"I'm serious! She's one of us! In fact, she's the one wearing my armour during the dungeon raid and ambushed us all!"
"You bitch!"
"Stupid Oppa! What did I say!"
*Grab*
Yoo-Ah tried to land a hit at his face but Yoo-Gisa easily catches it and says:
"I see, you're trying to wedge and break us all apart by spreading lies. I should've known."
"Urgh...! I'm serious! As a Silencer this is very privy information I'm sharing-"
"Stop with your bullshit! If it's so important there's no way you're willing to say it just like that! Tell us something more believable you sorry excuse for a life! This civil war and owlian revolts are worse when Iseon became a tyrant."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
(Civil war? Revolt?)
Yoo-Gisa let's Yoo-Ah go while I slowly get back to the bed as Mi-Ok then leans over asking:
"Well, if you really are the Silencer you must've known at least who's the supreme commander up north right?"
"Princess-"
"Aw~ it's fine Grampopop. Without her armour she's probably not that dangerous."
"Back away just in case."
"Fine~ sheesh... So, do you know anything?"
The princess moves back while I perk up replying:
"Yea! Well, I suppose I was the Supreme Commander for a while but now it's Kokkan again and he's stronger than I am."
Yoo-Gisa scratches his head saying:
"Kokkan? I never heard of him before."
"Any more notable members?"
Mi-Ok continue asking and I then say:
"Yea, the Sword King, Jana's or Si-Hye's uncle? (And probably the other officers but I kinda forgot their names). Either way, I saw him up north and he's definitely stronger than you."
Yoo-Gisa rubs his forehead as he seem displeased but the Princess pats my head and continue asking:
"And most importantly, the Empress, the big bad herself. Do you know where she is?"
"That's... I won't say where she is directly but I will say this. You're all being used and is dancing at the palm of her hands! She's expecting you to attack your neighbouring dukedom and kidnap the true heir to this kingdom while you're busy!"
"Hmph, that matters not since we'll have to fight them either way. With fate deciding if the royal bloodline survive or not. Most importantly, where is the Primordial and The previous War God now?"
"I don't even know about your so called Primordial... Is it a person? But the previous God of War is down here right? He even entered the tournament Elder Hwang-So nim sponsored. In fact, Juha, Cheo, the Prince, and his uncle saw him too."
"Is that true?"
Yoo-Gisa looks at the princess and she perks up replying:
"Aha, now I remember, there is this titan of a participant. He's so big he had to jump from the outside to enter, and with him the live international viewership jumps into tens of millions, one of the highest the game has ever reached."
The Chancellor nods and brush stroke beard adding with,
"Oh yes, Hwang-So was absolutely livid with his grandsons when they lost the preliminary to them but I suppose he dig his own grave for boasting his grandkids too much. Hehe, more like didn't you read the news? It's published internationally even to the Heavens above."
Yoo-Gisa hides his face in Shame replying:
"I was busy getting stronger and recruiting those talents to be bothered by something like... Video games."
The Princess nudge Yoo-Gisa with a malefic smile, and then poke him at his cheeks saying:
"Gisa~ you don't sound so different than Grampopops there."
Yoo-Gisa slaps her hands away saying:
"Shut up... Another important thing- Wait, since you're not even the real one I doubt you would know where the Deity or Knowledge is."
"Hmm? Isn't the Empress you're fighting the Deity of Knowledge?"
"Huh?"
Yoo-Gisa looks at me baffled while the other watch confused as they never seem to heard it. I see him holding his fist back before he grabs my collar shouting:
"Explain! Isn't Si-Jana suppose to be the future Deity!?"
"Sis said that was a lie to fool the Deity of Law."
" "Sis?" "
I ignore their confusion and continue explaining:
"And it seems she already fooled her or done whatever she needs to do or something. Honestly I still don't fully understand why she does that-"
(Wait, didn't she say she's there to kill Sis Hua? Can't I really stop them... Wait!)
I grip his hand while he is still confused saying:
"Hey, Yoo-Gisa."
"Hmm?"
"You're suppose to be a hero or something similar right?"
"I don't deserve that title yet when I haven't drive both the Phoenix and Lake Goddess out."
"Well at least, won't you fulfill a request for me?"
Yoo-Gisa closes his eyes for a while before letting me go replying:
"Very well, let me go first and stop your bullshit. Tell me everything without beating the bush and I'll consider it."
"But I'm already telling the truth... Fuuuh."
I let him go and lean back saying:
"Fine, what else do you want to know?"
"Ki-won, where is she?"
"Who?"
I tilt my head by the unsuspecting question and he sighs before asking:
"Then, do you know Eun-Yong?"
"Huh? Eun-Yong? What about him?"
