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Chapter 125

I knew it. The love that Lunaria yearned for was not a light or mundane romantic feeling.

Yet, the counterpart was a god.

A celestial inhabitant. A transcendent being. A concept. The embodiment of nature.

If there were no restrictions and they were hostile towards humans, they would be beings akin to another Demon King, referred to by various nicknames.

It was hard to believe that such an entity could love a human, and there was also a part of me that felt it was just a joke.

As I looked into the shimmering, moist eyes before me, Yeon-woo let out a sigh in his heart. He realized what sincerity meant. He understood the feelings that this god carried.

Love… was a bit different from that feeling, and he clearly saw it with his own eyes.

It was burdensome. I couldn’t fathom why there were so many people expecting something from me. Moreover, Lunaria’s feelings were of a kind I couldn’t accept.

Still, I had to speak plainly. I hadn’t expected such deep feelings, which was why I had asked Killian to convey my refusal. If I had known the intensity of these feelings, I should have met her directly to refuse.

“I’m sorry, Lady Lunaria. I cannot fulfill your wish.”

“Why?”

Lunaria’s response to Yeon-woo’s refusal was swift. There was no sign of panic. She lowered her delicate brows as if she had anticipated this.

“Because I already have someone I love.”

Um… is that a person? Well, not really. I pondered for a moment. Would it make any difference if I said it was somewhat different?

“…I see.”

What a cliché conversation it was. It could only be described as textbook—the confession from someone and the refusal from another who already had a wife.

An awkward atmosphere lingered between the two. Lunaria, who had lowered her head and hesitated, finally spoke up.

“…Then, if that love were to die, would you come to me?”

Like being splashed with cold water, the mood plummeted. The pale eyes revealed through her black hair exuded a chilling aura.

“That’s terrifying.”

Perhaps Lunaria’s intent was not to imply that she would kill the person, but rather to confirm simply. For humans have a lifespan.

If someday the person Yeon-woo loves dies or they part ways, would he then come to her?

‘…That seems right?’

Though Yeon-woo felt some doubt, it was likely true. Killing a civilian without even a contract would be tantamount to the destruction of Lunaria’s order and a breach of contract.

While using the knights might be an option, Lunaria was not the kind of crazy woman who would wish for the other party to love her after such actions.

‘…I hope that’s not the case. Ugh, I keep doubting it.’

But putting aside the assumption that love could fade, Yeon-woo, who roughly knew he would die before Nea, lightly shook his head.

At his answer, Lunaria sighed softly, seemingly disappointed. However, she did not give up. Her level of determination even reminded him of Kim Yoo-min. Could she be a half-sister? They were too different even if they shared a womb.

“Then, can you be my friend?”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve heard that humans start everything with friendship. I at least want to be friends. Is that too much to ask?”

No matter how predictable Yeon-woo was, he was taken aback by that statement. To suggest friendship to someone who had just been refused as a potential lover was something he had never heard in his life.

Flustered, Yeon-woo began to process all the information in his head.

The only case he knew of becoming friends with a god was just one person. Solaris and Na Yang-ho. They were bound together by Saint Marks.

‘Two Saint Marks? That might actually be good.’

Unlike having both a Mana Heart and an Aura Core, which could potentially lead to death due to high mana pressure in the veins, having multiple Saint Marks wouldn’t cause such a fate.

If anything, it might lead to being caught in between the two gods, but it wouldn’t inherently lead to death due to the functions of the Saint Marks.

“Being… a friend, is that… okay?”

“I just want a straightforward answer.”

“Sure, why not!!”

As Yeon-woo answered with a surge of confidence, Lunaria nodded as if satisfied.

Was it truly okay? Did I just make an irreversible choice?

But honestly, Lunaria’s Saint Mark intrigued him.

Unlike the lizard-pattern Saint Mark, whose abilities were still unknown to him, Lunaria’s Saint Mark definitely guaranteed performance.

‘Increased physical ability at night.’

It was an unimaginably great power that he couldn’t resist, both as a Hunter and as a man.

How could he possibly endure this?

*

“I’ve never waited in a passageway for this long.”

Yeon-woo, exhausted after a private meeting with a god, stepped out of the Gate. Since it was a two-way portal connecting Alkeon and Earth, he had to undergo another inspection, but that was over quickly.

“We have exited the Lionel family estate. Hunter Choi Yeon-woo’s status is verified by the Count’s house.”

“Confirmed. We will hold the Count’s house responsible should any issues arise.”

The mage looked at the knight, as if asking for his consent. The knight quietly nodded. How could they be so insouciant when they were to be held accountable for incidents caused by outsiders?

In any case, after completing the procedure, Yeon-woo boarded the carriage marked with the roaring golden lion, the symbol of the Lionel family. The knight who had boarded first removed his full-face helmet.

“Phew, it’s hot. We meet again after this week, Yeon-woo.”

“…I don’t know what to do with such hospitality.”

The knight who took off his helmet was none other than Albert Lionel, drenched in sweat.

He had worn the knight’s attire… maybe because he was a celebrity. A knight affiliated with the Lionel family wouldn’t be out of place anywhere, but as the Count’s son, his presence would draw attention.

“Hahaha, it’s alright. I was being a bit pushy. It’s a humble home, but I hope you can rest well.”

“Did you just say an insignificant house about the Five Great Families?”

Hearing that, Yeon-woo looked at Albert with a blank stare. Albert shrugged at his look.

“That’s just a term you can use in private settings.”

“You’re better at joking than I expected.”

