“I heard that wolf say that you people were headed to an ancient place - Yoitsu, was it?”
“Y-yes, that’s right.”
“I’ve heard that name before, and once more recently.”
Lawrence didn’t talk, but simply urged Huskins to continue with his eyes. Since Huskins knew Holo was looking for her hometown, he couldn’t possibly be unaware of how important any news would be. And yet he seemed hesitant to reveal any to Holo, which implied he had a reason.
“That name was among the tumultuous news my companions brought with them.”
Lawrence’s heart was beating faster. He could more or less guess what kind of news it had to be.
“Our king’s tax decree, and those bones you believe the monastery may have purchased.. they may have some connection with this news, because-”
A strong gust of wind swept up the freshly-fallen snowflakes, and they danced and obscured Lawrence’s view of Huskins as he finished his statement. And so, Lawrence never saw the expression on Huskins’ face, though he could pretty much guess what it was based on what he said.
Huskins then began to walk toward the hill to gather the rest of his flock, only pausing long enough to turn back and speak once more.
“I wish you two the best of luck..”
His expression remained calm as he looked at Lawrence as if he was something too bright to see. He turned away as a smile spread across his face.
“..And thank you.”
He then walked off, and with his practiced shepherd’s skills he took control of his flock as though Lawrence wasn’t even there. Lawrence watched his back as he drew in a long, deep breath, then turned around and walked off as well.
I wish you two the best of luck. That was the farewell one would give to those who were about to embark on a journey, so his words were enough to send Lawrence off. Lawrence wouldn’t even find it strange if Huskins confirmed that what he said was true.
This was an era where such incidents were common, usually took place in distant countries, and were treated only as drinking subjects in taverns. How could Lawrence possibly have predicted that an existence so important to him would be caught up in such a thing?
As he walked along the snowy path he couldn’t help but want to narrow his eyes; to guard against the sunlight reflected off of it, yes, but also because something else made him want to scrunch them up even more forcefully.
Two people could be seen in the snow beside that narrow path that was beaten down by sheep’s hooves leading back toward the monasterial branch.
“What’s the situation?”
The two paused for a moment after being addressed with such a question, then pressed onward through the difficult-to-cross snow. Maybe they felt like kicking that snow like children, rather than travel along the more convenient path. As he approached them he discovered that Holo and Cole’s cheeks had become red from the cold.
“How did it turn out?”
Holo kicked up snow high into the air as she walked, with Cole following behind her. After a moment, this was how she replied.
“What is your guess?”
“They were fake.”
Maybe that was too quick of a reply, judging from the look of displeasure she flashed him before she turned to him.
“Why would you think they were fake?”
“Because I wouldn’t want to see you cry.”
Her lips turned up into a smile as she purposely shrugged, kicking a leg up high.
“Were they real or fake, I would not have lost control of my emotions. I am the Wisewolf Holo, after all.”
Lawrence wondered if she had just kicked enough snow to content herself, or simply felt her now-soggy robes were too heavy, but she moved onto the sheep-made path and closer to him. As she knelt and patted away the snow stuck to her robe, Lawrence suddenly pulled her hood back and touched the back of her neck.
“You put your clothes back on inside out.”
He meant the clothes she wore beneath her robe. He sighed, then grabbed Cole’s hand next to him. It was cold as ice, and his fingers were frozen stiff.
“They were fake, weren’t they?”
Holo must have returned from the monastery in her wolf form, hence her clothes being on inside-out. If she was feeling sad, her ears and tail would have betrayed that sadness with honesty. She must have taken her true form and dashed in this cold weather with Cole on her back, because she was displeased.
Lawrence got the feeling that he’d been worried over nothing - that all his anticipation had led to was disappointment.
“They were fake.”
Holo gazed up at the sky as she replied. Cole had been forced to risk frostbite, yet he wasn’t upset. It was strange, no matter how easygoing the lad was. Holo must have revealed her vulnerable side to him prior to discovering the truth about the bones, so that he couldn’t bring himself to get angry at her.
“The odds are great that they are deer bones, from the widest part of a hind leg. They must have been buried underground for a long time.”
“I just wish I could’ve been there to see your reaction when that crate was being opened.”
Cole burst into laughter when he heard that, and Holo stomped on Lawrence’s foot. It was a tranquil moment.. so peaceful that one couldn’t help but wish it could last forever.
“Just what do you think you are doing, wearing such a grin? How disgusting.”
“Never mind that. Let’s hurry back. We still need to put wood in the stove and light a fire.”
She put on a defensive look, but when Holo saw Lawrence walk away she didn’t continue her questioning. Instead she took him by the hand and shouted at him.
“Make sure there is plenty of meat and salt in the pot!”
Her practical response brought a smile to his face, but his eyes weren’t focused on his surroundings. He was lost in thought over what Huskins had told him. If it was true, then Lawrence had just caught but a small glimpse of a much more frightening bigger picture. And yet, Huskins choose to tell him and not Holo.
If this place was meant to be protected by Huskins, what place was Lawrence meant to protect? The image of Huskins’ back surfaced in his mind, as the man clutched his staff and led his sheep in order to defend their mutual home.
The sky was a clear blue. Lawrence gripped the hands of his two precious companions tightly as they returned to the shepherd’s dormitory.
Translation Team
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