Chapter 882. Epilogue (5)
If it weren't for the timid voice that entered my ears, I would have continued hugging Father Lee Ki-Young.
I turned instinctively and saw a mage wearing a huge hat. Of course, I was familiar with the mage, but she didn't look anxious and uncomfortable like usual. Instead, her eyes contained a fury that seemed capable of sucking just about anything into it.
I stiffened at the sight of her gaze alone.
When Father Lee Ki-Young patted Miss Jung Ha-Yan’s head, it felt like something had been ventilated, but I still couldn’t quite explain nor brush off the fury that I saw in her eyes.
Before I could question it, I saw a woman with a scar on her face grabbing her sword.
It wasn’t just her. Miss Kim Ye-Ri, Mr. Ahn Ki-Mo, Miss Sun Hee-Young, and even Miss Alps looked at me nervously. Miss Hwang Jung-Yeon, who had been quiet all this time, looked like she was channeling a spell.
I finally understood what I was doing.
I lifted my head slowly and saw Father Lee Ki-Young smiling while trembling. It turned out that his body was so weak and fragile that it felt like the weakest force could break it. It was like glass made with care.
In fact, it felt like his wrist could be easily broken.
I felt like I could easily crush him like paper, and I also felt like I could easily smash his head. He was too weak to be called the Son of Light and the God of Sacrifice and Revival.
I blushed when I imagined Father Lee Ki-Young’s face being covered in blood. I don’t know why, but I felt like I was heating up.
‘This is embarrassing.’
I was definitely the only one thinking that way, so I was ashamed of it.
It was even more that I still couldn't understand why they looked so anxious and fearful.
“I-I-I... told you to... g-g-get away...” Jung Ha-Yan stuttered.
“I’m sorry... I—”
“It’s okay, Ha-Yan. It’s fine, everyone. You don’t need to be wary of her. She’s a guest who’s visiting the guild. Cough,” Lee Ki-Young interrupted.
“Hey, hyung-nim. Are you okay?” Park Deok-Gu asked.
“I’m fine. I... Cough. I’m sorry, Miss Belier. Cough,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“Father Lee Ki-Young...” I mumbled.
I spaced out for a moment. Miss Sun Hee-Young immediately went to his side and checked his condition. Father Lee Ki-Young assured her that he was fine, but I saw something red on his hand that was covering his mouth.
“Ah...”
“Sir!”
I trembled and lowered my head. Then, I felt someone looking at me.
‘...’
“...”
I felt like I was a frog in front of a snake. I was finding it hard to breathe.
“Eeeek! I told y-y-you... to get away from him!” Jung Ha-Yan screamed.
“Stop,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“...”
“It’s not her fault, Ha-Yan. I would like all of you to refrain from doing rude things. I simply haven't... fully recovered yet,” Lee Ki-Young explained.
“Will you be okay, Mr. Lee Ki-Young? If you’re not feeling well, how about canceling your schedule?” Sun Hee-Young suggested.
“No, it’s fine, Miss Hee-Young. Ha-Yan, do you mind if I lean on you?” Lee Ki-Young asked.
“What? Ah—yes!” Jung Ha-Yan exclaimed.
“...”
“...”
“Miss Belier, how about we go for a walk?” Lee Ki-Young suggested.
“Well, I’m... more worried about you...” I answered.
“It’s fine. It’s not like a short break will help improve my condition. I’d like to get some fresh air,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“Well... since you said it like that...” I mumbled.
“You guys can go back. I’ll be with Ha-Yan, so you don’t have to worry so much,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“Yes, sir”
“Well... alright,” Park Deok-Gu answered.
“Okay.”
Miss Kim Ye-Ri was the last person to answer, and the noisy room instantly became quiet. I couldn't believe that I'd be able to walk with Father Lee Ki-Young.
I saw him walking slowly while being supported by Miss Jung Ha-Yan.
It hadn't even been that long since I came here, but so many things had already happened. I was crying when I woke up earlier, thinking that I had missed the final interview, but now, I was on a stroll with Father Lee Ki-Young.
I couldn't have imagined that this would happen.
I kind of felt like a sinner, and it was all because, contrary to popular belief...
‘He hasn't recovered yet.’
“O-Oppa... are you okay?” Jung Ha-Yan asked.
“Yeah, thanks for worrying about me, Ha-Yan,” Lee Ki-Young replied.
“L-Let me know if you’re struggling,” Jung Ha-Yan stuttered.
“Okay," Lee Ki-Young replied. He looked lonely, even though he was walking with Jung Ha-Yan, and I felt uncomfortable because it felt like I was seeing Father Lee Ki-Young’s true self.
That was when Father Lee Ki-Young turned slightly and said, “You must be shocked, Miss Belier. I'm sorry about that.”
“It’s fine, Father Lee Ki-Young. It’s... because of me...” I said.
“Haha... Don’t think that way. This happens often. It’s just...” Lee Ki-Young trailed off.
“Yes?”
“I would appreciate it if you don't tell anyone about whatever happened in the guild house today,” Lee Ki-Young requested.
“Of course!” I replied.
“Don't be too surprised if Miss Kim Mi-Young ends up visiting you. It’s not because we don’t trust you. She’s just very thorough when it comes to work... Haha... She might visit you with a contract in hand, or it might be Miss Hye-Jin,” Lee Ki-Young explained.
“Miss Jo Hye-Jin...” I mumbled.
“Come to think of it... you must've met her during the entrance exam,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“I did. She taught me many things, and I also received a lot of help from Miss Elena. I was badly injured, and Miss Elena immediately—” I cut myself off.