Chuckling, Yeon-woo had the two children sit beside him. The energies that flowed from his heart took shape.

“Hello.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, is this the daughter of a Dragon and… a Spirit? It’s rare to see a Dark Spirit; it’s fascinating.”

“Our kids do have unusual appearances for being out and about. It’s a bit suffocating now; should we drop the formalities?”

The carriage rolled along, filled with cheerful laughter. With children around, it was impossible for the atmosphere to turn grim. Yeon-woo patted the heads of both children.

“Oh, Butler. This is Choi Yeon-woo. He’s the student of Great Swordmaster.”

“Oh, oh! This is the apprentice of Lady Yuri…!!”

As Yeon-woo, Shar, and Tae-oh stepped down from the carriage, they could only stare blankly around. The iron fences seemed endless, but the sight before them at the hard-earned entrance was so vast it obscured the mansion.

“…Is this a house?”

“Oh, it’s a bit shabby? I thought it wouldn’t be wise to draw attention, so we came to the villa. Should we go to the main residence instead?”

After about an hour’s carriage journey, Albert Lionel, who had gotten somewhat familiar, inquired. Yeon-woo frowned at the suggestion.

“This is a villa…? Who builds a villa this size? Is there extra land lying around? Probably, since it’s the Lionel family, it’s plausible.”

“Greetings, Hunter Choi Yeon-woo and your children. I am Jurgen, the head butler of this villa. I will serve you to the best of my abilities.”

“Hello, Grandfather. I’m Shar.”

“Nice to meet you. My name is Tae-oh…!”

“Oh my, you even introduced me. Would you like some snacks?”

Saying so, the elderly man with snow-white hair pulled out some jelly, possessing a physique that was far from what one would expect of an old man. His solid muscles were evident even beneath the butler’s uniform.

With a fine sword at his waist, one couldn’t help but wonder if even the butlers were this capable. The jellies were happily devoured by the children.

‘At least at the brink of Expert.’

To think that a butler could be a swordsman far superior to him, who was just at the novice stage of his mastery!

It didn’t stop there. Even the other butlers and servants exuded an extraordinary aura. No one matched Jurgen, but their strength was already on par with that of a small or medium guild.

“Let’s not linger too long and head inside quickly, Jurgen. You must be exhausted from the long journey.”

“Oh dear, my humble apologies! Please, step back into the carriage!”

“You want us to re-board the carriage after reaching the entrance of the Count’s estate…? Is the mansion that far away?”

“It’s far enough that you’d want to ride.”

As Yeon-woo briefly thought of taking a look as they crossed through the boundary, he decided to disregard it and led the children back into the carriage. Once he confirmed that the door was closed, Jurgen approached the horses.

“Go ahead and introduce the mansion, Jurgen.”

“Understood, Young Master!!”

With a swift motion, the reins of the horses were released. But wait, how come the horses are set free? Just as he was puzzled, Jurgen’s muscles dramatically bulged.

“Hmm!!”

The dapper butler with a splendid mustache transformed into a muscle man in an instant, effortlessly lifting the carriage like it was a sack, balancing it on his back. Yeon-woo and the children could only watch in awe.

“I will ensure your safe and comfortable passage, Hunter Choi Yeon-woo!!”

With a loud exclamation, Jurgen took off at a run. It should have been normal to feel dizzy in such a situation, but surprisingly, Yeon-woo felt none of it, as if common sense had collapsed around him.

“These people are so strange…!! Did we come to the wrong place, Dad…!?”

“It seems faster than horses; if that’s the case, why even use a carriage…? What should we do, Shar? My head is spinning….”

It took no time at all to reach the grand entrance of the mansion.

After a sumptuous feast, Yeon-woo, who climbed to a room where the three could stay, collapsed onto the bed. It truly had been a tiring day. Physically he hadn’t done much, but the mental exhaustion was overwhelming.

The reality of the Lionel family was shockingly astonishing. With a butler who could instantly transform into a muscleman and servants all being warriors, wherever he went, he felt the hot gazes upon him. Naturally, Jurgen was among them.

“Haah….”

“Haha, please understand. Lady Yuri is that extraordinary.”

“I know that, but still, isn’t it too much?”

Sitting elegantly at the table with a cup of tea was Albert Lionel.

Shar and Tae-oh were excitedly playing with the heaps of toys stacked in one corner of the spacious room.

At least Albert Lionel was maintaining his decorum as a young nobleman. Although considering how he had pressed for Yuri to come, he was not fundamentally different in essence; at least he wasn’t showing it outwardly.

“When do you want to start sparring? Should we do it tomorrow?”

He did care for him like this as well. To think he would feel touched by just such a thing, was this a complex scheme?

As Yeon-woo gazed briefly out the window, he suddenly realized something.

“But, I won’t be exclusively using a sword; I’m planning to use other weapons too, is that okay?”

“Well, whether it’s okay or not will be decided by your skill.”

If he wasn’t satisfied, would he have to duel with swords? He really wanted to avoid using swords as much as possible. Perhaps he would find some answers through sparring.

“Let’s do it after we digest. If we move right after eating, I might get a stomachache.”

“Alright, I’ll make sure to notify them to prepare in advance.”

After saying this, Albert lightly tapped the orbs that were on the table and spoke to them.

“In about an hour, we’re going to spar. Please prepare the training grounds.”

Crackle, with the noise like a walkie-talkie, came the response from the orb.

– Understood.

…So advanced. It barely resembled a fantasy world, huh?

(Continued in the next installment.)

 

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