Journey (3)
Journey (3)
Beyond the window, the scenery raced past.
Ellia, who had been admiring the landscape of white snow stretching in every direction, carefully lifted her glass.
The amber liquid didn't so much as ripple, even inside the train hurtling along the tracks.
"There isn't a single jolt during the whole journey."
As Ellia took a sip with a fascinated expression, Lee Ji-yeon, who was seated beside her, smiled gently and swirled her own glass.
"Since this facility is reserved for my family's distinguished guests, even the slightest discomfort is meticulously prevented."
"Does the Taesan Family have a train like this too?"
"Yes, since Taesan also doesn't place a gate in its inner core."
"Wow... factions really are on a different scale."
Ellia, letting out what felt like her umpteenth exclamation, looked around.
The tavern... no, cocktail bar where they sat. Beyond that, this massive locomotive was furnished with all sorts of facilities.
"Yeon-hwa and Professor Atra have disappeared again. Huh? A-rin and Senior Daera are gone too?"
"They were bickering among themselves, then headed off to play billiards."
"What? They went off to have fun without us!"
"Honestly, I think staying out of it when that group starts going at each other is the better option."
Liana, who had been sipping her drink, giggled.
"Getting caught in the crossfire would leave you in a sorry state."
"Ahaha..."
At Liana's joke, Lee Ji-yeon let out an awkward laugh.
...Honestly, it wasn't really a joke.
Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek A-rin. The memories of being tormented by them as a child were intensely vivid.
Atra and Daera. She'd gotten to know full well how fiery that master and disciple's personalities were.
They all pretended to be gentle in front of Lee Ha-yul, but every last one of them had a fierce temper.
"Looking at those people, you've really got to acknowledge that attribute ability users have strong personalities, you know?"
"Ah, definitely... but do White Night and Heavenly Thunder influence personality too?"
"I've heard they lean more toward affecting impulses."
Calamity Flame, Azure Sea, White Night, Heavenly Thunder.
All attribute-type unique abilities with unrivaled output. It's said that the stronger the output, the deeper the influence on one's personality.
"Then what about Ji-yeon unni's Taesan..."
"Taesan is the type that messes with your self-esteem rather than your emotions. If your sense of self is solid, the power rises, but if it wavers, the power wavers too."
But Taesan still messed with the manifester's psyche to some degree.
The fact that attribute abilities tend to strongly influence personality is already well known.
It's just that the people around Lee Ha-yul have proportionally stronger output, and therefore stronger influence.
"Then what about Ha-sol?"
"Huh?"
Abruptly, Ellia's head turned. The eyes of the others naturally followed.
Lee Ha-sol, who had been looking down at her glass with a strange expression, blinked at the attention suddenly directed her way.
"You mean me?"
"Yes, Ha-sol, you have an attribute type too. Gale, wasn't it? Your output is incredibly high. I was wondering if Gale affects your personality too."
"My personality, huh..."
Tilting her head, Lee Ha-sol searched her memory.
She'd only manifested Gale three years ago, at most. And since it was an independent manifestation, she was still in the process of learning about her unique ability.
Because of that, it was hard to give a definitive answer.
"...I think there is an influence."
"Oh? Gale does that too?"
But her personality had changed before and after manifesting Gale. Not to the point of an upheaval, but she was aware of a subtle shift in her behavior patterns.
Ellia gave a small nod and a smile, then naturally continued the conversation.
"Now that we've spent another whole day together, Ha-sol, is there anything that's making you uncomfortable?"
"Oh, don't even get me started. Every single person I run into asks me the same question. I'm so comfortable it's actually burdensome, honestly."
Lee Ha-sol waved her hands dismissively and smiled.
She had joined the party at the station before the locomotive departed.
Her official reason was to serve as a Tower Faith representative for discussions about the Tower Faith's range of activities within the Changhae territory.
Below the surface, there was also an intention to meet the wind-attribute ability user rumored for her extraordinary output.
Of course, she had also received an invitation from Lee Ha-yul.
For those reasons, she'd boarded the locomotive with the group and was also enjoying some sightseeing.
'It's been fun.'
Lee Ha-sol smiled to herself.
Perhaps because everyone was superhuman or a fairy-like other species, they were tirelessly busy running around. And they'd made a lot of memories along the way.
'I've felt it since the last time I visited, but they've all treated me favorably.'
There were still some who looked at Lee Ha-sol with guarded eyes, but their basic attitude was kind.
And people like those she was now sharing drinks with would approach her without any formality...
"Oh, Saintess of the Tower Faith? You're not enjoying any liquor?"
"Aah! You promised not to call me that!"
That mortifying word mercilessly severed her train of thought.
A horrified Lee Ha-sol whipped her head around. Ellia, covering her mouth, snickered. The corners of her eyes, not hidden by her hand, curved mischievously.
"Mmm? I wonder? I can't quite seem to remember~"
"You...! Are you being this brazen because you know exactly how many photos you took?"
