Generational Differences (2)
"Haa… feels so good…."
Soaking in the bath filled with warm water, Erin savored the delightful sensation of her accumulated fatigue melting away, just like always.
"It's bigger than I thought…?"
Elenoa, who had entered the bathroom while glancing around, widened her eyes at the unexpectedly spacious interior.
"Master Hyun made it."
"That man did?"
"Yeah. He said in his hometown, there are these huge bathhouses where commoners pay a small fee and share the facilities. Something called a 'public bathhouse.'"
"Don't tell me you've bathed with him too…?"
"N-No way! He said the men's and women's baths are separate!"
Her face flushing bright red, Erin hastily stood up, denying Elenoa's words.
Though their relationship had started off on the wrong foot, following Elenoa's apology, the two had begun to share many conversations.
The reason Eunhyeon had accepted Yuria's and Alex's request for help—on the condition that Elenoa come every day to assist with Erin's training—was partly to allow the two to talk things out and resolve the misunderstandings and lingering resentments between them.
As their rapport naturally loosened, Elenoa began to treat Erin with a certain ease and familiarity.
"Aren't you tired? Training like this?"
"Huh? Well…."
Elenoa had been present from the very first moment Erin began receiving swordsmanship lessons from Eunhyeon.
At first, she had been shocked and pitying whenever the frail, delicate girl retched from Eunhyeon's brutally harsh beatings, her body covered in bruises.
Yet seeing Erin grit her teeth and endure, growing bit by bit, Elenoa couldn't help but think she was remarkable.
She still didn't fully understand why Eunhyeon pushed Erin so relentlessly, determined to make her strong.
As a priestess, Elenoa had indirectly experienced combat through expeditions, but she had never undergone training as violent as this—bordering on outright beatings—before heading out.
Her own education had focused solely on the virtues a priestess must learn, divine magic, and a pious heart toward the gods.
As a fellow woman, Elenoa couldn't comprehend why a girl as unfortunate and physically weak as Erin would stoically endure such grueling training—and to what end.
"It's definitely tough. Back during the initial stamina training, there were times I thought, 'I'm really gonna die.'"
Recalling the early days of Eunhyeon's intense regimen, Erin shuddered, the memory still sending chills down her spine.
"But, Lady Elenoa… I guess 'cause I've lived pretty rough, I'm super sensitive to other people's stares. I hate being the center of attention."
The people who approached Erin were never those with good intentions toward her.
So she loathed facing their mocking, sinister gazes, always keeping her head down and avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Having suffered so much, she was hypersensitive to others' looks.
"But weirdly, I don't mind when Hyun looks at me."
He harbored no ulterior motives toward her whatsoever. Every action he took—going out of his way to care for her—was laced with consideration for her well-being.
"During training, he acts like a total demon. But otherwise, he's amazing. The meals he makes sure I eat are delicious, he takes me to school every day, picks me up… He pours all this attention on me, sticks by my side managing my day with such care. How could I say it's too hard or that I don't wanna do it?"
If Erin truly said she wanted to quit, Eunhyeon would stop the training immediately, no question.
She knew that.
But no matter how tough it got, the reason she clenched her teeth and pushed through the regimen he'd set for her was simple.
—Don't doubt anything. Just trust and follow me. I'll carve a path for you.
That single promise to make a way for her had filled her with such joy.
Eunhyeon had taken root in her heart to the point where she would believe whatever he said.
Sensing the special feelings harbored by the girl, Elenoa gave a wry smile.
'This is bad… serious.'
Elenoa refrained from concluding what those feelings might be or whether her guess was correct.
"You're really going wild, huh?"
Illyana unleashed a barrage of sharp insults at the man standing before her, her gaze icy cold.
"Is my house a town square or something? Hyun's been dragging in a recovery shuttle for 'training' every damn day out of nowhere, and now you show up with your own tagalong? Have you all forgotten what manners are? Do I look like a pushover?"
"The one assisting with that training is likely my daughter. Given the favor from last time, I came to pay my respects to that man. And of course, I didn't come empty-handed."
At Abros's signal to the attendant who had followed him, the servant stepped forward and offered Illyana a bottle of wine he held.
"……."
"Montas wine. Made from fruits grown in my duchy. I hope it suits your taste. Consider this a token of gratitude to that man and the witch."
Illyana immediately understood what the thanks were for.
It was true that Elenoa had told Consort Helena about Eunhyeon's existence, but Illyana—personally acquainted with both sides—had mediated between Helena and Eunhyeon.
In effect, she had indirectly contributed to saving Abros's son, Alex.
"Hmph. Fine, come in. You can take your daughter with you when you leave."
Her words were rudely dismissive of Abros's courteous greeting, but he paid it no mind.
Though Illyana resided in the capital Fernin, strictly speaking, she wasn't a citizen of the Pernias Kingdom.
The kingdom's nobles had collectively decided to keep her there by force—granting her privileges and conveniences—despite her desire to live quietly in seclusion, unbound by any affiliation.
That was the value of the Black Witch, one of the continent's scant ten high-digit mages: her mere presence in the capital yielded immense benefits.
Some nobles grumbled that her haughty demeanor was insufferable, but none voiced it openly.
Offending her risked her leaving for another nation or making some drastic choice, forcing the kingdom to halt national projects that bore her name.
Thus, matters involving Illyana or her domain enjoyed near-extraterritorial status.
