Chapter 504: Day of Salvation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 504: Day of Salvation
“How’s Laveua?”
“I think she’s still crying.”
“Tsk.”
“She must be heartbroken. She adored her so much… Mev seemed a bit flustered, too.”
“Is it a relief that Lapura understands?”
“Yes.”
I had thought Kim Yoora would become independent, but I never imagined she wouldn’t return to the village at all.
Her last appearance before she left must have been her own way of saying goodbye.
It seemed the other children who took the test with her never imagined she would leave either. Nicole looked dazed on her return, and the wolf riders who had followed Kim Yoora also came back to the village with blank expressions. The same was true for the young warriors of the Goff and Black Spear Clans who knew her well. I could roughly guess what had happened after they left for the hunt.
It must have been an announcement. She would have declared her intention to leave the clan and become independent, refusing to return to the village with them. I thought there might have been a small scuffle, as I caught sight of Nicole’s swollen hand.
Separately, I recall that the beast Kim Yoora sent was enormous.
All she sent were a few letters. From the moment she passed the test, she was considered an adult, and with adulthood came the right to independence. So it didn’t seem like she had done anything particularly wrong, but a few people were openly disappointed.
The prime example was Laveua.
While she was friends who played with Nicole and Kim Yoora, to Laveua, Kim Yoora was also an older sister and a teacher. I had thought their bond was quite strong, so it was inevitable that she felt bitter about Kim Yoora leaving without a word. The image of her throwing the letter aside without even looking at it and storming into her tent, fuming, is still vivid in my mind.
‘Traitor! You’re a traitor! Sob…’
I explained the situation, but it would probably take some time for Laveua to understand.
In contrast to Laveua, a few of us, myself included, could understand why Kim Yoora had made such a choice. She probably lacked the confidence to say a proper goodbye if she came back here. Having made her decision, she didn’t want to waver.
“Are you disappointed?”
“I’m a little disappointed she didn’t say a final goodbye, but I have to understand. The child who never caused a single problem is giving me a hard time at the very end.”
[Thank you so much for everything.]
I murmured, looking at the piece of paper with that single sentence written on it. It was an incredibly simple phrase, but I could feel how much she had agonized over it. Not only were there traces of writing and erasing, but I could also see how difficult it must have been for her to write just that one line. She probably had so many other things she wanted to say.
“Yes. She probably wouldn’t have been able to leave if she’d come back here. She was such an affectionate child.”
“You think so too?”
“Yes, dear.”
“More importantly, have you confirmed her location?”
“Are you planning to go see her?”
At Choi Eunju’s words, I shook my head. As long as Kim Yoora is active as a Green Skin, she’s bound to cross paths with me eventually. It would be better to wait until her heart has settled rather than suddenly appearing and making her waver.
“I’m just worried, that’s all.”
“Are you worried about her being on her own?”
I nodded slightly.
“That’s part of it… but since they’re the kids who came here with Yoora, I want to give them a choice. It seems like a lot of them are cautiously trying to read the room.”
“Ah…”
“I’m going to talk to the children for a moment. Could you get things ready?”
“Yes.”
I stepped out of the tent and started walking. I had already spoken to Nicole, so she was probably waiting with the children gathered. As I opened the tent flap, I felt all eyes turn toward me.
Despite the minor issue, the coming-of-age ceremony had concluded successfully. The children wore expressions that said they didn’t understand why they were all here. For some reason, Nicole seemed to be cautiously watching me.
“So you’ve all gathered.”
“Yes.”
“You are all adults now. You are no longer young warriors, but of an age where you can act on your own will. I do not think Yoora made the wrong choice. It must have been a decision she made after much deliberation, and I can imagine it was difficult for her to return here to say goodbye.”
“Ah…”
“However, I am curious about your thoughts.”
“W-What do you mean…?”
“Some of you were born in the Blood Dagger Clan, but others came here with Yoora. I know better than anyone how much you all followed her. I am very happy that you think of me, but there is no need to maintain your loyalty to me out of a sense of duty. That is what I mean.”
As I finished speaking, a brief murmur rippled through the tent. I was sure they understood what I was saying.
“Does that mean…”
“Those who wish to stay may stay, and those who wish to follow Yoora may go. I will give you a hint as to where she went… and I can have you taken near her location.”
“Ch-Chieftain, are you perhaps… angry?”
“That’s not what I mean.”
I saw some who worried I was kicking them out. Of course, that wasn’t it.
“I simply want to leave it up to your choice.”
There were probably some among them who, in their hearts, wanted to follow Kim Yoora. It was highly likely that she had forbidden them from following her. Seeing the wavering eyes of a few, my guess seemed to be correct. It felt as though they were split into two groups: those who wanted to follow Yoora and those who wanted to stay.
“Nicole…”
“I-I want to st-stay with the Blood Dagger Clan.”
“Apachi…”
“I want to follow Yoora.”
I had expected Nicole to stay with the Blood Dagger Clan. About half of the wolf riders rose to their feet, and other children who had come with Yoora stood up as well. In total, about a third of the children who had just completed their coming-of-age ceremony chose to leave.
I was a little surprised that so many had chosen to remain with the clan. I nodded, stepped outside, and entrusted the children to Choi Eunju.
“Thank you for everything!”
“Thank you for all you’ve done!”
I didn’t have much to give them as parting gifts—just the bones and hides of beasts, enough food to last until they could establish themselves, and some weapons. But every one of the children shouted their thanks to me.
“Let’s meet again.”
“Yes.”
It truly felt like sending my own children off into the world. Following Choi Eunju, they would soon arrive near Kim Yoora’s location and head straight for her. I didn’t know where she planned to settle, but I felt a desire to watch over them until they were established.
I glanced up at the sky.
