I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 531

It hadn’t been very long since Asella became the Orange Badge of the Gallery.

Since she became the head admin right before becoming the Hero—that is, right before being framed and pursued by the Vatican.

At first, she worried about how to use it, but as time passed, she was using it very useful now.

However, even now, there were times she couldn’t break free from shock because of the Gallery.

It wasn’t because she reviewed all sorts of photos and videos as the head admin. That kind of work was being handled diligently by the Blue Badges recently.

Both back then and now, what proved most troublesome was encountering fixed handles who were active on the Gallery in real life.

The Orange Badge could track a user’s real-time location.

Then, figuring out in detail what posts that person made and what desires they harbored was child’s play.

However, deeming such actions unworthy of a Hero, she had refrained as much as possible. The problem was that humans were creatures of curiosity.

’Anonymity is truly... terrifying.’

Asella forcibly suppressed the corners of her mouth from twitching upward. It felt like her face was about to cramp.

She then faced Princess Chaenggu—no, Kaylin—who was wearing a gentle smile.

Did she have even the slightest inkling? That Don’t Abandon the Hero, the Orange Badge who controlled the Gallery, was right in front of her face.

Precisely because she had no clue, she must have browsed the Gallery during that brief break.

’In a way, it’s a relief. Having met Kadir-nim, Selena-nim, and Ash-nim three in a row.’

She couldn’t express how fortunate it was that she had encountered those three, and multiple times at that.

Thanks to the immunity built up from those meetings, Asella was able to stay calm even after encountering Princess Chaenggu.

If she hadn’t developed that resistance, she might have committed a grave discourtesy.

Clatter—

A moment later, an attendant arrived with the dishes prepared in advance.

Dishes laid out neatly on the table. Interest glinted in Kaylin’s eyes.

"I hope it suits your palate."

"Thank you."

Kaylin enjoyed her meal with a pleased mind. Dining was crucial in a summit.

For each dish contained the nation’s identity, intentions, messages, and numerous meanings.

Furthermore, beforehand, one had to meticulously determine what foods the counterpart preferred and whether they had any allergies.

’There is room to interpret it as: "We wish to establish diplomatic ties with Mephisto going forward, but we worry whether your side might still feel uncomfortable."’

The Holy Kingdom was more than willing to cooperate with Mephisto. It had no choice.

With the Vatican entirely wiped out, momentum had shifted more toward Mephisto.

While prestige had risen due to Cain’s advent, national power was currently lacking.

"Exquisite flavor. In particular, the wine has a deep profile."

"Thank you."

To mention it now, the two were speaking to each other in their respective native tongues.

Even so, they were conversing smoothly without an interpreter.

"Come to think of it, when did you learn our language, Hero-nim? You are surprisingly fluent."

"As the Hero, this much is basic. Speaking of which, Princess, you seem to know our Holy Kingdom’s language well as well?"

"It is also a language I learned as part of my basic studies."

The start of civilization is language. And within that language lies the essence of a species.

Since the Holy Kingdom and Mephisto shared extensive history in various ways, learning each other’s language was by no means strange.

Thanks to that, the two could continue their conversation without impediment. Thus, the mealtime came to an end.

With the meal finished, what remained was dessert time. Next, attendants presented dessert.

"Fufu."

The moment Kaylin saw the dessert, she let out a chuckle.

And with good reason: the illustration drawn on the dessert. A picture of two people holding hands.

What was distinctive was that one hand was flesh-toned, and the other hand was blue. They represented humans and demons respectively.

Though fruit and cake slices were placed on either side, there was no need to place much meaning on them.

At this, Kaylin took only a single bite to ensure the drawing was not ruined.

It was a signal that she accepted Asella’s intentions favorably.

Clatter—

Finally, the meal and dessert were cleared away, showing signs that the summit proper was about to begin.

Since both could understand each other’s words, there was no bottleneck in communication.

"Princess Kaylin. You must be aware that the history between the Holy Kingdom and Mephisto is stained with blood."

"Yes. In the era of barbarism, we demons caused immense damage to the Holy Kingdom. On this matter, I offer my sincere apologies first."

