Chapter 40: Your Choice (3)

 

Adam never imagined there would be a moment like this in his life.

 

He did anticipate it when the letter arrived, but he never expected to actually sit face-to-face and converse with an elf elder.

 

Especially after he had sent a letter of refusal to their proposal.

 

“…The vice-captain hasn’t arrived yet.”

 

The head of the Celebrien household, the elf elder, Ascal Celebrien, commented with a sigh.

 

Although his voice wasn’t loud, it carried an authority that dominated the ambiance.

 

However, what caught Adam’s focus wasn’t the elf elder.

 

His gaze was fixed on another guest present.

 

Beautiful face, tall stature, long ears, sharp eyes, long green hair, and a prominent forehead...

 

It was Arwin Celebrien.

 

Adam wasn’t dense enough to not realize why Ascal brought his own daughter with him.

 

He was just surprised that how blunt his action was.

 

Was it a ploy to get him to change their decision based on her looks?

 

Despite his refusal, seeing the elf elder’s aggressive negotiation attempts, Adam sensed the elder’s desperation.

 

He glanced at Arwin, who sat still like a doll, then spoke to the elder.

 

“...It doesn’t matter who comes. I think our discussion had already concluded.”

 

“A conversation isn’t over as long as it continues. That’s why I’m here.”

 

“Nothing will change. My brother is already married.”

 

“Humans can practice polygamy, can’t they?”

 

“He doesn’t want another marriage. That’s my brother’s wish.”

 

“What about you then?”

 

“.........”

 

Adam lowered his gaze and grabbed the glass of wine before him.

 

With a slight smirk, he naturally let out a snort.

 

“...Huh.”

 

As if he hadn’t heard anything more ridiculous than this.

 

Adam looked back at Ascal.

 

And without flinching at the elder’s gaze, he gulped down his drink. The atmosphere around Adam changed in an instant with the elder’s proposition.

 

“...Ah, I apologize. It’s my mistake.”

 

Then, with formal courtesy, he offered an apology for his sarcastic laughter.

 

Ascal slowly nodded in response.

 

“...I see. It seems it’s not possible for you.”

 

Whether it was from years of experience or the knack for persuasion, he quickly discerned the situation.

 

“Anyway, it’s not too late to meet the vice-captain and make a decision. Seeing Arwin might change his mind.”

 

“...Perhaps.”

 

However, Adam believed the possibility of that was slim.

 

While it didn’t seem like Berg disliked pretty faces, he wasn’t someone to be easily swayed either.

 

-Knock, knock, knock.

 

Soon, a knocking sound grabbed everyone’s attention.

 

It was the person they all had been waiting for.

 

‘It’s Berg. I’m coming in.’

 

****

 

When I opened the door and entered, there were three people inside.

 

Adam Hyung, an elf man, appears to be in his mid-30s by human standards. And a young elf woman, looking no older than 18 or 19 - beautiful, but with a youthful air about her.

 

As soon as I saw it, I immediately understood the situation.

 

I had thought the matter was settled with a refusal.

 

But before I could even look at Adam and ask something, the elf man approached and extended his hand for a handshake.

 

“You must be Berg, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. You’ve made quite the name for yourself in Blackwood.”

 

“...And you are?”

 

“Ascal Celebrien. Head of the Celebrien family.”

 

I lightly shook his hand.

 

Then I looked at the elf woman who met my eyes. We exchanged glances for a brief moment.

 

“...”

 

“...”

 

She averted her eyes first.

 

I felt a familiar unease with her, similar to what I felt with Ner.

 

Political marriages were inescapable, even more so for interspecies ones.

 

...I have heard that especially elves, being a long-lived race, tend to look down on other races. Though it was my first encounter with an elf, so I wasn’t sure.

 

“Hyung, what’s going on?”

 

At my question, Adam Hyung began to explain, “I’ve refused, Berg. I didn’t push ahead ignoring your opinion.”

 

“Then why are these elves here?”

 

“It seems like they came here to convince you.”

