Chapter 112: Approaching Shadows (2)

Chapter 112: Approaching Shadows (2)

As the campsite was set up, I lay down on the vast plain, relishing the rest.

...

Resting like this always brings a sense of calm to my heart.

It might be a habit ingrained in me over time.

I avoided this method of relaxation for a long time because it reminded me of Sien.

I tried not to think too much.

Whenever thoughts of Sien seemed to surface, I consciously diverted my mind.

Perhaps, I still think of her because of the way we parted.

Of course, there was love, memories, shared feelings... but the relationship was forcibly ripped away, leaving an unhealed, messy wound.

As I once told Adam Hyung, the pain was complex.

There was also the guilt of not being able to protect the one I loved back then.

That guilt might have led me to wield violence in the slums afterwards.

...

I was not as smart as Adam Hyung, so it seemed I was only now coming to terms with my feelings.

Well, it might just be an excuse.

And perhaps, I was rationalizing why I couldnt forget Sien.

Our relationship back then was too deep to be described in words.

For someone like me, who had nothing, there was nothing more precious than her.

I sighed briefly.

I tried not to think about Sien, yet here I was, absurdly pondering the same issue again.

Shaking my head, I tried to regain my peace.

Ners fated partner.

Arwins death wish.

Siens situation.

I tried not to think about any of it.

In the end, all these were issues of the past.

Ner was now married to me, I came to terms with what Arwin might have thought, and Sien left me.

These were issues I no longer needed to hold onto.

I just needed to live in the present.

****

Lying there, I heard the sound of someone approaching.

It was a faint sound, as if from a dream, and I couldnt react to it.

-Rustle.

Half-conscious, I sensed someone sitting beside me.

Her scent wafted over, reminiscent of fresh grass, and I immediately recognized it as Arwin.

...Ah.

As soon as she sat down, she let out a short sigh.

Was my body tired from what had happened before?

Even with Arwins presence, my consciousness flickered, threatening to fade.

-Tap.

But Arwins touch brought me back to alertness.

She gently touched my cheek with her finger.

...

In the silence, she slowly lay down beside me.

I heard the sound.

Just as I suspected, Arwin lay down on my arm, proving my guess right.

...Freedom feels good, Berg, she whispered.

It was a message for me, yet it sounded like she was talking to herself, assuming I was asleep.

Internally, I agreed with her words, enjoying a more comfortable rest.

Her presence somehow strengthened my heart.

Feeling her relax made me think that perhaps I was doing something right.

It might be because of you, that I feel this way, Arwins voice carried a strange sadness.

The more she spoke, the clearer my thoughts became.

It seemed unlikely I would fall back asleep now.

I wondered what conversation she had with Gale that brought about this sudden change in her.

Freedom, something Ive longed for all my life... but would I have felt this if I were alone?

Arwin chuckled, trying to lift her spirits, but the sadness in her voice remained.

Do you know, Berg? There was so much I wanted to see, so many places I wanted to go. I believed that everything beyond the Celebrien estate would become memories. But...

Arwin spoke with a sense of emptiness.

...But why is it that in all these memories, its only you?

Her words made my hand twitch.

More than the freedom Ive been waiting for all my life, you, whom I never expected to meet, remain in my heart more deeply. Swimming in the sea, getting caught in the rain together, learning to use the bow... You are the one who stands out in my memories.

Arwin whispered.

I felt a strange gratitude for her words.

It felt like our bond was growing stronger.

Perhaps, this was the right path forward.

...So I should be happy...

At that moment, Arwins shoulders started to shake.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Arwin, with her eyes closed, was on the verge of tears.

...Berg.

She said.

Can you let me go?

............

My mind froze for a moment.

The arm I had stretched out to comfort her stopped in mid-air.

Her request was too sudden for me.

But at the same time, it must have been a long-held sentiment in Arwins heart.

...Before I grow fonder of you... before I suffer more after your death...

Arwin, who was always so composed, now shed tears.

Her words made it hard for me to repeat the same old words.

Dont look too far ahead, enjoy the time we have.

I was still waiting for her vow.

Though we were married, she had not yet made her vow.

She had said she would make it when she could truly mean it.

...Ill keep trying until I hear your vow.

...

I took a deep breath before speaking.

If I wanted sincerity from her, I had to show my own.

Because your presence has become my strength.

Yes...?

Ive been feeling it more lately.

The pain from my wounds seemed to dull in the presence of her and Ner.

I was less shaken by provocations aimed at me, and my anxious heart felt steadier.

I hope we can continue to be like this.

What did I do

Just being by my side is enough.

I was pushing a bit.

I was growing fonder of her, and fully intended to envision a future together.

I hoped she felt the same.

...Think about it, Arwin.

That was how I concluded.

Arwin slowly nodded her head.

Vice-captain... Eh, vice-captain! Time for dinner!

Baran called me from a distance.

I said to Arwin,

...Lets go.

...

Arwin didnt respond. She just lay her head on my chest, motionless.

...Come on, lets go.

-Tap.

I playfully pressed her side.

Startled, Arwin jumped up in surprise.

Be, Berg...!

I chuckled, sitting up.

Arwin naturally moved out of my embrace.

We brushed ourselves off and stood up.

...

Turning around, I saw someone watching us from atop a hill.

Ner.

She looked at us with a stern expression... then turned away.

I sighed with a smile in my voice.

...Haah.

It seemed I had to somehow manage the growing rift between my two wives.

****

Felix had made a decision.

...Lets prepare to march. Its time.

Acran spoke in a low voice.

...This mission will be challenging.

We cant afford to delay here any longer. Weve somehow managed to gather the troops; it should be possible.

Felix hadnt been idle.

Suppressing his typical dragonian-like fiery temperament and stubbornness, he had run around persuading the sons involved in the succession struggle.

For now, he asked them to stop fighting and help.

But the sons were skeptical, uncertain how many of their forces would die in the war.

After all, the outcome of the war could significantly influence the succession battle.

Fortunately, Felix managed to reach a consensus.

He secured promises of support from everyone.

Tired of such struggles, Felix shook his head.

...Lets finish this quickly and leave. Ive lost track of how many days weve been here.

Acran sighed again.

War isnt just about forces, you know. There are unseen factors that heavily influence it, like morale, alliances...

Despite this, Acran seemed to understand that there was no other option and stopped talking.

There had been many more hopeless moments than this.

With Felix commanding to move, everyone simply followed.

Sylprien spoke to Acran, who looked concerned.

Dont worry. If a real problem arises, Ill immediately send my bird to Gale.

And what would that change?

Hes nearby. Hell come to help right away.

Acrans face lit up.

The master is nearby?

Hes headed towards the dwarf village, Sarik.

...Thats welcome news. If necessary, we can seek the masters assistance.

Felix, observing his companions reactions, finally asked the saintess.

Saintess-nim, what are your thoughts?

The saintess opinion was always clear.

...I dont want to delay any further.

The closer the end, the more urgent the heart becomes.

Lets finish this war quickly... I...

At her response, everyone nodded in agreement.

Felix spoke up.

Alright. Lets go then.

The End of The Chapter

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