00797 The Queen of Support

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As the flush on Gehenna’s cheeks slowly faded, I finally managed to break free and regain my composure. Rubbing my numb lips, I glanced around—and what I saw startled me deeply.

The vast space stretched before me, spanning over a hundred pyeong, encompassing the office, study, terrace, bathroom, and bedroom. A large, neatly arranged desk. A round table and an antique sofa. Plush red carpets bordered in gold that gleamed softly. Ornate decorations adorning the walls.

This place…

“Isn’t this… my room?”

The Mercenary Castle’s fourth-floor office, no less. I’d felt the familiar texture in a half-dream state, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to wake up in the office’s bed.

“Not bad at all,” came a casual voice.

Gehenna had already slipped off the bed, stretching leisurely with her right hand holding her left elbow. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over a blooming red rose. It was like a scene from a lifestyle magazine.

“…Huh?”

Just then, as Gehenna tied back her tousled hair, she glanced at me, narrowing her eyes and curling her fingers slyly. Damn, had I zoned out without realizing it?

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I forced myself back to my original surprise.

“Gehenna, what’s going on here?”

“Hm? Isn’t this your room?”

She answered as if asking why I was asking her, but a mischievous glint betrayed her expression. It seemed she wasn’t about to spill the beans just yet.

I pondered for a moment before speaking.

“How many days have I been asleep?”

“Four full days since you collapsed. Today’s the fifth.”

“Hmm… so I survived again?”

“That’s true, but enough with the cheesy lines. Sharing life force with a human is like pouring a few buckets of seawater into the ocean.”

She waved her hand dismissively, but her tone was serious—almost stern. It felt like if she used this chance to say something embarrassing again, she wouldn’t let it slide. Sensing this, I decided to stay quiet.

I resolved to tackle the pile of questions stacking up in my mind.

But no matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t make sense of it. This expedition to the “Glacial Snowfield” was planned as a long journey—three months round trip. The schedule was calculated based on Jegal Haesol’s transport ability. It took 45 days to get there, so naturally, it should take 45 days to return.

So how had I skipped those 45 days? Unless I had somehow jumped through space…

“Ah.”

A sudden thought struck me.

Hearing my exclamation, Gehenna smiled faintly, as if unimpressed.

“While you were unconscious, I took the chance to learn a bit about this world… Honestly, it was quite surprising.”

She stopped abruptly, her face flickering with hesitation as she stared at me, debating whether to say more.

“How so?”

Curious, I asked.

“I don’t know. Only a few hundred years have passed, but the regression is unbelievable. No, it’s almost embarrassing to even call it regression.”

Without a hint of hesitation, Gehenna delivered a cold assessment.

I wasn’t offended—because it was true. Despite the time difference, when I thought about the heroes we met in the “Sleeping Dragon Mountains” and the current inhabitants, I had to agree. It was almost shameful to call it regression.

“I never thought it would be this bad. They can’t even manage proper spatial movement. It’s a bit pathetic.”

“Spatial movement… but Jegal Haesol—”

“Oh, that kid? I’ve seen it. It’s a rather barbaric and primitive method. Not efficient at all—just pouring magic recklessly.”

“R-Really?”

I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Jegal Haesol, praised as a genius even by the “Dragon of the End Times,” was being thoroughly downgraded in front of Gehenna. Well, I guess that’s only natural.

“…Well, considering the current state, it’s somewhat creative.”

Gehenna clicked her tongue, then glanced at me and continued. She seemed to realize she might have been a bit harsh and tried to soften her words, which was endearing.

“So, you came here by spatial movement?”

“Yes. The coordinates were a bit off, but luckily your residence was close to a landmark I know.”

“A landmark?”

“Foolish one. Have you already forgotten how you returned?”

When Gehenna scolded me like that, I finally remembered the Royal Seat. I smiled awkwardly and scratched my head. The landmark was about half a day’s distance from Atlanta. Since I woke up on the fifth day, that meant I must have returned to the city at least three days ago.

Suddenly, curiosity welled up.

How exactly was Gehenna summoned?

What happened while I was asleep?

What did Gehenna say?

How did the clan members react?

But above all—

The most important question of all—

What would happen to Gehenna from now on? Would she stay here?

Yet I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Because I was too anxious.

“Won’t you come with me…?”

“Heh. That wouldn’t be so bad.”

“But…”

“…Can you handle it?”

That was when Gehenna said she was a being not permitted to remain in the intermediate world. Even if she came along, she would have to return someday.

