Chapter 302: Laios, the Neutral Country (3)
The sharp attacks were unsettling, but Laios was a more peaceful and livable place than I thought.
I didn’t know if it was because of the exotic scenery or the unique nationality, but I thought I could see why so many people visited Laios.
They hated quarrels and valued balance and harmony.
Most people made it their highest value, the one that ruled and controlled them, and some of their unusual behaviors reminded me of Earth’s Buddhism.
In fact, unlike the State, the prominent occupations in Laios were monks and ascetics. Those who could be classified as priests were different in nature from the Holy Knights owned by the State.
If the crusaders’ pursued faith in God, their pursuit was a spiritual discipline.
In some ways, it seemed that religious issues could cause friction, but it was not.
This was probably because the people of Laios believed in the Goddess Mahamara, who could be classified as an ally of the Goddess Benigore.
The doctrine of the Goddess Mahamara was not belief in herself, but the discipline and happiness of believers. I could be sure that their nationality’s background lay in the doctrine of the Goddess that they were serving.
‘It’s a nice place.’
As a result, the country as a whole was simple and lacking in luxury.
However, it was impossible to treat the guests of the State recklessly.
It went without saying that we had received a magnificent banquet as a gift that could be considered quite magnificent from their standpoint.
They must be thinking that they might make a mistake with the delegation.
The State was definitely a big country. Even after the civil revolution, the State still stood at the center of the continent’s political scene.
It was apparent that they thought that they should not commit a mistake to our delegation representing the State.
I had been invited to many places in the meantime, but it was the first time that I had received hospitality so comfortably.
The dancers’ dance was beautiful, and their culture and music were also good to see and hear.
“How was the banquet?”
“I had a fun and great time. I didn’t know how to express my gratitude for the hospitality that is full of heart.”
“I’m glad you were satisfied. I was worried that the food and drink wouldn’t suit your taste… I’m relieved. We have a separate building that you can use during your stay. Red Mercenary and Blue members can use it separately, so I hope you stay with the delegations that came together and take a slow tour of Laios tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Pristina.”
‘The treatment is good.’
I had felt it before, but she seemed to know how to make me in a good mood.
That didn’t mean that she was just obsequiously fawning over around.
Since Pristina had already expressed her edgy rejection of the proposal to be with our side, this banquet would also be an apologetic expression.
It was already dark, so naturally, I needed to sleep.
When I got up, I felt like the drunkenness came all at once.
‘Is the drink stronger than I thought?’
I thought it was a sweet drink, and this was happening since I had drunk it thoughtlessly.
My body was tired from a long trip.
Park Deokgu, who approached without a word as if he had noticed that I was struggling, grabbed me.
Jung Hayan, afraid of being stolen, also grabbed my arm, and in the meantime, Cha Hee-ra took over my baton.
She started directly dealing with the kid. She gestured as if telling me to leave.
Park Deokgu nodded in reply, and I was able to leave the banquet after greeting roughly.
‘I’m very tired…’
Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan seemed relatively fine.
Since there was a difference in stats, it seemed that I got drunk a little bit faster.
Even Han Sora didn’t seem to be as tired as I was, so my low stamina saddened me.
“Gosh. Didn’t you have too much? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk like this.”
“Well. I’m particularly tired today.”
“I understand you, too. It’s a pleasant place after a long time. Everyone seems to be nice, too.”
“Well, I guess.”
“Anyway, take a rest today and go around with Hayan tomorrow. I heard there are many things to see and do here and there.”
“Really?”
“Well, there is also a cave of truth, but it is said that it is the heritage of the Goddess discovered hundreds of years ago. I’m not sure what it is, but it seems that there are many cultural heritages and preserves designated by continental law. There is also a law banning the hunting of endangered monsters in Laios, so wouldn’t these things be well-preserved?”
“Strictly speaking, even the State is strictly managing things related to the Goddess Benigore.”
“Ah, does the State have such a thing?”
“Yes.”
“Anyway, it seems like a much better place than I thought.”
“Yes.”
‘I’m tired to death.’
It would be a side effect of taking drinks from Jung Hayan.
Jung Hayan held my arm, as if she were worried about me, and moved, but in fact, we were both being dragged by Park Deokgu.
Not long after leaving, I could see a large annex.
Exotic styles were still visible, but the inside of the annex was similar to that of the State.
It must have been the place where the State’s delegation always came.
“I-I can take him on my own from now on.”
“What?”
“I can take him to the bedroom.”
“Then you do that!”
“Yes. T-Then let me do it.”
Park Deokgu raised his thumb towards me as if it was good, but unfortunately, I could not afford to do something.
I felt like I would fall asleep any minute now.