"At least you know him, where is he? You didn't kill him did you!? The orphanage burned down before the intended time."
"Kill him? Why would we? Isn't he like the Previous God of War's son? If I remember correctly he's like the commander in charge of fighting you guys here."
"What!?"
"And of course, he was there during the game tournament too."
Princess Mi-Ok's eyes lit up before she shouts:
"Oh yeah! The two people you want Eun-Yong and Ha-Yeon are fighting alongside that titan during the game tournament. Hey, Gisa, aren't they suppose to be one of the best commander candidates you said you want to recruit?"
"Shit! I really have nothing left to draw upon... It seems nothing is the same from now on. I suppose we'll have to find people the old way and filter out any talented individual. We'll use some of the old guard for now."
(Hmm... Hua and Yeon seems to be quite the common mame here).
I notice Yoo-Ah sneaking close, she gives me a hug as she says:
"Sova, I'm glad you're okay! The slap my stupid Oppa did doesn't hurt right!?"
"Yoo-Ah stay away from her!"
"No! You'll just hurt her again, Stupid Oppa!"
She hugs me tighter as Yoo-Gisa sighs saying:
"Fine, then at least one more thing. What's your relation with that bitch Empress-"
"Don't you badmouth my big Sis!"
" "Big Sis?" "
Everyone tilts their heads and Yoo-Ah then asks:
"Wait, didn't you said your big Sis was a Special Rank Hunter?"
I nod and continue saying:
"Yea, I have many people I call Sister. One of them is a Special Rank Hunter name Rubeca the one I told you about who teach me how to fight."
"Wait, Rubeca!? THE Tyrant Gardener!?"
Yoo-Gisa shouts loudly as I call her name and Princess Mi-Ok looks at him asking:
"Hm? Who is that? I don't think the twin peninsula has any Special Rank by that name."
"Of course not, she's a famous International Hunter from beyond. She's qualified to even join the Famous World Hunter's Main 5, and even the infamous Oxjs group from Divisus extended an invitation. She's also one of the very few Owlian to achieve Special Rank in history.
Of course, her biggest feat is driving back the F.A.B.L.E.D [L] 4 years ago alongside the World Hunters main 5 and gaining the Special Rank from the World Strongest recommending her himself. But now, she mostly deal with training upcoming Special Hunters with potentials and helping them out... (Though sadly I never did get to be part of that training)."
"Wow! I honestly don't know who Oxjs is but the girl infront of us personally calls her Sis!? Shouldn't we recruit her!? Having someone-"
"Don't be absurd! She's too much of a risk!"
(Oh yeah, they call her that too... Come to think of it, she once told me she drove off a giant wolf monster alongside the World Hunters and that's how I get to know about them... Don't tell me that was it!?)
"But either way, another one I call Sis is Yuwei Zhihuang. The Empress of the Phoenix Sector, the one you're going to fight."
Yoo-Gisa looks down at me and then asks:
"So basically you're like a family huh?"
"Yea!"
"Heh, can't believe you said that so confidently infront of the one who wishes to kill her... Hum, either way I will still drive her off this peninsula."
Yoo-Gisa soften his grip as he then says:
"Then tell me, what do you want?"
"Huh?"
"Didn't you said you wish me to do something for answering my question!? Either way if you want me to not kill the Empress I definitely won't do that!"
"Don't worry, I know you won't be able to kill her. But the one I want you to do is protect someone else."
"Hm?"
Picking the curiosity of everyone I continue saying:
"I have somebody else I call Sister."
"How many Sister do you have!?"
Yoo-Ah shouts closely and I can only say:
"A lot, but either way, the person I'm talking about is probably working with the Goddess of the Lake you wish to drive off."
"You're really making this hard."
"Continue listening! She isn't working under but actually above her! She's someone by the name of Hua Zhixi. You can ask Princess Ye-Ri since she seems to know her as well."
"Wait, the girl that showed up suddenly at that party!?"
Yoo-Ah shouts and I nod saying:
"Yea, if you can... Can you please not kill her? Even better yet, please prevent Sis Yuwei from killing her as well. I haven't seen her for so long and now knowing that she's an enemy and that she might die... I can't bear that when I finally get to reunite!"
Yoo-Gisa shows me his palm saying:
"Hold on, what do you mean working above the Goddess of the Lake?"
"Ah, right! Sis Hua is from Heaven and it seems she's like part of the Deity of Law sent-"
"Hold on, are you talking about Lord Hua Zhixi? The lady in charge of the Zhixi corporation that's been expending in this peninsula?"
"Ah, yes! Her! Please, protect her! It may sound unreasonable but I beg of you! You're at least strong enough to do that right?!"
