Because the negative memories were isolated to the succubus personality, Norma herself was unaware of what had happened in the past five days. She only found that the curse pattern on her lower abdomen was full, so she asked someone to send a letter to Isidor, telling him that the agreement had been fulfilled and he didn't need to come again in the future.
After Norma's affairs came to an end, Isidor's life became more relaxed. He practiced swordplay with Esna and Fiedena during the day, and played board games or spent the night drinking and partying with the maid.
This period of leisure time was very pleasant. When the group was about to leave Ravenstern, the succubus Norma came to Isidor to say goodbye.
"If you use the seeds you left behind sparingly, they can probably relieve your hunger for three to five years. After that, you must remember to come back and replenish them. Although I can also use the succubus personality to absorb the seeds, this is always against the wishes of the main personality. I don't want to use it unless it's absolutely necessary." Afterwards, the succubus said, clinging softly to Isidor's body.
"You are quite nice to the main personality." Isidor said with a smile.
"That's natural. The main personality is like a mother or an elder sister to me. Succubi usually respect older female members very much, and I am no exception." Succubus Norma replied.
"Can different personalities have such a relationship? It's really interesting." Isidor said, grabbing the succubus's elastic butt and rubbing it for a while. Suddenly, the door was kicked open, and Fidna swung a greatsword at him.
Isidor woke up suddenly with fright and found himself lying on the bed. Fidna did not rush in, but knocked on the door rudely from outside.
Only then did Isidor realize that the succubus had the ability to enter dreams, and that he had actually met the succubus in a dream just now.
"Lazy dog, how long are you going to sleep? Today is the day we leave! Don't keep the boss waiting too long!" Fidna said loudly.
"Coming soon! Really, why are you in such a hurry?" Isidor quickly got up, washed, put on his clothes and opened the door.
"The boss has already bought a carriage, a big one pulled by four horses. It's spacious and beautiful. You'll definitely feel like a princess sitting in it." Fidna said excitedly.
“There are times when you fantasize about being a princess.” Isidor said with a smile.
"It's not me, I mean boss. Don't you think she looks like a princess getting married sitting in the carriage?" said Fidna.
"Not at all." Thinking of what he and Esna had experienced, Isidor shook his head honestly.
"You really don't know how to appreciate it. My boss is so beautiful and has such a good temperament. If I had a wife like her, I would fuck her until she can't get out of bed every day." Fidna said as she walked.
"It's really dangerous to be your wife... Wait, aren't you a woman? How come you have a wife?" Isidor followed him while complaining.
When they walked out of the courtyard and onto the street, Emmeline was already waiting there in a carriage.
"Hurry up and get in the car. We have to leave early so that we can reach our destination before dark." Esna lifted the curtain of the carriage and called out.
Isidor boarded the car first and saw that the compartment was indeed very spacious. Even with a lot of luggage and Iovia and Esna sitting in it, it did not seem crowded at all.
"Boss, here I come!" Fidna also jumped onto the carriage behind Isidor, but her face darkened when she saw the dark elf inside.
"I don't want to ride in the same car with this guy." Fidena said, turning her head away.
"Be obedient and don't lose your temper. Iovia is a scout. She will only rest in the car occasionally. Most of the time she will be outside scouting." Esna advised.
"No means no! Boss, you can deduct my salary if you want. Anyway, I will not sleep with such a meddling guy! Even my mother never controlled me like this!" Fidna said to the dark elf with disgust.
"Hey, don't deliberately make trouble! I have been restraining you during this period, but that is to prevent you from making trouble that cannot be resolved. If your identity as a vampire is discovered in a place like this, it will definitely be very troublesome." Iovia said dissatisfiedly.
"It's very troublesome. It will take several days and nights to kill all the humans in a city." Fidna said with fangs bared.
"I've had enough! I really can't be with such an idiot. Aisina, give me the weapon that can prevent regeneration so I can kill her!" Iovia was so angry that murderous intent was revealed in her eyes.
"The weapon that is most effective against the undead is on Fidna's back. Unfortunately, she also has the holy light energy brought by the paladin, so she cannot be hurt by the holy sword." said Esna.
"God is really blind! How could he bestow holy light on such a guy? Never mind, I have to explore the way anyway, so I'll just stay outside." Iovia vented a few words, but seemed to be afraid of embarrassing Esna, so she compromised in the end.
