Chapter 9: Pulmy En Dynast ⑨
Pulmy had yet to visit Angelica, nor had she sought out Ryuguin, the other key figure in this matter.
One reason for this was the unusually rapid pace at which new Labyrinths were being discovered lately. The workload had increased significantly, not only with paperwork but also with direct requests and mediation from the Guild Master, necessitating extensive negotiations with higher-level parties.
However, even amidst this busyness, Pulmy could have found time to meet Ryuguin and Angelica if she had chosen to delegate her duties to the vice Guild Master after pulling three consecutive all-nighters.
The reason she refrained from doing so was simple: she was terrified of being directly severed from her relationship with Angelica.
In the future, Pulmy would deeply regret her lack of judgment.
Using her network of information brokers, Pulmy searched tirelessly for any sign of Ichiro Yamada, methodically combing through the surrounding lands, but she found no relevant information.
She endured splitting headaches, nosebleeds, and even bouts of vomiting, but each time she simply took painkillers and gritted her teeth to persevere.
It was during this time that a subordinate who visited her office delivered troubling news.
Angelica and her companions had failed in their exploration of the Labyrinth of Time, and in a desperate bid to recover, they had ambushed Holy Knight Ashley Noble and stolen the Affirmative Sword.
The furious voice of Madison echoed through the Communication Orb directed at the Hero Party. Though Madison was shouting about something, Pulmy could no longer comprehend the words.
The remnants of her rationality insisted that she was the one responsible, that she had strayed from the right path.
“My daughter, I’m sorry. You must be lacking in strength, right? I will personally go to either Arrogance or Virtuous.”
For the first time in her long life, she felt her knees weaken. If she let go of her strength, she would collapse and burst into tears.
Why was she doing something so foolish?
If only she could understand the reason behind it.
“And if I survive this battle, I will take full responsibility and resign as the Guild Master of Green Eyes.”
No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t grasp it. What was her daughter thinking when she committed such an act? The seal had been broken; how would the Labyrinth manifest this time? Last time, countless lives had been lost. How many sacrifices would be required before the seal could be restored this time? She understood nothing.
What she did know was that the greatest folly her daughter had committed was something she had to rectify. And she suspected that heading to the front lines of a region with insufficient strength meant she might not return alive.
Though the discussion with Madison had concluded, Pulmy found herself lacking the energy to rise from her seat, slumping over her desk. Suddenly, she felt an overwhelming urge to see her parents. Once the thought crossed her mind, she could not stop herself.
She pulled a sheet of paper from her desk drawer and took up her pen.
“Hello, it’s been a while. How have you been? Once I finish this major task, I will return home.
From Pulmy En Dynast Phil Altorub Ikshis.”
Calling her subordinate, Pulmy asked him to send the letter. However, just before he handed it over, she hesitated.
—I will definitely return to you.
The thought of her daughter’s letter flashed through her mind. Even if she sent this letter, Pulmy knew she would never return to her hometown.
Angelica, who had promised to come back, was being unfilial.
She could not allow her parents to experience the same heart-wrenching sorrow she had felt that day. So, Pulmy held back.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve decided to cancel the letter.”
“Is that alright?”
Pulmy nodded, turning her back to him as she lifted the letter slightly. To her subordinate, the usually composed Guild Master appeared to be crying.
In that instant, blue flames enveloped the letter. It was a beautiful, ethereal blue, tinged with sadness.
The letter transformed into ash, scattering gently through the open window, carried away by the wind, disappearing into the sky.
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Thus concludes the long tale of Pulmy-san. Thank you for your company.