Chapter 115: Retreat (2)
I once came across a saying in passing:
Happiness in marriage is not about how well you match, but how you overcome differences.
To some, it might seem like a jilted lover was overindulging in wishful thinking. For a person not even in a relationship, quoting sayings about marriage might appear ridiculous. Yet from another angle, the sentence could be seen as:
If you and your partner match too well, with seemingly no differences, thats a cause for suspicion.
Was my partner being too accommodating? Was I acting spoiled towards her? She clearly felt an excessive responsibility, particularly as the elder in the relationship, which made me wonder.
Try this one.
Lee Seyeong, offering brand-name snacks from abroad, clearly wasnt in her usual spirits. The dark circles under her eyes spoke volumes about her stress. Working tirelessly, yet still finding the time to visit me, must have been tough.
It was touching, and I was grateful. But why had she bought so many snacks? She mentioned shed buy them for work and set one aside for me whenever I crossed her mind. I couldnt refuse because the gesture was too sweet, even when I wasnt hungry.
How about this pine needle flavor?
I cant even pretend it tastes good.
Really?
Lee Seyeong, who had yet to try it, popped a small green cookie into her mouth and winced at the strange taste. Pine needle cookies were an acquired taste even for someone undiscerning like me. She giggled, teasing me, and kept bringing more cookies to my lips. Finishing them was my responsibility.
But as I continue eating, theyre not bad?
Humans adapt. I gradually became accustomed to the flavor. Pine needle drinks werent unpleasant either, once I got used to them. Some people might dislike them, but others find them refreshingly unique. I wouldnt go out of my way to buy them, but if they were in the fridge, I usually wouldnt hesitate to have one.
As I worked through the pile of snacks on the table, I felt a warm gaze from beside me. I felt like a squirrel in a zoo, captivated and cared for by Lee Seyeong.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Just thinking how cute you are. I imagine this is what itd be like to have a child.
She dropped a hint, casually joking and laughing. Normally, Lee Seyeong would step back jokingly in such a situation, but her response made it hard to reply. Such a pleasant dilemma. Lately, her affectionate actions have noticeably increased. Sometimes, I wondered. Could it be? A mix of hope and anxiety bloomed within me.
Did it stop?
What did?
The most chilling phrase in a young couples relationship: I missed my period. Lee Seyeong looked puzzled, then blushed and smacked my shoulder when she understood.
What are you talking about! Is that all you think about?
No, just, you mentioned a child, so I wondered.
We had had a few conversations before. One of them confirmed that she was taking precautions against pregnancy. Ironically, the most guarded phrase for a young working man was very similar to her words.
Im safe today.
In the moment, how enticing that phrase sounded. Variations included: You trust me, right? Just this once. Ill do it outside.
I trusted her, but just in case, the thought lingered.
And what if it stopped? Wont you take responsibility?
Her open expression showed she felt uneasy about my doubt. Of course, my intention had already been decided.
Who says I wont take responsibility? Of course, I have to.
Thats all you have to say?
Of course, I should whisk you away immediately. You are the number one bride-to-be, after all.
Dont just talk big.
A little exaggeration mixed with the truth got my nose pinched. But my desperate charm seemed to work, as she appeared quite pleased. Lee Seyeong, puckering her lips, exuded a youthful aura, belying her age. Her beauty was in full bloom. Even when compared to the twenty-year-olds, she stood outin fact, she surpassed them.
After all, it seems shes been putting up with a lot.
The more I understood Lee Seyeongs heart, the deeper my internal struggles grew. I had only one experience with dating, but from that, I knew how drastically a woman in love can change.
The Lee Seyeong I knew, if compared to the world I lived in, was precisely that sort. A woman living together with her boyfriend in a studio apartment, never missing a day to express her love, with kiss marks that never fadeda couple living such a lifestyle. Honestly, it was too much, considering she lived away yet was so devotedly supportive.
This aspect was similar to Cheondo. Whenever I had questions and called, she patiently explained. Unknowingly, I became reliant on her kindness, feeling uplifted by her presence. Hence, unknowingly, I took for granted the many sacrifices she made due to familiarity.