"No, you stay." Esna grabbed Iovia who was about to leave, turned to look at Fidna and said, "Fidna, go buy a good horse to ride. When Iovia goes out to scout, I will call you back to rest. This money is extra and will not be deducted from your wages." Esna said, taking out a few gold coins and handing them to Fidna.
"This is so bad. The boss has to spend money again." Fidna scratched her head embarrassedly, took the money and bought a horse, and then everyone successfully set off.
After the carriage left the city, the road conditions became worse and worse.
Isidor had not gotten enough sleep to begin with, and the carriage was shaking constantly, so he closed his eyes and lay down in a corner to rest.
Just as he was in a daze, he suddenly heard the conversation between Iowa and Esna:
"I'm curious, what do you think of him? Although he is an important link in opening the Cup of Babylon, I always feel that you have poured too much unnatural emotion into him," said Iovia.
"What do you mean by unnatural? I'm just doing things according to my own ideas. During the years in the Knights Templar, I was always bound by rules; after leaving the Knights Templar, I have always been bound by responsibilities. Only when I am with him can I feel a moment of relaxation and freedom." Esna said in a tired tone.
Isidor knew they were talking about him and woke up unconsciously, but he didn't want to interrupt their conversation, so he had to continue pretending to sleep.
"I think there are too many mysteries about him. Although some special species of goblins can evolve, he becomes stronger too quickly. I only taught him a few ways to move, and he was able to learn them quite well. He also learned your swordsmanship very quickly. Fidna also mentioned that when she practiced with him, he would use some strange summoning techniques. I'm not questioning your eye for choosing companions, but maybe you should get to know him better so that you can get along with him with ease." Iovia advised.
"He did hide something from me, but it doesn't matter. From the moment he stood up for me in the cave, I no longer had any doubts about him. As for his secrets, if he doesn't want to tell me, I won't ask any more questions." Esna smiled.
"You've changed. You weren't so gentle when you and Noelle led the Knights to massacre the dark elves' village." Iowa sighed.
Chapter 84: The Chosen Witch
"No way, I have always been gentle. Otherwise, how could I still be alive?" Esina said with a smile.
"Come to think of it, you should be my enemy. You killed all my people. But now I have to team up with you to go on an adventure. This is really incredible." Iovia sighed.
"It was because I hated doing this kind of thing that I left the Knights Templar. But I don't regret it that time. If I hadn't been there, you would have been buried alive by your own people." Esna said, shaking her finger.
Isidor was shocked when he heard this. He had always been curious about the relationship between Iovia and Esna, but he had never heard them mention it. He didn't expect that there was such a tragic past.
"They said I broke a taboo, a boring and unreasonable taboo. In a way, the demise of the dark elves is only a matter of time... Forget it, let's not talk about these things. Why didn't you tell Isidor about the spell on the base of the golden cup?" Iowa continued to ask.
"I can't explain what's on the pedestal for now. If I tell him now, I'm afraid he'll be suspicious. After all, the prophet's deeds are too legendary, and no one can connect him with a goblin." said Esna.
"It's so troublesome, but you're lucky you have the patience to do it - call Fidna in, I'm going to fulfill my scout duties and explore the way ahead." Iovia sat up and said.
"Go and call him yourself. I want to sleep." Esna stretched and then lay down.
"Go ahead. You know I don't get along with that guy." Iowa said in a negotiating tone.
"That's why you should communicate with her more. We will be partners for a long time, and we can't fail to trust each other," said Aisina.
Iowa complained, then opened the door and jumped out of the moving carriage.
Although the road conditions were very bad, the carriage was enchanted by Esna's wind magic, so it ran very fast. Before the sun set, they arrived at a small mountain village.
The village was small, with only 20 to 30 households. The villagers were dressed in rags and seemed to be busy collecting herbs that had been hung out to dry.
"Esina, is this a mistake? Why are we coming to a place like this?" Isidor asked curiously.
"The ancient capital of the elves is very far away, so we have to take a shortcut," said Esna.
"Shortcut? Is there some hidden portal here?" Isidor asked.
"There is no portal, but there is a secluded witch here who can cast long-distance teleportation magic. I plan to ask her for help to teleport us to the Far North, which will save us at least a few months of journey." said Esna.
"Ah? There is such a powerful teleportation magic? This is too cool, right? With such a powerful magic, wouldn't it be possible to travel around the world anytime and anywhere?" Isidor said enviously.
