Chapter 202: Attention
Chapter 202: Attention
Following Sung Yubin's lead, we passed through the main gate.
The moment we stepped inside, the Golden Lion Clan House finally revealed its magnificent interior. As I scanned the scenery before me, I felt a pang of regret. Of course, their future was no longer certain, but it seemed a waste that such a fine facility might one day be trampled under the feet of Vagabonds.
We matched our pace and walked along the smooth, central path among the several branching walkways. As we made our way toward the Geumho Hall, I was able to get a better look at the grounds.
The main building stood firmly at the center, with the annex peeking out from behind it, as well as other structures that looked like barracks, dormitories, and training grounds. Each and every facility was certainly well-equipped enough to be called top-of-the-line.
But that was all. While the interior was splendid enough to inspire awe, it gave off a strangely bland and empty feeling. After observing my surroundings for a while, I soon found the reason. It was a desolation born from the sheer lack of Users.
I’d heard the Golden Lion Clan currently had just over 400 members. Of course, 400 couldn’t be considered a small number. But compared to the 1,400 members they boasted during their prime, it was an undeniably poor showing. For instance, the procession of extravagant Users that had caused such a stir during the expedition’s launching ceremony was nowhere to be seen.
The sense of loss from the absence of 1,000 people was beyond imagination. It wasn’t just that people were missing; it felt as if the deep pain of losing comrades permeated the air. If I, a newcomer, could feel it this strongly, how immense must the Golden Lion Clan members’ own sense of loss be? It was almost pitiful to see them trying so hard to project an image of strength amid it all. I clicked my tongue inwardly and let out a quiet sigh.
“Mercenary Lord Kim Soohyun. If you don't mind, may I ask you a question?”
As we walked in silence, Sung Yubin, who had been walking closely beside me, spoke up. When I turned my head, I saw her cautious expression. Seeing her face, an unidentifiable sense of pleasure welled up from deep within me. As I examined the feeling more closely, I soon understood its nature.
It was a mix of superiority and the desire to conquer, feelings that perhaps only men could understand. In other words, Sung Yubin was putting on that expression intentionally. She was a woman who knew how to handle men's emotions.
Objectively speaking, she had a rather pretty face. But she seemed to have a bit of an attitude (actually, a lot), and more importantly, her skinny frame wasn’t my type. Recalling the Alignment I had seen with my Third Eye, I quickly composed myself. Then, with a calm expression, I gave a slight nod.
“Yes. Go ahead.”
“Thank you for allowing me. It’s just that, Mercenary Lord, didn’t you happen to complete the User Academy six months ago?”
“Yes. I did.”
“Hoho. I remember you graduated at the top of your class. If I’d known things would turn out like this, I would have done anything to hold onto you then. Ah, what a shame.”
According to Ko Yeonju, the clan’s promotional materials were distributed at dawn. Or perhaps they’d known since they investigated our dealings with the Beech Tree Clan. Of course, what Sung Yubin said wasn’t exactly top-secret information. My rejection of the Golden Lion Clan’s offer back then was something of an issue, so it made sense that a User or two would remember.
In any case, one thing was certain: the Golden Lion Clan was making some moves of its own. Hearing her question, I could feel that their focus was, at least in part, on me.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the atmosphere naturally softened. As if waiting for this moment, Sung Yubin subtly changed the subject and said something unexpected.
“Hoho. I read your promotional record with great interest. A Secret Class, you said? Congratulations. Ah, speaking of which, the girl walking behind me is also a Year 0 User with a Secret Class. I believe she entered the Hall Plain around the same time as you, Mercenary Lord-nim….”
After she finished speaking, she glanced back. A moment of silence passed. There was no response from behind. It was only for a split second, but I clearly saw Sung Yubin’s face contort.
Soon after, a quiet voice drifted to my ears from behind.
“…Yes. He…llo….”
“Mm. Yeah, Hanbyul-ah. It’s been a while.”
“…………Yes.”
I slowed my pace slightly and turned my head back. But Kim Hanbyul still wasn’t meeting my eyes. She was staring down at the ground, biting her lip.
It had been a long time since I’d heard Hanbyul’s voice. But she must have suffered a great deal, because her tone was completely devoid of life. Compared to how she used to argue sharply and articulately, I almost doubted if this was really the same Kim Hanbyul.
As the awkward exchange between us unfolded, Sung Yubin quickly jumped in.
“Ho, hoho. Please understand. I think she’s still a bit awkward.”
“Ah, yes. It’s fine.”
She quickly fixed her expression and tried to act charming. On the outside, I smiled with a good-natured expression, but inwardly, I scoffed. The strange feeling I’d had since I first saw them could now be roughly understood from the interaction between Sung Yubin and Kim Hanbyul. The excuse that she was like this due to the shock of participating in the expedition would have been more believable.
It seemed the Golden Lion Clan didn’t know the full details of my relationship with Kim Hanbyul. It looked like Hanbyul had hidden some things. Then again, if they knew the whole story, they wouldn’t have pulled a stunt like this.
After that minor incident, we finally arrived at the Geumho Hall. On the roof of the ivory-colored building, a sharp, spear-shaped statue boasted a gallant form, as if it were about to pierce the sky. We climbed the stone-carved stairs and opened the door, revealing a spacious assembly hall. Across the hall was a large door made of gleaming, polished wood. I figured that opening that door would lead us to the meeting room, our destination.