 

Ascal made eye contact with me for a moment, then spoke to the elf woman.

 

“Daughter, please go out for a while.”

 

“....”

 

The elf woman did as he said and stood up cautiously.

 

Only as she rose did I fully grasp her height. She was shorter than me, but still considerably tall. Thanks to her long legs, her proportions were also good.

 

The rumors about the beauty of elves seemed to be true.

 

As she left, Ascal spoke again, “May I address you as Berg?”

 

I gave a slight nod, and the elf elder brought up the main topic.

 

“...You probably have a general idea already, Berg. How can we convince you to accept our proposal?”

 

Ascal got straight to the point.

 

I sighed deeply.

 

Every time I was presented with choices that bear on someone’s fate, the weight of responsibility was unbearable. Regardless of what I wanted to do, any decision leads to the loss of lives.

 

This reality had driven me to push the members of my group to their limits in training.

 

I was in agony.

 

If I agreed to help, there would be casualties from the Red Flames. And if I refused, there would be casualties from elves.

 

Of course, the lives of the Red Flames members mattered most to me, but it wasn’t that I was completely indifferent to the elves’ lives.

 

In my mind, I visualized a balance scale.

 

Naturally, the scale tilted heavily towards the Red Flames.

 

To balance the scale, a fitting compensation was needed.

 

Furthermore, with Ner by my side, the existence of the nobility was no longer of great importance.

 

It might have sounded cold to Ascal, who was desperately trying to save his territory’s people, but in the end, I made my decision.

 

I bowed my head slightly.

 

“I apologize.”

 

“... May I ask why?”

 

“Is there a reason to accept?”

 

Without hesitation, Ascal answered.

 

“The opportunity to connect with the Celebrien family doesn’t come often.”

 

It was a statement that could sound arrogant.

 

However, I wasn’t well-acquainted with the Celebrien family.

 

As arrogant as they were, they might be a family with a reputation to match that arrogance.

 

I looked sideways at Adam Hyung.

 

He raised an eyebrow, nodding slightly.

 

In truth, it was an offer he would have accepted if I hadn’t declined.

 

“You’d have the power of both Blackwood and Celebrien behind you. I know why you accepted Lady Blackwood. But with Celebrien on your back too, no one would dare touch you.”

 

“...”

 

Certainly, there were rumors I’d heard from the members who recently went on expeditions.

 

Ever since Ner and I got married, our Red Flames Group became even more famous.

 

Being a part of the Red Flames became a title, changing people’s attitudes towards us.

 

This much had happened in such a short time after only having Ner on our side.

 

...There would undoubtedly be significant changes if we added an Elf to our back.

 

But was it important enough to sacrifice more lives?

 

And If I think about Ner, wouldn’t it be natural to refuse?

 

“I’m already married.”

 

“I know what you are saying. But humans often have multiple wives, don’t they?”

 

“Not everyone is like that.”

 

“There’s no law saying you can’t.”

 

I let out a deep sigh.

 

And then, gesturing to the outside, I asked,

 

“That woman earlier... her name...”

 

“Arwin. Arwin Celebrien.”

 

“Does Lady Arwin accept this marriage proposal with me?”

 

It was a problem I had felt with Ner too...

 

However, Ascal shook his head, saying,

 

“That’s not important.”

 

“It is important.”

 

“It’s not. If you choose to marry Arwin, it’d be for the future of this mercenary group, not for your own happiness. Did you consider happiness when you took your first wife?”

 

“My first wife is one thing, but there’s no reason to do the same for the second.”

 

“...”

 

I immediately shook my head.

 

A throbbing sensation began in my temple.

 

Everything became a blur, mixed and shaken.

 

I again looked to Adam Hyung.

 

“...Hyung.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“What’s best for the future of the Red Flames?”

 

“Marrying her would be the right choice.”

 

Adam Hyung quickly responded without any hesitation.

 

“Elves... live for a long time. At least during our lifetime, the alliance won’t break. The elder who owes us will live long too. Considering various factors... having two is better than one.”

