Chapter 810

〈 Chapter 810: Part 3, Chapter 1, Section 12 – When You Wake Up in the Morning 〉

I had no intention of recruiting comrades or hiring subordinates.

But during my “logout,” I needed someone to watch my back.

Fortunately, Hali was just the person for the job. Sure, being a woman gave me slight pause, but as a princess, she surely had some sense—and even if she tried anything funny with me, I’d already taken precautions to handle it.

The rest is simply doing what needs to be done. Now, there are two clear paths ahead of me.

One is heading to Ji Ryun’s land—that is, the “Great Earth Mother Goddess.” According to Hali, the country called “Gaiana” is an immense underground kingdom.

A people who live shunning sunlight…

Yet, they possess one of the most advanced civilizations thriving deep beneath the earth.

The Great Earth Mother Goddess rules them and is revered as their underground deity. I need to meet her and secure her support.

This situation differs from when I merely confirmed that the High Priest wasn’t corrupted by Chaos and moved on.

To wield full power in this world—and tap into another source—I must gain the goodwill of the Great Earth Mother Goddess.

Thus, I must leave the Vishnian Kingdom and head toward the Gaiana Subterranean Kingdom. That’s my current objective.

The other path involves hunting down Apostles of Chaos along the way. It’s not like I can go after every single one individually.

But if you’re walking through a park, see trash on the ground, notice a nearby trash can, and there’s a fountain to wash your hands afterward… wouldn’t you toss the trash in the bin before continuing?

Sure, litter will always exist somewhere, but doesn’t cleaning up make you feel better?

So, I’ve decided my course.

“Excuse me, Reverend.”

“What is it?”

“Uh… aren’t we supposed to be running away?”

“Yes.”

“But… shouldn’t we move faster? Is it okay to stay so relaxed?”

“Hmm…”

Hali leaned closer from where she sat at the back of the cart while I pulled it forward. Her face brimmed with tension despite it being unnecessary.

“Because of me, shouldn’t we flee at top speed right now?”

“There’s no need to strain ourselves. The border guards are likely reinforced anyway, and rushing into them now would only put us under higher scrutiny. Like you’re feeling right now.”

“Oh…”

“There’s no point breaking through fortified borders unnecessarily. If we have to cross eventually, we might as well conserve our strength and take it slow.”

Since offending the high priest, the Vishnian Kingdom has essentially gone into lockdown mode.

The high priest will undoubtedly send relentless pursuers to eliminate any threats, while the Eight Deities’ followers will chase us to restore the kingdom’s honor.

On one side, royalists protecting the princess; on the other, priests aiming to eliminate her.

Whoever comes after us remains uncertain, but until then, we can afford to relax.

“Don’t worry. We won’t get caught. See? I even dyed my hair for this.”

I pointed to my golden locks.

“I didn’t want to change it, but black-haired foreigners wandering around Vishnia would raise suspicion—especially blue-eyed ones like me.”

“That’s true. Everyone here has… blonde hair.”

“Exactly.”

In this fantasy world, hair colors truly run the gamut: red, blue, green, silver, gold, black, gray—you name it.

While hybrids might inherit mixed traits, those considered purer-blooded tend to sport vibrant hues similar to the priests’ divine origins.

Eye color follows suit. In Tera, children usually inherit eye color from one parent.

Hybrids may blend shades, inheriting hair color from one parent and eye color from the other. Using these patterns, I altered my appearance via dye.

Currently, I’m a blond with piercing blue eyes.

That makes me appear as though I hail from Vishnia’s northern neighbor, the waterlogged Lordnia Kingdom.

“Ah, we’re approaching a village. Hali, what did you say you were to me again?”

“…I’m Master’s slave.”

Hali blushed furiously, tugging lightly at the collar around her neck. It’s rare for royalty to wear collars unless captured and enslaved by enemies.

But I boldly placed one on her—not because I was inspired by some SM play with Yuna or harbored dark desires resembling Karna—but purely for disguise.

After all, since Vishnia still practices slavery, it works perfectly for deception.

“Ugh… once I reclaim the throne, I’ll abolish slavery…”

She began sniffling despite not yet enduring actual servitude.

“Quit whining. Did I ever ask you to fetch water, cook meals, hunt game, clean dishes, light fires, prepare bedding, or drive the carriage?”

“You did!”