I bow my head down as I beg for his help and Yoo-Gisa folds his arms, tapping his toes princess Mi-Ok looks at him with a malicious smile asking:
"What's this? The Hero of the future can't even grant a sick girl's wish to save someone?"
"Shut up! Fuuuh, I suppose since it's not that Empress I can grant that. Unwanted deaths are things I wish to change after all... Very well, I'll do my best. To think that's her role in all of this... She might be the ticket to victory."
Yoo-Gisa walks out when the Chancellor who's been silent all this time shakes his head saying:
"Haah, over 40 years I've been working but I didn't think my career would involve the Heavens. I am way too unqualified for what's about to come when I can't even stand against Iseon boy now."
"Oh, shut up Grampopops. We got a lot to prepare. And who knows with this we might be famous throughout the whole Heavenly Realm and garner either fame or infamy so do your best! Whatever happens now will be recorded in the history books- oh right! Where's the royal historian!?"
Princess Mi-Ok rushes out of the room before rushing back in shouting:
"Tch! Isn't her job suppose to be following me around?! Useless!"
"Calm down, Lil Mimi. She's probably following Yoo-Gisa since he's more to make splashes. Though I wish I was at least 40 years younger for this... Anyways, I suppose you wish to stay, Lil Yoo-Ah?"
"Yup! Got some catching up I wanna do! And thanks a bunch everyone!"
Princess Mi-Ok pats Yoo-Ah's head replying:
"Aw~ it's no biggy! I mean it's thanks to you that your big Sis is finally working for us. So it's all good- hey, since she answered all our questions, I guess as per agreement we'll let her leave."
"Alright!"
"Wait, I can leave?"
"Of course! I mean what did you did wrong!?"
"Of course I did a lot of wrong! I hurt you, I hurt Juha, and I critically injured Prince Yeon-Seyong! Many almost died and so many things got destroyed at the throne room because of me!"
Yoo-Ah tries to cheer me up but I speak back knowing my mistakes. Even then, the princess pats my head saying:
"Aw~! She's feeling guilty. I'm sure my brother in law don't mind some scars for a lady he loves. And besides, everyone somehow lived in the end thanks to that green lady so all end is well."
"Um- ewek!"
Still feeling guilty and responsible, I tried to say something but the princess pinch my cheeks replying:
"Just shut up and go with the flow~! You're becoming quite annoying or maybe it's because we've become desensitize since we lost almost half of our population in the war but either way what matters is you're repenting for your actions so go and spend this peaceful times while it lasts."
The princess let's me go as I then nod asking:
"Well, can I at least visit Yeon-Seyong Ssi?"
"Of course!"
"Wait a minute Lil Mimi-"
"Shut it, Grampopops. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to have such a cute girl like you for some sick visit. Besides, this is the first time Brother in Law is interested in girls so this is good, even for you when you complained about it a lot!"
"Uuh... I wish to rebbutle your statement but I can't..."
(Should I say it? Nah, I don't think I will).
"Wait, what about Juha and Cheo? Are they okay?"
"Well, Jin-Juha Ssi is okay, but her brother is not. Though he's in the same situation and room as Brother in law so give them a visit!"
"Oh, thanks for letting me know."
"Sigh... I suppose I can't connect well with young ones these days. Have fun Lil Yoo-Ah, and don't forget to return to your room in time."
"Okay!"
The Chancellor leaves first while the Princess waves before she exits. Yoo-Ah happily embrace me stronger before saying:
"Come! We got some catching up! Oh, and since you haven't gotten to eat properly when you're unconsious, I cooked you some meals."
My ears twitch and I can't help but smile as I hear her replying:
"Really? Yes, please!"
"Stay right there!"
Yoo-Ah holds my shoulders before running outside. I realize with the door opened, the room brightens and I could see how empty this place is. Hearing the sound of plates clacking and chattering along with heavy footsteps, Yoo-Ah arrives with a tray filled with delicious smelling food.
(I really love some good food after waking up).
Yoo-Ah spread the food across my bed and present it shouting:
"Eat up while it's hot!"
"Thank you! Let's eat! Wait, have you eaten, Yoo-Ah?"
"Of course! This is late noon already, it's way past lunch time."
"Alright, but can we at least eat together?"
"Hum! Hum! Sure!"
(Sharing meals together really is the best...)
"Say, Sova?"
"Yea?"
"Is it true? What you said about Sis being the traitor!?"
"Huh? You believed me?"
"Are you really lying!? Even I can't forgive that!"
Yoo-Ah gets up with food in her hand as she shouts closer, I shake my head and gesture no replying:
"No! I'm serious! I just... Well, I really can't give you conclusive evidence other than my own words. She said she hated your brother since he's the reason she lost her precious friend and ruined all her effort while turning the whole nobility against you. I mean she even showed me her spirit weapon, that scary sword that can open in the middle."
