Pristina’s sharp attacks made me nervous, but what I thought throughout the banquet held for the delegation was that Laios was a more peaceful and pleasant place to live than I thought. I didn’t know if it was because of the exotic scenery or the unique citizens, but I understood why many people visited Laios. They didn’t like conflict and valued harmony. The majority of the denizens valued self-control and considered it the most valuable, and the behavior of some of the citizens reminded me of Buddhism back on Earth.

The jobs that stood out to me were Monk and Ascetics. They could be classified as priests, but the essence of the jobs was different from the Holy Knights of the Sacred Democratic Country. The Holy Knights sought belief in the goddess while they sought spiritual discipline. A religious conflict was possible, but that didn’t happen because the people of Laios believed in Mahara, an ally of the Goddess of Benigoa.

Goddess Mahara’s doctrine wasn’t faith in oneself but the development and happiness of her followers. I was certain that the doctrine of the goddess they served was the foundation of their lifestyle.

‘It’s a nice place.’

Because of that, the entire nation was simple and economical, but since they couldn’t treat their guests from the Sacred Democratic Country poorly, they held this banquet and thought that it was pretty impressive in their eyes. I was sure they were worried about treating the delegates badly because the Sacred Democratic Country was a large country. Even after the citizens’ revolution, the democratic country was still at the heart of the continent’s political scene, so it was understandable that they would think that way.

I had been invited to many events, but this was my first time being treated like this. The dancers’ dance was beautiful, and their culture and music were pleasant to the ears. It had been a while since I got a proper vacation, so I was already pretty drunk when the banquet was about to end.

“How was the banquet?” Pristina asked.

“It was fun, and we are undeserving of the treatment we received. I don’t know how to express my appreciation for the grand welcome,” I answered.

“I’m relieved to hear that you’re satisfied. I was worried that the food and drink wouldn’t be to your liking, so I’m glad to hear that. I’ve prepared a house you can stay in while you’re here. The Red Mercenary and Blue Guild members can use it separately, so I suggest staying there with the delegates and start looking around Laios tomorrow,” she suggested.

“I appreciate your hospitality, Miss Pristina,” I said.

‘We’re being treated pretty well...’

I felt this earlier, but it seemed like she knew what to do to put me in a good mood. However, it wasn’t like she was groveling at me. Pristina had already refused my offer to become allies, so this banquet was her way of apologizing to me.

It was getting dark, so it was time to head back. When I slowly stood up, the accumulated alcohol in my body struck me all at once.

‘The alcohol has to be stronger than I thought.’

This was all because I recklessly drank while thinking that the alcohol was sweet.

The long journey tired me out, and Park Deok-Gu had to have realized how tired I was because he approached me quietly and helped me up. Jung Ha-Yan also grabbed my arm, afraid that someone else might take it, and during all this, Cha Hee-Ra was talking to the kid. Cha Hee-Ra discreetly waved her hand, telling us to head back. Park Deok-Gu nodded, and we left the banquet after saying goodbye.

‘I’m really tired…’

Park Deok-Gu and Jung Ha-Yan looked fine. Since there was a difference between our stats, I thought I became drunk a bit quicker than I had expected. Even Han Sora didn’t look as tired as me, so I got sad about my low stamina.

“Geez, don’t you think you drank a bit too much? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this drunk,” Park Deok-Gu commented.

“Did I? I’m just really tired today,” I said.

“I kind of understand how you feel, hyung-nim. It has been a while since we had a banquet like this, and everyone was really nice as well,” he agreed.

“You’re right.”

“Anyway, just rest today and go out tomorrow with noonim. I heard there are a lot of interesting sights here,” he suggested.

“Oh, yeah?” I asked.

“They have something called the Cave of Truth, and many say that it’s the legacy of the goddess discovered hundreds of years ago. I don’t really know what it is, but it seems like there are cultural heritages and relics there that are being protected by continental law. There’s a law in Laios that prohibits people from hunting endangered monsters, so don’t you think those monsters are being taken care of as well?” he asked.

“Technically, the democratic country is also taking extra care of the items related to the Goddess of Benigoa,” I mentioned.

“Ah, is that right?” he asked.

“Yeah...”

“Anyway, it’s a better place than I thought,” Park Deok-Gu added.

“Yes…”

‘Man, I'm so tired.’

This is the side effect of continuously drinking the drink Jung Ha-Yan had been handing over to me. She was definitely worried because she walked with us while holding onto my arm, but the reality was that both of us were being dragged away by Park Deok-Gu.

Not long after we left, we saw a large house. The house had an exotic style, but the inside was similar to the houses back home. As such, I became certain that this house was used every time delegates from the Sacred Democratic Country visited Laios.

“I-I’ll take care of him from here,” Jung Ha-Yan offered.

“Huh?”

“I can carry him to the bedroom,” she added.

“Alright, I’ll leave it up to you!” Park Deok-Gu exclaimed.

“O-Okay, I’ll do that,” she stuttered.

Park Deok-Gu gave a thumbs up as if this was a good situation for the both of us, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the energy to do anything, as I was on the verge of passing out. I was already half-asleep, so I couldn’t even cause trouble even if I wanted to.