As Asella spoke, astonishingly, Kaylin bowed her head and apologized first.

Seeing this, Asella couldn’t help but be deeply surprised. Even as a novice in politics, she knew what Kaylin’s actions signified.

Demons were known to possess immense pride due to their innate strength and competitive drive.

The nation of Mephisto was also undeniably recognized as a great power.

Furthermore, by spreading its culture far and wide recently, it was gaining recognition not as a military power, but as a cultural powerhouse.

For such a nation—and a figure no less than its princess—to bow her head in apology was a monumental matter.

"...Apologizing first makes me feel even more flustered. Had it not been you, Princess, I would have suspected ulterior motives."

"No matter how short human lifespans may be, the reality is that grudges etched in blood are difficult to forget. Still, I am simply grateful that you view me favorably."

At those pointed words, Asella nodded as if agreeing.

Was there not a similar example in the expulsion of the Dark Elves from Alfheim?

Even by the standards of long-lived Dark Elves, it was distant history, yet it was still brought up consistently today.

Moreover, while the Dark Elves suffered mere expulsion, Mephisto tormented humans—meaning the Holy Kingdom—at a level tantamount to slaughter.

Blood was a stain that could not be easily washed away, physically or abstractly.

Anyone born and raised in the Holy Kingdom could not help but feel uncomfortable around demons, if only due to their upbringing.

"However, we wish to set things right even now. Although it is difficult to alter our innate nature, we can at least channel it in a different direction."

"Are you speaking of sports?"

"Sports is merely one of many means. I cannot give a definitive statement."

Then why are you passionately cheering for the club called Chaeyu, Princess?

Asella forcibly swallowed the words welling up to her throat. The corners of her mouth twitched once more.

Had she gone on about marriage or flirty banter with Grylls like Ash did, Asella’s heart would have cooled right down.

However, in Kaylin’s case, she was a pure football maniac, making it difficult to hold back laughter.New chapters come out on novelping(.)com first.

’It would be better to bring up a different topic.’

Asella pinched her thigh to control her mind.

Avoiding sports talk as much as possible and steering toward another topic was the best path.

"If Mephisto extends a hand of harmony first, our Holy Kingdom will gladly accept it."

"Thank you. Since we learned through recent events that the Holy Kingdom receives Aris-nim’s protection, it is fortunate for us."

It seemed Mephisto also considered Cain’s advent a matter that could not be easily brushed aside.

Conversely, had Cain’s advent not occurred, they might still be engaged in a nerve-wracking standoff.

’No. Had Cain-nim not descended, I would not be sitting in this spot.’

She repeatedly offered silent thanks to Grylls. It was no exaggeration to say Grylls changed history.

Yet uncomfortable truths would also have to be faced. Summits were not comprised solely of pleasant words.

"However, Hero-nim, let me make it clear that we trust the present you, not the Holy Kingdom."

"You are referring to the misdeeds committed by the Vatican."

"Yes. Once our Demon Race ceased craving blood, you yourselves became Demon Kings instead—an event that would have driven Aris-nim to lamentation had She seen it."

"Mmm..."

It was not an unexpected blunt remark. Rather, she had anticipated it fully.

Yet just as getting stabbed hurts even if forewarned, her heart felt a cold ache even now.

Currently, personnel at the Vatican had entered a new phase due to complete replacement.

However, no matter how much fresh water is poured, without flow, it will eventually become stagnant.

Since ’someday’ was just ’someday,’ whether Asella could solve it then as well remained unknown.

Then, in the end, the likelihood of history repeating itself was high.

"Humans undergo rapid generational shifts due to short lifespans. Yet, for that very reason, they have a habit of repeating the same mistakes."

"I agree."

There was also a famous maxim (?) on the Gallery:

Human greed is bottomless, and they repeat the same mistakes.

History was no different. To long-lived species, it must seem as though humans lacked the capacity to learn.

Of course, because of that trait, their peak was boundlessly higher than other species, but their rock bottom also plummeted beneath the floor.

Whether out of ’good intentions’ or ’malice,’ it made no difference. Asella agreed.

