Chapter 67: Formal Appearance (2)

Chapter 67: Formal Appearance (2)

A week had passed since the feast ended.

Thank you. You did well.

I had asked a member who had some knowledge in metalwork to complete simple pieces of jewelry.

It was a necklace intertwined with Arwins World Tree leaf.

A hole was made in the leaf to insert a ring, and a string was attached to that ring.

Fortunately, the leaf was tough, and its condition had improved since I first saw it.

Otherwise, I wouldnt have even attempted to make such jewelry.

I put the completed necklace around my neck.

Thus, Ners ring decorated my left hand, and Arwins World Tree leaf decorated my neck.

And the second piece of jewelry I received was a wedding ring with Arwin.

Given the circumstances, the human wedding ceremony was hastily skipped over.

Adam Hyungs mood wasnt great, and my injuries compounded it.

Moreover, having had the wedding in the Elfs way, I thought there was no need for more formal procedures.

Arwin would find it bothersome and tiring as well.

So, I thought it would be better to just hand over the ring at the appropriate moment.

To vow again, in my way.

I didnt think how one gets married was particularly important.

...

I looked at the received ring.

I had roughly checked the size of Arwins finger last time, during the feast, when I held her hand.

Though she was surprised and pulled her hand back.

This ring seemed enough. It looked smooth and comfortable. It seemed like it wouldnt be bothersome once she got used to wearing it.

I kept the two rings I received and moved on.

The night was almost over.

It was time to explain the future schedule to Arwin and Ner.

****

Upon entering the house, Arwin greeted me.

Youre here?

I looked around the house and asked,

Wheres Ner?

Shes out for a walk.

I nodded my head.

Ever since Ner commented that the human marriage culture was like a leash, we had developed our own pact.

I would not say anything on Ners walks but she would only go to designated places.

Ner seemed to be outside today as well.

Shall we go look for Ner together?

I suggested to Arwin.

She blinked her eyes and suddenly changed the subject.

Whats that on your neck?

Arwin seemed to be asking about the chain around my neck.

I pulled out the necklace from under my clothes to show her.

The Arwins World Tree leaf was revealed.

to not lose it.

I explained to her.

Upon hearing that, Arwin froze for a moment...then nodded.

It still required more effort to become closer to Arwin.

There was still a slight awkwardness felt even now.

Since the time we spent together was itself insufficient, it was only natural.

So, are we going together, or are you staying here?

Ill go with you.

Oh. One moment.

As Arwin stood up, I stopped her for a moment, and I picked up one of the liquor bottles stacked against the wall.

I thought it wouldnt be bad to have a drink while going for a night walk.

While pondering which liquor to choose, my eyes fixated on a new bottle.

Bardi liquor.

Seeing that liquor, Arwin spoke from behind.

Bardi liquor seems to suit your taste.

I nodded my head.

It grows on you.

And with that conversation, I made a decision. I picked up the bottle of Bardi liquor and proceeded.

Lets go.

...

About to leave the house after uncorking the bottle, I found Arwin, who was not coming, and turned to look back at her.

She seemed frozen, silently blinking while looking down at the ground.

...Arwin?

...Yes. Ill go.

.

.

.

I found Ner at the designated place.

Her head was slightly tilted towards the full moon.

I approached through the grass field so as not to startle Ner.

Her perked ears twitch, pointing toward us.

Only now did I realize that the church had been hiding her name.

For too long, I had been in denial of any information about the Hero party.

Who would have expected a question like this at the moment when I was thinking about her?

With my heart starting to race, I instinctively retorted.

...They didnt disclose it?

Yes.

Then I pretended to have been mistaken.

...I must have been mistaken then.

At this moment, I couldnt be honest with my wives.

I wanted to escape this uncomfortable topic.

I always avoided this subject.

And because I kept avoiding it like this, even Adam Hyung didnt know the situation.

Come on, lets get up. Weve been here long enough.

Perhaps because I tied the knots well, my wives didnt show any suspicion even with the abrupt conclusion.

****

Yes. Be careful.

Adam spoke, watching Berg who had mounted the horse.

Berg, with his usual expression, nodded briefly.

Say goodbye.

When Adam complained about Bergs indifferent appearance, only then did Berg open his mouth.

Ill be back.

Soon after, Adam threw a glance at Bergs wives behind him.

Ner Blackwoods eyes were still fixed on the back of Bergs head.

...

Adam, seeing this, felt a lot had changed for Ner Blackwood too.

She, who didnt reveal herself at the first meeting, couldnt take her eyes off Berg now.

Arwin Celebrien was ambiguous, but her atmosphere had changed.

The sharp expression she had initially was nowhere to be found.

It might be because the torture he had heard about from Berg had ended.

Whatever it was, Adam wished Berg got along well with them.

It was solely for the sake of his younger brother.

Adam soon turned his eyes to Baran.

Baran, please take good care of Berg.

Dont worry, Captain.

He also addressed the other members of the team.

Shawn.

Its just a short break, whats the big deal.

Jackson.

You seem particularly worried today, Captain.

At Jacksons words, the members chuckled.

However, everyone understood it was because the friendship between Berg and Adam was that deep.

Berg looked at Adam and nodded briefly.

Adam also closed his eyes lightly in greeting.

Lets go!

Berg led the way.

Thus, the Head Hunter Unit left Stockpin.

****

Not long after Berg left, Adam received news that a group was approaching the village.

Who is it?

It seems to be the apostles from the Hea Church.

Why would the Hea Church come to our village?

...I dont know.

Theodore expressed his doubt as he conversed with Adam.

With no other option, Adam stood from his place and went out to meet them.

.

.

.

.

Soon, Adam stood atop the village wall and watched the approaching carriage.

There were also five holy knights guarding the carriage.

It seemed like they came with quite an important issue, though he didnt know what it was.

Otherwise, there would be no need to bring along five holy knights.

Adam soon stepped out of the village to greet them.

The carriage stopped, and a bishop from the Cat tribe revealed himself from inside.

Adam detected the anxious look in his eyes.

I am Adam, the leader of the Red Flames. What brings the Church of Hea to Stockpin?

The bishop, in a manner not befitting his status, hurriedly alighted from the carriage and approached Adam.

Then, he quickly composed himself and introduced himself.

I am Bellingham, an apostle of Hea-sama... uhm... by any chance

He asked anxiously.

...Is there a man named Berg here?

The End of The Chapter

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