Chapter 381: 381
“Those two, they are engaged . ”
“Pardon?”
I let my jaw drop at that huge bombshell and slowly shifted my head over to Yi Hyeon-Seong . He blushed his cheeks a little when our gazes met, and I saw him look away soon after .
Yu Jung-Hyeok and Han Su-Yeong – the First Prince of the Kaixenix Archipelago, and the esteemed daughter of an Earl .
Sure, there was quite a difference in height to overcome, but… . . When looking at them some more, they did seem well suited to each other . Their personalities were a bad match-up, but then again, they had a surprising amount of similarities, too .
My mischievous streak reared its head and I raised my voice . “Oiii . You two kind of resemble a black bear and a newborn chick… . . ”
Almost at the same time, gigantic murderous intent flew in my direction .
“I’ll kill you . ”
“One more word, and I’ll tear your mouth wide open . ”
Cold sweat trickled down my backside .
Jeong Hui-Won whispered in my ear . “Maybe it’s better not to provoke them?”
“I guess so . By the way… . Didn’t something happen on your side as well, Hui-Won-ssi?”
“… . Excuse me?”
I replied Jeong Hui-Won’s confusion with a grin and quickly got in between Yu Jung-Hyeok and Han Su-Yeong . Their facial expressions were frozen stiff as if they were unhappy about my joke earlier .
“Han Su-Yeong . Your role is the most important one . You know that, right? You gotta do your part properly, so that… . . ”
She didn’t answer back .
“… . Han Su-Yeong?”
Tsu-chuchuchuchut!
Strange sparks suddenly danced around her figure . I instantly figured out what happened; Yuri di Aristel’s ego was pushing aside Han Su-Yeong’s .
⸢I’ll never let you go . ⸥
Yuri was crying out, tears streaming out of her eyes .
⸢Sooner or later, you’ll regret leaving this place!⸥
⸢All the Fables you possess will wither away like ruins with no one visiting them, and no one will remember them anymore . ⸥
⸢And in the end, they won’t even be able to stay frozen in this island and vanish from this world!⸥
I looked back at her and made my reply . “That could happen . ”
⸢What was that?⸥
Yuri sounded dumbfounded . I quietly observed her for a moment .
Yuri di Aristel – this scenario’s original heroine .
If the scenario unfolded as it should have, then by this time, she’d probably have become the king’s lover after experiencing a regular life of growing up as someone’s daughter .
⸢If you remain in this world, you’ll all be safe . ⸥
I could sympathise with her, who had no choice but to say something like that, but at the same time, I could not claim to sympathise with her point of view . Because we weren’t living in the same Fable .
In a way, you were simply reading the stories, no matter how many you had read so far . Perhaps that was why, all I could do for now was not to arrogantly convince her, but to simply imagine .
… . What if Han Su-Yeong was me, what would she have said right about now?
⸢I’ll ask the ‘King of Reincarnators’ for a favour . Let us remain in this place together . And entrust yourselves to the Samsara’s wall . When you do… . . ⸥
“Then, we’d live on while carrying out the exact same scenario every single time . ”
⸢What?⸥
I slowly blinked my eyes and asked her . “Yuri di Aristel . How did it feel when you became the queen for the first time ever?”
Her irises quaked intensely just then .
⸢I… . . ⸥
The ‘Isle of Reincarnators’ was basically a museum of ancient Fables that had disappeared in the back alleys of the changing era .
The foundation of this world was one of the 3rd generation’s medieval-themed fantasy settings . Yuri di Aristel would’ve lived the same life over and over again while repeating the actions and speeches as set out by the Great Fable .
Han Su-Yeong knew this, and she probably wanted to show her host the possibility of new stories .
… . Tell her that we were not slaves ruled by the Fables .
⸢I, only… . !!⸥
Most likely, Yuri had realised it by now . Because, Han Su-Yeong was an excellent writer, after all .
“You like Han Su-Yeong, yes?”
