Chapter 658 – Time for Each, in A Shade of Pale Yellow (1)

“Hanbyeol, is that the truth?”

At Soo-yeon’s rigid tone, Hanbyeol lifted her head.

“Yes, what’s the matter?”

Her words were light as a feather. Although her smile was bright, the dark circles under her eyes were profound.

She was the president of the Korean Hunter’s Association, the current figurehead leading a fractured Republic of Korea.

When Mugung, the pillar supporting the Republic of Korea passed away, Hanbyeol inherited the greatest authority.

“…You’re planning to abandon the World Tree, is that true?”

Two successors of Mugung’s legacy stood facing each other. Rubbing her weary eyes, Hanbyeol responded to Soo-yeon’s words.

“Betray? “
“…Just by reading the articles, anyone can see how you’re trying to manipulate the state. You’d have to be blind not to notice.”
“Ah, that. It’s akin to… neutral diplomacy.”
“Neutral diplomacy…? This is utter—!”

As Soo-yeon’s voice escalated, Hanbyeol raised her hand.

“Don’t yell. This was bound to happen.”

After Seoul submerged entirely, the entire world, including Korea, had to prepare for a grim future.

Especially Korea, the epicenter of it all. It was no surprise that corrupt officials were dropping like flies.

“This isn’t right.”
“Does it seem that way to you? I don’t see it.”

-Charleureuk!

The stack of articles on the table scattered.

[Gyeonggi-do Governor Kim Young-woon… Found after 25 days, causing a shockwave.]
[Churches crumble one by one. Waves of sacrilege sweep over Korea.]

Hanbyeol’s thighs tightened, her legs lightly twisted. Running her fingers through her hair, she lowered her weary gaze. Underneath the table, her hand clutched a phone displaying an SNS screen.

“Is it because of him? You want to follow him… No. Let’s stop this discussion. I’m sorry. You must have a lot of concerns.”
“Well, it’s not bad to ride the coattails of a world created by my people, but ultimately, my role is to save Korea. In this cramped piece of land… robbed even of its main artery, there’s no other way to save this damned country.”

Completely breaking away from the World Tree’s grasp was the polar opposite of Mugung’s tactics, but in a way, the intentions were identical.

“In your grandfather’s era, the World Tree might have been absolute… but not anymore. It’s an era of uncertainty.”
“…… And yet, everything my grandfather built.”
“That’s not my doing. They brought it upon themselves.”

If all this was according to Mugung’s plan, would they be able to believe it? Hanbyeol continued to tap on her phone without meeting Soo-yeon’s gaze.

Soo-yeon tried to voice her thoughts, but soon closed her mouth. Feeling slightly dispirited, she bit her lip and sighed.

“…Do you believe there’s no future for the Mokinyo Bridge?”

Kim Soo-yeon, the sword of the Order and the national tree of Korea, had been in contact with the Order since her youth, aiding many. In fact, the number of people she has rescued in cooperation with the Order runs into the tens of thousands.

Even if she was unaware of the thoughts of the World Tree, the supreme entity, the Order decidedly followed a particular ‘good’ in its actions.

“We’re seeking a realistic alternative. Your way might be right too. Flower, World Tree… let alone Si-heon, none of us are flawless.”
“…Lee Si-heon.”

She was yet to figure the man out. With a grim expression, Kim Soo-yeon took a deep breath.

The Order was not evil. Her memory testified to this fact.

The Order had martyred themselves for the refugees, combated terrorism at the cost of their lives, and worked tirelessly so the impoverished could avail various educational and welfare benefits.

Was it all just a performative act of the World Tree? Even if it was, the followers still believed in the benevolence and justice of the divine.

Just look at the World Tree of Prosperity. Had it not sacrificed itself to protect the human realm?

Burning itself for the sake of an individual. As the national tree, she naturally felt compelled to do the same.

“……”

However, it was also true that there were those who had suffered due to the malevolence of the World Tree.

Lee Si-heon was one of them. Having grown up in a warped manner, he had now become a significant threat.

