Last Dance (The True Finale) - 1
Grandfather was really preparing to leave, with Do-cheol and Gi-rin tucked under his arms. Those two were probably feeling indignant about their small size. If they'd been bigger, Grandfather might have thought twice, but unfortunately, Do-cheol and Gi-rin were only slightly larger than Buong—a bit bigger than a Welsh Corgi, roughly. Sadly, to a Hwagyeong master, two Corgi-sized creatures weren't even baggage. Honestly, it wasn't so much carrying them under his arms as it would be juggling Do-cheol and Gi-rin without breaking a sweat.
"Well then, this old man will head off first and prepare the banquet."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
In any case, crushed by the power of a Hwagyeong master and Grandfather's eccentricity, Do-cheol and Gi-rin stopped resisting and meekly let him carry them. Amid the chaos, Grandfather just laughed.
"By the way, Un-a. Come closer. I have something important to tell you."
"Yes, Grandfather."
I dragged my feet toward his final summons. It was already torture seeing Do-cheol and Gi-rin dangling limply from Grandfather's sides, but for him of all people to call me over for a private word? Grandfather, who bellows even from afar if he has something to say, had chosen a whisper. This felt ominous. What on earth was he about to—
"Congratulations on crossing the wall. I'd been waiting for you to tell this old man yourself, but you kept silent right up to the end."
Ah.
"Even though you have a Chojeoljeong Inspector Escort and your grandson-in-law who crossed it first by your side, there's no need to feel down about it. You're a genius who excels in both civil and martial arts, aren't you? If you'd focused solely on martial arts, you might have reached Chojeoljeong yourself."
Grandfather's pleased expression made my eyes twitch. I'd sent regular reports to Giwangjeo whenever anything unusual happened, but I'd kept quiet about breaching the Peak wall. I was afraid that if word got out, the Emperor or Jwa Do-eosa would say, "Peak realm? Then you can work even harder. Tour everywhere before coming back to Kaepyeong." But Grandfather had come here himself. A master far beyond me, who could gauge my realm at a glance the moment he saw me.
I forgot because I was so busy.
From the instant Grandfather arrived, my realm was exposed. I'd overlooked that obvious fact amid Do-cheol and Gi-rin's commotion. Even Grandfather hadn't said a word about it. And now, this was the price of my carelessness and forgetfulness.
Since Grandfather knew, everyone in Kaepyeong would soon find out my realm. I'd get orders to head somewhere else instead of Kaepyeong. Tears welled up.
Do-cheol, you bastard—you said you don't curse humans. What curse could be worse than this?
"We'll announce that you've reached Peak at the banquet."
"Pardon?"
His next words drew an involuntary retort. Unexpected. I'd figured Grandfather's personality would have him shouting it from the rooftops: our eldest grandson reached Peak!
"You fool. Do you think this old man, with all my years, wouldn't understand your worries? I want our grandson to come home soon, too."
"Gr-Grandfather..."
"So don't rush. Take it easy on the way back. Hasty moves only invite unnecessary trouble."
"I'll keep that in mind."
I bowed ninety degrees, and Grandfather patted my shoulder. The hand that had delivered thunder punches to Do-cheol felt warmer than anything to me, his grandson.
"By the time you return leisurely, Gi-rin might even start talking."
"...Talking?"
"She can't speak human tongue yet since she was just revived. Do-cheol was trying to kill her again while she was vulnerable."
I glanced at Do-cheol in shock at this unimaginable truth, and he shamefacedly averted his eyes. Yeah, this guy. He'd remembered exactly how many times he and Gi-rin had died. He must have resented dying more than her and ground his teeth over it. So when Gi-rin was weaker than him, he seized the chance for a double kill.
Even though he'd aimed for the kill, he'd lost his horn years ago in a draw, and now he was caught by Grandfather.
Pathetic, Do-cheol.
True to his title as one of the Four Evils, living up to his infamous name.
"Ah, tell those fellows I'll take good care of Gi-rin, so no worries. Honestly, it's like sending off a child instead of a king."
I couldn't help chuckling at Grandfather's grumbling. The "fellows" he meant—Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i—had been gazing at Grandfather and Gi-rin with anxious eyes ever since the kidnapping was decided. Even Grandfather felt burdened.
"I'll soothe them well."
"Good. I trust you."
With that, Grandfather soared north. He'd come alone, but left as three—a beautiful sight.
Thanks to Grandfather's promise of secrecy and his kind words, I left Gyeirim with a light heart. He'd clearly said to take it easy, that he wanted to see his grandson at home. This wasn't polite ritual; it was genuine.
At the very least, Grandfather will block Jwa Do-eosa's orders.
