I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 176
I wanted to take a closer look and headed towards the cave entrance, but Weathering caught me.
“Magic storms are different from regular storms. The wind itself is made of magic, so it’s better not to get swept away.”
“It’s generally a good idea not to get swept away by any storm.”
“Do you really want to experience magic particles hitting your body?”
I immediately stepped back, recalling the heavy, damp magic that clung to me during my visit to Guana Mountain.
“Good choice.”
Leaning against the cave wall, Weathering looked tired. Not from exhaustion but for some other reason. I hadn’t asked him about it since we left Allin.
Whoooosh!
Every now and then, the storm would let out a chilling laugh, startling everyone each time. Despite having magic stones lit, the cave felt oddly dim.
Perhaps wanting to lighten the mood, Weathering spoke up.
“Since magic storms occur frequently here, there might even be a gateway to the fairy realm.”
“That’s possible. Guana Mountain area also experiences frequent magic storms.”
“I was swept away by a storm near Guana Mountain.”
“Lucky me, the weather was incredibly nice when I went.”
“Euel, what do you think about Guana Mountain? There are tons of spooky stories related to it.”
Ruby joined the conversation, and others chimed in, brightening the atmosphere inside the cave.
We had brought dry food, jerky, and water, anticipating the storm might last a day or two. With the storm typically subsiding in that time, we waited relaxedly.
As time passed, the researchers seemed to realize there was no imminent danger and began to catch up on much-needed sleep. As they had spent the previous night examining the mysterious mineral.
With it continuously dark outside and the wind howling, it was hard to keep track of time.
Tolby also fell asleep, leaving me, Weathering, and an imperial guard, who was on watch duty, awake. The guard sat near the entrance, as if he was barely there.
“County Daidi is a place where magic storms are common. It means there’s a concentration of magic here.”
“Does that have anything to do with the County producing so many special minerals?”
“Although I can’t explain the direct cause and effect, I believe so. This peculiar mineral was probably diamond at one point but transformed under the pressure of magic.”
Considering the heavy sword given by the Count or the unique minerals seen at the residence, his theory seemed quite plausible.
“That definitely has many potential uses. The problem is how to process it…”
Weathering took off his glasses and rubbed his temples, pondering for a while before suddenly asking me.
“But Euel.”
“Yes?”
“How far does your tolerance for ‘dislike’ extend?”
Confused by his vague question, I furrowed my brows. Weathering elaborate further.
“I know you’re a tolerant person, but there seems to be a clear line for things you dislike.”
“Isn’t everyone like that? They have a few things they dislike?”
“For example, let’s say you were married. How far would you go in forgiving your husband’s mistakes?”
His question seemed out of the blue, even to him, as he smiled awkwardly.
What’s this about, Weathering? Are you discussing match-making? That doesn’t seem likely. You’re not suggesting I should accept whatever comes my way, are you?
No, I might be overthinking it. I decided to play along for now.
“That’s a pretty broad question.”
“What if your husband drank too much?”
“I’d have to stop him. Lock him in a room if necessary.”
“What about gambling?”
“I’d beat him senseless until he came to his senses.”
“And if he had an affair?”
“We’d have to split up.”
Weathering nodded as if he understood, his expression turning darker, prompting me to lighten the mood.
“I wouldn’t be with someone who drinks too much or gambles in the first place.”
“Haha, that’s right.”
Even the mention of an affair brings the mood down.
If Tess had an affair, which is unlikely, but if do, it would be the end of the Northern Empire.
I muttered to myself and looked back outside.
I miss Tess. His absence feels strange. Perhaps I took for granted that he was always within reach.
Now I slightly understand why you proposed marriage. Just slightly.
After what felt like an eternity, the storm cleared, and daylight returned.
“Wow…”
I stepped outside, the fresh air was nice, but the sight of giant trees snapped in half was shocking.
“Such dense forests usually limit how far winds can penetrate, but magic storms are something else.”
“The density probably only mitigated the damage.”
What’s surprising is that despite the storm, it didn’t rain. This made walking easier, but our sense of direction was off after the storm passed.
“It looks like going down will take some time, huh?”
“I’ve had it take up to a week before.”
Ruby nonchalantly shrugged.
“But there’s plenty to eat here, so no worries. Oh, and those fruits hanging there are edible. If you’re thirsty, you can have them instead of water.”
Tolby reached for the red fruits but couldn’t quite get them. I managed to pluck three, giving two to him, which made the dwarf chuckle.
Apart from the time it took, the descent was smooth.
…Probably.
“Hold on. Euel, stop!”
I tensed up at Weathering’s urgent shout and soon sensed an unnatural movement of magic. The empty air rippled, and a black circle appeared right before us.
Before I fully processed it, I found myself moving away from that spot.
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