Chapter 85: The Mercenary Meeting (1)

Chapter 85: The Mercenary Meeting (1)

A few days passed.

Ner spent peaceful times upon returning to Stockpin.

She was waiting for the moment to embark on her next journey with Berg.

These were the days when no major events unfolded.

Sleeping every other day with Berg.

Eating meals together.

Exchanging jokes.

Going for night walks... The daily life of waiting until Berg came looking for her.

Ner realized that she had unconsciously become accustomed to the culture of the human race.

Bergs restraint, which once felt like a leash, was now not so unpleasant.

Sometimes, for fun, she would slightly step out of their meeting place and wait for Berg to find her.

That day, Berg searched through the forest for a good while, and finally burst into a hollow laugh when he found her hiding behind a tree.

Scoldings followed afterward, but Ner laughed heartily at such a sight of Berg.

Indeed, there were many more laughs after being with Berg.

It was astonishing how much she found herself laughing.

When she was in the Blackwood territory, she used to wonder whether shed laugh even once a year...but now, it seemed like she laughed at least 5 times every day.

It was entirely different from the married life she had feared.

Of course, that was so far.

A profound cultural difference still existed, and there was no telling what new issues might arise in the future.

Today, too, Ner spent her day in comfort.

In the process, Berg began to prepare to step outside.

Hearing that noise, Ner, who was sitting in the room, hurriedly opened the door and came out.

Sure enough, Arwin, with her bow, was beside him.

Where are you going?

Ner threw a question at that seemingly obvious situation.

Berg turned his head, smiling in response.

Training. And practice bow shooting with Arwin while were at it.

...When will you be back?

Seems like around evening.

Just the two of you...?

Well train with the members.

Ah, I see.

There was a nagging feeling when the two of them left like that.

Ner couldnt identify its essence.

Do you want to come?

But with Bergs following question, that uneasy feeling lightened significantly.

The mere fact that he offered showed that he wasnt trying to exclude her.

So, Ner shook her head.

No. Ill stay here.

Alright. Come visit if you get bored.

So, Berg and Arwin left.

Ner remained quietly in the house, now settled into silence...heading towards her room.

Shed noticed it recently, but when Berg disappeared, boredom abruptly came calling.

Even when doing nothing with him around, she didnt feel this kind of boredom.

So, Ner sat like that, sighed, and began cleaning the house.

It was awkward in the past, but it had now become familiar.

Wandering around the house, recalling memories of repairing this marital home with Berg, was somewhat enjoyable in its own way.

The floor material they replaced together. The dishware they threw out and newly brought in. The rats in the basement.

If others saw her doing these household chores, they might have laughed at her appearance.

Who would have thought that the noble young lady of the Blackwood family would fall this far?

But at this moment, Ner felt more liberated than when she was living within the Blackwood territory.

There was no need to look good in front of anyone.

No need to mind her siblings views.

Even cleaning had its own kind of enjoyment.

The house, repaired with Berg, perhaps felt particularly so.

Memories had already begun to nestle here and there.

Except for Arwins room, Ner had cleaned every nook and cranny of the house.

Having finished the housework, she planned to take a short break and returned to her room with a cup of tea.

Ner gazed out the window for a moment, planning the rest of her day.

It seemed like it would be nice to go for a walk in the evening.

Then Berg would come looking for her.

As Ner whiled away the time thus, she suddenly found her diary.

...

Her heart jumped at that diary.

Its very existence was momentarily forgotten, having not looked at it recently.

Ners startled heart didnt easily calm.

Only after sighing deeply a few times... could she face its venom.

...

Ner slowly opened the diary and looked at it.

With each page she turned, strength entered her lips.

Information about betrayal and... the key to the future that her grandmother had told her about.

But Ner couldnt face that key for long.

Eventually, she closed the book and shoved it aside.

...

Despite my correction, Arwin couldnt adjust her posture.

Berg, I dont understand.

Uncharacteristically, she sent a whine my way.

And...um, Im losing strength...can you help me?

How and what?

...Why, like last time...

I, noticing Arwins left hand beginning to tremble, eventually moved behind her.

I held the bow for her, and I drew the arrow for her.

Her back touched my body.

While lending her strength, I spoke to her.

Now. Try correcting your posture.

...

Arwin shudders slightly at the words, loosening her neck and lifting her elbow.

Is this enough?

Yep.

Then I slowly released the tension.

Arwin grabbed her bow again.

After waiting a little, Arwin fired the arrow.

-Thud!

The arrow flew and accurately hit the target.

The squad members who were watching us from the side sent a round of applause.

Arwin-nim, a bullseye!

As expected from the vice-captain! Stern but teaches well!

The members chuckled as if teasing us.

Seeing them, I smirked slightly.

Arwin, perhaps now getting used to these playful antics, also wore a smile.

Soon, we began to get ready to leave.

Arwin alternately looked at my fingertips and me.

I spoke to her.

Ill visit Adam Hyung before I go home.

For what?

Its time to choose the next travel destination.

At that, Arwin snickered.

Travel destination? Wasnt it to resolve a request?

I too responded with a smile.

Two birds with one stone.

As we began to walk, Arwin spoke.

Ah, Berg. Today...

Then she looked around and spoke.

...were sharing a bed, arent we?

Today was the day to sleep with Arwin

I nodded at her words.

Thats right.

Starting tonight, how about learning from me every night we spend together?

...What?

Letters.

Ah, letters.

I stroked my chin as I replied.

Alright. Lets do that.

Then, I warned her.

...But I really dont know anything, so you might get a bit frustrated.

Dont worry. Ive thought it through and prepared. Learning words and letters simultaneously, youll improve quickly. I didnt know anything about archery either.

...Words.

Curiosity leading, I asked.

So, what word are we looking at today?

Perhaps I should glance over a few while meeting with Adam Hyung.

So that Arwin doesnt get too frustrated.

She looked up at me, swallowed, and then looked forward.

Starting with names is good at the beginning... I was thinking of starting with Berg.

Itll be my first time seeing my name.

Next, the captain, Adam. Then my name... Arwin. If possible, up to Celebrien as well. And...

Arwin paused for a moment before continuing.

...Stockpin.

...

...Up to the name of the village. How about it?

I chuckled and requested.

Also teach me Ner. Seems like itll be the easiest.

Arwin nodded.

...Yes. That too.

The End of The Chapter

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