Don't Do That, Yennefer and Royce Are Still Here!

"Whoosh~"

The boat was traveling at a slow speed in the water.

A light morning mist filled the air, forming a thin veil that accentuated the lush green and deep green wild forests on both sides of the Pontar River.

Inside the merchant ship, Mary was flustered when she was suddenly questioned.

She glanced at the increasingly handsome young man, then quickly turned her head to look out the window.

"Yo yo~"

The deer's cry echoed from the deepest part of the forest.

Ethereal, mysterious.

This also calmed Mary's somewhat restless heart a little.

She turned back to the young witcher, who was slightly frowning, and asked:

"Ailin, are you really going to deal with the Wild Hunt yourself?"

"Of course," the young witcher nodded. "After I ask Grandmaster Iva the Evil Eye for advice on how to deal with the Wild Hunt, I plan to start working on them."

Is there a problem?

really...

Mary's heart sank, and she bit her rosy lips.

Vesemir and Ailin were not warlocks and had no idea how terrifying the Wild Hunt was.

The magic that generated the exploding ice clusters could be identified from the elemental fluctuations alone as a top-tier Water Element spell.

What's even more terrifying is that this magic instantly drained all the Water Element from her sensing range, leaving not a single one.

Even Lady Vesemir is far from capable of casting spells instantly.

A witcher who only knows basic techniques like signs might be killed before even getting close.

Even if you get close, there's a powerful magical shield.

Upon discovering that Ailin was inclined to personally deal with the Wild Hunt, Mary, whose mind had been preoccupied with sympathy, instantly snapped out of her daze.

The next second, I regretted asking, "Is there really nothing we can do?"

She thought about it for half the night, but couldn't come up with any way to deal with such a powerful enemy.

They also didn't believe that an ordinary witcher could deal with the so-called Iva the Evil Eye who could see the Wild Hunt.

Then.

I had the same nightmare for the rest of the night.

The young Witcher was frozen in ice clusters, just like Fura Doolittle's husband.

Its deep blue Cat Eyes stared at her.

The biting cold wind kept howling, carrying the same question, "Is there really nothing we can do?"

"Ailin, perhaps... uh... perhaps..."

Mary's round face suddenly turned as white as snow.

She was terrified by the dream she had last night and could only stammer, unable to utter a complete sentence.

Not knowing why Mary had suddenly become so frightened, Ailin gently patted her back and said softly:

"Take your time, don't rush, don't be afraid!"

"We're the ones who killed the Greater Griffin together, what's there for us to be afraid of?"

Yennefer was counting on her fingers with Royce, quieted down and secretly watched Ailin and Mary.

Mary felt the faint warmth of her body against her back, the subtle scent of fine leather tanning at the tip of her nose, and the two pairs of furtive eyes watching her from the side.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she gently pushed Ailin away, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"No... don't do this... Yennefer and Royce are still here!"

Ailin:?

What else?

I didn't do anything!

Mary watched in surprise as the azure Cat Eyes became round and full, just like the grey, fluffy, blue-eyed cats that Mary had seen before, unique to the North.

She couldn't help but smile.

My inner fear and panic dissipated considerably.

Taking a deep breath, Mary looked seriously at the young witcher and described to the best of her ability her feelings about the Wild Hunt's ice cluster magic.

Ailin's expression grew increasingly serious.

From a warlock's perspective, Mary sensed that the Wild Hunt's power had many dimensions that were beyond his imagination.

Especially during the casting of magic, when the Water Element of the Gors Velen are completely drained.

Even though his Water Element Affinity was over ten points, he only vaguely sensed something was wrong.

As Ailin listened to Mary's feelings, she pondered...

perhaps.

This is a point that can be exploited when dealing with the Wild Hunt...

"... So, Ailin, do you know the Wild Hunt's strength?" Mary took a deep breath and advised, "I know that mother and daughter are pitiful, but the Wild Hunt..."

She sighed:

"The Wild Hunt is truly beyond human capabilities; they are different from the Greater Griffin..."

Looking at Mary's anxious and pleading expression, Ailin felt a warmth in her heart:

"Don't worry, Mary."

"You know me. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't do anything I'm not sure about..."

Mary felt somewhat powerless and recounted:

"Old Spearhead, King of Ice, Abandoned Mine, Apprentice Combat Tournament, and the Greater Griffin..."

"Ailin, is there anything you're confident about?"

