Epilogue 4/4: “All Together Now.”
“With that, we’ll conclude the first meeting. Thank you all for your hard work.”
It was the fifth day since the war had ended.
Barbara’s meeting, which had started in the morning, was adjourned after two hours.
Two hours isn’t exactly a short time, but considering the participants were leaders of various clans, it wasn’t the most productive meeting either.
Like the saying goes, “Much ado about nothing.” From my perspective, it was a meeting with little to gain.
Still, objectively speaking, the meeting’s outcomes were reasonable. Tackling the most urgent issues one by one wasn’t a bad approach.
Though the war had ended, remnants of the allied forces were still on the run, and five cities lay in ruins from the invasion. Thus, the eastern, southern, and northern regions prioritized tracking down the remnants and restoring the damaged cities.
Other post-war tasks, like relief efforts and prisoner management, were to be addressed in subsequent meetings.
The division of roles was also fairly logical.
For instance, the Hamil Clan, which had maintained its strength during the battle, was tasked with pursuing the remnants. They would likely start organizing immediately after the meeting.
In contrast, the Goryeo Clan, which had suffered significant losses, was assigned to assist with relief efforts in the cities.
In any case.
The Mercenary Clan, being a free mercenary group, had completed its mission with the end of the war. Deciding the clan’s next steps was solely my responsibility.
With that in mind, I glanced around the now half-empty meeting room and stood up. There was no reason to linger any longer.
Outside the meeting room, the entrance to the Golden Lion Clan House was bustling with people who had just finished the meeting. Some were hurrying back to the city, while others gathered in groups, discussing matters with serious expressions.
As I made my way through the crowd, I noticed people glancing at me. Some were even openly staring, which made me tilt my head in curiosity.
Just as I was about to quicken my pace to leave, a familiar voice and a gentle tap on my shoulder stopped me.
“Mercenary Lord.”
“Uh, uh…”
I blinked in surprise as I turned to see two women standing beside me.
One was Han So-young, the Iron-Blooded Queen of the Istantel Low Clan.
The other was Nam Da-eun, the Sword Queen.
Seeing the two queens together was like witnessing a beautiful painting come to life, yet it also felt strangely unfamiliar.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Mercenary Lord…”
Han So-young’s greeting prompted me to turn fully towards them. I was momentarily curious about why they were together, but it would have been rude not to respond.
“It’s been a while, Istantel Low Lord. Sword Queen.”
Han So-young nodded a couple of times and stepped closer, close enough for her subtle fragrance to reach me.
In a quiet, almost whispering voice, she spoke.
“I’ve heard a lot about you today, Mercenary Lord. You’ve worked hard.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“There’s a rumor about your remarkable achievements.”
Her words made my eyes widen.
It wasn’t that the rumor was wrong—I had indeed made significant contributions.
But it hadn’t been officially acknowledged yet. How did Han So-young, who was in the west, know about it?
Questions quickly piled up in my mind.
But as I pondered her words, I soon understood the situation. The strange looks I had received earlier also made sense.
‘Ah, rumors.’
Given the commotion I had caused, it would have been odd if no one had noticed.
I nodded lightly and then smiled wryly.
“Well, rather than my personal achievements… I remember the clan members I couldn’t protect during the war more vividly. At least for now.”
I couldn’t very well say, “Yes, I was amazing,” so I opted for a humble response.
”…I’m sorry.”
“Oh…”
However, the two queens seemed to interpret my words differently, showing expressions of sympathy. I regretted bringing it up.
As I sighed for no particular reason, I suddenly felt a cool, soft touch on the back of my hand.
Startled, I looked down to see Han So-young’s delicate hands gently holding mine.
Her voice, calm yet comforting, followed.
“I understand how you feel. If this is your first time, it must be very difficult.”
“Ah… Yes.”
“I don’t know how to comfort you, but I hope you find strength.”
“Th-thank you.”
I tried to maintain my composure as I nodded and quickly withdrew my hand. I felt a slight reluctance as she released it, but she let go without resistance.
‘Her hand.’
My face felt warm all of a sudden, but I quickly composed myself. As I shifted my gaze to change the subject, I noticed the Sword Queen, Nam Da-eun, looking at me with a conflicted expression.