I did realize her kindness and was only pondering how to reciprocate.
Although it would be okay to ask outright in our relationship with Lee Seyeong, it would end with, Thats enough; lets have a drink! I discreetly changed the subject so she wouldnt notice.
Where is this retreat going to be?
Shikoku in Japan.
Lee Seyeong kindly answered my question.
A place where the World Tree of Time once took root. Well its dead now.
A place of great historical and religious significance, it was said to be the lifelong home of the World Tree that governed the concept of Time.
It seemed odd to me that a World Tree, revered like a god in this world, could have a lifespan, but it didnt die a natural death. When I asked why, a name I recognized came up.
The Tree Spirit King. Do you know who that is?
I know of him, but not in detail.
Well, listen then.
The Tree Spirit King. Who he was.
From 1900 to the early 2000s. In this deep history, exactly two people brought about significant change.
The Tree Spirit King and Cheonma.
Both were related to me, and I felt a twinge of guilt as I heard more, especially about the Tree Spirit King. It was maddening to be so prominently featured in my traits without even knowing him.
The Tree Spirit King was a great reformer who completely reformed the class system. At that time, authority and honor were determined by the concentration of World Tree blood.
A great figure, though spoken of in the past tense. Some still regard him as a great reformer. In todays slightly relaxed class society, the World Tree was still considered an absolute god. What was it like in the past? It sounded funny, but humans without a trace of tree blood were severely oppressed.
Even being a commoner was like being a slave. But who could argue? Gods were World Trees, and the tree people had their blood.
And the Tree Spirit King was the one who questioned this class system. He initiated a revolution centered around a nation, moving towards a human-centric society rather than one dominated by tree people. However, there were many unbelievable aspects to this story. Who could even consider resisting gods?
He mustve been quite a bold guy.
Youre probably the only one to describe the Tree Spirit King that way. Half right, though. But no matter how weak humans are, they cant be ignored when they come together.
A valid point.
The violence of numbers. Even the nobles couldnt ignore this power. In this world, regular armies consisted mostly of humans. If most turned their backs, defeat was inevitable.
Persuading so many humans to start a revolution isnt easy.
With a modicum of political acumen, I found myself genuinely intrigued by his ability to deliver compelling speeches. It seemed some nobles were so swayed by his oratory that they defected to his cause.
How cogently must he have presented his arguments?
Lee Seyeongs remark prompted a chuckle from me.
The revolution triumphed, upending an entire nation.
And such an ideological upheaval often spreads to neighboring lands. Two irreconcilable ideologies one rejecting, the other upholding the class hierarchy were bound to clash in war.
The rationale behind the war was straightforward.
Their ideology was antiquated; it demanded transformation. When the opposing forces became sizable, a cold war and a battle for supremacy ensued. The Tree Spirit Kings leadership qualities were so exceptional that his unblemished record in battle hinted at a burgeoning empire. The blue banner, emblematic of humanity, was hoisted everywhere, from sea to summit.
In short, humans ascended to the throne of supremacy.
Thats the legacy of the Tree Spirit King.
As humans naturally dominated, they even ruled over the tree folk.
But wouldnt the World Trees normally intercede?
They tried. Do you understand why the World Trees cant thrive in the current age?
Despite the presence of active insurgents, the World Trees, esteemed as deities, remain powerless due to the previous Tree Spirit King and Cheonmas catastrophic onslaught against them.
Im not well-versed in 19th-century affairs its classified, but from the whispers Ive caught, it appears the Tree Spirit King wielded some extraordinary power.
He harnessed the essence of World Trees and tree people.
Lee Seyeong scoffed at the notion as absurd. While she could fathom humans at their zenith acquiring such powers, the thought of someone siphoning the might of World Trees struck her as utterly preposterous.
From my perspective, it was no laughing matter. The power I possessed certainly fell into that category. After forming a bond with the World Tree of Healing and gaining its power, I understood the extent of my abilities. Moreover, I had this ability from the beginning, even though I hadnt wanted it.
What could it possibly be?
