chapter 38
38 – Episode 38 – The Jujak from Another World
Beatrix, who had been chasing a firefly in the dark forest, stepped on the ground.
The firefly’s trace was cut off in front of the abandoned hut.
Is this… the place where the Jujak is?
Beatrix spread her mana wide. She faintly felt the presence of a person inside.
Surely someone was inside. Probably, it was the Jujak.
She grabbed the doorknob and paused for a moment.
‘How should I greet him?’
A greeting should contain respect for the other person.
The way of greeting changes according to the other person’s status and position. That was etiquette.
If the Jujak possessed the ability to shake the continent and aided the kingdom,
for an ordinary person to greet would be close to an insult.
As a queen, she had to maintain her dignity.
She had to show that she was worthy of her opponent’s rank, so it would not be regarded as an insult.
She cleared her throat and slowly opened the door.
And asked in the direction where she felt someone was.
“…I will ask. Are you the Jujak of the Gallery?”
She waited for a moment for the answer.
Even if he replied arrogantly, “Yes, I am the Jujak” or “Who are you?” she would understand.
She couldn’t criticize even if the Jujak, the huge figure, was arrogant and boastful.
“…”
But only an awkward silence lingered.
A silence so ominous she could even hear her heartbeat.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, the figure became clear to Beatrix.
He was ordinary.
He was not attractive with nondescript eyes and lips as casually drawn lines.
Even if he wasn’t ugly that was all there was to it.
He had a face that could be seen anywhere.
And.
His eyes were filled with vigilance.
His demeanor, like a raccoon petrified by fear, was pitiful.
He held an object in his hand that she had never seen before.
It could be a machine or… possibly related to magical engineering.
He held the weapon in both hands, a flustered expression on his face.
She had an ordinary body with no mana… but Beatrice realized that he was a Chudan.
His steadfast heart was reflected in his eyes, which did not waver even in fear.
He was too calm to be a culprit.
His actions, seemingly unintended, struck her hard.
His gaze kept shifting towards Beatrice’s chest area.
He scrutinizes the parts not covered by her coat.
Even the fondness for breasts….
He is definitely a Chudan.
Beatrice, cautiously, gathered her hands to show she was not a threat.
She waited for his answer.
“…Yes. I am a Chudan.”
With a strangled voice, a reluctant answer came back.
He looked very tired. Dark circles from fatigue were evident under his eyes.
“So who are you?”
“It’s my first time meeting you. I am Queen Beatrice of the Osen Kingdom.”
She also introduced herself and bowed her head.
“Queen of the Osen Kingdom…? How did you get here?”
“I used the last wish left in the kingdom. The wish led me here.”
If it wasn’t for the wish, she could not have found the location of the Chudan.
“No, you went that far?”
“I don’t know if you know this, but our kingdom is indebted. So, I wanted to meet you. And you looked dangerous.”
“Huh?”
She casually relayed the information she had found out.
“The decrease in posts and comments… it was unlike his usual pattern… That’s when I sensed something was off.”
“…”
He finally voiced the words he meant to say.
“If it isn’t too impertinent… I wish to offer protection to Jujak-nim. Would it be acceptable to take you to the Ohsen Kingdom?”
She had come to collect Jujak, to protect and to honor him.
“To the kingdom?”
“Yes. To the kingdom. We plan to provide every comfort in the palace. Is there anything else you would like to know?”
“…”
Jujak soon lowered his weapon and relaxed somewhat.
“No… That seems sufficient. I will accompany you. Is it time to go now?”
“At sunrise. We plan to depart for the capital of the Ohsen Kingdom.”
Given the time until sunrise, they had some time left.
Therefore, they had time until departure.
She drew a magic circle with her hand and burned a scroll she took out of her pocket.
Suddenly, the surroundings grew quiet.
“I have claimed the space with traps and a maze to prevent intrusion into the hut.”
With this, no one could bother the hut from outside.
“You can relax. Jujak-nim.”
“Phew…”
He dropped the weapon he had been holding.
Observing his exhausted and weary look, Beatrice was swept up in a strange emotion.
Poor Jujak.
The thought of offering comfort stirred within her.
It was a strange feeling. It was like a spark rising from a corner of her heart.
‘This thought… it’s not good.’
Jujak was not someone to be handled carelessly.
As the queen of the Ohsen Kingdom, she had to take care of him and protect his dignity.
Despite his pitiful trembling guise, his true face was Jujak, who shook the continent.
Wasn’t he the elusive Jujak that everyone desired in the gallery?
But seeing him so worn out, she just couldn’t bear it.
Yeah. This is not to fulfill personal ambition, but rather an action to repay the kingdom’s grace.
She cautiously sat down next to Judak.
“Well then, excuse me, Judak.”
“Hmm?”
“We still have a few hours until departure. You look tired. How about taking a brief nap? I will stand guard.”
