Chapter 270
Chapter 270
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 270
Chapter Title: Final Farewell - Part 1
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How should they part ways?
She couldn't tell him the truth. She didn't have the courage. The Great Tree would surely be heartbroken, and Kim Ruru herself would probably burst into tears.
Kim Ruru didn't want to see his grief. If possible, she wanted to say goodbye with a smile. If that wish was unattainable, then at least she hoped he wouldn't be too sad.
She had been happy because of Daesu, so she wanted him to be happy because of her too.
Having met many people and built relationships, she might have known better—but Kim Ruru's life experience was sorely lacking. She had no wisdom to unravel the dilemma of her own death.
The thought that flitted through Kim Ruru's mind after days of agonizing was a story about a pet dog she'd heard from a fellow knight.
I heard that dogs, when death approaches, try to be alone, as if hiding their passing from their owner. What if she borrowed the wisdom of such a loyal and sage beast?
Like going on a long-term business trip that would take about ninety years.
If she just blurted that out without any orders, Daesu would scold her for lying. Slyly, Kim Ruru prepared evidence with meticulous care.
At first, she tried forging the orders herself.
"......"
Anyone could tell it was Kim Ruru from the wildly scribbled handwriting. She decided to outsource this part. She went to find Ronald, deputy chief of the Capital Knights' Third Team.
"You want me to write orders for a ninety-year business trip?!"
"Yeah."
"Hrm, feeling like a vacation?! Even a champion of justice needs proper rest... but ninety years? There'd be no one left to guard the capital's peace! And by then, everyone would have forgotten the Knight Commander's name!"
"That's perfect. I hope they forget me completely!"
"......"
Ronald fiddled with his mustache—regrown after being singed once by the "Blue Rose"—as he pondered. As a high-ranking officer, he had a vague idea of Kim Ruru's lifespan.
People grow more adult-like as death nears. Even if they don't want to, a withering heart forces it upon them.
Ruru's expression carried the poignant charm of a barren branch swaying in the wind. She seemed suddenly so mature, so heartbreaking. Was she preparing for the end?
"Justice takes a thousand forms, just as endings do. If vanishing is your chosen finale, I won't stop you... but are you really okay with this? What about your friend, the 'Blue Rose'?"
"......You knew?"
"Eyewitness reports abound of you regularly meeting a woman suspiciously identical to the 'Blue Rose.' When justice's light shines on the capital, all secrets come to light eventually!"
And a Transcendence-level Knight Commander wouldn't overlook a mere vigilante group that often, anyway.
Besides, if the 'Blue Rose' were truly a Transcendence-level powerhouse, the capital would already be in ruins from their battles. So that couldn't be it either.
Ruru mumbled awkwardly before bowing her head deeply.
"Sorry."
"No need to apologize! Protecting a friend is part of justice too! I didn't hate the vigilantes either—here, your ninety-year orders. I'll write them, but think twice about using them!!"
"Yeah... Thanks, Ronald. You were loud and smelly, but fun."
"Smelly?! That's inevitable for an adult man!!"
"Daesu doesn't smell."
"......"
*Clip-clop.* Ronald watched Ruru's back as she scurried out of the Capital Knights' building, waving the orders, and racked his brain to interpret the info that had just hit his ears.
Daesu. Considering the affection dripping from Ruru whenever she said the name, it was likely the 'Blue Rose's real name or nickname. Which meant...
That radiant beauty in her flowing dress—the stunning girl some knights secretly harbored crushes for...
......was actually a man?
"......!!"
Ronald froze in massive shock.
Countless tea times at the dessert cafe, repeated endlessly. What was once just the two of them had doubled in number due to recent events.
First, the oddly furry beast Mungae.
"This black tea has a deep flavor, mung. A subtle richness you won't find in store-bought stuff, mung. Though it'd be better with some ice, mung."
"Mungae, wanna die?"
And Hayang, the amnesiac girl of unknown name and age, mimicking O Daesu's scolding at Mungae with a blank expression.
"Mungae, wanna die......"
"Kim Hayang, don't learn such crude words."
"Kim Hayang......"
"Good girl."
It was a bit more lively and fun now. Of course, she might have felt a twinge of regret if it cut into their alone time, but...
"Time to take Hayang home soon, mung. Today's lesson is morals and world geography, mung."
"Hate morals......"
"Get it all right again, and your reward's smoked mackerel in marshmallow flavor, mung."
"Love morals......"
With Mungae handling Hayang's nanny duties so well, their alone time was guaranteed. Or had been. Now it felt a little awkward.