"This witch is also a 'chosen one', but unlike Noelle, her power is acquired later in life," said Esna.
“Are all the chosen ones so perverted?” Isidor couldn’t help but sigh when he thought about the powerful purifying effect of the knot made from a few strands of Noel’s hair.
"Okay, let's stop talking nonsense and go visit the witch - Fidna, please be polite to me later." Esna said, and led everyone to Zhiru Village, where they met the legendary witch in a wooden house.
Unlike what I imagined, the witch was very old, with gray hair, and she sat hunched over in a chair, with one skinny hand raised high, as if trying to reach something. There was something in front of her that was emitting a faint light, and I didn't know if it was an oil lamp or a candle.
"Dear witch, we need to go to a very far place, and for this we need your teleportation magic. As for the reward, I'm sure you will be satisfied." Esina bowed slightly to the witch and said respectfully.
"Little girl, can you really give me a reward that satisfies me?" the witch asked without turning her head.
"No problem. My partner and I are the best adventurers in the world. As long as it's a reasonable request, we can do it." Esna said without any modesty.
"How did you find this place? I have been in seclusion for a long time, and most of the people who knew of my existence should have died." asked the witch.
"About a hundred years ago, my teacher, Lord Nimuai, visited you, so I know where you live. You don't seem to be in a good mental state. I can mix a potion to heal your body and mind and restore your health." said Esna.
"Are you Nimuai's disciple? No wonder you are so confident. Very good, you and your companions are all good, you may indeed be able to help me." The witch turned her head and looked up and down at everyone with her cloudy eyes.
"You're too kind. I've only learned three of your skills," said Esina modestly.
"Nimue's three abilities are already enough to be proud of. I am willing to help you teleport, but there is one thing you need to do for me."
"Please give me your instructions," said Esna.
"My grandson has been spoiled by me since he was young. When he wanted to play in the maze of Mount Zhumo, I teleported him over and kept the entrance open, so that he could come back when he had enough fun. Unexpectedly, after going there several times, he was suddenly bewitched by the evil things in the maze and has not returned since. In the past two years, I have kept my right arm raised to maintain the teleportation magic, but except for the monsters that accidentally broke in, there has been no news of him. I hope you can bring him back." The witch's voice became sad when she said this.
"Although it may be a bit offensive, why don't you go by yourself? With your magic power, it should be easy to do these things." Esna asked.
"Child, everything has its price. The price of being able to use such powerful teleportation magic is that my lower limbs are completely paralyzed and I can't move a single step. Moreover, this magic cannot work on myself." The witch sighed.
"I see. I was rude. Then please send us to Mount Chamomile and we will find your grandson for you - as long as he is still there." Esna replied.
"You guys, put these fennel leaves in your mouths and don't spit them out no matter what happens, otherwise you will never come back." The witch said, and handed Esna a few leaf-like things with her empty left hand.
Aisina nodded, put the leaves in her mouth, and then distributed the remaining leaves to everyone.
Isidor put the leaf in his mouth and felt it was a bit bitter, but also had a strange fragrance, like chewing mint gum and his breath felt cool.
"Do I have to hold this in my mouth?" Iowa put the leaf under her nose and sniffed it, then frowned, obviously not liking the smell.
"Didn't you hear what the witch said? If you don't want to come back, then you don't have to suck it." said Esna.
"Well, I just think these leaves have a strong smell of coriander." After hearing this, Iowa had no choice but to put the leaves into her mouth with a bitter face.
"Boss, what should I do if I swallow it?" Fidna said in panic.
"There's no hope. Just wait to die!" Aisina laughed out of anger.
"It tastes good, I ate it without thinking... Please give me another piece! I promise to hold it in my mouth well." Fidna begged.
"Okay, since we have an extra one, I'll give you one." Esna had no intention of teasing her, so she gave her the remaining leaf.
"Once you are ready, you can set off." The witch said, and her right hand trembled slightly. The faint light in front of her gradually became brighter and larger, turning into an elliptical portal more than one person tall.
Chapter 85: Mental Pollution
Isidor looked at the portal in front of him, then looked back at the faint light in front of the witch, and then he realized that the faint light was neither a candle nor an oil lamp, but the teleportation magic that the old woman had been maintaining for two years. He couldn't help but feel a little emotional, what kind of power is family affection that can make such a haggard old man so determined?
"Then, please trouble the village chief to take care of the carriage and we will be back soon." After saying this, Esina led everyone into the portal.