How was I connected to the Tree Spirit King? Lee Seyeong, oblivious to my thoughts, continued her tale.
The war dragged on until the incident occurred. They killed a World Tree. Literally.
The World Tree of Time, which we were now visiting, was where it all started. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of World Trees were reduced to ashes.
Could this be considered a sort of Ragnarok? There was a reason why only five World Trees remained, revered as the highest divine beings.
When they forced a country to surrender, the signature line at the top read, World Trees are just big trees! Hahaha.
Lee Seyeong laughed. Despite being a tree person, she didnt seem overly concerned. For me, it was like a burden had been lifted. Perhaps because I had suffered at the hands of World Trees? My sympathies kept drifting towards the Tree Spirit King.
But the Tree Spirit King was a figure whose destiny was already determined by history. From my point of view, it was rather disheartening.
So, he ultimately lost?
Lee Seyeong nodded in response to my blunt question.
The World Trees, along with holy spirits, saints, and thousands of elders, lost the war and the Tree Spirit King vanished.
They couldnt even kill him. His power was unfathomable. Who would have won if he had faced Cheonma, who emerged later?
But the ideology persisted. Even after the Tree Spirit King vanished, the movement carried on. Over time, the rigid class system began to fall apart.
While Korea still had a class system, some nations had abandoned it entirely. These were the places deeply influenced by the Tree Spirit King. It was rather remarkable.
Anyway, the Tree Spirit King is an unforgettable figure in todays society.
The death of World Trees. The release of their almost magical energy into the world led to strange phenomena.
Dungeons and monsters. These remain unsolved mysteries to this day.
So, that means blaming everything in the world on the Tree Spirit King is half right?
Correct.
That was why this world couldnt forget the Tree Spirit King. From the perspective of humans, it was understandable that he was interpreted as a hero.
Now you understand?
Yes.
Thats why I worry about you.
The gods of this world, the world itself.
They feared the emergence of another Tree Spirit King.
Gods could die. That had been proven.
Now I understood why World Trees were so skeptical about my existence.
Humans with excessive talent are dangerous.
It wasnt an inherent trait, but I had powers close to the Tree Spirit King from early in his life. The World Trees I had encountered must have known this. But nothing was certain yet. Currently, World Trees arent deeply involved in reality.
When the World Tree of Resentment went out of its way to target me, why didnt the other World Trees make a move?
Perhaps my death would be more beneficial for them. Theyre just biding their time.
The pattern is clear.
A fact everyone knew except me. Lee Seyeong and Cheondo must have already known and acted accordingly.
Turning my head to look at her face, Lee Seyeong, as if she had read my thoughts, poked my cheek and then rested her head on my shoulder.
Now you understand a bit about the inside story?
I wish you had told me sooner. It would have been a hundred times better.
Anyway dont panic if something happens later.
If they really fear the existence of the Tree Spirit King, its possible that one day, the World Trees might suddenly target me and try to kill me.
If I became a religious villain,
Maybe someone I know might also turn against me with a sword.
Jung Siwoo was also a husband candidate for a World Tree. Most of the tree people and humans in this world worshipped the World Trees as gods. Even if it had faded, the essence remained unchanged. This fact felt somewhat bitter.
Hey.
Had I shown too much emotion? Lee Seyeong, still resting her head, poked my chest with her fingernail and, with just one word, lightened my mood.
Ill be on your side for life, you jerk.
Her attempt to hide her embarrassment by mixing in a curse made me smile involuntarily. I reached out and pulled Lee Seyeongs shoulder closer.
Just being together made the time fly by quickly.
The warm sensation from her hand and body, the certainty that she would never leavethat was a feeling I never wanted to lose.
-Um!
My ears buzzed for a moment. Lee Seyeong, seemingly exhausted from the previous events, had already fallen asleep leaning against me.
Shell have to wake up soon anyway.
It wouldnt hurt to let her sleep for about five minutes. Turning my head to look out the window, the scenery prompted an exclamation of awe.
The smallest of Japans four beautiful islands, adorned with white oaks, a place with a history where the World Tree of Time had gloriously perished.
We had finally arrived.
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