Chapter 18

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 8

Chapter Title: Reunion and Warning

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Night fell once more.

Chahu had scouted out a place to spend the night before sunset and found an empty cave.

The cave had a narrow entrance, but its interior was spacious and deep, complete with a large, clear spring.

Leona and Chahu each busied themselves with their tasks.

Leona spread grass over a flat patch of ground to make a bed, while Chahu gathered branches and lit a campfire.

The soft glow of the fire dimly illuminated the cave, creating a remarkably cozy space.

Leona pulled Chahu to the spring and sat her down, then examined the wound on her back.

Fortunately, the arrow wound had mostly healed, with only a bit of pus remaining.

Leona wiped away the pus cleanly with a cloth soaked in water, applied herbal salve to the wound, and wrapped it in fresh cloth.

"How does it feel?"

Chahu lightly rolled her shoulders and replied that it was fine.

At that moment, a rumble echoed from Leona's stomach.

Leona clutched her belly and gave an embarrassed smile.

"I'll go find some food."

Chahu limped off on her injured leg, and Araha followed.

Left alone, Leona explored the cave a bit before leaning down to the spring and drinking some water.

As she quenched her thirst and lifted her head, she came face-to-face with her reflection on the water's surface.

Her hair was a tangled mess, and her face was caked in grime like a beggar's. She looked utterly wretched.

"Ugh... what a sight."

Leona started by washing her face, then changed her mind and stripped off her clothes entirely.

Now naked, she slowly entered the spring until the water reached her chest.

"Eeee..."

The water was bitterly cold, chilling her to the bone.

Staying in too long would surely freeze her to death.

Leona figured she'd wash quickly and get out, hurrying through the motions.

She swiftly shampooed her hair and poured water over her shoulders to rinse away the dirt.

But then, a sharp blade silently grazed the nape of her neck from behind, sliding under her chin.

Leona froze in shock.

"Who are you?"

A stranger's voice came from behind her.

Realizing her assailant was a man, Leona covered her chest with her arms.

She replied as calmly as she could.

"If I tell you who I am, will you even know?"

The man pressed the blade closer to her throat.

"Who. Are. You?"

"Whoever you are, you're making a big mistake right now. My companion will be back soon. If you don't want to die, back off quietly."

"Companion?"

"Yes. My companion won't let you get away with this."

As she spoke, Leona scanned her surroundings, desperately thinking of an escape.

Suddenly, a rustling came from behind, and a bloodstained cloth dangled in front of her face.

It was the bandage Chahu had worn.

"Looks like that companion of yours is injured."

Leona bit her lip hard.

"Show me your face."

Leona shrank back.

"Turn. Around."

The man prodded her neck with the blade.

With no choice, Leona slowly turned her head.

The first thing she saw was his boots.

They bore a distinctive pattern, similar to the ones Chahu wore.

Leona cautiously raised her gaze.

Suddenly, a heavy thud echoed as the man toppled to the ground.

Someone placed a foot on his back.

Leona's mouth fell open as she looked up.

Chahu stood there, face furious. She pinned the man down and snarled.

Chahu didn't listen to his excuses and immediately kicked Taram in the side.

Taram raised his arms in surrender, but Chahu's punishment didn't stop.

The thuds continued until Leona had dressed and the 13th Har appeared in the cave.

Rasin pulled Chahu into a tight embrace.

Chahu pulled away with a stiff expression and cupped his cheeks in her hands.

Rasin scanned Chahu's body carefully.

Seeing wounds all over her, his eyes darkened.

As Chahu stopped him, Rasin pulled her back into his arms with a sorrowful look.

He deeply inhaled her scent, then whispered in a cracked voice.