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[Chapter 177]

[The Period of Reconstruction (6)]

<Great Tree> Seon Gijun became a Twelve Seat.

The funny thing was that he himself didn't know he would become a Twelve Seat.

[Eunha, I'm grateful you pushed for me, but it doesn't seem like a position that suits me...]

"Someone like you, Uncle, should be there. In a world where even someone like <Yeonma > is a Twelve Seat, what's the problem?"

[Don't put me on the same level as <Yeonma >! Anyway... What's going on? I'm still dazed.]

The day Seon Gijun was announced as a Twelve Seat.

He called Eunha after being photographed going to work at Donghae Clan after drinking at a colleague Guardian's house.

Apparently, Seon Gijun wasn't completely unaware of being nominated as a Twelve Seat candidate.

He had heard from the Donghae Clan Lord that Donghae Clan had recommended him as a Twelve Seat candidate.

But he didn't know he would become a Twelve Seat.

[─I didn't know I would become one. I'm sorry to the Donghae Clan Lord, but there are many more impressive people than me, and since <One-Man Fortress> was likely, I thought it wasn't my business.]

"It was like that at first, but somehow you were unanimously selected."

[I heard. I also heard the reason I was unanimously selected was because of what you said. What? Deep-rooted tree? Even so, aren't you praising me too much? What did I... Just let <One-Man Fortress> become a Twelve Seat. Eunha, I'm a person who's overwhelmed just protecting Miyae. To protect the country...]

"So are you going to resign?"

[Ugh...]

Meanwhile, he kept whining.

To this, Eunha, who was on the phone with Seon Gijun, asked bluntly.

Seon Gijun grunted.

While whining, he couldn't actually say he would quit.

Eunha smiled slightly.

Although he was undervalued in the previous life, his leadership ability and skills are reliable.

Moreover, in this life he's receiving full support from Donghae Clan, and he seems to be more specialized in defense ability than aggro management ability.

There's no one more suitable than Seon Gijun.

That was Eunha's judgment.

So Eunha told him how well he suited being a Twelve Seat to boost his morale.

While saying not to flatter him, Seon Gijun ended up laughing.

[Okay, I got it. I'll try it for now. Since people support me so much, I can't say I can't do it. It would be embarrassing to Miyae too...]

"Ah, come to think of it, what did Miyae say? Miyae must know you became a Twelve Seat too."

[Of course she knows. I heard from Miyae this morning asking what happened. It seems the Academy is in an uproar now. That was nice. Thanks to that, our Miyae's spirit is... Huh?]

"What's wrong?"

In the middle of the phone call.

Suddenly Seon Gijun made a deflating sound.

Eunha tilted his head.

Seon Gijun's voice gradually lowered.

[I just got a Pine Talk... It seems Miyae saw an article about me going to work from a colleague's house today.]

"That's why you should drink less..."

[...Miyae is calling. I'm dead. Okay, Eunha, I'll contact you later.]

"Yes, Uncle. I hope you survive."

The phone hung up with a click.

Even Seon Gijun, who blocked Yekyung's bombardment, seemed scared of his daughter.

Eunha chuckled.

"It's fortunate it's Uncle Gijun. The balance of power won't tilt to one side now."

After finishing the phone call, Eunha leaned back in his office chair.

On one side of the office desk was a large fruit basket and several gifts.

Not only him, but all clan members received similar gifts today.

They were sent by Donghae Clan.

From Donghae Clan's perspective, they must be grateful.

They probably had given up internally because their lobbying ability fell short, but I suddenly provided support.

There was also a message in the gift sent to him.

It was a message from the Donghae Clan Lord.

To summarize, it said Donghae Clan wants to maintain friendly relations with Pandora Clan in the future.

That wasn't my intention, but...

It's good to gain Donghae Clan's goodwill.

Even without that, we'll probably have an awkward relationship with KK Clan because of the Chu Yeonghun issue, so it's good if Donghae Clan becomes a breakwater.