Once Hayang left for the safehouse Ruru had prepared—with Mungae perched on her head—an odd silence settled between the remaining Ruru and Daesu.
Ruru fidgeted for a long while before pulling out the orders from her bosom and holding them out.
"......I, uh. I think I have to go really far away."
"What're you talking about all of a sudden?"
"Got these orders. So, like, for ninety years......"
"Ninety years what?! Gimme that." He snatched the paper, face twisting instantly. "These crazy Capital Knights—how do they even—"
O Daesu read it through in one go. No issues or errors in the document. Ronald had been thorough.
She groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead. A sudden long-term assignment...
Ruru watched Daesu's reaction anxiously. If he just said, "Can't be helped, guess this is it for us," it would be perfect.
Then she could go off to some nameless wilderness and die, and Daesu wouldn't grieve too much. Maybe he'd forget the girl named Ruru quickly and find a new partner.
But things never went that smoothly. What man would just let a precious person vanish without a fight?
After a brief internal debate, O Daesu decided.
"I'll go with you."
"......Huh?"
"I'll go with you, dummy."
Ruru flailed her hands frantically. This wasn't what she'd expected. Didn't Daesu have tons of work? Wasn't he busy?
"No, no, you... you have family stuff. Changing houses or whatever..."
"Emberus can handle it. Or I could tag along on your assignment and build influence."
"B-But, still."
"You're acting weird today... Kim Ruru, just to make sure you're not misunderstanding."
His tone shifted. The soft femininity he'd been exuding lately vanished, replaced by the firm, steadfast vibe from their male meetings.
*Scrape.*
He stood from his chair and approached. Before Kim Ruru could react, Roderus cupped her cheeks, forcing her to meet his gaze squarely, and spoke.
Lately, Kim Ruru had been trying to run away. Keeping distance, talking less, smiling rarely. Roderus had agonized through sleepless nights, wondering if she'd tired of him.
But her gaze toward Roderus hadn't changed. Anyone could see she adored him, and Roderus knew it. He confirmed it every time.
So.
If their hearts hadn't changed, she couldn't just bolt on her own whim.
"Didn't you say O Daesu was yours? You gonna take it back now?"
"Th-That's..."
"If you're mine, I gotta take care of you. I don't know why you're suddenly mopey, but I'm not letting you go. Because I... like you. Or whatever."
"Ah, augh..."
Kim Ruru's face flushed crimson as she averted her eyes. The one who'd never done it before—embarrassed by affection—was mustering courage to say such things. Her heart pounded like it might explode.
Roderus seemed about to say more but clamped his mouth shut, saving it for a better moment.
This should get the point across. O Daesu fanned his flushed face as he returned to his seat.
Thus, Operation: Vanish with the 90-Year Assignment ended in failure.
There were more attempts after that.
#1: Operation Be a Jerk to Kill the Affection
"I-I don't want cake."
"......Dieting? But Kim Ruru, your fairy powers keep you from gaining weight."
"I-I don't want black tea either! N-Not eating anything. Just gonna steal the strawberry on your cake, and, yeah! Gonna take your straw too, Daesu!"
How's that, Daesu!
Kim Ruru felt a bit triumphant.
If Daesu just said, "I hate you, Kim Ruru," she might shed a tear or two, but it was necessary for the farewell. She steeled herself.
After such an outrageous crime, even Daesu would tire of her. At her crime announcement, Roderus let out a shallow sigh.
"If you wanted some, just ask. Here, ahhhn."
"......!!"
He wasn't forking the precious strawberry toward her mouth?!
He'd bonk Hayang without hesitation if she tried to steal it...
And that fork was the one O Daesu had just used. Indirect kiss included—this was a massive violation!
Kim Ruru squeezed her eyes shut, lips clamped, enduring. She even shook her head to show refusal. This was the ultimate jerk move: playing hard to get.
But.
"Here comes the airplane. Vroooom."
"Ngh...!!"
She couldn't resist the airplane. Kim Ruru permitted the strawberry plane's landing, and sweetness and bliss bombarded her mouth mercilessly.
Ruru savored the strawberry, then glared at O Daesu petulantly.
"......Not fair!"
"Why the heck...?!"
Anyway, it wasn't fair.
#2: Operation Uglyfication
"......You want me to do weird makeup, mung?"
"Yes. Make me super ugly......!"
If she went full-on, like, twin afro auntie weird, wouldn't the affection drop dead? Men like pretty girls, right!
At Kim Ruru's fervent demand, Mungae looked utterly troubled.
"I dunno the joke, but can we skip today, mung...?"
"No!"
"Tch... You two are high-maintenance, mung. Fine, sit there, mung."
