Chapter 481 – The Seven Spires of Kings (1)

“Where are the potions?”
“I’ve packed plenty. The issue is… Can we return midway, and how long will it take?”

Byul, having savored a mouthful of Mapo Tofu, spoke while clicking her spoon.

The assault team, composed of Se-Young, Byul, and the ‘Hunters,’ tasked with conquering the Tower of Time. Naturally, it wasn’t just the three of them venturing forth. They planned to power through, intermittently receiving assistance from several expeditions that had already partially conquered their objectives.

“It’s all well and good to assault the tower. However… the problem is, this world without us.”

The Crow and the President of the Hunter Association. These two are pivotal figures, irreplaceable in modern history.

Regardless of how modest the appraisal, everyone accepts the fact that Se-Young and Byul each uphold a pillar of the financial and political world. It was clear that their absence, swept away by the tower, would create significant turmoil. They held the final authority to mobilize forces.

– Thud.

Byul tapped the table.

“I’m fine with it. I have a proxy, even if I disappear.”
“The National Tree… Is that who you mean?”
“Yep. A kid that’s terrifying because he oozes sociability.”

As Byul recalled Kim Soo-Yeon’s face, she rubbed her arm, a chill running through her. She despised the ‘insiders’.

In principle, the Korean Hunter Association appoints a representative whenever the Chairman’s seat is vacant. As expected, Kim Soo-Yeon, Mugung’s granddaughter, seamlessly inherited this position. The next representative in line is the Vice President.

“Who was the Vice President again? Goroshi?”
“Right. I appreciate his intelligence. He’s also from Dowonhyang… He knows how to roughly wield the power of Heavenly Demon. Though he’s not on Siheon’s level.”
“Probably an imitation, then.”
“Exactly. Anyway, returning to our discussion. What will you do?”

The Hunter Association has cornerstones that remain standing, even if Byul crumbles. There’s Kim Soo-Yeon, and then there’s Goroshi. In a worst-case scenario, the General Chairman of the Association could step in.

However, it was different for the Crow, the new power, Lee Se-Young. Even in a stable phase, she couldn’t let her guard down. If some influential figure intervened, everything could dissolve into the ether by the time Se-Young returned.

Se-Young listened to Byul’s spiel for a moment, then chuckled.

“Ha.”
“Ha?”
“When did our star start worrying about big sister, huh?”
“Ho-ho, Se-Young, big sister. What can we do if we’re worried?”
“Just stay put.”
“I can’t. Unless you plan to fight dirtily, clutching your head on the ninth step, listen to me.”

As she removed her crow-like coat, her abdomen was revealed. Byul’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the distinct, straight muscles.

“Se-Young… Was she always this muscular?”

Her Hunter ranking was high, and she was strong. However, Se-Young was far from S rank. But she was entirely different from before. If asked whether she had reached S rank, the answer would be no, but…

“Look at this girl. Just because she has some money, she only consumes the best.”

In the throes of the mystical elixir, their training escalated. It was an intensity they could comprehend.
Yet, this did not alleviate the fretfulness that Se-Young provoked within them.

– Zzaap.

Byul and Se-Young locked gazes. Their glares collided, sparking an electrical tension akin to a lightning strike.
In the midst of this charged atmosphere was the ‘Hunter,’ nonchalantly indulging in spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu.

“Hmm…hum.”

‘The Hunter,’ who was spooning tofu with a curved white spoon, savored the chili oil smeared around his mouth.

“Spicy! One more serving, please.”

He seemed impervious to the escalating conflict between Se-Young and Byul. Once again, their attention returned to each other.

“Have you eliminated all the threats?”
“Well, logically speaking, that doesn’t make sense. I know when you commenced and the level of resources you had… Or what, are you King Mokryeong? Distributing favors and expecting loyalty? Ah, so there is a reason behind your recent beautification?”
“You’ve crossed the line, miss.”
“Excuse me!?”

Squabbling ensued. Se-Young pulled Byul’s ear harshly, her forehead pulsating with strained veins.

“Ah, it hurts! Ah! I get it… Listen before you act.”
“Precisely.”
“I’m just worried.”

Se-Young sighed, her arms crossed tightly. Her bosom, elevated above her folded arms, was captivating.

