Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions

8. Phalaenopsis dream (5)

The road to Mond was eventful. Most of these things did not happen on the way to Mond, but happened before leaving for Mond.

In general, possessions and responsibilities were directly proportional. This was true for the upper management, which had grown incomparably in terms of size and influence compared to when I left Mond. In addition, as one of the axes that led the merger of the three countries, the responsibility to take on was considerable.

Furthermore, I was no longer a person unrelated to Li Yue. Rather, he was a person who had many relationships with key figures in Li Yue’s political circles, and therefore there were many people who had to inform of my absence.

Today’s meeting was also an extension of that process. There was still some time left until we left for Mond, but there were plenty of people to meet in the meantime. However, today’s meeting was a little unusual because it was an opportunity to meet two women with whom I have a special relationship.

To be exact, I only called one of them, but another person followed along on their own. I was already feeling sick from the tingling atmosphere.

Sitting in front of me was a woman with mysterious blue hair and a woman with light purple hair.

The two women, who had a beautiful appearance that no one could say had the upper hand, were quietly drinking tea. That elegant gesture, even the posture of closing her eyes and savoring the tea. These were women who clearly showed that they had been educated in noble families.

On the surface, it was a place with no problems. Rather, it may have been a position that people in the world did not want to see. Even considering the beautiful appearance of the two women separately, it was like that.

Gam-u, a woman with blue hair, was the general secretary of Wolhaejeong, who was in charge of all affairs of Liwol Chilseong. She has been protecting Li Yue for a long time, and in recognition of her ability and dedication, even Li Yue Chilseong cannot treat her carelessly.

Then what about the woman with light purple hair sitting next to him? Her name was Gakcheong, and she was a woman who held the position of Okhyeong among the Chilseong, the leadership of Liyue. She is a mysterious powerful person whose identity is not revealed to the public. She is currently sitting here.

Anyone involved in Li Yue’s political and financial circles would want to attend this event. The opportunity to have tea with the two people in power in Liyue was a better meeting than this, especially in Liyue society where personal connections and information are important.

The reason why my stomach felt heavy while sitting in such a nice place was because of the conversation between the two women.

“Brother Siu, wouldn’t it be better to replace the sanitation staff in the upper building? “I don’t know why, but there’s a cat thief in the Sangsanju’s office.”

“Siwoo, did you by any chance open a senior citizen center in the meantime? An older man keeps saying strange things. “Shouldn’t we go see Teacher Baekchul of Bulbokyeo?”

Sigh, the two women’s eyes met in the air. It seemed as if sparks were flying as the venomous eyes rubbed against each other.

At that point, I covered her face with both hands. It’s always been like this when the two of them get together since the last sudden confession of love.

“…… “Don’t forget that Siwoo’s brother called me, Mr. Ok.”

“I called you too. It’s just that I didn’t have time at the time, so I only came for a short time. Why do you think you get nervous when I’m around you?”

The two women seemed to have no intention of hiding their fight, and eventually began to glare at each other and growl. It was closer to a ‘purr’ than a ‘growl’, but whatever. It was definitely a pain in the ass.

I was starting to feel a headache, so I decided to mediate between the two women. Even so, there were only a few words I could say.

“Let’s both leave it at that. “We won’t be able to see each other for a while, but we don’t need to talk like that every day, right?”

It was a short speech, but my persuasion seemed to work and the two women stopped fighting, even though they looked dissatisfied. Gakcheong snorted, sipped his tea, and then asked me.

“So, how long are you planning on staying in Mond?”

“About a week or two? Still, I have to come back before the ancestors come.”

At my words, Gakcheong let out a huff and fell into her thoughts. She seemed to be thinking about things that might happen while I was gone. She said that my political relationship with her was quite strong, so there was a possibility that the work being promoted could have been disrupted while I was away.

First of all, I was the main factor that enabled each office to regain the leadership of Liyue Chilseong from Eunggwang, so it was inevitable. The fact that each office was the only one that could rein in me, who was leading the three-nation joint venture, also played a role.

Still, since her hearing was so capable, I thought that she would probably be able to do it on her own for a few weeks. The reason I left Mond with peace of mind was because I had that much trust in her abilities.