Mungae reluctantly pulled out makeup tools. Then warned Kim Ruru in a gravely serious tone.
"This forbidden makeup art will make you horrifyingly ugly... but absolutely no mirrors, mung. No reflections in water or shiny plates."
"......Why?"
"Because it's so ugly... the Kim Ruru in the mirror will freak out at her face and shatter, mung!"
Gasp. Kim Ruru inhaled sharply.
If it was that horrific, maybe ask for less ugly...? No. For the farewell, she needed resolve. Kim Ruru pressed on firmly, and Mungae whirled tools into action.
About thirty minutes later (she nearly died of boredom waiting), Mungae wiped sweat from his brow.
"......Done, mung. Even I'm impressed—masterpiece. Now wear that beautiful dress, mung. Pretty clothes highlight the ugly face!"
"It's done?"
"Last warning: no mirrors, mung!"
"Got it, thanks Mungae!"
Kim Ruru donned her prettiest outfit, mismatched heels and all. Daesu would hate this for sure. If she acted cute and clingy like this, it'd shatter any affection!
She charged forth boldly.
Today was the day O Daesu wanted to meet alone in a quiet spot. Perfect timing! Now was the chance to part.
"......"
She suppressed the tears welling up.
The dress—she'd wanted to wear it at a wedding. Not with ugly makeup. Daesu had two forms, so she'd planned two weddings.
After everything, live together under one roof, wake each other in the mornings, sleep side by side at night.
She wanted to live together.
She strode forward. Up the flowery hill as pre-arranged, and there was Roderus in the distance. Dashing in noble tailcoat.
Crimson hair against the sunset—a visual stunner. Why dress up so much? Daesu.
"......You."
"Hehe."
As she neared, Roderus's eyes widened in shock. Then he looked away. Operation success!
How ugly must she be for him to avert his gaze in under a second! Mungae could do anything.
Great, now max cuteness. Kim Ruru stumbled slightly in unfamiliar heels and leaped into Roderus's arms.
Like a cat, she rubbed her face against his chest. How's that? How's that?
Kim Ruru looked up triumphantly. Despite the sunset sky's red glow, his face was distinctly flushed.
Pressed close, she felt it. His heart racing wildly.
Curious, she peered into his eyes. Her reflection stared back—oh god... a stunningly pretty girl with a flustered face!
Mungae tricked her!
As betrayal made her tremble, Roderus mistook it for cold and draped his cape over her bare shoulders.
"......Even you noticed?"
"Y-Yeah?!"
"Nah. Mungae meddled... Exotic look's nice, but I prefer you bare-faced."
"Eung?!"
Her head spun. Why was Daesu like this? His sweetness level was up! If usual was croissant, today was chocolate cake.
He swallowed nervously.
"Ruru."
He knelt on one knee before her, cradling her hand gently. Pulled a sparkling diamond ring from his bosom and said,
"......Can I put it on you?"
"......"
She knew. Kim Ruru was no fool; she knew this was a proposal.
The man before her, eyes laced with hesitation and anxiety, was conveying his desire to spend a lifetime together. It hurt how clearly she understood.
I made him anxious.
I made Roderus anxious.
Her recent floundering, her wavering departures—it had spurred him. He didn't want to lose Ruru; after consulting Mungae, he'd planned this proposal.
She wanted it. That ring, desperately. But...
"Hic...!"
Tears gushed like a broken faucet. Flowing freely, smearing her pretty makeup. Kim Ruru sobbed from joy and sorrow.
Ecstatic joy unto death. The scenery was beautiful, Roderus dashing, ring glittering. This moment could be a perfect masterpiece painting. Yet.
Ruru—she—had ruined everything.
She should have spoken before his confession. Before the worst timing struck, revealed the truth without hesitation.
Not at this moment. But her good intentions for each other had turned into fatal poison.
To Roderus's love, Kim Ruru could only answer with death.
Idiot. Moron.
Moron...!
Tears wouldn't stop. Amid sobs and gasps, she confessed her short life, long delayed.
"Sorry, sorry Roderus... I'm really, truly happy, but... I'm gonna die soon. I can't be with you forever...!!"
"......"
"Sorry, sob, really sorry... Waaaaaah...!!"
The ring never passed.
Roderus silently embraced her. Until sunset faded and darkness cloaked the hill. Ruru wept endlessly until exhaustion lulled her to sleep.
The blessed, beautiful day their hearts should have connected was wretchedly shattered by two words: short life.
Still, she had the candle's remaining wick to burn.
"How about a trip, Ruru?"
"......"
They prepared their final farewell.