470

 [Chapter 132]

[To Pluck the Flower]

The top clan in the country.

There were reasons why Zenith Clan came to be called by that name after the establishment of the Fairy Government.

In that era when <End of Century Destruction> broke out and the world was in chaos from monsters and people's malice.

<Divine Spear> Nam Gung Seong-un formed a group like a city vigilante with like-minded people, advocating chivalry.

That was the predecessor of Zenith Clan.

Eventually, <Iron Fortress> Moon Jun, who obtained command authority of the Mana Management Organization, proposes that they officially establish a clan to protect the country.

In other words, it could be said that the Mana Management Organization was involved in the establishment of Zenith Clan.

Therefore, it could be said that the banner initially raised by Zenith Clan, which had <Divine Spear> as a member, was influenced by the Mana Management Organization.

One, set the world right.

So that people can live like people, and not receive unfair treatment.

One, stabilize the world.

So that people no longer live under the threat of monsters.

Drive monsters out of this land.

"—Chairman Choi Jeong-hoon has arrived."

"...I don't recall giving permission to enter. I believe I didn't even set an appointment."

"I apologize. We will correct this in the future."

"..."

"I'm sorry about this. I think I pressured these people too much because I was in a hurry. They must have had their own work... I hope the Fairy will forgive them for my sake."

"...Get out."

""Yes!!""

Therefore, the ultimate ideal that <Iron Fortress> Moon Jun and Nam Gung Seong-un hoped for Zenith Clan culminates in the existence of a fairy.

Like other countries, they firmly believed that someday a person with the power of <White Silver> would appear in this country too.

And to prepare for that day, they prepared people who would become the fairy's sword even at the cost of their lives.

So Zenith Clan's reason for existence was to exist for the fairy.

As it was to be a sword used by the fairy, the Mana Management Organization and Living Myths provided various support to make Zenith Clan the top clan in the country.

"So what brings you here?"

"What brings me here... I have something I want to say to the Fairy. It's a very important matter, so I'd like you to send the people away."

"Just say it here."

"Is that really alright?"

"..."

"The Nine-Tailed Fox has been subjugated, and dungeons have appeared all over the country. You said you would hand over the rights to conquer the remaining dungeons to the private sector, except for a few specific dungeons."

"...And?"

"But according to rumors I've heard, you're going to hand that over to the Misty Flower Party and other clans through the Mana Management Organization."

"Did you come to see me just based on rumors? Do you think I can't distinguish between public and private..."

"Zenith was among those clans too."

"...!"

"Shall we continue talking like this?"

"...Everyone please step outside for a moment."

Zenith Clan became the fairy's sword.

But Zenith Clan's character gradually faded.

As the Fairy Government repeatedly faltered, Zenith Clan eventually loses its position as the top clan in the country to Changhae Clan.

And Choi Jeong-hoon, who became chairman of Galaxy Group and officially entered the world, finally touches Zenith Clan's sponsorship, even going against his great-grandfather's will.

Unlike the Mana Management Organization which reduced sponsorship, he substantially increased the scale of sponsorship, essentially taking Zenith Clan into his hands.

"I understand the Fairy's heart completely. Do you think I don't understand your intention to prepare a foothold for your comeback through the Misty Flower Party and Zenith Clan? I understand."

"..."

"So you tried to proceed without my knowledge."

"..."

"But unfortunately, it didn't work out. An insider told me. About the plan you and player Ji Yong-hyun prepared."

"...Ugh..."

"It seems you somehow managed to contact him while avoiding Ga-in's eyes... But unfortunately, there are many eyes around."

Galaxy Group Chairman Choi Jeong-hoon.

He who had now amassed power that no other group could oppose visited the Fairy's office in a rude manner.

2nd Fairy Ha Baek-ryeon couldn't get too angry at his rudeness.

Even the guards who were supposed to protect her recognized him as their master.

"I'm thinking of sending player Ji Yong-hyun to Jeju Island. I think it would be better for him to recuperate in Jeju Island given his age."

"..."

"And I'm thinking of appointing another player as clan lord in place of Ji Yong-hyun."

"Who..."

"Are you curious?"

As if asking what she could do even if she knew.

Choi Jeong-hoon asked as if finding it strange.

Ha Baek-ryeon couldn't say anything.

There was no need to ask.

The person who would become Zenith's clan lord would surely be someone Choi Jeong-hoon had influenced.

In other words—

"It must be very difficult for you. The groups keep trying to assert themselves because you're young, and it's the same with government personnel."

"..."

"The Mana Management Organization has lost the authority to manage players since the Evil Woman's Judgment."

"..."

"The Twelve Seats who have to reflect the interests of clans can't move easily either, and most are acting independently, free from government influence."

"..."

"And now Zenith Clan says they'll take an independent line too."