On the other hand, Gamwoo, who did not have to worry about Liyue without me, seemed to be worried about something else. She spoke to me in a worried voice.

“Be careful, little brother Siwoo. “The rumors going around among merchants coming and going from Liyue these days are not good.”

At those words, my eyes naturally turned to Kamwoo. What did it mean? Of course, I also obtained intelligence in many ways, but I was not a person who controlled information at the national level like Sister Gamwoo.

Recently, I heard that Cheonam-gun is on alert and is unable to pay attention to all commercial routes. However, it seemed that Gamwoo’s worries were more than that.

“Recently, reports related to the Abyss Cult have been frequently received by the Liyue General Affairs Department. “While the Wooindan is plotting suspicious activities and Cheonam-gun is on alert, it seems they are increasing their activity.”

“…… ‘Abyss Church’?”

I inadvertently asked about a name I had never heard before. It was the ‘Abyss Cult’, and it was my first time hearing about it since I heard about it in Mond.

The ‘Abyss Church’ was a force hostile to humanity. A group of unidentified monsters, they often committed various acts of terrorism led by the Abyss Mage. I also fell victim to them once, because it was the Abyss Church that led the Chuchu attack on Mond Castle.

As a result of that battle, I was given the name ‘Honorary Quartermaster of Mond’ and was able to build a good relationship with the Knights of Pevonius, but I could not deny that it was a difficult experience. But when I reached Liyue, I heard that name again.

The person who answered my question was not Gamwoo, but Gakcheong. She added, “Ah,” As if she had heard it before.

“Now that I think about it, I’ve heard it too. I heard there has been an increase in attacks on workers recently, right? So, for now, we are focusing on civil engineering work outside Liyue Port and increasing the number of guards.”

I leaned against the back of the chair with a muffled sound at the words of each office. It seemed like there was quite a bit of activity when construction was halted. Come to think of it, the Abyss Church was like that even during Mond.

The contamination of the Wind Demon Dragon and the attack on the chaotic Mond Castle with the Wind Demon Dragon were all planned by the Abyss Church. Since they were like that, there was nothing they couldn’t do to take advantage of the chaotic political situation in Liyue due to the sudden death of the Queen Emperor.

Thinking that I should also remember this, I raised another question.

“But why does the Abyss Church keep attacking humanity?”

At those words, Gakcheong shook his head, and Sister Gamwoo lowered her gaze. It seemed like they either didn’t know or didn’t want to talk. Then there was no reason to listen.

I thought so, but Sister Kamu seemed to think a little differently. She warned me again.

“Brother Siwoo, I’m saying this again, but you need to be careful. The Abyss Cult’s hatred toward humanity is beyond Siwoo’s imagination… And these days, there are even stories of a leader called ‘Prince’ appearing.”

“‘Prince’? Do they have royal blood too?”

At those words, Sister Kamu quietly let out her sigh. The recent activities of her Abyss Cult seemed to be a great worry to her.

“I don’t know that far, but what’s important is that an intelligent group has found a leader. As for what that means… “You know without me having to tell you, right?”

I nodded silently. The existence of a leader meant that he could mobilize the entire power of the group. Since there was no conflict of interest, the ability to act also had to change.

The total power that a centralized state can mobilize is stronger than that of a tribal federation state, and even in modern times, the ability of a state to promote policies is seen as part of national power. This is because not only military power or external image, but also decision-making ability has a strong influence on the power of an organization.

So, it was not strange for Sister Kamwoo to be concerned about the information that the leader of the Abyss Church had appeared. In fact, there were significant changes in the activities of the Abyss Church before and after her appearance.

Gakcheong, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between me and Sister Kamu, put down the teacup with a thump. And then he quietly opened his mouth.

“…… I agree with what you said about being careful. “Do you know what will happen if you get injured and are absent for a long time?”

I couldn’t help but smile bitterly at those words. If that was the case, it would have been a disaster.

First of all, it was obvious that they would not be able to handle the approaching good men, and that not only Li Yue but also Mond would become confused. Moreover, I was not only the owner of the caravan and an influential politician, but also a symbolic figure.

