Chapter 218: Stay by My Side
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 218: Stay by My Side
The situation wrapped up in an instant as soon as Fable was taken down.
Randall arrested the gang and left coolly… well, actually, it wasn’t that cool.
As he passed by, he whispered in my ear, reminding me to keep my end of the deal.
The guy is so petty; he couldn't even trust me on that one thing and had to go out of his way to whisper it.
Anyway, once the situation was settled, the people I had brought along just stood there staring blankly before leaving.
The glares they gave me, as if asking why I’d even called them in the first place, were a bit stinging.
Chika left first, worried about Akito, and Angelica also made a sheepish exit after saying she’d see me tomorrow. Turk and the others who had supported the Organization also parted ways in an awkward atmosphere since there was nothing left for them to do.
I knew Park Yu-jeong and Justina had prepared a lot, but even I didn't expect it to end without us doing a single thing.
Just how did they pull it off?
After everyone else had left, only Park Yu-jeong, Justina, and Akane remained at the Organization’s headquarters to talk.
Justina sat Shunya—whom she’d snatched from Akito’s side earlier—on her lap and spoke while stroking her like a pet.
“My grandfather taught me how to handle people. Offer hope to the weak, and let the strong keep their positions.”
I understood that much.
The Team Leader used to say that those in lower positions are sensitive to opportunity, while those in high positions are sensitive to crisis.
In the end, it’s just like corporate politics.
Justina explained that she used the support I provided to win over the rank-and-file members first, while promising those currently holding positions that they would retain their status even if the leadership changed.
It sounds easy in words, but Fable, who held the power, wasn't blind. Negotiating under the radar without getting caught must have been incredibly difficult.
“Still, for those who wouldn't listen, I laid out the reality of the situation,” Park Yu-jeong explained with a bright smile.
Originally, the Security Bureau’s 7th Division had spent years pressuring Akane’s organization.
Park Yu-jeong informed those who couldn't be bought of this fact, fueling their anger toward the 7th Division and presenting them with the reality of a massive, insurmountable enemy: the Government.
Then, through Akane, she introduced me—and through me, she promised that Randall of the 4th Division would block the 7th Division’s schemes and protect the Organization.
Most of those who didn't fall for Justina’s recruitment were from the bloodline, people who were loyal to the Earthbound and wanted to protect their pride.
Since their bloodline was the most important thing to them, she promised to protect it… well, 'protect' is a nice way of putting it; it was actually a threat.
Whether she was being mindful of Akane or just teasing me, she framed it like a heroic tale, but I’m sure there was a hidden ultimatum: 'If you don't follow us, the 4th Division will leave you to the mercy of the 7th Division.'
Simply put, she told them: Do you want to change leaders, or do you want your entire bloodline to die? Pick one.
What would people trying to protect their bloodline choose?
When I stared at her, Park Yu-jeong gave a wicked smirk and turned her head away.
So, she guaranteed positions for the greedy ones and coerced the loyal ones with threats?
“How are we supposed to clean up this mess you’ve made?”
The Organization was in a state of total internal chaos.
Even if Akane became the leader, there would be constant infighting, and perhaps those with grievances would try to swap the leader again, just like this time.
“I’m not a superhuman. Isn't Yeon-woo being a bit too greedy by expecting that much?”
“There must be give and take. There is no such thing as perfection in the world’s affairs. Such a thing is only permitted for my Ioannes family.”
Park Yu-jeong and Justina spoke confidently.
I wasn't sure about Justina’s last comment, but they weren't wrong.
To be honest, I never imagined we’d take over the Organization without a single casualty.
If I could swallow an entire organization with only those minor issues to deal with, I’d do it any number of times.
There were still problems to solve, but this level of success was largely thanks to the two of them.
“And aren't you underestimating Akane too much?”
“I have personally taken responsibility for teaching this little creature, even if it was only for a short time. She will become a much better king than you think.”
Had the three of them built some kind of bond while hanging out together?
As the two of them placed their hands on her shoulders from both sides, Akane looked back and forth between them, then turned her gaze to me and lifted her chin.
“Ahem!”
She looked a bit full of herself, but… well, whatever.
It’s not like Akane wanted to become the leader anyway; the important thing was preventing the ending where the Organization was annihilated.
If Akane decided she didn't want to do it, she could just hand the leadership to someone else. And if anyone tried to act up behind her back, I’d just tell Park Yu-jeong.
“It is a pity I won't be able to continue watching this little creature’s growth.”
Justina patted Akane’s head, then took Shunya’s hand and stood up. Park Yu-jeong followed suit.
“Where are you going?”
“We’ve done our job, so we should make a cool exit. I’m sure you two have plenty to talk about.”
Park Yu-jeong looked back at me over her shoulder like the ending of a movie, smiling as she left without waiting for an answer.
“You owe me a favor.”
Justina also left with Shunya, and Akane and I watched their retreating backs.
After the door closed, I glanced at Akane, who was still staring at the door without moving.
This is always the most awkward part.
When the person next to you is focused on something, but your own focus is broken, so staying still is boring, yet interrupting feels wrong.
Just as I was about to open my mouth after gauging her reaction, Akane suddenly stood up and grabbed my wrist.
“I’ll show you my room.”
“Huh? All of a sudden?”
“Yeah. I know Yeon-woo well, but Yeon-woo doesn't know me.”
How could I not know you? You had such good stats that I took you with me every single playthrough.
I’ve seen your character story dozens of times; I even know your erogenous zones and your favorite positions.
Still, it was interesting to learn about parts of her that weren't in the game, so I followed her.
