Chapter 177 – Chapter 5: Crossing – 1
Ruev’s blue eyes were firm.
Like looking at a clear sky without a single cloud. Like an infinite ceiling always hanging over our heads. I feel a firm will that never wavers.
“I’m sorry, Ritz.”
You said it so confidently. He added a useless comment at the end.
“You encouraged me to take revenge rather than despair, and then I ended up getting rid of you first. Even if I swear, I have nothing to say.”
“No, don’t be mistaken.”
In front of a friend with this much determination, I also needed to speak firmly.
“I am the one who chose revenge.”
“…”
Even if Ruyev hadn’t pushed me, I would have followed this fate someday. It’s just a little difference in time.
If you thought I would give up on Tia so easily…
Wrong.
No matter how many times you throw me off the cliff.
I will crawl all the way up.
No one knows where this journey will end.
Perhaps the destination could be a very long distance or a very long time.
There is no guarantee that the road to the end will be as smooth as it has been so far.
Nevertheless, I am willing to go that path.
Because that’s how I defined my life.
“From the beginning, I just moved according to my own will. It doesn’t matter if you’re not together. You also decided to stay according to your own will… “I don’t care what you choose.”
“I see.”
Honestly, if I were to make a selfish calculation, it would have been better if Ruyev followed me until the end.
Of course, it’s better to be with others than alone, and Ruev had talents that I didn’t have.
This friend was the person who protected me like an unwavering rock when I got excited at times.
This friend was also the person who followed me through without saying anything when I doubted myself.
If it weren’t for Ruev, it would have taken a lot of time to get here on my own.
“Thank you for understanding, Ritz.”
“You are now the chief of Brisden, Luev. Please take care of the village.”
Even a year ago, I couldn’t even imagine that we would meet face to face and talk honestly like this.
I feel so foolish for hating and hating this guy all this time.
Still, I think it was organized well.
There is no particular affection left for the people of Brisden who kicked out Tia. However, just as the salmon that went all the way to the coast of Deseo crawled up the small river of Dragonez, I too had a debt of heart left behind in that village.
It’s where I grew up, and where my father tried to protect.
And… A place where memories with Tia remain.
There is nothing sadder than losing your hometown, where life itself is cherished.
I’m really glad that Ruev said he will continue Brisden.
At least when this journey of revenge is over. Because I now have a place to return to.
I opened the money bag.
Fortunately, there was enough money to rebuild the village. With this much money, wouldn’t it be enough to eat enough food for a year, repair an old house, cultivate a field, and even buy a few livestock?
This is not a difficult task for Ruyev, who is very dexterous.
I tightened the string again, closed the pocket, and handed it to Ruev.
“Because I don’t need it. “Take it all.”
“… Thank you so much, Ritz.”
Chin.
Ruyev received it with a grateful expression.
It’s not a waste. In the first place, I raised money with the intention of doing this.
I needed Po Sao’s blood, and Luyev needed money to rebuild his hometown.
All you have to do is return to where you need to be.
That time when I safely handed over my position as chief and my purse to Ruyev.
Kkeikik-.
Suddenly the door of the inn opened slightly.
We looked back at the same time.
“…”
A small face was peeking out from between the cracks in the door.
It was Marie.
Looking at the expression… It seems like he overheard our story a long time ago.
Marie asked Ruev as he entered her room.
“Oppa, aren’t you going with Ritz oppa anymore?”
“Okay. “I decided to stay.”
“-Me?”
Ruyev raised his eyebrows.
The look in his eyes seemed strange that the question itself was being asked.
I thought so too.
If Ruev, her older brother and protector, decides to stay, Marie will follow him.
Just like the ‘common sense’ that the sun rises in the east in the morning, it was such a natural thing that I didn’t even think there was any other choice.
But to Marie’s surprise, she raised why she wasn’t asked for her opinion.
Ruyev answered bluntly.
“You stay too.”
“… Do you have to do that?”
“Okay.”
“I want to go with Ritz oppa.”
One more time, like I did last time at Taildon. Marie rebelled.
Considering Marie’s personality of not saying much and being obedient, it was a very unusual thing.
Ruyev wasn’t used to this kind of reaction yet. I could almost see a very embarrassed face.
“What? Do you even know where Ritz is going now?”
“Huh. Know. “I heard she left Tail Dun and went to Char Rak.”
