I’m Looking for the Male Lead for the Ending - Chapter 44

Chapter 23.1

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“Hmm, I don’t think he’s from Aidelis.”

Diel, who was walking around the man frozen by petrification magic and examining his clothes, drew a sword from his waist. The shape of the sword body, which was slightly longer and curved compared to a dagger, caught his eyes.

“Are you from Elkar?”

The man’s eyes shook violently at his words. I narrowed my brow as I observed the two frozen men.

“It seems the barbarians that the Grand Duke had recently subjugated were the Elkar.”

The corners of Diel’s mouth curved up in a strange line as he pointed his drawn sword at the man’s neck. I shifted my gaze to the system window while watching Diel chuckle softly.

[ Time Limit: 1 hour 20 minutes ]

The border of the forest was so vast that we had yet to find Perideline. Amidst this, I was concerned about the fact that the two men we encountered were masked barbarians. Especially considering they were the barbarians Estieren had subjugated not long ago, I couldn’t help but wonder if they had targeted Perideline from the start.

As if to support my thoughts, I could hear the sound of blades clashing nearby.

“Lord Diel.”

“It looks like the rabbit hunt has already begun.”

I approached Diel, holding the cumbersome dress in my hand. His eyes, previously showing signs of annoyance, suddenly lit up with amusement. When I drew a sword from the waistband of another man who was frozen by Diel’s magic, he blinked as he looked at me.

“What are you doing now, Young Lady?”

“The situation seems quite dangerous. I have to protect myself too.”

Diel, who had been staring blankly at me, chuckled while covering his face with his hand. His shoulders shaking with laughter, he snapped his fingers and swiftly snatched the sword from my hand.

Just as I was taken aback by his sudden action, he traced the curved blade with his finger and parted his lips.

“Young Lady, a sword with such a curved blade isn’t suitable for beginners. Weapons like this are difficult to wield properly because it’s hard to put enough force behind them for thrusting or stabbing. You might hurt yourself.”

“….”

“And just to add, with your delicate arms, it would be difficult for you to even break a bone.”

Eventually, he pulled the scroll from his bosom and handed it to me as if he couldn’t help but notice how I kept staring at the sword he was holding.

“It’s an offensive scroll. You can only use it once, but it seems more fitting for the Young Lady to have this.”

“…Thank you.”

Diel, who looked momentarily surprised at the obedient thank you, curved his lips mischievously.

“Let’s save the gratitude for after we rescue the eccentric Young Lady Kaisian.”

“…”

“I’m starting to look forward to how accurate the Young Lady’s prophecy will turn out to be.”

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Even the bright sunlight hid behind the clouds, perhaps sensing the gravity of the situation. Perideline chewed on her lip as she looked at the darkened forest.

“Young Lady!”

“I’m fine… Don’t move, Emma.”

Perideline caught her breath and straightened her posture. The crescent-shaped blade was definitely different from the swords I had practiced with before. These swords seemed specialized in seizing ankles, wrists, and even throats like hooks. A mere graze had already drawn blood from her thigh, staining it red.

‘It’s my fault.’

There were only two men who fell to the ground. Perhaps realizing her skill was better than expected, the assailants kept their distance, waiting for her to tire out. As time passed, it was clear her leg wound would worsen, and the bleeding would increase. However, there was a high probability that Emma, standing behind her, would be exposed to danger if she were to rush at them.

“Why is everyone hesitating to attack? Or are you already considering running away in fear?”

Therefore, the best way was for those blinded by anger to rush at her without thinking. If she could fend them off without moving much, that would be the best way, but…

“You’re making a face like you’re about to die any moment, yet you wouldn’t keep your mouth shut.”

It seemed that the thoughts of those who remained were no different from hers. Furthermore, if there was another problem, it was that two more figures were gradually approaching. If others joined them, she would have to face five people again.

After a moment of contemplation, Perideline whispered to Emma in a low voice.

“Emma. I’ll clear the way for you, so run to the carriage.”

“W-What are you talking about right now, Young Lady!”

“I can’t run right now because of my injured leg. So, Emma, you need to go to where the carriage is and ask for help at the Grand Duke’s residence.”

“I-I can’t go! I absolutely can’t leave!”

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