Chapter 18 – Falling Rhododendron Blossoms (1)

Upon reaching the front gate, Lee Seong-Han spread his arms wide, beaming with a warm smile.

“I’ve been waiting.”

His smile appeared kind, and at first glance, one could even feel a sense of paternal love and dependability. However, I knew it was all an act.
Thus, I deliberately pushed my disguised face closer to him.

“Pleased to see you. Shall we head to a nearby café?”
“No, I have a spot reserved for us. Let’s go there.”

I couldn’t see inside the foreign car of an unknown make from the outside. After accepting his kindness and getting in, the car started almost immediately.

-Woo woo woo.

Amidst a slight vibration, Lee Seong-Han opened his mouth.

“How have you been getting along with Dallae?”
“Well, it’s not like someone like me could really…”
“You don’t have to worry about the difference in status. Whether human or woodman, we are all people in the end.”
“Is that so?”
“Do you wear that mask every day?”

I paused momentarily in the conversation before speaking.

“Yes, there are circumstances.”
“I see.”
“So, what is it that you want to tell me?”

I didn’t want to hear any pointless stories, so I hoped he would cut the nonsense and get straight to the main point. As if he understood my intentions, Lee Seong-Han smiled slightly as he turned the steering wheel.

“How much do you know about the World Tree?”
“The World Tree? The one that holds the heavens above and rules the earth below… And isn’t it the exalted being that looks after and cares for us? Something like that?”
“Yes, that’s what most people know.”

From my perspective, the World Tree is on par with Yahweh, Buddha, and Allah in this world. Everyone firmly believes in the World Tree, so naturally, religious power holds a higher position than the government. Rather than viewing the government and religion as equal, it would be more accurate to see it as taking on the form of a theocracy.

“However, you don’t believe in the World Tree, do you?”

As I was pondering this internally, Seong-Han suddenly posed a penetrating question to me.

Naturally, I don’t believe in the World Tree. However, I’m aware that sometimes this disbelief can be considered disrespectful and could lead to consequences. The religion in this world is indeed absolute.

“There’s no way. I believe in the World Tree.”
“It’s fine to speak the truth. Actually, I don’t believe either. The World Tree will eventually destroy our lives.”
“What do you mean?”

I asked him, without admitting that I didn’t believe in the World Tree. It was evident that Seong-Han would regret losing me.

“There are too many fakes in this world. The blessings from the World Tree and all that nonsense are simply laughable.”

-Thump.

The car we were in came to a halt in front of a building.

“Get out. I have plenty to discuss with you.”

I exited the car with a tight-lipped expression and followed him. Throughout this, I didn’t stop pondering.

What does Lee Seong-Han want from me? Why does he desire me?
Deep down, I was stung by the fact that I hadn’t increased my intelligence.

Seeing the World Tree brought low before me, it seemed that Lee Seong-Han had some inkling of my true nature, but he did not appear to know that I was the World Tree’s husband.

Does this make sense?
It hasn’t even been 200 days since I arrived in this world.
For someone else to know about me is virtually impossible.

There’s only one explanation.

Some transcendent being has leaked information to Lee Seong-Han, or the faction to which he belongs.

If he had realized it after seeing my face, I would’ve suspected that he had seen through me. However, this person had been targeting me from the moment he wasn’t looking at me.

“Sit here.”

The room we arrived in was a confined space, reminiscent of a company break room.
I sat on the sofa and had a private conversation with Lee Seong-Han.

“First of all, you said I hate the World Tree, right? Well, to tell you the truth, that’s correct.”

I began by directly revealing my information.

If one attempts to extract information without an exchange of content, the conversation becomes suspect. I must assure them that I am engaging in this dialogue.

“I am human, and I hold personal grudges. Naturally, when it comes to liking or disliking, disliking is the obvious choice.”
“I see.”
“So, I’ll ask. What is the main issue?”

Silence envelops us for a moment.