"Of course, we demons are no different. Things have improved now, but the day will come when we crave blood over peace."

"Isn’t preventing that the very reason we are sitting here?"

"Yes. I sincerely wish for the Holy Kingdom and Mephisto to unite in harmony."

Kaylin placed a hand over her heart and declared firmly. Demeanor dripping with genuine sincerity.

Asella nodded as if understanding her sentiments.

Yet if everything in the world could be resolved with words, why would fights break out, and why would wars occur?

"A single meeting like this will not cleanse a history stained with blood."

"..."

"However, Princess. Are you aware that 300 years ago, slavery was legal?"

"Of course. As far as I know, it was legal not only for demons, but among all races."

"If someone raised their voice back then claiming slavery should be illegal, they would have been treated as insane. Even further back, laws existed forbidding women from enlisting in the military. The beginning was always small."

By present-day common sense, those were utterly nonsensical things.

However, recognizing that something was ’wrong’ and making gradual changes led to the present day.

"If meetings like this do not stop at a single instance, we will be able to prevent tragedies from repeating."

"You are optimistic."

"I might be wrong. As long as I am breathing, I will strive to the utmost, but what comes after is completely unknown."

Asella faced Kaylin directly.

A subtle emotion seemed to settle within the demon’s unique reversed eyes.

"So when I return to Aris-nim’s embrace, will you keep a watchful eye on things?"

"If that is your wish, Hero-nim."

Kaylin gave a soft smile and readily consented. Asella likewise smiled back.

This meeting was symbolic above all; to address actual logistics, she would need to hold a summit with Asmode, not Kaylin.

That was the reason why only Asella and Kaylin were present. There was no need to write agreement treaties—they only needed to build rapport.

In other words, the true summit was scheduled to take place in Mephisto. Fittingly, Kaylin mentioned this as well.

"Do you happen to have any intention of visiting Mephisto? If you were to visit, Hero-nim, it would become a deeply meaningful protocol."

"Mmm..."

Asella lowered her gaze slightly and pondered. To be precise, she pretended to ponder.

In reality, she turned on the Gallery and frantically checked the match schedule for Chaeyu.

This was perfectly suited for winning Kaylin’s favor.

’The schedule is... hard to tell. Does it keep changing?’

Regrettably, having no interest in football made it difficult to grasp a clear schedule.

In the end, she had no choice but to speak directly to Kaylin. Asella spoke up:

"Princess. As you know, the Holy Kingdom currently officially bans sports. To be precise, forming sports clubs is prohibited by law."

"From what I heard, there were rumors that recreational play itself was banned."

"I have abolished that using my authority. Simply stopping people from running around and playing is suppression and oppression."

At Asella’s decisive answer, the corners of Kaylin’s mouth curled up. A reaction of satisfaction.

She had to push further here. Asella continued with a nuance of genuine curiosity.

"That made me even more curious. What is sports that it was banned by law? Since it’s a culture that spread not only to Mephisto but to other nations as well, isn’t it more than ordinary recreation?"

"Are you suggesting...?"

"I wish to witness Mephisto’s specialty and culture—sports—with my own eyes. Football... was the most famous one, wasn’t it?"

"..."

Though extremely faint, Asella caught Kaylin’s lips twitching slightly.

The sight of someone trying her best to hold back welling joy.

Because it was such a minute reaction, an ordinary person would never have noticed it.Follow the newest chapters on novel⁠ping.com.

"There are various disciplines in sports. Are you interested in football in particular, Hero-nim?"

"I naturally came to know of it after hearing news from various places."

Although she mentioned ’various places,’ she was actually referring specifically to the Gallery.

Kaylin was not ignorant of this either. It was just an awkward topic to bring up in an official setting.

"Among them... Chaeyu? Chaeres?"

"Are you referring to Chaemes United?"

"Wasn’t there another one besides that? I believe it also had ’Chaemes’ attached..."

"Chaemes City. The two are similar, but I understand they are different clubs."

Her raised lip corners dropped ever so slightly. A hint of displeasure.

