Several days passed and we left Stockpin behind.
Our entire rcenary group gathered, heading to the eting venue as if we were embarking on a grand expedition.
The ti had co.
...Ha.
I exhaled deeply. This was because these rcenary talks were so botherso.
I understood that these proceedings were ant to prevent a larger confrontation, but our entire rcenary group had to mobilize to avoid looking weak.
In the face of rcenary groups where strength was everything, we couldnt be overpowered rely by might.
Moreover, the Red Flas had fewer mbers compared to other large rcenary groups.
It took a long ti to train a single mber, so we had no choice.
Given our limited numbers, every single one was precious; everyone had to head to the eting venue. No exceptions.
I loosely gripped the reins and looked behind.
Ner and Arwin were riding after , guiding their horses.
Are you ready?
I asked.
Arwin and Ner nodded.
...
A significant concern for this eting was the presence of these two.
Perhaps, my wives were going to be the focal point of this eting.
Thanks to my wives, now the Red Flas had nobles backing them.
Back then, the eting seed naive, but now it made a massive difference.
What seed like an unfavorable exchange in the past was now bolstering our strength.
Even other nobles couldnt underestimate our rcenary group, which was comprised solely of commoners.
At that ti, the Red Flas was expanding its montum and influence.
I sensed that other rcenary groups might further restrain us.
To not be oppressed, they might resort to provoking us, even throwing insults.
Perhaps I too was on the brink of countless skirmishes and battles.
The nobles who brought about all these changes were my wives.
...No, I was certainly on the cusp of conflict.
To break the prestige of our Red Flas group, targeting , the husband of these nobles, would be most effective.
That being said, I wasnt particularly worried about such battles.
Rather, I was concerned about my wives who would be hurt by the insults.
I let out a sigh and said to my wives,
...Ive told you, its going to get rough.
Both of them nodded silently.
There will inevitably be words youll hear that might hurt. Ill handle it, but dont be hurt by what you hear.
Yes.
Understood, Berg.
I exhaled deeply once again.
...They responded as if they understood, but did they really?
....
But there was nothing I could do.
I nodded my head and spurred my horse on.
****
We traveled all day like that.
As the sky began to be tinged with orange, we set up the camp.
During that ti, about half a dozen mbers approached .
Vice-captain, is there anything bothering you?
I nodded, and one by one, the mbers began to gather around and converse.
...Indeed, Captain Adam is remarkable.
One of them remarked,
We just followed, but look at us now. Weve beco a rcenary group with nobles at our back. Heading to the eting feels like were the protagonists.
Like , the other mbers didnt comnt further.
Certainly, no one could disregard the abilities of Adam Hyung.
Everyone knew that being connected with nobility made life easier.
Yet, the choice Adam Hyung made was one that very few would have the courage to make.
Even I initially opposed his plan.
The true protagonists are Ner-nim and Arwin-nim, not us, another mber chid in after a pause.
...It seems the nobility truly stands out. Maybe its the power of their lineage.
While they conversed, I caught Arwins eye from a distance.
She, who had been staring at intently for so ti, gave a slight wave when our eyes t.
I chuckled softly.
In return for my smile, Arwin gestured sothing with her body.
She extended her left hand forward and pulled back with her right hand.
...Ah.
She was mimicking the action of drawing a bowstring.
Could it be an invitation to practice archery together?
I pointed at myself and then at Arwin.
I gestured, asking if I should co over.
Arwin gave a slight nod in response.
With her invitation, I wrapped up my conversation.
...Ill go.
Then, I started walking towards her.
For a mont, I could hear the mbers behind fall silent.
In that quiet gap, soone whispered.
...Ah, theres Arwin-nim.
****
From a distance, Ner watched Arwin, who was holding a bow with Berg, heading sowhere.
Arwins actions had beco natural, yet still a bit awkward.
Lately, being with her always left her uneasy.
This tendency intensified after she found the unidentified liquid.
Arwin still hadnt inquired about the whereabouts of the liquid.
Ner believed there were two reasons for this.
Firstly, the liquid might be insignificant.
So, even if it disappeared, she might not have noticed.
And secondly, she might still be unaware that it was gone.
It had been hidden away in a corner of a box, so it was possible she missed it.
...
What on earth was that substance?
If only she knew its identity, this nagging feeling might subside.
As Ner let out a sigh, she spotted Baran issuing orders to the mbers.
Noticing her, he approached with a nod.
Ner-nim, is everything alright?
