Ch.197Chapter 197. Reunion After Half a Year

Just as past successes don’t guarantee future ones, we must remain vigilant.

If someone bears ill will toward us or attacks for trespassing, we too must be prepared to become invaders.

Having been trained by Flan, I felt no hesitation about fighting hostile non-humans.

But…

“Damn, bandits again. Turn the ark around!”

“We can’t! We’re too slow on land to escape!”

“Activate the defense systems! Fire the cannons and drive them away!”

Yes, the bigger problem than non-humans was humans themselves.

We tried to escape the empire temporarily as the riots grew stronger, but what awaited us were organized bandit groups with established camps.

These weren’t recent defectors who emerged after the riots, but hardened criminals who had been robbing people professionally for years.

Their danger and malice were incomparably worse than what we’d faced within the empire.

“Jaseong, please guard this place. Garam, let’s go!”

“Yes, brother!”

Fortunately, Garam and I were skilled at eliminating criminals, and they valued their lives enough to retreat when facing losses.

But we couldn’t ignore the constant dangers, so finding a solution became urgent.

“What? You’re worried about how to deal with bandits?”

The solution came when I consulted with the dwarves handling the ark’s repairs.

When I asked the question, they immediately looked at the legs supporting the ark and asked me:

“Come to think of it, why does this ark move on legs specifically?”

“Because it can move regardless of terrain.”

“No, what I mean is, since it can freely transition between water and land with such mobility, why insist on legs for movement? Wouldn’t wheels make it faster?”

Certainly, wheels would be faster than legs.

But the problem was that most places we traveled were unprocessed natural environments, and adding wheels to prepare for mountainous or plateau regions would create more disadvantages than advantages.

“That’s not difficult. We can modify the fortress to switch between wheels and legs.”

“Is that possible?”

“Just give us time and beer, and we’ll make it however you want.”

The pride in their casual attitude wasn’t just bluster—I could see that clearly when they presented blueprints after thoroughly analyzing the ark’s structure.

But design and production were separate issues.

“The blueprint is fine, and we can source parts from the internal factory, but… there’s more work than expected, so it’ll take quite some time.”

Yes, completely rebuilding the ark’s undercarriage would inevitably take considerable time.

During that time, the ark would need to remain stationary, and the longer it took, the more our rescue operations would be disrupted, not to mention becoming an easy target for bandits.

Just then, more helpers arrived.

“We help too, rezzi!”

“Digging is our specialty, rezzi! We know how to maintain tunnel stability, rezzi!”

The newcomers wearing safety helmets were subterranean people who lived in tunnels.

They had an innate ability to maintain maze-like tunnels without collapse, which proved invaluable in actual construction.

The “foundation work” that would normally require the most time was their specialty, which greatly reduced the construction time.

“Building a new nest? Then we’ll help too.”

And filling in the gaps left by their cooperation were none other than the Avian tribe.

Unlike the small-bodied subterranean people who couldn’t easily move parts, the Avians could fly, allowing them to transport workers and materials without terrain constraints, serving perfectly as “carriers.”

A major construction project that would normally take months was reduced to days through the cooperation of three species.

“Everyone~ Come here for a meal~!”

But no matter how skilled and enthusiastic, no one is free from hunger and fatigue.

People were needed to support those focused on work, and that role was taken by Tashian and the elves who were responsible for the ark’s domestic affairs.

“Oh, is it mealtime already?”

“New mama is kind, rezzi~”

“The Great Mother’s meals are delicious. We eat with gratitude.”

Elves walked among the workers at the temporarily halted site, distributing lunch boxes, bringing bright smiles to the workers’ faces as they admired their cuteness.

“Oh, you brought us meals? How thoughtful.”

“Meow.”

“Hehe, such cute children no matter when I see them.”

Despite their childlike mental age, the children charmed the workers and helped relieve their fatigue.

This was possible because Tashian took care of the children and taught them many things while managing the ark’s domestic affairs.

