The clan member knocking on the door was Shin Jaeryong. He had news from inside.
I half-expected it, but thankfully(?) it was nothing serious. The members who had left two weeks ago on a mission had completed it safely and just returned.
Hearing the news, I went down to the first floor and caught sight of two men coming in noisily at the front of the group. It was Ahn Hyun and Jin Suhyun.
“Boss, we’ve completed the mission and returned.”
“Sir! We nailed it again! That’s three wins, zero losses! Three wins, zero losses!”
Ahn Hyun bowed respectfully as he reported their return, while Jin Suhyun excitedly held up three fingers, chattering away. Judging by their faces, they were in great spirits. Three wins, zero losses meant they had taken on three missions and completed them all.
I raised my hand in response.
“Good work.”
“Ah, no work at all. It was fun.”
Maybe it was because he was naturally aggressive and didn’t shy away from combat, but Jin Suhyun shook his head quickly, waving his hands as if to say it was nothing.
Watching him, I smiled inwardly.
For nearly two months, Jin Suhyun had been more active than anyone else and adapted faster than anyone. Sure, he had a naturally friendly personality, but there was a bigger reason. Everyone who met him shared one common impression:
Ah, this user truly loves the whole plane.
Jin Suhyun genuinely liked and enjoyed the whole plane.
What I did was actually nothing special. I simply provided the right environment.
A sense of belonging that let him hold his head high, excellent gear, good comrades, unique missions, delicious food and drink, and a warm clan house to return to and rest. In other words, I made sure he had no worries while active.
The result?
Having gone through dark times in the past, Jin Suhyun was now completely immersed in the environment I’d created for him, unable to break free. Of course, that was exactly what I intended.
“Oh, by the way.”
At that moment, Jin Suhyun, who had been laughing heartily, suddenly grew serious. He glanced between me and Ahn Hyun, then lowered his voice slightly.
“…But, boss.”
“Hmm?”
“Actually, I’ve made a serious decision this time.”
“A serious decision?”
“Yes. During this mission, I got the full story from Ahn Hyun. About user Shin Sangyong.”
“Shin Sangyong?”
I tilted my head. Why was that name coming up all of a sudden?
Jin Suhyun continued.
“That he died protecting his younger brothers in the war two years ago, and that Ahn Hyun is gathering GP to revive him. …I, Jin Suhyun, was truly, genuinely moved when I heard that.”
“Ah… yeah. That was a long time ago.”
“So, here’s the thing.”
“……?”
Jin Suhyun paused, then looked at Ahn Hyun with moist eyes. Ahn Hyun returned the gaze, his own eyes slightly wet.
For a moment, they stared at each other, then suddenly bumped their fists together hard. Jin Suhyun led with a shout, followed by Ahn Hyun.
“Though we didn’t enter the whole plane on the same year, month, and day!”
“I hope we at least die on the same year, month, and day!”
“Uh… um… I, Jin Suhyun, vow to help Ahn Hyun in reviving user Shin Sangyong!”
“Hmm… ahem… well, anyway, Jin Suhyun and I have sworn brotherhood!”
What followed was something like “May the heavens watch over this bond…” or something to that effect. But it seemed they only knew the first two lines, because they awkwardly bumped fists again, wincing as if in pain.
Wow. How do they manage to act exactly the same?
With their very brief and clumsily cut-off brotherhood pact sealed, the two men linked arms and headed toward the dining hall.
Watching them, I calmly turned my gaze to the garden, now shrouded in darkness. More precisely, toward the direction of Shin Sangyong’s grave.
Are you watching, Shin Sangyong?
There’s a user here trying to bring you back to life.
“Cross!”
“Cross!”
Two of them, no less.
“Daddy, are those the people you call fools?”
A moment later, Margot, who had been cradled in my arms, lifted her head slightly and whispered in my ear. I could relate to what she said.
Yes, calling them fools is the problem.
After sending that message to Shin Sangyong, I slowly lowered my gaze. Margot looked up at me with wide eyes.
“Why do you think that?”
“Because… it feels strangely uncomfortable. Is that what it means to feel pathetic?”
Child, sometimes being too honest is a sin.
I patted Margot’s back as she kept tilting her head, then followed the foolish duo into the dining hall. Since I was already down here, I planned to have a cup of tea before heading back.
The moment I opened the dining hall door, a loud, lively noise filled my ears.
Looking around, I was a little surprised. There were more clan members here than I expected. Though there were some empty tables scattered about, considering there was no set mealtime and everyone ate freely, the number of people today was unusually high.
Soon, as clan members greeted me, I quickly shifted attention by putting Margot forward. She clung tightly to my collar, not wanting to let go, but I gently but firmly handed her off and took a seat at a table near the kitchen without interruption.
“Oh, Clan Lord. You’re here again?”
Park Sangnam, the mercenary clan’s chef, happened to be nearby and came over to greet me.
“Ah, I just felt like having a cup of tea.”
“I see. Please wait a moment.”
Park Sangnam was not only skilled in cooking but also had a gentle demeanor and soft attitude. So much so that everyone, regardless of age or gender, affectionately called him “Brother Sangnam.”
Soon, as I sipped the tea he brought, I let out a sigh.
‘Le-leader! Did you have a co-comfortable night? Ha, hahaha…’
Shin Sangyong. It had been a while since I’d heard that name. At the same time, I felt a subtle, complicated emotion—not exactly a heavy heart, but…
Thinking back to the incident involving Margot, it was a bit bittersweet. I hadn’t expected to feel that helplessness again.
While I was drinking the warm tea, I suddenly felt Park Sangnam sit across from me. Glancing up, I saw his kindly smiling face.