“Everything is fine. I’ve taken care of it all.”
“Really?”
“Your concerns have never materialized, and I’ve resolved everything.”

An odd confidence. This assured demeanor was a recent change in Lee Se-Young’s attitude. Since Lee Si-heon’s death, she had seen a shift in her personality and approach. Yet, occasionally, they wondered about her source of faith. They worried she might invite unnecessary trouble.

But it was challenging to confront her when she was this adamant. Byul, with her lips pouted, responded.

“This time… I’ll trust you.”
“Good choice. That’s more like you.”
“Ugh. You always belittle me! I am the president of the association, after all.”

Huffing in exasperation, Byul continued to voice her grievances. However, her treatment remained unchanged. People might perceive Byul as a charismatic president, but those who knew her personally would scoff at this notion. Byul, an ardent fan of animation and games, was infamous for pushing the latest Gacha games with cash, ensuring her name always topped the leaderboard. Rumors claimed she had once been treated peculiarly by a Japanese national hero.

Of course, such stories were only shared among those in the know.

“Let’s call it a day. There’s not much left until we reach the tower, so rest well.”

Clap. With a round of applause, Se-Young signaled the disbanding. The satiated ‘Hunter’ left his seat with a satisfied expression. Byul also exited the shop, feigning frustration.

– Thump.

The shop was deserted.

– Swish.

Se-Young sat back, crossed her legs, and exhaled deeply.

“Phew.”

A tiny voice echoed in her head.

【 Is this sufficient? 】
‘Yes. The preparations are complete. All that is left is to revive Lee Si-heon.’

A voice as tender and endearing as a child’s.

Se-Young pulled a cigarette from her pocket and placed it between her lips.

‘Baekyang.’

The two had met by chance years ago, forming a contract and maintaining a relationship. He was a newly born spirit, yet his ability to communicate was strangely advanced, his powers exceptional. Se-Young’s rise to power was entirely due to this spirit’s assistance.

【 …Do you truly believe he is dead? 】
‘Who knows. Dead or not, I’m just doing what I’m capable of.’
【 I see. Ah, I have accumulated much power. Even reversing time… I think I can manage that now. 】
‘Thank you. I’m always in your debt.’
【 Not at all. He cherished you so much. I thought you must be a good person. 】
‘What do you mean?’
【 Hehe. Just talking to myself. 】

Baekyang’s words made her tilt her head, finding them odd. Then, she lifted her lighter, igniting her cigarette.

Thinking back, hadn’t Lee Si-heon also smoked like this occasionally? A smile ghosted her lips as the memory surfaced.

-Whoo.

Her contemplation disappeared with the smoke.

‘What if…’
【 Yes? 】
‘What if… I had accepted his confession. Would I be living happily now?’

The past they had briefly shared now came to mind. Over the years, Baekyang had come to understand Se-Young very well through their interactions. Their memories of Lee Si-heon and Lee Se-young were also naturally shared.

【 Aren’t you happy now? 】
‘I am happy. I have Shiba, Dalrae, and Star. Only Lee Si-heon is missing.’
【 I see. 】
‘…Do you remember what I said before?’

Se-Young recalled her words to Baekyang before establishing the Crow. It was the same resolution Lee Si-heon had made.

‘With him gone, I felt I needed to take on his role.’
【 They say one comes to resemble those they love. 】
‘Well, I’m not sure if that’s true. That young boy… thinking back now, he was… Yes, he was incredibly reliable.’
【 If you were to meet him again, is there something you would want to do? 】
‘First, I would slap him. Hehehe.’

Se-Young’s laughter was tinged with bitterness, but it was still beautiful.

‘Yes. After one good smack… I’d want to hold him and cry.’
【 I will help you. 】
‘Thank you.’

A few days before the journey, Se-Young dropped her cigarette from her mouth, exhaling the smoke. A beautiful moon hung in the sky.

* * * * * * * * * *

“I have a new comrade.”

At mealtime, with a spread of food before them, she raised her glass high. Like a lion in a film, baring its teeth. Applause erupted around her.

“Nyaaaaagh!”

Mary, who had baked the celebration cake, clapped with all her might. Gu-seul sighed behind her, watching the scene unfold.

