TVRTH [Book 1]

Chapter 71

Testing And Trial, Part XII

Translator: Khan

Editor Group: Liber Reverie

He shrugged his shoulders like the time when he had the fierce eyes of a prey-seeking predator.

"... so?"

"Will you mind if I stay with you for a moment? In this crowd being alone is dangerous, isn't it?"

"... well, I don't think it's dangerous."

Rather, his presence seemed more dangerous. Despite Aria's reply, which was close to rejection, Asher sat in front of her, regardless. Nothing was laid on the ground, but he didn't care if the dust was thick. Aria swallowed a false smile because he acted at will without asking for permission.

"No, it's dangerous."

He answered as if there was danger ahead. If there wasn't, he would make it. Aria, who swept away her goosebumps after a moment of horror, tried hard to ignore him. She wished that his party would come back soon, and he would disappear together with them.

"Come to think of it... your clothes are pretty simple."

His eyes swept through Aria's body. It seemed that it was a totally different outfit than before. It was no wonder that she had been wearing a dress at the first meeting, which Mielle had been given as a gift by Oscar.

Aria didn't feel the value of answering back. If he had had an idea, he wouldn't have asked her that question. It was ridiculous to dress up colorfully in such a crowded place.

"I'm sure you'll get a lot of presents... I guess you didn't get a nice present that you like."

There was a meaning in the man's words. It was hard to figure out what he meant since they were thickly covered, but it didn't sound like a thoughtless, spontaneous exhortation. Aria narrowed her eyes. It was a look of doubt.

"... what are you talking about?"

"It doesn't mean much. It simply means that you are beautiful, and men around you won't leave you."

'Is it true? Why do I keep worrying?' She should just ignore it, but after a few words, she kept answering. Again this time, as he was about to answer something, she soon swallowed her words. A bit of silence followed.

In the meantime, the person who sang on the stage changed from an old man to a young man, and the fast-paced, upbeat song made a noise. The man, who turned around and saw it, suddenly grabbed Aria by the hand, muttering, 'It's faster than I thought.'

"What's this...?!"

Just as she was about to shout, firecrackers exploded all over the place, and people who were surprised by the flames that exploded here and there ran around to escape from the square.

Aria, too, got up from her seat in surprise. Before realizing that the sound of firecrackers was just loud but not hurtful, her body was stiffened, feeling fear by the sudden situation.

"Miss!"

She could hear a voice nearby as if it was calling her. 'What the hell am I supposed to do...!'

"This way!"

As she was in a panic, her hand was pulled by a very strong force. In the midst of her hectic mind, Aria was forced to be led by her captured hand. It felt as if it were the only touch that would save her.

Out of the square, far away, past the waves of people, she ran and ran until she was out of breath. She fled from people passing by like a flash as if she had run so fast in her life.