"Hm... wasn't it a fair trade? The photos Ha-sol got were also quite valuable, weren't they?"
"This isn't anything dangerous, is it...?"
At the phrasing that invited misunderstanding, Liana made a complicated expression.
Still, she knew it was just playful bickering.
Shrugging, Liana filled her glass again, then with a subtle expression, poured a new glass and set it down beside her.
"Terramor, won't you stop standing there and take a seat?"
Ellia, Liana, Lee Ji-yeon, Lee Ha-sol.
As the four sat together drinking, Terramor, who had stayed nearby and volunteered to assist, bowed her head.
- No, Queen Liana. If there is anything you need...
"Hey, we're the ones who feel awkward watching you stand there."
- But...
- Newcomer! That drunkard Liana sharing her liquor is a rare thing, so hurry up and accept it!
- Ah, wait, pl-please don't push...
As Terramor hesitated, Liana's upper spirits, who had been munching on snacks amongst themselves, shoved Terramor's back.
Before she knew it, Terramor had been seated in a chair. She blinked, and then Liana's arm draped over her shoulders.
- Hii!
"There, there, have a drink. It's nothing special~ I just had something I wanted to ask you."
- Y-yes... I'll do my best to answer...
Terramor cupped the glass placed on the table respectfully with both hands.
She was fundamentally polite to the queens, but she was particularly weak against Liana.
It was because of Liana's unique ability, Spirit Affinity.
A unique ability that granted a fundamental affinity for spirits. It naturally applied to Terramor, who was a spirit of upper rank.
Of course, it wasn't enough to be compelled to obey orders, but among the queens, Liana was the most threatening...
"Just now, before you came back, where were you and what were you doing?"
- ...I was carrying out the King's orders alongside the spirits...
"Were you next to his doppelganger?"
How did she know.
Terramor's pupils trembled faintly. Her field of vision shook, and she realized the space to her left and right had somehow narrowed.
Before she knew it, the queens' attention had focused entirely on her.
"I'm curious too. When I saw my junior, it looked like he'd handed all his artifacts over to his doppelganger. Was there a need to use force?"
Lee Ji-yeon abruptly leaned in. Terramor's hands trembled finely.
Lee Ji-yeon, the manifester of Taesan.
Though an unclean aura of death energy occasionally flickered from her, the majestic presence of the great earth that even encompassed that could only feel intimate to Terramor.
- Th-that is...
On one side, Taesan, which conquers the earth. On the other, Spirit Affinity, which conquers spirits.
Faced with the temptation converging from both sides, Terramor squeezed his eyes shut.
"Why are you tormenting Terramor...?"
- Ah...!
That was the moment a ray of salvation arrived. The thoroughly deflated Terramor lifted his head.
Lee Ha-yul, his expression unreadable, opened the door and walked in.
- My king...!
"It's nothing. I was just curious about what our little one has been up to these past few days~"
"...I briefly cleared a dungeon with a doppelganger."
"Oh? Was it a dungeon so big that you had to take Terramor and the spirits with you?"
"...I was never in any danger."
[Really]
In the first place, what could possibly endanger a doppelganger? The only real threat was a 3rd-Rank monster, and I resolved that by sending the Tool Trio in.
"...Hmm, then that's a relief."
Having confirmed the truth of his words, Liana nodded and pulled over a chair, tapping it lightly.
Lee Ha-yul padded over and sat down.
Taking the hint, Terramor retreated. With a shrug of her shoulders, Liana stroked Lee Ha-yul's hair.
"Are Seo-yul and the faeries asleep?"
"Yes. They played all day, so they must have been tired—the moment they laid down, they were out."
Though Lee Seo-yul had grabbed onto me tightly and refused to let go, so I had to lie down with her for a while.
"It's lovely to see your fatherly love running so deep."
"But you escaped rather quickly today, didn't you? Judging by how easily she let you go, Seo-yul must have been tired after all."
"From the photos, I saw her doing acrobatic horseback riding. Pfft, Ha-yul's expression came out absolutely adorable."
"This day will definitely stay in your memory."
Those who had heard the story a bit late burst into laughter.
Lee Ha-yul, who had been smiling along with them, clamped his mouth shut at those last words.
"...Will it?"
It was a small murmur, but there wasn't a single person among them who failed to notice the subtle dejection in it.
The four of them exchanged glances.
A wordless communication that happened in an instant.
In the wake of a rapid-fire exchange that rivaled a Flame-type Unique Ability, the eldest among them, Liana, wrapped an arm around Lee Ha-yul's shoulders.
"Why is our little one feeling like this again... Is there something weighing on your mind?"
Lee Ha-yul, leaning into her embrace without resistance, worked his lips hesitantly. When the others waited without pressing him, Lee Ha-yul's lips finally parted.
"Will Seo-yul remember today happily?"