Ebony, oblivious to the situation, clapped her hands, while Cotton and Melia joined in, glancing at me with knowing looks.

“Oh, another one joins our ranks. Why did you amputate your limbs?”

Patience taunted with all the sarcasm she could muster.

“If you utter unkind words to her, you’ll answer to me. Be mindful of that.”
“Tsk.”

The World Tree of Patience sneered, though she knew she wouldn’t be able to utter the harsh words she wanted. After all, Camellia was slated to ascend to a position higher than any of us, even the Treasurer present. I pulled Camellia into an embrace and took a seat at the table.

“Um… I’m not sure what to do, but please, take care of me…”
“We will, certainly!”
“Are you Mary?”
“Yes, yes!”

A radiant smile bloomed on Mary’s face, pleased to have made a new friend. Patience watched Mary, her expression asking ‘Why is she like this?’ but I chose to ignore it. Melia turned her attention to me, while Cotton focused on Camellia.

“…How did your body end up like this?”
“It’s the aftermath of war…”
“I see.”

The conversation took on a solemn tone.

“Nevertheless, the King promised he’d restore you.”
“This man? That’s peculiar. He’s not usually so generous.”
“…Really? Is this true?”

Camellia’s voice was filled with sudden unease. I stroked her head, soothing her as I continued the conversation.

“Patience.”
“…What?”
“You know, right?”
“Tsk. I was joking. And… you should know that the King, despite his faults, keeps his promises. So, don’t worry too much, Camellia… right?”

Patience changed her tune swiftly, perhaps reminded of her own past struggles. Camellia’s pale face regained some color. Her expressions, vivid and transparent, were endearingly innocent.

Though the occasion was to introduce Camellia, sustenance was also necessary. I scooped a spoonful of rice and fed it to her.

“Ah.”

She took a bite of rice, followed by a bite of the side dish. Camellia chewed meticulously, seemingly restless. Perhaps she was aware of the surrounding gazes. She turned her head, looking at me with a crestfallen expression.

“…Should we eat together?”
“Just for today.”

Were they taken aback by my dedication? Gu-seul and Patience stuck out their tongues in disbelief, while Mary and Melia opened their mouths in complaint.

“I want some too!”
“My Lord…”

Mary and Melia sent signals of their discontent. Unmoved by their pleas, I offered Camellia a drink of cool water. I hadn’t yet convinced Camellia, so I had to indulge her for today. The duties of a King, indeed.

“Ah.”
“Uh… Ah~”
“Good.”

Even Ebony’s expression, watching me, was quite a sight. Granted, it was likely due to the shocking state of Camellia’s body. Let me clarify; I did not cause this. Regardless of the King’s dubious reputation, I couldn’t allow any misunderstandings.

*Chewing.*

Camellia, who had been eating, trembled as she called out to me.

“What is it?”
“I… need to use the restroom.”

Whether she couldn’t bear the embarrassment, or genuinely needed to relieve herself, was unclear.

In haste, I enveloped Camellia in an embrace, swiftly exiting the restaurant.

“What’s the matter?” she queried.

“…Ah, I need to… unwind a bit,” I confessed.

“Over something so trivial?”

“Trivial!… Receiving such treatment, in front of others, is not as easy as you might think,” I retorted.

“Was it the same when you were at the estate?” she inquired.

“…I was always alone during meals. Except when Camellia was present,” I admitted.

So this was a first for her.

I allowed Camellia her moment, patiently waiting for her to regain composure.

“…Ah,” she sighed.

Not long after, she gathered her breath and asked a question.

“Among them, is there someone you hold dear?”

“What? Them?” I exclaimed.

Yes.

The distance was significant.

I was far removed from them, and there existed a considerable physical distance between us. I shifted my gaze, looking in the direction of Korea. The moon, now risen, was enchanting.

“So, where is the one you cherish?” she further probed.

“A great distance away,” I responded.

“Oh… surely not. I… I apologize.”

I wasn’t sure what misinterpretation had occurred, but it most likely wasn’t what she was thinking.

Enough, let’s finish our meal.

I pivoted on my heel, gently closing my eyes. The faint, warm breeze that graced the dawn felt curiously familiar.