 

“...Then why did you refuse in the first place?”

 

With a look of disbelief, Hyung laughed.

 

“Hey, you said you didn’t want to.”

 

“Just because of that?”

 

“That’s reason enough.”

 

“...”

 

My concerns boiled down to just two things.

 

One was the damage that would be inflicted on the Red Flames.

 

But Hyung argued that accepting this marriage would bring more benefits in this situation.

 

In reality, no matter what I try to achieve, sacrifices were inevitable.

 

In a more crude expression, there were more than one or two members who died just for a small gain.

 

That was the nature of a mercenary group.

 

It was about exchanging lives for resources.

 

Perhaps this exchange might yield more than we lose.

 

Then, my next concern was... Ner.

 

As a member of the werewolf tribe, I wondered how Ner would perceive this reality.

 

Of course, she might consider the fact that I was human.

 

Still, considering her culture, it would undoubtedly be deeply humiliating for her.

 

Just when I tried to make things work, obstacles kept cropping up.

 

Feeling the weight of the decision, I sighed deeply.

 

****

 

Ner tried to calm her surprised heart as she looked at Arwin walking out.

 

“Arwin-nim...!”

 

She was someone Ner had never expected to encounter here.

 

With what one might be described as cold eyes, Arwin looked for Ner who had called out to her.

 

“...Ner.”

 

The elf woman called her name as if she hadn’t forgotten her.

 

Ner felt grateful just for that.

 

Elves, with their long lifespans, often easily forget things that were not important.

 

So the fact that she remembered her, made Ner even happier.

 

Amidst the crowd of the Red Flames Group, the two shared a light hug.

 

“It’s been a long time. How long has it been?”

 

“...About 6 years, yes. That sounds right.”

 

“You’ve grown a lot. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Your white tail is still the same.”

 

“...Yes.”

 

Years ago, Ner had visited Arwin’s hometown.

 

Given the unique bond she had shared with her then, Ner could not forget Arwin.

 

At that time, Arwin was serving as nourishment for the World Tree.

 

Young elves must served as nourishment for the World Tree for 200 years.

 

They have a long-standing tradition of serving the World Tree in any way possible.

 

Intrigued by this unique sight, Ner had approached Arwin, and they had formed a relationship – albeit not a deep one.

 

Of course, even that fleeting connection felt special to Ner.

 

Suddenly, a curious thought crossed Ner’s mind.

 

“Arwin-nim, how old are you now...?”

 

“...I’m 170.”

 

Considering elves, whose average lifespan exceeded ten times that of other races, Arwin hadn’t even reached the age of maturity yet.

 

Another question arose in her mind at the same time.

 

“...How did you manage to leave the territory?”

 

Elves who have not reached the age of maturity couldn’t leave the Celebrien territory. She still should have about 30 years left.

 

“...The other elders granted permission.”

 

“Why...?”

 

Arwin stated dryly with her cold expression.

 

“For the same reason as yours.”

 

“...Pardon?”

 

“A political marriage.”

 

“...”

 

Ner froze in place, taken aback by the unexpected response.

 

In the meantime, Arwin explained.

 

“The World Tree is in danger of being attacked. Being a nourishment for the World Tree... it’s not as important anymore. Its very existence is at risk.”

 

However, for some reason, Ner couldn’t quite take in the rest of Arwin’s explanation.

 

The phrase “political marriage” kept flashing before her eyes.

 

“...Oh, so the partner is the captain-”

 

“-No, the vice-captain. His name... Berg, I think.”

 

At those words, Ner felt a slight twinge in her heart.

 

“...Oh.”

 

Another thought crossed her mind.

 

If Adam was there, why Berg again?

 

Pretending as if nothing was wrong, she nodded.

 

After all, there wasn’t much she could do.

 

She also tried to understand the momentary heaviness she felt in her chest. She had expected Berg, being a human, to have multiple wives, and she didn’t even love him, so what was this feeling?

 

Why was she slightly surprised?