Hmm… right, there really wasn't anything.
I racked my brain, but Akito only came here when he was trying to persuade Fable, so Akane’s room never appeared in the game.
Knowing Akane’s personality, I didn't expect a girly room, but being invited in still made me feel a bit expectant…
“…Is this your room?”
“Yeah. I stay in the Yggdrasil dormitory lately, but I used to live here.”
“…For how long?”
“Probably since I was ten.”
Is Fable still alive? Should I go catch up to Randall and give that guy a good thrashing right now?
I hadn't expected a girly room.
But I hadn't expected a place that looked like a tiny, cramped study room with nothing but a bed and an old desk, either.
It was lucky Akane was small; the room, which looked to be less than seven square meters, was beyond pathetic—it was bleak.
At least it seemed to be cleaned regularly, seeing as there was no dust.
Isn't Akane the strongest person in the Organization?
And they made someone with that kind of skill live in a place like this?
Maybe Yggdrasil was right.
This place deserves to go under.
It’s unlikely Akane was the only one treated this way.
When I walked in earlier, I noticed doors lined up along the hallway like an ant colony.
To fix this place’s constitution, I’d have to tear everything down and start over.
No wonder the kids who came to the hospital all looked so thin; there was a reason for it.
As I stared at the blanket, which looked poor in quality even without touching it, Akane made me sit on the bed.
There was no dust, but… it was a bit yellowed. Is this… okay?
There aren't any lice or fleas, right?
Feeling uneasy, I sat on the hard bed, and Akane suddenly dashed out without a word.
She probably forgot to tell me to wait.
I thought about looking around while I was alone, but there was nothing to see.
The desk didn't even have drawers, and a few piles of clothes in the corner seemed to be the extent of her personal belongings.
So this was the kind of life Akane lived.
It was almost surprising that Akane had sobbed when she thought the Organization was doomed, knowing that the bloodline’s land could have been saved if she’d just waited a little longer.
To love and be loyal to the bloodline despite being treated like this.
I really can't let this go. I can't let that bastard Fable die easily.
Just as I was sending a text to Randall, telling him that Fable was a total piece of trash and asking him to inflict maximum pain, the door opened and Akane walked in carrying a washbasin.
“Again?”
“I didn't get to wash you properly last time.”
Thinking she was going to wash my feet again, Akane sat on the floor and set the basin down.
Last time it was at home, so it didn't matter, but now I’d been wearing shoes for a long time and had worked up a sweat while 'wrestling' with Akito, so it was a bit much.
I believed that even the stench of my handsome feet would be beautiful, but it would still be embarrassing if they smelled.
While I hesitated, Akane demurely removed my shoes and socks and guided my feet into the basin.
The warm water and her soft hands felt good against my feet, but… Akane, as she washed my feet, didn't seem like the usual Akane.
How should I put it… she felt like a demure lady? It was so different from her usual 'my-way' attitude, blowing bubbles with gum.
With her back straight in a kneeling position, her careful hand movements, and her face looking down at my feet with a dreamy, half-closed gaze—she looked like a different person.
Come to think of it, Akane never washed Akito’s feet in the game, did she?
The act of a foot bath itself never appeared, so this was an event I’d never seen in the game.
What was this? Did Park Yu-jeong and Justina put her up to this?
Or was she imitating something she’d seen somewhere?
“Is washing feet some kind of… bloodline tradition?”
At my question, Akane silently lifted her head and looked up at me.
She really didn't seem like the usual Akane.
She was quiet, but her face was full of affection—not the romantic kind, but something more like maternal love.
After staring at me for a moment, Akane shook her head and went back to washing my feet.
“When I was little. I don't remember it very well, but…”
“… …”
I waited quietly for Akane to continue.
I’d seen her character story dozens of times, but this was a story I’d never heard once.
“My mom used to do this for me.”
I knew Akane’s mother had died when she was young.
And I knew her father was said to have been killed by a monster while her mother was pregnant with her.
Since she was a total orphan, the Organization had raised her as a soldier, putting her through harsh training without a second thought.
Perhaps reminiscing about those times, Akane continued after a brief pause.
“I have many memories, but my mom sitting me on the bed and washing my feet is what I remember most.”
Becoming uncharacteristically talkative, Akane poured out stories of her past.
Just as she had tried to learn even the smallest things about me, Akane took a long time to tell me every little detail about her time with her mother.
Ordinary stories that any mother and daughter might have.
But Akane looked so incredibly happy.
“Mom said…”
“… …”
“That when someone precious appears, I should wash their feet just like she did. She said if I wash their feet, that precious person will always return safely.”
Akane’s father never returned in the end, but her mother had taught her daughter a ritual to pray for someone’s safety.
It was just like Akane to skip over the details and speak in fragments like this.
The reason she seemed so different while washing my feet was because she was imitating the image of her mother that she remembered.
I’d worked so hard to prevent the destruction of her bloodline, only for her to make me sad with a different story.
Akane deserved to be happier in the future.
She had to be happy.
I grabbed her arms to stop her.
“Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ll always be safe and return in good health.”
“Yeah. Yeon-woo is strong.”
“This time, I’ll wash yours.”
I sat the dazed Akane on the bed and swapped places with her.
Since she was so small, our eye levels weren't that different even though I was sitting on the floor.
I looked up at her slightly, gave her a smile, and took hold of her tiny feet.
“Because you need to return safely to my side too, Akane.”
“… …Yeah. I’m going to stay by Yeon-woo’s side forever.”
Akane’s eyes widened for a moment at my words, then she broke into a smile and gave a firm nod.