—Ha Baek-ryeon had lost all authority.

She who had tried to break free from those trying to suppress her had been completely caught by them.

"Which clan should the Fairy rely on when pyeonjae breaks out in the future? What can you do when disasters and calamities occur?"

"..."

"You should have just lived with what you had. Why did you try to struggle like that Im Ga-eul person? I was trying to preserve your pride by not touching Zenith Clan at least..."

"..."

"You brought this upon yourself. You should have just done as your subordinates told you since you're young."

"...Ugh..."

He approached Ha Baek-ryeon who was sitting trembling.

There was no respect for the head of state in his actions as he stood next to her.

As if petting a puppy.

He stroked her head.

Then he kneels on the floor while holding her two hands.

Naturally, she twisted her body in the chair to look down at him.

"—Take my hands."

Choi Jeong-hoon released his hands.

He held out both hands to her with tears welling up in his eyes.

Ha Baek-ryeon's eyes shook.

"Say you need help."

"..."

"Say you'll rely on me from now on like before."

Choi Jeong-hoon's intention was clear.

Ha Baek-ryeon who grasped his intention showed signs of constant conflict.

But now that she was completely bound hand and foot, there were no options left for her.

She places her hands on top of his hands. She bows her head and mutters softly.

"...ease..."

"That's enough. We will always be on the Fairy's side."

He raised the corners of his mouth as if satisfied with just that.

☆

Meanwhile, at that time.

No Eunha, who had come to Ha Baek-ryeon's office balcony avoiding people's eyes, couldn't do anything.

He could only calmly listen to the sounds leaking from inside.

He couldn't overturn the situation.

Because he knew Ha Baek-ryeon's choice was the best option.

"..."

Ha Baek-ryeon had now lost all her swords.

There was still one sword left.

The sword called Misty Flower Party that was unwelcome to everyone.

If she still harbored thoughts of escaping from the current situation.

Then she had to wield that sword to create achievements that everyone in the world would recognize.

"...I have no choice."

There's no choice.

No choice but to somehow make achievements.

No Eunha clenched his fists.

☆

The 12th year of Fairy Power, the second semester began.

Those who returned after summer vacation were spending busy times adjusting their daily lives to the academy.

And just as they were starting to adapt.

The time for the cultural festival arrived.

"—Don't you feel so good these days? I never knew academy life could be this fun. I wake up early every morning to run, but I can't help feeling good!"

"Oh, really?"

"And I get to eat lunch with you like this sometimes. It's so nice."

Recently, students were enthusiastically preparing for the cultural festival.

Fortunately, high school academy students didn't all have to participate in the cultural festival since there were so many of them.

Of course, if you didn't participate, you had less opportunity to show yourself to people coming from outside to evaluate students' skills.

Eunha didn't care much.

Most other kids are participating in the cultural festival, I hear.

It seems some are even participating in the comprehensive division competition...

Currently, his friends were busy moving around preparing for the cultural festival.

It seems they're so busy they can't even eat lunch together.

In the case of Mok Min-ho, Choi Eun-hyuk, and Jin Pa-rang, they were even participating in the comprehensive division competition that could be entered from high school academy.

Of course, Eunha had no intention of entering the comprehensive division competition.

"But Eunha, aren't you entering the comprehensive division competition? I heard Taeyang is entering the comprehensive division competition this time."

"...I'm not intere— No—"

As a result, Eunha had more free time compared to his friends.

So he used this time to invite Choi Ga-in, who was in a similar situation as him, to have lunch.

Galaxy Group's direct descendant, Choi Ga-in.

She readily accepted.

Eunha was already eating lunch with her for the umpteenth time.

The reason was obvious.

"—I heard you're not entering the comprehensive division competition either, Ga-in. I also heard the kids you're usually with will be entering the comprehensive division competition, is that right?"

"That's right! How did you know that? Did Jin Seona or Jung Hayang tip you off? You can just come ask me directly from now on if you want. Our relationship... isn't that bad, right?"

"...Oh, that's right."

Choi Ga-in acting coy and flirting while eating lunch.

Eunha dealt with her while suppressing his annoyance as much as possible.

Then he glanced at her wrist.

Moon's Blessing was still bound to Choi Ga-in's wrist.

That was the reason Eunha was approaching her as the second semester began.

"So what's your reason for not participating in the comprehensive division competition, Eunha?"

"—There won't be anyone around you then, so you'd be bored alone, right?"

"..."

"So I thought I'd watch the comprehensive division competition with you."

It feels like his tongue is coated in oil.

Eunha turned his eyes away from Choi Ga-in who had turned red, enduring the cringeworthy feeling.

He threw away his eyes.

"W-What!? Are you asking me out on a date right now!?"

And he threw away his ears too.

Eunha decided to just finish his meal without answering her question.

He directs his gaze to the food while somehow avoiding her eyes.