 

Was it because she never expected Berg to accept this marriage proposal?

 

In the meantime, Arwin softly said.

 

“...I’m sorry, Ner.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Ner jolted in surprise at Arwin’s apology.

 

“...Why?”

 

“In your culture... one person has only one partner. Even I wouldn’t be comfortable becoming another wife.”

 

It seemed Arwin already knew that Ner was Berg’s wife.

 

“...”

 

Ner weakly nodded in response.

 

That must have been the reason. It certainly was.

 

That was why she felt momentarily uncomfortable.

 

Given her cultural perspective, it was an unthinkable situation.

 

At the same time, Ner set her feelings aside for a moment.

 

Knowing what it felt like for a territory to be under attack, she offered words of consolation to Arwin.

 

“...Arwin-nim, it must be hard for you. If the territory is under attack...”

 

Arwin nodded.

 

“I am a bit scared. I can only hope that everything works out.”

 

She then let out a long sigh.

 

“...Don’t be too tense, Ner.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“The marriage hasn’t been decided yet. Your husband originally rejected me.”

 

“Oh.”

 

And for some reason, the fact she heard immediately made sense to her.

 

If it was the Berg she knew, he would’ve certainly done so.

 

“...You are loved, aren’t you?”

 

Breaking her cold demeanor, Arwin teased.

 

Ner felt a sudden warmth flush her face.

 

She shook her head, unfamiliar with such an emotion.

 

“No, that’s not it.”

 

“...”

 

Arwin smiled.

 

Then she whispered,

 

“...Don’t worry. Even if I end up marrying him, I won’t get in the way.”

 

“...Yes?”

 

As she spoke, the door swung open.

 

Both Ner and Arwin’s eyes were drawn towards it.

 

Leading the way, Berg emerged with a solemn face.

 

He immediately approached Ner, exhaling a deep sigh.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

“Be-Berg?”

 

Berg, gripping her wrist, pulled her along.

 

Following him, the elf elder, Ascal, stepped out.

 

Before Ner could pay her respects to him, she was dragged away by Berg.

 

The elder shouted,

 

“Think it over!”

 

“...”

 

Berg remained silent.

 

With a stern face, he continued to lead Ner away.

 

****

 

Since returning home, Berg had been continuously drinking.

 

Rather than drinking out of mental exhaustion, it seemed he was using alcohol to distract from his worries.

 

Berg always had a liking for alcohol.

 

Today, he drank a bit more quickly than on typical days.

 

Ner kept refilling Berg’s glass by his side.

 

And every time she filled his drink, Berg gave a small smile.

 

“...Thank you.”

 

Opening a window and admiring the backyard, Berg murmured,

 

“The moon is certainly not visible from here.”

 

Before the Celebrien family approached them, Berg and Ner had been arguing over a walk.

 

But Ner had long forgotten those previous quarrels.

 

Maintaining her silence, Ner finally mustered the courage to speak.

 

“...Berg?”

 

“...”

 

“What happened?”

 

Berg scratched his head.

 

With an apologetic look, he glanced at Ner and began to explain.

 

“A while ago, Adam Hyung proposed another marriage alliance.”

 

“...”

 

“I had refused back then... but the elf elder came to persuade me once more.”

 

Up to this point, Ner was familiar with the story.

 

She waited for Berg to continue, more concerned about the outcome.

 

“...”

 

But Berg remained silent.

 

Unable to wait any longer, Ner asked.

 

“...Berg?”

 

“...”

 

“What happened next?”

 

“...”

 

Again, Berg said nothing.

 

It was evident that he was deep in thought.

 

“Are you... contemplating?”

 

Upon Ner’s question, Berg briefly closed his eyes and opened them again.

 

“...I don’t want to.”

 

She had an inkling of the reason he intended to refuse.

 

Perhaps he was declining because of her.

 

His frequent glances in her direction were evidence of this.

 

Inwardly, Ner sighed, reflecting on this marriage proposal.

 

At first, she was certain she didn’t feel good about it.

