Chapter 376: Mev! Awakening!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 376: Mev! Awakening!
‘Who is that…?’
That was my first thought as I watched Mev lead the humans into the tent. I knew she had changed, but I had never expected it to be to this extent.
Her wings shimmered, her eyes were calm and composed, and every single gesture, from the movement of her hands to the placement of her feet, was filled with dignity. This wasn't the etiquette of the Green Skins. To be precise, it would be more accurate to say she resembled Jang Ye Ri. It seemed she had unknowingly chosen Jang Ye Ri as her role model, but there was a clear difference between them.
If Jang Ye Ri could be compared to unbreakable steel, then Mev was incredibly gentle. I wasn't sure if her original personality played a part, but it felt like I was looking at a princess from some faraway kingdom. Considering her role model had been raised as a princess, it was, in a way, a natural development.
The crown she had gained upon evolving into a High Fairy Queen was always glowing. Her body was the same. It was actually dust falling from her wings, but the shimmering particles that scattered as she moved only enhanced her graceful presence.
‘Ha…’
The change was so drastic my jaw dropped.
The Queen of the Green Skins, Mother of Green Skins Mev—I found myself thinking she was worthy of such a title.
My mouth hung wide open. Beside me, Choi Seulgi and Jang Ye Ri looked as if they were suspecting this wasn't Mev at all, but the Doppelganger, Lee Wanyong. After stepping out from the group of humans and briefly exchanging nods with me, the two of them began staring at me as if to ask if that was really Mev. Just as I shook my head, Mev, standing at the very front of the group, quietly spoke.
“This is Blood Dagger, the Third Great Tribe Leader of the Land of Glory and Chieftain of the Blood Dagger Clan. Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor…”
As soon as Mev finished speaking, the other humans placed their hands over their chests and bowed to me. It seemed she had already taught them the greeting of the Land of Glory before they arrived. With all the humans greeting me, I couldn't just stand there. I briefly took my eyes off Mev and spoke quietly.
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor… It is a pleasure to meet you all. As I was just introduced, I am Blood Dagger, the Third Great Tribe Leader of the Land of Glory. But let’s not stand here. Please, everyone, have a seat.”
“Great Tribe Leader Blood Dagger. The guests who have come from afar have brought various gifts. They are presents sent from the human clans and guilds. Would you care to take a look?”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
Of course, I nodded at Mev’s words. As I did, she quickly signaled the humans, who nodded back and quietly began to take their seats. The current rulers representing the East, led by Jang Ye Ri; the North, led by Choi Seulgi; and the West and South also sat down, waiting for their retainers to bring the gifts inside.
Mev had, at some point, stuck close to my side and was now watching the humans. As expected, the first to speak was Jang Ye Ri.
“From Garia, the great city of the East, we have prepared this item to celebrate the inauguration of my husband, the Third Great Tribe Leader Blood Dagger.”
The moment she finished, the tent flap opened, and members of the Greenbelt Clan, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, slowly entered. When they lifted a large cloth, a chair was revealed.
“A throne, made only for you.”
“Thank you…”
It was a throne made of weapons. The sight of countless swords and other bladed weapons embedded in its backrest was imposing. It was somewhat crude, but it was a throne that suited me perfectly. What was surprising was that the items used to make it were no mere trinkets. Of course, it would be unfair to compare them to the items I possessed, but anyone could see that it was constructed from high-tier items.
It was impossible to put a price on it, and with its numerous magical enchantments, it probably wouldn't even be uncomfortable to sit on. It was durable enough to be used as a shield, but more than anything…
‘It looks incredible.’
It was truly magnificent.
“It won’t be as uncomfortable as you think. You’ll see once you sit in it.”
“Thank you, Jang Ye Ri.”
“It’s for my one and only husband. It’s only natural.”
This couldn't have been made overnight. She had probably intended to give it to me for some time and had just found the right opportunity.
Once Jang Ye Ri’s turn was over, Choi Seulgi, who had come on behalf of the Queen of the North, spoke up immediately.
“Please take a look at the gift from us in the North as well.”
As Choi Seulgi finished, people from the North began to enter the tent. What they brought in was a mannequin. I could see that something was draped over it.
‘A cloak?’
It was a cloak designed to cover not just the back, but the entire body. It wasn't a flashy sort. To be honest, its appearance made it an unsuitable gift.
Not only was its color incredibly drab, but frayed spots were visible here and there. It was even torn in several places. If I had judged it by a casual glance, I might have been a little disappointed, but I was not one to make such a mistake.
‘Heh…’
“It’s an item we found during an expedition on the Northern Continent. It’s called the Hermit’s Cloak. We also had it upgraded at the shop a few times. It doesn’t look like much… but you’ll probably be surprised when you actually wear it.”
“Thank you. Please extend my thanks to the Queen of the North as well.”
Choi Seulgi nodded at my words. I hadn't praised it with all sorts of flowery language, but I thought she could probably guess how I felt from my expression.
‘This is a treasure.’
This item was on par with the ones I owned. The Queen of the North might not have worn it, finding it cumbersome, but it was different for me. It would be incredibly effective even if I only used it to conceal the weapons I carried.
