Chapter 60: Rule (2)

Chapter 60: Rule (2)

I instructed Burns, the new recruit of our Head Hunter Unit, to send a message to Hyung that we were following him.

It was anticipated that catching them wouldnt be too difficult if we followed their trail.

And if the news got through, Adam Hyung would have set up camp much earlier.

Our job was simply to catch up to that point.

Vice-captain, its this way, said Shawn, who was leading the way.

We were also following Adam Hyungs traces.

Hyung seemed to be taking a different route back than the one he took to get here.

When we were coming here, he had dashed through various families territories, but now, it looked like he was choosing a safe route to avoid unnecessary conflict on his way back.

Whether it was because Ner and Arwin were absent, or the urgency to secure the territory of Celebrien was no longer there, was unclear.

I just simply followed his trail.

I glanced at Ner, who was galloping on her horse behind me on my left side.

She gazed back at me as well.

Why...? Are you hurt? she asked, perking up her ears and focusing her attention on me.

No, I shook my head, and then looked at Arwin, who was behind me on my right side.

...

She was busy exploring the world.

Her once sharp eyes were now observing everything around her like an innocent girl.

I could feel that her desire to see the world wasnt mere words, judging by her curious actions.

After all, if I had spent 170 years in the same place, I would probably act the same way.

...

...Ah.

Arwin, belatedly realizing my gaze, found me.

Her eyes met mine, then focused on my body, and finally returned to the ground.

Observing her various reactions, I turned my gaze away.

Thinking about it, it seemed there were a few matters that needed sorting out as we would be living together going forward.

Until now, Ner had been my only wife, so there was no need for separate rooms. But now that I had two wives, it seemed each would need her own room.

Even if both had joined me as wives in accordance with my culture, I would need to show some level of consideration.

If boundaries werent established, it would make both of them uncomfortable.

From their point of view, sharing the same bed would be unimaginable.

It would feel awkward for me as well.

...Well, these were matters to discuss and sort out with my wives later on.

.

.

.

.

We rode for quite some time at a moderate speed.

There was no rush, and accelerating recklessly could lead to injuries.

Not just for me, but the worrisome glances thrown from those around me were far from light.

Ner kept eyeing me cautiously, making me chuckle now and then.

Vice-captain, so what happened? Baran asked.

Upon his question, I looked at the eyes of the other members of my team.

It seemed to be a question everyone was curious about.

I shook my head again.

This didnt seem like the appropriate time or setting for such a discussion.

It might touch on Arwins pains.

I knew that explaining why I got hurt could lead to sharing details that would make her uncomfortable.

While there might be an opportunity someday, with the events still fresh, I wanted to give Arwin some space.

If I were to reach into my pocket, Id likely touch the Arwins World Tree leaf, which was still about to crumble.

...?

For confirmation, I slipped my hand into my pocket.

When I was free from everyones gaze, I secretly checked her World Tree leaf.

...

If my eyes werent deceiving me... its condition had certainly improved compared to before.

I looked back at Arwin.

She was once again engrossed in observing the world.

Had stepping into the outside world eased her emotional wounds even a little?

I hoped my actions had been of some help.

Whatever the case, I was relieved that her condition seemed better than when we started.

As I was lost in such thoughts, the faint sound of galloping hooves reached us from a distance.

I wasnt the only one who noticed.

Ner raised her head, and Baran also looked ahead.

Vice-captain.

Yes.

I hadnt expected to encounter them this early, but from a distance, several riders were galloping toward us.

They were likely members of the Red Flames... and judging by the circumstances, Adam Hyung seemed to be among them.

Sure enough, as we slowed down to wait, I saw Adam Hyung, along with several members of the Red Flames, and Burns, who had gone searching for him.

Once we were close enough to see each others faces, Hyung also slowed his horse to a trot.

I slowly raise my hand to greet him.

Part of me likely wanted to minimize the inevitable lecture.

I was already aware that my recent actions werent exactly wise.

....

From a certain distance, Adam Hyung confirmed my presence.

I looked down at myself as well.

Numerous bandages, a torn shirt, and a large suture mark on my cheek...