⸢… . ⸥
“If you do, please believe in her . She will definitely not abandon you . ”
Yuri di Aristel looked at me for a little while before forming a complicated expression; her presence vanished afterwards . A round of lightly-dancing sparks later, Han Su-Yeong’s white irises reverted back to their normal state .
She staggered a little bit as if she was struck by a dizzy spell . She then looked at me as if impressed by my actions and spoke . “… . Kim Dok-Ja . Not too shabby, eh?”
“I learned from you . ”
“Yuri might really want to marry you at this rate… . ”
“Stop with your nonsense and get ready . We’re about to make our entrance . ”
We pushed the doors to the audience chamber wide open . And almost immediately, threatening air poured down on us from either sides of the chamber itself .
At the same time, Jeong Hui-Won stood next to me and spoke . “I’m sorry about that time, Dok-Ja-ssi . ”
I didn’t have to ask her to know what she was apologising for .
“In return, I’ll protect you properly this time . ”
“I trust you . ”
When Yi Hyeon-Seong and Jeong Hui-Won stood on my sides, the threatening air pouring down on me softened by a good deal . I felt reassured with the greatest sword and shield gathered in one place like this .
I scanned the crowd of people lining up on either side of the audience chamber .
On one side, representatives from the revolutionaries .
And on the other, nobles and their flagbearers .
We walked past them and headed straight towards the throne . But, just as we arrived before it, someone among the gathered crowd loudly shouted at us .
“Who is the king?”
Who was the king… .
They were here to get the answer to that burning question .
“Is it like what the rumour said and the Dark Magician is the new queen?”
“Show us the legitimate king!”
“Oh, dear Princes! Tell us the truth!”
The moment I saw their faces, a realisation dawned on me; none of these people were here on their own volition .
It was this world’s Fable that had summoned them here .
[Great Fable, ‘Kaixenix Archipelago’, has bared its animosity . ]
Yu Jung-Hyeok and I looked at Han Su-Yeong simultaneously . She nodded her head and took a step forward .
“I am the new ruler of the Kaixenix Archipelago . ”
The crowd immediately began protesting .
“You dare!”
“Where is the rightful heir of the Kaixenix line?”
“Kill that wench!”
Han Su-Yeong didn’t panic and unsheathed the sword .
“And this sword is the proof of my kingship . ”
[Unbreakable Faith] emitted blindingly pure white light . Several of the crowd recognised the weapon and went down on their knees, but still, the majority were shooting the glares of distrust in our direction .
It was here that Yu Jung-Hyeok stepped forward .
“She is indeed the Archipelago’s new ruler . ”
The expressions of fluster appeared on the faces of First Prince’s supporters after he made that declaration . Vigorous opposition quickly rose up from the revolutionaries .
“But, but, how can that be… . Something like this has never happened before!”
“There’s a first time for everything . ”
“Our family cannot accept this result… . !”
And at last, folks breaking character to voice their opinions made their appearance, too .
“Your choice does not align with our worldview!”
“Our worldview simply wants… . ”
I addressed them with these words . “Your worldview? What could that possibly be?”
The crowd shut their mouths . Without saying anything else, I shifted my gaze above to the message floating in the air .
[Genre of the applicable scenario is ‘Kim Dok-Ja’s Company’ . ]
There was no such genre called ‘Kim Dok-Ja’s Company’ in the world . However, there being none didn’t mean a story couldn’t be told, either .
“<Kim Dok-Ja’s Company> isn’t like any other genre,” Yu Jung-Hyeok spoke up again . “<Kim Dok-Ja’s Company> is simply <Kim Dok-Ja’s Company> . ”
Han Su-Yeong raised [Unbreakable Faith] up high, before stabbing it deeply into the floor .
“Just like how <Kaixenix Archipelago> is simply the <Kaixenix Archipelago> . ”
[Special effect of the Star Relic, ‘Unbreakable Faith’, has activated!]
This sword utilised Ether of three differing attributes .
[Ether attribute is transforming into ‘Fire’ . ]
Pure-white petals of flame rose up from the blade held tight in Han Su-Yeong’s hand . I placed my own on the hilt of the sword .
