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Chapter 246

“Uh, no way, I’m not going. If you want to commit suicide, do it by yourself, okay?”

Once, in the days when the old man was a young warrior, he had retorted similarly to those warming up to jump into the battlefield.

A stir erupted among the people gathered at Edward’s words since he was recognized as a hero by everyone at that time.

Naturally, one of the two main members of the group who was expected to join in dropped out of the plan with such a statement.

The other main member was merely a child in their early teens. Unable to persuade the mid-twenties Edward, the operation split into two factions.

One was Edward’s faction, which sought to preserve their bodies for future opportunities, and the other, Ilklyos’s faction, believed that jumping in alone could reduce the casualties.

Edward fought purely for the sake of honor. In times like these, there was no better way to make a name for oneself than to take to battle.

In other words, it was to become famous, not to save people. That’s why Edward did not join them.

And that was that. The great war against the monstrous beings that ravaged Europe had ended, all in the name of seven great heroes.

Edward’s name was not among them. The names of the seven heroes were all those of the dead or missing…

“Cut, cut!!”

Yeon-woo, who had been casually perusing Edward’s memories, suddenly shouted in a fit.

What a garbage recollection it was! If this were a novel, readers would definitely click away at this point.

A recollection to say that even the villains had their reasons… Sure, but what changes when shown to the party that was tormented? Justifying the torment doesn’t happen that way!

Not that I felt tormented until now!!

“Ugh, looking back now, those were the most painful days….”

The image of the convenience store clerk at the farthest end of the commercial district closing the door with guilt, or the fish-shaped pastry vendor in the street glancing my way… What else was there?

Anyway, Yeon-woo clenched their fists, arms trembling with fury and regret, shouting.

“Back then, I just wanted fish-shaped pastries so badly…!!”

“What a weirdo. Is this how they usually are?”

“They tend to have fits from time to time.”

Baek In-hwa replied calmly to Lucrecia’s comment about fits. A fit, really? That’s a harsh word, isn’t it?

“Just leave me alone. I’m trying to maintain my composure to squeeze as much out of that old man as possible.”

“I still don’t get why you’re so obsessed with such a small guild.”

In response to Baek In-hwa’s cold retort, Lucrecia nodded repeatedly. It was true what she said.

While Noblesse was an excellent guild, it was indeed less significant compared to the top-tier guilds.

Yeon-woo, who could join any guild they wanted, didn’t need to squeeze anything out of them. On the surface, at least.

Is this what it means to be an outsider in the cycle of reincarnation?

While watching Yeon-woo, lost in self-absorption, Lucrecia twirled her finger beside her ear. At that, Baek In-hwa quietly nodded. Does this mean she likes me?

*

“Ugh….”

The impact of the axe Edward threw last was tremendous. The flashes from the cameras of the reporters hiding among the crowd erupted, and only then did Edward realize the enormity of what he had done.

He had tried to kill the only being that existed on this planet.

It was obvious that reporters would swarm when someone like him was publicly sparring. Edward knew this but, in a moment of impulse, had acted recklessly.

However, Yeon-woo stopped the reporters from hastily contacting their newspaper offices.

Despite the sparring session not being open to reporters, the shocking nature of the incident had made them instinctively press their shutters.

Some prepared reporters even discreetly filmed with handheld cameras, but they were caught by the lab members blocking the entrance beforehand.

Yeon-woo held the reporters’ weaknesses in his hands. At that moment, Edward’s face turned pale.

The result was the document before him. It was the document he had kept hidden, stating he would relinquish the position of the guild leader of Noblesse and not look back at it.

The reason he was clinging to it so tightly was quite understandable. He probably thought that now, the only thing remaining of his identity was being a guild leader.

“Isn’t this an unfair deal? While one person tried to take a life, you’re willing to grant forgiveness under such trivial conditions.”

“…Damn it.”

“Feel free to curse all you want. Nothing’s going to change anyway.”

With a smile, Yeon-woo gestured towards the document. Edward realized he couldn’t leave this place without signing.

He even considered causing a scene, but knew it wouldn’t solve anything, especially with the people standing beside Yeon-woo.

The small lord of the Ice Palace, Baek In-hwa, and the mysterious woman wearing an eye mask who was called senior by Yeon-woo. Regardless of the circumstances, that masked woman was dangerous.

Even if she had casually stopped a blow meant to kill with one hand, it was not something one could treat lightly.

Gritting his teeth, Edward picked up the pen.

There was no other way. To have attempted to kill someone in an informal duel meant he had to accept any conditions that might be placed.

Especially if that person was a contractor of a dragon.

Looking at Edward signing the document with a humiliating expression, Yeon-woo couldn’t help but smile. Things were going smoothly, which naturally put her in a good mood.

It might be possible to think, “Just sign the contract and walk away without a care,” but that’s not how contracts in the Hunter industry work. Does the world where magic and science combine look so simple??

