[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 40

Kirona crouched down, resting her chin in her hands, and stared at the kidnapper. It was hard to believe that he had carried her through the trap while enduring the poison rain without a single groan. Was it his physical strength, his mental fortitude, or just sheer stubbornness? 

She had thought he was a young mercenary when she first saw him, but up close, he looked even younger—probably around her age. If that was the case, he was likely the youngest of the Eclipse sons who had been dragged into mercenary work after the fall of their family. 

"Now I know your name, Jade." 

It was essential for royalty to memorize the names of the children from major noble families. Tiron Eclipse, Mark Eclipse, John Eclipse, and… the youngest was Jade Eclipse. 

"I don’t know if you’re good at your job or just desperate enough to risk your life for money." 

Either way, thanks to his sacrifice, Kirona had escaped the poisonous rain without a scratch. 

"I like you. You’re a really good mercenary, Jade Eclipse." 

So, I should keep you alive and make you my subordinate. 

Of all the mercenaries she had encountered since coming to the East, he was the most loyal. Of course, his loyalty wasn’t to her but to money, but Kirona was one of the wealthiest people in the empire. 

She had money but no health, and since there was no one to inherit her wealth after her death, it was more accurate to say her wealth was "overflowing" rather than just "plentiful." 

So, he could become a good subordinate for her. 

Having a great subordinate required an investment. She could think of paying off the 200 million Elisia as an investment. Then the employer would change. 

"You’re lucky, kidnapper. Where else in the empire could you find an employer like me? And a princess, no less." 

Kirona retrieved the sword that he had confiscated when he captured her. Then, she gave him a solid thump on the back of his head and removed her cloak. She rolled him onto it as best she could, given his solid, rock-like build. 

Calmly surveying the surroundings, Kirona realised that the basilisk was probably still roaming the forest and that her newly acquired subordinate was in such bad shape that they needed to find somewhere to hide. A small cave would be ideal. 

After covering him with leaves for concealment and scouting the area, Kirona soon spotted something useful. Better than a cave. 

In the distance, she saw smoke rising. At first, she thought it was from a fire-wielding monster, but then she realised it was smoke from a chimney. 

"A place where people live!" 

Although it was a fact that few believed, there were people who lived in Nabimi Forest—mainly outlaws or insane wizards who had gone mad from their research. The forest was a treasure trove, full of rare things as well as dangers. 

If you were willing to risk your life and were lucky, you could amass wealth in one year that others couldn’t in ten. Of course, the odds of dying within that year were higher. 

Kirona had also stayed in a few such places since entering the forest. The homeowners weren’t necessarily kind or honest, but they were always friendly to travelers who wandered into the forest. And that was without even needing to offer money or supplies in return. 

Kirona figured it was due to the peculiar nature of the place. In this forest, you saw so many horrifying things that you longed for human companionship. Even people who claimed to be more afraid of humans than monsters found themselves craving the warmth of another person after spending enough time here among the damp and slimy creatures. 

"Let’s go. Maybe they’ll have something to treat your wounds." 

It had been a month since Kirona entered Nabimi Forest and two weeks since she started wandering alone. She had gotten into the habit of talking to herself, afraid she might forget her own voice from lack of use. 

Even if the person was a kidnapper, it was still a relief to have someone to talk to. Although the unconscious man couldn’t respond, it was better than talking to a rock. 

"You're less annoying when you’re silent. You’re pretty handsome, so once I find the flower, I’ll take you back to the capital and make you my personal guard. You’ll be the only person ever to be personally transported by the first princess of Mihadas." 

With a satisfied smile, Kirona grabbed one end of the cloak and strained to drag Jade Eclipse toward the direction of the smoke. It was a tough task, but she was willing to endure it for a useful mercenary. 

* * * 

The door opened immediately, as if the homeowner had been waiting for Kirona’s arrival, even though she hadn’t knocked. An old woman with white hair stood there, smiling wryly. 

"Well, well, a distinguished 

guest in my humble home." 

"Thank you for calling an uninvited guest distinguished. As you can see, my companion here is poisoned by a monster, and he’s in pretty bad shape. Could we borrow some herbs to treat him and a place to rest? I have money. I’ll pay you generously."