“Ritz said that it was a mountain range as rough and rugged as the Dragonez Canyon. But don’t you think that if you, who are weak, follow along, you will end up holding Ritz back?”
“Brother. “Have I ever been a distraction?”
Marie’s voice was not one of criticism. She asked in a pure voice because she was genuinely curious.
Ruyev frowned and rolled his eyes as if looking back on his journey.
I also thought about it once. But she couldn’t think of a time when she had done something wrong or felt uncomfortable because of Marie.
Rather, I only remembered what we couldn’t do, what we were able to do because it was Marie.
“Okay. Well, it’s never been a hindrance. However, we do not know what path Ritz will take in the future. She might be harder than she’s ever been. “It’s not something you can do.”
“So worried. “Ritz, are you trying to send her brother away alone?”
It was a rare opportunity to see a brother and sister fight right in front of me.
Even though it is called a ‘quarrel’… It seems like Ruyev is losing lopsidedly.
“Ritz. “Tell me what you say.”
In the end, he asked me for help because he thought he was no match for him.
“You don’t have to worry too much about me, Marie. “I can go alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Marie lowered her head.
“… “I’m scared.”
“Scared? Why?”
“Ritz is going after Tia, right? Then, the closer she gets to Tia, the closer she gets to not being as hurt as she was back then?”
“…”
She couldn’t answer.
Because I wasn’t sure either.
Although I am sitting calmly like this now. As I read Tia’s memories in the future, I may gradually lose control of her senses and go crazy.
Who will be there to catch me then? So far, Ruev and Marie have helped me come to my senses, but if I become alone, there will be no one to help me anymore.
And yet… Am I qualified to say that I can go out on my own?
“I’m sorry, Marie. “I was lacking a lot, so I made you worry.”
“No. It’s okay.”
Marie clasped her small hands over her heart.
“Every time Ritsu hurts, my heart hurts too… “I want to help.”
What more should I say?
I turned my head and looked at Ruyev. The guy thought deeply and then sighed deeply.
Her face seemed resigned, knowing that she would never be able to break her brother’s will.
“What are you going to do? Ritz.”
Well. Maybe each person made their own choice.
Ruyev stays. I’m on my way. Marie is following me.
That’s how the three of us decided on our own direction.
“Well, that’s enough. Just as you entrusted Brisden to me. “I should be able to leave one thing to you, too.”
Chin.
Ruev’s hand was placed on my shoulder.
“Please take good care of my younger brother.”
* * *
The next day.
As always, two backpacks were placed on the floor.
One was mine, the other was Ruev’s. But as of today, Ruyev’s backpack has changed hands.
“Keu-.”
Even though the weight was reduced so that Marie could carry it, it looked very awkward when she put it on her shoulder.
Should I say she was like a little girl who tried on her father’s clothes for fun? The backpack was too big compared to my body.
“Can you walk?”
“It’s okay.”
I answer bravely. You’ll know what it’s like when you walk.
I checked thoroughly once again. Are there any scratches on your shoes, are your clothes new, and have you got all the supplies you need for the long journey? I looked into it several times and finished preparing.
We have to be more careful than we have been before.
The place Marie and I are heading to is ‘Mess Road.’
The path that Tia walked with the tribute team… Because she had to walk.
“Ritz.”
When you are just about to start. Ruyev appeared from behind.
The guy didn’t talk for long. I said my goodbyes briefly and boldly.
“Go and come back. And when it’s all over, let’s have a drink together.”
“… Yes.”
“Marie, you too. Always stay safe.”
“Huh. Brother. “I’ll go and come back.”
Lastly, tie the rose saber tightly to your waist.
I turned my back and walked.
Jeez. Jeopuk.
Leaving Luyev watching us all the way with her arms crossed.
Slowly heading towards the outskirts of Taildon.
Her feelings were not new.
As she continued to walk, it felt like her fate was slowly coming closer to her heart.
Raise her head
In the distance, you can see the faint shadow of a dark mountain range on the horizon.
Is Tia over there?
Tuk.
Suddenly, a warm hand was placed on the back of my hand, which was cold in the morning air.
It was Marie’s hand.
“…”
I came to my senses like magic.
She shook her head and started walking down the street again.
Perhaps… It seemed like this trip wouldn’t be as lonely as I thought.
