Chapter 434 – Sister-in-law

“Stop.”

A space permeated with the vital energy of officers and the king. Taragon halted him.

“Lee Si-heon.”

He glanced at Taragon after hastily wiping off the blood of Cistus from his arm. The body of a child with a crushed face lay sprawled on the floor.

“…”

A brief silence passed between them. Taragon gripped the sword at his waist but did not draw it. The saintess, Canna, whispered at his side.

“Taragon… We can’t fight here.”
“I have no intention of competing.”

There was no one in this world who could challenge the king and guarantee victory at this moment. A monstrous manifestation of hatred born because its roots had not been fully severed. Taragon patted Canna on the head and spoke to him aloud.

“There’s no gain in causing a rampage here.”
“What?”
“King Mokryeong.”

King Mokryeong’s power is a small force born amidst the confrontation between Flower and the World Tree. If he deals with Flower’s executives now, the balance that has been maintained between the two forces so far will be shattered.

“The World Tree’s power will grow stronger.”

“…”

“The dungeon has been opened. Considering the power of the World Tree… You should know who the greater enemy is.”

The king remained silent. Taragon continued.

“We should target the tower.”

The Seven Towers of King Mokryeong. In order to promote his strength and foster the growth of his power, attacking the towers is essential. In other words, there is no advantage in showing hostility towards Flower here.

King Mokryeong silently lowered his fist.

“That’s your opinion.”

The floor turned icy cold. With a long gaze sweeping over everyone, the man called the king opened his resolute mouth.

“It seems there’s some misunderstanding.”

-Thud!

Pressure as if the entire body were pierced by needles.

“The reason I don’t act is to save as many people as possible. It’s not merely about focusing on individual lives.”

Flower and the World Tree, their fervent cries for the salvation of civilians. King Mokryeong clenched and unclenched his hand.

“If I wanted to, I could crush both sides in an instant.”
“Isn’t that a hasty assumption?”
“Does it seem that way?”

Everyone present could tell that his words were far from lies.

Arrogant.
Arrogant, but not without foundation.

If that being, who effortlessly subdued three high-ranking officials at once, were to unleash his full power, who could dare stand against him? He had already ascended the throne.

Had his policy been set on the destruction of the World Tree or Flower, one of the factions would already have been devastated.

The saintess remained silent, as did the other officials.

“…In that case, it would be even more appropriate to cooperate.”

At Taragon’s words, the king raised the corner of his mouth in a derisive smirk.

“It’s not up to us to decide, but rather up to them.”

In a way, it was a statement akin to a declaration of war. He was a person beyond control.

“We shall proceed as planned.”

After uttering a single sentence, King Mokryeong departed. Freesia, who had been sitting at the table observing, also took a fruit basket and left. Taragon collapsed, as if leaning against the wall.

“You!”

The saintess clung to Taragon with a worried expression.

“What did the prophecy say again?”
“Why bring that up now?”
“If you plunder the four sacred trees, you can’t be stopped… Does that mean he grows stronger from that?”

The man known as King Mokryeong. Was there still a way for him to become even stronger? With this thought, Taragon sneered.

He had tried everything in his pursuit of reaching the pinnacle.

“He’s completely lost his mind.”

* * * * * * * * *

【 ♥ 】

The exuberant Inja sent a series of affectionate hearts.

【 King~ King~ King~ 】

Inja, a contentious fellow who believed that a king should always make his own choices confidently, never putting anyone above himself. It had been a while since he’d shown behavior akin to that of an ideal king, so he was practically jumping for joy.

Leaving that cat-like individual, who only occasionally craved affection, behind.

Upon extricating myself from the executive meeting and returning home, I immediately gathered my deputy executives and explained the situation.

“No matter the reason… How can you fight with an executive?!”

Upon hearing of my reckless actions, Hong-Yeon’s anger flared up.

“Where are you hurt? Did you get hit by that damned brat? Say something, Do-won!”
“I’m not hurt.”
“What about your danjeon? Is it alright? The ancient power of Sisyphus is quite peculiar-“
“It’s fine.”

I was so worried that Hong-Yeon grabbed my shoulder and shook it vigorously. The commotion was excessive, so I flicked her forehead.

*Thwack!*

“Ouch!”

Hong-Yeon held her forehead and wiped away tears.

“It’s because I’m worried… Do-won.”
“Put aside your pointless concerns. After all, nothing has changed in what we need to do. Be aware of that and act accordingly.”

There might be trouble elsewhere. In particular, we couldn’t predict where the old Cistus would end up. That’s why I had given advance notice.

“I understand everything.”

At this, Gu-seul raised her hand and asked.

“Behind you… isn’t that person also an executive?”

Everyone’s gaze shifted to the woman behind me. A beautiful girl with light green hair and flowers rising above her temples. She was Freesia, who had been diligently snacking on Shine Muskets.

“Do you want some?”
“…Huh?”

Gu-seul tilted her head in confusion at Freesia’s offer.

Even that impulsive Gu-seul couldn’t withstand Freesia’s heedless actions.

“Eat.”

“???”

Freesia approached Gu-seul with quick steps and placed two Shine Muscat grapes in her hand. Gu-seul stared blankly at the fruit, and Freesia gazed intently back at her, her eyes seemingly urging her to eat immediately. As Gu-seul swallowed the fruit, a satisfied Freesia moved on to Hong-Yeon this time.

“Do you want some too?”

“What is this…?”

Hong-Yeon, along with the other deputies, also accepted and ate the fruit. Watching the scene, I shrugged my shoulders.

