Salvation Through Delusion C81

Chapter 81

One of the reasons Solongo deeply respected Lantua was because of a phrase the woman often repeated—

“No misfortune lasts forever.”

It always turned out to be true in the end.

So even in moments of irritation or anger, Solongo reminded herself of Lantua’s words and swallowed her temper.

This misfortune, too, might someday turn into a blessing.

Just like that whiny brat right now.

“Ugh… my stomach… ah, ugh—!”

Haas groaned dramatically, sprawled on the floor like an ailing child. He had been suffering from motion sickness so severely that the group had no choice but to halt their travel and rest in a small town within the Duchy of Borhumi.

However, as if someone had ordered them to be watched, soldiers began shadowing them from the city gate and eventually stationed themselves right outside their lodging.

Even though they were disguised, both Haas and Ennya were from the Koon faction, so Solongo couldn’t let her guard down.

We need to leave soon.

Even sleeping outdoors would be better than lingering here.

But that brat had to throw a tantrum.

“I—I can’t go! I’m not getting in that carriage again! I hate the one Bear drives!”

Haas clung to the floor like a stubborn child, refusing to budge. Even Ennya, who was on the same side, frowned in disgust.

“Just die.”

“I wish I would! Every time I think of that carriage, my stomach—urgh!”

When Haas gagged again, Ennya flinched and stepped back in horror. Solongo watched the scene with a cold stare, while Black Bear made a suggestion beside her.

“Knock him out.”

Haas’s head shot up immediately. “If I faint, our Grand Duke won’t be found! Don’t you dare touch me, Bear!”

Even the usually impassive Black Bear’s expression twitched with irritation. She looked seconds away from acting when Solongo stepped between them and knelt down to meet Haas’s eyes.

“Still no news?”

Haas groaned. “Everyone thinks tracking magic is as easy as flicking your fingers, but it’s not! The magical circuitry is incredibly complex!”

His voice kept rising. “I’ve been maintaining this focus for two whole days! But how am I supposed to track the Grand Duke’s location when the carriage keeps jerking like that? I’m lucky to even catch a flicker of a signal!”

“So what you’re saying is… you can only locate Duke Tyroc if he sends out a signal himself?”

Solongo neatly summarized. Haas pressed his lips together, displeased, but she continued calmly.

“Do you know why I didn’t get sick on the carriage?”

“You must just have good tolerance.”

Haas answered curtly—until his face froze. Solongo had taken a small vial from her pocket.

“I drank medicine to prevent nausea.”

When she offered it, Haas immediately reached for it—only for Solongo to raise it out of reach.

“If you receive a signal from the Grand Duke, can you open a portal immediately?”

The question made Haas stiffen. “N-no.”

“I’ve heard your specialty is teleportation magic. You use those ‘tracker beetle’ artifacts—attach them to monsters so you can follow them even if they flee. And if one is within range, you can open a portal directly to it.”

She was spot on. Haas swallowed nervously, wondering what she would say next.

“Does Duke Tyroc have such an artifact on him? And if so, are we now within its range?”

Instead of answering, Haas darted a glance at Ennya. The woman stepped in sharply.

“And if it is in range? You plan to jump through the portal with him?”

“Ah, so we are within portal range.”

Solongo confirmed, and Haas shot a death glare at his companion. Ennya flinched, but Solongo’s voice came faster.

“So, there really hasn’t been a signal from the Duke? Or are you just pretending it’s too hard to avoid trying?”

“I did try!” Haas shouted, offended.

“You mean you tried a few times.”

“N-no, the carriage was just shaking too much—”

“Try again. Now.”

Her tone left no room for argument. Haas hesitated, then stood, visibly sulking.

“…After I use the restroom.”

Bang.

He shut the door a little too forcefully. Ennya sighed. “Ugh, what a pathetic man.”

Solongo shook her head. “Who would believe that man was the youngest ever to reach high-rank mage status?”

“Youngest? Him?”

“He’s famous.”

“I couldn’t care less. Doesn’t make working with him any easier.”

Their dynamic was the picture of workplace detachment. Solongo almost admired it—until a sudden startled cry erupted from inside the restroom.

“What—?!!”

Solongo rushed to the door and flung it open. A swirling portal hung in midair, and Haas was halfway through it. But the portal was already shrinking rapidly.

“The Duke suddenly—just for a second—used his power, and—agh! The tracker gem’s power is fading—!”

In an instant, the portal snapped shut, taking Haas with it.

“That bastard!” Ennya yelled, stomping her feet in fury, while Solongo stayed calm. She turned to Black Bear.

“Did you see anything through the portal?”

“I saw Adeye Rue.”

Solongo’s eyes widened. “Are you certain?”

“Positive. The location was the Crystal Lake.”

Ennya looked thunderstruck. The portal had been engulfed in swirling darkness—seeing anything through it should’ve been impossible.

“How did you even—who are you?”

Black Bear ignored her entirely and said to Solongo, “We should leave first.”

“I’ll start searching for a portal leading to Borhumi Castle.”

“No need. I’ll handle it.”

She waved lazily and walked off, and Solongo bowed deeply to her back.

“Please take care of them.”

“G-Grand Duke! What happened?! You vanished from Ewik Manor without a word, and now suddenly—ah! Adeye Rue!”

The man who appeared through the next portal was as noisy as he was dramatic. His identity didn’t even need to be asked—it was obvious he was one of Tyroc’s mages.

“Your Grace, what happened to you? You look pale! And these soldiers—what in the world—Adeye Rue, why are you here—”

“Haas.”

At the sound of his name, the chatterbox shut his mouth instantly. Tyroc’s usefulness rating had just gone up by one point.

“Open a portal—to Borhumi Castle.”

“Wh-what? That’s—”

He lowered his voice, glancing nervously at me. “That was supposed to be our last resort for an invasion scenario! Do you know how expensive it was to anchor a spell circle there—”

“Now’s the time.”

“W-we’re going to war?! N-no, I mean, yes, sir! But Your Grace, you’re not in any condition to charge into Borhumi Castle unprepared—”

Haas darted a glare my way. “If Adeye hadn’t begged you to save him, you’d never have gone to that cursed Ewik estate!”

Ah… so it was Dr. Kim who asked Tyroc for help.

It amazed me that Tyroc agreed, but I was even more grateful to her. She must’ve bowed her head for my sake.

I’ll repay you someday, I vowed silently. Maybe by finding that chili pepper you love so much.

“Open it,” I said curtly.

“You—why should I listen to—”

“Haas. Don’t make me say it twice.”

At Tyroc’s quiet warning, Haas immediately lowered his head.

“Yes, sir.”

He drew a magic circle in the air, targeting the distant castle. The air warped, and a dark portal began to form.

If I had my way, I would’ve sprinted straight through first, leaving Tyroc to follow. But hey, I knew my manners. I gestured politely.

“After you, Your Grace—quickly.”

Haas shot me a murderous glare, his expression screaming How dare you. But before he could start his tirade, Tyroc’s calm voice cut through.

“Alright.”

He took my words lightly, rising to his feet with visible effort.

I couldn’t help but smile—maybe my constant *“Hurry up”*s had finally trained him.

See? Repetition does work wonders.