Episode 23
“Recruit Neverest? Isn’t that the assassin group from Shale?”
Raymond asked in surprise, and I nodded seriously.
“You’ve probably heard the news. Shale just called a truce in the civil war they’ve been fighting for three years. They’ll start disbanding their special forces soon to fix their image.”
“I see…”
Shale had split into east and west and kept fighting over territory. But the real reason they agreed to stop was because they were running out of resources. War is expensive, and they simply couldn’t keep going.
Now, they needed foreign investments to rebuild. To attract those, they had to make the country look peaceful and safe. That’s why they were cutting their regular army and disbanding special forces like Neverest.
“When that happens, Neverest will lose their funding and be in trouble. That’s when you should step in and recruit them.”
“Alright. I’ll follow your advice.”
After thinking for a moment, Raymond nodded. It was easier to convince him now that he trusted me more.
Smiling brightly, I continued, “Okay! Let me tell you more about Neverest. Their leader is called On. He looks sharp and scary, but he’s actually loyal and really values his people. If you take him and his people in, he’ll definitely stay by your side.”
“Take them in?”
“You just need to bring them over to your land officially. Give them new citizenship and move them to your territory.”
“Ah, I see.”
Raymond quietly admired how detailed my information was. I agreed—it was impressive. I’m his guardian angel after all. Self high-five!
In the original novel, Neverest was supposed to become the emperor’s asset.
The emperor paid Shale’s king and forcefully brought them over, leaving their families behind. When On complained, the emperor threatened their families to make him obey.
On got seriously hurt while doing forced missions and eventually, the emperor threw them all away.
Looking back, the emperor really was a terrible person—selfish and heartless.
But Raymond was nothing like him. He hated that kind of cruelty, which is why I suggested a better method.
And it worked. He agreed without hesitation.
“Once I finish this plan, I’ll let you know.”
“Got it.”
As I got up to leave, I suddenly remembered something important. It was about our lovely owl, Oki.
“Oh, right! Raymond, about Oki…”
“What about her?”
“What does she eat? Can I give her food?”
“She’s a bird of prey, so usually mice or small birds.”
“R-Really…?”
Mice and birds…? I just wanted to give her something nice to eat, but that sounded tough. Do I need to catch a mouse from the mansion?
“It has to be raw, right?”
“Of course.”
Ugh. How am I supposed to get raw meat?
If I ask the kitchen, they’ll definitely get suspicious. And Oki is a secret between me and Raymond—we can’t risk anyone finding out.
Then Raymond suddenly remembered something.
“Actually, Oki really likes sunflower seeds.”
“Sunflower seeds? Do birds of prey usually eat nuts?”
“I don’t know, but she likes them.”
“Oh, that’s perfect!”
Sunflower seeds are easy to get, so that was great news.
Excited to treat Oki, I walked with Raymond through the night streets and said goodbye.
“See you next time.”
“Goodbye.”
After two hours of tutoring, the teacher left, and for the first time today, I was alone. I flopped onto the sofa, exhausted, even resting my head back like I was about to lie down.
Sigh. So tiring.
My days had gotten busy again. The rest I got after the kidnapping incident was officially over, starting with the party at Marquis Ortel’s house.
As a noble lady, Eilene had a killer study schedule. Even though I asked them to cut it in half, it was still overwhelming.
I had to rotate between world history, empire history, math, social studies, and essay writing. And every day there was music, art, and ballet.
From what the tutors said, Eilene actually enjoyed all this stuff. But I, who had always avoided studying, just couldn’t relate.
Such a perfect model student. Sure, I could obsess over my favorite things, but…
If only I’d studied the way I fangirled, I’d be at Seoul National University by now! That was the No.1 scolding I heard from people around me.
Pfft. If it were that easy, SNU wouldn’t be SNU. Someone like me at a small university keeps the balance.
Anyway, the real reason I was forced to study so much again… was that the emperor hadn’t called me in a while.
He was probably busy coming up with a plan against Raymond.
It was nice that he was leaving me alone, but also a bit worrying. If I met him, I could distract him and check what he was up to—for Raymond’s sake.
“Alright, I’ve decided!”
I jumped off the couch.
If the emperor doesn’t want to see me, then fine—I’ll call Oki instead!
Why the sudden switch? Because if I keep drowning in this never-ending study cycle, I’ll go crazy.
I decided I needed a break.
That night, I flung open the window and mimicked an owl’s call.
“Owk owk owk o owk!”
It was the signal to call Oki. Soon, I heard the sound of flapping wings. Two glowing eyes came closer through the dark and landed on my windowsill.
“Welcome, Oki.”
“Owk owk owk!”
Oki chirped happily and came inside.
“Oki, I got something for you. Just for you!”
When she saw the water and sunflower seeds I’d prepared on the table, her eyes sparkled. She started switching between the two, munching happily. Seeing her eat so well made me proud.
“Take your time.”
I crouched beside the table and watched. She picked up each sunflower seed and gobbled them up.
“Oki, is it yummy?”
“Owk owk.”
“You really love sunflower seeds, huh?”
“Owk owk.”
Every time I talked, she answered back. She was so adorable! Whoever named her Oki did a great job.
“I’ll give you more next time.”
“Owk owk.”
After finishing, Oki stuck out one leg proudly. I gently tied a note to it. Before flying off, she gave me one last look like she was saying goodbye, then soared into the sky.
She would take my note straight to Raymond.
If only I had wings, I’d fly straight to him too… or even just peek at him through the window.
I stood there watching until Oki disappeared into the night.
For me, meeting Raymond was the ultimate break.
I call it: Favorite Character Recharge!!
I’ve been a fangirl for 11 years—ever since I was 11. My obsessions changed a few times, but being a fan was a part of my everyday life. Like breathing.
So I had to meet Raymond… but what excuse should I use?
I racked my brain before writing the note.
Up until now, our meetings were all about prophecies. But now that we were in the middle of recruiting Neverest, there wasn’t really a reason to meet. I needed something clever.
Then I saw an article in the daily newspaper: a cherry blossom festival was happening in the nearby Logi region.
“This is it!”
I quickly scribbled a message:
[Raymond, I heard there’s a cherry blossom festival in the neighboring town. These festivals aren’t just fun—they’re full of culture, tradition, and the stories of the people. When we understand their lives and history, we can see the struggles that don’t show up in reports. So, how about going together? I’ll wait for your reply.]
That note was full of my desperate attempt to lure him in.
And it worked. Oki came back quickly—with a reply tied to her leg.
[Alright. I’ll pick you up an hour earlier than usual tomorrow.]
I opened the note and read it over and over again.
Tomorrow. Earlier. Pick me up.
Every word made my heart flutter.
Tomorrow?! Really?! He agreed this easily?! Yessssssss!!!
I jumped up and danced around the room in excitement—basically doing a wild breakdance.
I’d scored a one-on-one fan meeting with my favorite character. YES!
I went to bed super early to get ready. I pulled my blanket up to my shoulders and closed my eyes. But just like a kid before a field trip, I couldn’t fall asleep.
Am I really going to stay up all night?
…But soon enough, I was fast asleep, dreaming sweet dreams.