“So, that happened.”

“What was that all about…?”

Truth be told, I didn’t know either. I disregarded Gu-seul’s puzzled gaze.

To provide some context: as soon as we left the executive meeting, she suddenly appeared by my side and followed me all the way here. She didn’t show any hostility during the meeting, and her strangely familiar appearance made me leave her be.

It seemed she had something to say, after all.

After distributing fruit to everyone, Freesia bowed her head slightly and looked at me.

“Conversation.”
“…?”
“I’ve come to talk. Everyone, please leave.”

She had the audacity to ask the landlord to leave. Hong-Yeon and Gu-seul glanced at me with faces that seemed to ask what they should do.

“Disperse.”

That’s what I said. Hong-Yeon gracefully left the room, and Gu-seul, half-curious but with no other choice, walked away with her arms crossed. As the others vacated their seats one by one, only Freesia and I remained.

“Would you like some?”

Freesia offered me two Shine Muscat grapes without fail. As I accepted the fruit and placed it in my mouth, the sour-sweet taste intensified on my tongue.

“So, why are you here?”

At my casual inquiry, a smile appeared on Freesia’s stoic face for the first time.

“I came to greet you. I also have something to convey.”
“Something to convey?”

Freesia placed the fruit basket on the floor and nodded.

She surveyed the space and clapped her hands forcefully once.

*Clap!*

“Purity.”

That single word reached my ears. I furrowed my brows.

The World Tree of Purity. Three years ago, after transcending the realm, she had lost her status window entirely, and we lost contact. I had half-forgotten her, only occasionally recalling her existence. Could that annoying beeping sound really be related?

“Please relay a message.”
“What message?”
“That I love her?”

Freesia tilted her head slightly and spoke. I couldn’t comprehend why she phrased it as a question.

“Who are you?”

As I asked, Freesia nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. Her slanted eye-smile was quite captivating.

“Who indeed?”

Was she playing with words? Her playful voice could be considered cute, but from the moment I heard the word ‘purity,’ I couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency.

Her hair color was similar to Shiba’s. Could they be related by blood?

As if responding to my thoughts, he spoke.

“You’re late to realize, brother-in-law.”
“…Brother-in-law?”

Should I accept him as the sibling of purity?

“But who decided I’m your brother-in-law?”

I know what purity did for me, but I don’t understand why he likes me.

“Beep? If there’s a child between two people, doesn’t that make them a couple?”
“I’ve never even met her.”
“No, you did. A long time ago.”

What is he talking about?

“Hey. I wasn’t even in this dimension a long time ago.”
“I suppose so.”
“What are you trying to say?”

Nevertheless, things worked out well. I owed something to purity, and there was quite a lot I wanted to know.

“I met my sister-in-law. Do you have any questions?”

Freesia beamed, dancing excitedly, shaking her hips from side to side, as if she found the situation amusing.

“Like my sister’s appearance?”
“Can you tell?”

“Umm~ incredibly pretty. And oh, so, so, so cute.”
“If you say that, what can’t you understand?”

Our Bam is also extremely pretty and incredibly cute.

“No, not that. So, so, so, so, so cute!”

Sansuyu also has a very large chest and is extremely cute.

“So, you’re saying you’re way prettier than those kinds of girls?”
“Those kinds of girls? I’m offended.”

I’m tired of wordplay.
What nonsense towards the idol in my heart. Sansuyu and Marronnier are a hundred times cuter than innocence. Freesia’s eyes widened in shock.

Fine, fine.

“So, how did that innocent girl come to know me?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“What?”
“You have to think of that yourself.”

I have never had any connection with a tree in my entire life.
Looking at her with a vague gaze, Freesia didn’t seem to have any intention of telling me, only fidgeting with her hands.

“But please, don’t hate me too much.”

“What?”
“…It’s a tree that asks you to convey its love through its sibling. It would be sad if you ignore it.”

With that said, I had nothing to object.
For some reason, chastity simply couldn’t be part of this world.

“I apologize for that. Is it possible for me to visit?”
“…Well.”

Freesia hesitated for a moment.

“It’s quite far away, so it could be difficult.”
“Is there no way at all?”
“Not exactly. While attacking the tower, you might find a clue.”
“You always keep things to yourself.”
“Heeheehee.”

I let it go.
Right now, my priority was the Forest Keeper selection, not anything else.
Even if I were to assault the tower, it would be after a considerable amount of time had passed. It was best to put thoughts of chastity aside for now.

“It’s a shame. Even this young tree holds a shred of love.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“It is.”
“It’s not.”
“It’s too—”

Annoyed by her incessant chatter, I tugged at her lips, and Freesia spread her hands and shook them.

“Eep! Eep!”

*Thwack!*

I released my grip on her mouth. Freesia, with her snout protruding like a duck’s, glared at me, her face brimming with discontent.

“Get going already. I’m busy too,” she said.

“If it weren’t for you, I would have died long ago.”

“I’ve already died dozens of times.”

One of those times, she had truly died. Having lost the verbal skirmish, Freesia quivered and folded her arms.

“I’m going to see my niece too.”

“Niece? Whose niece…?”

Could she mean Shiba?

“I’m sorry, but Shiba is getting along just fine with our Dalrae. There’s no need for her to meet you or me.”

“Beep? What are you talking about?” Freesia retorted.

“Our niece is participating in the Forest Guardian Selection Tournament.”

“Huh?”

I heard the sound of grasping at straws.