KK and Donghae don't get along.

But unlike the previous life, KK had the upper hand in this life.

However, with Seon Gijun becoming a Twelve Seat.

The balance will be restored.

It was a desirable result.

☆

On Taeyeong died.

Hearing directly from Noh Eunha.

He said that he and On Taeyeong had a life-and-death battle when monsters invaded Gangbuk, and On Taeyeong died because of that.

'I... see...'

On Taehee couldn't understand with what feelings he had come to find her then.

Eunha just kept his head down, not looking at her, and.

She just murmured like that.

That was the end.

I don't... know.

I don't know.

That was On Taehee's impression.

For her, who only had On Taeyeong left as family after losing her mother, it should have been shocking.

But she didn't feel any particular emotion.

Just, I see.

She even had such thoughts.

Why am I not sad?

It was strange even to herself.

Because she had thought she would be sad if On Taeyeong died.

But she didn't shed any tears and just calmly sent Eunha away that day, without showing any particular reaction.

Perhaps─.

─Maybe I thought this might happen... Maybe I had such thoughts.

Such a thought suddenly occurred to her.

She thought that maybe she had been prepared for this since her mother passed away.

So her sadness was less.

On Taehee came to that conclusion.

Above all─.

─My brother died.

But my daily life hasn't changed at all.

Rather... it's more fulfilling.

On Taeyeong's death had no effect on her daily life.

When her mother passed away, she would often cry and couldn't eat properly.

But how was it after hearing about On Taeyeong's death?

There was no change.

Food went down well, and she slept well.

Recently, she even went out to help with reconstruction work as part of middle school classes.

Chattering with strangers and using her body so much that she fell asleep as soon as she got home felt refreshing.

Come to think of it, since my brother entered the Academy, I've been living mostly alone.

After mom passed away, I hardly ever met my brother...

Thinking about it, it had been quite a long time since she spent time with On Taeyeong.

The time not spent together made emotions colorless.

Now, she had become able to live happily without relying on On Taeyeong.

However─.

"─Brother, I'm here."

It's not that she completely forgot On Taeyeong.

She just buried him in a corner of her heart.

On Taehee, who was living her daily life diligently, suddenly thought of On Taeyeong and visited the columbarium where he was enshrined.

She didn't come alone.

Noh Eunha and Jo Ara came together.

"Taehee, Ara. I'll wait outside as usual."

"Okay, I got it. I'll finish quickly and come out. You'll be bored waiting for us."

"I'll just look around nearby and time will pass quickly. Don't worry about me."

"Brother, then I'll call you later."

Father and Mother.

On Taeyeong was enshrined together with his parents.

Thanks to Luminous Group's consideration, the family could enter the largest and widest place in the columbarium.

On Taehee smiled faintly following the people in the photos.

Eunha briefly looked at On Taeyeong's photo and left, probably thinking it wasn't his place to be.

"It's fortunate he's with his parents at least. The photo came out really well."

"Right? Brother always came out well in photos."

On Taeyeong in the photo is smiling brightly.

Jo Ara, who had been looking gloomy occasionally until coming to the columbarium, seemed relieved at last.

Her face relaxed too.

""..."

Soon the two prayed.

They prayed for On Taeyeong's repose.

Honestly, I'm not sure what kind of person my brother was. I don't understand well.

On Taehee recalled memories.

When he was young, On Taeyeong was brave, and often followed her and Jo Ara around playing.

To her, On Taeyeong was a source of pride.

However, after their mother collapsed, On Taeyeong became responsible for the family.

That put pressure on him, and eventually On Taeyeong who couldn't bear the pressure would secretly hit her.

Nevertheless, On Taehee understood him, and to her at that time, he was the head of the family she had to rely on while being afraid.

And On Taeyeong went to the Academy.

Memories were cut off from there.

After that, to her, On Taeyeong─.

─I'm not sure.

Became someone she couldn't understand.

What On Taeyeong was thinking.

She couldn't guess at all.