[Ether attribute ‘Darkness’ has activated in tandem . ]
And Yu Jung-Hyeok’s hand was placed on top of ours .
[Ether attribute ‘Divinity’ has activated in tandem . ]
The three attributes of [Unbreakable Faith], fire, darkness, and light, began burning up at the same time . The Archipelago’s citizens had never witnessed such a miracle before, and they stared at us in wonder .
Han Su-Yeong addressed them . “The king? If you want to become one, come here and give it a shot . That is, if you’re confident of grasping this sword . ”
No one tried to come closer . Everyone gathered here knew the truth already – that the moment their hands touched that brilliant light, their bodies would crumble away like fine dust . Even though the overwhelmed crowd trembled in fear, some still managed to ask us questions .
“All of you, why are you doing this?”
“… . What are you planning to do to this archipelago?”
This was an unprecedented development . And they had grown fearful of this world’s end .
The one who replied to them was Yu Jung-Hyeok . “We didn’t come here to occupy the measly little ‘Kaixenix Archipelago’ . ”
“But, we came here to liberate you all,” I quickly followed that up, and several people began muttering among themselves .
⸢You already know what they mean, don’t you?⸥
Neither Han Su-Yeong, Yu Jung-Hyeok, nor I said those words .
⸢We also can’t repeat the exact same scenario over and over again . ⸥
No, it was Yuri di Aristel who had raised her voice, instead . She had finally realised what the conclusion to this scenario we’ve been wishing for was .
⸢I… plan to journey with these people . ⸥
At Yuri’s words, the crowd formed utterly stunned expressions . However, it wasn’t just her who had made up their minds . I felt my heart beat powerfully all of a sudden, and someone began speaking through my lips next .
⸢If she’s willing to do so, then I shall do the same . ⸥
These words belonged to my host, Fourth Prince Ricardo . Soon afterwards, another voice came out from Yu Jung-Hyeok, as well .
⸢I can’t let my feeble brother go all by himself . ⸥
That was from the First Prince Schweichen . After him, two more voices came from Yi Hyeon-Seong and Jeong Hui-Won’s position .
⸢My sword will accompany you wherever you go, your highness . ⸥
⸢I’ll protect you, your majesty . ⸥
Both Bilston Framer and Erich Striker, too; it wasn’t just Yuri who had been watching our tales until now .
Indeed, the original protagonists of this world also had been watching us .
[Great Fable, ‘Torch that Swallowed the Myth’, is roaring out loudly!]
[Great Fable, ‘Demon World’s Spring’, is looking at this world . ]
“We will participate in the ‘Great War of Saints and Demons’ . ”
Everyone gathered here was looking at <Kim Dok-Ja’s Company> . As the company’s head representative, I addressed them once more . “And we will liberate every person on this island from ‘reincarnation’ . ”
One by one, the crowd began kneeling down . These people, having been playthings of the Great Fable’s scenario for such a long time, were looking at us now .
“Let’s all go together . ”
The world was rocked by an intense vibration as soon as those words came to an end . That was the sound of a world crumbling down . And…
[Great Fable, ‘Kaixenix Archipelago’, is crying out!]
… . It was also the sound of a Great Fable collapsing on itself .
[Great Fable, ‘Kaixenix Archipelago’, is activating its authority to control every citizen in the archipelago!]
The giant story exhausted its own existence to continue its life . Unfortunately, what made a Great Fable a fable was… .
[Every Reincarnator in the Archipelago ‘Kaixenix’ is resisting against the Great Fable’s control . ]
… . . None other than the people in it .
[Worldview has accepted your reply . ]
[You have satisfied the scenario clear condition . ]
[Sub-Scenario: ‘Genre Selection’ has concluded . ]
[Scenario clear reward is being calculated . ]
[The space-time of the applicable scenario’s location is synchronising with that of the ‘Great War of Saints and Demons’ . ]
[Portal to the ‘Great War of Saints and Demons’ has been generated . ]
An enormous portal emitting blinding rays of light was generated in mid-air . It was the doorway leading up to the Great War .