"That's... Something only shared between us siblings! And I never told you that either! Can it be true...?"
Yoo-Ah's very skeptical but also unnerved. To calm her down I continue saying:
"I don't know what she plans to do with everyone here but I did hear she wishes to take you away and move over to my place. So I'm sure she won't hurt you-"
"Aaah! This is too confusing to me! Let's just finish eating and visit Juha and that Prince!"
"Um!"
I nod and fasten my pace. When Yoo-Ah just smiles as she see me chow down her meals.
(I seriously have doubts on how can I ever repay her?)
"Hey, Sova!"
"Yea?"
"Tell me more about yourself! Like what was it like living in that district of yours!?"
"Huh? Well you see, every time it rains, huge storms that could rip apart a tree from its roots would always come. So that's why many of the houses there are built upon these special plants that can actually withstand the storm, so district borders are not drawn by the owner but by the those plants, and we built massive ditches by converting the rivers and connecting it to a lower land to prevent any floods. So living underground was actually quite beneficial or above the clouds likes the royal family which is where the palace was built on the walls and mountains."
"What!? What kind of storm is that to rip a tree from the roots!? And someone built their homes above the clouds!? Is there even a mountain taller than the Heavens!?"
"Well..."
I suppose this is what she meant by trying to know me better? But most importantly...
"Yoo-Ah, let me say... I'm sorry! For hurting you so badly!"
"Hum?"
"I mean, that pummel to your stomach and uppercut- it all must really hurt and I'm really sorry! I just..."
*Hug*
Yoo-Ah hugs me tightly again shouting:
"Aw~ Don't be, and just marry me already if you're so sorry!"
"Um..."
Yoo-Ah lets me go, and push my meal further saying:
"Just kidding! I forgive you so eat up! Besides, I get to make a few hits back to you too, so we're even! Now gobble those up!"
"A-Alright..."
(Really? Just like that?)
"And don't forgot to tell me more about your place either!"
*************************************
"I'm sorry, Juha! I'm Sorry Yeon-Seyong Ssi And I'm sorry Jin-Cheo Ssi! Because of me you got hurt so badly."
Arriving at the prince separate residence on the left wing of this gigantic palace, we had to walk pass lines of Crimson Guards outside before we could see their doors. Even then there are still Crimson Guards standing at the sides. I immediately bow my head down the moment I saw them pretty much strapped to their beds.
Juha who was peeling fruits for the both of them puts the plate down, walking over to pat my head replying:
"It's fine, I mean you're being controlled and manipulated. Just make sure to make amends your way-"
I shake my head to remove her hand shouting:
"No! I mean, I'm the one who put that armour on! And control it from inside too! I'm still responsible!"
Zenon shouts with both his arms in a cast must move his entire shoulder just to make it nudge saying:
"Hey, Sova Ssi..."
"Y-Yea?"
"If you're so guilty can you help me with something?"
"Huh? Of course! What is it?"
"Come, hand feed me those peeled fruits at the table please."
The Crimson Guards try to interfere but Zenon glares at them which cause them to back away. Wondering if it's okay, I slowly approach replying:
"Sure?"
"Yesh! Point up!"
"Heeh~ when did you start getting interested in girls, Seyong?"
"Oh, Hyung, we all grow up too. I can't stay coop up in the library all the time now. I mean here you are out of your room as well."
"I'm pretty sure you of all people know I don't actually shut myself in there... Fucking traitor."
"Hey, what are you waiting for, Sova come on~"
Zenon ignores Cheo as he gesture me to get closer, I pick up the plate with the fruits at his side and hand feed him saying:
"This might be the first time I actually hand feed someone not family, say ah..."
Zenon happily open his mouth when-
*Slam*
"Seyong! There's no way you're actually hurt badly- oh my goddess! Look at you?! You disappear for a few days and now you're bandaged like a strip fish on seaweeds!"
Seyong leans forward to bite at the fruit before it's even close enough replying:
"Nom... Ah, Kim-Yi, *munch* *munch* you arrived just in time. Meet Sova, she's an Owlian like you too."
(Owlian?)
"Hrghhmm!?"
She stares daggers at me and rush towards me dashing past Yoo-Ah. She stares down at me as I'm sitting down beside Zenon. She's a girl a few years older than me with long but messy black hair that looks unkept as it's curving at the tip. She bites her nails looking at me before pointing and shouting:
"Where the hell did you found a girl as cute as her!? More like, When did you got eyes for girls either? And what about me!? We even got your mother's approval too! Are all our journey from the slums mean nothing to you! Are you just gonna throw me away after using me?!"
"Hey, watch what you're saying! Don't you say such accusations to a virgin like me!"
