Chapter 1560. A New Normal (15)
I did feel like setting off right away. There were only three days left until the invitation to Commander Jin’s estate, but the reactions in some communities already felt like a balloon swelling to the point of bursting. Time was limited, and there wasn't just one or two things to handle. Normally, I would cancel the entire trip, but that wasn’t an option this time.
‘They can talk about it in whatever way they please; I still have to go there.’
The scheduled itinerary had to go on no matter what. It was important to show that the Saint of Sacrifice and Revival wouldn't get pushed around by the media or public opinion. If I suddenly canceled or postponed official plans...
‘It’d be like sticking a needle into an overinflated balloon.’
It would only stir up speculation, and people would spin all kinds of nonsense in response. Some could even claim that the Saint had canceled the Republic trip after receiving a revelation from Goddess Benigoa. They could also say that there was a conflict with the Republic. Rumors and clickbait like that would spread like wildfire.
Of course, just going through with the schedule wouldn’t calm things down either, but what mattered was showing the public that my stance was firm. Negative opinion wasn’t the only thing that mattered.
‘You’ve got to reinforce the positive side, too.’
With Benigoa Net gradually leaning one way, I had to keep making it clear that the Saint still held a favorable stance toward the Republic. Hence, I had to continue the tour with the party.
“Whew... I, Ahn Ki-Mo, honestly wanted to throw myself into the mission right away last night, but since that’s not what you want, I’ll reluctantly enjoy the Republic tour just a little longer.
"Just to be clear, I’m not doing this because I want to. I’m only doing it because you said it’s important to leave a good impression on the Republic...” Ahn Ki-Mo said.
‘He talks way too much.’
“Well, at this point, that doesn't matter, but...” he paused.
‘Why does he look so worn out?’
He didn’t say anything out loud, but it wasn’t hard to guess what had happened. After that slip-up last night, the twins had to have given him hell.
“Ah, well... there was a bit of trouble last night. I’m not sure why, but my girlfriends got upset...” he confessed.
“You’re not sure why?” I asked.
“No. No matter how much I think about it, I just can’t remember what I did wrong,” he answered.
‘This guy is hopeless.’
“At first I really didn’t get it, but after getting scolded for a while, I think I finally figured it out,” he said.
“...”
“They were probably upset because I would miss some plans because of the mission. They were complaining that we don’t spend enough time together, that kind of thing. Most guys would get worked up and ask why they can’t be understood, but who am I?
"I won't back down in front of monsters, but I’m a man who yields in the face of love. At five in the morning, I got down on my knees like a man and begged for forgiveness,” he explained.
“So they forgave you?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m not completely sure, but I think they did,” he answered.
‘In what world does that count as being forgiven?’
The fact that he himself had admitted that he wasn’t sure was almost impressive. Even Park Deok-Gu, the self-proclaimed dating expert of Gangwon Province, seemed to find him ridiculous.
While walking along the road looking all tired, Park Deok-Gu casually said, “That’s not why they were mad, Ki-Mo hyung-nim.”
“...”
“Then what is it?” Ahn Ki-Mo asked.
“I’m not telling you. The answers to love are something you have to find on your own,” Park Deok-Gu answered.
‘There’s no way that pig knows why the twins are mad either.’
Even Jung Ha-Yan, who had been quiet until now, chimed in to back Ahn Ki-Mo up. “I-I think... Ki-Mo oppa might be right. If a schedule suddenly gets canceled, it’s n-normal to get upset. R-Right, S-Sora?”
“...”
“...”
“Yes, of course. Miss Jung Ha-Yan is right. Anyone would be upset if plans are suddenly altered,” Han Sora said in agreement.
‘Why are you looking at me when you say that?’
Obviously, she was unhappy about the sudden change of plans. Jung Ha-Yan puffing out her cheeks was one thing, but there was a clear edge in Han Sora’s words, which was a bit unexpected. The way she spoke as if she wanted me to hear her caught me off guard, but after a moment, I understood why she was acting like that.
It wasn’t just about canceling plans with Jung Ha-Yan.
‘She’s been holding onto that this whole time.’
She was probably upset that the promises made to her were always getting delayed. The promise Flower Ki-Young had made back in Rohen, about building a Black Magic Tower in the Democratic Country and starting a black magic scroll business.
I thought it would just fade away, but it seemed she had realized that a part of me was inside Flower Ki-Young.
‘Ha-Yan must’ve told her...’
Now that I thought about it, I remembered how she seemed oddly down even before we set out. No, more accurately, she’d been like that ever since the end of the Hexagram incident. She still chatted with Ha-Yan, but now that I thought about it, I couldn’t even remember the last time she had spoken to me casually.
Even when the three of us shared a room and talked together, she hadn’t addressed me directly. Of course, I had been busy, and there was no doubt about that.
After our return from Rohen, we went through the youth center issue, and right afterward, the Hexagram incident broke out. On top of that, Kim Hyun-Sung’s situation had become the guild’s biggest concern, leaving no room to think about anything else.
Han Sora understood that, and she had been busy herself. After all, she had restructured the barrier of the Blue International Academy. Even so, it made sense for her to feel neglected.
‘She probably thought it was finally her turn.’
