Chapter 153: Winds of Change (2)

Chapter 153: Winds of Change (2)

There was nothing Ner could do for Berg.

It felt as though a lifetime of waiting had ended, yet lying beside him in bed felt just the same.

Berg slept deeply, his eyes closed, without uttering a word.

He neither stole away to cry nor sighed.

Ner could only be there for him, that was all she could do.

She held his hand tightly, sharing in his pain.

The funeral that followed the next day.

The departed comrades were laid to rest atop neatly stacked logs.

Ner watched Berg, who endured it all silently, her throat tight with emotion.

She couldnt understand why tears kept coming on his behalf.

It was hard to look at Bergs expressionless face.

She wanted to comfort him, to be someone he could rely on... yet she felt she was failing.

Berg had always been a pillar of strength during tough times.

Fighting alongside her, enhancing her reputation in the territory, praising her tail, defending against those who slandered her, being told she was beautiful...

Through Berg, Ner had healed all her pain.

Now was the time to reciprocate, but Berg showed no weaknesses.

In the end, Berg lifted up Captain Adam, placing him on the funeral pyre.

...

Berg stared at the laid-out Adam for a long time.

Ner felt she could hardly grasp what was going through Bergs mind.

How much pain and difficulty must he be feeling?

How painful must it be to lose someone you depended on?

She wiped her tears away again, steeling her expression for Bergs sake.

If she showed her tears, it would only make it harder for Berg.

Thus, Ner stayed close by Bergs side during the funeral service, along with Arwin.

Berg watched the fiercely burning cremation altar in silence.

Even as endless mourning surrounded him, Berg alone stood still.

It wasnt that he didnt appear to be in pain.

It just seemed like he was postponing it, enduring it.

Ner planned to hug him tightly and pat his back if Berg began to cry.

She knew she wouldnt be able to hold back her tears from that moment on... but still, she wanted to be strong for Berg.

...

Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Bergs eyes reddened. Tears welled up on his expressionless face, and he let out a long sigh.

For hours, he watched the great fire like that.

****

I buried Adam Hyungs ashes in the ground.

I covered his grave with the last of the dirt.

The comrades had brought a tombstone and placed it beside it.

Yet the epitaph was still blank.

Only the simple words, Here lies Adam, were inscribed.

Had I not learned from Arwin, perhaps I wouldnt have been able to read even this.

I stood silently in front of Adam Hyungs tombstone.

Baran approached and asked,

the epitaph is

I couldnt respond.

Nothing came to mind.

I still couldnt accept this farewell.

Had I ever imagined that Adam Hyung, stronger than I, would depart like this?

You decide.

I told Baran that, but then Ner grabbed me from behind.

.....

Her eyes still brimming with tears.

Ner swallowed hard and then said to me,

no, Berg. You you must suggest the epitaph.

I shook my head in response.

I cant think of anything.

Arwin chimed in beside me.

It might take time, but you must do it. It will it will make Captain Adam happy.

Baran also spoke up.

I agree, Vice-Captain. Even if it remains empty for a while... it should be you who decides.

I looked down at Adam Hyungs tombstone.

Here lies Adam.

I clenched my teeth and closed my eyes.

Then, I nodded.

****

From that moment, Ner worked tirelessly for the Red Flames group.

There were endless casualties and injuries.

It was natural for her, with the most medical knowledge in Stockpin, to be running around.

In this process, a book of medical knowledge given by the saintess proved to be very helpful.

A book containing diverse knowledge from various races.

Combined with Ners knowledge, it was proving to be extremely useful.

Ner had initially been uncomfortable with the book after learning about Berg and the saintess relationship, but right now, there was no more useful book than this.

Probably, several comrades were spared severe complications thanks to this book.

Ner worked even harder, hoping Berg wouldnt suffer more pain.

...Its nothing.

She shook her head and moved on.

She couldnt say anything just yet.

Ensuring Arwin was not around, she headed to the storage.

Swallowing hard, she searched for the hidden vial.

Her hands quickly found the vial.

It wasnt difficult.

The vial in her grasp still sparkled clear and bright.

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

Could it be? Could it not?

But the circumstances pointed unmistakably.

It could only be Mels Tears.

It was Arwin who wished for Bergs death.

It was she who longed for freedom from Berg.

A poison only elves possessed.

Being a noble, Arwin could have easily obtained it.

Only a natural death for Berg would grant Arwin his freedom, she had heard.

Mels Tears promised a death more natural than any other.

Mels Tears had to be mixed with Bardi liquor... and Berg now drank only Bardi liquor.

......haah...haah...ah...

Ners breath shook violently as it left her.

A chill ran through her body.

The thought that Arwin was targeting Bergs life shook her heart more than anything else.

It might not just be a funeral for the comradesit could be Bergs funeral anytime.

It was too sudden, too hard to accept.

In such turmoil, another piece of information added to the confusion.

At the same time, she felt a fury so intense it seemed her head might ignite.

Berg, who had been her only ally.

Berg, her hero, her love.

The man she planned to spend her life with... the father of her future children.

The idea that she almost lost Berg to this elf was unbearable.

She had known that the long-lived races took the short-lived ones lightly, but never imagined it to this extent.

Unable to contain her exploding anger, Ner gripped the vial and headed outside.

She tried to stop her scattered thoughts.

-Tap...tap..tap tap...

Her stomach churned as she walked.

She dreads the uncomfortable conversation they may have to endure.

But it was a necessary thing, something that had to happen.

She hoped that what was in this vial was not Mels Tears.

She wished it was all just a misunderstanding.

...But if this isnt Mels Tears, what could it be?

Why would Arwin have hidden it secretly in a luggage box?

Berg.

With a trembling heart, Ner called out to Berg.

.........

Berg turned his head.

...Ner?

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

Seeing Bergs eyes... Ner froze in place.

Berg looked so worn out.

The once strong man was clearly in pain.

Despite this, Berg managed a weary smile and asked,

...Whats wrong, Ner? Youve seemed unusually anxious.

Ner gripped the poison vial, pondering.

How much would this hurt him?

Ner knew Berg had feelings for Arwin.

Even after she had spoken ill of Arwin, Berg had embraced her.

Ner continued to think.

What would be best for Berg?

Should she reveal this cruel truth to him... or should she just let it go?

..............Now, polygamy might even be abolished.

If only Berg would stop drinking Bardi liquor, he wouldnt be in danger.

Arwin had longed only for freedom all her life.

Soon to leave, maybe it was best not to bring up such matters.

Maybe it was better to let Berg part ways with Arwin unknowingly.

Her decision was swift.

Ner hid the vial behind her back and whispered,

...Lets go for a walk, Berg.

...

The weather looked so nice earlier.

At her words, Berg struggled to smile.

...Shall we?

Seeing his smile, Ner forced a laugh as well.

The End of The Chapter

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