Chapter 227

Here’s the English translation of the provided novel excerpt, adhering to the given glossary terms:

—

Episode 227: Meticulous Preparations, Light Load

“Elpride, you didn’t come here to snoop around someone else’s house, did you? Didn’t you say you had something to talk about?”

I quickly steered the conversation, partly to usher Elpride out of this hut.

I worried I might have been too blatant in my attitude—like I was telling her to say her piece and leave. The fact that I could act so assertively toward Elpride was surprising even to me.

How should I put it? It felt like running into a terrifying senior from my military days and trying to act casual.

Look how far you’ve come, Hassan.

But despite my inner triumph, Elpride’s expression twisted slightly.

“Fine, whatever. But the thing is, I have something to say to Luna here. Mind giving us some privacy?”

“Huh?”

Elpride truly was a bold, troublesome girl. Without missing a beat, she fired back at me.

What could Luna and Elpride possibly have to talk about alone?

My earlier bravado faded as a sinking feeling settled in my chest. It reminded me of elementary school—that dread when a girl who caught me doing something wrong dashed off to the teachers’ office.

What are they discussing?

I was flustered. Whatever it was, it probably wasn’t good news for me.

“Private talk with just you two?”

“Yeah. Guild business.”

Luna frowned slightly, as if considering it, but the mention of guild business seemed to convince her. “Alright,” she agreed shortly.

And just like that, I found myself stepping outside, leaving Luna and Elpride alone in the hut.

Murmur, murmur.

The faint sound of their voices drifted out.

Part of me wanted to eavesdrop, but if I stooped that low, something inside me would shatter. So I pretended nonchalance, idly stroking the potato sprouts in the yard.

“Grow fast so I can eat you.”

Shiver.

“Why are you trembling? Scared of me?”

Shiver—

The potatoes shook their tiny sprouts as if terrified of being eaten.

I vaguely recalled some pseudoscience about plants having sensors for emotional waves—how negative words could make them grow toxic.

But on closer inspection, it wasn’t the potatoes trembling—it was my hand.

I’m the one who’s scared.

My nerves were so frayed I was talking to potatoes.

What are Elpride and Luna talking about?

Hadn’t it been several minutes already? Shouldn’t they be done by now?

What could possibly be taking so long?

I agonized over whether to press my ear against the door.

Just earlier, I’d been floating on cloud nine. Now, I couldn’t imagine a deeper plunge into hell.

Then—creak—the hut door slid open.

Elpride emerged, her robe draped over her once more.

“…You actually didn’t eavesdrop? I’d have thought you’d listen in.”

“What do you take me for? So, what did you and Luna talk about?”

“Who knows?”

Swish.

Pulling up her hood, Elpride vanished into the shadows of a distant alley. Only when her presence completely faded did I finally return to Luna’s hut.

Luna sat perched on a first-floor jar, arms crossed, her brow furrowed in deep thought—uncharacteristically troubled.

What did she hear to make that face?

Curious but uneasy, I wrestled with myself before speaking.

“What did you two talk about?”

What could it be?

“About Hippolyte.”

“Wait, what? Who-polyte?”

For a second, I thought I’d misheard.

Why would Elpride, who has no connection to Luna, come to discuss Hippolyte—who also has no connection?

I’d imagined many scenarios, but this was beyond my wildest guesses.

“What about Hippolyte?”

“She asked me to introduce them. Something about needing a Gold Tier Adventurer for a request. Didn’t get the full details.”

Why ask Luna to introduce Hippolyte?

Then it hit me—during the rogue guild subjugation, Luna and Hippolyte had worked together. Elpride must have seen them and assumed a connection.

Among Adventurers, referrals through mutual contacts were common.

“That’s all?”

“She also bought some potions. And took a few strands of my hair. Ta-da!”

Luna waved a couple of long, silver-white strands.

“She was nicer than I expected.”

“Figures.”

Elpride was generally kind to others—even to Luna, who was close to me.

“But, Hassan.”

Luna, still arms crossed, looked up at me. Her emerald eyes glittered under the candlelight, deep and intense.

“You get oddly worked up around her. Can’t seem to stay calm.”

“Me? Nah.”

“Maybe— No, never mind. Let’s sleep. I’m exhausted.”

Luna started to say something but abruptly stopped.

I wondered what it was but didn’t press further. Like her, I turned in for the night.

That night, Luna clung tightly to my waist, refusing to let go.

“Didn’t you say it’s hot? If you keep holding me, I’ll overheat too.”

“…Not hot!”

But for some reason, despite sweating buckets, Luna refused to pull away.

The summer night’s heat and her warmth left me tossing until dawn, only falling asleep after she’d drifted off first.

—

The next morning, I headed to Hippolyte’s training grounds.

Though I’d barely slept due to the heat and restlessness, my boosted stamina and Luna’s special salad kept fatigue at bay.

