“Then, we shall conclude the 129th emergency meeting regarding the Erosion Dungeon held by the Hunter Association. Thank you to all the members and association representatives for your participation.”
Thud thud thud
Yeonhwa, who attended the emergency meeting on behalf of her grandmother Yeonseo, couldn’t hide her exhaustion.
It was certainly deadly work for hunters to fight in dungeons, but spending time in this place filled with bickering politicians and pointless discussions was a different kind of agony for Yeonhwa.
Repeating similar comments, or rather, making a big fuss over exactly the same topic, and when a specific issue arises, one side always agrees while the other always opposes.
Any solution or alternative emerges much later, and ultimately, they keep spinning in circles, yielding no significant conclusions.
Yeonhwa, who typically didn’t express strong opinions about politics, found the sheer waste of time to be mentally exhausting.
“The property damage can probably be sufficiently addressed with the allocated recovery budget.”
“Essentially, most buildings and land reverted to their original state the moment the Erosion Dungeon was eliminated.”
“Oh, esteemed members, you’ve done a great job. I’ve booked a good place for dinner tonight; will you be joining?”
“If it’s a reservation by Member Kim, it’s definitely trustworthy.”
“Ah! Miss Yeonhwa, will you be joining as well?”
Yeonhwa flashed a mask-like smile as she surveyed the familiar faces around her.
“Thank you for the invitation, but I’ll have to pass today, Mr. Member. Ever since becoming an S-grade Hunter, I’ve been quite busy.”
“Ah, do you have to go to the association as well?”
“Yes, I have additional matters to take care of. I still need to wrap up the follow-up report.”
From the perspective of the true elite of present-day Korea, Yeonhwa had met various politicians and high-ranking officials through her grandmother Yeonseo, the strongest hunter, and the connections of the Yeon Family since she was young. While she didn’t have deep relationships, everyone here could be of use if Yeonhwa decided to call upon them.
Sure, there were often annoying and troublesome requests and solicitations in politics, but in the end, the ones truly suffering were usually the administrative officer Yeonju of the Yeon Family and Director Lee, who often got scolded by her grandmother, so it didn’t bother her much.
In fact, Yeonhwa was probably beyond being intimidated by these members.
“Speaking of which, I heard another Returnee arrived from this dungeon?”
“…Yes.”
Menelapie Haleum.
A hero with golden hair shining like gold from that other world.
Someone with a deep connection to Shia.
Hmph, wasn’t it said that this person has a much deeper connection with Shia than I do?
That was a good thing.
Yeonhwa held a fondness for Shia and looked up to her like an older sister.
Naturally, it was indeed a joyful event that the Emperor, who could be considered Shia’s ally, had come to Earth.
But with the unexpected appearance of this individual, she felt a pang of jealousy, as if her position was slightly being taken away.
However, when thinking rationally, it was a reason to celebrate, especially considering Menelapie had even saved Shia and Yeonhwa from danger.
Now that she was an S-grade Hunter, she shouldn’t be sulking like a child.
“While it’s great to welcome returning people, it gets very annoying if they come too often. I sometimes think, ‘I wish they wouldn’t come so frequently already.’”
“Having to verify the identities of missing persons and locate families… oh, the administrative waste is quite excessive, not to mention the funds required for support to the returnees don’t just come out of nowhere.”
“…Please don’t speak like that, gentlemen.”
Suddenly, the atmosphere around Yeonhwa chilled and the members flinched.
“While there has yet to be an official announcement, if it weren’t for that individual, there would have been far greater human losses in that Erosion Dungeon. I don’t appreciate it when you make reckless comments without knowing the real situation on-site.”
The members weren’t scared merely because Yeonhwa was an S-grade Hunter.
Yeonhwa usually kept her distance from power. Although there might be those unfamiliar with her, the nickname “the elite of the Hunter Era” was definitely earned, not just some superficial label.
Her expression was no different from usual, but if she truly wished, replacing a few of the people present could be easily within her abilities.
At that moment, the members realized that Yeonhwa, who appeared polite and reasonable, was someone capable of making their heads roll at any moment.
“Ah, my goodness… did we perhaps offend you?”
