Incompatible Interspecies Wives

221 – Escape (3)

Sylphrien sighed.

He had been thinking all day long, but ultimately, he would have to talk to Arwin.

Arwin had not left her room since she had left Berg.

He didn’t even know if she was eating well or if she was alive.

Sylphrien had many memories with Arwin.

He knew all too well how much Arwin had struggled in the Celebrien territory.

He knew how much she longed for the outside world, and how she yearned for a life of freedom.

In her free time, she would always read the same books about the outside world.

When Arwin finally came out into the world, she met Berg, and that time seemed to have changed Arwin’s life forever.

There was a time when Sylphrien hoped that Arwin’s feelings were temporary.

Arwin’s first encounter with the outside world was with Berg, and he wanted to believe that it was just a momentary shake.

From the beginning, Short-lived and Long-lived species had a fate that could not be connected in time.

Arwin must have understood that at first as well.

But after Arwin divorced Berg, he gradually fell apart.

Sylphrien, who had been watching her from the side, could tell.

The feelings Arwin had for Berg were not temporary, but more special than anything else.

No matter how much time passed, their hearts would not change.

They would cry every day.

They protested to find a way to share their lifespans.

They performed sacrificial rituals every day.

They comforted themselves with alcohol…

Throughout the period of their divorce, she was in pain.

Arwin, who seemed to have run out of tears, might have also been through the time when she cried the most.

Things got much better when they arrived in Stockholm.

Although she couldn’t even get a glance from Berg, Arwin seemed relieved just to be by his side.

Sylphrien felt it once again.

Now, Arwin could not live without being by Berg’s side.

…But now, Berg had faced death.

What must be going through Arwin’s mind?

How much she must be struggling, it was impossible to grasp.

It must feel like the only light in her life had gone out.

-Knock…knock…

So, Sylphrien knocked on Arwin’s door to check on her condition.

It was time for a conversation since they had given her a day.

If comfort was needed, they had to offer it, and if she was about to make a foolish decision, they had to stop her.

“…Arwin, it’s me.”

‘Come in.’

“…?”

But the strong voice of Arwin that followed surprised Sylphrien a little.

He did not expect her to respond.

In any case, thinking that good is good, Sylphrien opened the door.

Arwin was standing by the window, enjoying the night breeze.

“…Did you come?”

Arwin looked back at Sylphrien with a smile as she appeared.

“…”

Sylphrien couldn’t understand that smile.

She began to worry if Arwin had lost her mind.

“…Are… you okay?”

Sylphrien hesitantly opened the door.

Arwin laughed at her words.

Sylphrien had never seen Arwin looking so relieved.

Arwin nodded and replied.

“I’m fine.”

“…”

“Sister, I’ve been waiting for you. Let’s talk for a moment.”

At Arwin’s suggestion, Sylphrien hesitantly approached her.

She carefully sat down on the seat Arwin offered.

She still couldn’t figure out what Arwin was thinking.

She didn’t know how she could look so happy.

Arwin was the first to speak.

“I couldn’t leave because I was acting sad. So I was just waiting for you to come.”

“…Acting…?”

As Arwin continued speaking such incomprehensible words, Sylphrien’s worry deepened.

However, she had no choice but to quietly listen to Arwin’s story.

“…Sister.”

Arwin looked at Sylphrien with a bright smile.

Then, with a delightfully joyful expression, Arwin whispered.

“…Bergh is alive.”

“………..”

Unable to contain her joy, Arwin covered her face.

Silphrein could only maintain her silence.

…Arwin really must have lost her mind.

“…Arwin, I don’t know how to say this, but… Bergh…”

As Silphrein spoke cautiously, Arwin smiled at her.

Then, as if to reassure her, she put her hand on her shoulder and said,

“Sister. I’m not crazy. Bergh… is really alive.”

“…What?”

“I sacrificed all of my life vessels to save him. It’s a fact that Nero, Cien, and I all know.”

“………”

Silphrein blinked her eyes at those words. She could not understand what she was hearing.

Arwin soon closed her eyes.

At that moment, something seemed to emerge brightly from her chest.

It was a ceremony to bring out her life vessel.

“…Huh?”

However, from Arwin’s chest, only a thick, ash-like illusion flowed out and disappeared.

Silphrein knew what that meant.

Arwin’s life vessel was broken.

“…Did you see?”

But Arwin spoke with a proud expression.

It was as if she had been freed from a long curse.

-Gulp!

Silphrein suddenly stood up from her seat.

“Ah… Arwin! Your life vessel…!”

“I said, I sacrificed it to save Bergh. I’m not crazy. Bergh is really alive.”

However, Arwin continued her reply calmly as ever.

“I’m so happy. I could save Bergh with my life… my life of a thousand years of torture has now turned into happiness for a few decades.”

“……..”

Silphrein couldn’t say anything.

Arwin, who possessed the talent to live for more than a thousand years.

Yet now, with her life vessel shattered, she has only the normal lifespan of a short-lived species left.