Evidently, her poker face wasn’t working as well as expected. Had Asella not checked the Gallery, she would have interpreted it differently.

Assuming that Kaylin was merely paying attention to sports recently, but remained closer to the opposition side.

At this, Asella spoke in a slightly flustered voice as if realizing it late. Of course, it was an act.

"Ah, right. Come to think of it, didn’t you say you didn’t prefer sports, Princess Kaylin? My apologies."

"No, it’s fine. My thoughts have changed recently, so I am experiencing many things."

"Which means...?"

"If you wish, Hero-nim, I can guide you personally."

She wants to go watch a live match.

To an outsider, it might sound like consideration, but Asella was different.

A glaringly transparent consideration aimed at fulfilling her own selfish desire using this opportunity.

However, there was nothing better for building rapport, so there was zero reason to refuse.

"Thank you. Then I would like to watch that Chaeyu match I mentioned earlier... would that be alright?"

"Of course. By the way, how fascinating. The first place I went to watch a live match was also Chaemes United."

"What a coincidence."

It wasn’t a coincidence; she picked it intentionally. Asella smiled gently.

It would be splendid if things continued along this line of being like-minded.

Afterward, they chatted about sports other than football. This part was strictly formal small talk.

’Princess Kaylin also helped Grylls-nim out of pure goodwill, didn’t she?’

Simply for cheering on her team, she handed over clothing vital for survival.

She even generously gifted another set of clothes to prepare against bug bites.

For Asella, there was no reason not to feel goodwill toward her. The fact that protests erupted with his assistance?

’That can be overlooked.’

She could overlook it with a generous heart, as it was a mutually beneficial relationship.

As long as she didn’t blatantly flirt like a certain someone, it didn’t matter. At least so far, there were no such signs.

"If I had known it would be like this, we should have established exchanges sooner... It’s a bit disappointing."

"Had you established them sooner, you would have fought with the Vatican."

"That would have been interesting in its own way."

"From the Holy Kingdom’s standpoint, it is a relief."

Harmonious conversation flowed back and forth. Both had achieved what they wanted.

Kaylin gained a legitimate excuse to watch live matches, while Asella had secured her favor.

While it would be wonderful if such a warm atmosphere continued, the summit was not over yet.

"Princess Kaylin. May I ask you one thing?"

"What is it?"

"How does Mephisto view the Herald of God?"

She was mentioning the Herald of God—in other words, Grylls.

One might wonder if it was necessary to bring it up, but it was an issue bound to surface someday.

Because evidence had emerged showing demons undergoing human experimentation in the laboratory Grylls found.

Rather than letting it be used as leverage later, bringing it up first was better.

’Besides, Princess Kaylin is highly likely to view Grylls-nim favorably.’

Having had her own wish (?) granted by him, how could she view him unfavorably?

It was wise to lay out the topic while emotion preceded reason.

"The Herald of God... You mean the human surviving in the Forest of the Four Seasons."

"Yes. He has exerted impacts big and small on the world. In particular, he is practically the savior of our Holy Kingdom."

"A savior... From the Holy Kingdom’s perspective, it must certainly feel that way."

"I am curious how the Demon Race, and by extension Mephisto, perceives him."

"Mmm..."

Kaylin pondered briefly before replying in a tone that suggested she wasn’t sure.

"I am not so sure about Mephisto. Excluding sports, there are hardly any cases where he influenced us directly or indirectly."

"Then what about your personal opinion, Princess Kaylin?"

"In my personal opinion..."

It was at that moment. Asella could clearly see it.

The corners of Kaylin’s lips lifting noticeably. A reaction that would emerge when feeling gratitude.

The answer that soon issued from Kaylin’s mouth was:

"He is a truly fascinating person. Especially on a personal level."

"...On a personal level?"

"Yes. If he ever exits the forest, I would love to have a private conversation with him."

"Ah..."

A sigh that was hardly just a sigh escaped Asella’s mouth.

A sigh imbued with a myriad of emotions that even Kaylin could not easily decipher.

’...That’s also because of sports, right?’

She wished it were. No.

It had to be.