Chapter 393: Epilogue 4/4: “All of us, together.”
Chapter 393: Epilogue 4/4: “All of us, together.”
“With this, we will conclude the first meeting. Thank you all for your hard work.”
It was the fifth day after the war had ended.
Barbara's meeting, which had started in the morning, was declared over after just two hours.
Two hours isn't necessarily a short amount of time. However, considering that the Users attending were all clan lords, it couldn't be called a particularly fruitful meeting.
Just like the saying, "A famous feast has little to eat," the meeting had yielded little for me.
Still, viewed objectively, the outcome of the meeting was reasonably logical. The decision to tackle the most urgent matters one by one wasn't a bad approach.
Although the war was over, remnants of the allied forces were still at large, and a total of five cities had been devastated by the invasion. Accordingly, the East, South, and North prioritized tracking down these remnants and restoring the damages from the invasion.
Other postwar matters, such as relief efforts for Users and the management of prisoners, were to be gradually resolved through subsequent second and third meetings.
The distribution of roles was also quite reasonable.
For example, the Haemil Clan, which had preserved its forces intact during the battle, would participate in hunting down the remnants. They would likely have to begin organizing their troops as soon as the meeting ended.
In contrast, the Goryeo Clan, which had suffered heavy losses, was assigned to remain in the city and assist with relief efforts.
In any case.
The Mercenary Clan was a free Mercenary Clan. With the war's end, our duties as mercenaries were complete. Deciding the Mercenary Clan's future course of action was my sole authority, and no one else's.
With that thought, I noted that less than a quarter of the attendees remained in the conference room and immediately rose to my feet. There was no reason to stay now that the meeting was over.
Outside the conference room, the entrance of the Golden Lion Clan House was crowded with people who had just left the meeting. Some were hurrying on their way, likely heading straight back to their cities, while others gathered in groups, speaking with deliberately serious expressions.
A low murmur filled the air.
As I walked through the dense crowd, I suddenly felt a strange sensation. People gathered in groups were stealing glances at me. Some were even staring openly, making me tilt my head in confusion.
In any case, I was just about to quicken my pace to get outside when...
“Mercenary Lord.”
“Me-Mer...”
A gentle tap on my shoulder and a familiar voice stopped me.
When I glanced over, I couldn't help but blink a couple of times.
Two women had approached and were now standing beside me, gazing at me.
One was the Istantel Low Clan Lord, the Iron-Blooded Queen, Han Soyoung.
The other was the Sword Empress, Nam Daeun—the Queen of Swords.
The sight of the two queens together was like a beautiful painting, yet it created an unfamiliar atmosphere.
“It's been a while. Have you been well?”
“M-Mercenary Lord….”
At Han Soyoung's greeting, I slowly turned around. For a moment, I wondered why the two of them were together, but it would have been rude to just stand there blankly after being addressed.
“It has been a while, Istantel Low Clan Lord. Sword Empress.”
Han Soyoung nodded once or twice and took a couple of steps closer to me. She was so close that her faint fragrance tickled my nose.
Then, in a quiet voice, she spoke as if whispering.
“I heard a lot about you today, Mercenary Lord. You went through a lot.”
“Pardon? What did you hear?”
“The rumors about your incredible performance in the war.”
Her words made my eyes widen.
It wasn't that she was wrong. I certainly had played a major role.
But that shouldn't have been officially mentioned yet. Besides, how would Han Soyoung, who was in the West, know about it?
One question quickly led to another.
But as I mulled over her words, I immediately understood the situation. At the same time, the strange glances I'd been getting earlier started to make sense.
I see. Rumors.
Well, I suppose it would be strange if no one saw me after I caused such a commotion.
I gave a slight nod, then smiled bitterly.
“I don't know. For me, rather than my own achievements... the clan member I couldn't protect during the war is what weighs on my mind. At least for now.”
I couldn't exactly say, "That's right, I was amazing," so it was a response meant to show some humility.
“...I'm sorry.”
“Ah...”
But the two queens seemed to have interpreted my words differently, as they both showed expressions of sympathy. I mentally scolded myself for bringing it up.
Just as I let out a baseless sigh...
“Mercenary Lord.”
Suddenly, I felt a cool, yet endlessly soft touch on the back of my hand.
Startled, I looked down to see Han Soyoung's delicate hands gently holding mine with both of hers.
Then, her quiet voice, laced with a hint of comfort, flowed into my ears.
“I understand how you feel. If this is your first time, it must be very difficult.”
“Ah... yes.”