Sixty years. If he lived healthily, maybe until seventy.

That’s about the time Arwin had left, according to Sprfrien.

“…But if it’s like this… only as short-lived as a Danmyeong blossom…”

Arwin corrected Sprfrien’s words, lifting his head.

“Living as long as Bergman.”

“…”

“…I’m so happy that it’s possible for me. It’s not always good to have a long time. My past life proves that.”

Sprfrien gradually found herself convinced by Arwin’s firm stance.

She didn’t seem to have lost her mind.

So, the initial question was raised again.

“…Berg is alive?”

“Yeah. He’s hiding in the southern forest.”

“Why? If he’s alive, he could just come back.”

Arwin shook his head.

“Berg doesn’t want a life of fighting anymore. He wants to let go of all obligations and live peacefully.”

“…”

“…And accepting me and Nerk as wives… isn’t the noble life already tough enough?”

“…Ah.”

“Originally, Berg’s dream was to live peacefully. Everyone thinks Berg is dead, but there’s no better opportunity than this.”

Gradually, Sprfrien was swayed by Arwin’s words.

We’ll have to see how Nerk and Sien behave over time, but for now, she was swayed by Arwin’s words.

With a small smile, Sprfrien asked again.

“Really… he’s alive?”

“…Yeah.”

Arwin nodded. Tears even began to fill her eyes.

“Yeah, he’s alive.”

Taking a deep breath, Arwin approached Sprfrien.

And then, in a calm voice, he began to speak to her.

“Sister.”

“…”

“…I’m going to leave with Berg now. I’ll live the life that Berg wants to live. Together, in a secluded place… we will build a house and have a child.”

“…Arwin.”

“…But since I’m disappearing without a word… I’m telling only you, my sister. Please… tell Father not to look for me. Berg wants to live in peace. Don’t look for us.”

Sylphren could now understand why Arwin had said that she was waiting for her.

Assuming all her words were true, it was a task she had to make sure to do.

No matter how much Arwin disappears without a word, it’s natural to try to find her.

“…When will you leave…?”

Sylphren carefully asked.

Arwin just shrugged her shoulders.

“When everything is ready. We’re planning to run away together. I’m not sure how that part is going, though.”

“…Do you need help?”

“It would be nice if you could help. But… the lesser people know that Berg is alive-“

“-Of course, I know that, Arwin. I promise, on my honor, that I won’t tell anyone.”

At that, Arwin hugged Sylphren.

Seeing her, who always maintained a cold expression, being so affectionate… it seemed to convey how happy Arwin was.

“…Sister, thank you.”

“…”

Sylphren nodded her head.

Although she entered the room worried and heard shocking news…for now, Sylphren felt more happiness than anything else, as it seemed Arwin had found happiness.

After a long time of suffering, it was fortunate that Arwin seemed to be happy.

From Noble mtl dot com

****

At the same time, Nere was facing Laan.

“…What?”

Laan frowned at Nere’s words.

Nere continued to speak carefully.

“…I’m going to leave. Please take care of my older brother.”

Laan asked back coldly.

“Leaving… where to?”

“…To Berg’s side.”

“…”

Upon hearing Ner’s response, Laan’s expression deepened in a frown.

“If you have nothing but nonsense to say-“

But Ner’s laughter cut off Laan’s irritated words.

Ner, who had been chuckling for a while, spoke up.

“I’m sorry. I was only joking. Though I will be leaving to be by Berg’s side… it’s not as dark a story as you think.”

“…”

With a smile, Ner continued.

“…That’s because Berg is alive.”

“……………….”

Laan blinked her eyes.

After being rigid for a while, she laughed bitterly.

“…You’ve finally gone insane.”

“…”

Ner understood her reaction.

The return of Berg was nothing short of a miracle.

Laan bit her lip and said,

“…Though you may not want to hear it, I’ve seen Berg’s body with my own two eyes. He was undoubtedly dead, and nothing could change that fact.”

However, the fact that Berg was alive had given Ner unfathomable relief, and he was scrutinizing Laan’s every word.

In the past, Laan had tormented him, but things had changed recently.

Even now, he could feel her being quite cautious in choosing her words.

Considering Laan’s cold personality, this was also tremendous consideration.

Before he left for the last time, Ner felt the warmth of family, and was at ease.

-With a swish.

With that, Ner took something out of his pocket.

It was what Arwin had given him.

A weapon for Ner, who was not that close with his family, believing he could convince Sylphrien.

“…That is…”

Laan’s expression changed as she looked at the item Ner took out.

What Ner revealed was Berg’s World Tree Leaf.

Once torn apart, that world leaf was shining green once again.

Rian couldn’t help but keep her mouth shut at the unique shape of the world leaf.

This leaf, unlike ordinary leaves, had a different aura.

Elves were rare, and married elves were even rarer, so the existence of this world leaf itself was evidence.

“…Isn’t it Lord Arwin’s?”

Rian whispered, as if she couldn’t believe Ner’s words.

Ner, on the other hand, just quietly spoke the truth.

