Chapter 236: A Sudden Reunion
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 236: A Sudden Reunion
[ Jang Ye Ri ]
[ ...................... ]
[ Jang Ye Ri.... ]
[ It’s been a long time. So long, in fact, that I was beginning to forget the sound of your voice. I heard you were expanding into another continent, but to not send a single message to your lover… I must say, it feels rather cold... ]
The moment I called her name, her voice, laced with pressure, pierced through. But this wasn't the first time I'd spoken with Jang Ye Ri. When she had come to the settlement to spend time with Mev and Laveua, we had contacted each other a few times.
[ Ahem... ahem... Didn't we speak just the other day? ]
[ Yes, we did. Along with your lovely fairy and her daughter. Are you planning to never contact me for the rest of your life unless I reach out first? I knew you were an indifferent man, but you are far too indifferent. Far too much... So, you don't bother with the fish once it's caught, is that it? ]
[ Hmmm... ]
I didn't have much to say. Everything Jang Ye Ri said was true.
[ Fine, hurry up and state your business, my indifferent, beloved man. You only called because you need something again, didn't you? You're always like this. You only call when you need something. I'm always the one left wanting... It's quite sad, sometimes. ]
When she pressed me like this, I was truly at a loss for words. Jang Ye Ri always projected an air of confidence and independence, but she had moments like this when she'd put me in a difficult spot. She was, surprisingly, the type who wanted to be loved, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to say something a little cheesy.
[ It's true I called because I had business to attend to today, but I haven't forgotten you. I simply couldn't call because I was busy, so I hope you can be a little patient. I, too, am pleased to hear your beautiful voice. ]
[ ............................ ]
[ You're always all talk... But it's not a bad feeling. ]
Thankfully, she seemed to have cheered up a bit. Since I had to go to the eastern city with Choi Eunju to pick up Lee Wanyong soon anyway, I figured I'd be able to see her in person shortly.
[ It's not just talk. I will come and see you myself today. ]
[ Is that true! ]
[ It is. ]
Her voice came back, sounding overly excited. She seemed so happy that my own mood lifted as well. My main purpose was to retrieve Lee Wanyong, but I found myself thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend some time with her while I was there.
[ I will prepare for your arrival, my love. Since it has been so long since you've visited the castle, I shall treat you with the utmost care. Hahaha... Only good things have been happening lately. ]
[ I see. ]
Her spirits were certainly high. Being welcomed so extravagantly was a little burdensome, but seeing Jang Ye Ri this happy made me think I should visit the East more often. The sooner the better, so I thought it might be a good idea to bring Baek Ahyeon along and hold a meeting with her and Lee Wanyong. I immediately summoned Baek Ahyeon and Choi Eunju.
[ Then I will leave right away. ]
[ W-Wait. N-No, never mind. Since your mind might change. I have things to do as well, so it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to come to the city first. I'll have a room prepared for you. Lee Wanyong will guide you there so you can rest for a bit. ]
[ Understood. ]
A little while later, Choi Eunju and Baek Ahyeon entered the room together. Standing there with expressions full of anticipation, the two of them quietly spoke.
"Honey, what is it...?"
"My Savior."
As they say, it's best to strike while the iron is hot. I looked at them both and spoke.
"We will be staying in the eastern city for about a day. Prepare at once, and we will depart. Baek Ahyeon, inform Jung Hayeon and Hakajin of this, then return here."
"Ah! Y-Yes!"
"As you command."
Seeing Baek Ahyeon, who had become even more deferential after her evolution, I could feel that she truly thought of me as a god. Choi Eunju's state was no different than usual. I had recently consulted with Alisha about her, and she had confirmed that the suggestions I had implanted were firmly in place, which was reassuring. However, I couldn't help but wonder if Choi Eunju had trapped herself, her desire to believe I was her former husband being the greater force.
In any case, at my command, the two of them quickly went outside to start packing. There wasn't much to take, but seeing Choi Eunju packing my things along with her own stirred up a strange feeling in me.
"Where exactly should we go?"
"To the castle in the eastern metropolis of Garia."
"Understood."
The incantation began, and space started to tear open. I stepped into the rift. It was an astonishing ability, no matter how many times I saw it. As far as I knew, she was the only spatial magic user on the continent. Having someone with such an ability under my command was incredibly reassuring. I found myself looking at Choi Eunju, and she gave me a faint smile. Holding her hand and Baek Ahyeon's, I teleported to the eastern metropolis of Garia.
*
Lee Wanyong was anxiously biting his fingernails. His life didn't feel like his own lately. Working in the East wasn't bad. In fact, his workload was much lighter than it had been in the Brother's Land, and his life was quite comfortable.
He could eat meals prepared by first-class chefs and had managed to save a good amount of gold, so he would sometimes go outside the city and spend lavishly. But that wasn't the problem.
"Oh my? Is there something on my face?"
"N-No, not at all."