This was Isidor's first time traveling by teleportation magic. Because he had a weak resistance to magic, the sensation during teleportation was extremely intense. It felt as if he was being swung around like a hammer for hundreds of times, and then was put in a carriage and driven a hundred miles on a bumpy mountain road. Not only was his head dizzy, but even his internal organs seemed to be out of place.
"Smell this and don't spit out the fennel leaves." Seeing that Isidor was not feeling well, Esna took out something similar to a snuff bottle, unscrewed the lid and put it under my nose.
Isidor took it and sniffed it, and immediately felt refreshed, and the discomfort was relieved a lot.
Only then did Isidor begin to look around. They seemed to be sent to a deep tunnel. There was no sunlight around, but there were some shiny stones embedded in the cave wall, so the view was still clear.
Behind them, the teleportation magic supported by the witch was still working, which made Isidor feel a little relieved.
"Esina, what exactly is Mount Shade of Demons? Why would the witch's grandson come here to play? I don't think there's anything fun to do here." Isidor asked.
"I've only heard about the Demon-Covering Mountain. I heard that in ancient times, there was a powerful monster that caused trouble. A paladin killed it, but the monster was reborn when it saw the moon. The paladin killed it fourteen times but failed to completely destroy it. In the end, he had to pray to the gods to send down a hollow mountain to cover the moon, which prevented the monster from regenerating. This is the origin of the Demon-Covering Mountain." said Esina.
"So, the monster is still in the mountains?" Isidor asked.
"Not necessarily. It's hard to tell whether this kind of ancient legend is true or not, so just treat it as a story. But Mount Chamomile is indeed hollow, and the tunnels inside are interconnected, making it a veritable maze. There are many strange creatures in it, just like a fairy tale world. Children are playful by nature, and maybe the witch brought him here once, and he couldn't forget it." said Esna.
"Let's go quickly and find that naughty kid and bring him back. I don't want to hold this thing in my mouth for too long." Iowa urged.
"Okay, let's set off now. I heard that there is a magic in Mount Chamomile that can make people forget their hometown, so everyone must hold the fennel leaves in their mouths. In addition, the caves here seem to be winding and it is easy to get lost. Everyone should pay attention and follow closely, and don't fall behind - especially Fidena!" Esna continued.
"You're nagging like an old nanny. Don't worry! I won't make such a low-level mistake." Fidna said disdainfully.
So the group of five (strictly speaking, only half of them were human) cautiously moved forward to explore the cave.
The caves here are really strange. Not only are they extremely deep, but there are also many forks in the road. It is indeed very easy to get lost.
After walking for about half an hour, they had already reached a place far away from the entrance. The sound of water could be heard in the distance, and the tunnel became much flatter.
At this moment, Isidor suddenly heard a strange voice:
"Do you want to eat it? No, wait a moment, it's so delicious. Come on, come on, I will let you enjoy the most wonderful pleasure in the world."
Then there was a creepy laugh - Isidor really couldn't tell whether it was crying or laughing, he just felt it was extremely weird.
"Esina, did you hear that? There was a very strange sound." Isidor asked hurriedly.
"It must be an illusion. I can feel traces of magic. There seems to be something unusual here. There should be many fairy-tale-like strange creatures in Mount Zhemo. But we have walked for so long and haven't seen anything. I'm afraid something happened here that caused those creatures to disappear." Esina said seriously.
"Esna, can you find the caster? I'll go and take care of him." Iovia said, pulling out a dagger.
Esna closed her eyes and concentrated. After a few minutes, she opened her silver eyes and scanned the area. Her brows furrowed further and further: "I can't find it. The space here has been specially treated and has become layered. Unless I maintain my silver eyes for a long time, I can't see through it at all. But if I do this, I will lose my combat ability. Everyone be careful! Don't answer any strange sounds, especially Fidena!" Esna added.
"I know, no need to say more... Ouch! It's all your fault for talking to me. I accidentally swallowed the leaf again! What should I do?" Fidna said in panic.
"I don't have any extra leaves, Iowa, tear off half of the one in your mouth and give it to her," Esna ordered.
"What? Are you serious?" the two people said in unison.
"Do you have any better idea?" asked Esna.
"But why her mouth? This is an indirect kiss. You want me to kiss such an idiot?" Fidna said in disbelief.
"Huh? You actually called others stupid?" Iowa said in shock.
