Chapter 28: Human Village (1)

Chapter 28: Human Village (1)

Several days had passed, and Adam Hyung and the mercenaries were now preparing to return to Stockpin.

Since there was nothing better to stay here for, we hurriedly prepared to return.

There were no celebrations or feasts for our victories. Werewolves suffered for a long time, so they couldnt afford to do such a thing.

If the cheers and applause we received a few days ago were a feast, then that was our celebration.

So, it was right for us to find our own way back home now.

On top of that, when we return to Stockpin, we would be able to enjoy ourselves in our own way.

Having operated the mercenary group for a long time, our warehouse was filled with plenty of food and wealth.

In this war, the mercenaries were probably the ones who could live the most well.

It was only fitting for us, as well as the werewolves, that we would return now.

I watched as the members hammered the nails into the final coffin of the casualties.

A total of 7 people had died in this subjugation.

It was a very small number, considering that it was a casualty that came from the full manpower of the Red Flames, but Even so, I couldnt help but feel burdened.

As I looked at the coffins with a troubled expression, Adam Hyung handed me cheap liquor and spoke.

...Think of it as an investment in our future, Berg.

I took a sip of the liquor he handed me.

He continued speaking.

If thats not enough, think of it as the sacrifice which saved many werewolves in Blackwood.

And if thats still not enough, live happily for yourself.

I watched as the coffins were loaded onto the carriage.

I nodded my head and let out a long sigh.

It was a farewell I had experienced hundreds of times, but it was always difficult to control my emotions.

When death is so close, useless thoughts begin to surface.

It always took away my energy, knowing that anyone could die just like that.

I was afraid that one day, Bairan, Shawn, and Jackson might end up like that too.

...Especially Adam Hyung. The longer I spend time with him, the more my concern for his safety grew.

However, I couldnt let it show.

He likely felt the same way about me.

Expressing these feelings would only provide an excuse to quit to Head Hancho unit.

In fact, all of this was a price to pay for living with a full stomach and a warm back.

It was something I had to endure and bear.

Once again, after downing a bottle of liquor, I handed it back to Adam Hyung.

Furthermore, when it came to the deaths of the members, Adam Hyung must have suffered the most.

It was clear that as the leader, he felt a sense of responsibility for all those deaths.

He would feel guilty for those who believed in the future he promised, only to meet their demise.

Hence, I concealed my emotions and changed the subject.

So, when are we heading back?

The preparations will be finished this evening Lets depart tomorrow morning.

Immediately, I thought of Ner.

With the swift return, she too would have to bid farewell to her family quickly.

She might be surprised.

Ill make the necessary arrangements and join you,

I said.

Hyung nodded in understanding.

****

There was still a wall between Ner and me.

We laughed together during the march a few days ago, but afterward, our emotions settled down, and things returned to how they were before.

She still placed a pillow between us when we slept, she still used formal speech with me, and she still showed slight reluctance when we were alone together.

Perhaps, in a way, I should consider myself fortunate. At least she remained by my side quietly when others were around.

It didnt matter when we were alone because I made a conscious decision to give her time.

I didnt want to force her to fit my standards.

It was said that it took time for werewolves to like someone. That kind of love lasts a long time.

It was akin to a love as solid as charcoal.

If I considered the current preparations, I had no complaints.

I needed to understand her.

...And honestly, I wasnt deeply in love with her either yet.

I had a clear understanding that she was someone I should take care of, but it was different from love and a profound bond.

I was aware of that difference.

So even if she didnt respond to my efforts, it wouldnt greatly affect me.

As for me now, I had to worry about how to get along with her without fighting

If it took time, instead of trying to make it feel like a married couple, I thought about starting as friends.

Ner.

I found Ner in the forest within Blackwoods territory.

It was quite a distance from where we had our wedding.

This place was believed to be the resting place of Blackwoods ancestors.

It was a place where the sunlight was partially blocked by the leaves, creating a tranquil atmosphere with a cool breeze.

However, it wasnt excessively dark either.

Birds chirped, and butterflies fluttered around as Ner turned her head to look at me.

I let out a sigh for a moment and took steps toward a beautiful flower in the distance.

Pushing through the tall grass, I made my way toward the flower.

No one knows what the future holds. Theres no point in discussing it now.

But... Ugh...

However, Ner couldnt relax her expression. She couldnt erase the apologetic look.

It was as if she had already decided that she could never accept me.

As I watched her in silence, I picked a flower I found and held it in my hand.

Then, I approached the grave where Ner was sitting.

I placed the flower in front of the grave.

Ner looked at me curiously.

Looking at that expression, I asked.

Dont werewolves offer flowers?

When we pay respects to the deceased, we do it like this, with our tails...

Ners tail brushed the grave again.

I nodded and returned to the previous topic.

Yes. Surely, there will be many difficult things ahead. Especially... when it comes to reconciling our cultures. The ways of honoring the deceased are different too...

I said, pointing to the ring she had taken off.

Even things like this. I know you feel uncomfortable wearing it, but if were in front of people, I have no choice but to ask you to wear the ring. Thats what a human couple is like.

Ner looked down at the ring that had been taken off and spoke.

...Isnt this... just a culture of constraining each other? Are human couples the ones who confine and mark each other...? Berg, from this point on, werewolves and humans are already incompatible. Werewolf couples value each others freedom above all...

Thats why it will be difficult.

Then, maybe you dont need to start

But that doesnt mean I want to live while giving up.

I raised my voice as I cut off Ners words. Ner also closed her mouth and listened to me.

...We can adjust. Were a married couple. Were supposed to spend our lives together. I dont want to live as a couple without any affection for each other.

I sat down next to Ner.

Her eyes didnt seem to expect me to leave.

...Ner, earlier you said you think Im a good person, right?

Ner hesitated to speak.

Yes. But that doesnt mean its love

I guess we can start as friends.

Pardon?

I looked at her as well.

Even if we dont love each other, we can still be friends.

.

Ner blinked her eyes several times as if pondering those words.

Then, she lowered her head and whispered quietly.

...Friends...

She seemed to be repeating the word in her mind.

Ive told you before, the werewolves take a long time to love, you said it yourself. So, I wont force it.

Of course, we have to appear like a couple in front of others, for everyones sake. You know that, right?

In truth, there would be nothing more certain than s*x to solidify the alliance with Blackwood.

By having a relationship and bearing my child, Ner would become completely dependent on me.

She would be bound to our Red Flames.

If she were to have my child, whether our relationship was good or bad, the members of the Red Flames would not doubt our alliance with Blackwood.

However, if things were that way, she might come to hate me. I didnt know what other consequences it might bring.

Regardless, I didnt want to force myself onto her.

So, instead, we would pretend to have a good relationship.

Through our actions, we would show that the alliance is strong.

I believed that if we both showed a little consideration for each other, we could choose a much better path.

In the first place, Hyung told me to be happy. I was meant to be.

Ner spoke.

In front of others... I will continue to pretend.

Thats a relief. So, does that mean we start as friends?

Ner fell silent once again.

It was apparent how difficult this was for her as she looked down at the ground with a guilt-ridden expression.

Or perhaps it was because she disliked me that much, even after being rejected and abandoned by her family?

-Thump... Thump...

But at that moment, I saw Ners tail moving behind her.

As if Ner felt the momentary movement, she immediately grabbed her tail.

I recalled the story I heard a few days ago.

If a tail shakes from side to side, it means good.

With a smile, I spoke to her.

Ill take it as a good sign.

Ner blushed, feeling embarrassed that her true feelings were revealed.

But eventually, she nodded her head.

End of Chapter

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