As expected, the inn’s door swung open to reveal Jeong Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong. Turning to face them, it was clear that they were not in the best of spirits. While Shin Sang-yong seemed alright, Jeong Ha-yeon looked noticeably pale, as if she had been through a lot. Yet, her eyes still held a certain clarity, suggesting her spirit hadn’t been entirely crushed.
Jeong Ha-yeon had an inexplicable allure. It wasn’t just about her appearance. My ten years of experience in the field and my intuition told me she was genuine. It was a feeling that was hard to articulate, but I knew I had to keep her close.
Still, I couldn’t let my thoughts show. I maintained a neutral expression as I stood up to greet them.
“I heard you came by this afternoon.”
“Yes, but we were told you had gone out of town with your group.”
“It wasn’t an expedition, just a brief outing to gain some combat experience. I’m sorry you made the trip for nothing.”
“No need to apologize. If anything, we should be the ones apologizing.”
Polite and composed, she lowered herself without losing her dignity. Her response was so gracious that I nodded in acknowledgment. Yu-jeong, ever perceptive, had already pulled over two more chairs. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, we all sat down.
For a moment, Jeong Ha-yeon and Vivian exchanged glances, but Vivian quickly looked away, making the atmosphere a bit awkward. I offered them food to ease the tension, but they politely declined, having already eaten.
“Have you managed to find some peace of mind?” I asked.
“Honestly, no. It’s hard to come to terms with my younger sibling’s death. I’m still overwhelmed with grief, sadness, and anger.”
Her candid response took everyone by surprise, especially Vivian, who lowered her head.
I appreciated Jeong Ha-yeon’s honesty. If she had tried to hide her sorrow with lies, I might have been disappointed. I noticed Shin Sang-yong gently nudging her robe, prompting a faint smile from her as she continued.
“After we parted ways, I went back to the inn where my sister and I last stayed. I hugged Ji-yeon’s robe and cried my heart out. I think I cried for almost a whole day.”
Despite her calm and composed demeanor, it was hard to believe she had been so distraught. While the others looked at her with sympathy, I felt a chill run down my spine.
I, too, had lost a sibling in my first life. For a week, I had become a rampaging beast, killing countless enemies until my rage subsided. I had never forgotten my brother Yu-hyeon and Han So-young, which is why I stood here today.
Jeong Ha-yeon’s composure was a stark contrast to my own past. If her demeanor was an act, she was a formidable person. But my instincts told me her sincerity was genuine.
I found myself staring at her, wanting to ask how she managed to control her emotions so well. But I swallowed the words. She met my gaze quietly before turning to Vivian.
“We killed your subordinates and your children. And you killed my sister and my companions.”
”…Yes.”
“I’m not going to apologize for killing your subordinates and children. I’m not sorry. Humans are like that. But I hope you can acknowledge the wrongs done to my sister and companions and sincerely apologize.”
”…”
“I still can’t accept it. But if the kindness and words Su-hyeon showed us were genuine, and if you’ve regained your humanity, then show us proof of that sincerity.”
Jeong Ha-yeon spoke with a determined expression, while Shin Sang-yong looked anxiously between us. Her gentle charisma enveloped the room, and I found myself smiling slightly.
Vivian, in contrast to Jeong Ha-yeon’s resolve, bowed her head easily.
“I’m sorry. Truly sorry.”
”……?”
“I remember everything I did as a monster, and my will was part of it. But if I had been human, with human intelligence, I would never have done such things. I don’t hold a grudge for what happened in my dungeon. I don’t even consider them my subordinates anymore. But for what I did to your companions and sister, I don’t know how to ask for forgiveness. I sincerely apologize. I know these words aren’t enough, but I hope you understand my true feelings.”
Vivian’s face was different from usual. She wasn’t her usual aloof self but genuinely seeking forgiveness. Even Yu-jeong, who often teased Vivian, was taken aback. I, too, was impressed by this new side of her and turned my attention back to Jeong Ha-yeon.
”…….”
Jeong Ha-yeon said nothing. She opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again, struggling to speak. Eventually, she closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm of emotions within her.
An awkward silence hung in the air, but it didn’t last long. Jeong Ha-yeon opened her eyes and spoke in a dry voice. Vivian remained with her head bowed.
“Raise your head.”
“I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry.”
“I don’t know your true feelings. But at least your outward demeanor leaves me speechless. Raise your head. And Su-hyeon, I’m sorry for treating your group so harshly. But…”
I raised a hand to stop her. Jeong Ha-yeon saw my gesture and fell silent.
“There’s no need to say more. While I stand by Vivian, I don’t condone her actions. I also empathize with and sympathize with your feelings, Jeong Ha-yeon.”
”…Thank you.”
After finishing her words, Jeong Ha-yeon didn’t look at Vivian again. But she bowed her head to me and let out a deep sigh.
After resolving the incident, we headed to the room I shared with Ahn Hyun. The discussions we were about to have could be easily misunderstood by others, so we moved to a more private setting. As soon as we opened the door, we were greeted by scattered records and maps filled with notes. Jeong Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong followed me inside, eyes wide with curiosity.
She asked for my permission before examining the records and maps. Watching them with interest, I couldn’t help but smile. The maps detailed how I discovered the ancient alchemist’s dungeon and the ongoing search for the ruins’ research facility.
If they were as sharp as I hoped, they would realize the extent of my exploration skills.
“Did you really find the ancient alchemist’s dungeon this way?” Shin Sang-yong asked, astonished.
“That’s the basic method, yes. Though luck played a part.”
“Wow, this is incredible! To get this close with just these records and no clues or information… wow.”
