Chapter 491 DID NOT EXPECT
Where they thought they would see yellow sands, they saw a blue river.
Everyone: "…"
At first, they were all astonished. So much so that they couldn't utter a word.
Then, they thought they must be dreaming. But the cool breeze and the serene odor of the river brought them back to reality.
"What?! Why are we here?"
Catherine screamed first. She glared at the only magician they had to rely on.
"Merlin?" Veronica wanted him to explain the situation they were in.
Merlin explained, "Well, I needed a larger area to draw the specific circle that would take us to the desert. The tree wasn't wide enough to cover me for that."
Indeed, if the enemy noticed his movement, they would definitely shoot them.
Even if they noticed him acting suspiciously, they would take action.
If that happened, Veronica wouldn't get the chance to buy some time for him to draw the circle.
"What can I do for you, young travelers?"
A kind voice spoke.
"Ahhh!" Catherine shouted as she was startled. She wasn't expecting another person with them.
"Ahahaaha! Young lady, you didn't think you would be alone in this boat, did you? How can you be in an empty boat in the middle of nowhere?"
The man laughed heartily.
Everyone saw a man around the 60's rowing the boat.
"I was expecting to row the boat by myself. I wasn't expecting any company," he said.
Veronica came forward and bowed.
"We apologize for teleporting to your boat without your permission. We aren't supposed to be here. We accidentally came here."
"It's fine. It's fine. You are not bothering me at all. It's good to have some company."
The man brushed it off as if it didn't matter.
"Is it really okay? Isn't he suspicious of us?" Catherine muttered.
The boatman rowed the boat as he listened to her.
He said, "I can tell by looking that you people aren't normal travelers. After all, you have weapons with you. I can recognize a magician with you."
As he looked at Merlin, Merlin flinched.
"Please do not worry. We mean no harm," Veronica assured him.
"Your silver hair… it reminds me of the blessed child," the boatman said.
Veronica didn't change her expression. It wasn't the first time she heard it.
She smiled. "You know a lot about the blessed child."
"Is there anyone who doesn't know about her? She is the holy being," the boatman said.
"She… is not that great," Veronica muttered, feeling downhearted.
She couldn't put herself on the pedestal. She couldn't think of herself as the blessed child whom people worshiped.
She did nothing for people. She was always selfish. She always chose her happiness.
Being someone 'holy', someone chosen by Goddess Juvena – she couldn't perform that part.
She abandoned everything and fled from her responsibility. She chose love over duty.
As if to punish her, Goddess Juvena cursed her. Even after marriage, she couldn't have a peaceful life.
For her desire, she hurt her husband. She hurt herself. Lack of communication, lack of trust tore them apart.
If it wasn't a curse then what was?
She couldn't think of something else.
Catherine grabbed her shoulder. "That's not true. She is the most wonderful person. She is my best friend. I'd go anywhere with her."
Veronica smiled at her. She knew how much Catherine cared for her.
If it wasn't for her, Catherine wouldn't be in Tybu. Catherine chose to be with her not knowing where they would go.
If it wasn't for Catherine, she wouldn't be able to stay in an unknown country with people she barely knew.
Veronica glanced at the boatman.
"We are so sorry that we ended up in this boat," she stated. "I assure you that we will pay for the ride."
"Oh no, that's not needed," the boatman shook his head. "As you said, it was an accident. You don't have to pay for it. Where do you want to go? I'll drop you nearby."
Sebastian looked head.
"I see mountains. Would you mind telling us where we are exactly?" he asked.
The boatman replied, "This is Rozar river. The mountains you are seeing are the Alss."
"Rozar!" Catherine exclaimed. She excitedly glanced at Veronica.
Veronica also seemed excited. Her heart beat faster.
Tears threatened to fall from her eyes but she held back. With a soft smile hanging on her lips, she stared at the green peaceful land.
Happiness filled her heart. It felt like the lost child finally found its way home.
"Then it means we are in Utahill. The desert is close," Sebastian stated. "If we cross the mountains, we can be teleported to the desert."
When Veronica heard him, her eyes lit up.
Arthur…
Arthur was in the land behind the mountains. there was a giant peak between them.
If only she could cross the mountains… she'd be able to meet him.
"Can we not cross the mountains?" Merlin pleaded. He shuddered at the thought of snow.
"It's impossible to use magic in the mountain," Ironin said. "We tried before."
Veronica remembered that time. When she went to the Rosemary temple, they almost froze to death. Thus, mountains weren't an option.
"Will you please take us to the west?" she requested the boatman.
"Why west?" Catherine asked.
Veronica replied, "The east is the capital city of Utahill. We can't perform any magic there."
"Oh! Then, we can teleport to the desert!" Catherine sighed in relief.
The boatman thought about Veronica's request and remarked, "But there is only desert there. I've heard that there is a war going on there."
"We need to go there. Please. Only you can help us," Veronica pleaded.
The boatman didn't say anything anymore and agreed.
"If that's what you want."
Ironin came forward and offered help, "Let me row."
The boatman chuckled. "I may look old but I can take you all."
"Please," Ironin curtly requested.
The boatman stared at him for a while and then said, "You are a man of few words but you have a big hurt, young man."
In the end, he let Ironin row the boat.
Veronica and the rest sat on the boat and enjoyed the view.
As they did so, Ironin suddenly said, "Sebastian, you are hurt."