If Gehenna stayed here, there would be a price to pay. But I didn’t have the means to offer such a sacrifice. The word “handle” carried that meaning.

“…”

“…”

A quiet silence settled between us.

I desperately tried to think of another topic. Calmly shifting my gaze, I noticed a noticeably swollen belly. Right. That would be good. Was her name Suna…?

“Um…”

“Are you feeling better now?”

Just as I opened my mouth, Gehenna took a step back and firmly cut me off. I blinked in surprise, and suddenly her smile vanished.

“That’s a relief. Then…”

“…?”

“It’s time for you to fulfill your duties.”

“Duties?”

When I questioned her, Gehenna nodded solemnly.

“I heard you’re the head of a clan representing this city.”

“W-Who told you that?”

“That’s not important. Regardless, as the ruler of a city, you have responsibilities.”

“Gehenna, that’s…”

I shook my head and tried to step closer.

But before I could take a step,

“A king, above all else—”

Her sharp command stopped me in my tracks.

“Must understand and embrace everything before ruling.”

Her autumn-frost eyes fixed on me steadily.

Her deep crimson gaze burned quietly as she continued.

“You have priorities. I believe you should focus on your responsibilities and duties befitting your position before worrying about me.”

“Gehenna.”

“I won’t pretend you don’t understand.”

“So…”

“Please, don’t disappoint me.”

“…”

Her voice was stern, like a strict reprimand, yet calm. Her words cut through me like a blade.

Suddenly, a clear thought rose in my mind. Yes. Gehenna was absolutely right. I needed to review this expedition, check the achievement reward messages, and even beyond the expedition, there was a mountain of tasks waiting.

With that in mind, I managed to straighten up.

“You’re right, Gehenna.”

Her eyes softened, tracing a gentle curve, and she smiled quietly again.

“Sorry if I upset you. But I knew you’d understand.”

“No, it’s fine. Haha.”

“Of course, I want to be loved too… Heh. But I don’t want to shake the foundation you’ve built so far. Strictly speaking, I’m just a rolling stone.”

“That’s a saying of ours. Did someone tell you that?”

Gehenna said nothing, just smiled faintly.

“And I…”

She started to say something but suddenly trailed off.

I had a sudden feeling I understood her worry. If she hadn’t misheard, she probably meant “a rolling stone that rolled in,” not just “a rolling stone.” But if she deliberately said “rolling stone”…

I see. Since I’m a stone that won’t settle beside others, she was drawing a line, telling me to look back at the stones already set.

Rumble!

At that moment, just as a sharp pang hit my chest, my stomach growled loudly and embarrassingly. Then a wave of hunger washed over me, and my face flushed hot.

“Kik.”

Gehenna’s eyes went wide, and she hurriedly covered her mouth. But her shoulders trembled slightly—she definitely heard it. Damn, of all times…

“Well, whatever the matter, I guess we should eat first.”

“Can’t be helped. Humans have to eat because of their biology…”

For some reason, even I felt that sounded like a poor excuse.

Braving the awkwardness, I opened the door and stepped out—but immediately had to stop in my tracks.

“Ah.”

“Oh my.”

In the hallway, a woman walking toward the office suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her startled, ash-gray eyes met mine.

“Su, Suhyun.”

“Goyeonju?”

“You’re awake… really?”

“Yes. I just woke up.”

With a relieved sigh, Goyeonju ran a hand over her chest, then composed herself and slowly approached. Looking me in the eye, she gave a bittersweet smile.

“That’s a relief. I heard you were okay, but I was still really worried.”

“I’m sorry. But as you can see, there’s nothing wrong with me at all.”

Wait a minute. Why is Goyeonju here? She should still be at the User Academy as an instructor, right?

As if reading my thoughts, Goyeonju smiled slyly.

“Don’t worry. I made sure to clear it with them before coming. I’m planning to commute for a while.”

“Commute? Did Hyoeul approve that?”

“I let him know about your condition. He was pretty surprised but made an exception.”

“I see…”

Just then, Goyeonju suddenly glanced to the side with a puzzled expression. I sensed Gehenna’s presence.

In that instant, a wave of panic hit me. An unexpected ambush, perhaps? My mind went blank, and my vision blurred.

But then—

“Ah…”

To my surprise,

“You were here too, sister?”

Goyeonju smiled brightly and spoke.

“Yeah. I figured it was about time you woke up.”

Gehenna responded as if it was nothing new.

For a moment, my mind went blank for a different reason.

Then, without hesitation, Goyeonju slipped her arm gently through Gehenna’s. Gehenna didn’t resist.