Shin Sang-yong was visibly impressed, his usual reserved demeanor replaced by enthusiasm for a subject he was passionate about.
Jeong Ha-yeon, too, looked at the map with a lively expression before turning to me with admiration.
“That’s impressive. Did you really investigate all this on your own?”
“It’s a foolish endeavor.”
“Not at all. Don’t downplay your abilities. It’s one thing to think of such methods, but executing them is another.”
“Is what Su-hyeon did really that impressive?” Yu-jeong chimed in, eager to join the conversation. It was the first time I’d seen her so eager to connect with someone from the start. Jeong Ha-yeon, slightly taken aback, smiled warmly and continued.
“Many users would call this like finding a needle in a haystack or winning the lottery. But Su-hyeon’s method is more like finding a stone in a sandbox or winning a regular lottery.”
A subtle compliment, but Yu-jeong looked at me with newfound respect.
“Wow….”
“You asked if it was impressive. Yes, it is. Su-hyeon has been working very hard.”
Jeong Ha-yeon’s final words carried weight. She glanced at her companions before turning her gaze back to me. Her look at them, and then at me, allowed me a glimpse into her inner world. She reminded me of someone familiar, Kim Han-byeol.
Of course, she wasn’t an exact replica, and there were differences in their personalities. But there were similarities. Jeong Ha-yeon had experienced the world earlier and knew when to set aside her pride. If Kim Han-byeol went through more of the world, she might become like Jeong Ha-yeon. But that was just my speculation.
After taking a brief look through my records, the two of them finally gathered in a circle on the floor of the room. It was a bit of a comical sight, but this wasn’t exactly a high-end inn, and there weren’t enough chairs to go around. Sitting on the bed wasn’t an option either.
Jung Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong exchanged a glance and nodded before turning to me to speak.
“We came here today partly because of Vivian, but we also have a favor to ask of you, Su-hyun.”
“Alright.”
Jung Ha-yeon fell silent. I was puzzled by the sudden pause, but then I noticed Shin Sang-yong adjusting his glasses. It seemed he was about to take over the conversation.
“Uh, we’ve been greatly indebted to you, User Kim Su-hyun. You saved our lives and, um… well…”
Watching Shin Sang-yong stammer and sweat profusely, Jung Ha-yeon gave a wry smile. I maintained a calm demeanor and spoke in a gentle tone.
“Please, feel free to speak openly. In that situation, anyone would have done the same.”
“Oh, thank you. Phew. I have a habit of stuttering when I’m nervous. It’s something I’ve had since birth, so it’s not easy to fix. Haha. Anyway.”
Shin Sang-yong cleared his throat.
“Su-hyun, you might not know this since you’re still in your first year, but not everyone would act the same way in such situations. Some might save your life but then make… rather embarrassing demands in return. And it’s common for people to consider any items obtained as their own spoils of war. It might sound strange, but at least in Hall Plain, that’s how it is. So, we truly appreciate what you’ve done for us.”
Of course. The reason they were so grateful was that I hadn’t said something like, “Be thankful I saved your life and get lost,” or, “Hmm? The woman looks pretty. Wake her up, guys. Let’s have some fun as a reward for saving her.”
If I were the same person I was in my first round, or if I were alone, I might have stripped them of everything they had and never returned it. That was just the norm. If there weren’t any eyes watching, and if I hadn’t been interested in recruiting Jung Ha-yeon, I might have left them behind out of sheer annoyance.
I found Shin Sang-yong likable. If he had flaunted his second-year status to look down on us first-years, I would have been quite upset. But he spoke carefully, almost like an older brother gently teaching his younger sibling about the ways of the world. As I recalled their personalities from a third-person perspective, I waited for what he would say next.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
Haha, I have an interview tomorrow, so I almost couldn’t post today’s chapter at midnight. I barely finished preparing for the interview, and it was already quite late. But with all the interest and support I’ve been receiving lately, I wanted to meet my readers’ expectations. Haha. (Please give me a pat on the back. :) )
I typed this in a rush, so I’m not confident about the quality, but I’ll make corrections to any strange parts later. The next chapter will likely wrap up this current arc and move on to a new one. Please continue to show interest in Memorize.
『 Reader Comments 』
Hamina: Congratulations on being first! Wow, you read it all in one go. Haha. I hope you enjoyed this chapter too.
Aikaize: So this is the famous summoning of continuous updates with a coupon sacrifice! Haha. I have an interview tomorrow, so I’m not sure if I can update continuously. I’ll do my best. Thank you for the coupon. :)
Juan: What will be the fate of Go Yeon-ju? Haha. Go Yeon-ju seems to be surprisingly popular. I should hold a character popularity poll soon.
Groin: Ah, thank you. I meant that even two Yubins couldn’t beat Vivian. I’ve revised that part to make it clearer. Thank you for the valuable advice. :)
PersonLife: Haha, don’t feel too pressured. I have no doubt that you’ll always be first for the midnight updates. (Right?)
MTBear: Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous updates. This is truly a fact. Just knowing there are readers gives a writer great strength.
Arillilia: Puhaha. “Hoiga becomes Duliga.” Your wordplay cracked me up. Thank you for pointing out the typo. :)
GradeRown: Of course. There is a procedure, but changes are possible. However, the process is quite complicated. The protagonist knows an easier way, which will be revealed later.
WeepingSoul: I updated continuously! Please update the Norse mythology series!
Artecus: I see. Su-hyun, who takes care of the kids and grows old and sick… Oh? Could he end up as an old man in the back room?!
Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous updates. (This is a fact.)
I always read all the comments repeatedly.
Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments.
If you have any pressing questions, feel free to message me, and I’ll respond!
That’s all for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.