Mond’s financial advisor and a key figure in the center of Liyue’s political and financial circles. If such a person was injured in an attack by the Abyss Church, responsibility would inevitably become an issue.

Just imagining it was enough to make my head spin. I tried to shake off those ominous thoughts.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you get hurt… “But is that the only thing you’re worried about?”

“…… ? What are you talking about?”

At my question, each office tilted their heads. So I asked again with a mischievous smile.

“If I get hurt, things will get complicated, so are you telling me to have a good trip?”

Each office tried to remain silent for a moment as if contemplating what those words meant, but her sharp mind quickly figured out the intention of my question.

My face turns red. It was rare to see a woman as arrogant as Gakcheong embarrassed, so I burst out laughing. Anyway, she was a cute woman in that she was not honest.

“…… What, what, what are you talking about? “Well, then what else do I have to worry about?”

“I was saying this because, more than anything, I was worried about Siwoo’s younger brother.”

Gakcheong shouted in shame, but Gamwoo was different. She closed her eyes, placed her hand on her heart, and spoke in her usual soft voice. I smiled slightly awkwardly at those words.

“Thank you, Sister Gamwoo. “I’ll keep that in mind, so don’t worry too much.”

When the picture turned out like this, it was each government office that was embarrassed. Her face became like, “Oops,” And then she started crying. She hesitated and looked at me.

Then, she closed her eyes tightly, as if she had made up her mind. She blushed and stuttered to open her mouth.

“I’m not saying that’s the only thing I’m worried about… ….”

“Okay then, shall we have a drink now?”

“That’s right, little brother Siwoo. Please take care of me.”

But before Gakcheong could even finish speaking, Gamwoo and I naturally placed the drinking glasses and took out the bottles. Seeing that, Gakcheong came out and looked at Gamwoo, and then noticed that the two of us were slightly averting our gaze.

The fact that she was teasing. Realizing this, each office roared in anger again.

“…… Hey!”

It was a peaceful time. Maybe.

**

Drinking parties were one of the basic requirements of social life. Of course, it is a prejudice to say that just because you can’t drink doesn’t mean you can’t have a social life, but if you can drink, isn’t the place you don’t necessarily avoid?

Unlike the Republic of Korea in the 21st century, where an atmosphere of respect for individuals is being created, the Tivat continent was a place where pre-modern elements still remained.

Mond, which values freedom, has a strong individualistic tendency, and Liyue, which has a Chinese motif, has a strong collectivist tendency.

What is interesting is that although the people of Liyue have a collectivist way of thinking, mammonism is rampant. In general, it was a quite interesting phenomenon in that capital and ownership promoted the development of individualism.

If I think about it, the same is true in modern China, so I thought it was not surprising that Li Yue used this as a motif. But the important thing was that drinking was common in Liyue.

That was also the reason why I drank alcohol today. Drinking is a daily routine in Liyue, and people usually have a drink when meeting friends. No, rather, there were often cases where we formed friendships through drinking.

The two men who are currently filling my glass with me were also people who became close to me through that process.

Tartalia, a tall man with impressive white skin and reddish-brown hair.

Mr. Jong-ryeo, a handsome man with a serious look and black hair and golden eyes.

The reality of the gathering commonly referred to in the public as the ‘Three Princes of Liyue’ was nothing more than a social gathering filled with the scent of alcohol among men.

And now that meeting had turned into a small farewell party for me as I was leaving for Mond and would be away for a few weeks. If I did that, I would come back, but the excuse was a very good one.

It is impossible for the departing protagonist to take a drink, and before I knew it, I was half-drunk and was just taking the drink and drinking it. I think he said something, but it was such a trivial story that I quickly erased it from my mind.

A somewhat interesting topic came up when Tartaglia and Palm Seed were both quite drunk. Tar Taglia seemed to have just remembered her and asked me.

“Now that I think about it, Siwoo, I heard you’ve been going around with the rumored ‘Wangsaengdangju’ these days?”

As soon as the topic came up, Mr. Palm immediately cleared his throat. It seems that Mr. Palm still hasn’t forgotten the rude behavior of the walnut last time.

