RHFTY chapter 69

* * *

Pointing to their current location on the map, Kukuf continued.

“To reach the Blessed Land, we need to pass through the Monster’s Canyon, a dangerous area, as we discussed during the meeting. We’ll soon arrive at its entrance. From there, we’ll continue on foot.”

They could only travel by carriage up to the canyon’s entrance because staying inside the carriage would make it harder to respond quickly in case of danger.

Everyone was already aware of this plan, so there were no signs of surprise or concern.

Delion added, “The reports indicate that the monsters in the canyon have a danger level of up to Grade 3. However, we can’t guarantee the accuracy of the reports, and it’s already getting dark, so we must stay vigilant.”

With four Alphas and a team of seasoned knights, they didn’t anticipate any major issues.

Even Enoch was well-trained enough to handle Grade 4 monsters, so everyone could take care of themselves.

At that moment, Leonard gently took hold of Chaeyi’s hand.

When Chaeyi glanced up at him curiously, Leonard lowered his voice.

“Don’t stray far from my side.”

It was a tender expression of concern.

Chaeyi chuckled and withdrew his hand, patting Leonard’s gently.

As the sun fully set and the moon shone brightly overhead.

A convoy of carriages that had been speeding along gradually slowed down and came to a halt.

In front of them loomed a vast canyon, formed over time by erosion.

Knights from the front and back carriages sprang into action, busily preparing for the next stage.

Lawrence, who was in the lead carriage, exited and walked directly to Chaeyi’s carriage, opening the door for him.

“We’ll continue on foot from here.”

One by one, the group climbed out of their carriages.

As Lawrence passed by, he greeted Chaeyi with a brief word.

“Lord Chae. Please stay safe.”

“Oh, you too, Lawrence.”

Smiling at Chaeyi’s reply, Lawrence returned to the front, leading the knights forward, followed by Delion, Kukuf, and then Chaeyi alongside Leonard.

The clinking of armor, the rhythmic footfalls, and the occasional calls of distant birds were the only sounds, casting an almost oppressive silence over the group.

As they entered the canyon’s mouth, an uneasy tension settled over them.

Chaeyi felt on edge, bracing for the possibility that monsters might ambush them at any moment.

It was then that Delion, who had been leading with Kukuf, suddenly stopped.

Lawrence, who had been alertly guiding the knights, sensed something as well and signaled for the group to halt.

Delion lifted his head, muttering.

“…We’re surrounded.”

Chaeyi looked up just in time to notice the red, predatory eyes of creatures perched on the eroded cliffs, silently observing them.

“Monnique.”

They were a type of monster classified as level four in danger—Monniques.

These creatures resembled monkeys, but with red eyes and forked tails.

Highly intelligent and usually found in packs, Monniques were infamous for their sharp fangs, capable of chewing through solid rock, and their bloodthirsty nature that delighted in senseless slaughter.

[Screee!]

At that moment, the largest Monnique raised its arm and let out a piercing scream.

On cue, the other Monniques began scaling down the cliffs, converging toward the group.

“Kill them!” Lawrence commanded, drawing his sword, and the knights followed suit.

Among them, a few elite Omega knights used their psychic abilities to brainwash some Monniques into attacking their own kind, shifting the battle in their favor.

Yet, the sheer number of Monniques was overwhelming.

Some evaded the knights’ defenses, leaping over their heads to target the rear.

Just as one lunged at Chae, Leonard stepped in, shielding him.

Several Monniques charged, but none could get past Delion, who stood unmovable and decimated them without lifting a finger.

The scene was almost mesmerizing.

“An incredible power indeed,” Clemant murmured in quiet admiration, observing from a distance.

Chaeyi couldn’t help but agree; Delion appeared nearly invincible.

However, Enoch watched Delion with a more concerned gaze.

When Chaeyi asked why, Enoch hesitated, and Leonard filled in for him.

“Duke Combvest’s power is formidable, but it comes with limitations. For instance, his ability doesn’t work on beings with a sturdy enough body or strong pheromones.”

“Ah.”

“Also, it doesn’t affect people who can neutralize abilities, like Ferdinand. And it only works if he makes eye contact. Plus, using his ability too much can strain his body.”

Chaeyi felt a bit unsettled, realizing that this was nearly a vulnerability.

He understood why Enoch had hesitated to share it, especially with Clemant and Sellian present, visitors from another estate.

But Delion and his son Leonard seemed indifferent.

Having nearly wiped out all the Monniques on his own, Delion looked back at them.

“I appreciate your concern, but don’t worry. Many have tried to use my weaknesses against me… they all ended up as corpses.”

It was a menacing, thinly veiled warning.

Clemant, who met Delion’s gaze, forced a smile, trying to shrug off the chilling feeling creeping up his spine.

“Right, let’s keep moving,” urged Kukuf, and the party reassembled, pressing forward.

They encountered another wave of Monniques before exiting the canyon, but with the knights’ skill and Delion’s strength, they suffered no major losses.

That night, the party set up camp just beyond the canyon, where they found a nearby forest and a clear spring. It was an ideal resting place.

While the knights set up tents, lit fires, and foraged for water and fruits, Delion and Kukuf consulted maps, and Sellian and Clemant bickered as usual.

Chae, meanwhile, took a brief walk to enjoy the cool air while waiting for dinner.

He ventured toward the forest, feeling the refreshing coolness near the spring.

As he crouched by the water, an all-too-familiar voice called out behind him.

“Chaeyi.”

It was Leonard, who had followed him.

“Oh, Leo.”

“You know it’s dangerous to go off on your own,” Leonard said, crouching beside him.

Chaeyi chuckled and playfully poked Leonard’s pale cheek.

“Sorry, I was planning to come right back.”

“Still, just let me know next time.”

“Alright, I will.”

Smiling mischievously, Chaeyi splashed Leonard with water.

Leonard flinched, blinking in surprise, then returned the smile, gently pulling Chaeyi close and kissing him.

At first, it was a light, teasing kiss, but it soon deepened, growing warmer.

Amid the scent of dark chocolate that always surrounded Leonard, Chaeyi noticed a new hint of sweetness—like milk chocolate.

He’d recently learned that this change in scent occurred whenever Leonard was aroused.

When they finally broke the kiss, Chaeyi’s face was flushed, his eyes cast down.

Leonard found the sight so endearing that he playfully nipped Chaeyi’s ear.

Chaeyi’s soft gasp only further spurred Leonard on.

“W-Wait… Leo,” Chaeyi stammered.

Leonard leaned over Chaeyi, who instinctively leaned back, drawing him close until he found himself pinned beneath Leonard’s warm gaze.

As Leonard’s hand roamed over Chaeyi’s clothes, a sudden realization jolted him, heating his face to his core.

If they kept this up, things would escalate too far!

With a swift twist, Chaeyi wriggled free and sprang to his feet.

“Uh, it’s time for dinner!” he blurted, voice strained.

Muttering about how hungry he was, Chaeyi darted off, leaving Leonard sighing in frustration.

He would need a moment to cool down.

And so, under the soft light of the rising moon, their private moment came to an end as the rest of the camp bustled around them.

* * *