chapter 860
860. [Western Front] – I really think they are a match made in heaven (136)
***
“First, we closely looked at the report on the execution of the nine apostles. Then I saw several interesting things. Of course, the fact that he prevented a huge threat with outstanding performance can be seen as a significant achievement, but… … .”
Shiffrin’s calm voice continues.
Even as I listened to her words, a part of my consciousness was a bit distant.
As I reached level 8, my five senses were greatly improved, and my will was also able to change in a slightly different way. Even in this area, I could feel the change as to why those with high characteristics were so dominant.
‘Diversification of consciousness.’
Of course, it is not possible to completely lose focus in reality, but it does mean that you have more time to think.
And now, I had to wonder what Shiffrin’s ‘true intention’ was.
‘There is a clear purpose for coming here.’
The weight of the name Cyprin Devzerin was not light for her to tread lightly.
There is clearly a great purpose, and something that she must step into.
That also concerns me and Anastasia.
“The other officers did a great job in that regard. “I was able to focus on the nine apostles, and I was able to stop the nine apostles from trying to maximize damage by expanding their own territory.”
“okay. “Is it okay to assume that the list of officers who participated in the war at the time is as it appears in the report?”
“yes. Because everything was accurately stated in the report. I can tell you that every officer who can deploy the opening has faced the Nine Apostles with me.”
“Then, of course, Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong was also there at that time… … .”
The end of the conversation between the two women was directed to me.
When Shiffrin suddenly looked at me, I nodded my head calmly.
“For me too, at the time, there were limits to opening up.”
And I spoke appropriately, just as I had heard from my last meeting with Anastasia.
“… … They say that opening up was a limitation. Yes, I understand.”
Shiffrin’s eyes were indifferent as she answered lightly.
But it felt quite heavy to me.
A strange feeling that my eyes were so cold that they froze when I met hers.
‘A stronger person than me.’
In the works I’ve seen, Shiffrin’s performance doesn’t stand out that much. She is only briefly explained what kind of person she is and why she is trusted by the emperor.
But now that I am facing her like this. Her reality was beyond my imagination, even her powerlessness.
‘I never thought he would be so talented that I would feel intimidated.’
Tuk!
The moment I thought that, I heard a knock on the table.
It was a sound made by Anastasia.
“I think Shiffrin has more to ask of me than of Han Tiansheng.”
With the words that followed, I was able to free myself from Shiffrin’s dark gaze.
“yes. “If we were to give more weight, of course, greater emphasis would be placed on Major Anastasia.”
“Then, aren’t you really curious about the part where I disappeared along the way?”
When Anastasia drew attention to me, I looked at her in shock.
‘Are you planning to talk about the sealing ceremony?’
After spending time with her over the past few days, we already agreed to gloss over the sealing ceremony. And my limit was to just open up and maintain myself.
But suddenly she was about to talk about the sealing ceremony.
“I’m curious. However, I tried to check the other parts in detail first and then proceed with the order. Still, it doesn’t matter if you say it first. In fact, even if the imperial family is trying to award an award, the ambiguous parts of the report must be properly clarified.”
“The nine apostles I encountered were the apostles who manipulated the power of fire, and the nine apostles known in ancient books as ‘Sekhmet.’ There was a plan he had prepared. “It was a tactic aimed at me.”
“If it’s a target.”
“It’s a sealing ceremony.”
“… … .”
Sreuk. For a moment, her mind was blank as he gently squeezed her hand.
I didn’t even know how she reported it to the imperial family. However, Anastasia’s attitude, immediately visible to her, was so unstoppable that it took her breath away without even realizing it.
It feels like they are trying to reveal the truth, but cleverly insert lies in between.
“It’s a sealing ceremony… … Well, that’s why it suddenly disappeared. Was Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong also present at the sealing ceremony?”
“I got caught up by chance. “Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong’s opening was not one of putting the realm under himself like others, so he was unluckily caught up in the sealing ceremony that Sekhmet manifested.”
“Unfortunately.”
As Shiffrin spoke, her eyes turned to me again.
“… … yes. “I was almost forced into it at that moment.”
“To summarize, the two were trapped in a strange sealing ceremony that Sekhmet had prepared targeting Major Anastasia. And after overcoming the sealing ceremony, he later joined the battlefield again. Is it okay for me to understand this?”
I couldn’t open my mouth for a moment due to the unusual insight that seemed to penetrate the situation at the time.
“… … .”
When I turned my head and looked at Anastasia, she only gently pursed her lips.
“That’s right. Mr. Cyprin… … As expected, you are sharp. “The report couldn’t accurately describe that time, but you can infer that much with just these words.”
“I just thought that would be the case given the circumstances. Still, it’s really amazing. Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong’s differentiated power of opening is such that he is caught up in the sealing ceremony against the main axis… … .”
Shiffrin’s eyes were still focused on me as she spoke with a strange smile.
“As for me… “I relied a lot on Major Anastasia.”
And I felt like I was walking on the tip of a knife.
Even if you open your mouth easily.
Even the slightest mistake while speaking.
Nothing is tolerated.
Every word I say now can become huge information for Shiffrin and make changes in the future.
“Major Anastasia. This is my personal curiosity. But was it possible that the circumstances of the sealing ceremony became a special occasion?”