Wizards call it a self-Gias scroll, and Edward was signing a document binding his soul to a contract.

With this, even if movements arose to reinstate him as guild leader, he would have no choice but to refuse. Various minor restrictions had been placed, eliminating the possibility of massacring mana incompatible people like before.

Thus, he became a complete old recluse.

“Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Edward. You’ve struggled for a long time.”

As Yeon-woo spoke with a smile, Edward’s expression looked somewhat relieved.

*

“But why place such a condition?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“The condition to help others if you have nothing to do. You know those vague conditions don’t get fulfilled properly.”

After the emotional document signing concluded, Lucrecia inquired about it. Baek In-hwa seemed curious about it too, turning her gaze towards Yeon-woo, who scratched her cheek awkwardly and replied.

“Maybe it’s because I can’t just tell someone to drop dead. I thought it would be nice if they could reconsider a bit…”

“That’s ridiculously soft-hearted.”

“I do tend to believe in people a bit too much.”

“That’s not a bad thing…”

Hearing Yeon-woo mumble in a crawling voice caused Lucrecia to scoff.

Sure, it’s not a bad thing. It’s true that it’s easy to be backstabbed, but isn’t that a true hero’s attitude? Even the villains should be given a chance to repent.

“I never did that. It’s too much of a headache. Just killing the bastards is simpler.”

“I agree with that policy, but going out and doing the killing yourself seems too much.”

“It’s a hassle, but it leaves no aftermath. If it’s too troublesome, should I just do it for you?”

“That’s not necessary.”

How chilling. At Lucrecia’s sharp remark, Yeon-woo shook her head. Edward was indeed a bastard, but he wasn’t quite in the realm of needing to be killed just yet. You can’t hold him accountable for something that hasn’t even happened.

Though saying it like that might not fully relieve her mind, what can you do? No way she wanted to be a hero who built a mountain out of people’s corpses.

After pondering such thoughts for a moment, shaking her head, Yeon-woo turned her gaze to Lucrecia.

“So, did you find out about what I asked?”

“Is it something I can even hear?”

“Uh, it’s fine. Actually, I brought you along specifically to discuss it.”

The real reason Baek In-hwa had accompanied them, although seemingly unrelated, was that Yeon-woo wanted her to hear this. After all, she was a person who could not be connected to the matter.

“Oh, that. I think I can guess the direction, but I can’t pinpoint the location… but I think I could tell when we get closer.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“I tracked down the Demon King’s curse used to resurrect me as a clue to pinpoint the Demon King’s location.”

“…Toyo’s Demon King…?”

“Yeah, that guy. I heard all the demon kings in this world are hiding somewhere on Earth, right? So I thought I could help with that.”

As Lucrecia spoke, she scratched her eye patch with her gloved right hand. It must be a bittersweet sentiment for her. It’s certainly not a good association.

“Hearing that, I heard your family has deep ties with that guy. It would be nice to collaborate.”

“Lady, it’s me. Yes. There’s someone I would like you to talk to.”

Baek In-hwa, shifting into small lord mode, had already placed her smartphone to her ear. Her quick grasp of the situation was almost amusing.

“I’ve reserved the shop for dinner today, so don’t come too late, okay?”

“Suddenly leaving us two alone? This is too awkward!”

“There’s no awkwardness in discussing business. I will take you to a quiet place, Lady.”

Leaving behind the flustered Lucrecia, Yeon-woo headed to her accommodation.

Seeing the old man’s face far too much these days, it was necessary to cleanse her eyes with a dragon wife as beautiful as a deer and children who weren’t quite bunnies.

“Dad’s back~.”

“Dad, you’re here! How did it go? Did it resolve well?”

“Sis! What are you asking! There’s no way Dad didn’t solve it properly!”

The corners of my mouth couldn’t help but stretch. A creepy smile oozed out between my teeth.

“Welcome back. You’ve had a hard few days. Rest well today.”

But the final blow to my rising cheekbones came not from the children, but from my lovely sweet angel, Alkeinea.

Nea, leaning against the wall, spoke with a gentle smile. Yeon-woo’s eyes suddenly widened at the sight.

“Dad’s back!!!!!!”

“Ugh, too loud.”

Hearing Yeon-woo’s exaggerated excitement, the three couldn’t help but wear forced smiles. Am I becoming the childish position here…?

With this, the schedule at Donghae was nearly complete. There was one more thing left, but that was just an extension of the resting period, so it was no problem.

“Are you all ready to go swimming in the sea tomorrow, kids?”

“We bought swimsuits with Mom!!”

“Swimming in the sea… I’m so excited…!! Isn’t that right, Dawn!?”

“As long as I’m with Tae-oh, I’m happy wherever I go.”

Now that we had come to the sea, it was about time to enjoy some seaside fun, for sure.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

 

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