She considers anyone around me as her child, and it’s the children’s instinct to follow someone who cares for them as their mother.

“Thank you, Tashian. For taking care of the children in my place.”

“It’s nothing, I’m a mother, so it’s natural.”

Tashian’s faint smile showed she found fulfillment in this moment, but her eyes watching the scene revealed a hint of complicated emotions.

As if seeing the children getting along well with adults reminded her of past memories.

“Come to think of it, you used to follow your mother well like those children.”

“…”

“…Do you remember?”

Tashian turned to me carefully with her question.

Realizing it targeted my childhood, a bitter smile formed on my lips.

“Yes, I remember.”

There was no lie in my answer.

Although Hyoseong Woo’s time with her was brief, I could truly love her because of my other personality.

“…Yes, that’s enough.”

And as long as I maintain that, she can live her extended life without regrets.

Feeling the responsibility to protect this, I quietly strengthened my resolve as Tashian handed me a remaining lunch box.

“That child still hasn’t come to eat, saying cleaning isn’t finished yet.”

“By cleaning… do you mean Flan?”

“Yes, I saw her earlier still sweeping the same spot… probably because she has a lot on her mind lately.”

Tashian looked at the inside of the ark with a bitter expression.

“…Could you deliver this to her?”

Her request showed she was genuinely concerned about Flan.

****

I found Flan cleaning alone more easily than expected.

Lately, Flan often showed signs of depression, and during those times, she unconsciously tucked herself away in secluded corners.

“Flan.”

Swish, swish.

Despite my call, Flan continued sweeping the empty floor with her broom.

Seeing this, I understood why Tashian was worried about her.

And why she specifically asked me—the cause might be me.

“…You’re anxious about it, right? Bringing non-humans into this ark.”

Even though we only brought in those who could cooperate, it might still be uncomfortable for someone who directly fought against their ancestors.

“That’s not it.”

But her answer denied my assumption.

Only then did she stop sweeping, trembling in place.

“That’s not it. That’s not…”

“Flan?”

“You’ve done nothing wrong.”

In a situation where I wouldn’t have been surprised by resentment, she denied it.

But her voice was so fragile, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

“Given the situation… I also think it’s reasonable to join forces with those who share our views to overcome this crisis. As long as the cooperating non-humans focus only on survival, unlike their ancestors, I understand we don’t need to be hostile.”

Is this just from patience?

Is she merely suppressing her stubbornness because the situation is unfavorable?

“You’re doing well enough.”

No, it’s not that kind of issue.

The faint resentment I sensed in her voice wasn’t directed at me.

“Then why…”

“But why.”

Her head gradually turned toward me.

But her gaze remained downcast, with droplets falling beneath her.

And what followed was a cruel truth that no one who loves humanity could ignore.

“Why in this world… are people who should be working together becoming hostile to each other?”

“…Flan.”

“I heard that when I fell asleep after the war with non-humans, humanity waged war against itself. And such conflicts continue today. The riots, the bandits attacking us…”

Finally unable to continue, Flan dropped the broom she was holding.

She covered her eyes with trembling hands, but tears continued to flow uncontrollably.

“We eliminated all the threats to you, we completely annihilated all the vampires who tormented you, so why…”

Though I felt sorry for her, my reflexively outstretched hand was withdrawn before reaching Flan.

My step forward also failed to advance, rooted to the spot.

“Where did it all go wrong… why does this world test me so much?”

My chest ached at her sobbing during that silence.

Yet I couldn’t say anything meaningful because I too was acting contrary to her wishes.

Forming attachments to survive, rising to leadership by following those attachments, recruiting those we should oppose to help more people survive, opposing fellow humans…

Of course, I understand it’s foolish to embrace criminals. Flan understands this too, which is why she doesn’t forgive them but acts as an observer, watching what I do.

But is conflict between humans really just from individual moral flaws?

If so, in the massive riots happening in the empire now—between the angry masses resisting injustice and the empire using force to suppress them for stability—who is wrong?