She had no intention of ignoring the atrocities committed by the Order. She wasn’t like Saku, her mind filled with a garden of flowers. She did not plan to condone every action of the Order.

In reality, there were signs of division within the Order, but if reforms were effectively implemented… she had no doubt that it would be the quickest path to reach the ideal realm among the existing powers.

“……”

Soo-yeon clenched her fist. What should she do?

How could she save as many people as possible?

“Because of the failed project, you must be suffering too, I’m sorry.”
“…No. I fully understand your thoughts. Ultimately, what I’m trying to do is akin to dictatorship.”
“I understand that such a method is the most effective in these times. However, lately… I’ve been worried because I feel something is going wrong.”

Even though he was a victim of the World Tree, what Lee Si-heon had done did not absolve him of his crimes.

King Mokryeong, and his crown, were greater calamities than anything one could conceive.

Even if he grew up twisted, she could not endorse every path he had taken.

-Dad!!

Soo-yeon remembered a wonderful, kind child who obediently followed her. Strength involuntarily flowed into her clenched fist.

“…I’ll go now. I have work to do.”
“Another disaster relief?”

At the question from Star, Soo-yeon nodded slightly. The harder the situation, the more people will trust and follow you if you roll up your sleeves and help.

She planned to do everything she could.

-Turbuck, turbuck.

Byul, trailing behind Soo-yeon’s weary steps, lifted her gaze. The burden of work was mutual.

The act of murdering and burying another was fundamentally against Byul’s nature.

“…Ah.”

Fatigue seeping into her, Byul rested the back of her hand against her furrowed brow.

She desperately needed restoration.

*Ding.*

An incoming message. Byul, her eyes shadowed by dark circles, lit up! She quickly checked her phone screen.

[Seyoung-chan~ : Your turn. Prepare.]
[Seyoung-chan~ : (Fennec fox emoticon looking disdainfully)]

Finally…
At long last, it was her turn.

[Byeo-ri-byeo-ri : Woohoo~~~!!]
[Seyoung-chan~ : ….]

Having withstood a sea of bias and favoritism, finally, the genuine Byul was about to realize her dream!

“Heh.”

Fatigue that had gathered around her eyes melted away like a morning mist.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Acorns for breakfast.
Honey for lunch.
Starfruit for dinner.

One could barely fathom how long Byul, who had barely had time at the previous women’s gathering, had been anticipating this.

If they were to meet, would they be greeted with a slap across the face? She waited at the agreed meeting place, a knot of apprehension in her stomach.

‘…Even if it’s a meeting place, a homebody is a homebody.’

Byul, as the president of the association, was swamped with work. Given the country’s collapse to the point where cultural life had become challenging, they had no choice but to meet at home.

Byul’s house in Seoul had long been submerged, leading her to a valuable resort on a remote island.

‘Are they planning to fully embrace the enjoyment?’

The beach, bathed in radiant sunlight, appeared extremely inviting for frolicking and splashing, given its excellent upkeep.

Renting a pension and drinking and playing… Frankly, the memories were far from pleasant. That was mostly due to the fact that she had been a complete fool before arriving in this world.

“But… you know.”
“Yeah.”
“Is this okay?”

I discreetly cast a look behind and questioned Se-young. She, clad in a monokini that dangerously exposed her navel and the area above her groin, lifted her hat and smirked.

“Chuckles, it’s okay, it’s okay.”

Byul hadn’t arrived yet, but the guests who had already gathered were bustling around.

“Beep, the sea~!!”
“Sister… you’ll get hurt. Go slow!”

Shiba, wearing a camisole, and Wiki, in a frilled bear swimsuit, came running, chattering away.

Following the kids… a multitude of lovers. One after another, they followed, each so stunning that voicing it out loud seemed almost sinful.

“…Soo-yeon. What do you think?”

Cornus, who was cute because of her large size.
You can’t cover the sky with your palm.

Even in an ordinary bikini, it rivals a micro bikini.

