Treasures are harder to protect than to find.
The world isn’t as easy as it seems, and Lena needed to learn this lesson. This might be a good opportunity for that.
“B-borrowing, you s-say…”
“Exactly what I said.”
I patted Lena’s back as she trembled like a frightened rabbit.
At the end of these approaching figures’ greedy gazes were the magic staff in Lena’s hand and the nature robe she was wearing.
“The bracelet the leader is wearing is a Concentration Talisman that enhances magic. The one-handed staff the guy behind him is holding is called the Staff of Protection, with protection magic cast on it. And the one in the back has no special artifacts, but his silk robe would sell for a good price.”
“Uh… uhh…”
“Now you understand?”
Go on, fight each other.
I stepped back, and the three men snickered.
“Ex-excuse me… C-could you perhaps l-lend me what you have?”
Oh, how polite.
Lena bowed her head deeply while making her desperate request, but they just grinned widely and immediately began casting spells.
“Lightning Bolt!!”
“Fire Bolt!”
“Ice Javelin!!”
Elemental attack magic.
These guys had mastered beginner magic and were just starting with intermediate spells.
Following their incantations, attacks imbued with different elements flew toward Lena.
How would she block them?
At that moment, Lena’s trembling eyes flashed.
“…Sylphid!!”
Wind. A powerful green wind spread out from around Lena.
The intermediate spells tried to pierce through the wind but ultimately couldn’t overcome it.
While they stood there confused by their magic disappearing into thin air…
“Magic Arrow!”
Her magic unfolded.
To cut to the chase, Lena won. No matter if they could use intermediate magic, how could regular mobs defeat Lena, who could cast without incantations, use multiple spells, and possess overflowing magical power?
They eventually couldn’t hold on and collapsed unconscious, and I quickly picked out the valuable items they had.
“W-will this be okay?”
Those who try to take from others,
“It’s fine.”
They should be prepared to have their own things taken.
Now then, how much is this worth?
Enough for drinks, at least.
I’m in a good mood.
I handed the expensive-looking items to Lena, who looked at me worriedly.
Of course, I set aside things like staves and expensive robes that Lena didn’t need right now to sell later.
“W-why are you giving these to me…”
“Why, you ask.”
I held Lena’s hand firmly and said,
“From now on, you’ll be a treasure goblin.”
“Wh-whaaaat?!”
It’s free practical experience.
“I-impossible! Impossible! Impossible! Impossible! Impossible!”
For someone saying that, she fought pretty well.
I held onto Lena firmly as she desperately shook her head.
Her eyes were filled with worry and fear.
“It’s okay. Who do you think is behind you?”
“M-master…”
“That’s right! So do your best! Haha! Shall we enjoy the big city?”
****
After defeating the fourth group of attackers, Lena let out a heavy sigh.
Unlike at first, she became more stable after doing this a few times.
Maybe that’s why other thoughts kept creeping in.
She was trying hard to stop her gaze from wandering.
Since entering the big city, her heart had been beating irregularly like it was broken.
Why was that?
– This one is mine.
She remembered when Lee Hyun had embraced her. His firm arms, broad chest, and that confident voice.
In that moment, she truly felt like she had become Lee Hyun’s.
‘W-what would it be like to become Master’s…?’
To become Lee Hyun’s, be held in his embrace, and live a life for him.
Lena grinned foolishly as she looked back at her master again.
His slightly thin face, the black hair typical of Eastern people, tall height, straight nose, sharp eyes.
And those large hands, broad chest. And… and…
“Do you have something to say?”
“Eeeek?!”
Lena jumped at Lee Hyun’s gentle voice.
Could he have noticed her stealing glances all this time?
What if Master thinks she’s strange?
What if he won’t let her look at him anymore?
All sorts of thoughts were swirling inside Lena’s mind.
“If you’re feeling anxious, here.”
But contrary to her imagination, Lee Hyun simply extended his hand with his usual gentle tone.
A large, firm-looking hand.
Staring blankly at that hand, Lena unconsciously rested her chin on it.
“…Not that. I’ll hold your hand.”
“Ah. Oh. Th-that’s what you meant!!”
Her face turns red.
Thinking, ‘Why am I so stupid?’ Lena hurriedly grabbed his hand.
It’s a warm hand.
