Chapter 29: Human Village (2)

Chapter 29: Human Village (2)

Ner received Gibsons call and went to his room.

Knock, knock, knock.

The servant announced her arrival to Gibson.

Master, Ner-nim has come to visit you.

- Let her in.

Ner nodded her head to the servant and stepped through the open door.

It had been a long time since she visited her fathers room.

It was a large room for one person, with a large, solitary bed, almost as if it mirrored the emptiness he felt without his wife.

Gibson, dressed comfortably, sat by the window at a table, waiting for Ner. As she entered the room, he poured tea into the cups.

Without looking at her, he said, ...I heard youre leaving tomorrow.

Yes.

Come and sit down.

Ner stopped for a moment to look at his eyes, then slowly approached the table where he was sitting.

Seated across from Gibson, Ner alternated her gaze between him, the steaming tea, and the view outside the window.

For a long time, Gibson remained silent.

He was just looking out the window and enjoying the tea as if reminiscing about something.

Ner didnt feel the need to break the silence either, as it would have been awkward.

Although there were moments when she felt her father cared for her, their relationship was never truly comfortable.

Its a farewell.

After a while, Gibson finally spoke.

Ner, who had been idly playing with her tea, looked up at his words.

The word farewell weighed heavily on her heart.

She knew she had to leave for the human Village tomorrow, but every time she thought about it, her chest felt heavy.

Despite not having the closest relationship with her family, the sense of anxiety about being separated from them remained.

She might even miss Gidon. Perhaps it was an odd sentiment, but could even unpleasant memories become cherished in their absence?

Ner nodded silently.

Gibson asked.

Are you ready?

Once again, Ner nodded in response.

She had packed numerous belongings, including various herbs and medicines she would use for the person she would love someday.

She wasnt just waiting for her future partner either. Ner studied medicine and memorized spells, and acquired knowledge comparable to that of a doctor.

Of course, she had never healed anyone with that knowledge But she believed that there was nothing she couldnt do.

Alright.

Gibson nodded.

Alright.

Gibson repeated his words once again and looked as if he was reassuring himself.

Ner hesitated for a moment, carefully considering her words. She, too, had something she wanted to say.

She wanted to revisit the conversation they had a few days ago.

Ner glanced at the rooms door, confirming that it was tightly closed, and began to speak.

Father.

Tell me.

A few days ago... we had a conversation.

At her words, Gibson closed his eyes and nodded.

Yes.

Ner swallowed her saliva and continued.

Can it be done without betrayal?

Over the past few days, Ners perception of Berg had completely changed.

He wasnt cruel or cold, just somewhat gruff and easily misunderstood. If he had been as heartless and cold as she had initially assumed... betraying him might have been easier, but in reality, if that were the case, she might have found herself struggling with even deeper wounds.

However, now that she had learned more about what kind of person Berg was, she was increasingly reluctant to betray him.

She already thought that something like betrayal would be difficult.

Ner expressed her thoughts.

If Blackwood rises again...

She said it even though she knew it would be challenging to ask him this directly.

...Then, could you pay my price and bring me back?

Gibson didnt hesitate for long and offered a faint smile.

...It seems betraying him has become difficult for you.

Ner didnt try to hide her feelings and nodded.

Gibson reached out and held Ners hand.

In conclusionNothing is impossible, Ner.

Really?

We are family... Its not a question of if I want to, but rather, can I do that?

Ner asked back to the strange resonance.

She slowly turned her body... and suddenly looked surprised to see the horse in front of her.

Uh? Ah I

In an instant, Ner moved her head anxiously and grabbed my sleeve with her hand.

I could tell what she was trying to say.

...Dont know how to ride a horse?

Ner nodded without saying a word.

I took a moment to pat the horse Ner would ride and said.

Its okay. This horse is gentle. Youll be able to get on easily.

Ner swallowed her saliva at those words.

Her anxiety was evident in her eyes

Her gaze kept shifting to the departing carriages ahead and the carts filled with goods.

I hoped Ner would at least try.

Ner, just try getting on. Its not bad to experience it once.

Finally, Ner nodded, seemingly resigning herself to the idea.

While this was happening, Gibson and Gidon were quietly watching us.

Whenever Ner exhaled, she flinched and pulled her hand back.

Her innocent and timid demeanor brought a smile to my face.

Ner finally stuck close to the stirrups.

She looked at the stirrups and looked at me.

It seemed unreasonable to step on the stirrups that came up above the waist.

I stuck close to her and instructed her step by step.

Okay, hold the reins firmly.

She placed her hand on the horses reins.

And your foot...

The stirrup seemed out of reach for her legs.

I offered her my hand and said, Step on my hand.

Yes?

Step on my hand with your opposite foot, then lift yourself up and put your foot into the stirrup while pulling the reins.

...Your hand... it will get dirty...

Its okay, so hurry up. Were about to depart.

Ner continued to hesitate, then slowly raised her foot.

I lifted her foot, and Ners body floated in the air.

With an uneasy posture, she managed to put one foot into the stirrup.

Okay, now swing your leg over to the other side... like that.

Ner soon got on the horse.

She took a deep breath for a moment and then looked at me again.

Directly staring at me, she seemed like a child asking for praise, and I found it amusing.

You did well.

As I said that, Ners tail flickered slightly.

After Ner got on the horse, Adam Hyung, Shawn, Jackson, and I also mounted our horses.

Looking back once again, we exchanged farewells with the Blackwood family.

Well be going.

Adam Hyung said.

Take care.

Gibson replied.

Ner looked at her remaining family members before finally turning her head forward.

I stayed close to Ners horse and informed her about the key points.

Dont hold the reins too tightly because youre nervous. Relax. The horse will know what to do even if you dont do anything.

...Y-Yes...

Keep your back straight. That way, you wont feel sore later. Hold the saddle with your thighs.

Okay.

Ner quickly grasped the reins and began guiding the horse.

She seemed to have quite a talent for it.

You ride well.

I praised her.

...Im a little scared.

She honestly expressed her feelings.

I reached out and patted the horse Ner was riding.

Itll be alright.

I reassured her.

Then, we set off on the journey back.

End of Chapter

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