Chapter 56: Like a Moth to a Flame (3)

Chapter 56: Like a Moth to a Flame (3)

Arwin woke up to the rustling sound in the early morning.

...

Berg was already awake.

This was the first time she had ever fallen asleep next to someone, and the unfamiliar noise seemed all the more amplified because of it.

As Arwin stirred, Berg reacted to the sound.

Are you awake?

He asked as if it was no big deal.

Arwin didnt quite know how to evaluate this human.

He was such a different being from herself.

Although she had seen other races like Ner visit the territory of Celebrien, shed never had the experience of sharing thoughts from such a close distance.

Of course, she gleaned much about humans through reading, but experiencing them firsthand was another matter.

So far, Berg didnt exhibit any of the negative characteristics often associated with humans.

Arwin wondered if Berg was just good at hiding them.

As Berg put on his clothes, he concealed his muscular body, riddled with scars.

It was surprising that someone could acquire so many injuries in such a short life.

But that thought was fleeting.

Struggling to find the right words, Arwin finally closed her eyes which had been slightly open.

...

She didnt want to face the awkward situation.Geett the latest novels at novelhall.com

Berg chuckled at her behavior.

He continued the conversation as if it was alright that she didnt speak.

Shall we say weve formed an alliance?

With her eyes still closed, Arwin gave a slight nod.

Im not sure what the plan is. We might head towards Stockpin, our village, today. Well have to consider your situation as well.

...

So, if you have anything to pack, better pack it. Im going to go check on the members for now.

Once again, Arwin nodded.

There was a pause, and then she heard the sound of the door opening and closing.

Berg had left.

Only then did Arwin open her eyes and take stock of the empty room.

...

The night had been far less uncomfortable than she had anticipated.

Arwin felt like she understood why Ner had evaluated Berg the way she had.

As she organized her thoughts, Arwin looked at the two empty glasses that Berg had left behind the day before.

She recalled the moment when Berg had emptied his glass.

****

Before checking on the members, I first went to Ner.

Since this was the first time I had to be considerate of two wives---two people who should be most important in my life---I had no idea how to handle the situation.

Still, I thought it was only polite to check on Ner first.

She must have had a peaceful sleep, being alone for the first time in a while...

Perhaps...

- Knock, knock.

Ner?

As I called out my wifes name and entered our lodging, the rustling sound was followed by Ners appearance.

She hadnt gotten out of bed yet.

Awakened by my entrance, she propped up her upper body with her arms and looked at me.

Berg.

Quietly, the blanket slides down her back. Her tail was still covered.

Did you sleep well?

In response to my question, she blinked and nodded her head.

Her eyes seemed a little misty, for some reason.

As expected, an awkward atmosphere prevailed.

Slowly, I walked towards the window.

I saw a diary that looked like it was written by Ner last night.

Ah

Ner let out a brief sigh, but I smiled at her and said,

Its not like I can read anyway.

Suddenly, I was reminded of the difference in our backgrounds.

I came from the slums, and she was the young lady of the Blackwood family.

If I thought about it that way, I could grasp just how abnormal our relationship was.

I could also understand the aversion they felt towards me.

Even in the long years living in the slums, it wasnt just the aristocrats who looked down on meordinary people did, too.

There was no reason the nobility would be any different.

...

Once again, silence filled the room.

I stand still, staring at the scenery outside the window.

It seemed Ners curiosity got the better of her. Sitting on the bed, she asked,

Did... did you leave something behind?

Huh?

I mean... did you leave something in the room?

I came to see you.

I said it plainly, without hiding anything.

At that, Ner blinked and lowered her head.

- Swish... Swish...

I heard the sound of something rubbing against the blanket.

I wonder if it might be her tail.

Ner, it looks like well be leaving for the village today or tomorrow. Ill have to speak with Adam Hyung and the Elf Elder to know for sure.

I informed Ner of our plans. She should be aware to feel at ease.

...Okay.

Ner, who still wasnt making eye contact, simply nodded her head.

Have you thought about what youll do when we get back to the village?

If she had loved me, could we have conversed so lightheartedly?

I couldnt be sure.

Contrary to what Id expected, that the conversation was over,

...Yeah.

A belated response came from Ner under the blanket.

I left the room with a smile on my face.

****

Are you tired today?

Adam Hyung asked the Elf Elder once again.

The Elf Elder let out a long sigh and nodded.

...Arwin has something she needs to finish.

What do you mean?

As you know, the elves of Celebrien serve as nutrients for the World Tree. Arwin is no exception. However, now that she will be following you, she can no longer provide nutrients to the World Tree. She must perform a final ritual. Its a long-standing tradition of ours, bidding farewell to the World Tree.

A farewell, you say...

Adam Hyung stroked his chin, intrigued.

How long will it take?

It should take at least a day. Even if it ends sooner... Arwin probably wont be ready to depart today.

...Well, thats unfortunate.

Adam Hyung seemed a little disappointed.

I was hoping to hold a feast as soon as we got back.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

No need to apologize. Its a tradition after all.

...

Ascal nodded.

Hyung soon crossed his arms and started tapping his fingers, appearing deep in thought.

What he was pondering, he kept to himself for a long time.

Finally, he sighed and spoke.

...Berg. Well depart first.

...?

Ill leave you and Head hancho unit behind. You guys can come back at your own pace.

I looked at Hyung without saying a word.

This wasnt like him, wanting to go back early just for the sake of having fun.

There had to be a solid reason.

As I kept my puzzled gaze on him, he leaned toward me.

And then he whispered so that Ascal couldnt hear.

...I need to go prepare for a funeral.

...

Thanks to the unexpected appearance of the third boss monster, the damage was more extensive than anticipated.

Seven casualties, just like before.

Considering we had downsized our forces thinking it would be an easy task, the number of casualties was significant.

...

...

I saw the fatigue in the eyes of Hyung, who looked up at me.

His squad had suffered the most losses.

Of the seven casualties, three belonged to his squad.

He had deliberately led his squad into the most dangerous area to minimize the losses for the rest of the team. The result was that he had led those who followed him to death.

I knew he was quietly suffering, writhing in pain.

I knew just how hard it was; Id been in that situation myself.

Understood.

No one here would say no at this point.

Hyung nodded.

...Since its come to this, well depart immediately.

I nodded again.

Adam Hyung then turned to Ascal.

Elder, Ill take the troops and depart first. There are circumstances. Berg will stay behind, so I would appreciate it if you could bid them farewell tomorrow along with Lady Celebrien.

You also dont have to rush

-No, I think I should go.

...

Besides, wouldnt it be impolite to continue staying within these lands with our mercenary troop?

Ascal slowly nodded his head.

He then extended his hand for a handshake with Adam Hyung.

Hyung looked at the hand for a moment... then gripped it.

Adam, the captain of the Red Flames. Youll be someone Ill remember for a long time.

...Ill look forward to your promise to connect us with the nobility.

Of course. Once again, thank you for saving the World Tree.

Adam Hyung nodded his head.

.

.

.

Not long after, Adam Hyung led the mercenary troop and set out toward Stockpin.

Being a mercenary group, their pace in pulling out was faster than anyone elses.

Ascal and the elves within the territory saw them off with light farewells.

I watched their receding figures.

Well, shall we go perform the ceremony?

As the last member following Hyung stepped out of the territory and Celebriens gates closed, Ascal suggested.

I had nothing else to do, so I spoke up.

Ill go with you.

Ascal nodded his head.

Very well.

And so, we took our steps toward Arwin.

The End of The Chapter

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