Feeling his touch that calmed her anxiety, Lena carefully opened her mouth.
“Um… Master.”
“Hmm?”
“W-why are you… b-being so n-nice to me?”
“You’re my disciple, aren’t you?”
“Eh-hehehehehe.”
At those words, Lena felt her racing heart calm down a bit.
Being Lee Hyun’s disciple, being Lee Hyun’s.
She couldn’t express how reassuring it was to be by his dependable side.
‘…What is this?’
But something felt off in a corner of her heart.
What was this emotion?
Lena thought deeply while holding Lee Hyun’s hand.
But she couldn’t figure out what it was.
“Hey! You’ve got some nice stuff there!”
“Can you lend it to us? We’ll return it in about ten years! Kuhahaha!!”
“Our eyes met! It’s a duel!”
She couldn’t think properly because of the endless stream of attackers.
Thanks to them, she collected many artifacts, but she couldn’t figure out that emotion.
“M-master…”
Even for Lena, this many battles were exhausting.
She already lacked confidence and struggled with interacting with others.
For someone like her to have multiple confrontations with strangers, it was natural to be tired.
“Shall we take a break then?”
“Yes…”
Lee Hyun took the tired Lena to the theater.
He thought watching a play might help recover her physical and mental strength, but Lena interpreted it differently.
‘A-a romance play!’
The play was a comedy she had heard about in the village, depicting lovers’ playful quarrels and expressions of affection.
As she had heard, most couples went to see it, and there were many loving couples in front of the theater.
‘I’m envious…’
Envious? Lena tilted her head. Her current situation was just as good as others.
Compared to the past, it was like heaven and earth.
That’s why she had always been satisfied.
She was always grateful for her life after meeting Lee Hyun, being his disciple, and always being together.
But envious?
Doesn’t that sound like she’s dissatisfied with reality?
‘Th-that’s not it.’
Lena quickly shook her head.
Even her current happiness was more than she deserved. Wanting more from here would just be greed.
Lena squeezed Lee Hyun’s hand that she was holding.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-nothing. Just… just because.”
“Hmm. Is that so?”
“Oh my~. Looks like a couple with quite an age gap~. You two look so good together~.”
That’s when it happened. The person who appeared to be the ticket booth clerk spoke cheerfully.
At the appearance of a stranger, Lena quickly hid behind Lee Hyun. Without pointing out Lena’s now-familiar behavior, Lee Hyun smiled and held out the money.
‘C-couple…?!’
A couple. A couple.
Do we look like that?
Lena tried to look up at Lee Hyun, but her heated face and pounding heart prevented it.
Finally hanging her head low, she couldn’t see Lee Hyun’s reaction.
‘I wonder if Master is… e-embarrassed too…? I hope he is…’
Since she’s always the only one being embarrassed.
Since she’s always the only one being timid.
Sometimes, she wishes Master would be a little flustered, too.
As she thought this, Lee Hyun’s voice reached her ears, as calm as ever.
“We’re master and disciple. Two tickets, please.”
“Oh? I made a mistake! Hohoho~! Enjoy the show~.”
When Lee Hyun turned around after receiving the tickets, their joined hands gently separated.
Lee Hyun tilted his head at this unusual behavior, and Lena silently stared at him.
“……”
“What’s wrong?”
“…N-nothing at a-all…”
Lena had always been proud of being Lee Hyun’s disciple.
She should have been happy with Lee Hyun’s response as well.
But somehow, just for today, that statement felt a little sad.
Why? Why?
With the question unresolved, Lena entered the theater with Lee Hyun.
The play was entertaining, just as she had heard in the village. The actors’ performances were excellent, and the story was perfect.
After laughing, crying, feeling tense, and seeing the final kiss scene between the lovers, her heart was pounding.
“Th-that was fun!!”
“Should we come watch another one next time?”
“Yeees!!”
The anxiety and dissatisfaction from earlier had completely disappeared.
Lena smiled brightly while holding Lee Hyun’s hand, and pleased with her smile, Lee Hyun smiled back.
She felt good.
The weather was nice, Lee Hyun was beside her, and there were no more attackers like before.
She felt good.
“Oh my? Isn’t that Mr. Lee Hyun?”
That beautiful voice from the side cracked her good mood.