Do You Want?
21: 21 | Everyone Wants Him Gone…
Do You Want?
The bedroom door swung open.
Enmie and Etyna stepped out of the room, both turning their heads back to look at Ersak.
Enmie called out, “Go to sleep early, you gotta wake up early tomorrow.” Ersak closed his eyes and lay down on the mattress, turning his body to face the wall as his voice drifted back, “Yeah.” The door clicked shut, and the flame of the oil lamp blew out.
The room plunged into darkness, everything turning pitch black as the surrounding sounds faded to a whisper.
Enmie and Etyna walked toward another doorway, where light spilled through the gap along with the low hum of distant chatter.
The door opened into a brightly lit hall illuminated by blazing white flames.
People walked back and forth, chatting merrily with one another.
The space was wide and airy, filled with receptionists behind desks, swordsmen carrying blades at their hips, and mages holding staff weapons with colored gems that caught the reflection of the firelight.
Hawen’s voice rang out, “Over here!” Enmie poked her head over.
Hawen and Lusia were sitting at a table eating cake.
Walking over, Enmie said, “I thought you two went to sleep already.” Hawen waved his hand.
“Ha, no way, we don’t go to bed that early.” The moment Enmie sat down, the entire room suddenly fell dead silent…
Confused, Enmie broke out in a sweat, looking around.
“Uh?
What’s going on?…” Pairs of eyes from the front desk, the surrounding tables, and the balcony upstairs were all staring intently at Enmie.
Looking around and completely failing to understand what was happening, Enmie barked out, “H-hey!
What’s wrong with everyone?..
Why’re you looking at me like that?” A young woman in a receptionist uniform with a nametag stepped forward.
“It makes sense that they’re looking at you, you’re pretty famous right now.” Everyone flicked their gaze to the speaker.
Etyna spoke up, her voice laced with surprise, “Ah…
Sir Sovia?” Sovia flashed a friendly smile toward Etyna.
“Hello, Etyna.
It’s been a long time.” Etyna raised her hand, waving it gently.
“Hello, Sir!
Long time no see.” Enmie looked at Sovia, narrowing her eyes.
“What do you mean by that?” Sovia crossed her arms, her face tightening with tension as she stared down at Enmie.
“You seriously have to ask, Enmie?…” Enmie broke out in a cold sweat, her eyes widening.
“Huh?…” Letting out a sharp sigh, Sovia suddenly bent down, bringing her face right up to Enmie’s.
“You dared to bring a prisoner of war back here on your own, and you’re even training him.
What exactly are you trying to do?” Enmie flinched, her gaze dropping.
She clasped her hands together and rubbed them nervously, muttering under her breath, “I just saw potential in him, so I brought him back to train so he can join our organization later…” Etyna glanced over at Lusia and Hawen sitting next to her.
They were continuously scooping cake and stuffing it into their mouths without saying a single word.
Nom, nom nom…
Both of them suddenly choked.
Startled, Etyna gasped anxiously, “Huh?!” The pair smacked their own heads, making loud thumping noises as their faces twisted in pain.
Sovia stood back up straight and let out a heavy sigh, propping her hand against her forehead.
“Sigh…
excuses, excuses.” A young girl wearing a soft, neatly fitted crimson kimono stepped forward.
“I believe allowing a prisoner to participate like this will affect not only the organization, but also the honor of our Council.” SLAM!
A massive beer mug crashed down onto the wooden table.
A large man spoke up, his voice deep and gruff, “I think Enmie must’ve had her reasons for doing this.” His eyes flicked over to Enmie.
“Besides, Enmie has never done anything useless before.” “Let them say whatever they want.
I’m voting to let Enmie keep that guy around,” he added.
Enmie’s face lit up completely, her eyes practically shining as she flashed a thumbs-up toward the man.
“You really are a good guy, Sujun!!” Suddenly, a voice boomed down from the upper balcony.
“I think bringing a prisoner who should’ve been executed back here is completely unacceptable.
I don’t agree.” “I don’t agree either.” “I don’t really care either way.” The room dissolved back into a wave of chatter.
Sujun sat down on the soft rug carpeting the floor, letting out a heavy sigh.
“Everyone, please quiet down!” a loud shout echoed out, instantly cooling the room’s atmosphere.
The crowd fell silent.
Behind the food counter, a girl wearing glasses spoke up.
“The Council leaders have already discussed this matter, so none of you need to worry.” The girl flipped through a sheet of paper, raising it as she adjusted the frame of her glasses.
“According to what…” Before she could finish, a young man stepped forward and covered the document.
The girl looked at him in utter confusion.
“Don’t reveal it just yet.
She wants to come and introduce herself.” As soon as he spoke, his entire body erupted into a flock of crows that scattered into the air, flying in all directions.
The paper in the girl’s hand vanished instantly.
Panicking, she searched everywhere for the document before forcing herself to stand straight again.
Clearing her throat awkwardly, she continued, “Uh…
well…
yeah…
long story short, the council has already reviewed what Enmie did.
You guys don’t need to worry…” Bowing her head, she quickly ran off into the kitchen.
“Um…
that’s all.” The room fell dead silent, no one quite understanding what had just transpired.
Soon, low whispers started rippling through the crowd again.
“Did the association send someone else down?” “Man, I’m excited.
The people they send are usually incredibly strong.” “Geez, don’t say that.
Last time it was already a Grade 2 agent.
I wonder who it’s gonna be this time.” A man slowly walked down the staircase, grabbing his cloak from behind his back.
His voice cut through the air, immediately silencing the room.
“I don’t have any opinion on this, just don’t cause trouble for the council.” He marched straight toward the main entrance and stepped outside.
“I still need to make a living here, after all.” The door clicked shut behind him, leaving a heavy atmosphere in the room.
Sovia clapped her hands together, calling out loudly, “Alright, alright, it’s late.
Everyone go get some rest.
Let’s leave it at that for tonight.” The crowd began to disperse one by one, with some leaving the hall while others simply slumped over the chairs to sleep.
Enmie’s face darkened, a heavy look of sadness settling over her features as she kept completely quiet.
Hawen stood straight up and walked over, patting Enmie’s shoulder.
“Come on, let’s head back to the rooms.” Enmie watched Hawen walk up the stairs and leave alongside Lusia.
Etyna nudged closer to Enmie, grabbing her hand to pull her up.
A cheerful smile broke across her face as she spoke, “Alright!
Let’s get back to the room and rest, don’t think too much about it.” Enmie stood up, her gaze shifting away.
“Yeah…
you go ahead and rest, I’ll follow in a bit.” Etyna looked at her with a worried expression.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Enmie let out a soft laugh, answering as she walked toward the main entrance, “I’m fine, really.
Go get some rest first.” The door swung open and shut.
Etyna stood frozen on the spot for a moment before silently walking away.
The full moon hung high amidst the clouds, its silver light shining straight down onto the vibrant red hair.
A lone shadow stretched out over the stone pavement as Enmie walked aimlessly right down the center of the grand street.
Fiery torches lined the path, illuminating the houses on either side.
Storefronts displayed closed signs, and stray cats slunk through the shadows of dark alleys.
Her footsteps echoed cleanly through the late night, beating a steady rhythm into the silence.
Clasping both hands behind her back, Enmie tilted her head up toward the high sky, her gaze drifting over the brilliant stars.
A lone figure walked aimlessly through the cold night…
Everything gradually went black…