“…Flan.”

I don’t know.

No, I’m not even in a position to consider such things in detail.

I lack the courage to return to the empire, and even protecting the people entering this refuge is challenging.

How can someone like me, who can barely protect this small world, contemplate good and evil, justice, and humanity?

“I…”

Yet unable to just watch the child before me, I tried to formulate some answer while listening to her sobs.

Even if I can’t take responsibility for everything, at least for those around me.

For the best choice I can make right now, handling what I can handle.

-Buzz buzz.

At that moment, a vibration came from my chest.

Momentarily speechless, I took out the crystal ball from my chest and infused it with magical power to activate it.

A communication stone that allows exchanges within and near the ark. The channel was directly connected to my adjutant, Sanson.

“What is it, Sanson…”

-Hero! Demons! A group of demons is approaching us right now!!

My body froze at the answer, and my mind went blank.

When I came to my senses, I was already rushing toward the ark’s exit.

Though I was concerned about Flan, I could only comfort her after resolving the danger to the ark.

“Tell me in detail, what’s happening!?”

-Exactly as I said. Demons have come in large numbers from the hill. Currently, Hero Garam and Hero Jaseong are engaged in combat with them, but…!

“Damn it!”

Please don’t be too late. I can’t be late.

With that urgent thought, I left the ark and saw nearly a hundred figures gathered in front of the construction site.

A group of non-humans similar to humans but with varied appearances…

But powerful magic emanated from each individual. The unique energy felt similar to demons I had encountered before.

“Woah~♬ Let’s all calm down~”

At the forefront, blocking Jaseong and Garam’s attacks, was a female demon.

As thrown rocks were casually deflected, she tipped her hat and stared at the two people confronting her.

“I didn’t come here to fight you. I just wanted to talk…”

“Would you please put down your weapons and open a dialogue?”

Her amber eyes were half-open.

Despite her sharp gaze, her smile was gentle, and her tuxedo and silk hat even gave her a comical appearance.

“D-don’t be ridiculous! What are demons doing here?”

“Whatever it is, if it’s an attack, we won’t stand idle! Everyone, prepare for battle!”

Perhaps the incongruity of her playfulness raised suspicions?

As our allies hurriedly armed themselves for confrontation, the demon leader shook her head regretfully.

“This can’t be helped. I wanted to avoid fighting…”

Is she planning to fight?

Did she suddenly come all this way to start bloodshed against us who are hostile to her?

“H-Hero Hyoseong Woo!”

No, that won’t happen.

If such a thing were to happen reluctantly, I would have to stop it myself.

As I moved through the soldiers toward her, my mind was filled with that compulsion.

“Brother, you came just in time. Let’s coordinate an attack…”

“Everyone, stay still.”

I raised my hand in front of Garam who was calling urgently, restraining her gesture to use power.

“B-brother?”

“Don’t act before I give instructions. That’s an order.”

The atmosphere instantly tensed at my sharp voice.

Leaving that behind, I closed the distance with the woman standing before the demon group, taking time to observe her up close.

And as our gazes met, I wondered:

Would she remember me?

“Ah, yes. It’s you. The leader of this group.”

Yes, I had suspected it from the moment I felt her energy.

Though her appearance had changed, the energy was hers. The one before me was surely someone I loved.

“Me…”

That name began to form in my mind as my lips parted.

“Meril…”

“Pleased to meet you for the first time, leader of this fortress.”

But before that name could be spoken, her greeting drew a line.

Feeling my breath catch, she raised her lowered head, tipped her hat, and prominently displayed her smile.

And in that state, she proudly declared:

“I am a former top executive of the Demon Lord’s army, once a faithful servant of the Demon Lord, a humble trickster…”

The one here was not the person I loved, but as a demon.

“My name is Mephisto Rage~ Nice to meet you~♬”

She came not as the minstrel Merilyn Sutherland, but as the leader of demons known as the Jester of Madness.