“Sir, this returning person supposedly provided great help in subjugating the Erosion Dungeon! Miss Yeonhwa, I apologize on behalf of our group… this friend of ours isn’t a bad person, just a bit clueless…”
Ahem, we’re sorry, Miss Yeonhwa.
“Phew… it’s alright. I was just a bit sensitive. I’ll be busy for a while, but let’s arrange a meal some other time.”
“Then we’d be grateful for that. Ah, speaking of which, Miss Yeonhwa…”
One member lowered their head toward Yeonhwa and spoke quietly.
“It’s nothing major, but… you know some public Hunters were confirmed dead in this Erosion Dungeon, right?”
“I’ve heard about that. Yes, it’s unfortunate.”
Choi Junil, a guy who had proposed to Yeonhwa during academy days but faced rejection, and several awakened ones with public Hunter titles from the Seoul City Hall had also been confirmed dead.
Even if he had been somewhat bothersome to her, Yeonhwa felt a sense of sorrow at the very least for the death of a person.
Feeling sorrow for a person’s death is naturally expected.
“Is there a problem? I believe the families of the deceased Hunters will be receiving condolence payments and plaques of appreciation…”
“Apparently, one of the deceased public Hunters was the nephew of the current mayor of Seoul. I doubt Miss Yeonhwa would face any trouble, but… that man can go wild like a raging bull when enraged, so please be careful.”
Speaking of which, the current mayor of Seoul was already quite a character.
Aside from his political stance, he was known to not have a good relationship with the Hunter Association.
Well, no matter how much he struggled, he wouldn’t be able to personally lay a hand on Yeonhwa… but one couldn’t help but worry whether he might target Shia or those close to her.
Hmm, I shouldn’t give him an opening.
“I’ll keep that in mind. I think I’ll take my leave now. Have a pleasant group meal…”
“Oh, yes, yes. Goodbye.”
“I’ll see you next time, Miss Yeonhwa.”
Leaving the members behind, Yeonhwa called Yeonju, the administrative officer who was still sorting out the meeting details.
“Yeonju, has everything wrapped up about Shia?”
[Yes, for now, we’ve appointed Isia as her representative, and as for Menelapie Haleum, we’ve decided to treat her as a Returnee rather than a resident beyond the gate. By the way, Isia’s current legal guardian is you, Miss Yeonhwa, so you’ll also automatically be designated as Menelapie Haleum’s legal guardian.]
“Even though we’re not married, it looks like there’ll be a lot of annotations on the family relationship certificate.”
[Overall, it ended positively. In fact, some members questioned her reliability, saying things like ‘Isn’t she an invader from another world?’ and ‘How can we trust someone who’s not from Earth?’]
While there are cases of rational suspicion, in this instance, it likely boiled down to wanting to oppose for the sake of opposing without any real understanding.
“Handle it suitably. Erase all comments made in that member’s meeting records.”
[Yes, understood.]
There was no need to inform Shia about the cumbersome and complex matters happening behind the scenes.
She had no obligation to let her sister know of all the nuisances and complications involved.
○○○○
“Wow, you sure can cook well… I mean really well. Gulp…”
Yoonjeong, who had returned home after accepting a reward for subjugating the Erosion Dungeon in place of Shia, was unable to hide his awkward feelings while slowly eating the meal Menelapie prepared.
To be honest, the food wasn’t settling nicely.
However, it must be a meal prepared with care, so ignoring it would feel rude…
“That’s a relief. Ah, I apologize. After being an emperor for over 60 years, it’s a bit hard to change my way of speaking.”
“Ah, it’s fine… please speak comfortably. You seem older than me…”
“Hehe, thank you.”
As Menelapie flashed a bright smile, Yoonjeong thought to himself.
Who on earth is this glamorous and cool lady…?
Shia’s friend?
No, it feels too close to just be a friend.
The atmosphere, the distance—everything about her felt oddly intimate compared to an ordinary friendship.
This was probably the first time Yoonjeong faced Menelapie properly.
On the day the Erosion Dungeon suddenly appeared in the Mapo District, Yoonjeong was startled to hear that Shia had become embroiled in it, but fortunately, after the dungeon was perfectly cleared thanks to S-grade Hunter Yeonhwa and Shia, who held a temporary Hunter’s license, he finally felt relieved.