"And how many of these were truly out of necessity?"

"Ailin ..." Mary gazed into the deep blue Cat Eyes, as if trying to convey all her emotions to her, "It's really not worth risking your life for a complete stranger!"

"Lady Vesemir wouldn't agree either..."

Mary insisted, as if facing the Wild Hunt meant certain death.

certainly.

That's probably what she really thought.

After thinking for two seconds, the young witcher decided to stop hiding it:

"Mary, what if the Wild Hunt were originally after me?"

After saying that, Ailin glanced at Yennefer and Royce.

Mary snapped her fingers in unison, enveloping the two of them in a light red soundproof barrier.

As soon as the barrier rose, Mary hurriedly asked:

"Why do you say the Wild Hunt is after you?"

After organizing his thoughts, Ailin told Mary about his information regarding the Wild Hunt, the Conjunction of the Spheres, and Aion El.

Even his own relationship with the Conjunction of the Spheres was subtly hinted at.

As Mary listened, her expression shifted dramatically, changing from light to dark.

She covered her mouth, her eyes wide open.

"... So Mary, this is not just about avenging Fula Doolittle and his children, but also about myself."

After giving a wry smile, Ailin made a joke and said:

"This time, we really had no other choice!"

At this moment.

Mary was still reeling from the shocking news.

There was a huge amount of information at once.

It took her a while to grasp the connection between the various parts.

"Unbelievable, unbelievable..."

"If you were to say now that you are the Child of Miracle prophesied by Ithlinne Egri, I would believe you..."

Mary stared at Ailin in shock, and it took her a long time to compose herself.

Ailin shrugged, neither confirming nor denying.

"There's nothing we can do about it..."

After understanding the young witcher's current predicament, Mary actually relaxed.

Without a choice, there's no need to worry about gains and losses.

Seeing this, Ailin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Pop~"

The soundproof barrier's time was up, and it burst like a soap bubble.

Having said all that needed to be said, Ailin didn't let Mary continue.

A moment of silence fell over the cabin.

for a long time.

Mary, who had been looking down as if deep in thought, suddenly looked up at the young witcher with a determined gaze and said:

"Don't worry, Ailin. No matter how powerful the Wild Hunt is, I will help you!"

After hearing this, Ailin paused for a second, then nodded vigorously.

Although Yennefer was curious about the interaction between the two, she didn't ask a single question.

She even tried to divert her brother's attention to her fingers.

Vesemir, Ailin, and Mary were all very kind to her, more kind than she had ever felt before.

They never even showed the slightest disgust or hatred towards her, this monster.

sometimes.

She even felt that this way she wouldn't be beaten, discriminated against, or have to eat leftovers...

Living a life where you can eat your fill and stay warm every day feels like a dream.

Therefore, she cherishes her current life and sincerely hopes that such days can continue forever!

Until forever...

Not long after having a heart-to-heart talk with Mary, Vesemir returned alone.

According to him, it was after he and Ernesto persuaded him in the morning.

Radu Kuhn temporarily formed an alliance with them, or rather, became a sponsor of the Wild Hunt.

After Ailin and his group disembark, the House Kuhn's ship will not only take Ernesto to the free city of Novigrad.

After loading and unloading some goods.

Radu Kuhn will switch to a merchant ship on the sea and send Ernesto directly to Nilfgaard.

Then wait for them at the port closest to the School of the Viper before returning to the Gors Velen.

Upon arriving in Novigrad, they will, in the name of the House Kuhn, send a Wild Hunt warning letter to the various nations of the Northern Continent and Nilfgaard.

A bounty of 100,000 Oren is offered for the head of the Wild Hunt.

"How did you do that?"

Walking down the aisle of the merchant ship, Ailin and Mary looked at Vesemir in shock after hearing what he had heard.

If it weren't for the fact that Vesemir wasn't a boastful person when it came to serious matters...

This not only covered the round-trip travel expenses and the boat, but also involved paying out of pocket 100,000 Oren.

This is truly unlike what a merchant family would do, selling goods to the palaces of two opposing kingdoms during wartime.

What are they after?

Judging from the calm expressions on the faces of the passing crew members, it doesn't seem like any important figures died in the Wild Hunt attack!

Hearing Ailin and Mary's questions, Vesemir scratched his head and chuckled dryly:

"I... I'm not really sure either..."