He then turns to look at me saying:
"D-Don't get the wrong idea, Sova. We don't have that kind of relationship. It's completely professional. She's just... Mentally retarded."
"The fuck, how could you say that about me!"
"What the hell am I about to say when you act like that?!"
"Call me a concerned housewife, duh!"
"We're not even married- I mean you're not even married! Sova there's the one I'm after!"
(Wow, what am I listening to?)
And it seems even Cheo and Juha share the same sentiment as they look at him with a mocking stare while Yoo-Ah confused at their words. She then turn her attention to me before then looks at the plate I'm holding and snatch it away shouting:
"Give me that! Just because you look cuter, and have softer skin, and smoother hair, and probably more outgoing doesn't mean you're better! Here, say aah~ my darling!"
"Haah... ah... Nom... I feel like my time recovering is gonna feel longer now..."
"Of course not! With me around your wounds are gonna recover faster! And don't forget she's the one who made you like this. I mean what kind of power prevents healing magic? That's bullshit!"
"Probably her owlian steel spear, but more importantly... Guards, why aren't you stopping her huh? Are plotting against me? Or did she bribe you?"
The Crimson Guards looks away as they seem to be busy whistling and ignoring the prince.
"Fuck..."
"Don't be such a sour carp, Seyong. Here say Ah~!"
"Haaah- chomp!"
Seeing Zenon occupied, I turn towards Juha who's taking care of Cheo.
"Say, I wonder what happened to Ae and Yerin? Especially what of Gramps and mother?"
"Gramps has been reported missing alongside many of his retainers, even General Chu-Mon. And Mom... She's being taken cared by Yerin while Ae is finally learning to work with many people gone."
"Ah... Hanna's gonna be worried sick back home."
"Hmph! And who's bright idea was it for you to do all this?"
"Hey now, Juha. I'm your Oppa and when I heard you're in trouble and trouble brewing in the royal palace of course I have to take action."
"Hmph! Don't expect any thank you..."
I slowly approach them asking:
"Um... Can I help with something?"
"Huh? Oh, well... I don't think you can help much honestly."
As he says that, something click within me...
(He may be right... My academic skills are not good enough and the only thing I'm confident is my combat skills but my record hasn't been great either).
Unlike Zenon Cheo still has one arm he uses to pick his own fruit and eat it himself when he looks at Juha and Yoo-Ah who's frowning before saying:
"Oh... Um maybe not you but..."
His gaze moves toward Yoo-Ah who's following close beside me and Juha looks at him saying:
"A meal cooked by her?"
"You've read my mind. I mean if she can make simple sandwiches that good I can only imagine what she can do with some real food."
"You do know that's just a one off thing since Juha let's us stay over!"
"I know, but... Say, Sova since you want to help-"
*Thwack*
"Ack! What was that for Juha!? How can you do that to a your dying brother?"
Juha smacks him with a baton to his face to shut him up
"Don't bullshit me you piece of shit. Just right when you got some respect you just have to dump it again. Besides, that hit wouldn't even tickle you with how tough you are. (How the hell did you even gather so much soldiers if this is your social skills)."
Juha folds her arms and looks at us saying:
"Just ignore him you both. He's the type of person that won't hesitate to take advantage of your kindness... Sadly the prince can be said the same as my brother is one of his main inspiration."
"O-Okay?"
(What am I suppose to do then?)
"Hey, it's rude to not accept a gesture of goodwill by someone."
"Well said, Seyong!"
The two of them seems to put aside their difference and made up but the girl who's feeding him jumps at him and latch herself shouting:
"Then you definitely wouldn't refuse me now right!?"
"Oh, God! I take it back! Save me!"
Juha holds her forehead saying:
"Ignore those clown fishes, you two should probably visit Yoo-Sui since she's got an earful for you... And I suppose as of today I've been dismissed from being your aid, Sova."
"Huh? What are you saying?"
"With both Colonel Song-Iseon and even Elder Choi-Min gone. I'm currently discharged with many of the senior agents leaving with him, until a new leader is appointed I'm completely unemployed or left picking up their mess. The Phoenix Sector has their jaws deeper than we expected."
"Huh? If Elder Choi-Min and even the Senior Agents joined them? Doesn't that mean all privy information is pretty much an open book."
Cheo comments and Juha nods adding,
"That's right, and even worse knowing that we don't even know who might still be a sleeper agent waiting to backstab us now..."
(Oh boy...)
Zenon who's trying to push his friend away with his bandaged arms says:
"Oh come now, Jin-Juha Ssi, relax a bit. Elder Choi-Min's paranoia is rubbing much on you. We just somehow repelled Song-Iseon who is undoubtedly the strongest warrior now from his recent display so celebrate a little."