Worried she might have been injured during the war, I spoke calmly.
“By the way, why are you two…?”
“Oh, we just had something to discuss.”
Han So-young answered swiftly, nodding a couple of times before continuing.
“We’re planning to establish a perimeter around the western city. So… I was hoping to get some help from the Sword Queen…”
She glanced at Nam Da-eun, her eyes sparkling as she continued.
“She mentioned she wasn’t particularly attached to her current clan, so I was making a suggestion.”
Watching Han So-young openly admit her intentions, I quickly grasped the situation.
‘So that’s it.’
Despite her smooth reasoning, it was clear she was interested in recruiting the Sword Queen. Given Nam Da-eun’s talents, anyone would want her on their side, and from what I’d heard, she wasn’t deeply tied to her current clan.
Moreover, knowing Han So-young’s penchant for gathering talent, she wouldn’t let someone like the Sword Queen wander freely.
Since it didn’t concern me if she joined Han So-young, I spoke with a light heart.
“I see. Then… perhaps we’ll see each other often in Monica. Haha.”
At that moment.
“No, not really.”
Nam Da-eun shook her head and spoke quietly. Avoiding Han So-young’s expectant gaze, she focused solely on me.
“I’m still considering it. Nothing’s decided yet.”
“Hmm…”
I pondered her hesitant response.
‘Her current clan is nearly defunct… and she has a supposed aversion to men?’
But judging by her demeanor towards me, it didn’t seem extreme. She had even taken on a special mission before the war, so it seemed more like a mild discomfort.
‘Or maybe… Seol-ah told her I’m a good person.’
Or perhaps I was just overthinking it.
Amused by my own trivial thoughts, I snapped out of it. Seeing Han So-young’s slightly pouty expression, I decided to lend a hand.
Watching their back-and-forth could be entertaining, but having the Sword Queen join Istantel Low would ultimately benefit me as well.
“User Nam Da-eun. If you’re not bound to your current clan, visiting Monica might be worthwhile. The Mercenary Clan received a lot of help from Istantel Low when we settled there.”
“Mercenary? Monica?”
Seeing her cute, curious response, I nodded affirmatively.
“Yes. Oh, didn’t my clan members rely on you during the war?”
“It wasn’t much…”
“No, I heard you helped them a lot. Thanks to you, they overcame many crises before I arrived.”
“Well, I received help too.”
Emphasizing that it was no big deal, Nam Da-eun shook her head.
‘So it’s a draw?’
I tilted my head briefly, but without her, who knows what might have happened to my members before I arrived.
“If you do decide to follow Istantel Low Lord to Monica, please visit the Mercenary Clan.”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course. You’re a lifesaver. The Sword Queen is always welcome.”
”…Really?”
Seeing her finally react, I nodded enthusiastically.
Though my words could be misinterpreted, mentioning Monica was aimed at Istantel Low.
Glancing at Han So-young, I saw her retract her pout and clear her throat lightly.
I laughed inwardly before managing to speak.
“I should be going now.”
Since we both had things to do, it was best to keep our reunion brief and go our separate ways. No matter how well-intentioned, it was polite to mind one’s own business, and I felt I had done enough for Han So-young to handle things on her own.
Of course, the growing number of curious onlookers was another reason to part ways.
Perhaps thinking the same, Han So-young took a few steps back.
“Well then, I’ll be off. Take care.”
This time, I was the first to say goodbye.
“Yes, take care. I hope we can meet again once everything is settled.”
“Yes, I’ll see you soon.”
Her words left me a bit puzzled, but I decided to let it go and nodded.
After exchanging final farewells, I turned and headed straight for the exit.
Now, all that was left for me was to return to the Mercenary Clan.
Upon reaching the warp gate, I made my way quickly to the Mercenary House. I considered sending a message to let them know I was almost there, but decided against it. After all, I had sent Go Yeon-ju ahead this morning, so I trusted they were managing well enough.
The only thing I hoped for upon my arrival was that they had somewhat moved on from Shin Sang-yong’s death.
Thanks to a few sprints, I reached the Mercenary House in no time.
Inside, the atmosphere was eerily quiet. For some reason, a sense of tension welled up within me.
As I gently opened the door and stepped inside, an unexpected scene unfolded before me.