And that day, Shia brought home the enigmatic golden-haired woman named Menelapie Haleum.
Although he wanted to ask who she was, Shia arrived home, crying and laughing simultaneously, in such a state that direct conversation was impossible, so he let it slide. Before he knew it, this golden-haired lady naturally stuck around as if she were Shia’s lover.
“Feel free to speak comfortably with my mom.”
“R-Really?”
Shia had said he could speak freely, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for Yoonjeong to nod in agreement just yet.
After all, it was his first meeting with this person.
Her appearance alone would outshine one whom ordinary folks would create as mere squid. Additionally, Yoonjeong felt an indescribably powerful aura radiating from her.
On top of that, the emotional distance with Shia felt incredibly close.
“Uh… so, are you saying our Shia had the title of the Black Saint in her previous world?”
“While not exactly in a position of great authority, she did participate in significant events like Thanksgiving and the Victory Day, providing blessings.”
Even now, it was hard to understand.
“U-Um, and… this wonderful person is… Shia’s superior?”
“I’m known as Menelapie Haleum. Please feel free to call me that, Mother-in-law.”
“W-What?! Mother-in-law?”
What in the world did she just say?
Mother-in-law.
In English, it’s ‘wife’s mother.’
In Hanja, it’s丈母.
A term referring to the mother of a spouse.
Yoonjeong turned her creaky head to look towards Shia, who appeared to try to suppress her laughter.
“…….Um, isn’t it proper to call a friend’s mother ‘Mother-in-law’? I believe Shia said it was fine to call you that… it seems I might have done something inappropriate.”
Seeing Menelapie tilt her head nonchalantly, Yoonjeong immediately delivered a swift smack to Shia’s back.
Slap!
“Ow!”
“Hey you little rascal! There are things you should joke about and things you shouldn’t!!!”
Yoonjeong didn’t care about Shia’s sexual preferences or identity.
No matter what form she took, Shia remained Shia.
Even though she was now the son who became a daughter, Yoonjeong would support and agree with almost anything as long as Shia was happy.
However, the sudden mention of “Mother-in-law” made Yoonjeong realize what it meant to have his heart drop.
Menelapie seemed to have caught on that she had been teased by Shia and remained silently awkward with a smile.
“Ah, by the way, Shia.”
“Yeah…”
“The compensation from the association is quite substantial, so they’ll create a bank account to deposit it later. But…”
“Is there something else?”
“It’s nothing major. The lady named Menelapie is also scheduled to visit the Returnee Management Bureau to get her identity verified or something like that. I don’t know what it is, but I figured you’d understand if I mentioned it… not sure if you did.”
At those words, Shia’s face, previously filled with playful energy, shifted to one of deep contemplation.
Humanoids coming over from other worlds usually fit into one of two categories: Returnees or those who have always lived in different worlds.
Typically, Returnees are accepted as citizens and receive various forms of support, while those from other worlds face many inconveniences.
Support funds, shelters, and various legal benefits granted to Returnees may not apply, and ostracization can happen in some cases.
I wonder if Yeonhwa helped soften the blow…?
If Menelapie becomes recognized as a Returnee on Earth, it would lead to a straightforward arrangement of having one more person living in this world.
But suddenly having someone who originally didn’t exist in this world materializing is a big deal.
Not just any individual but a hero from “the previous world” who is also the emperor of an empire larger than America.
However, Menelapie on Earth would have no foundational support.
Being a hero or an emperor would mean absolutely nothing now.
This kind of situation would require Menelapie to start anew.
When thinking of those things, it seemed beneficial for her to carry the title of “the Returnee with lost memories.”
And around noon, as the sun sank just a little in the afternoon,
Menelapie arrived at the Returnee Management Bureau together with Shia.
As if they had been expected, upon the duo’s arrival at the Hunter Association, several trainee personnel rushed to greet them.
“Welcome, Menelapie Haleum!”
Thanks to Yeonhwa and the Yeon Family’s efforts, Menelapie became classified as a Returnee rather than an illegal resident from another world, allowing her to navigate as a returnee with much greater ease.
