I stepped out, folding the tent behind .
Baran, Shawn, and Jackson standing around looked puzzled.
Your wives... Huh? Vice-captain?
Now Im here.
I left Baran and moved on.
With confused expressions, they watched as I walked away.
I headed towards the Arak group camp.
I heard that they had provoked more than anyone else.
Was it because I ignored Turo yesterday?
I sighed deeply.
No matter how much ti passed, this reality of being disregarded didnt seem to change.
The deep history that had been continuous since the days of the previous rcenary group with Adam Hyung.
Perhaps it was because we were human, but they often pick fights.
Maybe I was so accustod to it that I couldnt see the situation objectively.
Realizations dawn on yet again.
It was not just my pride that was at stake when it ca to my na anymore.
For the sake of my wives, I needed to stand up.
I still havent fully adapted to intervening in every situation.
Like returning a favor on the battlefield, maybe there was still a part of that faintly hoped to live quietly.
What would Adam Hyung say about this choice of mine?
Even though he said it was okay to fight... he might find it troubling.
No matter what, as a vice-captain, I should act more seriously.
...Still, for now, I didnt want to think about it.
Hey, Vice-captain! Where are you going?
A mber standing at the boundary between the Arak group and the Red Flas asked , but I didnt stop.
I entered the Arak groups camp.
mbers of the Arak group blocked my way.
...The vice-captain of the Red Flas? If you have business here-
Ignoring the approaching rcenary of the Arak group, I walked past.
And then I continued walking deeper into the camp.
Finally realizing my intent, a Red Flas mber shouted from behind.
Hey... Bring the mbers! No, bring the captain!
****
Turo was dining with his subordinates, a smile playing on his lips.
Upon returning to camp, the news that reached him had put him in good spirits.
The word was that the mbers had made one of those noble wives, Blackwood one, cry.
...Hehehehe.
While enjoying his al, Turo imagined Bergs feelings.
The humiliation Berg must feel, yet unable to lash out.
Spreading lies about being a formidable fighter for the sake of reputation, and yet, powerless to even protect his own wife.
Just imagining that stoic face twisting in anger was enough to satiate Turos appetite.
There was nothing as entertaining as tornting the weak.
Turo glanced at Shifre.
She appeared to be lost in thought, her gaze distant.
The way she was chanically chewing her food, she was surely thinking of Berg.
Turo couldnt fathom why shed harbor any affection for such a pitiful man.
Was it because half of her blood was that of humans?
Turo shook his head, speaking, ...Captain.
Shifres icy eyes t his.
Today, she had only bitter words for Berg.
Perhaps now was the chance for her to break free from her unrequited love.
...Let go of such a pitiful man.
...
A man who remains silent even after hearing of the humiliation of his wives. Captain, keeping such a feeble man by your side-
-Thud!
Vice-captain Tu-Turo!!
Suddenly, a mber from the lower ranks infiltrated the tent where the high-ranking mbers were dining.
Every mber there grimaced in response.
Turo was no exception.
Frowning, he spoke, ...If this isnt urgent, you better be prepared.
The mber licked his lips, adding, Vice-captain Berg has arrived.
.
.
.
Turo snickered as he saw Berg standing alone at the center of the massive circle ford by the rcenaries of the Arak group.
He wondered what Berg was thinking, coming all the way here.
Vice-Captain Berg, what brings you here? Turo asked.
anwhile, thoughts raced through his mind. Did Berg co here to kneel? Maybe he ca alone to hide the shaful display from his mbers. Perhaps he ca to plead not to further dishonor his wives.
Shifre erged from the tent, gazing at Berg.
...Vice-Captain Berg, she whispered.
For so reason, Turo felt uneasy and suppressed the emotion, continuing to observe Berg.
Unable to contain herself, Shifre inquired, ...Did you co to see ?
Her tone was respectful, almost reverent. Turo could even sense a hint of anticipation in her voice.
However, Berg just shook his head, pointing at Turo with a gesture.
Shifres face hardened.
Before the attention could entirely shift to her, Turo inquired, So?
Before that, I have one question, Berg responded with unexpected poise. There was an odd strength in his deanor. He didnt seem to be shrinking back in the slightest. His voice wasnt even quivering. In fact, he appeared rather nonchalant.
Was it your command?
At that audacious question, Turo laughed sardonically.
Several mbers followed Turos lead, scoffing at Berg.
And if it was? Turo retorted, dropping all formalities.
Berg simply shook his head, No, I was just curious.
...
So, is our previously ntioned duel still valid?
.........
After a brief silence, Turo burst into roaring laughter.
It seed that Berg had finally chosen defiance. He must have chosen to co here to be trampled upon. It wasnt a bad choice, after all. At least this way, he could say he made an effort for his wives.
It ant he wasnt just hiding in fear. He probably left his mbers behind because he didnt want them to see him humiliated.
Its still valid.
With a smile, Turo replied.
Shifre stepped in between them, attempting to intervene.