I wanted to run over and examine it more closely right away, but the others were still waiting their turn, so I reluctantly forced myself to look away from the gift from the great city of the North.
Seeing how pleased I was, Choi Seulgi’s expression brightened. When I sent her a subtle glance, she returned to her prim expression, but it seemed she was in a good mood as well. Like that, gifts continued to pour into the tent. It reached a point where we couldn't even keep the later gifts inside. I saw everything from items that must have cost the small cities a fortune to the eggs of rare magical beasts and all sorts of precious things I had never seen in my life.
‘Power really is a good thing.’
It was no wonder I had such a thought. These were not things one could obtain simply by having a lot of gold or military might. Some of them held a value that made them untradeable, no matter how much gold was offered.
It was astounding to see things like a high-class spice set from a Baobab Turtle, which could permanently increase one’s stats just by being used in cooking. The continent was larger and more wondrous than I had ever imagined.
The overly expensive and grand gifts were naturally a bit burdensome, but they also showed how importantly these people viewed the Green Skins, so of course, I was pleased. The corners of my mouth began to creep upward.
Just then, another voice cut in.
“Please take a look at the gift we have prepared as well.”
“Hmm…”
“My name is Jeong Jina. I have recently established myself in a small city in the West.”
It was a face I’d never seen before. I had heard that new humans were constantly pouring into the West and South, and that quite a few from the East and North had also come to engage in various activities, but I had never seen a face like hers.
What was a little unusual was that her outfit was quite revealing. It was so much so that I felt awkward, not knowing where to look. It didn't seem like she was openly trying to seduce me, but anyone could see from Choi Seulgi’s and Jang Ye Ri’s expressions that they were uncomfortable with her attire.
Don’t get too close to her.
Do you know this woman?
I know her as a woman who appeared after the Northeast Alliance War. She’s talented, ambitious, and above all, smart. She weighs every gain and loss and is as cunning as a snake. Crucially, she’s arrogant and decisive. She’s already expanding her influence, centered in the West, so there are rumors circulating that a new queen may soon emerge. Though even that might just be part of a media campaign she started herself. Isn’t she trying to confuse you right now with those sly eyes and that outfit?
I’m not particularly confused…
She must have heard that you have a fondness for human women.
Ugh…
If you find it hard to believe me, try showing a positive reaction. You’ll see how pleased that little upstart will be.
There was no need to act.
“I see. I am not well-versed in the affairs of humans, so please overlook my earlier mistake.”
“Not at all. I understand. It hasn't been long since I arrived here, so it’s only natural that you wouldn't know of me.”
The moment I gave her a welcoming smile, a message from Jang Ye Ri shot into my mind.
That doesn’t look like acting.
Of course not. It’s clearly an act.
“Please, take a look at the item we have prepared.”
As the slightly smiling Jeong Jina raised her hand, a burly man quietly brought an object into the tent. It was a type of object I had never seen before. Here, at least.
‘A firearm?’
That’s…
I’ve never seen anything like it either. Heh… How absurd. So that’s why the sly little wench was so confident.
“It is an item I acquired by a stroke of luck. We call it a magic gun. Originally, it uses gunpowder, but since gunpowder is unavailable here… I was told it uses magic instead.”
“An unfamiliar object. It doesn't seem to be from this continent…”
“As sharp as ever.”
She’s had a skirmish with the Western Continent. It’s something even we didn’t know about. Choi Seulgi doesn’t seem to know either.
………….
When I glanced at Choi Seulgi, she too was staring at the woman with a dumbfounded expression. We had been attempting to explore the Western Continent for a long time. The efforts were being led from the Brother’s Land, but it was a stretch to say we had achieved any significant results yet.
And now, I had suddenly discovered a huge clue right here.
“I would like to arrange a separate meeting later to discuss various matters.”
Seeing from my expression that she had gained confidence in what she possessed, Jeong Jina smiled quietly. It was an unmistakably seductive look.
“I would very much like to hear what you have to say.”
“I am overjoyed that you have shown such interest.”
As Jeong Jina bowed her head slightly, her chest came into view, but it was sorely lacking compared to the Half-Minotaur Wingrin. She seemed to have some confidence in it, though. Of course, sparks flew from the eyes of Jang Ye Ri and Choi Seulgi as they watched her.
I glanced to my side and saw that even Mev, who wasn't usually jealous, had a deeply scrunched expression. Her body was trembling, and it seemed she was displeased by such a blatant display in the presence of herself, the chieftain’s woman.
With the woman named Jeong Jina, the time for receiving and inspecting gifts came to an end. Once things had settled down, Mev, as expected, spoke quietly.
“Th-Then, I will quickly prepare the meal. J-Just a moment.”
I could see sweat beading on her forehead. Come to think of it, she had been through a lot these past few days. She probably hadn't even slept properly, so she must be exhausted. I gently patted Mev’s shoulder and spoke.
“There’s no need for you to go. It would be better for you to rest and enjoy yourself here with us.”
“Chief…?”
“Have them bring in the food to welcome our guests.”
The instant I spoke, the Green Skin mothers began to pour in from outside the tent. Mev, looking touched, was on the verge of tears. None of this had been an easy task, but for Mev, it must have been a challenge of a lifetime.
I pulled Mev a little closer to my side, and with that, the feast began.