She probably believed that once the issues with Kim Hyun-Sung were done, it would finally be her turn. She had to have been looking forward to the tower being built and the start of the scroll business, but they ended up being pushed aside by sudden talks of a peace treaty with the Republic.
It probably felt like she had been completely forgotten, or perhaps she thought I never intended to keep that promise in the first place, and this was her way of protesting without openly saying it.
‘She really is smart...’
The timing of this quiet protest, and the moment she chose to show her dissatisfaction, were almost too precise. Then again, it probably wasn’t a protest at all. Now that I thought about it, we researched the Hexagram together.
I felt like she had simply been waiting for the perfect moment. Now that her value was at an all-time high, she decided to make her move and negotiate.
“...”
“...”
“C-Could we talk for a moment, Miss Sora?” I asked.
“What is it, sir?” Han Sora asked.
“Does there have to be a reason every time we talk?” I questioned.
The slight curl of her lips said everything. She knew better than anyone that her value had gone up. I had no choice but to admit that her setup worked perfectly. If I had to pick the most reliable person in the party right now, it would definitely be Han Sora.
Ahn Ki-Mo could get things done, but he wasn't the type to take things seriously. Park Deok-Gu didn’t care about public opinion or social issues in the first place. Kim Ye-Ri would only do what she was told, and Jung Ha-Yan was just... Jung Ha-Yan.
In this lineup, the only one I could actually reason with was Han Sora. Even within the guild, she was considered one of the most dependable alongside Jo Hye-Jin and Sun Hee-Young.
To be blunt, she was the only one here who could think and act independently.
“Ah... yes, sir?”
When I specifically called her over, Jung Ha-Yan’s wide eyes flicked between us, but Park Deok-Gu quickly distracted her.
Looking out into the distance, I spoke first, asking, “Isn’t it impressive?”
“Excuse me?” Han Sora asked.
“The Black Magic Tower that’ll be built in the peace city between the Democratic Country and the Republic,” I answered.
"!!!"
“I’m not the only one who can see that towering over everything, right?” I asked.
“...”
“...”
So, I was right after all.
‘Got it.’
“T-That’s a bit sudden...” she commented.
“You didn’t think I forgot, did you, Miss Sora?” I asked.
“I thought... you had. It wasn’t really a promise you made to me directly in Rohen anyway. And since you just handed me off to the Blue International Academy, I figured that was the end of it. You did call me into meetings like you said you would...” she answered.
“Even so, it still involves me. And you know I’ve got a good memory. There’s no way I’d forget. You know that, too,” I said.
“...”
“...”
“Isn’t it the perfect location? The Democratic Country has the future of magic, the Republic has its legacy, and they’re more open to it than the Empire. There’s already a lot of work being done with catalysts and experiments...
"Once the peace city is established, we can start the construction, and if the Black Magic Tower is built first, the symbolism alone will guarantee business. If the peace treaty goes through, the risks will be reduced significantly... Am I wrong?” I questioned.
“...”
“...”
“W-What exactly do you want, sir?” she asked.
“Just keep Ha-Yan calm for me. I’ll make time, too, but I won’t be able to move exactly as planned. Still, the official schedule stays as it is. And—” I paused.
“...”
“...”
“You’re good with social media, right, Miss Sora?” I asked.
I could see the resolve in her eyes, the kind that said she’d do whatever was asked of her.
“You’re going to write up a contract, right?” she asked.
“...”
“...”
“Miss Jung Ha-Yan! I’ll take your picture! Stand right next to the sub guild master, nice and close!” Han Sora shouted.
“Huh? O-okay...” Jung Ha-Yan mumbled.
“Let’s get one with the waterfall in the background. Looks great. No wonder it’s called one of the Three Scenic Views. Miss Jung Ha-Yan! Smile a bit more. Big smile! Yes, bigger! Bigger!!! Look this way! Big smileee!” she shouted.
“Hee... hehe...!” Jung Ha-Yan giggled.
“Alright, look here... biiig smile~” Han Sora remarked.
“Puh... hehehe...”
“Alright, let’s move! Next spot!” Han Sora suggested.
“Huh? Already?” Jung Ha-Yan asked.
“We’ve got a reservation for a traditional Republic banquet,” Han Sora told her.
“What?”
“Next, we’re visiting a Republic refugee camp. After that, we’ll take some quick photos at a traditional market. Then it’s the Republic orphanage. After that, he’ll go to the temple, and Miss Jung Ha-Yan, you’re coming shopping with me,” Han Sora reported.
“Ah... b-but... with oppa...” Jung Ha-Yan mumbled.
“It’s been a while. I’d like to spend some time alone with you, too, Miss Ha-Yan...” Han Sora told her.
“...”
“...”
“Ah—o-okay! Yeah! Let’s do that, Sora,” Jung Ha-Yan said in agreement.
“All right! Deok-Gu oppa! Move it! Hurry! Wait, stop here for a second. One more photo! Big smile! I’ll take a solo shot of the sub guild master, too! Miss Jung Ha-Yan, hold on! Just a second! Let me get his solo picture first! Okay, okay. Now you can come in, too!” Han Sora exclaimed.
“O-okay!”
“...”
“...”
She took the bait faster than I expected.
[Author: For Goddess Benigoa]
[Title: The Saint of Sacrifice and Revival looks so happy, doesn't he?!!! (Comments: 6657)]