The problem was Choi Seulgi, who was right in front of him. The alliance had technically been finalized that day, save for a few minor clauses. There were still various miscellaneous tasks to handle, but they weren't things that someone of Choi Seulgi's standing in the North would normally handle personally.
At most, it was just receiving the promised goods and resources or organizing a few documents. Yet, she was still here, which naturally made him uneasy. She would probably never leave this place until she had checked every single person in the East named Kim Taesung. That was the very reason Lee Wanyong was working so desperately right now.
He thought that once the search was over, the woman would disappear. Because Jang Ye Ri's father, Jang Gi Young, had managed the city so poorly, there was no proper administrative system in place. Thanks to that, the time he had to spend with this woman was only getting longer. He could have done the work alone, but she insisted on coming over to "cheer him on," which was utterly absurd.
Damn it...
Damn it... damn it... That son of a bitch Jang Gi Young. A guy like that was playing king, so of course the city ended up like this. The great Blood Dagger's victory was a foregone conclusion. Choosing the East from the start was a mistake.
The East had never recognized his talents in the first place. He had merely eked out a living as a slave trader, so he was energized by the chance to work in such an important position, but he wanted no part of working with this woman.
Naturally, the nightmarish memory still hadn't faded. Every time he saw Choi Seulgi's face, his knees would go weak and a cold sweat would soak his entire body. He couldn't help but watch her every move, like a mouse before a snake.
"Mr. Wanyong, you're truly competent. I can see why the Queen of the East values you so much. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but we only established our resident registration system in the North a short while ago... I'm surprised you could do this so quickly. I'd like to offer you a scouting proposal to the East sometime. Haha."
I'm not going, you crazy bitch. Absolutely not. I wouldn't go even if you offered me a fortune. No way.
Seeing her smiling sweetly, as if she knew nothing, sent an even greater chill down his spine. Lee Wanyong cursed her internally before quickly lowering his gaze.
"It's an... an honor, Ms. Choi Seulgi."
"Oh, come on... You're older than me, you don't have to keep using such formal language. Just call me Seulgi."
Fuck...
He almost let the curse slip out. He had considered the possibility that what happened that day was just a dream, but the quick-witted Lee Wanyong knew it was no dream. It had felt far too real. It was probably related to her unique ability. That was precisely why he was trying so hard not to look Choi Seulgi in the eyes.
He believed her ability was activated through eye contact.
"By any chance... do I make you uncomfortable?"
I am uncomfortable. Yes, I'm uncomfortable.
His inner thoughts and his spoken words were completely different.
"N-No, not at all. How could I be? It's just that I'm more comfortable with formal speech."
Just when he thought he couldn't stand it any longer, the door opened and Park Han Cheol appeared.
"Ms. Choi Seulgi, excuse the intrusion."
"Ah... yes."
"Lee Wanyong. The Queen summons you."
He couldn't help but cheer inwardly. She didn't usually call for him often, so she must have some business. Lee Wanyong shot up from his seat and spoke.
"Ah! Understood. I'll go at once. Th-Then, Ms. Choi Seulgi, please excuse me."
"Of course."
He felt like he could finally breathe a little. Forcing himself to ignore Choi Seulgi's strange expression, Lee Wanyong hurried toward where the Queen of the East, Jang Ye Ri, was. Ever since he had cautiously brought up the idea of returning to the Brother's Land, Jang Ye Ri had been intentionally avoiding him. Vowing to settle things this time, he entered her office, only to find her surrounded by the castle's handmaidens.
"Your Majesty, I was told you summoned me."
From the maidservant doing her hair to the women applying her makeup, to those bustling about with clothes and undergarments, the scene was as chaotic as a warzone. Even her nanny, who was said to have raised Jang Ye Ri for a very long time, was watching her with a solemn expression, exuding an unusual aura.
"Oh my, oh my! Your Majesty, you look so beautiful."
"This nanny is so very happy. That hairstyle suits you well."
"Ahem... Thank you for the compliment, Nanny. But I don't wish to show my broken horn."
"I'm sure he will love even that part of you."
"That's right. Our Queen is so beautiful."
"Hmm... It's very reassuring to hear that you all feel that way. I'm glad to have you all..."
It was a conversation he didn't understand, but he quickly caught on. Seeing Jang Ye Ri like this, the reason was obvious.
B-Blood Dagger-nim!
He had heard she'd acquired a spatial magic user, so he must be coming to the castle. Or perhaps he would go to the new eastern continent Jang Ye Ri had acquired. Lee Wanyong forced himself to hide a smile of joy as he spoke again.
"Lady Jang Ye Ri! I... I was told you summoned me."
"Ah, yes, that's right. My husband said he is coming, so you will escort him to his room first. It seems things will take a little longer here. I'm not entirely sure, but it seems to be a matter that requires you, so you should prepare to leave as well. What of the task I entrusted to you?"
"Ah... ah! Yes. It's nearly finished."
"Then there should be no problem. He will likely arrive in the conference room."
"Yes! Understood!"
Jang Ye Ri's voice rang out like that of an angel.