Any trace of gentleness has vanished from Lee Seong-Han’s face. All that remains is the visage of a ruthless leader.

“The divine trust has waned.”
“Really?”
“They ordered me to bring you.”

Divine trust.
We were just discussing the World Tree and such, and now the name of a deity is mentioned here?

Simultaneously with that question, a single word flits through my mind.

‘Fraud?’

Truthfully, labeling it as fraud was somewhat inappropriate.
Because in this world, gods do indeed exist. Even if other gods were present, it wouldn’t be strange at all.

“Who is this god?”

Lee Seong-Han allows a faint smile to cross his lips, studies my expression, and then speaks.

“No one knows of him, but he’s always with us. Once you realize it, you’ll understand.”

My body shuddered at the casual, informal speech. It felt as if I had caught a glimpse of true madness.

“We intend to tear down the World Tree.”

His voice was deep and dark, truly abyssal.

“Not just the World Tree, but we must completely shatter this foundation as well.”

In a way, this aligned subtly with what I had been hoping for—revenge against the World Tree. It was something I had desired ever since I fell into this world.

【The World Tree of Purity-】 【Access is restricted.】

A small fissure appeared in the hologram window that caught my eye. Startled, I checked it, and a twisted smile spread across Lee Seong-Han’s face.

‘So that’s how it is.’

I nodded inwardly.

These people are hostile to the World Tree and possess the power to challenge it. I never imagined such a group existed. It was strange that there hadn’t been one.

This world, too, is one where civilization has flourished. There have always been those who challenge rights and vested interests, no matter when or where.

History will determine whether their cause is just, or if their beliefs are nothing more than parasites gnawing away at society.

“Join us.”
“Did you seize a company that way?”
“Don’t speak like that. It was necessary. Besides, for others besides you, some force was required. Aren’t you human? I’m human as well.”

Lee Seong-Han smiled and placed the bead on his desk. It was a gem imbued with a pinkish aura.

“Unlike woodfolk, humans have no direct connection to the World Tree. A thousand years ago, there was a human who dared to challenge the World Tree. That person was exceptional.”

As Seong-Han touched the bead, the light within flickered.

“It is said that the power of that man resides within this bead. With this, subjugating the woodfolk becomes incredibly easy.”

How?
Upon being asked, Seong-Han grinned as if sharing an astonishing revelation.

“Take, for instance, human essence.”

“Is that brainwashing?”
“No, it’s actually a kind of pleasure. Those who’ve experienced this power can’t live without it. It’s like a drug. Aren’t there sex addicts among humans?”

So that’s how it works.

“And Jin Yeo-hee, too?”

At the subtly raised question, Lee Seong-han nodded.

“Give it to her a few times, and she’ll be deluded into falling in love. It’s blind devotion. And that’s also the power of this bead.”
“What about men?”
“There’s no one more honest about power and lust than men, even if they’re the herders.”

So it’s been corrupting them in various ways.
Insane. I made my judgment right there.

“And? How is it?”
“Not bad. But last time I saw you, Dal-rae didn’t seem to like you that much. Does this bead have limits?”
“Dal-rae is a bit special. She is also a chosen one.”

Seong-han paused for a moment and stroked his chin.

“Revenge will serve as a great power for that child. It means their growth will hasten with their skills. So, we must leave them be for a while.”
“And then?”
“Once they seem fully grown, we capture and consume them.”

Is that even possible? Seeing my expression, Seong-Han nonchalantly continued as though it were nothing.

“That fiery woman eventually whimpered beneath me. Wouldn’t her daughter be the same? Or perhaps, I’ll let you have the daughter.”
“Is that so?”

I lowered my head once. Then, Seong-Han asked me.

“What do you think? Will you join us? No, you will join us. It was an oracle, after all.”

I answered with utmost calm and composure, continuing my thoughts.
I gave him the best response I could muster at that moment.

“I truly like it.”

