At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 149
It was complicated.
How much had Jiwoo been downcast on the way back?
“Seo Jiwoo.”
Jiwoo lifted her head at the call.
Looking down at him with a concerned gaze was the wise Helka, not the foolish beast.
‘Thank goodness. You’re back.’
Without Akarna’s power, Jiwoo had to spend a considerable amount of time resting for stability, while Helka’s condition was more erratic, changing unpredictably.
Before meeting Jiwoo, Helka had caused much damage to the brothers, turning into a monstrous beast, leaving many wounded or near death. Lanceil was one of them.
But now, aside from sticking close to Jiwoo and delaying their return, Helka wasn’t a significant issue.
Since El Ragneil had no land routes for humans, Jiwoo, without Akarna’s power, couldn’t move comfortably. Thus, they moved only during daylight and rested in cave-like shelters once it got dark.
Even though the group tried to make things easier for Jiwoo, the days spent camping in the wild were exhausting.
It was fortunate that Helka returned first.
With a worried expression, Helka gently caressed Jiwoo’s cheek. The touch was careful, as if afraid it would cause harm.
“Seo Jiwoo, are you alright?”
Despite Helka’s polite words, Tevon shivered, wrapping his arms around himself.
[That damn old man!]
Jiwoo awkwardly smiled at Tevon, understanding the words.
She had now adapted a bit to the loss of Akarna’s power. After some time, Jiwoo was able to speak and understand what she had learned.
…Though, Tevon’s words were clear even without understanding the language.
[Made me go through all this suffering!]
[Right.]
[…Are you sure you’re the reliable brother?]
Marron and Night chimed in.
Marron used a more polite tone, while Night was a bit more brash and informal.
Anyway, it made sense why Tevon felt that way.
During their short time together, the out-of-control Helka only showed signs of frustration.
When camping, Helka insisted on having Jiwoo sleep on top of him, using plant vines to create a hammock, but it ended up a mess, trapping Jiwoo in his embrace. At meal times, Helka would lie on Jiwoo’s lap, begging for food, and even stole grapes from Jiwoo’s mouth.
[If you could grow plants, wouldn’t you help me out?]
Making a comfy bed out of soft grass or finding non-poisonous food for Jiwoo was easy, as growing plants was a specialty of the children of Ellandos.
It would have been nice if Helka had helped instead of Tevon, who was clumsy with such things…
[Would he help in that state?]
[Let’s just be glad he doesn’t bite.]
And somehow, Marron and Night seemed to grow quite friendly with Tevon.
When the brothers tried to separate Jiwoo from Helka, the beast-like old man would bare his teeth and growl, making it difficult.
In that state, Helka could only relax his stern expression when Jiwoo gently held and stroked him.
Throughout the journey, Helka had been absorbing the energy of the brothers, and now that his mind had returned to normal, he tried to return to his reliable role as the eldest. However, the disparity—no, more like an inexplicable annoyance—was felt by Jiwoo.
When the brothers looked at Helka with furrowed brows, Jiwoo hurriedly spoke up.
“It’s a relief. Let’s go back quickly.”
[Understood.]
Helka lifted Jiwoo up with a quick motion, glanced back, and then began to increase his speed.
[…You all can catch up on your own.]
[What! Are you crazy! Hey!]
Tevon yelled from behind as he ran after them, but Helka barely seemed to notice. He swiftly moved through the air, and in an instant, the remaining three of them looked like mere dots in the distance.
[When that old man gets back, I’ll pull every hair out of his head!]
Tevon’s words echoed in the distance.
…Of course, there was no way he could defeat the recovered wizard.
“Helka!”
Jiwoo, holding the basket of chestnuts tightly in both arms, called out to Helka.
‘Is it really necessary to leave them behind?’
Jiwoo had planned to suggest they all go together, but after seeing Helka’s expression, she couldn’t bring herself to speak.
For now, he looked deeply worried, thinking it was best to focus only on Jiwoo.
* * *
Helka, leaving Tevon, Marron, and Night behind far in the distance, returned alone with Jiwoo.
To the brothers who welcomed their return, Helka briefly explained Jiwoo’s condition and moved swiftly inside.
It was a wise decision to return home as quickly as possible, as Jiwoo needed to rest in a comfortable place to help Akarna’s power return.
Of course, it didn’t necessarily have to be Helka’s home…
Nevertheless, Helka took Jiwoo to the bedroom and gently helped her sit on the bed.
[Please rest for a while.]
Jiwoo wanted to say she was fine, but Helka knelt in front of her and carefully removed her shoes. He examined Jiwoo’s feet with delicate hands, and despite his careful touch, Jiwoo let out a small groan.
“Ugh…!”
[I’m sorry. I’m not controlling my strength very well…]
“It’s… fine.”
Jiwoo’s ankles and calves were covered in bruises and scrapes.
The lack of land routes for humans meant the plants and grass were thick and tough. Furthermore, all the plants in El Ragneil were poisonous, making it a difficult place for humans to survive.
El Ragneil was beautiful, but even the air was thorny for a human to endure.
[Seo Jiwoo, let me check your arms too.]
After examining Jiwoo’s feet and calves, Helka gently laid Jiwoo back on the bed. Jiwoo had been holding the chestnut basket until then, but when Helka moved to check her arms, she passed the basket over.
Helka’s cautious touch continued as he checked Jiwoo’s arms and wrists.
As Jiwoo entrusted her whole body to the tense-faced Helka, he, in contrast, began to relax.
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