It was a disconnection.

Are she and On Taeyeong really family?

Can they be called family just because it's written on documents?

When they're living without even seeing each other's faces.

Three years of high school Academy.

And several months after graduation.

That consumed her thoughts.

It may be a story everyone goes through, and an unavoidable story, but it's undoubtedly what makes On Taeyeong's death feel indifferent.

Nevertheless, she earnestly wished.

"I hope you live happily with mom and dad in the afterlife. I... will live happily for your share too."

On Taehee finished praying.

She smiled brightly one last time.

Then she turned around.

Jo Ara, who had already finished praying, was waiting for her behind.

"Taehee, let's go now. Eunha will be waiting outside."

"Okay, unni."

Jo Ara called.

On Taehee moved her feet.

The two who came out of the columbarium found Eunha looking up at a tree on one side.

He sensed their presence and welcomed the two.

"Is it over?"

"Yeah, we finished. Eunha, you... really don't want to go inside?"

"It's awkward for me to go... On Taeyeong didn't like me. If I go, he'll obviously get angry... It's enough that you went instead."

"You're so... mature. But don't hold it in when you're having a hard time too. What's the point of having friends? Okay?"

"I'm having a hard time. Will you carry me to the clan headquarters?"

"You bastard! Do you have to make jokes when someone's talking seriously!?"

"Can a Clan Lord say he's having a hard time to clan members? I'll just appreciate the thought. Thanks."

"...Don't put your hand on my head. You're messing up my styling."

Jo Ara who ran to Eunha.

On Taehee burst into laughter seeing the two bickering.

It's strange.

Ara unni didn't show this kind of face to our brother...

Jo Ara's gaze was profound.

Admiration, trust, reliance, worry, and so on.

On Taehee was newly surprised to see eyes she hadn't seen in Jo Ara who used to look at On Taeyeong.

And she understood too.

Because she was the same.

At that moment─.

"─Come to think of it, Taehee will be a high school student next year. Have you decided which high school you'll go to next year?"

"Ah."

Eunha, who was busy poking each other with Jo Ara, suddenly spoke up.

On Taehee, who had been laughing watching the two's playfulness, blinked her eyes.

Then she nodded.

"Yes, I decided to enter the Player Academy."

""What?""

On Taehee confessed her career path.

Eunha and Jo Ara asked again as if they hadn't expected it.

On Taehee put both hands behind her back.

She continued speaking with a grin.

"Originally I was thinking of going to high school... and if studying suited me, going all the way to university, and after graduating university, entering a Luminous Group affiliate..."

""..."

"But seeing players fighting hard during this calamity, I thought I wanted to become someone who could help others like them. While participating in reconstruction work as part of school classes... I also became more eager to become a player."

The two probably wouldn't understand.

In fact, she herself was the same.

If it was her a year ago, she would have thought she was really crazy.

But experiencing the calamity dramatically changed her thoughts.

"So I'm going to take the high school Academy entrance exam this year."

"I see... If that's what you want to do, Taehee, what can we do? Work hard. I'll cheer for you."

"If there's anything you don't know, tell us! As Academy seniors, we'll explain in detail!"

"Yes! Thank you, oppa, unni!"

Soon the two cheered for her.

On Taehee expressed her gratitude.

She's not sure if she can really become a player.

You don't know until you try.

But she wants to do it, wants to try it.

And by doing so─.

"─If I become a player, I'll join Pandora Clan as a Navigator! When I visited the clan headquarters last time, Hayang unni said she was having a hard time because there weren't enough Navigators! I'm going to help Hayang unni with her work!"

"Uh... I can't really recommend that, just go and find what suits you."

"That's right, Taehee. You might find out what it means to have your lifespan shaved..."

"Hey, why do you always have to say things like that..."

"Well, who told you to make Hayang do all the work? I just told the truth."

"It's okay! I can do well! Hayang unni recommended it too!"

She lives a life for herself.

She was happy just thinking about the future.