However, I was gradually coming to understand what kind of person Walnut was, so I did not harbor any resentment from last time. To be precise, I would say I gave up a bit.

The walnut was a kind of natural disaster. Isn’t there anyone who blames the typhoon because the typhoon blew and their clothes got wet? It was the same with him.

Still, I wasn’t at ease, so I clicked my tongue and opened my mouth.

“Well, right…” “At first, I wondered what would happen, but somehow it’s going well.”

Tartalia seemed to have sensed the uncomfortable emotions contained in my words, giggling as always. She was a wonderful friend who was always ready to laugh at her friend’s misfortune.

“I’m glad that North Korea Bank has a new source of funds, but is it okay? “I’m already hearing a lot of stories.”

As soon as I heard that, several incidents came to mind. The same thing happened at the Adventurer’s Guild last time, and there were several things that aroused resentment due to Hodu’s unreasonable sales. First, I shook my head as a courtesy to my co-worker.

“Because there is no malicious intent, for now. No, is that more of a problem? ….”

I was trying to protect the walnut, but soon I lowered my head and sighed as I felt overwhelmed. Yes, that was the problem.

There was no malice in the walnut. It’s just that the world view is so unique that it causes repulsion in others.

As if he sensed my concern, Mr. Palm cleared his throat and focused his attention. As Tartaglia and I turned to him, Mr. Palm opened his mouth as if admonishing him.

“She may seem rude at times, but as she says many times, she has no malicious intent.”

“Has the Lord of the House been like that from the beginning?”

I ended up asking that question out of curiosity. Mr. Palm grunted in response to my question and then closed his eyes.

And a glass of alcohol to gulp down. The refreshing scent of dandelion wine tickled my nose for a moment.

“Well, I’ve had a bit of that tendency since I was young. But… ….”

Palm Seed said that and swallowed the lump. It took some time for his golden eyes to open again. Even then, he appeared to be hesitant, as if he was wondering whether or not he could talk about this in the absence of the person involved.

But his worries could not continue. It seemed like Mr. Jongryeo wanted me to understand Hodu more, as he had been rude to me in the past and we will be together in the future.

He began his story with a heavy sigh. It was a story about walnuts.

“I think her grandfather’s death may have had an effect on her.”

“…… “Grandfather?”

I sensed that something serious was going to be said, so I asked in a serious voice, and Tartaglia drank his drink in silence. Those lapis lazuli-like gazes were fixed on the palm seeds as if nailed down.

Mr. Palm silently nodded his head in response to my question. And he continued his words.

“It was a few years ago. Hodu’s grandfather was the head of the previous Wangsaeng family, and he was like a father to her as he loved her granddaughter. Then one day she broke up with the world.”

I was silent. What does it feel like to lose a parent? I knew it too.

Because I have lost my parents. I suddenly felt thirsty, so I took a drink. I could feel the heat of the alcohol burning my throat.

“It was Walnut who took charge of his funeral. After the funeral was over, Hodu ran out of Wangsaengdang one night. And it wasn’t found until the next day.”

“…… So what happened?”

Mr. Palm was silent for a moment in response to my question. He sipped his drink with an elegant posture, then opened his mouth heavily.

“I don’t know.”

“…… ?”

I looked at the palm seed with somewhat bewildered eyes at the unexpected ending. Tartaglia seemed to feel the same way, as he too looked somewhat dissatisfied.

It was an opportunity to find out what secret the rumored head of the Wangsaeng family had, but I couldn’t feel good because I felt like I was stuck.

But Mr. Palm did not pay any attention to such dissatisfaction. He slowly shook his head and said.

“Where did the walnut go that day and what conclusion was made… No one knows. But since it got noticeably brighter after that, everyone just thought it was a good change.”

“No, then doesn’t that mean that the head of the Wangsaeng family doesn’t know why he’s doing this?”

Palm only smiled faintly despite my absurd tone. He finished his half-empty glass and held it out to me.

I looked at the palm seed with trembling eyes, but in the end, I had no choice but to fill his cup with a sigh. Mr. Jongryeo then said.