Beatrice tapped his thigh.
When suggesting a knee pillow, Judak’s eyes shook vigorously.
A pillow that could not be compared to anything, an advanced sleep aid… in the thigh…!
Unable to resist temptation, Judak rested his head on her thigh.
He fell for it because he was a man.
***
When the door opened, Judak thought it was the grim reaper coming for him.
Last time, it was a crazy man with agoraphobia, but this time it was a beautiful woman.
It is a well-known theory in academia that a beautiful face hides an assassin.
However, she was dressed in attire that was far from that of an assassin.
An overcoat that appeared inconvenient to move in, and gloves unsuitable for handling weapons.
She introduced herself as the queen of the Osen Kingdom, Beatrice.
It was too dignified to call it a lie.
Her inherent nobility was not that of an ordinary person.
Equal to or greater than the noble class…!
It was astonishing to think that such a person had come, understanding the crisis and even using a wish.
“Isn’t there only one wish left for the kingdom?”
According to the information discovered during the investigation.
It was true that there was only one wish left for the kingdom.
If there is no falsehood in what she says…
It means she has come using something of equal value.
There was no trace of skepticism in her gaze or gestures.
There was no indication of lying.
Judak’s countless experiences of escaping from offline meetings proved that.
She is not a suspicious person. She radiates the energy of a good person…!
The fact that he’d been following the gallery posts and comments frequently sent a slight chill down his spine, but, that was that, and this was this.
He eventually put the gun away.
“And clearly, you are kind-hearted.”
The symbol of motherly love, proudly on display. It’s impossible for someone possessing such a thing to be bad.
Since she wanted to entertain, he had no choice but to comply.
He amended his plan.
Putting the idea of meeting Dark Elf Serendia in Ardel on hold.
Decided to first pair up with Beatrice who had visited him first – a beautiful and generous woman.
The compass’s direction changed in an instant, at the heart’s behest.
Let’s go to the Osen Kingdom.
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Let’s ensure safety there.
But these thoughts were fleeting.
“Well then, excuse me, Chujuck.”
The presence of Beatrice sitting next to him jumbled Chujuck’s brain.
Beside him sat the Kingdom’s S-class beauty Queen, shoulder to shoulder.
The biggest crisis of Chujuck’s life.
A lifelong solo. No experience of contacting a woman.
The last time he had physical contact with a woman was when he held hands with Minji from his kindergarten sunflower gang.
This close physical proximity was nothing short of a powerful mental attack.
His once steady gaze quivered.
“How about a quick nap, Mr. Chujuck?”
The alluring gesture of tapping her thigh.
Chujuck was completely taken aback.
Refusing a beauty’s plea? Not so easy.
As soon as he rested his head on her thigh, the fatigue he had been resisting washed over him.
He felt as if he had just shut his eyes only for moments, but it felt like hours had passed.
The sunlight coming in from outside… the feeling of a hand caressing his head.
Chujuck regained consciousness.
“…?”
What on earth is going on right now?
Beatrice is offering her thigh for me to lay on, standing by my side protectively, even running her fingers through my hair.
This kind of behavior toward another woman’s man…
‘Could this be…that chance?’
I may not have any experience with women, but I’ve built up history from the internet.
Lesson videos I’ve watched on the internet and various stories!
They will help me assess this situation correctly.
In my head, a gorilla is puffing on a cigarette, offering advice.
(Hey, newbie. The vibe is still alive.)
Is it really the vibe?
Smells nice… and I find myself becoming increasingly conscious of it.
Feels like a part of my body is getting bigger.
Although my thoughts continued in this direction, I coldly regained my rationality.
‘You beast!!!!!!!!!!’
Where did that crazy sound come from!
I drove out the beastly instinct that rose up from deep within me.
How could I harbor such nasty thoughts about the woman who stood by my side and even offered me her thigh to lay on!
No matter how soft her thigh is and how nice she smells… damn, her breasts too…
To even think about her in such way is unacceptable!
And it has been proven by countless cases that it is already too late to start drinking from a bowl just because she was kind to me!
A woman’s kindness only occurs when she dodges group tasks or solicits a cult.
Even now, she simply took care of me so that I could sleep comfortably.
‘As if that would happen.’
Suddenly opening up her heart, a class S beauty does not exist in this world.
The vibe doesn’t come easily!
The gorillas in my heart disappointedly began to leave.
(Hey, let’s go. We’re done. LOL)
(Ah, LOL. It was the vibe and you ruined it~)
Of course, the vibe doesn’t exist.
How could I harbor such thoughts?
If a person has any shame, they shouldn’t do this.
Clearing his head calmly.
For a moment, Judick pretended to awaken from sleep, enjoying the situation.
“Ah… I’m sorry, Judick. Did I wake you up?”