Juha scratches her chin replying:
"But isn't this quite the clam especially when Iseon purging the Nobles being blamed and gathering the Revolting Governors to his side? Even some of the Unsung Heroes of the Coalition have joined his side."
(Unsung Heroes?)
And then she looks outside the window where I notice large battleships upon the wide rivers and she continue saying:
"And with Elder Hwang-So by our side and Elder Choi-Min spinning tales that he is being force to comply with us the royal faction. And let's not talk about the stories around Sova now..."
They all turn to me as if they knew something and I can't help but point at myself asking:
"Huh? Me?"
"Either way, we're the bad guys in the public eye."
Zenon who seems to stops resisting leans back a bit as he then says:
"Kim-Yi, soften your hug a bit I can't move my back to lean."
"Oh, sorry~"
"Sigh... Look at me, let's just ease back on the rhetoric, let's not think about those hard stuff and delegate them to the remaining governors in charge..."
"There's none, only the area near the capital city and our second biggest city, Mohyusig is being held by the royal faction. The rest are revolting or slowly joining Colonel Song-Iseon's side. This is a social uprising and a massive civil war at this point. It's only thanks to Yoo-Sui uniting her father's old companions and Yoo-Gisa bringing those talents tip the scales a bit our way."
(What the fudge did I just do!? And what in the world happen in that short amount of time!?)
Cheo shakes his head and looks at me saying:
"Oh, don't look so horrified, Sova. Have some bottom leaves from the bottom of the ocean. Trust me when I say this is fine. It's not even half as bad as the Coalition War..."
He then nods and continue saying:
"I mean honestly, what can we do now when we're recovering and reorganizing? We'll deal with them when the time comes, Juha. So just enjoy the peace in this city before we begin the real operations. The shadows of the Coalition wars are biting at our heels but not on our necks, this is not the end."
Zenon smiles and look at him with admiration saying:
"I guess they don't call you one of the heroes for nothing. But I'll take that title from you sooner or later."
"Heh, you gotta at least have the patience to fish sea monsters on a sinking boat and no bait. But more importantly, go meet with Yoo-Sui like what Juha said. I'm sure she has more to say... Besides, I don't really know what you can do anyways- oh, wait, are you good at singing?"
"Eh? S-Singing?"
"Right, you're not from here. So, let's just say one of the best way to get good impression here is having a good voice."
"H-Huh!? S-So you want me to sing? I-I don't know about-"
"Hold up! I've been quiet the whole time but you're just bullying poor Sova here!"
Yoo-Ah tried to intervene but I stop her saying:
"No, it's fine Yoo-Ah. I don't know what chaos spawned by my actions but if that's all it takes to show my sincerity then that's a cheap price to pay. But just a reminder, I rarely if ever sing so..."
"Hoho! Getting stuck here isn't so bad after all."
Zenon cheers up while the girl who's clinging to him says:
"If that's all you want then you should've said so!"
Cheo nods approvingly saying:
"it's the effort that count, Sova! So, give it your best!"
I look at Juha and Yoo-Ah who seems to be curious and soon the Crimson Guards posted all around the room...
"Alright, I may not know songs from here so I'll just sing what I know... Ha..."
*************************************
"Hum! Hum! Hehehe!"
Yoo-Ah is happily hums along as she leads the way. She soons leans closer saying:
"Hum! Hum! We're both definitely not qualified to be idols!"
"Yea... I wonder when was the last time I sing? The least I did was humming to a tune."
"Hum! Hum! As fish of the same scale we gotta stick together!"
Yoo-Ah hugs me tight which makes us stop.
"Well... It's not like I care."
"Hum~"
Yoo-Ah looks at me with the biggest smug I ever see before she then tighten her embrace saying:
"Aw~ no need to be so mad!"
Dragging her along, traversing the giant palace, beautiful halls, and grandiose pillars, the entire castle is quite the sight to see... Especially the Crimson Guards that roam the palace now. I can't seem to walk one road without encountering one...
(There's quite a lot of them. Though I suppose that make sense after am attack).
And even behind those helm, I can sense and feel the resentment in those eyes.
"By the way, where's your sister, Yoo-Sui?"
"Huh? I think she's busy discussing about the country's future with some important people at the throne room."
"We're going back there huh? And should we really be bothering them when they're discussing something so important?"
Yoo-Ah pushes me from the back shouting:
"Yup! Cause when will we got the time if we wait!? Full speed ahead!"
Yoo-Ah pushes me forward to a giant gate where a Black Robe mage stops us and says:
"Halt! There's currently an important conference going on! You..."
Before he could continue, Yoo-Ah pops her head from the back shouting:
"Get outta our way! We're gonna meet my Sis! It's Jin-Cheo Ssi's orders too!"