“But isn’t there a better clue than this to understanding each other? Everything that sparkles has a shadow. “It’s only for a few weeks, but please take care of the walnuts.”

With those words, the heavy atmosphere of the drinking party ended. The bustle continued again, and it wasn’t until dawn that I was able to lie down on the bed with my exhausted body.

Death, it’s been a while since I thought about that topic. A problem that I had forgotten about for a long time and did not worry about because it was so overwhelming just to survive.

I remembered the day my parents passed away, the moment I sat there blankly. Times when I thought my heart was worn out and wouldn’t move. As I just sat there blankly, it seemed as if time had passed and no ripples had occurred in my heart.

But that wasn’t true. My heart, which had absorbed all the sadness like soaked cotton, only became heavy, and it was not noticeable on the outside.

I woke up several times and cried several times. I also drank a lot. It wasn’t just me. Everyone did that. Sister Kamwoo also experienced such pain, and the death of a precious person was something that even adults found difficult to overcome.

Did you say around the age of twelve? The figure of that lovely girl with chestnut-colored hair felt small today.

I thought about the pain. Every time I was thrown away and shaken off, didn’t it hurt? Why have I never thought of that?

There is no such thing as a person who is not sick.

I fell asleep that night with those thoughts in mind. It was just a few days before leaving for Mond.

**

The journey to Mond was surprisingly smooth. I was worried that Hodu might show unexpected behavior, but when we went outside, Hodu became quite calm.

Sometimes he tried to ask questions and answers that I didn’t understand, or confused everyone with his strange ideas, but that was all I could understand. Above all, Hodu was an excellent guard as well.

Walnut was the possessor of the Eye of God, and the flames she dealt clung to her enemies and did not fall. Flames burning in the shape of flowers and butterflies broke away a soul from its body.

To be honest, I was surprised. I thought he would have enough strength to protect himself if he were to shoot around the continent of Tivat, but I never thought he would be this skilled.

The person in charge of the commercial convoy was the one who smiled broadly. Even so, Cheonam-gun was worried about the recent increase in the number of unmaintained roads and the activities of the Abyss Cult, and the presence of Walnut seemed to be a great help.

Nevertheless, walnuts were always the same. Perhaps that is her charm. Her thoughts and actions were bouncy anytime and anywhere, and her attitude toward me was the same.

She used to approach me with her curiosity, but somehow I couldn’t push her away as annoying as she used to be.

It may be because of the palm seeds. One night, I woke up with a groan.

It couldn’t go on like this. Treating someone with pity was an insult to the other person. Moreover, the situation was not something he had heard from his own mouth.

I felt the need to sort out some relationship, so I went outside. I was thinking about thinking about it while enjoying the night air.

But when I actually went outside, I had no choice but to immediately stop.

Because a little girl was sitting in front of her campfire, humming her song. When I looked around, several watchmen were gathered together and talking, and it seemed that Hodu had also volunteered to be on watch.

I quietly sat next to the girl so as not to irritate the watchmen who were quite far away. The song the walnut was humming had some pretty bizarre lyrics.

“The first ChuChu dances~ The second ChuChu takes care of patients~”

How should I react? As I was hesitating because it was a song with such sensitivity that I couldn’t quite get my head around it, Hodu glanced at me.

Soon, a thin line appeared at the corner of her mouth. It was an unknown, yet charming smile.

“Can’t you sleep?”

“…… “Yeah, well.”

The voice came out somewhat awkwardly due to embarrassment, but Hodu didn’t care. She stretched her legs and soon looked up at the moon in the sky.

“The moon is bright today, so it’s good for a walk. Did you get up to go for a walk too?”

That can’t be right, night walks on the Tivat continent only took place in urban areas. If you take a walk outdoors, there is a high chance of encountering a mysterious threat. It was better for powerless ordinary people like me to avoid it.

As I was about to answer like that, a thought occurred to me and I kept my mouth shut. And after a moment of contemplation, he finally opened his mouth.

“…… A walk is good. “Shall we go talk for a moment?”

It was the first moment when I understood a girl who I thought I could not understand.