“...”
“A-Also, you don’t have to worry about that. If you want... you can cast a spell that will ensure that I'm not going to say anything,” I told him.
I was sure he wanted to hide his true condition from the public, as he only wanted to show everyone that he was healthy. If this truth were to get out, the entire continent would fall into chaos. Any news about Father Lee Ki-Young affected not only the economy and politics but the civilians as well.
“We don’t need to go that far,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“Still...”
“How was it?” Lee Ki-Young asked.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“The Blue Guild,” Lee Ki-Young explained.
“Ah, I think it’s a nice place. I don't even have to talk about how great the facilities are. There were some things that were different from what I had imagined, but the guild members were really nice.
"They were kind... I thought I would have a hard time getting along with them, but I didn’t feel that at all. Miss Han Sora, Miss Kim Ye-Ri... and Miss Sun Hee-Young,” I responded.
“I’m really happy to hear that,” Lee Ki-Young commented.
“You guys were like a family, and it’s very rare to see that in a place like this. Since the Blue Guild is one of the three major guilds, I thought this place would be a bit more business-like and serious,” I added.
“...”
“It was so different from what I had imagined... so my desire to join the Blue Guild has intensified. I could tell that everyone really cared about each other... Everyone seemed to enjoy each other’s company...” I said.
“Is that right?” Lee Ki-Young asked.
I stopped talking when he smiled quietly because it felt like he was genuinely asking what the people I met were like and what the continent I experienced was like.
Of course, I met many great people, but it wasn’t always the case.
I had experienced a ton of malice and many absurd situations. There were also times when I was treated unfairly for no reason. Of course, there were times when I had to fight, even though I didn’t want to do so. I had even harmed people myself.
Life on the continent was like that.
People would hurt each other over and over again for rights, their pride, malice, and for the sake of their own profits. I matured while living in that kind of environment, which was perhaps why I wanted to join them.
They were willing to sacrifice for each other. They were willing to abandon the things they possessed as if they were nothing. Most importantly, they cared a lot for each other.
“So...”
“I had fun as well,” I told him.
“Ah...”
He looked really happy.
“Each time I wake up, I think about how lucky I am to be with the people I love,” Lee Ki-Young said.
The way Miss Jung Ha-Yan hugged him tightly caught my attention, and Father Lee Ki-Young placed his hand on Jung Ha-Yan's shoulder as he added, “It’s really nice to be able to be with people you can rely on and share your feelings with."
Father Lee Ki-Young smiled warmly as he looked at Lindel.
I followed him and saw the sun setting slowly in the distance.
Lindel—bathed in red—looked more beautiful than ever.
I saw children playing in the square, couples walking around while holding hands, workers going home for the day, merchants spending an ordinary day, bards singing songs, praying priests, and adventurers having a drink.
The city was lively.
I also saw Miss Dialugia, and my jaw dropped when I saw her sitting in the setting sun.
That was probably what Father Lee Ki-Young meant.
Lindel—Father Lee Ki-Young's beloved city—was a city he could rely on and share his feelings with.
“I’m sure everyone feels the same way,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“I see,” I said.
“Although this sounds ridiculous, everyone in this city—no, on this continent are all sons and daughters of Goddess Benigoa... I’m sure everyone exists to comfort and care for each other,” Lee Ki-Young added.
'Really?'
“Obviously, I know the world isn’t that beautiful,” Lee Ki-Young said.
My face turned red because it seemed like he had seen through my thoughts.
I looked at the sunset again, and the sight wasn’t any different from before.
“That’s probably why I’m trying,” Lee Ki-Young said.
“...”
“Starting from those closest to me. I’m trying to change the world into a place where everyone thinks of each other as family,” Lee Ki-Young added.
Father Lee Ki-Young stared into the distance. I followed his gaze and saw a figure walking slowly beyond the sunset.
The person was holding a paper bag filled with bread, and their other hand was holding many items.
The sunset fit them very well. When they looked outside the window, Father Lee Ki-Young waved at them. The distant figure was overjoyed, as if they had just obtained everything that they wanted to obtain. After putting the items in their hands, they waved with both arms like a child toward Father Lee Ki-Young.
I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
“Mr. Ki-Young!”
Father Lee Ki-Young waved and placed his hand on his chin before smiling.
Miss Jung Ha-Yan started waving at them.
‘They really are like a family.’
Honestly, I still couldn’t tell what Father Lee Ki-Young was thinking.
I had an idea, but it felt like there was a big picture unknown to me.
“A place where everyone lives for each other and considers everyone as family,” Lee Ki-Young said.
'Perhaps I'm overthinking it...'
I had no idea where I had gotten this courage from, but...
“Father Lee Ki-Young...” I trailed off.
“...”
Could I be like him? I was lacking, but could I help make the guild, Lindel, and the continent into a better place? Would I be able to cherish and love people like him?
Could I become someone capable of sacrificing myself for others? Would I be able to fight for values that couldn't be seen with the naked eye rather than for my own profits?
Could I do that like what Father Lee Ki-Young and his guild members had been doing all this while?
“C-Can I become a part of your family?” I asked.
“...”
“...”
Moments later, Father Lee Ki-Young nodded at me and answered, “Welcome to the Blue Guld, Miss Belier."
The smile of the Son of Light—the smile of the one who had sacrificed everything for the continent—the smile of the God of Sacrifice and Revival—Father Lee Ki-Young's smile was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen.
“Thank you!” I exclaimed in delight.