 

And the probable reason was the surprising difference in their cultures.

 

However, Ner later thought about it rationally.

 

She tried to calculate what the right decision might be.

 

Firstly, if Berg were to decline the marriage here, numerous elves would die.

 

And not just any elves. Elves she was acquainted with, like Arwin, would perish.

 

A single person’s decision could determine the fate of many lives.

 

Was it right to turn them away because of the discomfort she felt?

 

Secondly...

 

“...”

 

Secretly, Ner looked at Berg’s profile.

 

He was someone she intended to leave one day.

 

And if he had another wife, wouldn’t it be easier for him to let her go?

 

When negotiating for her price later on, wouldn’t it be more readily accepted?

 

Having Arwin might have more advantages than not.

 

To begin with, having another friend like Arwin by her side would be a great strength.

 

From Ner’s perspective, there was no logical reason to push Arwin away.

 

That was what she thought when reasoning it out.

 

So, biting her lip, she spoke.

 

“...I think I’m okay with accepting.”

 

Upon hearing this, Berg set down his glass and asked.

 

“What?”

 

His voice was slightly raised.

 

Yet, Ner calmly expressed her opinion.

 

“If you’re refusing because of me... then you don’t have to, I’m okay with it.”

 

“...”

 

“If there’s another reason, I don’t know... but if I’m the reason...”

 

“...”

 

“If you’re declining because of me, won’t many elves die? Moreover, Arwin-nim and I know each other...”

 

“...You two knew each other?”

 

“...Yes.”

 

Berg seemed to sigh deeply, further pondering upon hearing Ner’s words.

 

For some reason, Ner’s heart was racing.

 

She never expected herself to make such a proposal.

 

“...Ner.”

 

Berg whispered quietly.

 

Once again, Berg cautiously took Ner’s hand. It was a gesture she had become familiar with lately.

 

Ner did not resist Berg’s touch; instead, she looked into his eyes.

 

“...Again, I must say... I don’t want to.”

 

“...”

 

“No matter the choice, people will die. Of course... if we don’t accept the marriage proposal, many more elves will perish.”

 

“...”

 

“If either path is challenging, I want to prioritize how you feel. But I also want to choose the path which is most beneficial”

 

“...”

 

“From that standpoint, I recognize that this marriage is not in line with your culture. That’s why I’m asking.”

 

Upon hearing this, Ner momentarily averted her eyes.

 

Regardless, Berg asked the same question.

 

“...Are you truly okay with this?”

 

Ner, suppressing her trembling heart, replied cautiously.

 

When she thought about it rationally, this seemed to be the right path.

 

“...Yes.”

 

Hearing her response, Berg’s expression became more serene.

 

Without a word, Berg took another sip from his glass.

 

After gazing out of the window for a while, he said.

 

“...Alright.”

 

****

 

Deep into the night.

 

Berg, having drunk more than usual, was already fast asleep.

 

But Ner’s eyes were still wide open, her heart yet trembling and restless.

 

She couldn’t understand why her earlier decision kept lingering in her mind.

 

No matter how much she pondered, it had been the right choice.

 

Yet, she continuously revisited her decision.

 

Ner thought to herself,

 

‘...I’m going to leave eventually. What’s the problem?’

 

She wasn’t malicious enough to shun an entire family just to avoid losing a friend.

 

Had he been a husband she loved, maybe she would have felt different. She still didn’t know the depth of romantic feelings.

 

So she could let Berg yield to Arwin and leave him in the distant future.

 

Ner closed her eyes again, wishing her heart would stop its frantic beat.

 

-Thump.

 

At that moment, Berg shifted in his sleep, wrapping an arm around her.

 

“....”

 

Ner became still beneath his arm.

 

The warmth of a marital bed could be felt.

 

Had it been any other day, she might have pushed him away in surprise. But tonight, for some reason, she couldn’t.

 

Ner had to wrestle with the peculiar fluttering sensation from her heart for a long while, trying to pinpoint its cause.

 

– – – End of Chapter – – –