Side Story 32. Invitation from the Haramark Royal Palace

Seol Jihu was enjoying a lazy day for the first time in a while. Seol Jinhee was no longer a huge concern, and the restaurant was closed as well.

As it was a rare break day, Seol Jihu was lounging around to his hearts content on Seo Yuhuis lap. Seo Yuhui put her hand on her stomach while looking down at Seol Jihu, who was tossing left and right between her thighs.

Only two months had pa.s.sed since she got pregnant, so it was hardly noticeable. But for some reason, the baby in her womb seemed to be tossing and turning every time Seol Jihu moved, almost like it was copying its daddys actions.

...Jihu.

Seo Yuhui spoke at the mysterious feeling.

I think our baby is tossing and turning following your movements. Its fascinating.

What? Really?

Seol Jihu turned around instantly and looked at Seo Yuhuis stomach. He put his ear against her belly but then tilted his head.

I dont know. I cant hear anything. Do you really feel it?

Yep. It might just be a feeling, but I at least think so.

Really? Then.

Seol Jihu organized his thoughts before speaking with a serious face.

Spinny.

?

That will be our first childs fetal name. What do you think?

It was then. The baby stopped moving. No, rather, the feeling of the baby moving disappeared completely.

Hmm?

Seo Yuhui blinked and looked down at her stomach. It was so instantaneous and deliberate that it couldnt even be considered a coincidence.

Why? Do you not like the nickname Spinny?

She talked to the baby inwardly, but her stomach was dead silent. Despite tossing and turning with Seol Jihu just now, the baby went radio-silent as if such a thing never happened. Seo Yuhui felt like the baby was protesting against the name Spinny.

Okay, we wont call you Spinny, so feel free to move around again.

Only after saying this did Seo Yuhui feel the baby tossing and turning again. Seo Yuhui chuckled in disbelief.

Of course, this couldnt actually be happening as the period between weeks 5 and 8 of pregnancy is when the embryo is developing. But this was what Seo Yuhui felt.

I bet this childs personality and behavior is going to be the same as Jihus.

Seo Yuhui nodded her head and sighed. There was a saying that pregnancy was a war while the first 100 days after birth was h.e.l.l. Thinking about taking care of two children after giving birth, Seo Yuhui saw the coming days as being grim.

Spinny, Spinny, Spinny~

Dont say that. The baby doesnt like it.

Hmm? How do you know that? The babys still in your belly.

Dont you know that babies can remember things from when theyre still in their mothers wombs?

But still. Youre only two months pregnant now.

Seol Jihu dismissed the idea and tried to lay back down. However, Seo Yuhui stopped Seol Jihu by cupping her hands under his neck and then got up. It was because someone was knocking on the front door.

A messenger had arrived.

You got letters. Two, in fact.

Seo Yuhui handed the letters to Seol Jihu. However, he did not take them.

Jihu?

When Seo Yuhui turned to him, wondering what he was up to, she found Seol Jihu frozen in the same position that she left him in. He was clearly waiting for her to come back.

Seo Yuhui sighed. Only when she gave him a lap pillow again did he lay down and accept the letters.

Lets see who sent them. Ah, one is from Little Chick.

Oh, really? Come to think of it, what has Little Chick been up to these days? I havent seen him in a while.

Hes on a trip.

Seol Jihu replied clearly.

He left a while ago. One day, out of the blue, he announced he would find his own path and left on a trip.

Trip? Why, all of a sudden?

What did he say again? Something about all of his masters being heroes and then how all heroes died in the prime of their primes. You know how Little Chick goes back to being an egg after his masters death, right?

Y-Yeah.

Apparently, hes never really had freedom because of it. Im the first one that hasnt died early. Since I wont die any time soon and Paradise is peaceful, he said he wants to try living for himself.

Now that Seo Yuhui heard the circ.u.mstances, it made sense. But that didnt mean she didnt have questions.

For a bird? How?

I was curious about that too. Let me give this a read.

Seol Jihus eyes slowly scanned the letter.

Im living well. Dont worry. I met a beautiful bird a few days ago to be my partner. Her white feathers made her look pure. I especially liked her abundant breast feathers. Haha, he has good taste.

