Thanks to Arthur’s timely warning, Evelyn and the other two had managed to flee Smithy Town before the Holy Knights led by Solas Frostrune arrived.

The parasite regrouped with the maid and abandoned the main road, heading opposite of the direction he had left Amare in.

According to his calculations, someone of her caliber should have freed herself and resumed pursuing him. With her special ability, she would be able to track him sooner or later, but Arthur knew that such an ability couldn’t be used that often or else she would have caught up to him a long time ago.

The two travelers, along with the strange undead and the vampiric Rabbit ventured deeper into this huge and nameless forest surrounding Warmcross and Smithy Town.

Compared to Greenbell Forest, this one was slightly smaller and had significantly less dangerous beasts. Except for easily-frightened deers, a couple of wild boars, and some unfamiliar creatures, the forest was utterly devoid of dangers that could threaten the parasite.

Nevertheless, he was on guard the whole time, knowing that Addy would return and try to kill him if given the right opportunity.

“He’s still alive?”

Upon recounting what happened to Evelyn, she responded with a deep frown and a hint of surprise.

“We don’t have any artifacts that could hide our presence or create a strong illusion to fool him. I think the best course of action is to leave the forest and find a place suitable enough to defend ourselves in case of an ambush.”

Arthur didn’t disagree, he solemnly nodded once. It has not been long since he left Blackrest yet two people were chasing after him, one was a vengeful and shrewd lunatic and the other was an insufferably stubborn and clumsy vampire.

“Addy is the problem, not Amare. He knows he can’t kill us alone, so he might resort to something extreme.”

“Like what?”

“Like informing people about me. Parasites are as hated as Necromancers and undead, so there won’t be a shortage of those interested to take my head.”

Arthur took out Agent Num.10’s corpse and possessed it. The Holy Knights had already seen ‘Leonis’, so it was better to use this host for now.

Neither Amare nor Addy would be fooled, nevertheless, this was a precaution in case he was attacked. Moreover, Leonis’ body had suffered a fatal wound in the chest and needed to be ‘repaired’ or else the sight of the frightful injury might startle common people and give rise to suspicion, which would consequently make them spread the word and divulge his whereabouts.

Alternatively, Arthur could separate from his companions to lessen the probability of getting caught. However, by traveling alone, he would become more vulnerable and more prone to be killed by dangerous beasts that, figuratively, were wont to appear out of thin air.

“Even if we keep traveling till dawn, we won’t be able to leave the forest. Let’s look for a good hiding spot first.”

The stone-faced young woman nodded and quickened her steps, her cold eyes sweeping across the vicinity like a bloodthirsty hunter. Meanwhile, Arthur kept using the Little Bunting to check if they were followed and also to locate a seemingly inconspicuous place they could rest for the remainder of the long and busy day.

Eventually, after three hours of march, the maid stumbled upon a narrow entrance to a dark cave.

“I checked the surroundings and found a handful of other caves, none of which housed any monsters. This is as good of a place as any, I guess.”

The ex-colleague of Evelyn, the white-haired slim and tall agent rose to his feet and let out a heavy sigh.

The interior of the cave was filled with rocks and a bit of vegetation. They also saw broken and old bones of beasts scattered around.

Simply hiding in the cave wasn’t safe, and neither was it their objective.

Evelyn used her newly-acquired twin blades to easily cut through the rocks blocking the area.

She ‘dug’ for half an hour before stopping at a slightly spacious and completely dark place. Once the others followed her, Arthur used his Barrier Magic to strike the roof behind, causing small and big stones to collapse and block the path.

“Like this, even if someone attacks, I’ll make the whole cave collapse and we can all die together.” Happily stated Arthur while flashing a satisfied smile at Evelyn.

“Why does it sound like you’re serious?”

“Huh?! Because I am, my dear Evelyn! If I’m going to die, I should at least take my killer with me. As a veteran of the field, you should know this.”

“Suicidal thoughts are part of degrading mental faculties, Master. I’m not ready to die yet.”

“I didn’t say we should die. I only offered a plausible outcome in case we’re attacked. Anyroad! Let’s illuminate this place and eat something.”

With the use of an artificial magical lamp, the dark cave was lit up, allowing them to see the entirety of this cramped place.

It was the size of a small inn room and besides rocks, rocks, and rocks, there was literally nothing else.

Arthur quickly ate then leaned against the wall, his eyes half-closed as he was deep in thought. Meanwhile, the maid kept glancing at him, seemingly wanting to ask something but feeling hesitant about it.

“What is it? You’re creeping me out with your stare. When have you ever shied away from asking anything?”

When he pressed her, she muttered something under her breath then got rid of all the hesitation.

“Master, aren’t you afraid that you would lose yourself?”

The parasite fully opened his eyes and looked back at her. He was clearly confused by her words, which urged her to ask again,

“You’re always using someone’s body. Are you not terrified that one day, you would lose your real identity. You would forget who you really are and become disillusioned and lost between the facade you so painstakingly and continuously keep up.”

“That’s actually a good question. There’s no need to be subtle about it, I know you heard Amare calling my real name, which was what made you ask this.”

Seeing her deadpan and inscrutable face, Arthur softly chuckled. “Indeed, the possibility of ‘losing myself’ is not entirely non-existent. Still, I think what defines me, or anyone for that matter, is the memories of the past. I’m not talking about the forgettable ones, but the happiness and sorrow deeply engraved into our minds, the things that no matter how hard you try to forget, you won’t. It’s those little and fragmented pieces, comprised of nostalgia, melancholy, joy, and sadness, are what define me… Arthur.”

“...”

The maid kept silent, either not getting his point, or contemplating with herself.

“You are under the impression that I’m always acting or putting a facade, but that’s wrong, my dear Evelyn. Yes, I may act differently and deceitfully in front of strangers, but the one traveling with you is the real me. Why would I need to trick those I trust? In the end, the bodies I use are only means to an end.”

Evelyn still didn’t speak, her focused eyes fixated on the white-haired man sitting a distance away. She hated agent Num.10, who was arrogant and was forcing her to assassinate the duke. Even before that, when she was a new agent working for that secret assassination organization in the South, she never got along with that man.

However, she knew that the sincere and wide smile plastered on that man’s face belonged to Arthur, the man she now called her ‘Master’.

Although there were many mysteries shrouding his origin and identity, she still felt pleased to know his real name, even by accident, and when he shared with her those words, she even felt a bit of comfort.

When she snapped out of her long faze, she felt a warm heat emanate from her pocket, so she pulled the Sky Bloom and saw its vibrant yellow color, which gave rise to an unfamiliar yet soothing emotion within her heart.

The maid quickly noticed that she had reciprocated the parasite’s smile, but he had already closed his eyes and returned, seemingly asleep.

Evelyn quickly washed the smile off her face and laid down, clicking her tongue as she heard Mort’s loud snorting, which echoed throughout the small cave.