☆

Sadang Station Pandora Clan Headquarters 9th floor.

The first thing that caught Eunha's eye when he came up to the records room was the sight of all kinds of documents strewn about.

I can feel the clan members' hardships.

This is the state as soon as you enter the room.

Eunha was reminded of the clan members who must be suffering from heavy workloads.

He carefully went inside so as not to step on the documents.

"Everyone, how's the work going..."

"Oh, the evil boss is here."

"What do you mean evil boss, evil boss."

"Can you say that seeing me like this?"

"Ugh..."

The first person Eunha met was Jin Seona.

Documents piled high on the desk.

She poked her head out from there and immediately mocked Eunha upon seeing him.

Eunha couldn't refute.

He could tell at a glance that Jin Seona was living buried in work.

"Still, hang in there. Once this is finished, there won't be much work left, right? Just endure a little more."

"Ugh... I could say that too. Instead of saying that, why don't you come here and work with me? There's an empty seat here."

"Clan Lords don't usually do that kind of thing. You guys should do this."

"You really are an evil boss. Why did I follow you and join the clan..."

"By the way, where are the idiot hyung and Ariel? They should be here but I don't see them."

Jin Seona trembles.

Eunha tries to comfort her while changing the subject.

Jin Parang and Ariel weren't visible.

It was strange that the two people who should be organizing documents weren't around, especially when they were short-handed.

To this, Jin Seona said─.

"─I sent them both out. Parang oppa isn't helpful with this kind of work, so I just told him to go dungeon raiding with Eunhyuk's party."

"What about Ariel?"

"Do you think Riel would be suited for this kind of work?"

"Wouldn't it be better than nothing?"

"I thought that too and assigned her work, but she just made more of a mess of the documents so I chased her out. She probably went to do reconstruction work."

"So it's just you and Hayang here?"

"No. There are people helping."

Jin Seona swishes her fox tail.

She shrugs and points behind her.

Eunha raises his head.

"Ah."

"You can see Ubi unni, Namhun oppa, and Changjin oppa helping, right?"

They weren't visible because they were behind the bookshelves.

The three were in the middle of inserting files into the bookshelves.

Their faces poking out from behind the bookshelves looked extremely haggard.

"Uh, Eunha. You came? Can you help..."

"Yeah, work hard."

Eunha expressed his condolences to Han Changjin.

It seemed he was being worked by Seona now after being caught by Euna not long ago.

"Hey... You come help too."

"Eunha, hello..."

The other two looked pitiful too.

Yeowoobi gestured to Eunha saying her body ached all over.

Yoo Namhun gave a bitter smile.

Of course, Eunha ignored them.

He'd be put to work if he made eye contact.

There's an old saying.

Even if bitten by Jin Seona, you can survive if you keep your wits about you.

Eunha decided to keep his wits sharp.

"Subin is probably lying down over there. She said she was going to take a quick nap... It's about time to wake her up. Why don't you go wake her up, Eunha, since you have nothing to do."

"Who knows if I'll be bound by Subin's magic like last time? It's no use trying to sneakily catch me."

"Tch."

"Where's Hayang?"

"Your fiancée should be in that room. Now that I look, you came to see Hayang?"

"Who else would I have come to see."

"I thought you came to see me. Fine, go, go. Tch, so stingy."

The fox waves her hand shooing him away.

Eunha, having safely escaped her clutches, entered the innermost room.

It was Jeong Hayang's office.

"Hayang."

"Ah, Eunha. Welcome."

Jeong Hayang, who had been engrossed in work.

She paused her work and welcomed Eunha.

Eunha approached Jeong Hayang and massaged her shoulders.

Jeong Hayang entrusted her body to him.

"Ah, that feels good. I think I'll live."

"It must be tiring working. How is it? Is the work going well?"

"There's not much left now. I think I can finish by tomorrow."

Jeong Hayang tilts her head back.

Knowing what she wanted, Eunha lowered his head.