“Clan Lord, come to think of it, the clan atmosphere has been quite peaceful lately, hasn’t it?”
“Is that so? I’ve been pretty busy.”
“Hahaha. It’s definitely lively. But I like this kind of bustle. Everyone’s working hard without any major incidents or accidents.”
“In that sense, it is peaceful. I understand what you mean.”
Park Sangnam looked contentedly to the side. Turning my gaze, I saw groups of clan members chatting noisily at various tables. The most notable were Ahn Hyun and Jin Suhyun. They had already ordered more food, and their table was piled high with dishes as they ate and drank excitedly.
“Brother Sangnam! Another order here!”
Still not satisfied, Ahn Hyun raised his hand and called out.
Park Sangnam slowly stood up.
“Oh dear. I guess I should get up now.”
“Don’t give them too much. They’ll get a belly.”
“Heh heh. Understood. …And Clan Lord, you’ll probably sleep well tonight. I mixed a little alcohol into your tea.”
“Excuse me?”
“You looked a bit off when you came in. Anyway, I hope you get a good rest tonight.”
“…Huh?”
I looked at him in surprise, but Park Sangnam just smiled and walked back into the kitchen.
A little later.
As steam rose from the tea, I finally realized Park Sangnam’s thoughtful gesture. Not a thousand words of encouragement, but a single act of kindness.
No wonder the clan members liked him so much.
Ahn Hyun and Jin Suhyun were clearing the plates from their table. They must have devoured all the food. Then, glancing at the next table, they exchanged mischievous looks and started giggling.
At the next table, Yoo Jung, Ahn Sol, and Cha Heeyoung were chatting quietly over drinks. What were they up to now?
The answer came soon enough.
Ahn Hyun stood up, holding plates in both hands, and sneaked over.
“Excuse me, beautiful lady with the red hair?”
“That’s me… huh?”
Yoo Jung turned her head, and Ahn Hyun placed the plates on her table with utmost politeness. Before she could say a word, Jin Suhyun, sitting at his table, pointed over with a refined voice.
“A gentleman at that table ordered these for a beautiful lady.”
Yoo Jung stared blankly, then followed his gaze to see Jin Suhyun grinning, fork in mouth, waving playfully.
“Well, enjoy your time.”
Ahn Hyun maintained his polite demeanor as he turned away.
For a moment, silence fell.
Of course, it was only momentary.
Crash!
Yoo Jung sprang up, cursing loudly, her face full of fury as if ready to tear them apart. Ahn Sol and Cha Heeyoung quickly stood as well, wrapping their arms around Yoo Jung.
“Hey! You crazy bastards! Are you out of your minds, wanting to die? What the hell are you doing to the dishes you ate from? You’re ruining my appetite!”
“Sis! Calm down! They’re idiots, that’s just how they are! Getting mad just means you’re losing!”
“Let go. Will you let go? Hell no! Damn sons of bitches…!”
“Uh, sis, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize on their behalf. Please calm down, okay?”
The restaurant, already noisy, suddenly grew even more chaotic. Watching the two run off laughing loudly, Yujeong screamed out.
“You filthy bastards who flush water and shit in the toilet!”
What kind of bastards are these?
I chuckled softly and took a sip of my tea. Feeling the warm liquid melt smoothly on my tongue, I pondered over Park Sangnam’s words.
A peaceful daily life where everyone works hard without any major incidents or accidents. Yeah. Maybe this is the happiest time of all.
Thinking about what lies ahead, these calm days might never come again. If that’s the case, then maybe I too…
Bang!
Just as I was about to set down my teacup, the sound of someone forcefully throwing open the door echoed through the restaurant.
Feeling the slight hush that followed, I fixed my gaze toward the entrance.
There stood Seon Yuun, panting heavily. He must have run here in such a hurry that he was bent over at the waist, barely able to lift his face. His expression was urgent, almost desperate.
“Clan Lord! Urgent news!”
Knowing Seon Yuun’s usually calm demeanor, I trusted he wouldn’t say this lightly. This had to be serious.
“Urgent news? What is it?”
“There’s an individual summons from Istantel Row!”
“…Not just a general summons, but an individual one? From Istantel Row?”
“Yes, yes! It’s a summons targeting all former clans in Monica.”
Why?
I looked at him, silently asking for clarification. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, then suddenly straightened up and spoke in a quieter voice.
“Just this evening, the central governing body officially announced it… They declared the assault on the Steel Mountains!”
At that moment, the noise in the restaurant completely died down.
An official declaration of the Steel Mountains assault.
…So it’s finally happening.
All eyes were on me as I slowly stood up. In a low voice, I spoke.
“If it’s an individual summons… send a messenger to Istantel Row immediately. The mercenaries will respond to the call.”
Looks like the peaceful days end today.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Oh no. Sorry for the update being an hour late today. ;ㅅ; Lately, I thought I was keeping to midnight, but… (thud thud.)
A younger friend of mine is currently serving in the military. We’re pretty close. We met at school last year, and we’ve really gotten along well. Honestly, I believe relationships deepen over time, but this guy broke that rule.
He was supposed to get leave in early May, but suddenly messaged me today saying he was coming out early. When I asked why, he said he was heading to Ansan Gojan Station. He said it was for the victims’ families or something. I didn’t ask further. Just from his profile picture, I could tell enough…
I usually don’t say “stay strong” to acquaintances. I think it’s better to quietly support than just say it. But now, I really regret not offering some comfort when we talked.
My chest feels tight, so I ended up rambling.
It’s Monday. I hope all my readers can overcome the Monday blues.
Have a peaceful night.