"Wha-"
"Coming in!"
Yoo-Ah pushes again as I open the giant gate and see a group of people surrounding the fountain turn their head to us. Not only the King, queen, and princess Ye-Ri but the other scary Elders from before as well. Yoo-Sui especially is looking at us a bit disappointed before she says:
"Sorry, but do you need something Yoo-Ah? We're having an important conference here."
"I thought you wanna say something to Sova! Plus, Jin-Cheo Ssi said to go find you!"
Yoo-Sui looks at me with disdain saying:
"Haaah... Fine, just stand close to the fountain and listen for a while, Yoo-Ah. As for Sova... I think SHE can wait at the corner or wait outside. We can't let an enemy agent listening to state secrets after all after Elder Choi-Min's debacle."
(How can you say that with such a face when you're not on our side!)
The elders at the fountain nods but Yoo-Ah holds me down shouting:
"Come on now Sis! Look at her! Do you think she's the type that can scheme! I mean she can't even do most of the stuff normal people can do!"
"That kinda hurts to listen."
Gum-Soo who stands near the King raises his arm saying:
"Just keep her near me if it worries you so much, Yoo-Sui Ssi."
"Oh, Uncle... You're spoiling Yoo-Ah too much. Sova there is my responsibility as well since I vouch for her."
"Come on now, Yoo-Sui Ssi. You're too harsh on yourself, nobody really takes the vouching seriously anyways."
One of the elders at the fountain speaks as and Yoo-Sui looks at him replying:
"If only the chancellor was here to listen to that... By the way, where is the Chancellor if Sova's out?"
She looks at one of the Crimson Guards stationed near the pillars and he shakes his head. Yoo-Sui scratches her head when one of the elders says:
"Say, Yoo-Sui Ssi, why don't we have that Sova girl collaborate information about our enemies? Even if she's being use she must've known something right? Being something equivalent of an ambassador from what you told us. The questions Yoo-Gisa asked differ from our needs."
"..."
Yoo-Sui doesn't answer, staring at me I can only wonder what she's thinking before she finally says:
"That is if SHE'S willing to cooperate."
"Don't be stupid, Sis! The fact that Sova's out here means she answered the princess and stupid Oppa's questions!"
*Glare*
"Eep!"
(I feel like that glare is more for me).
"Hum! Very well... Let's see what she knows. Bring HER close to me."
(Why does she emphasize that all the time?)
"Now go on, Sova!"
Yoo-Ah pushes me close to her as we're now standing side by side with the scary elders as they all look closely at me. Yoo-Sui diver their attention back by moving her arms to sway the water at the fountain shouting:
"Alright! Back to the issue at hand!"
The fountain that's pouring out stops as the swaying water stills. Yoo-Sui looks at one of the elders saying:
"Head of Treasury, let's start with the most important thing. What's our economic situation? Is there still national debts and any logistical problems that would arise if we try to reunite the west?"
The Elder raises a scroll and hands it to Yoo-Sui and the King saying:
"This is the recent report since we're close to the end of this year. Good news is, even though we have no debts so to speak and our treasury, as low as it may be we are still making profits."
Won-Yok who's standing near the King peeks at the scroll the King's reading and says:
"Hmph, our national treasury sure is a pity to look at. But I doubt this would be a problem is we confiscate all those traitor's wealth. We are still in military law after all. Not also counting-"
(Oh sweet passion fruit and blue berries. I can't keep my eyes open. Hoe do people or even Sis handle this situation?)
Not knowing how much time has past as they babble away, I hear,
"Do you have anything to say, Sova?"
"H-Huh? N-No!"
Yoo-Sui who suddenly ask received a rushed answer from me. She shakes her head replying:
"Sigh... I shouldn't expect kids to focus on such topics."
"H-Huh?"
Wondering why she says that, I look to my side and notice Yoo-Ah resting her eyes beside me while standing. I nudge her saying:
"Um, wake up, Yoo-Ah."
"Hmm? Are you guys done?"
Yoo-Sui grits her teeth clenching her fist before she chops at Yoo-Ah shouting:
"Don't joke around, you dimwit!"
*Smack*
"Ahack! What's that for, Sis!"
"That's for not taking this seriously! Go leave Sova here and get to bed if you're that tired!"
"No! I can't trust to leave Sova with any of you!"
"Sigh... Please continue on this meeting please. It seems I have some personal matters to deal with. Sova, you stay, as for you Yoo-Ah..."
"Hum? Woah!"
Yoo-Sui grabs Yoo-Ah by the collar of her robe and drag her along as she is helplessly being carried away.
"Waah! Hey! Let me go!"
Yoo-Sui left with Yoo-Ah behind her as I'm left alone with these unknown people...