[Worried]
"Of course she will."
Lee Ji-yeon replied at once, gently rubbing the back of Lee Ha-yul's hand.
"Didn't you see Seo-yul's expression all day today? She looked so happy she could have flown."
"She literally flew, her wings fluttering."
"Which must mean she was that happy."
Both Ellia and Lee Ha-sol affirmed without the slightest hesitation. Lee Ha-yul's expression eased a little, but then he grew gloomy again.
"...Isn't it too late now?"
"What did you think was too late?"
"Seo-yul has already grown up so much."
Of course, that's separate from her mental maturity. No matter how tall Lee Seo-yul grows, to Lee Ha-yul, Lee Seo-yul is still a child just over a year old.
Nevertheless.
Memories built when the mind is younger and purer are precious.
Sometimes what kind of adult a child becomes is determined by the memories of their childhood.
"But now, after all this time... I couldn't even play with her properly all this while..."
- Sniffle
Lee Ha-yul sniffled. The women stiffened and hastily checked his condition.
His eyes were glistening, his nose red.
No, his whole face was flushed.
'Ah, he's drunk.'
Everyone had the same thought. The room reeked of alcohol. But he hadn't even touched a drop—how could he be drunk already...
"Oh dear, have you been keeping those kinds of thoughts inside?"
Even before those thoughts, an indescribable emotion struck their hearts.
The way Lee Ha-yul had been acting yesterday and today was the epitome of awkwardness.
A child who had always been the one to be cherished, acting as the one who cherished another.
For the women who had always held and protected Lee Ha-yul, this was an aspect that could only feel surprisingly touching.
But in the end, this is still Lee Ha-yul.
The protector's posture was undeniably sincere, yet it was nothing more than a fragile, still-immature child imitating an ideal parent.
Understanding that, Liana smiled softly and hugged Lee Ha-yul tightly.
"You did really well. All day today, you were such a kind and wonderful dad. Even we who were watching right beside you were amazed, you know?"
"That's right. This trip will definitely remain a precious memory for Seo-yul too."
"To say you were lacking is... it was just a difficult situation. Even when you couldn't sleep unless someone else put you to bed, you still made sure to spend time with Seo-yul, didn't you?"
Comfort and affectionate touches poured in from every direction. At that, the sniffles in Liana's arms gradually quieted.
"...Mm..."
"Aww, our crying baby. Have you finished crying now?"
"Nnngg..."
[Embarrassed]
[Happy]
[Smells like milk]
As Liana smiled teasingly, Lee Ha-yul wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and buried his face in her chest like a whining child.
This was the usual, affection-seeking Lee Ha-yul.
Giggling, Liana pressed a light kiss to the crown of Lee Ha-yul's head.
"It's getting rather late. Isn't our little one sleepy?"
"...I'm sleepy."
[Affirmative]
"You're already way past your usual bedtime. Goodness, of course you'd be sleepy. Let's get our little one off to bed too."
Indeed, his eyes were already half-closed. Liana rose to her feet with Lee Ha-yul still in her arms. Ellia's eyes widened as she stretched out a hand.
"But tonight, the turn is..."
"Weren't you all the ones who left him in my care?"
"Ah, oh no..."
Ellia's face showed she'd just realized her mistake.
Lee Ji-yeon's cheeks were slightly flushed, perhaps from the remaining alcohol, and Lee Ha-sol stared at Lee Ha-yul in Liana's arms with a complicated expression.
Patting Lee Ha-yul's back, Liana headed toward the bedroom.
"Right, you didn't eat lunch properly either, did you? Before bed... no, how about we eat until you're full, then fall asleep?"
"Mm..."
[Hungry]
"Okay, okay, just wait a little... I'll feed you very soon..."
- Click!
The door closed.
Glancing around, the spirits that had been nibbling on snacks and finger foods began to follow the victorious Liana one by one.
- Click!
The door opened. Opening the door on the opposite side, Hong Yeon-hwa stepped in, blinking her eyes.
"Huh? Where did Professor Liana go?"
"She won and departed leisurely."
"?"
Ellia replied while clenching her fist.
* * *
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...
[@#%*)@$*&)@????]
[The Tower Master of Harmonization manifests the Authority "Harmonization"]
[System synchronization in progress...]
...
[｢Player Correction System｣ synchronization...]
[Remaining Points - checked]
[｢Pioneering Progress｣ checked]
[｢Blueprints｣ checked]
[｢Measurement｣ checked]
[｢Trading Window｣ checked]
[｢Affection｣ checked]
...
[｢Savior Correction System｣ synchronization...]
[｢Pioneering Progress｣ checked]
[｢Evil Annihilation Progress｣ checked]
[｢Salvation Progress｣...]
...
[The Tower Master of Harmonization folds her arms seriously.]
[How the he%@ did you *&t into the Sa$ior %stem?]
...
[??? is ???]
[#%#)*$#*)$@)?]