Chapter 3 – The Last Blow
He had taken only a few steps when Hason's voice rang out, cold and dismissive.
"If you are so busy, you needn't have come. You already know I have no time to waste on such trivial matters. I wish you good fortune. Now go."
The words struck harder than any blade.
Youshan's body trembled. Though the summer air was warm, his blood ran cold. His breath caught, his legs threatened to collapse beneath him, but he forced himself to stand tall. At the very least, he would not lose his final shred of dignity here.
"…It is an honor," he whispered, his voice faint but clear, "to receive Your Highness' blessing. Thank you."
Without turning back, he walked away—step by step, until the forest swallowed him whole. Only then did he break into a desperate run, as though chased by an unseen darkness that would consume him if he slowed.
The heavens opened, and rain poured down.