A very brief moment of sharing emotions.

The two who made eye contact burst into laughter.

Soon Eunha's gaze went to her hand.

"You're wearing it."

"Yeah, I am. Isn't it pretty?"

"Yeah, it's pretty."

It was the ring Eunha had gifted her recently.

It was the reason she wasn't complaining even though she was buried in work.

Soon Eunha shifted his gaze to the monitor screen she had been working on.

"What were you writing?"

"A report on the Baek Myeonsang you subjugated in Uijeongbu. The Fairy Government requested detailed information to gather data on Uijeongbu."

"Ah, I see."

Eunha plonked his chin on Jeong Hayang's head.

She explained in that state.

Well, from the Fairy Government's perspective, it must have been shocking that the subjugated Baek Myeonsang was actually alive.

And it must have been surprising that a small number of people took down a 3rd tier overrank monster...

Eunha recalled what happened not long after returning from Uijeongbu.

When he handed over Baek Myeonsang's mana stone to the Fairy, she was dumbfounded.

Not only bringing back the cocoon.

She had reason to be, since he had confirmed the life and death of the 3rd tier overrank Baek Myeonsang and even subjugated it.

"Ah, Eunha. And you can take the skill stone now. The analysis is finished, so I've already updated the skill stone information in the library."

Then Jeong Hayang opened a drawer.

She returned Baek Myeonsang's skill stone that he had entrusted to her recently.

"Has it been confirmed what kind of skill stone it is?"

"No... It seems we won't know until it's absorbed. Even Teacher said he wasn't sure."

"So we won't know until we try it. Then there's no choice."

According to Mana Management Organization principles, all players are required to report spoils obtained from subjugating high-tier monsters.

It was to accumulate information.

That's why Jeong Hayang updated the skill stone in the library.

And by doing so, the skill stone gained marketability as being from the 3rd tier overrank Baek Myeonsang.

Of course, Eunha had no intention of selling it.

Anyway, after receiving the skill stone, Eunha immediately infused internal mana into it.

It'll take 2-3 days to embody.

I was already feeling awkward loitering in the office, so I should spend time creating magic.

I've returned my interim Twelve Seat qualification too.

Eunha had been relatively free lately.

It's not that he wasn't doing any work at all, but it was nothing compared to the clan members.

Now that he got the skill stone back too.

Eunha decided to spend time embodying new magic.

As he was grinning like that─.

"─Eunha, it's a call from Shakira unni. Answer it."

"What? What's going on?"

A phone call came in.

Then Jeong Hayang, who answered the phone that came to the office, handed the receiver to him.

"Hello?"

[Clan Lord. This is Administrative Officer Shakira.]

"Oh, noona. What's up? Is Seohyun looking for me?"

[No, there's someone looking for the Pandora Clan Lord. From what I heard, they want to interview the Pandora Clan Lord.]

"Interview? Who? I told them not to accept..."

After this calamity ended.

Several media outlets knocked on Pandora Clan's door.

Each time, he allowed clan coverage but rejected interview proposals.

Shakira should know that too.

So Eunha found it rather strange that she contacted him saying an interview request came in.

Then she said─.

[─This is Kim Yuha, a trainee reporter from New Country Daily. She said if I told the Pandora Clan Lord, he would know...]

"Kim Yuha?"

"Ah."

"Hayang, do you know who that is?"

At the name Kim Yuha.

Eunha frowned.

Meanwhile, Jeong Hayang seemed to know.

Eunha took the receiver away from his ear and asked.

She lightly hit Eunha's arm.

"We went to the same elementary school. She was 3 years younger than us. You used to have trouble because Yuha would follow you around all the time."

"...Ah, that paparazzi."

"What do you mean by that to Yuha?"

A reporter from New Country Daily who was known as the so-called Noh Eunha paparazzi before the regression.

Eunha muttered after recalling his memories from Jeong Hayang's words.

[Trainee reporter Kim Yuha says she wants to interview <Crimson Wing>.]