A Twisted Belief
After a brief encounter on the first floor, we followed Im Hanna’s lead up to the fourth floor. As soon as we stepped into the room she guided us to, I was taken aback. The room was not only spacious but also filled with luxurious furniture, giving off the vibe of a royal suite in a high-end hotel. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into its arrangement.
Curious about the reason for such hospitality, I hesitated for a moment, but her welcoming gesture urged me to step inside. Once seated in the chair she pulled out for me, a gentle and kind voice came from behind.
“This room was occasionally used by the Shadow Queen or Ha-yeon. They maintained it themselves, anticipating the return of the clan lord.”
“I heard you rented out the entire fourth floor. We plan to purchase a clan house soon, so this wasn’t necessary… But thank you. I’ll make sure to pay for it.”
“Oh, it’s fine. We’ve already received and continue to receive help from you, so feel free to use it without worry.”
I was curious about the help she mentioned, but I decided to wait until Ko Yeon-ju returned to find out more. Im Hanna left to gather the others, giving me a chance to observe the clan members more closely.
Hanbyeol had been silent since entering the Love House, seemingly tense at the prospect of meeting the others. Vivian’s attention was solely on me, and I felt the urge to ask about the progress of the elixir. However, I decided to hold off until after greeting the incoming clan members.
As I pondered these thoughts and looked away from Hanbyeol and Vivian, I suddenly felt a weight on my body. Looking down, I saw Ansol clinging to me, staring intently ahead. Curious about what she was looking at, I raised my head…
”…Why are you two acting like this all of a sudden?”
I was bewildered. Ansol and Han-gyeol were staring at each other, but their gazes were anything but friendly. It was more like they were looking at lifelong rivals.
As soon as I spoke, Ansol turned her head with a snap. Han-gyeol remained silent, but his expression showed clear disapproval.
After glancing at Baek Han-gyeol for a while, Ansol finally spoke in a sharp tone.
“Brother, it seems like there’s someone new here.”
“Yes, we brought in two new members. The one in front of you is a new user, and the other is someone you know.”
Ansol’s interest piqued, and she turned her gaze diagonally. As soon as her eyes landed on Hanbyeol, her expression hardened.
“Hello.”
“Uh…”
“It’s been a while.”
“Ah… Yes…”
Hanbyeol greeted with a faint smile, and Ansol nodded reflexively, though her face was filled with reluctance. It was clear she wasn’t pleased to see Hanbyeol, and her eyes seemed to question, “Why are you here?” Hanbyeol gave a bitter smile, perhaps thinking the same thing as me.
”…”
”…”
An awkward silence filled the room. Vivian glanced between Hanbyeol, Ansol, and Han-gyeol, then shrugged at me. I shrugged back, and she pursed her lips, but sensing the strange atmosphere, she remained silent.
Im Hanna must have spread the word quickly, as it wasn’t long before people started entering the room. The first to arrive, aside from those already present, was An-hyun. As I tried to guess whether the thumping footsteps belonged to An-hyun or Lee Yoo-jung, the door burst open, revealing a sweat-drenched An-hyun.
“Hyung!”
“Long time no see.”
“Hyung! It’s really you! You’re back!”
“Yes.”
‘Like brother, like sister,’ I thought, chuckling as I waved. An-hyun rushed toward me as if to hug me, but Ansol’s glare stopped him. Thankfully, he noticed his sweaty state and awkwardly laughed, moving to stand beside Hanbyeol.
“Ahaha. Sorry, hyung. I was training and got all sweaty.”
“That’s good. But is there a place to train here?”
“Yes… Huh?”
Just as he was about to sit, An-hyun noticed Hanbyeol and paused. Hanbyeol quietly lowered her head.
“Oh, hello.”
“You’re… Kim Hanbyeol?”
“Yes. It’s been a while…”
“What are you doing here?”
An-hyun’s tone was much more aggressive than when he greeted me. As Hanbyeol remained silent, he turned to me. I gestured for him to sit. An-hyun clicked his tongue and forcefully pushed the chair back, moving to sit on the opposite side. Hanbyeol lowered her head even further. It seemed the sense of betrayal toward her ran deep.
An-hyun, with a seemingly indifferent expression (though it felt intentional), started chatting with me. As I responded, Ko Yeon-ju, Jung Ha-yeon, and Shin Sang-yong entered the room together.
I had seen Ko Yeon-ju regularly, but it was the first time seeing Jung Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong since we parted ways in Barbara, so it was a pleasant reunion. They greeted me with a bow, and I appreciated their calm demeanor, unlike the earlier commotion.
“Leader, or rather, Clan Lord, it’s been a while.”