I had expected this, but now that the children had actually left the nest, I felt a bittersweet mix of relief and sadness. It was hard to put the feeling into words. It felt a little empty.
It was as if there was a hole in my chest, but the wind blowing through it felt somewhat cool. There was a bitter taste in my mouth, but a strange sense of pride lingered in my heart.
Naturally, I found myself wondering what they would be like when we met again.
I thought that I should call a Great Tribe meeting soon, and an involuntary laugh escaped my lips.
*
A little time passed.
The festival, which had seemed as if it would never end, was finally over, but its aftereffects lingered everywhere. A festival that had lasted so long was bound to leave some withdrawal symptoms. Mev, who had become engrossed in card games, continued to clutch her cards even after the festival ended. Those still high on the excitement of the fighting tournament were busy swinging their swords.
Although Kim Yoora and a few other children had left the tribe, their absence wasn't keenly felt. The place was bustling, and there was a never-ending stream of visitors to the Brother’s Land.
Lapura was learning a lot under my tutelage, and Laveua had emerged from her tent and thrown herself into training. Garia seemed to have some free time, as Jang Ye Ri and Ratga were still staying in the Brother’s Land. Baek Ahyeon, too, was making various excuses to remain, as if she didn’t want to leave for the Great Eastern Temple.
Thanks to this, we had many more family meals together.
The members included:
Choi Eunju, Jung Hayeon, Choi Seulgi, Jang Ye Ri, Mev, Baek Ahyeon, Laveua, Lapura, Ratga, and finally, Isaac was squeezed in.
- Delicious. Hehehehehehet.
It was an awkward setting for Isaac to attend, but including him in our family meals had been quite effective. His natural friendlessness was a source of stress born from loneliness. Once I made him recognize that he was within the family circle, not only did his work efficiency improve, but he also seemed to be looking forward to it for some reason.
Of course, the others didn’t seem too uncomfortable with Isaac’s inclusion either. He occupied a truly ambiguous position, but perhaps that was why everyone was able to accept him.
- Right, Wilson?
“..................”
Of course, I had never invited Wilson. But Isaac was the only one who paid any mind to Wilson.
“Dear, try some of this.”
“Laveua, you need to chew your food slowly.”
“How has work been lately, Ahyeon?”
“Ah. Actually, it’s been a while since I’ve been to the temple… I was thinking I should go back soon anyway. Saintess Jane is said to be studying the Eastern Continent’s temple as a reference for building one on the Western Continent… I believe she’s there now. That’s why I’m able to be here.”
“Oh… on the Western Continent too…”
“Yes. A grand temple will be built. Lady Choi Seulgi, you are welcome anytime.”
“I’d like to visit sometime.”
“................”
Various everyday conversations came and went. The mothers were taking care of the children, while Choi Seulgi and Baek Ahyeon talked about their hobbies. It was fair to say we were enjoying a rare moment of leisure. However, the relationship between Jang Ye Ri and Baek Ahyeon still seemed a little uncomfortable.
“................”
They had started exchanging a few words after Baek Ahyeon helped Ratga during the succession trial, but their conversations still made the atmosphere a bit chilly. Feeling the awkwardness of that atmosphere, I was just bringing a spoon to my mouth when it happened.
“Gag!”
“Gag!”
The sounds came from both sides at the same time.
“Huh?”
“Aaaah?”
It was Choi Seulgi and Baek Ahyeon.
The sight of the two of them dry-heaving in perfect sync was utterly bewildering. Choi Seulgi’s eyes were wide as she stared at me, while Baek Ahyeon slowly looked down at her own trembling body.
Naturally, the atmosphere in the room instantly skyrocketed. Choi Eunju shot up from her seat.
“Have you recently…”
“I… I don’t think I’ve had mine either, Lady Choi Eunju. I-I thought something felt strange with my body, but… surely… surely not…”
“C-Come to think of it, me too… I think…”
“May I check?”
“O-Of course.”
“Yes, Unni.”
Although there was precedent, pregnancy between a demon and a human was statistically almost impossible. Choi Seulgi, who had been singing about wanting a child, looked as if her smile stretched from ear to ear. Baek Ahyeon also seemed to be waiting for the results with a nervous expression.
“Congratulations, Seulgi.”
“FUCK!!! YEEEEEEEEEES!”
“……..”
Of course, everyone was startled when Choi Seulgi suddenly shot up from her seat. She ran over to me and hugged me so tightly that I was pushed back slightly. Voices of congratulations came from all around, and Lapura and Ratga wore bewildered expressions at the news of getting a younger sibling.
“You’ve done well.”
The wait hadn’t been long, so she didn’t shed tears or have an overly dramatic reaction, but she couldn’t hide her joy, which made me happy as well. With things turning out this way, it was only natural for all eyes to focus on the one person remaining. As everyone looked toward Baek Ahyeon with trembling anticipation, Choi Eunju opened her mouth with a regretful tone.
“I’m sorry… but it seems Ahyeon isn’t pregnant yet.”
“Ah…..”
The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. She wasn’t one to make a fuss and hadn’t mentioned wanting to be pregnant, but Baek Ahyeon seemed immensely disappointed.
“C-Could I ask you to check one more time?”
“Of course…”
There was no way Choi Eunju would make such a basic mistake. But seeing her request another check, it seemed she had her own reasons to be suspicious.
“I’ve felt like my body has been swelling recently. M-My period hasn’t come either. And I think I’ve dry-heaved a few times. S-So maybe I am…”
“I’ll check one more time.”
“P-Please, Lady Choi Eunju.”
She seemed more serious and earnest than ever before, but the response she wanted did not come from Choi Eunju’s lips.
“I’m sorry.”
As the short phrase echoed through the room, fat tears began to fall from Baek Ahyeon’s eyes, one after another.