...Hold on. A fight between vice-captains could escalate into a major issue-
-Its not your concern, Berg interrupted her.
Shifres face flushed, as if she had been spat on after showing concern.
Turo, discarding his outer coat, turned towards Berg.
Perhaps it was for the best. If he could crush Berg here and drain the last vestiges of lingering feelings Shifre might have for him, all would be well.
...Even if you die in this, I wont care, Turo taunted Berg, formulating a plan to thrust him into the center of the Red Flas camp.
Its good then, Berg responded.
I felt the sa.
****
Ner waited in the tent for Berg, who unexpectedly hadnt returned.
She briefly wondered if he might have gone to fetch water or sothing.
His sudden departure, after promising to protect her, left her puzzled.
...I can understand your feelings, Arwin said after a while.
...Pardon?
If you hadnt married Berg... perhaps you could have avoided all of these experiences.
...
Ner looked puzzled for a mont.
But Arwin rely shook her head gently, whispering, ...Thats why I understand.
Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted outside.
Soone was shouting.
Baran-nim! Theodore-nim! Krian-nim! Captain Adam!
One of the mbers ran around the camp, calling out for all the senior mbers except Berg.
Ner and Arwin exchanged a brief glance.
The sound of Baran, who had been guarding the front of the tent, moving was audible.
Whats happening?
Unable to rise herself, Ner watched as Arwin stepped out on her behalf.
She pushed the tent flap aside, taking in the scene outside.
Baran was speaking with one of the rcenaries.
Many more were converging around them.
What?!
Suddenly, Baran raised his voice in alarm.
He then began issuing orders.
Shawn! Fetch Captain Adam! Jackson! Gather the n!
Confused, Shawn approached Baran.
Whats going on?
While taken aback by the sudden turn of events, Ner was filled with both fear and curiosity.
Could this possibly be related to Berg?
Her heart began to race.
****
The fight had ended as quickly as a fleeting mont.
-Thump! Thump! Thump!
I drove my fists into Turos fallen face, then looked around.
None of the mbers of the Arak group could utter a word.
Their expressions were of disbelief, even as they looked at the defeated Turo.
Sotis I often thought to myself,
As expected, showing it directly was the most effective.
Their astonishnt was, in a way, understandable. Given that their captain was rely sitting behind a table, Turo was essentially the backbone of the Arak group.
That was why it was crucial to overpower him.
Wiping the blood dripping from my forehead, I once again sized up the rcenaries of the Arak group.
A few seed flustered, unable to accept the outco as they kept their eyes on .
Its over!
Sure enough, soone shouted from the crowd.
Hearing that, I began hitting Turo again.
-Thump! Thump! Thump!
If they still had the will to say anything, it was aningless.
It seed I had a long way to go.
I continued to strike Turo until his teeth were knocked out and his face was bloodied.
I gave him the fight he so dearly wanted.
Vice-Captain Berg...!
Shifre called out to urgently.
Pulling back my fist, I looked at her.
...Stop. I dont know why youre doing this, but its enough. Turo has lost.
Confusion filled her face. It seed she couldnt believe the scene unfolding before her.
Yet, I had no intention of stopping.
Do not interfere in our duel.
...
This was a duel Turo himself proposed.
Up until now, no one had interrupted our duel.
Nothing was more disgraceful than intervening in a rcenarys fight.
Perhaps knowing this, no one dared to co to Turos rescue.
As I lifted my fist again, Shifre questioned,
...Is this because of what they said to your wives?
.........
She continued, Ill make sure it never happens again... Please, let Turo go. He might die if you continue.
....
-Thump!
-Crack.
With my next punch, Turos right horn broke off.
-Thump!
-Crack.
Following that, the left horn snapped.
His head was as hazy as a lumbering cow.
I turned my gaze back to the mbers of the Arak group.
Unlike before, fear was evident in their expressions.
Now, no rcenary dared to et my eyes.
It seed things were finally drawing to a close.
...Haa.
I let out a deep breath and rose from my position.
Sotis, the power of a punch speaks louder than lineage.
If they didnt fear Blackwood, then make them fear sothing else.
I found this approach more straightforward.
From now on, every ti the Arak mbers saw Turo, they would be reminded of .
They would be able to discern the warnings I send.
Leaving Turo where he fell, I turned to the surrounding rcenaries.
Speaking to them, I said,
...The White Tail you all mocked today.
So rcenaries flinched, even taking steps back.
It would be wise not to even glance at it in the future.
I slowly looked around,
I wont tolerate even the slightest disrespect from here on out... Rember that clearly.
Vice-Captain Berg!
At that mont, mbers of the Red Flas approached, parting the mbers of the Arak group.
The mbers of the Arak group opened a path for them.
As the path cleared easily, Baran wore a puzzled expression.
Soon, upon seeing Turo on the ground, he froze montarily.
...Vice-Captain.
Like the mbers of the Arak group, he too was aghast.
If you act so impulsively...
...
...We should leave for now.
He tried to lead away.