Yes, everythings fine.
He soon smiled and said,
Youre wearing the ring again. It suits you.
...Ah.
Ner looked down at her ring upon Barans ntion.
She hadnt taken it off since that day.
Touching the smooth surface of the ring, Ner smiled.
Yes.
Baran nodded, preparing to leave.
Well then, Ill be-
Ah, wait a mont.
But Ner had a budding curiosity.
Perhaps it could be seen as a concern.
She had overheard so conversations while they were traveling here.
Among the many mbers, talks of fights could be heard.
Statents like, Ill knock a few down, or Ill stomp on the first one who makes eye contact...
In the midst of a cheerful atmosphere, violence seed to be brewing.
Berg had clearly ntioned that the eting would be rough.
Was it related to that?
Ner inquired.
...Is that place so dangerous?
Baran seed to imdiately grasp Ners question.
If youre talking about the eting... Yes, its a bit risky. Its where the high-flying rcenaries gather.
Baran then took a deep breath before adding,
...From your point of view, you might feel that their level is too low. So, no matter what those rcenaries say, I hope you wont take it to heart.
He echoed the sa words as Berg.
...
Ner tried to steel herself with their advice, but it wasnt as easy as it sounded.
Whenever soone made fun of the color of her tail or called her Paelyun-a*, she involuntarily shrunk back.
Her complex wasnt sothing that could be fixed easily.
...Of course, after Berg complinted her tail, things got slightly better.
Thinking of Bergs praise made her feel at ease, no matter what anyone else said.
However, what truly worried Ner wasnt just those words.
Do a lot of fights break out?
Ner asked apprehensively.
Baran nodded confidently.
Absolutely. Theyll fight just for locking eyes.
Upon hearing this, Ner felt her heart racing with anxiety.
So, does Berg get into fights too?
...
Hoping against hope, she continued before Baran could respond.
...But hes a vice-captain, so he wouldnt fight, right? Surely not even the vice-captain would get involved in brawls...
Baran tilted his head slightly.
...Im not sure.
What?
At Ners surprised voice, Baran hurriedly added,
Dont worry. He usually doesnt engage in fights. Hes always been quiet and never the type to initiate conflicts. Even when minor quarrels arise, he finds it botherso to entertain them.
Only after hearing that answer did Ner feel sowhat relieved.
She let out a short sigh.
...Thats a relief.
At her words, Baran chuckled as if he found them unexpected.
Youre worried about the vice-captain?
...
Of everyone, you neednt worry about the vice-captain.
Why?
Hes a good fighter.
...Just because he fights well doesnt an he cant get hurt.
...
Ner mulled over her own words in the ensuing silence, her face flushing with embarrassnt.
...Ive asked all I wanted to know. Thank you.
Baran smiled and nodded.
Please take a rest.
****
Days passed, and the Red Flas finally arrived at the eting place.
From afar, the large crowd was visible, and Ners heart raced at the sight.
A vast gathering of rcenaries across the open field.
From what Ner had heard, including the Red Flas, four major rcenary groups had gathered.
She felt fear whenever she thought of the countless rcenaries inside.
She must have felt a similar emotion even before her marriage to Berg.
Ner took a deep breath.
Stay strong at heart; Ill protect you.
All the while, Berg spoke from her side.
Ner looked up at him.
.......
Seeing his face, she felt a sudden surge of reassurance and comfort.
She was taken aback at how easily her anxious heart lted away.
This was a first for her.
Stepping into a daunting space, yet feeling as though she had soone on her side.
With just a word from him, she felt she could fully trust him.
Even if everyone else were against her, as long as she had Berg, she felt at ease.
...Yes.
So she nodded at his words.
Berg?
Yes?
Do you think youll end up fighting?
At that question, Arwin also cast a sidelong glance.
Berg shrugged off the question, avoiding a direct answer.
Ners expression tightened, and then she hesitantly pleaded.
...Cant you avoid fighting?
What?
...
She didnt even understand why she was making such a request.
But she didnt want to see him get hurt in a fight.
What if sothing went wrong?
In that mont, Ner didnt avert her eyes.
She gazed directly at Berg, steeling herself.
He looked back into her eyes, and after a mont... he let out a slow sigh.
Then he said,
...Ill see.
The End of The Chapter
[ TL: Paelyun-a is Korean slang which ans an immoral person who is unkind to his/her own parents. However, this term is not limited to children, it is also used to call soone a traitor.
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