"Most of the discussion was between Ernesto and Radu Kuhn; I only analyzed the Wild Hunt's strength and dangers when he needed it..."

"But afterwards I asked Ernesto..."

"Radu Kuhn's agreement seems to be related to the House Kuhn's rights in the free city of Novigrad... their status as citizens... their status as councilors... their status as elections..."

Vesemir gestured wildly, trying to explain for a long time but still couldn't make it clear.

The more he talked, the more confused he became, even getting himself caught up in the situation.

"Forget it, if you're interested, just go ask Ernesto," Vesemir said resignedly.

Then he quickened his pace and headed towards the ship's restaurant.

After exchanging a glance, Ailin and Mary could only speed up to catch up.

Since Ailin and his group of five would not be able to wait for lunch, they would disembark at Bayer Most.

Therefore, Radu Kuhn invited them to have brunch to thank them for their intelligence.

This is said to be a new trend in Novigrad.

However, Ailin and his companions were not there for the exquisite pastries or the precious black tea that was said to come from south of Nilfgaard.

Their primary objective was to forge a friendship with Raju Kuhn.

Although Mary clearly liked these desserts, Ailin thought they were too sweet.

However, to their surprise...

After the tedious socializing of brunch, Raju Kuhn had a gift delivered to his cabin by his steward—

A parchment book, a steel sword, and a silver sword.

"Lady Margarita, this is the alchemy book of the elven sage Elinor ..."

The waiter, wearing gleaming white velvet gloves, gently picked up the parchment book from the trolley.

"Elinor?"

Mary, who had been nonchalantly leaning back in her chair, suddenly perked up.

"Yes, it is indeed the 'Alchemist' Elinor you are thinking of..."

Elinor Alchemist, the most talented Alchemy Master in the Elven Empire a thousand years ago, created many magical potions with special effects.

An indispensable figure in the history of alchemy.

It is said that the legendary mage Otolan drew inspiration from Elinor's alchemy techniques when he created the famous Anti-aging Potion.

"Is this a gift for me?"

"Of course, these gifts were all personally selected by Mr. Radu, please accept them."

The waiter smiled and presented the book with both hands.

Mary swallowed hard, unconsciously wiping her hands on her clothes before carefully taking the parchment book.

"Master Vesemir, this is ' Gilna ' silver..."

Before the servant could finish speaking, Vesemir, who was smiling and admiring Mary's joyful expression, couldn't sit still any longer.

It bounced up suddenly, like a spring was installed in the seat.

"Gilna, who has slain a red dragon, a green dragon, and more than a dozen high-ranking vampires?"

Vesemir's lips were pressed tightly together, and his dark golden Cat Eyes kept switching between vertical pupils and round pupils.

The attendant nodded and said:

"He was one of the original Witcher members of the Witcher Conclave..."

"Mr. Radu knew that you were using a silver sword that was not appropriate for your status, so he took the liberty of choosing one for you."

Before he could finish speaking...

Vesemir and Mary both glanced instinctively at Elsa behind Ailin.

"What's wrong?"

The servant noticed something was wrong and asked a question out of curiosity.

"It's nothing..." Vesemir shook his head awkwardly, changing the subject, "This doesn't count as acting on my own initiative..."

"But..."

"Such a legendary silver sword..."

"How could any demon hunter be willing to use her while hunting monsters..."

Vesemir took the gleaming silver sword and stroked its simple, unadorned hilt, guard, and spine with obvious delight.

He moved so gently, as if afraid of disturbing the spirit of the sword and causing it to escape from his grasp.

Mary and Vesemir both received their desired gifts, which made Ailin sit up straight involuntarily, filled with anticipation.

But at the same time, he couldn't help but wonder.

Leaving aside the gift that would belong to Ailin, the combined value of just the elven sage's parchment book and the first Witcher's sword would probably far exceed the 100,000 Allen bounty that Radu Kuhn set for the Wild Hunt.

Is news of Ard waging war to avenge Kedwen really that valuable?

However, before Ailin could think further...

The servant's gentle smile vanished abruptly, and his expression instantly turned serious.

The heartfelt longing was palpable, making the atmosphere in the entire cabin solemn.

The attendant knelt on one knee and took a longsword from a long velvet gift box.

Then he stood up, presented the gift with both hands to the young witcher, his expression solemn:

"Master Ailin..."

"This is a gift that Mr. Radu specially prepared for you..."