However, I shook my head.
I brushed off Barans hand.
...Its not over yet.
In order to spread the word that Ner was under my protection, more examples needed to be set.
I had the justification, and emotions still lingered.
Moreover, it was better to make a point decisively when making it at all.
****
Ner couldnt quite grasp how the situation had evolved.
However, it was clear that a massive commotion had unraveled around Berg.
As the rumors began to spread, the mbers of Red Flas started to buzz with energy.
It was hard to resist, given the tantalizing news that kept erging.
Rumors that Berg had severely overpowered the vice-captain of the Arak group.
News that Berg had grievously wounded the vice-captain of the Dalsaseum group.
And even word that Berg was currently taking on the vice-captain of the Dragonian group.
All of this had transpired in just one night.
The human, a supposedly weaker race, was dominating all.
The rapid spread of these tales seed to validate their truth, providing proof of their claims.
The uproar that persisted throughout the night kept the whole camp alive with chatter.
As dawn approached, it seed no one had slept.
...
From the center of the Red Flas campsite, Ner stifled a sob and swallowed hard.
Her entire body tingled with the news reaching her ears.
He was seeking out every rcenary group that had tornted her, making them pay.
He was accomplishing things she never even dread possible.
...Why?
Ner whispered to herself.
It was a question she had pondered many tis, but never with this much urgency and curiosity.
Why was he doing so much for her? And how?
Ner touched her cheek.
Bergs warmth still lingered there.
Berg, who had fought with everyone upon learning she was slightly teased.
Logically, it was an unbalanced narrative.
She couldnt understand his thought process.
Was it even a sensible choice?
So far, she had given nothing in return to Berg.
There was no evident reason for him to love her.
Nor was there any reason for him to fight those vice-captains on her behalf.
Yet, Berg had stepped forward, initiating change.
Ner tightly shut her eyes.
Her fists involuntarily clenched.
Every ti pain like todays erged, she had to acknowledge the truth.
A realization that struck her each ti tears stread down her face.
...Berg was becoming more and more precious to her.
Just the thought of it seed to bring tears to her eyes.
Even if she tried to push it away, it wouldnt work.
He was the first person who ever saw value in her tail, which had always been ridiculed.
The only person who stood up and fought for her.
Regardless of who the opponent was, he was soone who beca a pillar of strength by her side.
The dawn wind blows.
With it, a distant clamor gradually grew louder.
Berg! Berg! Berg! Berg!
Vice-captain Berg! Truly, you are the vice-captain!
The sound ca closer.
Ner felt the approach of the person she had been waiting for.
-Thump...Thump Thump Thump
Her heart fluttered.
Ner slowly opened her eyes.
There, approaching her line of sight, was Berg.
A man who, over ti, had beco so familiar, now drawing near.
The man who caressed her, told her she was beautiful, was walking towards her.
...Ah.
She lets out an involuntary gasp.
Instinctively, she felt it.
She should push him away now.
Perhaps this mont was her last chance.
Yet, as these thoughts rushed through her mind, the sun started to rise behind him.
A halo ford around Berg.
It beca so bright that she couldnt look directly at him.
Ner closes her eyes against the sunlight.
She tried to calm her racing heart.
-Thump...Thump...Thump
But knowing Berg was approaching, her heart rate only quickened.
With her eyes shut, Ner thought.
...Grandmother.
-Thump...Thump...Thump
What should I do in a situation like this?
-Thump...Thump...Thump...
She asked a question to which she expected no answer.
...If soone ever tries to take my heart first...
-Thump...! Thump...! Thump...!
What should I do then?
Ner.
But suddenly, the sound of Berg calling her na reached her ears.
Ners breath caught for a mont.
Unbelievably, Berg was already so close.
There was no way to warn her.
No mont to resist.
He effortlessly leaped over the barriers she had built.
Ner couldnt bring herself to look at Berg.
Just the thought of it made her heart race wildly.
But soon, a hand gently touched her chin.
That damp hand lifted her chin upward.
The scent of blood, and Bergs now all too familiar aroma, wafted toward her.
Ner hesitantly opened her eyes.
Berg, covered in blood.
Yet, contrasting his grueso appearance, he bore a bright smile.
....Ah.
Ner let out a powerless moan.
rcenary...
A Human.
A Commoner.
The person she presud would always be worlds apart was right there beside her.
Berg spoke.
It will still take ti...
Tears spilled from Ners eyes at the sound of his voice.
But Ill be here to help...
These were different tears than she had shed all her life.
So take pride in yourself.
For the first ti, she realized she could shed tears with such emotions.
...Hic...
In the end, she covered her face with both hands.
Unable to hold back the flowing tears any longer.
Berg gently stroked her head again.
With his touch, her heart raced wildly once more.
Berg said,
Ive told you many tis, havent I? Your tail is beautiful.
He even embraced her darkest parts.
...Ah.
Inwardly, Ner moaned as she realized.
The ally she had longed for her entire life was right here with her.
The End of The Chapter
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