“Lord Arwin’s world leaf is with Berg. You saw him wearing the necklace during the funeral, didn’t you?”

“…”

Rian blinked her eyes, crossed her legs, and began to bite her nails.

She could see that she was gradually accepting the truth.

After looking at the world leaf for a long time, Rian finally leaned her body towards Ner, uncrossing her legs.

“…Really?”

“…Yes.”

“…Is he really alive?”

Ner smiled.

“Yes. He’s alive. He’s in hiding, though.”

“…Why…”

“…Because he’s sick of the life of nobility.”

Ner then went on to explain why Berg hadn’t returned.

She reminded her of his dreams, the fact that he had become a hero through death, and even the story of polygamy.

Rian just quietly listened to all these stories.

“…So, I’m going to leave with Berg.”

“…”

“Wherever Berg goes, I’ll go.”

Rian blinked her eyes.

It was clear that her mind was filled with numerous thoughts.

Rian continued to look at Berg’s world leaf, which Ner was holding.

She also scrutinized Ner’s expression endlessly.

“…Running away?”

Raan asked again.

Nell nodded her head.

“…Even Lord Cien and Lord Arwin.”

“…”

“Soon you’ll find out that my story isn’t a lie. You’ll believe it when even Lord Cien disappears.”

“…”

“…But unlike Lord Cien, who has no close relatives, I have the Blackwood family behind me. Even though we didn’t have a good relationship, I know they will look for me if I disappear. If not my sister, then my brother.”

“…”

“…That’s why I’m telling you this story even though I know we must keep it a secret. Please don’t look for me. And please tell my brother as well. Tell him not to worry about me.”

Raan remained silent and still.

She seemed to be digesting Nell’s story in her head.

Over and over again, she gave Nell a sharp look.

Her eyes seemed to be assessing the sincerity of the situation.

“…If you go…where are you going?”

“I don’t know. There’s no plan.”

Raan asked with a smirk.

“If I stop you from going, will you not go?”

Nell also smirked at that seemingly absurd remark.

“….Of course not.”

“So, it’s just a notification.”

“Yes, that’s right. But you’ll find out the exact reason why I’m disappearing, won’t you?”

“…”

Raan took a deep breath.

Cautiously wetting her tongue, she began to whisper slowly.

“…Before coming here, my brother had a request for me.”

Nell’s expression hardened at those words.

She instinctively tensed up at the mention of Gideon’s story.

“…My older brother was confused as well. he wanted you to let go of your feelings for the Veld Lycor Duke, and at the same time hoped that you would find some happiness. So he asked me to tell you what he said.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Lan answered.

“Respect whatever choice you make. Just make sure the problem doesn’t get too big, and control it well from the side.”

“…”

Lan looked into Ner’s eyes.

“…If this is your choice, I respect it. I will tell the older brother well.”

“…Thank you.”

“I just hope you’re not saying this to me because you’re crazy and I’m not being fooled by it.”

Ner smiled at the remark.

Then he lifted up the world scripture leaf of Berg.

Lan laughed as he looked at the leaf.

“…When are you leaving?”

Lan asked soon after.

Ner shook his head.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“Will you tell us when you leave?”

“…Maybe. I think I’ll have to see the situation.”

“…Please send us your news from time to time.”

In response to Lan’s words, Ner playfully imitated the revenge of the past.

“You’re so kind as soon as you say you’re leaving.”

Lan also snorted at the remark.

“That’s right. A troublemaker of the clan is disappearing, so I can act a little kind.”

And the two looked into each other’s eyes.

Lan’s smiling expression gradually became serious.

“…Ner. In the past-, “

“Don’t.”

In the atmosphere of trying to apologize, Ner blocked Lan’s words.

He adjusted his tone so as not to be too heavy.

“…I can’t accept your apology right now. Of course, I also know I made a mistake by taking my mother’s life…but it was so hard when I was young. The memory still hurts me.”

Abusive language and violence. Throwing away the food that he had worked so hard to make. Moments when they couldn’t even sit in the same dining area. The time when there was no greeting, no word of concern.

Even now, those moments were so hard and lonely.

Before I knew Berg, I thought that was the whole world.

That’s why when Berg died, it was even more difficult for me.

Raan spoke bitterly.

“…I…suppose so.”

She showed a sign of admitting her fault as well.

But Ner was in the same situation of having Berg.

A certain level of ease had returned.

“…but.”

So, she said to Raan.

The desire to tie the story up well wasn’t just on Raan’s side.

“…if you don’t look for me for the rest of your life. If you block someone from finding me…then I will forgive you. If you take care of us so that I and Berg can live in peace… if you help me to live happily.”

“……………….”

“Then, at the moment when I leave this world, I will forgive you.”

Raan remained silent with that statement, chuckling weakly.

Raan’s nose seemed to redden for a moment, but… Ner thought it was definitely a delusion.

Raan took a deep breath and nodded.

And then she spoke to Ner.

“…I should listen to your brother’s words.”