“If you call it an opportunity… … .”
“It was a time when my relationship with Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong deepened. I’m sure you already know, but rumors have spread throughout the empire. “I was personally curious about the two becoming lovers.”
Stop.
I blinked without realizing it.
Contrary to what I thought he would delve into the situation further, he suddenly asked about our relationship.
“… “I guess you could say it was an opportunity in its own way.”
Even Anastasia responded a little late, as if she didn’t know she was going to mention her relationship with me there.
***
“… … “You could say that it was an opportunity in its own way.”
At Anastasia’s cautious answer, Shiffrin naturally smiled.
“It’s an opportunity, after all, emotions grow bigger in such special situations.”
Shiffrin’s answer as she did so seemed to other people to be a very natural smile, and a smile that seemed quite satisfied with the answer.
However, her appearance and heart were clearly different.
‘Truth and lies are mixed up.’
My instinct saw it right away.
However, there was something very uncomfortable about knowing anything more than that. Above all, Anastasia’s powerful presence was far beyond expectations.
ㅡOverwhelming presence at attribute level 10.
Anastasia didn’t even have any intention of hiding her presence from me. They express so much energy that I feel like they are showing off their presence to me without any hesitation.
So I had no choice but to be more careful.
‘The title of the strongest in the empire is not one that is given easily.’
To be honest, it wasn’t that easy even to carry on a conversation naturally.
I was able to answer calmly even under the emperor’s heavy gaze.
Right now, I’m even feeling the intimidation of being crushed by Anastasia’s overwhelming presence.
So I couldn’t even dare to use the trait.
The moment you reveal the trait and try to read information about Anastasia again, Anastasia will be able to feel it right away.
“… … “Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong.”
“yes. Mr. Shiffrin.”
My eyes kept turning to Han Tiansheng.
“The current imperial family is quite positive about Second Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong heading to the front line, even if it is under Princess Lyudmila’s orders. “He adapts well to the front lines, achieves many achievements, and information about him is even passed on to the imperial family.”
“… “I’m just grateful that they think so well of me.”
Seeing his thoughtful answer, I added a little more.
“So, can you tell me in more detail what you did at the sealing ceremony? Anastasia’s report that the opening was just carried out is a bit lacking. “I’m in a position to speak best about you, so I’d like you to tell me in detail.”
I smiled softly and tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible.
If I wanted to get to know Anastasia and figure out her truth and true intentions, one day would not be enough, even for me.
So even more, ‘Han Cheon-seong’ was needed.
He is the one who gives me a break from Anastasia’s overwhelming intimidation, and the man with whom she has the closest bond.
“… To tell you right away, the situation at the time was quite complicated for me, so my words may not be smooth. Are you still okay?”
“Then it’s okay. I also have no desire to force or pressure an answer. “You can think about it comfortably.”
Sreuk.
While gently holding the teacup, I looked away for a moment.
Then, as if enjoying her leisure time, she lifted her teacup and moistened her lips.
“… … .”
Even as the bitter tea water awakened my spirit a little more, a smile escaped my heart.
‘When did I ever feel this way?’
Even now, Anastasia’s deep gaze looking at me reminded me of the past.
The moment I first encountered the emperor and was weighed down by his weight.
Now that I have established my own position, I am able to have quite a bit of leisure time. Anastasia, whom I met after 4 years, was giving me that feeling again.
I don’t dare treat you easily.
Additionally, I feel so much pressure that I feel like I have to be nervous.
Glancing.
I gently made eye contact with Anastasia and put down the teacup again.
“To give a little more personal opinion, I think these two are truly a match made in heaven.”
“… thank you.”
“Ahaha.”
I suddenly burst out laughing heartily at the two different people’s reactions.
“I can’t believe that two people who can be said to be treasures of the empire have become lovers. How could I not be happy? Major Anastasia, the main force said to be the strongest of the current empire. And we are dating Second Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong, a genius who will surely rise to the forefront of the empire in the future.”
And once again, I began to understand Anastasia’s changes.
She, who had not had the slightest scandal with the opposite s*x over the past few years, had developed a strange relationship with a kid who had only been at the front for a month, no matter how much he was called a genius.
‘I guess our eye level matches each other.’
That has always been the case with born geniuses.
The opposite s*x, who does not feel worthy of dealing with someone who is inferior to them, just hates being tied down.
Commonly speaking, it’s because the level doesn’t match.
In that sense, Anastasia was the most unrealistic being within the empire.
Natural bloodline. A commoner who didn’t even have a family background.
Through his own achievements, he earned the title of marquis and at the same time rose to the high position of being the main axis of the empire, worthy of being called a universal figure.
Despite this, she has never paid attention to any high-ranking nobles or even the royal family.
Sreuk.
He gently turned his head and looked at Han Tiansheng.
“… … “That is too much to say.”
He seemed to be conscious of my gaze and carefully expressed humility, which made me laugh even more.
“It’s too much. In my opinion, the only genius comparable to Major Anastasia is Lieutenant Han Cheon-seong. “I honestly think so.”
I meant it.
Then I thought a little differently.
‘There’s definitely a reason.’
At just 21 years old, he has already reached level 8 in his characteristics.
… … It was a monster that I couldn’t even understand.