“Hassan, running late again today?”

Luna called out as I stepped out.

“Probably.”

“Working hard is good… but I miss spending time with you.”

“Yeah?”

Luna fidgeted, staring at her toes wiggling in her sandals—clearly embarrassed by her own words.

Expressing herself didn’t come easily to her. This admission must’ve taken courage.

“I miss it too. But if I don’t push now, who knows what the future holds?”

“I know, but… Hassan, kiss me before you go.”

“Wha—?”

I startled, wondering if I’d misheard.

Is Luna sleep-talking? Or am I dreaming?

But no—this was reality.

“Here? Now?”

“Yeah. Here. Now.”

I glanced around. This outskirts area, littered with old warehouses, was thankfully deserted.

But since the potion ingredient reveal, unexpected visitors or passersby could appear anytime.

And a kiss in the middle of the yard?

If caught, Luna—a vowkeeper of purity—risked far more than I did.

“Do it.”

Yet Luna seemed unconcerned.

Is she malfunctioning? She was usually so reserved.

She’s been off since yesterday.

Tug.

With my collar in her grip, I gave in—half nervous, half exhilarated—leaning down to meet her lips.

A light peck would’ve sufficed, but—

Slurp, slide—

Before I knew it, her tongue teased my lips, igniting the moment.

We melted into each other, tongues entwined, sweat beading despite our morning showers.

But the fear of being seen lingered.

As I tried to pull back for air, Luna released me—only to kneel and start untying my pants.

“Hey! What’re you—?”

“Stay still, Hassan.”

Her tone was commanding. She yanked down my belt and underwear before I could react.

Even in my aroused state, this was too much for the yard. I grabbed her shoulders to stop her—

And saw her emerald eyes brimming with tears.

“Luna, what’s wrong?”

“If I don’t do this… you’ll disappear.”

“What? That doesn’t make sense.”

“In my dream… you left me. No matter how I called, you ignored me…”

“A dream? That’s all?”

Understanding dawned, mixing amusement and concern.

Dreams reflect the subconscious. If Luna dreamed I’d abandon her, she must be anxious about me.

“Luna, have you been worried about something?”

Nod, nod.

She answered without hesitation.

“Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“You’re changing, Hassan. Becoming someone else.”

I froze.

I’m changing? Becoming someone else?

The implications hit hard.

“If this keeps up… you’ll leave me behind.”

“That won’t happen. Your instincts are wrong this time.”

“Really?”

“Really. Want me to skip training and stay with you today?”

I worried about leaving her alone. If Paranoi were here, I could’ve entrusted Luna to her. But for now, staying until she calmed down felt right.

Just as I turned back toward the hut—

“No. I don’t want to be the girl who holds you back. You’re moving forward… and I’m stuck. That’s why I’m scared.”

“Really? I thought the opposite.”

“…I think I like you more than I realized. This feeling’s new—I don’t know how to handle it.”

Her quiet admission struck me.

This small girl relied on me more than I’d known.

Orphaned, far from home, struggling in a foreign land—to her, was I her entire world now?

I wasn’t so different.

“Hassan, have a good day.”

Finally composed, Luna waved me off.

Her anxiety…

I wasn’t anything special.

Maybe her sharp intuition sensed the misdeeds I’d been hiding.

There was too much I couldn’t explain.

Knock, knock—

Lost in thought, I found myself at Hippolyte’s door.

As usual, I knocked—but the woman who answered wasn’t Hippolyte.

Clad in leather, pipe in hand, it was Antiope.

“Ah, Hassan… sir.”

Fear flickered in her eyes—likely from past events.

“My sister isn’t back yet. She left last night for a sudden meeting…”

“Oh? With whom?”

“It was dark, but… I think it was a mage.”

A mage. Elpride?

Antiope stammered on.

“W-Would you like to wait inside? She should return soon. I’ll get you some iced water!”

She scurried inside, rummaging through drawers.

My gaze lingered on her leather rider suit—sweltering, given the sweat on her neck and forehead.

After Luna’s confession, guilt gnawed at me.

When Antiope handed me the iced cup, I spoke up.

“Hey, Antiope—”

“Um, Hassan sir—”

We overlapped.

—

[Author’s Note]

Thank you to bzzneong!!! KAUTSABAH!!! Hyunsinji!!! Caffuccino!!! KimAggro!!! Daosn!!! ForestPerson!!! EnjoyTheRecommendations!!! Kadeom!!! Doz!!! PotatoServer!!!! And to I-Hwarang-I for the King-tier sponsorship!!!

Gratitude to all who sent support coupons, left recommendations, or comments!!! May you all prosper and shower me with more coupons and comments T_T…!!

—

(Translation adheres to the provided glossary, maintaining gender neutrality and specified terms like “Elpride,” “Hippolyte,” etc.)

---