“Yes, but unpaid labor defines slavery. However, I compensated you fairly for your efforts.”

Fwoosh!

A flickering blue flame erupted from my fingertip. While I could alter my hair color, the azure flames emanating from my core remain unmistakable.

“I granted you magic power derived from my deity. Who alone possesses such authority?”

“…Priests do.”

“So you doubt me? Let me prove it. I am the Apostle of the Blue Sun Ascendant, Blazing Phoenix!”

Just then, the morning sun rose gloriously above the horizon. Seizing the reins, I paused the cart and stood upright, facing the heavens.

“Repeat after me.”

“Wha…?”

Though reluctant, Hali complied, standing stiffly with arms outstretched skyward.

“Solar… glory!”

Mission accomplished.

* * *

“Halt!”

Guard Jack thrust his spear at the approaching wagon.

“Never seen you before. What brings you here?”

“I am a merchant traveling from Lordnia.”

Jack scrutinized the self-proclaimed merchant, dressed casually beneath a traveler’s robe, looking weary from long journeys.

“Identification papers?”

“Lost them fighting bandits en route.”

“Hmm…”

No proof exists of combat, yet signs linger. The merchant’s cart bore slashes from sharp blades, dried blood staining its surface.

“Travel companions?”

“Just my slave.”

“Slave?”

“Yes. Solo travel poses many challenges, so…”

The merchant shrugged nonchalantly, gesturing behind him. On the cart rested a trembling blonde woman clad in rags, her neck adorned with a collar.

“Hmph.”

Beautiful, yet visibly terrified, lowering her head submissively—an almost tragic sight.

“Your slave’s quite attractive.”

“At night, beauty helps me sleep soundly. Unfortunately, it also attracted bandits.”

The merchant subtly indicated his worn iron sword leaning against him.

“I must protect my assets. Heh.”

“Alright. What goods bring you to Kamatra?”

“To be honest, none remain. Bandits stole everything during an ambush. After defeating them, I salvaged items worth selling for pocket money.”

“Hmm…”

Beside the slave, the cart overflowed with odds and ends—a scavenger’s haul rather than a proper merchant’s inventory.

Still, surviving bandit attacks and seeking profit speaks volumes of determination.

And amusing how he safeguarded his ‘property’ amidst chaos.

“By the way, found this among the bandits’ loot. How should I proceed?”

The merchant handed over a small pouch. Jack inspected its contents, nodding approvingly.

“Our Kamatra guard force will deal with it. You’re cleared to enter. Safe travels within Kamatra.”

“Thank you kindly.”

With a deep bow, the merchant led his cart—and slave—into Kamatra. Jack fondled the newly acquired pouch, smirking confidently.

“Tonight might prove entertaining. Heh.”

Little did he know whom he’d just welcomed inside.

* * *

After bribing the guards with stolen bandit spoils,

We entered the small town of Kamatra without issue. Selling off the horse, cart, and miscellaneous goods at rock-bottom prices, we secured enough coin for a meal and lodging at an inn.

“As expected, security is tight. Wanted posters for a black-haired youth already circulate.”

Inside the inn hung a poster depicting a vaguely recognizable likeness—not bad craftsmanship, though strangely exaggerated.

Had it been laughably inaccurate, I’d have defaced it immediately.

“…Is that really important now?”

“Well?”

“B-b-but we’re sharing a room, I understand! Giving the slave separate quarters invites suspicion! BUT, BUT!!”

Hali shrieked, pointing accusingly at the sole bed in the room.

“There’s only ONE bed, isn’t there?!”

“I see what misunderstanding brews here. You’ll sleep in the bed.”

In one swift motion, I tossed her onto the mattress. Clutching the pillow, tears welled in her eyes as she glared indignantly. Meanwhile, I settled onto the sofa beside the bed.

“If anything arises, speak to her.”

Fwoosh!

Summoning Mini-Phoenix, I stationed it atop Hali’s head in guard mode.

“I’m turning in.”

“Y-yes…”

Logout.

* * *

“Hmm…this way?”

The blonde woman licked her lips, grinning wickedly as she ventured deeper into the cave.

“Looks like we’re due for a proper fight.”

Heh.

“It’s been too long since I had some real fun.”

Chuckling darkly, Kinna-ra surveyed the numerous corpses scattered throughout the cavern.