“That’s not fair. If you’d told me earlier, I would’ve waited with you.”

“Heh. You looked busy.”

“Hmph. Lies. By the way, where were you two headed?”

“Oh, she looked pretty hungry, so we were going to the dining hall.”

Goyeonju’s warmth and Gehenna’s sisterly kindness—

What on earth was going on? The confusion in my head wouldn’t clear.

Of course, while I was asleep, Gehenna must have been building relationships with the clan members. But even so, this was way beyond what I expected. I thought she might be on the sidelines, at best tolerated, but this? They looked like close sisters. Unless someone had actively helped her adjust, this kind of bond couldn’t form in just a few days.

“You kept talking, then suddenly your stomach growled. It was hilarious.”

“Really, I can’t handle her sometimes. Well, I’ll come along and support you.”

“That’s enough. Didn’t I tell you to stop treating me like an invalid?”

“Not invalid—pregnant.”

The two women started walking down the hallway together, leaving me behind.

As I watched quietly, Goyeonju suddenly turned her head, caught my gaze, and winked.

That smile—

“……”

It washed away all the fear and anxiety in my heart.

Even at the dining hall, surprises kept coming.

While I awkwardly greeted the clan members, the two women took seats at a different table, chatting warmly. Starting with Goyeonju, Im Hanna, Jeong Hayeon, Park Dasom, and even Won Hyesu gathered one by one. They weren’t loud, but their quiet conversations felt comforting.

“Hey! You’re here again today?”

At that moment, a cheerful shout echoed from the kitchen. Sister Nono was leaning on one hand, smiling brightly as she waved a ladle.

“Brace yourselves! Today, you’re definitely going to say it’s delicious!”

“Hmm. I have to admit, you’re confident. I’m looking forward to it.”

Gehenna settled into her chair leisurely, replying with ease. Light cheers and laughter rippled around.

I really wanted to know what had happened all this time. Or rather, how long had it been since the atmosphere was this bright?

Feeling a mix of joy and unease, I pulled out a cigarette. But before I could light it, someone gently snatched it away. Looking up, I saw the friendly smile of Sangnam hyungnim.

“Oh, Clan Lord. There’s a pregnant woman here. Please be considerate.”

“Ah… yes, of course.”

“You haven’t eaten in three days. We’ll bring you something mild that won’t strain your body.”

“P-please, thank you.”

Sangnam hyungnim smiled and left. Then another man appeared—tall and handsome, it was Jo Seungwoo.

“User Jo Seungwoo?”

“Clan Lord, congratulations on your survival.”

Jo Seungwoo bowed slightly and smiled.

After exchanging the usual greetings, I led him to the table. Good. No more feeling left out.

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“Nah, it’s nothing. I’m used to it now.”

He joked, but half of it felt sincere.

“Anything special happen while I was gone?”

I asked, expecting no big news, but Seungwoo’s reaction was odd. He glanced away, opening and closing his mouth repeatedly. Had something happened?

“What is it?”

Pressing him again, he finally spoke.

“Actually… there was an indirect conflict with the Sanha clan involving another city.”

Oh? A conflict? That was unexpected. Today seemed full of surprises.

“Where?”

“The Istantel Low clan, representing the eastern city.”

But as he continued, I realized this wasn’t something to take lightly.

A hush fell over the dining hall. Dozens of eyes turned toward us. If everyone knew this much, even an indirect conflict was serious.

“Istantel Low…”

I tapped the table lightly, lowering my voice.

“We’ll need to call a meeting.”

“No, no! That’s not necessary!”

Seungwoo jumped up, waving his hands.

“Why not?”

“You just woke up and aren’t feeling well. I shouldn’t have said anything. Let’s wait until you’re fully recovered…”

What was he talking about? I smiled faintly and shook my head.

“I’m fine. Better than ever, actually. I feel like I’ve been reborn.”

“Ah… haha.”

“There must be other issues besides that conflict, right?”

“Yes… that’s right.”

“Then we should call a meeting to sort out the expedition plans too. By the way, have you eaten lunch?”

“No, not yet.”

Seungwoo stammered, surprised by the sudden question.

“Then let’s eat together. I need to hear the situation before the meeting anyway.”

“I’m worried if you’re really okay. There’s more than one or two things going on.”

Finally, he was being honest. This guy really has a lot on his plate.

I smiled warmly.

“I need to know the situation first to come up with a solution, don’t I?”

At that moment, I thought Seungwoo’s face brightened.

“…Understood!”

It wasn’t just my imagination—he even bowed deeply as he said it.