“I don't know how to console you right now... but I hope you'll stay strong.”
“Th-Thank you.”
I tried to act composed as I bowed my head and quickly pulled my hand away. For a moment, I felt a slight resistance, as if she was holding on, but then she readily let go.
Her hand.
My face suddenly felt hot, but I quickly composed myself. Looking to change the subject, I turned my gaze and my eyes fell upon the Sword Empress. She was fidgeting, raising and lowering her hands with a deeply troubled expression, and when our eyes met, she blinked rapidly.
Worried she might have hit her head during the war, I calmly spoke.
“By the way, why are the two of you...”
“Ah. We had something to discuss.”
Han Soyoung answered swiftly. After a nod or two, her lips parted once more.
“Istantel Low Clan plans to establish a containment network based in the western cities. So... I was hoping I might be able to get some help from the Sword Empress...”
Han Soyoung shot a quick glance at the Sword Empress, her eyes sparkling as she continued.
“She mentioned she doesn't have any strong attachments to her current clan. So I was taking the opportunity to make her an offer.”
Seeing Han Soyoung admit it so freely, I understood the situation at once.
Making an offer while she's at it, huh.
She gave a plausible reason, but it was clear she was trying to recruit the Sword Empress. After all, talent like the Sword Empress was coveted by everyone, and from what I'd heard from Kim Deokpil, she had no strong ties to her current clan, so it was a plausible scenario.
Besides, Han Soyoung's desire for talent was second to none; she would never let a free agent like the Sword Empress simply walk away.
In any case, it didn't matter much to me if she joined Han Soyoung, so I spoke with a pleasant heart.
“I see. Well... perhaps we'll be seeing each other often in Monica from now on. Haha.”
It was then.
“Ah, no.”
Nam Daeun shook her head and spoke quietly. Perhaps feeling burdened by Han Soyoung's blatant stare, she kept her eyes fixed only on me as she continued.
“It's just... nothing's been decided yet. I'm still thinking about it.”
“Hmm...”
Seeing the Sword Empress's subtle denial, I fell into thought for a moment.
Her current clan is practically defunct... and didn't someone say she has misandry?
But judging by her attitude toward me, it didn't seem to be an extreme case. She did take on the role of a special team leader before the war, so I figured it was more of a general aversion.
Or maybe... it's because Seol-ah told her I was a good person.
Or I could just be mistaken.
I let out a small chuckle at the trivial thoughts running through my head and broke out of my reverie. Seeing Han Soyoung's expressionless face, her lips pouting ever so slightly, I decided to help her out a little.
To be honest, it would be fun to just watch their little push-and-pull... but the Sword Empress joining Istantel Low Clan would also benefit me in the long run.
“User Nam Daeun. If, as you say, you aren't tied to your current clan, it might be a good idea to visit Monica. The Mercenary Clan also received a lot of help from Istantel Low Clan when we were setting up there.”
“The Mercenary Clan? In Monica?”
Seeing the Sword Empress repeat my words cutely, I nodded in affirmation.
“Yes. Ah. Speaking of which, didn't my clan members owe you a debt of gratitude from the war?”
“It wasn't that big of a deal...”
“No, I heard you helped them a great deal. Thanks to you, they overcame numerous crises before I arrived.”
“If you put it that way, I received help too.”
As if to emphasize that it was fine, the Sword Empress shook her head vigorously.
Does that mean we're even?
I tilted my head for a moment, but in any case, if it hadn't been for the Sword Empress, I don't know what would have happened to my people before I got there.
“If you do happen to come to Monica with the Istantel Low Clan Lord, please be sure to stop by the Mercenary Clan.”
“C-Can I really?”
“Of course. You're our savior. The Sword Empress will always be welcome.”
“...Really?”
Seeing her finally react, I gave her a big nod.
My words could have been misunderstood, but my mention of Monica was aimed at Istantel Low Clan.
Just in case, I glanced at Han Soyoung and saw her pull back her pouting lips and give a faint cough.
I laughed heartily inside before managing to speak.
“I should probably get going now.”
We all had things to do, so it was best to keep the reunion brief and go our separate ways. Besides, it's polite not to overstep, no matter how good the intentions. I figured I'd done enough for Han Soyoung to handle the rest.
Of course, the increasing number of stares was another reason, albeit a minor one.
As if thinking the same thing, Han Soyoung took three or four steps back from me.
“Well then, I'll be on my way. Please take care.”
This time, I was the first to say goodbye.
