IPUAVNP Chapter 139

Chapter 139

 

Kyle spent two days organizing all his belongings in the mansion.

Along the way, he sold anything valuable and converted it into gold coins, which would serve as travel funds.

Tomorrow, Kyle and Brody would finally leave Roden.

Brody was also packing up in Kyle’s now noticeably emptier room.

She picked up a small rabbit-shaped backpack from the sofa. Her old one had worn out beyond use, and this new one had been made for her by Eliza.

Since it was crafted with waterproof fabric and built to last, it was perfect for any journey.

“This thing could probably survive not just land and sea but even an aerial battle.”

She muttered, satisfied.

She emptied her old bag, preparing to transfer her belongings, and more items than expected spilled out.

A map and regional guidebook made by her father, a pocket watch, a pink ribbon her mother had once tied around her neck, a pocket knife, a rope, and even a flint.

Seeing these long-forgotten items made her smile. Once, they had all been essential for their travels.

Among the scattered belongings, a rather unfamiliar-looking key caught her attention. Brody tilted her head.

“Where did this come from?”

She didn’t have to think for long—soon, she remembered that Rubinus had given it to her.

And with that memory, she recalled what she had said when handing it over:

‘This is a key that can open any door. One day, you’ll need it.’

A key that could open any door. It was quite an extravagant statement for a key. Her gaze lingered on it.

Since the moment she had received it, she had stuffed it into her bag and never taken a closer look—until now.

Brody examined the brass key carefully. Instead of words, she noticed an engraving of a vine plant.

She had half-expected some kind of treasure map inscription, so she smacked her lips in mild disappointment.

Still, it had been a gift from a witch, so it couldn’t be useless. It was too valuable to be discarded anyway, so she carefully placed it in her new bag.

As she continued transferring her belongings, Kyle returned from outside.

“Packing up?”

“Yeah. Not that there’s much to pack.”

She chuckled awkwardly. Kyle approached and glanced at the items on the table, smiling as if reminiscing about their past travels.

Brody, noticing this, smirked.

“Don’t you think we’ve romanticized our memories? Considering how much we struggled, it’s weird that we find them funny now.”

Kyle, who was fiddling with the flint, nodded.

“You’re right. Maybe we really have. These days, whenever I think about our journey, I actually find it fun. We went through so many bizarre situations.”

Bizarre situations… 

Brody, who had played a big part in causing them with her boundless curiosity, laughed it off.

Kyle shot her a knowing look but soon gave up, finding even her feigned innocence endearing.

Instead of pinching her cheek, he bent down and pressed a couple of light kisses on her head.

Though fleeting, the affection in his touch was unmistakable, and Brody’s face lit up with happiness.

She playfully closed her eyes and puckered her lips, as if asking for more.

Kyle chuckled, leaning in—

But just then, voices from the terrace interrupted their moment. Someone had arrived in the garden.

“Sounds like Zelda is here!”

Brody immediately jumped to her feet, dodging Kyle’s kiss.

“Let’s go down!”

Kyle sighed in exasperation. He had been seconds away from kissing her, but now, she was completely focused on their guest.

“Seriously?”

He muttered, sulking as he watched her rush to the door.

Brody, oblivious to his disappointment, called out,

“Hurry up!”

Kyle let out a helpless laugh.

When his rabbit ordered him around, there was no choice but to obey. He trudged after her.

By the time they reached the entrance, Eliza and Abel were already there, greeting Zelda.

“I was just about to send someone to call for you.”

Eliza said warmly, noticing Kyle and Brody.

Brody smiled and turned to Zelda.

“It’s been a while, Miss Zelda.”

Her face was slightly flushed. Though she had seen Zelda in Tobo River, the last time they had spoken was in the Fir Forest.

And back then, she had embarrassed herself not only in front of Kyle but also Zelda. She couldn’t help but feel shy.

However, Zelda seemed to understand and greeted her comfortably.

“It has, Miss Brody.”

Her tone was warm, as if to reassure Brody that any past awkwardness was forgotten.

Feeling that kindness, Brody’s lips curved into a grateful smile.

“…”

For the briefest moment, Alexander and Kyle locked eyes. But they quickly averted their gazes—Alexander, afraid his sorrow might be seen, and Kyle, afraid of seeing that sorrow.

A moment later, Alexander cleared his throat and addressed the gathered family.

“Let’s head to the dining room.”

Everyone here knew that Brody and Kyle would be leaving the next morning, yet no one showed any sadness.

As if by unspoken agreement, they all maintained a bright atmosphere. It was an effort they were consciously making.

Upon entering the dining room, they were met with a grand feast spread across the large table.

“My goodness!”

There were only six people, yet enough food to feed twenty.

The seats where the wolf beastfolk sat were piled high with meat dishes, while Brody’s spot was filled with an assortment of vegetables and fruits.

Her mouth hung open in amazement, and Eliza, noticing, chuckled.

“Good food is hard to come by when you’re traveling, so I wanted to make sure you ate well before leaving.”

She didn’t shy away from mentioning their departure, speaking naturally so they could discuss their journey without discomfort.

Realizing this, Brody played along and continued the conversation lightheartedly.

“Thank you, Mother. We barely ate properly during our travels. If we fill up like this now, we’ll be fine even if we go hungry for a month!”

Eliza responded with a quiet laugh at the exaggeration, while Kyle, unimpressed, muttered,

“That’s just nonsense.”

Brody shot him a glare as if to say so what, causing Abel—who had been quietly amused by his brother getting scolded by his rabbit-like wife—to chime in.

“So what did you usually eat while traveling?”

“Whatever we could dig up from the ground,” Kyle answered nonchalantly.

The family was surprised that Kyle was voluntarily engaging in conversation, but they soon joined in eagerly.

When he mentioned eating crowberries and conifer leaves, they reacted with a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

“You didn’t hunt?” Zelda asked.

“There weren’t any animals to hunt,” Kyle replied.

Brody nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. In the snowy plains, the only living creatures were us.”

They spoke so casually about starving that Eliza, who had been listening in silence, now watched them with clear concern.

“I worry that you’ll go through the same hardships on this journey.”

It wasn’t just Eliza—the rest of the family also looked at them with worried eyes.

But for Kyle and Brody, going without food for a few days had become routine, and they couldn’t help but chuckle at their concern.

Brody, sensing the heavy atmosphere, decided to lighten the mood with a playful remark.

“Well, Kyle didn’t have to worry. He always had emergency rations by his side.”

She was, of course, referring to herself. It was a self-deprecating joke, inspired by something the Roden clan had once said.

Kyle, who had indeed once considered her as such, felt a pang of guilt. With a serious expression, he declared,

“Then this time, I’ll be your emergency rations.”

It was a firm statement, but Brody coolly rejected his offer, spearing a piece of celery with her fork.

“I don’t eat meat.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You eat cooked meat.”

“Kyle!”

His eerily serious tone sent a shiver down her spine, and she shrieked in horror. As a finishing touch, she smacked his arm with her tiny fist.

The family, momentarily stunned by Kyle’s absurd but deadpan remark, soon let out incredulous chuckles.

Kyle had changed so much.

And now, watching him change had become entertaining in itself.

They regretted that they wouldn’t be able to see how much more he would transform.

But for now, the conversation flowed late into the night—never too noisy, never too overwhelming, but filled with warmth.

Laughter bubbled up at the occasional ridiculous comment.

Long-unspoken questions were finally answered, and stories long left unsaid began to unfold.

As they came to understand each other’s experiences, they finally started to feel like a real family.

It was a bond forged through shared effort, ensuring that this final night together would be remembered as a happy one.