”…….”
The clan members were gathered.
They stood before Shin Sang-yong’s grave, placed in a corner of the garden.
I carefully closed the door behind me.
Even at a glance, a somber yet dignified air hung among the clan members.
No one spoke, no one moved. Occasionally, some would glance up at the sky.
I stood at the entrance, observing them for a moment. The fact that everyone was present gave me a peculiar feeling. The air was undoubtedly heavy with sadness, yet it wasn’t the same defeated atmosphere as before. Their faces seemed resolute, as if they had made a decision.
After watching them for a while, I slowly approached.
“Su….”
“Clan….”
Sensing my presence, a few members turned to look, but I raised a hand to stop them. Silently, I closed the distance, blending in among them like a ghost.
Before the grave, I swallowed a soft sigh.
Ahn Hyun was kneeling there, eyes closed, exuding a solemn determination.
He bowed twice before slowly rising. After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned to face me directly. He must have known I was there all along.
“Hyung, I heard that if we gather a million gold points, we can use the user shop to make a wish.”
”…….”
“Hyung, I want to bring Sang-yong back. No, I will bring him back.”
It was an unexpected statement for a reunion after so long. But as soon as Ahn Hyun spoke, all eyes turned to me.
Suddenly, I felt a weight on my shoulders. At the same time, memories from five days ago flooded back.
‘Let’s stop for now.’
‘Please…. Please, let’s stop…. We’ll talk about it later.’
‘There’s no need for lengthy explanations. That’s all. Let’s end it here.’
‘And for today…. I recommend you all rest well. Dismissed.’
I regretted saying those words back then.
I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have avoided it.
Yes. At the very least, I should have addressed the issue of Shin Sang-yong properly.
I calmly looked around at each clan member. I understood why Im Han-na and Go Yeon-ju were so worried about me. I had run away from facing the future, unable to confront the issue of Shin Sang-yong.
I collected my thoughts and refocused on Ahn Hyun. His eyes were filled with unwavering determination.
Finally, I spoke in a dry voice.
“I didn’t plan on bringing him back. I thought it was the right thing to do.”
”…….”
“It won’t be easy. Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
“Yes. I will never regret it.”
Ahn Hyun answered immediately. Sensing his firm resolve, I made a decision about the issue I had been avoiding.
“Alright. I won’t stop you from bringing him back.”
Ahn Hyun’s face lit up momentarily, but I quickly added,
“But promise me one thing.”
“A promise…?”
“When you bring Shin Sang-yong back.”
When he realizes he can’t return to Earth.
“No matter what happens… you must endure it.”
Ahn Hyun looked puzzled, not fully understanding, but his desire to bring Sang-yong back was strong enough that he nodded without hesitation.
After confirming Ahn Hyun’s promise, I let out a deep sigh.
“Let’s go inside.”
“Soo-hyun, how about we eat first….”
“No, the results of the first meeting are out. Let’s head straight to the third-floor conference room….”
I stopped mid-sentence, almost involuntarily.
Before continuing, I glanced up at the sky.
”…….”
The thick morning fog had lifted, revealing white clouds drifting across the sky. The sun, high above, cast bright rays over the garden.
”…Let’s eat first. All of us, together.”
Following the long stretch of sunlight, I walked forward calmly.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
The first part isn’t over yet. There’s more to be added from Seraph’s perspective (continuing from the flashback in episode 386), which will be published tomorrow. So, consider the next episode the true conclusion of part one.
Some of you might wonder why certain parts weren’t included in the epilogue (like Soo-hyun confessing to his brother). These will be covered in side stories after the conclusion of part one, which I’ll explain in detail in point three.
I initially planned a month-long break, but a fellow author suggested it was too long, so I’ve shortened it to two weeks.
However, the timing is a bit tricky. If I take a break after tomorrow’s episode, I’ll have to start part two in early December. But my finals are scheduled for December 14th, meaning I’ll need to prepare for exams then.
So, I’ll conclude part one on November 15th (Friday), take a break on the 16th (Saturday) and 17th (Sunday), and then publish side stories from the 18th to the 30th. Since there’s about a two-year gap between parts one and two, these episodes will cover events during that time, with each episode being independently structured.