‘I’m glad I don’t need to wash up.’

Magic was useful in situations like this, and after we entered the large room, I naturally laid down on the bed. When Jung Ha-Yan asked, “D-Do you want me to wash you?” I quietly signaled her to do it, and even while I was slowly falling asleep, I thought about what I should do with Laios. It wasn’t an urgent matter, but the democratic country needed an ally right now and asking the Republic was out of the question. The Union of Kingdoms were not only wary of us, but they were ready to attack us, so the only nations we could ask for an alliance with us were Laios and the Kingdom of Others.

I thought about how I should approach the nation that wanted to maintain its neutrality, but the problem was that I couldn’t come up with an answer. I could either find their weakness or worsen their relationship with the Republic, but…

‘It’s not good to be hasty, so I’ll take my time with it.’

Laios was treating us well on the outside, but they were really wary of us, and I was sure they were keeping their distance from the Republic as well.

‘I’m getting a headache…’

Despite the fact that I could rest comfortably, I kept thinking about these things, which proved that I was a workaholic. I thought it would be a good idea to take the kid’s advice and just rest tomorrow.

With that thought, I closed my eyes, and when I felt the sun on my face, I jumped up from my bed. It was already morning.

“Ugh… my head.”

“Are you awake, oppa?” Jung Ha-Yan asked.

“Oh, Ha-Yan. What time is it?” I asked.

When I turned my head to where the voice came from, I saw Jung Ha-Yan standing by the door while holding a large bowl.

“It’s three o’clock right now,” she replied.

“Three?” I repeated.

“Yes. I-I thought you would wake up around this time, so I brought you some warm stew. I made it myself! And you woke up just in time,” she exclaimed.

“It’s already that late?” I questioned.

“Yes…”

“I felt like I only slept for a few hours… Why is my body so tired?” I asked

“Uhhh… Because you overdid it yesterday,” she answered.

Jung Ha-Yan was right, and when I looked at her, she smiled. She was definitely in a good mood today. When the female dancers appeared yesterday, I was worried because she puffed her cheeks, but thankfully, she seemed like she wasn’t annoyed by that incident anymore. It seemed that she had slept well as well because she looked exuberant.

‘Her skin looks good, too.’

It was hard to believe that we had been drinking together last night. I wasn’t sure if she used magic, but her glossy skin made her look as if she had applied oil to it, and she also gave off this strong feeling of joy which made me feel relieved. The many issues I had to handle were giving me headaches, so I was happy to see her like this.

“You must be tired… You should eat this and sleep more…” Jung Ha-Yan suggested.

“I’m okay, and I can’t just sleep all day after coming all the way here. I just need to drink a bottle of potion and move around. Where’s Hee-Ra noona? Actually, is Deok-Gu here?” I asked.

“Ah, they left with Miss Sora and all the members of the Red Mercenary Guild. I think they’re going to walk around Laios today. They said to let them know when you wake up,” she answered.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yes…”

“We have a lot of time, so let’s take it slow. Ah, wait, Ha-Yan,” I called out.

“Y-Yes?”

“Recently, I have been negligent to you, right?” I questioned.

“N-No, you haven’t… it’s because you’re busy, and you h-have a lot on your plate as well, so I understand,” she muttered.

“Thanks for being understanding,” I said.

Jung Ha-Yan looked down when I lightly kissed her forehead, and she looked kind of cute when her ears turned red.

Anyway, we couldn’t just stay inside all day, so after drinking Jung Ha-Yan’s bland and strange stew, I got ready to go out.

‘It would’ve been nice if Aris was here.’

I couldn’t imagine treating the leader of a country like a maid, so I realized that my exhaustion was making me have strange thoughts. Usually, I would feel uncomfortable by it, but at times like this, I wished for that kind of treatment. No matter how hard Jung Ha-Yan tried to take care of me, the difference between a pro and an amateur was huge. I was grateful for her concern, but her running around to take care of me was slowing my preparation down.

“Let’s head out,” I told her.

“Okay!”

“It has been a while since we were on a date, right?” I asked.

“Yes! Y-You’re right!” she exclaimed.

‘Yeah, I’m taking her out today.’

We had to meet up with Cha Hee-Ra afterward, but staying together, even if it was just a short time, was important to Jung Ha-Yan. And since she was already in a good mood, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to elevate her mood even more. After all, she might stay quiet for the time being and even improve her relationship with Cha Hee-Ra a bit.

‘It’ll be one less thing for me to worry about…’

Thanks to Jung Ha-Yan, I was happy.

I thought everything would work out, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that something bad was going to happen.

‘Why are you there, noona?’

I couldn’t really recall my memories of her, as well as her name, but the woman was very familiar. The first time I met her was at the black market, and the second time was when she helped me during the time when Cha Hee-Ra went berserk. She was the only person in the Republic I had a connection with; she was a member of the Republic’s proud Five Tiger Generals, and she was the wielder of the legendary-ranked weapon, Urd, The Whip That Punished the Goddess. Out of all the unique habits I had seen so far, she was one of those with the shittiest habits.

‘Xiaolin?’

I couldn’t help but quickly turn back.

‘Shit…’

It was all because I felt guilty about something.