“Just a little harder.”
“It might damage your hair.”
Despite my concern, Han So-young kept her eyes tightly shut, not responding. Her glossy hair was so close to my chest that it seemed like it would touch if she leaned in just a bit more, or if I took a step forward. But I lacked the courage to make the first move. All I could do was wait.
”…”
Maybe I was breathing too heavily. My breath, tense as it was, slightly disturbed the hair on top of her head. I picked up the comb and gently smoothed it down again. With each stroke, I could see her slender, pale neck tremble slightly. Her face showed no change, but if you looked closely, there was a hint of contentment.
“How have you been lately?”
After a while of combing, her soft voice broke the silence. I continued to comb her hair, replying in a calm tone.
“Just the same.”
“I wish you’d come out into the light.”
“I like it here.”
”…”
It was a question I’d heard many times, and my answer was always the same. Han So-young let out a thin sigh and tilted her head back slightly. As her hair finally touched my chest, a balloon of joy swelled within me.
“When I’m with you like this, when you comb my hair, my mind goes blank. I feel at ease, and words I’ve kept inside just spill out. Why is that?”
“How should I know?”
“Heh, you’re right. Maybe it’s because we share similar pains.”
She laughed. Her smile, which I hadn’t seen in a long time, was so pure and bright. Her fragrance filled my lungs, and her radiant smile made my head spin for a moment.
I gently reached out and placed my hand on her smooth forehead. She opened her eyes slightly to look up at me, then closed them again. I carefully brushed her hair back, wishing this blissful moment could last forever.
I wasn’t expecting anything special. The summons from the Golden Lion Clan was a blatant copy-paste job. Of course, the basic details had been altered. For instance, “To Lord Kim Soo-hyun of the Mercenary Clan,” or “We respectfully request the company of the
I had anticipated Go Yeon-ju’s invitation, but the note at the end, “Due to the current unrest, please minimize the number of companions,” made me chuckle. After skimming through the document, I tossed it onto the table. The kids, eyes gleaming, pounced on it, squabbling over who would read it first.
“What did it say?”
“User Go Yeon-ju was right. It’s a summons.”
“I see. Was there anything unusual?”
“It felt like they were rushing us, not giving us time to think. They want us at the Golden Lion Clan’s house, Geumho Hall, before evening. Other than that, they just requested your presence.”
I didn’t mention the part about minimizing companions. It didn’t concern me. The most important person was the clan’s lord. The companions were just for show, except for protection. There was no need to bring a large group; Go Yeon-ju alone would suffice. Clans without a top ten member might frown, though.
“A request for company, huh? I had a feeling. Was there any mention of the incident with the Beech Tree?”
The atmosphere among the clan members grew quiet. Shin Sang-yong, sipping his tea, and Vivian and An Sol, who were peeking at the document, all turned their attention to me. I sighed and shook my head.
“No mention of that incident.”
“I see. Why are they suddenly being so considerate? Not that it matters if they mention it.”
“The Beech Tree’s significance seems minor. They’re probably struggling to manage the series of events unfolding. It’s not bad for us.”
“Indeed. The fact that we received a summons is quite unusual. Personally, I recommend attending.”
Go Yeon-ju urged me again to attend. I leaned back in the plush chair and closed my eyes. The Golden Lion Clan’s summons. I thought clans would simply refuse to gather. But the opening of the
Go Yeon-ju said most clans would respond to the summons, and her words seemed credible. However, their reason for coming wasn’t the Golden Lion Clan’s expedition but the
After pondering for a while, I made up my mind. I had come to Barbara to observe the flow of the whole plane. Although things had deviated a bit, it was too early to judge it as good or bad. The events that would unfold from this summons were untested but undoubtedly a new opportunity.
“Alright. We’ll respond to the summons.”
“An excellent choice. Don’t worry. As long as I’m with you, no one will dare ignore the lord.”
As I spoke with a sudden burst of energy, Go Yeon-ju responded with a bright smile. Nodding a couple of times, I suddenly thought of two users. My brother likely hadn’t received the summons. He was probably making a name for himself in the east, but forming a clan was something for later. The Golden Lion Clan might have been more flexible, but even the summoned clans showed they had made significant concessions.
But Han So-young was different. She led a prominent clan in the southern city of Monica. Since the summons were sent to all representative clans, there was a high chance she would attend. Thinking of her brought a mix of excitement and a bittersweet ache to my heart.
After losing my brother, I had become a bloodthirsty madman. If I had stayed that way, I would have died somehow. Han So-young was the one who reached out to save me once more. And…
”…”
“Soo-hyun? Soo-hyun!”
“Huh? Yes.”
“What were you thinking about? I called you several times, but you didn’t respond.”
I just smiled faintly at Ha-yeon’s question, not offering a detailed answer. Having made up my mind, I was about to get up when a thought crossed my mind. I turned to Ha-yeon and spoke.
“User Jung Ha-yeon.”
“Yes.”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Don’t worry about the other clan members. We’ll wait at the
Ha-yeon answered promptly, but that wasn’t what I wanted to ask.
“Oh. Of course, I ask that too. But… do you happen to have a comb?”
“A comb?”
“Yes, a comb for brushing hair.”
“Oh, no, I don’t. Why are you suddenly looking for one?”
Ha-yeon seemed puzzled by my unexpected question. I didn’t answer this time either. Han So-young’s beautifully flowing jet-black hair lingered in my mind. Shaking my head to dispel the thought, I stood up. It was just past noon.
There’s still some time, but it wouldn’t hurt to prepare in advance.