“Haha. User Shin Sang-yong, long time no see. How’s the class situation?”
“Thanks to you, I’ve made significant progress. Haha.”
Shin Sang-yong replied with a friendly smile, shaking my hand warmly.
“Suhyeon, welcome back. I’m so glad you returned safely.”
“User Jung Ha-yeon, thank you for taking care of the clan in my and Ko Yeon-ju’s absence.”
We didn’t exchange many words, but our gazes spoke volumes. Her eyes were filled with relief, genuinely glad to see me back safely. After a quick glance at the new members, they quietly took their seats.
Most of the group was now gathered, but one person was still missing. I glanced at the door and addressed An-hyun.
“An-hyun, what about Yoo-jung? Isn’t she here?”
“Oh, I think she went to her room. I’m not sure. Should I go get her?”
Just as An-hyun answered, the sound of running footsteps echoed through the hallway. Speak of the devil, and she shall appear. The clan members chuckled. The footsteps stopped, and the door swung open as Yoo-jung dashed in, her wet hair scattering droplets everywhere.
“Oppa! You’re back!”
“Yes. You’re the last one.”
“I was just washing up… Ah, it’s really you. Oppa!”
“Hello.”
“Yay!”
Ignoring the others’ gazes, she leaped over the table to hug me. I appreciated her enthusiasm, but it seemed everyone had the same reaction. As I tickled Yoo-jung’s chin, she giggled and squirmed, reminding me of a playful kitten.
After finally prying Yoo-jung off, she tried to sit next to me, but Ansol and Han-gyeol had already claimed those spots. Disappointed, she turned away, but upon seeing Han-gyeol, her curiosity piqued.
“Who’s this new face? Oppa, who’s this pretty girl?”
“She’s a new user we brought in.”
“Oh, a new clan member? Then the other one must be…”
Han-gyeol, shocked at being called a girl, shook his head frantically. Realizing my mistake, I was about to correct myself when Yoo-jung’s mouth snapped shut. Her eyes, once crescent-shaped, widened in surprise, her face a picture of disbelief.
But it didn’t take long for her surprise to turn into exasperation.
“Ah…”
“Unbelievable.”
“Yoo-jung, just sit down.”
The lively atmosphere that had erupted with my return was quickly subdued by Yujeong. She seemed like she wanted to say more, biting her lip before letting out a scoff and settling down next to Ahn Hyun. The clan members, unaware of the situation, looked at Yujeong with puzzled expressions, but Ahn Hyun and An Sol remained calm.
“Hoho. Welcome back. How are you feeling?”
“Not bad.”
An awkward silence lingered for a moment, but thankfully, Go Yeonju broke the ice, bringing the room back to its usual state. It was a rare gathering, so I took a moment to scan the table, checking on the clan members. I could feel the trust in their eyes as they met mine. Some seemed eager to share their stories, but they only mouthed words, glancing at Go Yeonju for cues.
After clearing my throat a couple of times, I spoke in a steady voice.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you all. I’m relieved to see everyone looking healthy.”
“You’ve been through a lot too, Clan Lord. We’re just glad you returned safely from the chaos.”
Go Yeonju’s response was met with nods of agreement from everyone. It was a bit embarrassing, but knowing they worried about me was oddly comforting. Trying to hide my flushed face, I continued with a composed demeanor.
“Chaos, indeed. It’s wonderful to see you all, and I wish we could spend more time catching up. I’m sure you feel the same. However…”
I paused, interlocking my fingers and resting my chin on them.
“Bringing this up right after returning isn’t easy for me either, but I assume Go Yeonju has briefed you to some extent. The current situation in Hall Plain is urgent. The future is uncertain, and I believe it’s better to act swiftly rather than take it easy.”
“I understand what you’re saying. Still, while we’ve been able to rest under a planned schedule, you’ve just returned. Wouldn’t it be better to take at least a day or three to rest?”
“Even if I forced myself to rest now, it wouldn’t be restful. My mind is uneasy. I appreciate your concern, but there’s no time for rest for me or for us. That’s how I see it.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Go Yeonju seemed to have solidified her position as the second-in-command during my absence. No one else spoke, but her words seemed to reflect the sentiments of the clan members.
After I gently declined, Go Yeonju sighed. Both she and Jeong Ha-yeon often urged me to take breaks. They probably thought I was always on the move. But there was a reason I chose Monica as our next destination.
“Let’s get straight to the point. Before leaving Barbara, I assigned some tasks to a few clan members. I’d like to hear the reports on those first…”
I paused, looking at the two who seemed out of place. It seemed best to introduce them first. After a moment’s thought, I decided to introduce Hanbyeol first, thinking it was better to get it over with.