“Yes. Take care. I hope we can meet again once everything is settled.”
“Yes. I'll be seeing you soon.”
?
Nam Daeun's cryptic words bothered me a little, but I soon decided to let it be and bowed my head.
After that final farewell, I immediately turned and headed for the exit.
All that was left for me now was to return to the Mercenary Clan.
*
After arriving at the Warp Gate, I walked quickly toward the Mercenary House. I considered contacting them with the crystal ball to say I was on my way, but decided against it. I had sent Ko Yeonju back early this morning, so I trusted they were managing just fine on their own.
There was just one thing I hoped to see when I arrived: that they had begun to move on from Shin Sangyong's death.
Perhaps because I ran part of the way, it didn't take long to reach the Mercenary House.
The presence I felt from inside was one of complete silence. For some reason, I felt a sense of tension welling up inside me.
When I finally opened the door slightly and stepped inside, I was met with an unexpected sight.
“……”
I saw my clan members.
All of them were gathered in front of Shin Sangyong's grave in a corner of the garden.
I carefully closed the door I had just opened.
Even at a glance, I could feel a sorrowful yet solemn atmosphere surrounding them.
No one spoke. No one moved. Occasionally, one of them would look up at the sky while gazing at the grave.
I stood at the entrance, observing them for a while. There was something subtle about the fact that every single member was present. The air was certainly filled with sadness... yet it wasn't the same helpless atmosphere as before. Their faces were quiet, as if they had made a resolution.
After watching them for some time, I slowly began to walk forward.
“Su...”
“Clan...”
A few clan members turned, having sensed my presence, but I raised a hand to stop them. Muffling my footsteps, I slowly closed the distance, melting into their midst like a ghost.
When I saw the scene before the grave, I swallowed a faint groan.
Ahn Hyun was kneeling in front of the grave. With his eyes gently closed, he looked almost tragic.
Ahn Hyun bowed twice from his kneeling position and then slowly rose. A moment passed before he opened his eyes. He calmly turned and looked directly at me. It seemed he had known I was here all along.
“Hyung-nim. I heard that if you collect one million Gold Points, you can use a wish at the User Shop.”
“……”
“Hyung-nim. I want to save Sangyong-hyung. No, I will save him.”
It was a rather abrupt thing to say for someone I hadn't seen in a while. But the moment Ahn Hyun spoke, every clan member's gaze fell upon me.
Suddenly, my shoulders felt heavy. At the same time, I was abruptly reminded of myself five days ago.
'Let's stop for now.'
'Please... please, let's just stop.... That... let's talk about it later.'
'There's no need to say more. That is all. We'll end it here.'
'And for today... I recommend you all get a good rest. Dismissed.'
I suddenly regretted what I had said back then.
I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have avoided it.
Yes. At the very least, I should have settled the matter of Shin Sangyong properly.
I calmly turned my head, looking at each of my clan members one by one. And I understood why Lim Hanna and Ko Yeonju had been so worried about me. Faced with the issue of Shin Sangyong, I had run away from myself, unable to face the coming future.
I calmly gathered my thoughts. Then I fixed my gaze back on Ahn Hyun. His eyes were wavering ceaselessly.
Finally, I spoke in a dry voice.
“Originally, I had no intention of saving him. I thought that was the right thing to do.”
“……”
“...It won't be easy. Are you sure you won't regret it?”
“Yes. I will never regret it.”
Ahn Hyun answered immediately. Sensing his firm resolve, I made a swift decision on the issue I had been avoiding.
“Alright. I won't stop you from saving him.”
For a moment, Ahn Hyun's face lit up, but I immediately added a condition.
“But you have to promise me one thing.”
“A promise...?”
“When you eventually save Shin Sangyong.”
When he finds out he can't return to Earth.
“That no matter what situation arises for you... you will endure it unconditionally.”
As expected, he didn't seem to understand right now, and he wore a puzzled expression for a moment. But his desire to save him was strong, and he quickly nodded.
After confirming Ahn Hyun's promise, I let out a deep sigh.
“Let's go inside.”
“Soohyun. First, about the meal...”
“No. The results of the first meeting are out. So let's head straight to the third-floor conference room...”
For a moment, I stopped speaking without realizing it.
Just before I continued, I glanced up at the sky.
“……”
The thick morning fog had lifted, and white clouds were drifting across the sky. The sun, high in that vast expanse, was casting bright sunlight down upon the garden.
“...Let's just eat first. All of us, together.”
Following the long rays of sunlight, I began to walk with calm steps.