Chapter 8: Clashing Destinies

The inside of the carriage grew quiet, filled only with the rattling of wheels against the road. What should he even say? Now that the silence had settled in, nothing came to mind. Watching Osh stare out the window, Kebel also turned his gaze outside.

It was the season of lush greenery, and thick trees rushed past. As they neared the village, buildings began to appear between them.

The scenery was so different from his own world that it made it feel real, like he truly had been transported here. A quiet exclamation escaped his lips.

He had never even been to Europe before, but if he ever did, would it feel like this? The excitement, the childlike thrill, it was impossible to put into words.

“You must have seen sights like this every day when coming to the duke’s estate,” Kebel said.

“Yes.”

“For me, even riding in a carriage… seeing all this… it’s all new, Osh. Maybe that’s why it feels so fascinating… and beautiful.”

It was said casually, but then Kebel noticed Osh’s gaze lingering on him. Ah, he realized too late. It was odd for a duke’s son to say he’d never ridden in a carriage before.

Still, he didn’t bother correcting himself. If he had wanted to hide it, he would have acted like a proper child from the start.

Kebel pressed a finger to his lips.

“Shh. It’s a secret. Don’t go telling anyone.”

Osh nodded slowly, as if entranced. Kebel already knew Osh wasn’t the type to talk anyway. That made him feel oddly reassured, like he’d gained a secret companion.

With that sense of ease, Kebel leaned his head against Osh’s shoulder.

It was unconscious, but comforting. Drowsiness crept in, and he let out a long yawn. Rubbing at his eyes, he finally allowed himself to relax, something he hadn’t done since coming to this world.

He just wanted to stay like this a little longer.

The carriage wasn’t comfortable, but Osh’s warmth against his shoulder felt nice. Just a moment longer… he thought, as a voice called out.

“Kebel, we’re almost there.”

“Mm…”

Kebel jolted awake, realizing he had fallen asleep on Osh’s shoulder. It was the first time he’d ever done that, and he felt embarrassed.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

The carriage stopped, and the door opened to reveal Ida. Behind him, the scenery made Kebel’s jaw drop.

“Young master, we’ve arrived at Kaso Village.”

Kaso Village, a bustling place famous for seafood. In front of a large cathedral adorned with colorful flags, a crowd had gathered, as if a performance was underway.

People danced in bright clothing, and at the center stood a large fountain shaped like a fish, water gushing out endlessly.

Even without a festival, the streets were lively and full of energy. The scale alone was nothing like what Kebel was used to. Just thinking about walking around made his excitement spike.

Without realizing it, he grabbed Osh’s hand tightly.

“Kebel?”

“In case we get separated.”

Kebel grinned brightly and led the way up a set of stairs. The higher they went, the more charming buildings and neatly arranged trees came into view. People sat freely, resting wherever they pleased. It felt nothing like the suffocating duke’s estate.

Kebel inhaled deeply, then exhaled.

“Osh, this feels amazing.”

“I can tell.”

“Let’s come again next time.”

“Yes. I’ll follow you anytime.”

A gentle breeze tousled Osh’s hair. He had definitely changed, before, he would have only answered with short, flat replies. Watching him now, Kebel smiled softly.

Everything felt good today.

Naturally, Kebel headed toward the street filled with food aromas.

“Osh, let’s eat something.”

Stopping at the first stall, he spotted skewers, one with fish, and another red one that looked oddly pale and soft.

“What’s this?”

“It’s called Sandel Skewers,” Ida explained. “A specialty here.”

“Then give us three.”

The food came quickly. Kebel took a bite.

The texture was chewy and jelly-like, but the flavor resembled sweet fried chicken sauce.

‘Strange… but not bad.’

“Taste okay?” Ida asked.

“Yeah… it’s good.”

Still, the texture stuck unpleasantly to his teeth. He glanced around for a drink, and then froze.

A gray-haired boy stood nearby.

Even at a glance, Kebel recognized him.

That appearance, the gray hair, lavender eyes, and three moles beneath the eye, it was identical to Enok from the original story.

Instead of heading for a drink, Kebel approached him.

“Can you do a fortune reading?”

“Of course. Five silver coins.”

It was expensive, but Kebel didn’t hesitate. Enok was known to be incredibly accurate.

As Enok gestured toward a crystal ball, Osh tugged lightly at Kebel’s sleeve.

“Hm?”

“You’re staring a bit too much…”

For a brief moment, something flickered in Osh’s eyes, like a spark. A strange chill ran down Kebel’s spine. But when he looked again, Osh seemed as harmless as ever.

Shaking it off, Kebel placed his hand on the crystal. Enok placed his hand over it…

But suddenly, Osh grabbed Enok’s hand and pulled it away.

The atmosphere froze instantly.

Kebel blinked in confusion.

“Osh?”