Lee Seong-Han was smiling.

* * * * * *

Blue magic flickered in the sky before vanishing like melting snow.

The area where the magic had surged was filled with the remnants of wild sorcery.

Half-melted ice, flames consuming shattered wood, and vines descending from the ceiling.

In an instant, all traces of such efforts vanished at her command.

“Haaa…”

Azalea exhaled heavily and sat on the bench in the training room. Her trembling legs wouldn’t obey her.

-Chirp?

A bird alighted on her lap, crying softly.

“It’s okay. I can do this.”

Her father’s final gift and her lifelong companion, the contracted spirit that took the form of a cuckoo. The bird sorrowfully gazed at Azalea’s face, its concern evident as it gently pecked at her thigh. A smile crossed her face at the sight.

‘Maybe I should call it a day.’

The clock showed 9 PM. Azalea, tapping her unresponsive legs, trudged into the dormitory.

“What’s this?”

Mysterious boxes were piled up like a mountain in front of the door. Upon seeing them, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Who on earth wrote down the wrong address?

Azalea rarely resorted to online shopping unless it was absolutely necessary. She sighed as she checked the address on the package: Room 3054, Recipient: Azalea. It was her own room.

‘…?’

Puzzled, she opened one of the boxes and peered inside to find a familiar-looking metal tin filled with chocolates.

‘That person really…!’

Feeling inwardly annoyed, Azalea carried the box into the dormitory. There were so many chocolates that she had to make several trips back and forth.

How am I supposed to deal with all of this?

Taking this many chocolates to and from the academy was out of the question. She considered finding Lee Si-heon’s room and leaving them there, but her current state of frustration discouraged her from doing so.

Maybe I should just accept them…

With a weakened resolve, she attempted to open the tin of chocolates, but quickly shook her head and headed for the shower.

-Ah, the cold water!

After showering in the cold water, her mind cleared up a bit.

“Ugh, that person really… What on earth is this?”

As she lathered her body with foam, she found herself thinking about Lee Si-heon.

She wasn’t a stalker, so why was she doing this? Despite feeling pathetic, a bitter sensation welled up within her.

By now, that man was probably trying to persuade Lee Si-heon. And, as always, Lee Si-heon would inevitably give in to the persuasion.

That’s how it had been for everyone, so far. She had an unwarranted confidence that Lee Si-heon, whom she had treated coldly, would do the same.

The realization weighed on her heart.

‘It’s only natural.’

– Squeak.

She draped a towel over her dripping hair, stepped out of the shower, and lay on the bed wearing only her underwear. The chocolate on the bedside table gnawed at her thoughts.

Ah, she was weakening again.

Her hand moved, then stopped. The internal conflict deepened. She felt a slight craving for something sweet. It would be impolite not to eat it when someone had gone to such lengths, wouldn’t it?

Even though she knew she shouldn’t, she saw herself rationalizing her actions. Before she knew it, she was tearing open the box.

– Hood deuk!

The chocolate box tore open with a surprising ease, as if it had been ripped apart and resealed previously. Frowning at the spilled chocolates, Azalea examined the box and sank into deep thought.

Inside the chocolate box, chocolates glued together with adhesive were visible. Following the arrangement of the alphabet, a small English sentence emerged:

-Please become my friend

It was a phrase that could potentially send shivers down one’s spine. However, recalling Lee Si-heon’s awkward expression, his innocence seemed to shine through the box, causing laughter to burst forth.

“Unbelievable.”

It was a bitter laugh.

“…Truly.”

Azalea envisioned Lee Si-heon falling for that man.

Her friend, who had promised a lifetime of friendship, had also left her side. Her brother, who had never been stingy with his love, had likewise abandoned Azalea.

Thus, this decision was a natural one for her, and the best choice to avoid getting hurt. Suddenly, she recalled the mask Lee Si-heon had worn.

In the end, she never ate the chocolate.