But honestly, without me, Menelapie might be the strongest one on Earth…?
Zing!
Menelapie remained rooted as numerous electric shocks were fired from the drones surrounding her, avoiding them only by tilting her head, then effortlessly grabbing and crushing the drone with her bare hands.
In the past, during her time commanding the war against the Demon King, Menelapie was younger, inexperienced, but Shia had claimed she was strong enough to take down the Demon King single-handedly just before leaving for Earth.
Having been a hero meant she physically never aged, and it was astonishing to see her grow even stronger over time.
Of course, Shia was still unaware of how average S-grade Hunters fared compared to extraordinary cases like Yeonseo or Yujin, but one thing was for sure: Menelapie was assuredly much stronger than most ordinary S-grade Hunters.
Boom!
Currently, Menelapie wasn’t here as a “visitor” from another world, but rather as a “Returnee with lost memories,” conducting simple tests of her capabilities at the association.
Zap!
Zzzzzt…!
The drones acting as targets to check muscle strength and reflexes were utterly obliterated and scattered across the floor.
The stunned trainee personnel watched in awe as measuring devices meant for even the average A-grade Hunters broke apart with a single fist from Menelapie.
“Wow, no way… did that seriously break?”
“I have to cover that with my paycheck…”
“Is that really even a human being?”
“Even if we consider it as someone punching a sandbag, that was just… sigh.”
While they considered her exceptional physical abilities as amazing, it was the level of precision, keen reflexes, and her ability to manipulate her body which made her a paragon of perfection.
[Physical ability tests have been successfully completed. Please return to your seat.]
Menelapie, having effortlessly relaxed her arms, looked somewhat amused as she cracked a smile.
“Great job, Menelapie.”
“Didn’t feel like work.”
And thus, left alone for a moment in the association’s waiting room, Shia and Menelapie stood silently beside each other.
Thinking about it, it was an extraordinary sight.
They had thought they wouldn’t see one another ever again, let alone crossing over from another world.
“By the way, Menelapie…”
“What’s the matter?”
“Is there any news about Teresa…?”
But the question had to be asked.
If Menelapie could arrive here on Earth, then perhaps Teresa could have come, too.
Yoonjeong had fostered such hopes upon meeting Menelapie for the first time.
The hope of being together again as a trio was… something he felt was entirely within reach…
“Are you referring to the Black Witch?”
“Calling her the Black Witch, but her name is Teresa.”
“Right, that was her name.”
The relationship between Menelapie and Teresa was somewhat complicated.
While it was due to the machinations of the Demon King, Menelapie was also the one who had annihilated Teresa’s family. Yet, Teresa herself had become a defector with the intent to slay the Demon King.
Of course, all past grievances would eventually fade, leading them to refer to each other as comrades and allies in later years, but their history had always been fraught with tension.
For context, Menelapie was the dog in this equation.
A golden retriever.
While Teresa could be likened to a sassy Siamese cat.
“I’m sure she hasn’t gone and died, right…?”
“Of course not. In fact, she’s adapted to the world much faster than I have.”
It felt somewhat heartless, but hearing Teresa’s name after so long ignited a flame of emotion within Shia.
Yes, it was true that Menelapie and Teresa had never really seen eye to eye.
They diverged significantly in taste, preferences, and everything else, making their animosity seem almost laughable.
“Teresa sought a path different from mine.”
…A different path?
“However, despite shared goals, the sacrifices along the way were not the same.”
“I don’t quite understand what you mean. But then again, not all ventures end in success.”
That was true enough.
“Thus, I followed your trail. I pursued the path you took.”
“Then… what exactly did the sacrifices entail…?”
“Are you asking what’s worth sacrificing?”
Menelapie shrugged her shoulders.
“That’s solely the path Teresa pursued with her yearning for you.”
“…For me..?”
“Shia, if you truly wish to know what happened, maybe I could share it all with you in detail step by step.”
Yet…
“However, if you respect what Teresa truly hoped for, I’d ask that you wait just a little longer.”
“………”
“It seems I lack the right to speak on the last wish of the Black Witch.”
So please bear with it.
In time, even without my prompting… you will come to know.