“Do, Do-won. This attire… isn’t it just underwear?”
“Ah, don’t act like a relic. Sometimes you don’t seem like a boss. Hehehe.”

Hong-Yeon and Gu-seul, clad in spandex rash guards, are engaged in a lively discussion.
Alba, adorned in a mesh swimsuit, peeked out from under her parasol.

“You seem rather concerned.”

‘Is this correct?’

Disturbing our alone time. Isn’t this a bit excessive?
Does the star have little say among these people?

My inner turmoil vanished at the sight before me.

– Thud, thud.

The adorable girl who left tiny footprints in the sand as she approached, is babbling.

“Mo, Moncheri…?”
“Your Majesty!”

Marronnier dressed in a cat swimsuit.
Aori, clad in a swimsuit straight from the Chewduk Culture, also appeared, ball in hand.

“Hmm.”
“Not bad, right?”
“It’s great, no, it’s great….”

Alba, playfully patting my backside, snickers.
Second to the feast for the eyes, I dread the words the girls on their forced vacation might have for the star.

Of course, they probably gathered with the thought of enjoying the beach together.
But what about the star’s perspective?

– Whirr, whirr!

The timely sound of a helicopter. The star is coming.

As I lifted my head, a long, black transport vehicle was majestically spinning, moving towards a distant landing site.
I was worried someone else might be aboard, but surprisingly, the star was piloting it herself.

“Huff…”

A sigh.

“It’s fine, right? Are we disrupting your time? We’ll give you a free night, so keep that in mind.”
“…I don’t really mind.”
“You worry too much.”

Se-Young on the left, Alba on the right.
They casually lean against my arms.

Se-Young roughly places a hat on my head,
Alba subtly tilts the parasol to share it.

Witnessing this scene might worsen the situation. Just as I was about to extract myself from that mesmerizing spot.

– Screech! Si-heonnnnnnnnn~~♡

I lock eyes with the star, who was sprinting wildly across the sandy beach.

-Si-heon-

Upright.

-…huh?

The star, frozen in the distance.

I could hear her eyes darting around, as if assessing the situation.

Donned in a light overcoat, a peek of a chick bikini visible through the gap.
Compared to Alba and Se-Young, her relatively modest area trembled slightly at the star’s backward retreat.

“…….”

The silence is painful.
Se-Young raises her hand and yells.

“Hurry up, my legs hurt.”
“…What, Si. Si…Shit, why are you guys here?”

The flustered star approached, not hesitating to swear.
Her staggering stride tugged at my heart.

Glancing in my direction, they sent a questioning gaze that seemed to ask, “What is this?” I turned my head aside, avoiding their scrutiny.

“I wanted to join in the fun.”

“No, Se-Young. This is not it. Si-heon and I were supposed to play… just the two of us…”

“Ah, of course, you two should be together. Are we interrupting your time?”

“But it’s different when you’re there…!!”

Indeed.
All she yearned for was to be alone with him on the island. She certainly wouldn’t have wished for this.

“Would it be difficult?”

Alba, the part-timer, softly asked, noticing her intense frustration. She must have thought she was asking innocently, but it was seriously awkward. She couldn’t utter a word in front of the intimidating group.

Unlike the familiar Se-Young, the overwhelmed star tightly sealed her lips and shrunk back in embarrassment.

“No, it’s not that… it’s not impossible… just…”

“Why such formality? Are you guilty before this person?”

“Shut up, Se-Young.”

“Look at that makeup. What’s this? Did you even stuff your swimsuit?”

As Se-Young prodded at her swimsuit-clad chest, the star recoiled in surprise.

Stuffed?

“No, it’s not stuffed!!!”

In a surge of emotion, the star cried out. Her eyes trembled fiercely. Unthinkable, but it seemed she was indeed stuffed. Did she notice the subtle change in my expression? Or was she overwhelmed by the striking figures of Se-Young and Alba? Soon after, the star faltered into tears.

“…Stop… It’s… It’s too much.”

I resolved to shower her with even more affection. That was the moment it struck me.