.

A hissing sound could be heard from the deep part of the cave.

Serein took out her twin daggers while her two companions became alert.

"Heh, it's been a while."

She let out a soft sigh.

It's truly been a while since she used daggers. Although Min Suhyun has not been holding one in years, she's not a stranger to the said weapon.

And in addition to Serein's muscle memory?

'I can win.'

Even though she's fatigued and shaking slightly from the cold, her cold eyes are sharp.

A light came from behind her. There's no need for her to look back to know that Cherry is the one responsible for it.

Soon, snake-like creatures with two horns could be seen.

'A Wyrm.'

Little did Serein know, a fateful encounter awaited her in the depths of the cave, and her life was about to take a surprising turn.