STM 144

I learned one thing while I led a civilian unit. No matter how desperate the situation, there is always drama. People fight, they have secret flings, and they even cheat on each other in the middle. They do everything. Because of that, one of my main duties was to mediate between members.

“Focus only on the goal.”

I emphasized this again as I looked into Black Bear’s eyes.

“You’ve endured all sorts of obstacles and trials until now. This time, please just look toward the goal and hold on no matter what.”

“Do you want me to get down on my knees for Tairok?”

“It’s not that…”

“If Salvation’s orders it, hah, I will obey.”

She said the words through clenched teeth. A crisis arrived less than a minute after the conversation started. I barely held back the urge to wave my hands in panic. Persuasion is all about being calm.

“No. I don’t want to ask for something like that at all. Besides, the Grand Duke will definitely help you, even if he talks like that. It seems like something he needs too. So please just bear with him even if you don’t like his attitude.”

Black Bear didn’t answer, perhaps because it was too difficult to endure. I decided to provoke her a bit more.

“Hardship is brief. Just think about the time after you can use the divine beast’s power. If you storm into the Sarne residence and use that power they want so much, they’ll all probably faint from shock. Doesn’t that sound satisfying?”

“They won’t faint.”

“But they’ll definitely be frustrated.”

Sshe let out a short, incredulous laugh and nodded.

“Fine, I’ll try to learn. If Kun Tairok actually steps up, that is.”

“He will. I’ll persuade him.”

“.….”

“What? Don’t you trust me?”

“No. I trust you.”

Good. One person is sorted out. As I tried to stand up, she continued.

“However, I’m suddenly worried because I saw how arrogant he is even in front of the divine beast. I’m afraid he’ll be just as rude to you.”

I thought, is now the time to worry about me? I replied that it was fine, but she didn’t believe it.

“If that man treats you poorly, please tell me. I’ll stop him.”

“Haha, stop him how?”

“I’ll pull out his tongue and cut off his neck.”

“…I just expected a swear word or two.”

“I’ll definitely swear before I throw his corpse to the beasts.”

I lowered my head and pressed my hand to my forehead. The future felt bleak. As expected, while the main goal took only a minute, it took a full ten minutes to convince her not to kill Tairok. But at least she listens to reason. My next target for persuasion didn’t.

“Ugh.”

I reached the rock’s summit after several attempts. The top was surprisingly flat, with just enough space for the bear and me to sit.

I forgot my purpose for a moment and marveled at the view as soon as I climbed up. The scenery was incredible. The forest was visible at a single glance thanks to the wide, unobstructed view.

“Wow.”

The wind felt cool since I was slightly sweaty from struggling to climb up. I felt like my mind was clearing up.

“This was worth the climb.”

I muttered while I looked at the view. The divine beast was sulking, so there was no reply, but I felt the bear agreed. It would have just floated away if it didn’t want to hear my voice.

I came up here because I had something to tell the bear, but the scenery made me want to enjoy it for a while. Well, since it is slow itself, it won’t complain if I take my time.

One of the things I like about coming to Tubain is this green forest. I was tearfully envious of this vibrant life force that I can no longer see in my world.

My eyes felt hot, so I exhaled to calm my heart. This wasn’t the time to get sentimental. I turned toward the divine beast and got straight to the point.

“Please help.”

The divine beast’s eyes, which were looking forward, slowly turned toward me.

“You’ve waited a long time. You’ve watched over Black Bear since she was a child because you wanted to help her. So please, help her.”

I took care not to make it a question on purpose. I didn’t want to test its ability to speak on this narrow rock.

The bear, which usually doesn’t react unless it’s a question, just looked down at me. Its black pupils were so small that it was impossible to read its emotions.

“Grand Duke Kun is a bit arrogant, but…”

Flash! I felt like a fire ignited in the bear’s eyes. Damn, I know that feeling very well now. I quickly corrected myself.

“Yes, he’s a total jerk.”

The bear’s eyes returned to their usual calm state.

“But that’s not what’s important.”

Flash!

“Of course it’s important! It’s very hard to work as a comrade with someone who has a terrible personality.”

I waited for a moment while I watched the bear’s gaze, then continued.

“But only one thing is the most important. It’s that Black Bear uses your power. Let’s just think about the result. Even if the process is hard…”

Flash!!

“Even if it’s hard and feels like crap! It’s only for a moment.”

Its gaze was calm. I felt drained even though I only said a few words.

“If you miss this chance, you might have to just watch over Black Bear forever. Seize the moment.”

I thought there would be nothing to offend it this time. The bear’s gaze changed differently. It became calmer and felt somewhat warm.

I don’t know why, but he seemed to like my last words. I didn’t get a definite answer, but I knew the divine beast would do as I wished.

“Thank you. If you get angry while you do it, just vent to me.”

The bear slowly raised both arms then. It put them on its head and bowed. That’s a ‘ㅂ’. That one character was all the bear wanted to say.

‘Mo, what do you think it means?’

[I suspect it means night.]

Night?

“What about the night? Do you want to talk then?”

But I didn’t get an answer to this question. The large body suddenly floated up and flew down like a butterfly.

It’s probably next to Black Bear, though I can’t see them because of the cabin. The divine beast’s favoritism is amazing every time I see it, but it’s hard to admire it right now. I nearly cursed it.

Damn it, is it enough that only it gets down easily?

The last person I had to persuade was an obstacle from the start. I searched the forest around the cabin to find where he went, and an artificial wind’s sound gave me a hint.

A sword’s sound? I followed the continuous noise and found a wide, gently sloping meadow. As expected, Tairok was there, training with his sword.

But he didn’t just move his sword in one spot; he jumped over the low stones and rocks scattered around. He looked like someone who had done this countless times before.

By the way, it’s really pretty here. I looked around with admiring eyes and then lowered my gaze. The field full of low weeds was a wave of deep green, fully exposed to the sunlight.

Because of the mix of various plants, it felt like I was looking at a garden where seeds were scattered randomly.

It might mean the environment is that good for growth. The soil looked soft and dry, as if the drainage was good. It wasn’t dry enough to be dusty from a lack of rain, either.

…Wait, could it be?! My heart started to race suddenly. I crouched down in a hurry and began to scan the plants one by one.

‘Mo!!!! Look for any plant that looks like a chili pepper!!!’

[Earth’s chili peppers have undergone selective breeding for a long time, so they will likely look different from naturally occurring species.]

There must be some similarities! At least there will be a fruit, right? And the leaves? Look for leaves with the same shape!

I searched through the grass like a madman when a dark shadow suddenly fell over my head.

“What are you doing?”

“Oh, move aside for a second!”

I tried to push through the grass in the light to avoid the shadow, but the shadow followed me. Ugh, seriously! The moment I raised my head to say something, I met cold eyes. I came to my senses when I saw that fake smile where only the lips move.

“…Is your training over?”

“What are you looking for?”

“My heart.”