Seol Jihu finished reading the letter jovially.

And keep this a secret between you and me. In truth, I cheated too. My bird life was a mistake. But I wont make an excuse. I just couldnt control myself when I saw her crimson feathers and heard her melodious chirps. The h.e.l.l is this guy on about? You cant justify cheating, no matter what!

Seol Jihu cursed Little Chick before feeling a stare and turning sideways. Seo Yuhui was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

What?

Like master, like pet.

Hmm?

No, its nothing.

Seo Yuhui shook her head.

Anyway, how did Little Chick write this letter? Hes a bird. He doesnt have opposable thumbs.

Im curious too. What a mysterious guy.

Seol Jihu glossed over the matter and took out the other letter. It was from the Haramark Royal Palace.

Can I read it too?

Ah, stay still. Dont make sudden movements like that. Ill come to you.

Seol Jihu moved closer toward Seo Yuhui so that she could get a better look.

The letter was as follows.

It has been a while, o hero of Paradise. I hope the state of your health has been superb and wonderful. The reason I am writing this letter is to relay an important message to Lord Seol Jihu privately.

If possible, please drop by the Haramark Royal Palace at your convenience. Again, this matter is of utmost importance. I will be waiting for your arrival.

The letter was signed with Teresas name.

Seol Jihus expression turned grave as he looked at the letter. The tone of the letter was stern and dignified, as expected of a formal letter from the royal palace. Still, it was too stiff.

Moreover, the Princess Knight that Seol Jihu knew wasnt this elegant and dignified.

Its hard to believe it came from Princess Teresa.

Yeah?

Her writing style isnt like this. You should know too. The Haramark Royal Family was the quickest to understand and adopt Earthlings culture.

Seol Jihu flicked the letter a few times.

The fact that Princess Teresa sent something like this could only mean that this isnt a simple dinner invitation.

Maybe its to ask you to revive people?

Seo Yuhui gave a plausible idea. However, Seol Jihu shook his head.

Probably not. I revived Queen Fertina and Princess Olivia last time.

Maybe they want to revive relatives or acquaintances.

Thats possible, but I dont think thats it either. I had asked if they wanted anyone else to be revived, and King Prihi had said that two was enough. He vehemently denied asking for any more than that.

Mmm

Seo Yuhui pondered hard while caressing Seol Jihus face.

Ah, I heard Haramark has been busy eradicating traitors after the war.

Hm? Traitors?

You took care of a lot of them, but its not like you fished out all of them.

I guess thats true.

Although the mock.u.mentary he directed with Philip Muller demolished organizations or bound them through contracts, that obviously was not enough to take care of all traitors.

Of course, they had gone into hiding after witnessing Seol Jihu and Valhalla obliterating every dissent ruthlessly.

Paradises residents must be anxious and resentful. Its to be expected.

Seol Jihu nodded at Seo Yuhuis explanation.

Ill have to go visit them then. I better get going right away.

He then looked up at Seo Yuhui.

Do you want to come to?

Seo Yuhui made a troubled expression.

Im sorry, I have a previous engagement.

Previous engagement?

Yep. Im going to the hospital with Miss Sora.

What? Hospital?

Seol Jihus eyes shot open.

Why didnt you tell me about it?

Jihu, wait, its not a big deal. Were just going to make sure our babies are growing up strong and healthy.

But we still need to go together!

Im fine! Miss Sora and I can go together. Besides, you have to go to Haramark, dont you?

When Seol Jihu showed a strong desire to return to Earth right away, Seo Yuhui stopped him in fright. Seol Jihu was taken aback too. He looked at Seo Yuhui with a face that was plainly asking why she stopped him.

Seo Yuhui hesitated for a moment before speaking with a sigh.

Miss Sora told me to keep it a secret. To be honest Even I dont know the reason. Did you do something when you went to the hospital with her last time?

No, not at all.

Seol Jihu shook his head. Honestly speaking, it wasnt that he didnt remember anything. He just didnt think he did anything wrong.

To be more precise, Phi Sora was almost embarra.s.sed to death when she went to the hospital with Seol Jihu. She was grateful that he was so attentive and caring, but he just went too far.