“By now, most users should have left. Let’s head back to the inn. We have things to prepare.”
Of course, that preparation included buying a comb.
<North Continent Metropolis Barbara - Golden Lion Clan House>
“Are you saying the Golden Lion is bowing down to some fledgling clan?”
“Watch your words. Who’s bowing down?”
“Then why aren’t you issuing a warrant? They’re practically criminals from Mule, yet they’re operating openly in Barbara… Ugh!”
Unable to hold back any longer, a middle-aged man with a splendid mustache kicked out forcefully. With a thud, the young man standing opposite him rolled across the floor.
“Mind your tongue. Committed a crime? According to the ranger you brought, there were signs of mutual combat. It seems likely the Beech Tree struck first. Don’t spread baseless rumors.”
“Damn it! I can’t believe it. Hyun-ah would never…”
“That’s why we should hear them out first. We can judge after that.”
“Ha. What’s the point of listening to them? Do you know the state of the Beech Tree Clan’s lord?”
The man on the floor, despite being hit, raised his head with blazing eyes. But the response he received was chilling.
“I heard. It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped. I never had high expectations for her anyway.”
“What do you mean by that?”
The man, still on the floor, quickly got up. But the mustached man’s words made his eyes shine with intensity.
“Tsk, tsk. Get a grip, my friend. Did you really think they were going to let that clan lead for real?”
“But, but I was sure the transition was complete…”
“That was just a formality. We planned to take it back as soon as the expedition was over.”
“What… what are you saying?!”
“Shin Tae-seung.”
Just as the young man was about to speak again, a sharp voice from a middle-aged man cut him off.
“Look at the situation objectively. The expedition failed, the portal’s open, and we’ve issued a summons. We’ve got more problems than we can count. There are plenty of places baring their teeth at us. And it’s not like the clan leader died. We can’t afford to waste time on a mere internal conflict among clan members.”
“I’ll handle it! That’s why I asked for permission to use the
“Be reasonable! The circumstances aren’t clear, and the Shadow Queen is involved. Plus, there are two secrets and three rares! Other clans are already drooling over this, and if we mess up from the start, what then?”
“Ugh…”
“I know about your feelings, but you need to separate personal matters from business.”
The man called Shin Tae-seung gritted his teeth, glaring at the middle-aged man with eyes full of resentment before storming out. The older man watched him leave, then sighed deeply. Without turning around, he spoke again.
“Sigh. That was quite the spectacle.”
”…”
“It might not concern you much, but don’t go spreading what just happened.”
“Understood.”
A cold voice echoed in the room. A female mage, who seemed to have witnessed everything from the start, stood quietly by the desk.
“Alright. You can go now. Several clans will be arriving soon, so make sure everything’s ready. Though I’m sure the officers will handle it well.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, wait a moment. I heard from Seong Yu-bin that you know that man, the one leading the newly formed mercenary clan.”
The footsteps that were about to leave paused. The feet that had been heading out turned back into the room.
”…Yes.”
“Kim Soo-hyun, was it? That man’s value is incredibly high. Make sure you follow the instructions from above.”
”…I’ll be going now.”
“Alright. You must be busy, so off you go.”
The middle-aged man stretched with a weary expression.
The footsteps that had paused at the door began to move again. But this time, they carried a force only the owner could feel. The female mage walked, pressing her feet firmly into the marble floor, her hand clenching tightly.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
Phew. I almost missed the midnight update because I was engrossed in the novel I mentioned in the previous chapter. (__)
Ah, the novel I’m currently reading is “Beast” by author Jabet. It’s a mix of zombie survival and ability genres. It’s a bit intense, but the story flows smoothly, and the humor is spot on. The protagonist’s actions are quite refreshing and lively. Hahaha. If you’re not put off by the intensity, I recommend giving it a read. :D
PS. This is the 200th chapter. I’m overwhelmed with emotion to have made it this far. It’s all thanks to the readers’ interest and support. I’ll continue to work hard and keep running forward. Thank you!
PS. Thank you so much to those who sent coupons. (__) I was surprised to see them, especially with the 200th chapter approaching. ㅜ.ㅠ
『 Reader Comments 』
DarkSeol: Oh, congratulations on being first! A new face this time! It’s an emotional 200th chapter—oh, I’m writing the 199th now. Haha, my mistake. Anyway, enjoy this chapter. :D
hohokoya1: hohokoya1! First! First! First! You always just miss being first. ㅜ.ㅠ I have no doubt that one day you’ll be first many times. (?)
Boreas: Haha, is that so? Look forward to the next chapter!
ShySun: Thank you. (__) I’m grateful just for you reading. Hahaha.
Sizzflare: Then I’ll call you sister, Sizzflare! Sister!!!! Oh, no. I must have lost my mind for a moment in the joy of the 200th chapter. ㅜ.ㅠ
BlueCoralForest: The strongest has already been decided. Haha. If you’re curious and don’t mind spoilers, send me a message!
gkgngh: It’s “Beast”! “Beast” by author Jabet! If you don’t mind the intensity, give it a read! It’s fun!
ShinB: It’s possible. However, it’s not the trend except for some professions!
Repil: I’ve edited the note. It’s true they weren’t completely in love, but the relationship was more than just caring clan members. Please consider it a slip of the tongue in my note. ㅜ.ㅠ
NovelConqueror: Thank you for the coupon! I’ll continue to provide even better content. (__)
Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous updates. (This is the truth.)
I always read all the comments repeatedly.
Please don’t be too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments.
If you’re really curious about something, send me a message, and I’ll reply!
With that, I’ll take my leave for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
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