The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 110

The carriage’s steady motion suddenly stopped. It meant they had arrived at their destination. As expected, the coachman’s voice soon followed.

“We’ve arrived, sir.”

Finally, Sei’s heavy eyelids managed to open. Even a brief nap seemed to have somewhat alleviated the fatigue that had been weighing heavily on his shoulders.

“Prince Sei, you look very tired.”

“That’s what happens after an all-nighter. I’m fine.”

Responding casually to Semeion’s concern, Sei got off the carriage. Fortunately, his mind felt clearer than ever.

After paying the fare and sending the carriage away, a salty breeze hit his nose. He stood gazing at the expansive mudflats, gravel fields, and towering rocky cliffs. This was the coastal area lying between the Capital and Bukryeong.

A major trade route connecting the north with the center. Close to the capital and with a view of the sea, it’s also a well-known vacation spot for the nobility. In reality, few residents lived in this area; most of its activity revolved around the vibrant markets and vacation homes for temporary visitors.

“It seems to be over there, Prince Sei.”

Semeion pointed to a cliffside at the edge of the coastline. Above the layered rock formations was an imposing building. It was a fortress-like castle, so well-fortified that it could house an army without anyone knowing.

“They said it would be unmistakable at a glance. Looks like they were right.”

Muttering with a slight feeling of apprehension, Sei shared a wry smile with Semeion. The sheer size and scale of the facility put any warehouse to shame. Just looking at it was intimidating, but this was a good sign. Higher risk often meant a higher chance of success.

“I see. So, something like that happened with the Clonnes…”

The unexpected encounter with the Crown Prince yielded an unexpected benefit. After hearing about the situation, he provided useful information.

“Do you remember what I said earlier? About the information we received that the Magic Tower is gathering people in various places?”

The place they had just arrived at was one of those locations.

A wealthy man had built the mansion to showcase his wealth. A few years ago, his health deteriorated significantly, so he transferred ownership to his adopted son. The adopted son, brought from a foreign country, was known to be just an ordinary person until recently—

“But it turns out that the adopted son is actually Ramphius of the Magic Tower.”

“…!”

This was the only lead the Empire had managed to uncover about Ramphius, and even that had been partly due to luck. “Isn’t someone this secretive awfully suspicious?” The Crown Prince’s smile was laced with contempt despite his lighthearted tone.

“That mansion has the heaviest security of all the places we’ve identified. It seems there are hundreds of personnel stationed there at all times. Recently, it has been a frequent visiting spot for the mages from the Magic Tower.”

“I suspect the captured Clonnes are highly likely to be there.”

His tone contained certainty rather than mere suspicion. Seeing it in person, I couldn’t help but agree. That place seemed the most likely location.

It was conspicuous for a place where conspiracies would unfold. Sometimes, evil acts happen out in the open.

‘But perhaps the most terrifying part is that nothing can be done about it.’

I’d often heard the imperial family was weakening and paid little mind to it. For the first time, I grasped what that truly meant.

“Let’s at least scan the area inside.”

My plan was to have Semeion scout ahead, as usual. However, there was no response.

“Semeion?”

Looking around, I felt a growing sense of unease. He, who had been flying around me just moments ago, was nowhere to be seen. A quick glance around the vicinity yielded no sign of him either.

“…”

I clenched and unclenched my fist.

It seemed something had gone awry.

* * *

Everything happened in an instant.

Just a moment ago, Semeion was keeping an eye on Sei’s condition. Despite Sei’s reassurances, it was clear that he was pushing himself too hard. His guardian, Khan, was also anxious about his well-being.

—Wouldn’t it be better to let him rest a bit? He should really get enough sleep first. He hasn’t even eaten yet.

‘I already plan to do that.’

Semeion swallowed a sigh.

Starting out with the carriage at dawn was, in hindsight, too hasty a decision. Finding a crucial lead after a long period of uncertainty naturally urged them to make haste. But from Semeion’s perspective, Sei seemed like a chariot rushing blindly forward, as if there was no tomorrow.

He likely hadn’t even come to terms with his own life yet. It was disheartening to see him bearing such a heavy burden before he could enjoy the things he deserved.

‘I should have insisted on taking him to Dongryeong.’

No matter how determined Sei was, other options should have been considered. Even if it meant facing his wrath, prioritizing his safety should have been the answer. It was at that moment of belated regret that something changed.

—Hmm? Wait a moment, Semeion. Something’s wrong.

Suddenly, Khan’s consciousness wavered, unsteady. Semeion’s expression hardened.

‘Something’s wrong? What do you mean?’

―It’s… ugh, what is this? Why does this keep happening? Semeion, something seems to be wrong with your body.

‘What?’

―My senses are…

That was the last voice he heard.

“Ah!”

With a gasp, Semeion’s eyes snapped open. It felt as though the entire world had changed around him. And it wasn’t just a feeling—it truly was a different place.

“Semeion!”

Hearing the familiar voice, he doubted all his senses. A familiar face with light green hair looked down at him.

“Semeion, are you conscious? Do you recognize me?”

“…Lasrif?”

The recognition came swiftly, and he bolted upright, barely able to breathe. All the sensations that had dulled after his transformation into an artificial body were now vividly clear. The person before him and the surrounding objects appeared in perfect clarity.

He hastily ran his hands over his body. It was unmistakable. He was back in his original body.

“What is this…?”

“Semeion!”

Someone suddenly hugged him tightly. It didn’t take long for Semeion to realize it was his guardian, Khan. In the hurried embrace, Semeion noticed Markatis standing awkwardly nearby. Their eyes met, and Markatis gave an uneasy smile.

“What… what’s going on here? Why am I…?”

“I apologize. Lasrif insisted I wake you immediately. I also needed to prove my innocence. I wanted to notify you first, but I couldn’t reach you.”

“So, you woke me on purpose?”

At this critical time?

Semeion’s face turned pale. Markatis quickly raised both hands in a placating gesture.

“In the end, it might actually be better this way. Lasrif has significantly restored your body. Isn’t it preferable for you to be in your original body?”

Come to think of it, his body was in better condition than before the soul transplantation. Since waking up from his long coma, this was the lightest he had felt. Semeion looked at Lasrif, noticing now how pallid he appeared. Clearly, Lasrif had expended a lot of his own blood to heal him.

“Thank you, Lasrif. I owe you a great debt.”

“Ah, well…”

“But waking me now was too hasty. As a result, Sir Sei is left alone.”

Lasrif’s face hardened at this. He realized from Semeion’s strained expression that the situation was more severe than he had thought.

“Is Sei the name of that boy? But it’s just dawn. Isn’t he still asleep?”

“No, he was outside. He was planning to infiltrate the enemy camp. Without me, he’ll likely proceed on his own.”

“What…”

“A short while won’t cause harm, right? I’ll send you back immediately—”

Markatis tried to manage the situation, but Semeion’s face remained grim.

“Send me back immediately? How exactly?”

“Hmm? By tracking the location of the magic sword, of course…”

“It’s not with him.”

“What?”

“Sir Sei doesn’t have the magic sword right now. He lent it to someone else.”

Everyone’s faces turned pale.

Swallowing a bitter sigh, Semeion rubbed his dry face with both hands. The situation had become significantly more complicated.