“Before that, let’s introduce the new faces. The woman in front of me is a user who recently left the Golden Lion. We have a history from the initiation rites, and after a brief separation post-user academy, our paths crossed again, leading her here. Hanbyeol?”
At my call, Hanbyeol looked up with a resigned expression. I nodded for her to stand, and she hesitantly rose to her feet. All eyes were on her. Whether it was due to the significant trauma that had changed her disposition or the unfamiliar audience, she couldn’t show her old self, which tugged at my heart.
“Everyone here is a member of the Mercenary Clan. Since we’ll be sharing meals from now on, it would be good for you to introduce yourself.”
“Hello. I’m Kim Hanbyeol. As the Clan Lord mentioned…”
Hanbyeol trailed off, unable to continue. Despite everyone waiting for her next words, her lips remained sealed.
“User Kim Hanbyeol? Could it be the secret class Jewel Mage from the Golden Lion Clan?”
“That’s correct.”
“Ah, Clan Lord, may I ask a few personal questions out of curiosity?”
“You may.”
As Hanbyeol struggled to speak, Ha-yeon quickly raised her hand. I nodded, granting permission, and she turned to Hanbyeol.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Jeong Ha-yeon, a second-year user, twenty-six years old, with a general mage class.”
“Yes.”
“Then, as I mentioned, could you please introduce yourself first?”
Whether it was a sense of camaraderie from leaving the Golden Lion, curiosity about the Jewel Mage, or something sensed from Yujeong’s demeanor, Ha-yeon was clearly trying to help Hanbyeol. Encouraged by Ha-yeon’s support, Hanbyeol was about to speak when Yujeong, who had been glaring from the side, couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Sniff, sniff. Ugh, what’s that smell? It’s really disgusting.”
“Huh? Sorry, it’s probably my sweat. I just came from training. But calling it disgusting is a bit harsh.”
Ahn Hyun grumbled in response, and Yujeong shook her head.
“No, no. It’s not your sweat. Your sweat is unpleasant, but not this disgusting.”
“Is that a compliment or an insult? What is it?”
“Hmm~. This smell is…”
Yujeong pinched her nose and twisted her lips, though her eyes remained unbothered. Finally, she lowered her hand, sniffing in Hanbyeol’s direction, and continued with a clear sneer.
“It smells like a traitor.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
(The female character popularity poll has begun. It’s currently up for survey. I’d be very grateful if readers could participate.)
Hmm. It seems the reunion chapter will conclude in the next installment. It’s about time to move on to the next chapter. There will be a chapter in between before we dive into the war. There’s a bit of time left in between. Ah, and I included the name Go Eun-sol because I personally find it pretty, but some readers seem to find it confusing with Go Yeonju and An Sol. I think there’s merit to that. If it’s too bothersome, should I change it? I’m considering the name Kim Hanna. It’s not difficult to change, so I’d appreciate your valuable feedback.
PS. The female character popularity poll is currently underway. I’d be delighted if readers could participate. Also, if you find any dialogue unsatisfactory, please let me know your preferred lines. If they seem fitting, I’ll incorporate them right away. Thank you! (__)
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Congratulations on being first. It seems you have the upper hand when I post exactly at midnight. Haha. Personally, I’d love it if you voted for Yujeong. ㅜ.ㅠ
Sansanamu: Wrong! Ahn Hyun’s partner is already decided! They haven’t appeared yet! Hehehe.
Yumari: That’s right. Now the two will bicker over Suhyeon, won’t they? (?)
[DeepBLue]: Haha. It wouldn’t be fun to just drop it. I’m aiming for maximum impact. First, I need to pick up the pieces, right? :)
Hyeonoh: Correct. It’s love. Good. I pursue love. Kekeke!
HarujionS: ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Ah, I couldn’t help but laugh at the “Bia!” at the end.
Lapir and Jint: No, if readers find it uncomfortable, I can certainly make changes. I’ll consider the comments from this chapter and follow the majority opinion. Thank you.
Ocean: Haha. The elixir-related content will appear in the next chapter. There’s still a bit left to consume, but Vivian is paying close attention. :)
Jeonyeoknoeulro: ㅎㅎㅎ That’s right. However, Suhyeon won’t be showing any more pathetic behavior in front of Han So-young. That was enough during the conscription order, and now it’s time to steadily pursue the original purpose. According to Suhyeon’s true nature. :)
Lea: Thank you for the coupon. (__) Seraph will appear alongside the elixir part. According to the current plan, it will be right before the war. :) Hehe. Thank you. Hehehe.
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