‘I’m glad I don’t need to wash.’
Magic was quite effective in this case.
After entering the spacious room, it was no wonder that I immediately spread out in the bed.
Jung Hayan asked, ‘Shall I wash you?’ and all I could do was gesture a yes.
Of course, I was thinking about what to do with Laios, even as I slowly fell asleep.
It cannot be said that it was very urgent thus far, but the current State needed a reliable alliance. The Republic, our sworn enemy, was out of the question.
In the case of the United Kingdom, they were prepared to pull out the sword on their guard, so the only places we could try were Laios and other races.
I started thinking about how to approach those who were constantly insisting on neutrality, but the problem was that I couldn’t find an answer.
It wouldn’t be bad to find a weak spot and drag it, or worsen their relations with the Republic.
‘It’s not good to approach too quickly. I’ll wait and see.’
They treated us well on the surface, but they were already wary of us enough.
‘My head hurts…’
Even though I could rest comfortably, seeing me thinking about this over and over again, I could say I was definitely a workaholic.
As the kid Queen said, I felt like it would be nice if I could take a rest tomorrow without thinking about anything.
With that thought, I closed my eyes and was able to jump out of bed at the same time as the sunlight shining on my face.
It was morning already.
“Ugh… my head.”
“Oppa, are you awake?”
“Ah, Hayan. What time is it now?”
As I turned to the side where the voice was heard, I saw Jung Hayan walking around while holding a large bowl at the door.
“It’s three o’clock now.”
“Three o’clock?”
“Yes. I-I thought you would get up by now, so I brought some warm stew. I made it myself! You just got up at the right time.”
“Is it already this late?”
“Yes.”
“I feel like I’ve only slept for a few hours… why am I so tired?”
“Y-y-y… you overdid it yesterday.”
Ah, that was right.
As I glanced at her quietly, I could see her wearing a big smile, apparently in a good mood. I had been worried about her the day before, but it seemed as if her emotions had improved overnight.
It looked as if she slept well or was energized.
‘Her skin is also very firm.’
It was hard to believe that we had a drink together.
I didn’t know if it was magic or not, but the gloss flowing on her skin looked as if she had even applied oil on it, and overall, she seemed to be in a better mood.
I was also a little relieved by that.
However, I couldn’t help but be happy with her feeling better.
“Since… you’ll be tired, eat this and sleep a little more…”
“No. It’s a little wasteful to come here to sleep. I can just drink a bottle of potion. What about Hee-ra? No. Is Deokgu still inside?”
“Oh. The two of them went outside with Sora. All the members of the Red Mercenary, too. I think they are going to take a tour in Laios today. They asked me to contact them when you wake up.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“We have a lot of time, so let’s move slowly. Ah… Wait, Hayan.”
“Yes… Yes?”
“I’ve been a little indifferent these days, right?”
“N-no… Because Oppa is busy. Y-you have a lot to do, and I can understand.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
I gave a kiss on her forehead, seeing her ears redden cutely. Anyway, I couldn’t just sit still here.
After inhaling the mingling and strange stew she brought, I immediately started to get ready.
‘It would have been nice if Maid Alice was here.’
I couldn’t understand why I still called her a maid, but I was so tired that it made me think about all kinds of things.
It was usually burdensome, but it was a pity that she was not here at times like this.
No matter how much Jung Hayan tried to take care of me, there was a gap that cannot be filled between a professional and an amateur.
Although I was grateful for her intention, Jung Hayan running around panting to take care of me was actually slowing down the preparations.
“Let’s get out.”
“Yes!”
“It looks like we’re going on a date after a long time. Right?”
“Ah! Yes! I-it is!”
‘Okay. Today is complimentary.’
After that, I would have to join Cha Hee-ra anyway, but it would be important to Jung Hayan for us to be together even for a short time.
Since she was already in a good mood, it wouldn’t be bad to bring it to the top here.
She could be quiet for a while, and it would be possible to improve her relationship with Cha Hee-ra little by little.
‘I might feel less worried…’
Thanks to Jung Hayan, even I was getting in a better mood.
But as I thought everything would work out, it didn’t take long before I realized that it was going to be twisted somehow.
‘What is she doing here?’
She was now someone I had blurred memories of and couldn’t remember her name well, but she was very familiar.
The first time had I encountered her was at the black market, and the second was when I got help with Cha Hee-ra’s episode.
The only Republican contact I knew, a member of the Five General Tigers, the Republic’s pride, possesses a legendary-grade weapon, a whip that punished the Goddess, owner of the Woold.
She also had one of the shittiest characteristics I’ve ever seen.
‘Shaolin?’
I had no choice but to rush to turn around.
‘Fuck…’
It was because I felt guilty.