He constantly told her to watch where she was going and even held her in a princess carry when walking upstairs. While they were waiting for the doctor, he embraced her belly tight, talking about how cold it must be for the baby.

Simply put, he straight up gave her a princess treatment.

Phi Sora heard so much giggling and comments about Seol Jihu being a devoted husband that her face flushed red. Although she threw a fit on the way out and got Seol Jihu to promise never to act like this again, Phi Sora never went to the hospital with Seol Jihu afterward.

Seo Yuhui was no different. Even though she did not hear what happened to make Phi Sora be against Seol Jihu accompanying them, she could easily guess what happened.

Was it a week ago? It wasnt like she had a pregnancy craving. She just woke up in the middle of the night and said she kind of wanted a sweet, melon, or peach-flavored drink.

Hearing this, Seol Jihu got up right away, threw on his clothes, and ran outside. He then brought every fruit imaginable in less than thirty minutes. Not just one of each, but a whole pile!

Though it was a little excessive, Seo Yuhui praised Seol Jihu. After all, he had done it for her. But she shouldnt have praised him.

On another day, Seo Yuhui smacked her lips and mentioned wanting jokbal. Seol Jihu ran out right away. She got a call from him after about two hours. He asked her to come outside, and Seo Yuhui was met with an unbelievable sight.

Seol Jihu greeted her in the drivers seat of a huge truck. She looked back, thinking there was no way, and lo and behold, hundreds of jokbal were piled on top of each other.

Not only did he wipe a jokbal factory clean, but he had also signed a contract with them. Seeing the brightly smiling Seol Jihu, who told her just to say it if she ever wanted jokbal, Seo Yuhui learned what it meant to have mixed emotions.

After that, Seo Yuhui never mentioned anything about food to Seol Jihu, even when she had an intense craving for something.

Are you two leaving me out?

Jihu, listen, were not leaving you out. Its just.

Its fine. You guys can go together.

Seol Jihu stood up, grumbling. No matter how Seo Yuhui consoled him, he did not listen. He was sulking for sure. Seo Yuhui just didnt know whether it was tiny-sulk or little-sulk.

But that was still fine. According to Baek Haeju, Seol Jihu would get over tiny and little-sulk with a little bit of time.

Oh yeah, Yuhui.

Seol Jihu quickly moved on and threw a question to Seo Yuhui, who was at a loss for what to do.

I just remembered. Haramark has Sicilia, doesnt it?

Yeah.

Miss Agnes and Miss Cinzia are there too.

Thats right.

So why would they need me?

Seol Jihu asked.

Haramark stood at the forefront of the battle during the war against the Parasites. Its culture should have been molded by war.

Seol Jihu continued.

Since there are two Executors in the city

Seol Jihu trailed off and then tilted his head.

If theyre really calling me about a group of traitors.

....

Would that mean they cant be dealt with the combined forces of Haramark and Sicilia?

Seo Yuhui didnt have a clear answer to this.

I dont know. Its hard to say without exactly knowing what the situation is.

Seo Yuhui threw her long hair back and spoke carefully.

But if thats the case, it must mean they really need your help.

Seol Jihus expression sank. He had a look of seriousness that had not appeared in a long time.

...Then.

Seol Jihu stretched out his arm. Whis.h.!.+ A long, white object flew through the air and landed in his grasp. It was the Spear of Purity.

Realizing his intent, Seo Yuhui nodded with a smile. She knew just how strong Seol Jihu was. She could not imagine her husband, the man who defeated the Parasite Queen, losing to anyone, with or without his main weapon.

Of course, it was always better to be safe than sorry.

Good decision.

Wooong! The Spear of Purity also let out a roar. It had been used for over a year as a vegetable-cutting tool or a dough-kneading rolling pin, so it was crying out in happiness at finally being put to proper use.

Dont worry.

Seol Jihu spoke confidently as he walked out the door.

Ill have to listen to the situation first, but if it sounds serious, I can always just kick them out using Divine Wishes.

Oh right, he has an unlimited number of Divine Wishes. Seo Yuhui muttered inwardly and threw aside the last inkling of worry in her heart.

1. In Korea, there is a culture of giving an unborn baby a nickname.