Hyung didnt respond to my greeting, instead slowly approaching me, guiding his horse.

...Ah, crap.

I clicked my tongue.

Ner, who had quietly moved closer, asked from beside me.

...Why?

...Hyung is pretty pissed.

I answered.

True to form, even as my team members one by one bowed their heads in greeting to approaching Hyung, he ignored them all.

Captain. Captain.

You exceeded even my imagination. Its unbelievable, really. You cant have jumped in thinking youd actually beat Gallias.

He was right, but there were reasons I couldnt back down.

Reasons I couldnt explain to him.

He continued his nagging as he shook his head.

...It just reaffirms how reckless you are. Someday, that recklessness is going to get you seriously hurt.

At that, I shrugged my shoulders.

Then, I reached for the bottle he was holding.

He gave me a disgruntled look but eventually passed me the bottle, as if acknowledging that some of his anger had subsided.

I also took a swig.

Savoring its taste and aroma, I asked, Is this Bardi liquor?

...An Elf elder gave it to me.

I looked at Hyungs face.

He still hadnt fully cooled down.

Taking a deep breath, I changed the subject.

Ah, I have a favor to ask.

In this situation?

I want to take on some smaller requests now.

...?

Hyung looked puzzled.

I explained, Ive been thinking, its too stifling to just stay around Ner, Arwin, or Stockpin. I want to explore different places, and get to know people.

You think requests are a joke.

Ill solve problems while sightseeing. It will help the Red Flames too, wont it?

Within the Red Flames, there were still discussions about how we had infringed upon the territories of other families and headed straight for the domain of Celebrien.

Actions that commoners wouldnt dare to take.

...

Hyung stayed silent.

He was the one who always persuaded me to step down from the Head Hunter Unit.

Of course, I would still lead the team, but Hyung was always concerned for my safety.

It wouldnt be like him to outright deny me some time to cool off.

...Ill think about it.

However, perhaps because the pent-up anger hadnt completely subsided, he didnt immediately agree.

I nodded, trusting that time would sort things out.

I naturally rose from my seat, eager to escape any further nagging from him.

...Did things get resolved with Celebrien?

Hyung then asked me a question.

I nodded in response.

The Elf elder took care of it.

Good. He has kept his promise to remember the favor.

I nodded again and turned away.

However, Hyung persistently spoke up.

Berg.

...

Looking at him, he was sitting there with a serious expression.

He said, You know theres nothing more important to me than this mercenary group.

I know.

The feeling was mutual. The Red Flames had become like home to me.

I was aware that my actions could bring significant harm to the group.

Setting my playfulness aside, I began to speak.

Im sor

But, its a group weve built together, you and me.

I closed my mouth at his continued words.

Youve been here from the start. From our previous mercenary group, we crawled our way up from the bottom, you and me. Now, youre like a little brother to me.

His words made me deeply aware of the time that had passed.

We had known each other for a very long time.

We had weathered storms together for over seven years.

He was my oldest comrade.

...If something happened to you, the shock would be immeasurable.

...

The war is coming to an end, Berg. Just hold on a little longer, and there will be a time when we can live without risking our lives. Weve established relations with the nobles, so theres no threat of being purged.

Hyung spoke with a sense of urgency.

So, please. From now on, only risk your life when its absolutely necessary.

...

The thought crossed my mindwouldnt it be more absurd to stand by while my wife was being tortured? However, understanding the sentiment behind his words, I maintained my silence and nodded.

Then Hyung finally gave a wave of his hand.

He granted me permission to leave.

I was about to step out of the tent.

Did you... step on him?

But he asked one last question.

It seemed to be about Gallias.

I smiled and answered, I stepped on him.

Hyung chuckled softly.

****

After Berg left, Adam calmed his emotions.

Soon he griped his throbbing head and closed his eyes.

The sight of a wounded Berg brought back a torrent of old nightmares.

Adam Oppa!

Adam hyung!

...Haa...

Adam clenched his head and bowed it down.

It took a considerable amount of time to banish those voices from his mind.

The End of The Chapter

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