The heart of a grandfather eager to see his grandson. Wishing for his safe return without fuss. So during the journey from Gyeirim to Kaepyeong, Jwa Do-eosa couldn't issue me new directives. If she tried sending a letter, she'd have to mind Grandfather. Even a Hwagyeong master and one of Dochalwon's heads couldn't defy a founding merit subject and Ilja Wang like Grandfather.
Blood ties are the best.
Today, I was proud of Grandfather's blood flowing in my veins. Proud to be his grandson.
— Kki-iing...
"Don't worry too much. Grandfather isn't one to lie—he'll take great care of her."
That's why I worked hard to console the still downcast Kki-ing-i. It wouldn't do for my pet to misunderstand Grandfather. Our sturdy, bold, responsible, resilient Grandfather being resented would break my heart. As his grandson and Kki-ing-i's owner, I had to mediate with all my might.
I needed to instill faith that a glossy-furred Gi-rin would greet us in Kaepyeong upon return. Or maybe she'd be frolicking in the imperial palace instead of Giwangjeo. Either way, it was fine for her.
"Gi-rin is a divine being even to humans. No one would treat her roughly. Right?"
— Kki-ing...
Appealing to Gi-rin's dignity softened Kki-ing-i's eyes bit by bit. Yeah. Do-cheol might be different, but Gi-rin couldn't help but receive utmost reverence from humans. She's the king of furry beasts, a virtuous and sacred auspicious spirit, isn't she? Even a rational, mild-tempered guy like me lost it and charged Do-cheol when Gi-rin was in mortal danger—her value is that precious. And I'm a reincarnator with fewer biases; people of this era must feel it even more.
"Worrying this much over a beast you've just met. Gi-rin really lives up to her name."
Ak I-yeon, who'd been listening to my chat with Kki-ing-i, smiled softly.
"Yeah. It's almost jealousy-inducing."
"Hehe, but you're staying by Gaga's side instead of going with Gi-rin, aren't you? Gi-rin matters, but Gaga matters more."
"Is that so?"
Hearing it that way made Kki-ing-i seem all the more admirable. A pet choosing its owner over a king. How cool is that?
— Kki-ong!
Kki-ong-i, walking beside us, let out a short cry as if reminding us not to forget her. Who'd have thought the troublemakers from Hyeong-san would grow into this? This Left Vice Inspector was pleased.
"By the way, Gaga. We can't go straight to Kaepyeong without rest, so we should stop somewhere. Where to first?"
"Next destination?"
"Yes."
I pondered briefly. As Ak I-yeon said, direct from Gyeirim to Kaepyeong was impossible; we'd need breaks in other regions.
"So don't rush. Take it easy on the way back. Hasty moves only invite unnecessary trouble."
Hm.
Grandfather's words resurfaced. I couldn't defy his golden rule of leisure over haste.
"To Hyeongju-bu. Rest there first, then through Jangsa to Wuhuan."
"Uh... is that okay?"
"It's fine. No urgent business, right?"
A route hitting major cities anyone could see. Not a simple return, but one savoring rest and travel. But I was confident in my choice. Grandfather told me to take it easy. This wasn't laziness; it was filial piety toward him.
No work will come anyway.
Besides, even leisurely, no new tasks would fall on me. When else could I enjoy such ease? Better my first taste of leisure than a speedrun to Kaepyeong, only to face promotion drudgery.
"Hyeongju's near Hyeong-san, right? We'll visit Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i's hometown too."
— Kki-iing!
— Kki-oong~
At "hometown," Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i replied with excited voices. Even beasts hold homeland dear.
The madman Han Jung who raced to Gyeirim spouting nonsense has returned. The Ilja Wang who should guard Kaepyeong and Zhili keeps wandering off. Not content with going alone, he tried dragging me along in his insanity. I told him to fuck off with his bullshit and scram, but if I'd known, I should've just gone with eyes shut.
"...What the hell is that?"
"The black sheep is Do-cheol. The shiny deer is Gi-rin."
— Well, I'm not a sheep— never mind...
— Kki-ri-ring...
If I'd known he'd pick up the Four Evils and Four Auspicious Beasts, I'd have gone no matter what.
What the hell.
Not even a sigh escaped. Where to even start critiquing this? That the legendary Four Evils and Auspicious Beasts actually exist? That he kidnapped them straight to Kaepyeong? That these Four Evils and Auspicious Beasts are dog-sized? I don't know. My mind went blank white; no thoughts.
Four Evils, Four Auspicious...
A belated chuckle escaped. The world. To think those things are real beasts.
This'll bring out the Four Divine Beasts next.
The Central Plains are truly complex and bizarre.