Walking through the light cast by the Light Stones embedded densely in the walls, we closed the distance to the door. As the door loomed larger, I spoke in a low voice.
“Are we the first clan to answer the call to arms?”
“What? Ah, no. You’re the second, to be exact. Another clan arrived before you.”
I hadn't really expected anyone else to be here, so the answer was surprising. I tilted my head slightly. I wanted to ask which clan it was, but we reached the door while I was still pondering.
“Well then, we will return to the main gate. We need to guide the others who will be arriving soon. Once inside, there are designated seats for each clan. Please take your seats there.”
“Understood. Thank you for guiding us.”
Sung Yubin bowed politely at my words and then opened the door for us herself. The crack in the large wooden door slowly widened before it swung fully open in an instant. The meeting room visible through the open door was so vast it could have easily fit the entire first floor of Ko Yeonju’s The Demure Lady Inn with room to spare.
I was just about to step inside. Just then, I sensed a complex gaze fixed desperately on me. I instinctively turned my head toward it and saw a flash of blue-black hair as she turned away. It seemed she had averted her gaze the moment she saw me look over.
Before I knew it, the people who had guided us were already walking away. I stared blankly at her retreating back as she walked away with weary steps, then tried to look back inside the open door. However.
“Come on. Let’s not just stand here. Let’s go in.”
“W-Wait a moment.”
Before I could get a good look, Ko Yeonju practically shoved me inside. As I entered the meeting room, two long tables stretching along either side came into view. And, at the far end of one table, I could see two Users sitting quietly.
The two of them weren't looking at me. I could only see their profiles, but I recognized them in an instant. The moment I did, it felt as if my breath had stopped.
“……”
Finally, as if sensing my presence, one of them slowly turned her head toward me. As her head turned in my direction, as if in slow motion, my breathing grew ragged, and my pounding heart began to accelerate, showing no signs of stopping.
It was Han Soyoung—the woman I had longed for so desperately, the one I had wanted to see again more than anything.
*
A wave of emotion surged up my throat, and my head spun with dizziness.
I barely managed to cling to my fading reason, and I could feel my eyes trembling uncontrollably. A thrilling tremor ran through my entire body without cease. With trembling eyes, I scanned the table. As fate would have it, the seats assigned to the Mercenary Clan were directly across from Han Soyoung.
Just then, a finger poked me in the back. When I turned, Ko Yeonju had an expression that clearly asked, What on earth is wrong with you? I was trying my best to act nonchalant, but being so close, she seemed to have noticed the change in me.
My trembling lips and ragged breathing. The more I tried to suppress it, the more my heart seemed to rebel against my will, answering with a frantic pounding. I walked toward the table with slightly unsteady steps.
Even after I sat down, I couldn't calm myself. I might have looked calm at a glance, but anyone with a bit of perception would have immediately known my state.
But the trembling in my chest that grew stronger the more I looked at her was beyond my control. The woman I thought I would never see again, the one who had died so miserably, was now standing before my very eyes. And not as she was when she screamed her final cry, but whole and dignified.
Before I knew it, Han Soyoung’s gaze was on Ko Yeonju and me. The moment our eyes met, I felt as if my entire body was being filled with ice.
Finally, her lips slowly parted.
“It’s been a while, Shadow Queen, Ko Yeonju.”
Her soft voice drifted through the air and gently resonated through the hall. Hearing her voice for the first time in so long, I once again lost myself. I instinctively bit my tongue. It helped clear my head, if only a little.
“Yes~. It has been a while, Lord of Istantel Low, Han Soyoung.”
As soon as Ko Yeonju spoke, a light scoff came from the side. In that instant, Ko Yeonju turned her head, and a thick killing intent erupted from her eyes.
“Yeon Hyerim.”
Han Soyoung quickly turned her head and stared intently at the woman sitting next to her. Yeon Hyerim…? Ah, the Princess of Execution. So she was here too. At Han Soyoung’s rebuke, Yeon Hyerim pouted and turned her head away.
“……”
A moment of silence passed, and I felt Ko Yeonju’s killing intent subside. Only then did Han Soyoung let out a small sigh and continue in a calm voice.
“Your presence here must mean the Mercenary Clan was also invited. In that case, is the person next to you the lord of the Mercenary Clan?”
“That’s right. You’re well informed.”
“I saw the promotional record today. Then I would like an introduction.”
“That’s easy enough. Soohyun?”
“……”
I heard Ko Yeonju’s voice, but I remained still. Ko Yeonju subtly poked me in the ribs. I took a deep breath, pulling in as much air as I could. Then I swallowed the saliva that had pooled in my mouth.
I never thought about having some kind of grand reunion. But at the very least, I didn't want to meet her again like this. I calmly sorted through my tangled thoughts. And then, I activated my Latent Ability, Mind’s Eye.
My chaotic heart instantly grew quiet. Only then was I finally able to look her straight in the face. I could also feel the gaze of the woman I presumed to be the Princess of Execution, but right now, all my attention was focused on Han Soyoung.
I recalled the first time I met Han Soyoung. The days I had spent with her flashed through my mind all at once. Savoring each of those memories, I opened my mouth and spoke in a clear voice. At the same time, I also activated my Third Eye.