“I’ll go first . ”
Yu Jung-Hyeok was the first to walk inside . Other Reincarnators, finished making up their minds, followed after him and entered the portal’s innards .
Someone even asked me this . “Do you believe we can really do this?”
“I do not know . I can only pray that you can . ”
“How honest . ”
The Reincarnator smiled awkwardly and stepped across the portal .
The waves of people flooded out of here . Han Su-Yeong and I stayed back at the end of the queue and watched them leave .
She opened her lips to speak . “You should go ahead first . ”
Most likely, she still had fond memories of this place . I figured that it’d not be such a bad idea to let her have some alone time to reminisce a bit . But, just before I could step inside the portal, she grabbed me .
“Hey, Kim Dok-Ja . ”
It seemed that she wanted to ask me something . I quietly stared at her for a bit, and eventually, she grandly sighed and waved her hand about .
“Forget it . It’s nothing . ”
“What’s the matter?”
“I said, it’s nothing to worry about . ”
She tried to avoid my gaze while grumbling loudly .
I got worried somewhat and pulled my leg out of the portal with a sigh .
“You can just tell me . We went our separate ways in a similarly meaningful manner the last time, and that’s what’s making me worried here . ”
“It’s nothing major . ”
“Well, in that case, you can tell me no problem, right?”
“… . Aren’t you a persistent one . ”
Han Su-Yeong sighed grandly once more and opened her lips . “In the future… . ” Her gaze fixed to the floor slowly rose up as her words continued on . “In the future when all the scenarios have ended, I may want to get back to writing novels again . ”
It was the first time she looked at me with such serious eyes and that took me by surprise just a little .
Meanwhile, she carried on . “When that happens, read my novel, okay?”
“Your novel?”
She nodded her head . “I’m giving you the opportunity to become its very first reader . ”
“I’m not such a good reader, though . ”
“Don’t be an ass and just read it when I tell you to . ”
“Fine, fine . I’ll definitely read it . ”
I replied good-naturedly .
Well, it’d not be a problem to read her novel . I mean, I liked reading novels, to begin with .
However, she must’ve found my response out of her expectation, because she asked me back to confirm it . “… . For real?”
“Yeah, for real . ”
She stared at me with disbelieving eyes . “But, it might be over three thousand chapters?”
“That’s probably right up my alley, then . ”
“It might be boring, too . ”
“It’s you writing it, so that’s not possible, you know . ”
Han Su-Yeong’s eyes grew wider after hearing my reply .
I felt somewhat embarrassed at myself, so I quickly said something else . “What genre will it be?”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there… . ”
“How about romance?”
“… . How can I milk ‘romance’ for three thousand chapters??”
We shared such light-hearted banter while shifting our gazes back to the portal . That’s where Yi Hyeon-Seong and Jeong Hui-Won walking together could be seen . I sensed this awkwardness in the air between them and it was nice to see that .
“Well, those two might need three thousand chapters, and then some . ”
It was then, nice-sounding messages resounded out from the sky .
[Restriction on indirect messaging has been lifted . ]
[Constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’, is cheering out in happiness!]
[Constellation, ‘Abyssal Dark Flame Dragon’, is enjoying the warm atmosphere!]
[Constellation, ‘Demon-like Judge of Flame’, is freaking out!]
It seemed that, with the conclusion of the scenario, the channel had been reopened again .
[Constellation, ‘Demon-like Judge of Flame’, is shielding her Incarnation . ]
[Constellation, ‘Demon-like Judge of Flame’, is being vigilant of Constellation, ‘Master of Steel’ . ]
[Constellation, ‘Master of Steel’, is feeling wronged . ]
Han Su-Yeong smirked and muttered to herself . “Romance, is it… . ”
She and I stepped across the portal together . I could see the Constellations waiting for our arrival in the distance .
[You’ve come, <Kim Dok-Ja’s Company> . ]
Finally, we reached the opening stages of the ‘Great War of Saints and Demons’ .
<Episode 72: Three methods (5)> Fin .
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