(Hwang-So is not here it seems or is Hon-Kwon).
"Um... Hello, and sorry about what I did."
I bow my head to them as I wonder what to do and realize I have to at least apologize. Won-Yok the one they call King Maker folds his arm replying:
"You shouldn't have done that if you're such an apologetic kid. Now, if you wish to help, cooperate and tell us what you can say..."
"I-I'll do my best!"
"Mm..."
He nods and then soon says:
"Since our new Capital Minister and Royal Advisor is preoccupied with family matters, I will be the one to continue this for now. With our economy still in recovery and our previous conference discussing the general consensus of our populace... Safe to say, we are not ready for a prolong or even a war at such a scale as before. Especially now when we're dealing with one of our most strongest warriors and retired veteran's insurrection."
"Calling the Unsung Heroes Retired Veterans are putting it lightly, Won-Yok. Each of them have enough strength to fight toe to toe with us."
"Hmph! We need not fear them when they have stopped training. Now..."
The water below change to show a grim picture of Iseon alongside many warriors standing on a rubble and burning city. Ripples form and change to a map I've seen before but only for the scale of Silla.
(Woah, I suppose if you don't have that 3D map thing you still have magic to do your job).
"They have now occupied the crucial eastern shores cutting us off the important ports that supplies our mega cities. The longer we wait, the tighter the noose on our neck will be. So, as someone who has taken the mantle of Supreme Commander of the army once again, I advice to strike at the nearest port city of Meonbich currently being held by Admiral Hwa-Jin and his massive Belluga Armada!"
The fountain ripples to show the coast where at the distance are massive battleship lining their side cannons upon the shores soon ripples back to someone familiar, Hwang-So who's ordering officers left and right at the lake ports as Won-Yok says:
"Hwang-So will be our shield defending against Duke Chuso in case he gets any funny ideas while Gum-Soo and our remaining Generals will quash those Owlian Uprising alongside the traitorous Governors. Iseon boy may have took almost half of our army and navy with him but he'll be busy reorganizing them. We'll strike while the iron is hot! This is a do or die situation and we can't wait! My King, I wish for the mobilization of all Crimson Guards that are not in the imperial palace."
The King nods saying:
"Very well, take the Black Shamans along as well."
"No need, they will be here in case of our neighbors to the north. Iseon boy also specialize in dealing with mages so it'll be throwing them to a meat grinder. Mobilize the people, ready our transports, and we'll be attacking them in a few days!"
The fountain ripples and the images disappears and soon the King looks at one of the elders saying:
"Head of foreign affairs, it might be good to make sure our northern brothers don't interfere so we won't need to use the shamans. And of course, Uncle Gum-Soo if possible please try to convince the Governors and Owlians that's revolting that we the new Royal family is healing Sova Ssi. That will calm them down won't they? If we do this right, we might even convince the Owlians revolting outside the Kingdom as well."
(Huh? Healing me? Calm them down? And Owlians revolting outside? Huh???)
Gum-Soo nods beside him and looks at me before replying:
"Hmm, I suppose that is true one way or another. Very well, I'll give it a shot. Any less casualty in this war will weaken us more in the upcoming unification, that's acceptable in the long term right Supreme Commander?"
Won-Yok smile at the King replying:
"If you can you may. But be quick, time is not something we have."
The King nods shouting:
"Thank you! And do any of you know any candidates to replace head of internal defense?"
(Hmm? The King doesn't seem that bad?)
The elders look at each other as they can't seem to agree on the topic before the King looks at me asking:
"So, what do you think, Sova Ssi? Do you have anything you wish to add? Or perhaps say something Song-Iseon has been doing?"
(What should I say!?)
"M-Me? Um... I don't know if this is public but do you know the Colonel has been transporting all the Owlian refugee outside the kingdom?"
"Hmm? Ah yes, the vagrant problem is quickly being solve ever since he accepts all Owlians but... How does that have to this?"
"O-Oh, um... Well, I just wish to share what I know, maybe he's planning something with them? Also, I suppose you should send someone to guard up north. They're done with their northern conquest and soon they will be going down with all they have."
Won-Yok shakes his head and smile replying:
"Hmph, then we truly need not the shamans then. There's still the buffer Republic with our northern brothers. But just in case, we will bolster our defense line even further so that someone as strong as those bandit duo wouldn't be able to rampage. If worse come to worse, I'll be more than happy to volunteer myself as a "trainer" and watch them get slaughtered at the border to buy us more time."
I can't help but feel a deep fury and rage in his tone, even as he smiles. The other elders silently agrees with a grin. I suppose there's always a rhyme in stories of war and glory... Hatred.
With the exception of the King and Queen who looks at their own reflection upon the surface of the fountain.