Chapter 21: The Author Weeps While Writing

After speaking, Draxel produced a clean towel he had prepared in advance, gently wiping away the residual bloodstains of the enemy from Profit Empress Ronnie’s body. He then presented her with a cup of malt beer. This sequence of actions unexpectedly softened Ronnie’s previously simmering anger.

“Hmph, you seem quite adept, Count. But this seems to be my malt beer, isn’t it?” she remarked.

“Exactly, which is why I suggested there’s no need for you to give me any denars. Please consider this as my treat, Your Highness,” Draxel replied, bowing respectfully. This display of reverence was a rare gesture from a nobleman of his stature.

In that moment, a smile broke across Profit Empress Ronnie’s face, erasing any lingering irritation or anger.

“Alright, you’re forgiven, Count.”

Safiya, watching all of this, felt a slight sting of jealousy, yet she didn’t blame Draxel. After all, he wasn’t overly intimate with her and Ronnie had also been of great help. Besides, Draxel and she were merely good friends, and perhaps she was overstepping her bounds, being overly concerned about their friendship.

After everyone had cleaned up, washing away the mud and blood, a bonfire celebration started in Nomar Village.

That night, the generous and captivating Ronnie generously shared her malt beer with everyone present, including all the villagers of Nomar, creating a memorable evening.

Safiya and Owens, unable to withstand the strong drinks, retreated early to their rooms for rest.

Meanwhile, Awang, a natural ‘king of drunkards’ from the grasslands, thoroughly enjoyed himself, seemingly immune to the effects of the endless cups he consumed.

Seeing Profit Empress Ronnie’s wine glass swaying gently in her hand, Draxel was struck by a burst of inspiration, recalling a song from his life in the modern world.

[Evaluation: Hmm, if you do this, you’ll be altering the musical history of the continent of Calradia.]

Draxel thought to the system, ‘It doesn’t matter, nobody can stop my urge to sing!’

“Ronnie, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to dedicate a song to you. It’s a song that I believe has never been heard on the continent of Calradia. I… I wrote it myself.”

“Really? Then please sing, I’d love to hear it,” she encouraged.

By this time, Draxel, having indulged in a fair share of wine, was feeling a bit buzzed. Emboldened by the alcohol, he began to sing enthusiastically.

“With the wine glass swaying, lips like stained with blood. Such unusual beauty, sins that can’t be forgiven…”

Thus, the musical heritage of Calradia was introduced to elements of rock. After finishing his song, Draxel still seemed eager to continue, as if longing to repeat his performance.

“Ah… the night is so enchanting, despite the dangers, there are always those with dark circles under their eyes, staying awake…”

[Evaluation: That’s enough, no more wailing. If the original singer, Jam Hsiao, heard this, he might be in for a shock.]

Profit Empress Ronnie, hearing this song for the first time, found it somewhat strange but enjoyable. She was also amused by Draxel’s inebriated state, struggling to stand straight.

“Alright, that’s enough singing, Draxel. What is this song called?”

“It’s titled ‘The Queen’, almost as if it’s written about you, damn it… you truly are like  a queen.”

After these words, Draxel gradually began to feel weak in his limbs. Maybe due to the effects of the wine, he started to feel sleepy, soon unable to remember anything else that happened.

However, Draxel couldn’t shake off a feeling of emptiness, perhaps stemming from her departure. The moment stirred memories within him.

It’s me, I’m peeling the shell of a crab.

It’s me, I’m writing in a notebook.

It’s them, the maple leaves and snowflakes falling all over me.

And me, thinking of you.

In this reflective state, Draxel felt compelled to pen a reply. He took up a pen, intending to compose a three-line love poem, yet after considerable thought, he settled on a poem of just two lines.

‘She won’t see it anyway. What does omitting one line matter?’ he reasoned.

Indeed, she wouldn’t see it, and he didn’t even know where to send such a letter.

Having recited the lines to himself, Draxel reminded himself to revive his spirits, there were still many tasks ahead.

At that moment, Safiya, accompanied by Owens and Awang, arrived at the village chief’s house where Draxel resided.

Draxel, with a welcoming smile, remarked, “Hey, it seems you’ve taken to treating my people as your own, Safiya.”

“Not at all, they joined of their own accord! Right, guys?”

“Bullshit, she…” Awang began, but Owens quickly muffled his words with a hand.

Owens, nodding respectfully, assured, “My esteemed lord, be assured of our unwavering loyalty to you. We will also ensure Miss Safiya’s safety.”

“Very well, Owens, Awang, get the food and water ready; we’re about to leave!”

Upon hearing Draxel’s words, Safiya’s discontent became apparent. “Leave? We still have a watchtower and a training ground to build. Draxel, you’re not going back on your word, are you?”

“Oh, but I’ve already built them, magic, Magic, you see? Don’t believe me? Just go and see for yourself.” Draxel’s response carried a trace of impatience, his mind seemingly preoccupied.

Note: I believe the poem was two vertical lines and that’s why the author says a three-line poem. As for the title of the chapter, all I can say is that’s original 😀