And even more astonishing was…
"To think that man is the witch's lover."
Eunhyeon had casually slipped past the guards and infiltrated the duke's mansion, revealing himself as the great hero's comrade—and her lover.
No one had heard of the witch having a partner, but given Eunhyeon's secretive nature and hidden identity, he wouldn't have publicized his relationship with her anyway.
"Hm…?"
In the midst of cooking in the kitchen, Eunhyeon turned at the familiar silhouette, his eyes widening at the unexpected guests.
Riod's visit was one thing, but Abros trailing him was a true surprise.
"You seem busy."
"Ah, yes. Sort of. Please wait a moment."
Eunhyeon nodded curtly, plated the finished dishes, and set the table.
"I apologize for not having proper food to serve such sudden guests."
"No matter. I came to speak with you."
"Hmm. Shall we talk outside, then?"
"Indeed."
"Illyana, feed Erin when she comes out."
"I'm not her mom. She'll eat on her own."
"What about Lady Elenoa?"
"Could you let her stay the night?"
"My house isn't an inn. And putting up a grown woman in someone else's home? Quite the unexpected proposal."
"It's the witch's house—what could be the issue? This man lives here too, which concerns me, but as your lover, he's hardly likely to lay a hand on my daughter. Besides, a house of women could use at least one man to protect it."
"Ha, hilarious. Who's protecting who?"
Illyana snorted in disbelief, but Abros brushed it off.
As soon as dinner was set, Eunhyeon followed Abros and Riod out.
"Just stack the dishes. I'll wash them when I get back."
"Yeah, yeah, just go already."
Illyana, who despised crowds in her home, shooed him away with a wave.
The nagging from her live-in housekeeper was a nuisance from her perspective.
She hadn't minded adding Erin as a dinner guest, but with Elenoa coming and going—and Alex occasionally tagging along—her irritation had been building.
"Should I pick up some late-night snacks on the way back?"
"Anyone'd think you two were married."
"Ah, well… actually, I've been thinking about that soon."
"…What?"
"You know what I mean. But Illyana doesn't know yet, so keep it secret."
"Hmph. Fine."
Riod snorted amusedly at Eunhyeon's plan and nodded.
"When's the date?"
"No, it's just a thought for now… I'll convey my intentions once my issues are sorted."
"Your issues?"
"Yeah. Mine."
Eunhyeon nodded with a wry smile.
Sensing he didn't want further questions, Riod nodded back.
[The child's issue… you still haven't made up your mind?]
'Pretty much.'
[…Didn't I permit you to respect the child's will now?]
'Even so, suddenly changing that mindset isn't possible. I've lived this way for over 400 years. I just… need time to sort my feelings and make a decision.'
She didn't regret becoming lovers with Illyana now.
But the experiences and emotions accumulated in his heart and memories over countless years weren't the sort that vanished simply because his goddess lifted her restrictions.
Unraveling them required his own effort and much time.
Only after resolving and organizing these matters would Eunhyeon show Illyana his resolve.
[I see….]
Verdandi quietly nodded, accepting the many thoughts and emotions in Eunhyeon's heart.
[Still, it's commendable that you're thinking that way. Hehe.]
'Thank you.'
[Then I must ascend to the divine realm briefly, so I won't be by the child's side for a while.]
'Is it serious?'
[No. It's about that reincarnated princess from before.]
'Ah.'
[I feel I should ask specifically who orchestrated it and what thoughts or plans they hold.]
'Understood. Take care.'
[Hehe, what need is there for caution? Still, thank you. I'll go and return swiftly.]
Verdandi's form gradually faded until she vanished completely.
"Something wrong?"
"Nah, nothing."
To the others, it looked like Eunhyeon was just staring into space, so Riod asked—but Eunhyeon smiled, shook his head, and followed behind the two.
The trio arrived at a tavern with a weathered sign and shabby interior.
"The duke has tastes that don't match his station."
"It's a place I visit for personal business when not in an official capacity, or when I'm weary. The inside may be rough, but the food's quality is guaranteed."
"Looking forward to it."
True to the rumors of fine cuisine, the dingy interior buzzed with lively patrons enjoying meals and drinks.
Unbefitting his status as the kingdom's second-in-command, Abros was apparently a regular; a female server recognized him and led them familiarly to a private room in the back.
Once seated and their usual orders placed, she brought simple appetizers and drinks, setting the table.
With everything ready, Abros poured for each of them in order: himself, Riod, then Eunhyeon.
"So, what's this about?"
Eunhyeon cut straight to why Abros had sought him out.
"First, thanks for saving my son at my daughter's request."
"A duke shouldn't bow so easily. I'll accept the gratitude, but…."
As Abros moved to lower his head, Eunhyeon stopped him.
"Is this about the recent attack? Looking for this guy?"
"No, not just that."
Abros shook his head at Riod's question.
Gazing intently at Eunhyeon with grave eyes, his expression showed resolve already firm.
"I'll be direct. Eunhyeon—have you ever thought of becoming a noble of the Pernias Kingdom?"
A glint flickered in Eunhyeon's eyes at the words.
"At this rate, the kingdom will fall. I need your help."
Riod furrowed his brow in bewilderment, while Abros waited silently with an inscrutable expression.
Eunhyeon narrowed his eyes at the duke, contemplating the sudden proposal.
Thus began a long silence among the three.