But to Choi Ga-in's eyes, that—

"—Are you being shy right now? Aw, I didn't know you had that side to you too."

Eunha choked and coughed.

Eunha who hurriedly drank water smoothed over the situation with an awkward smile.

Sometimes silence becomes affirmation.

Eunha was able to gain her goodwill just by staying still.

How long do I have to keep doing this...

Eunha secretly sighed.

Moon's Blessing bound to Choi Ga-in. The easiest way to obtain it was to kill her.

But Choi Ga-in was a person who shouldn't be killed.

Choi Ga-in is the one who can keep Choi Jeong-hoon in check.

Just by her staying put, she can lower Galaxy Group's influence and divide Choi Jeong-hoon's attention.

Rascal Choi Ga-in.

Genius Choi Jeong-hoon.

The half-siblings who only shared a father had completely different personalities.

As a result, when the two siblings got involved in group management, Galaxy Group went through many storms.

Although Choi Jeong-hoon was capable enough to clean up all the messes Choi Ga-in made.

Eunha judged that he could prevent Galaxy Group's dominance by keeping Choi Ga-in alive.

Moreover, she's Galaxy Group's direct descendant.

I can't kill her recklessly, and if I kill her I have to do it avoiding people's eyes.

It would be good if there was a suitable situation, but it's difficult unless we go to a dungeon.

Next year, the final evaluation will be held in the red dungeon academy.

Unless I kill her then, there's no suitable opportunity right now.

On the other hand, the longer she remained in the future, the more advantageous it was for him.

Moreover, in this life, Choi Ga-in strangely harbored goodwill towards him.

So he uses her feelings. That was the background for how Eunha could easily build a friendship with her.

"So do you like it or not?"

"Of course I like it!"

"But there really won't be anyone left by your side then, right?"

"Are you worried I might hang out with them? You don't have to worry about that too much. I'm not that tactless."

"...Really?"

"I'll make up some excuse to drive away the kids following me. I want to watch just the two of us too, you know?"

The bean paste is acting coy.

Eunha ignored the bean paste's aegyo while asking her for confirmation again.

Soon after receiving a definite answer from her, he raised the corners of his mouth.

—So that's what you're saying.

He was about to laugh.

Eunha bowed his head deeply to somehow hold back his laughter.

Then now his shoulders were starting to shake.

This won't do.

He needs to calm down.

Eunha found his composure as much as possible and looked at Choi Ga-in who was excited to be alone with him.

"—Then do you want to go watch the fireworks after the comprehensive division competition ends?"

"...!"

"You don't want to?"

"No, I want to! I, I know about it too! The legend about the academy fireworks!"

"...What are you talking about? Anyway, you're saying you want to, right?"

"I want to! I really want to! Let's definitely go watch!"

Choi Ga-in's cheekbones rise.

Eunha smiled as he watched the delighted Choi Ga-in.

A smile naturally emerged.

Seeing Choi Ga-in smile happily, it should be okay to shake his shoulders now.

Eunha shook his shoulders repeatedly.

He burst out the laughter he had been holding in.

"I'm really looking forward to it then! Right?"

"Yeah. I'm really looking forward to it."

Whatever she's imagining.

Eunha humored her while waiting for the cultural festival to come quickly.

This was the only time.

When people's attention is divided as people come from outside.

And when the students usually around her are absent.

I have no intention of watching fireworks with you.

Because I'll obtain it before then.

When the comprehensive division competition ends.

When fireworks rise in the night sky.

When people's attention is directed to the night sky, I'll take Moon's Blessing.

And she will wake from a long sleep and become a puppet to bring down Galaxy Group, captivated by the illusion I show her.

Galaxy Group's power can't grow.

I need to empower Sirius Group which can be Galaxy Group's counterweight, and drop the poison called Choi Ga-in.

I won't watch

I will never again see Ha Baek-ryeon being manipulated by the Galaxy Group.

Eunha swore, clenching her fists under the table.

☆

"Aren't Eunha and Gain hanging out together too often these days?"

"It seems like there's something between the two of them…."

"Ga-in is telling everyone that Eunha is her crush, but that can't be true, right?" "Hey, Eunha hasn't shown any interest in Ga-in up until now, so how could that happen?"

"But Gain is part of the Galaxy Group. So if you marry Gain, you won't get a share of Galaxy, right?"

"How many engagements are still coming in for Eunha!? Aren't you trying to stop them by getting engaged to Choi Ga-in?" """"Hey, no way... .""""

"I thought Seolma was catching people…."

""""… … .""""

"…Isn't that true?"

From the beginning of the second semester.

Students occasionally witnessed Eunha spending time with Choi Ga-in.

It was only natural that groundless rumors swept through the Academy in an instant.

However, rumors are something that the parties involved are unaware of.