“No, I’ve slept plenty and just woke up. You might be having a thigh pain because of me though…”
“That wouldn’t be a problem at all. Actually… Never mind. Since you’re awake, I guess I should get ready to leave.”
While Beatrice was breaking the magic she’d crafted, Judick stretched his stiff body.
The magic that had hidden the hut disappeared.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
When they stepped outside, the heavy rain had ceased.
“This way.”
Judick followed Beatrice in the direction she was moving.
If they had used magic to get here, wouldn’t they be able to do so to return?
He briefly entertained the thought, but her choice of method was simple.
They walked on a carriage trail toward the capital.
Eventually, they hailed a passing carriage, and she confidently presented the royal seal.
The unfortunate merchant, recognizing the royal seal, bowed his head.
“I promise ample reward. Let us ride in your carriage to the capital.”
“Erm… Yes, Your Highness. Understood.”
She asserted power to control the direction of the carriage!
Perhaps it was shipping livestock; the quacking of ducks could be heard from inside.
They took up a spot at the very front of the luggage compartment, in an empty corner.
“I’m sorry, Judick. I would’ve preferred to fly to the capital using magic, but my mana is limited.”
“That’s understandable.”
“But you can rest anytime you want.”
She patted her thigh.
Judick, before he knew it, was lying down again.
On the thighs of a sorceress…!
The process of lying down disappeared, and all that remained was the result of a knee pillow.
The mountain breeze… even a pleasant scent…
This place feels like heaven.
From above, the voice of Beatrice, who allowed me to use her lap as a pillow, could be heard.
“Sir.”
“You can call me casually.”
“Well then… Sir, I’m curious about something.”
“What is it?”
“What are your future plans? I’m curious if you’re thinking about leaving the kingdom.”
“Hmm.”
As long as I’m not a burden… I wanted to stay in the kingdom.
Until a reason to leave presents itself?
If there’s no reason to leave, then it seemed fine to stay in Osen Kingdom for good.
“I think I’ll continue to stay unless something special happens. I need to gather information.”
“I see.”
Maybe I won’t stop trying to extract information from the guy who stabbed me.
In other words, I was just saying that I was planning to camp out in the palace and gather information.
‘There’s a force trying to disrupt the gallery.’
While being stabbed, the guy’s voice clearly sounded that warning.
Someone wants to get rid of the gallery.
Could the gallary’s void also be his doing?
As I was sorting out my thoughts, with my eyes slightly closed, several hours had flown by.
The queen’s lap pillow… It’s scary…!
A dreadful human manufacturing device…!
When I raised my head, Beatrice pointed to the outside.
“Sir, we’ve arrived in Fria, the capital of Osen Kingdom.”
“Oh.”
There lies a castle so large it wasn’t comparable to the count of Hessen’s territory.
It was sizeable enough to easily contain hundreds of thousands of people.
If this is the size of Osen’s capital, how big would the capital of the Teseuria Empire be.
The carriage continued to move inward, arriving at the front of the castle.
“Halt!”
With the bellowing cry of the castle guards, the carriage came to a stop.
At that moment, Beatrice sprang from the vehicle.
“Your majesty…?”
The soldiers that faced Beatrice saluted her in a dignified manner.
Before they could report the queen’s arrival, her entourage, the captain of the knights and his men, hurriedly rushed in to greet her.
Of course, their expressions were less than pleasant.
“Your majesty! Where have you been?”
“I did say I was going for a walk, did I not?”
“If you disappear when you say you’re taking a walk… that’s not a walk!”
In general societal consensus, taking a walk implies a brief absence then returning…
However, if the queen says it’s just a stroll, then even an outing becomes a stroll.
“It was a walk.”
“…We were worried while you were gone on your ‘walk’….”
“Is that so? But there is something more important right now.”
The moment her gaze fell on the unassuming man who alighted from the carriage, she addressed her knights.
“This is my guest. Treat him with the utmost courtesy.”
“Guest….”
The queen’s guest… this mediocre man?
As it’s the queen’s guest they must treat him with the highest courtesy.
At her command, the steward promptly stationed himself behind the man, followed by the captain of the knights.
They effectively made up a perfect escort position.
Nevertheless, Beatrice glanced at the man as if feeling apologetic.
“I’m sorry about this fuss over no real reason.”
“No worries. These things happen.”
“Thank you for understanding. Shall we head inside? You must be tired from the carriage ride.”
Following the leading Beatrice, the man also moved inside the castle.
She proceeded to show him to his room and explain the structure of the castle.
As soon as she entered the interior of the castle with him, a commotion broke out among the watching maids and knights.
“‘A suitor… for the queen…? A man, at that?”
“The queen has found love…!”
“Good heavens, is she finally continuing the line…!”
“Hey, look at this, fortune teller! Could that man just now become the king?”
Rumors began to spread throughout the royal court.
Rumors of a man catching the eye of the queen who had shown no interest in men.