I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 578

Christmas in this world was a global public holiday, much like the Nativity of the Twin Gods, Buddha’s Birthday, and Children’s Day.

The Nativity was the birthday of the Twin Gods, and Buddha’s Birthday commemorated the birth of Buddha.

Finally, Children’s Day was a holiday famous for being directly designated by the Chief God.

Then, did the people of this world know the origin and true meaning of Christmas, that is, the Nativity?

The answer was ’not really.’

They simply assumed it was a day worth taking a break because the gods had designated it as a public holiday.

Yet despite this, festivals and celebrations similar to those on the original Earth were still carried out to this day. It was a strange phenomenon that the culture was handed down even while its origins remained unknown.

Whether it was firmly believing that Santa, the guardian of childlike innocence, would visit, lovers spending a passionate day together, or families enjoying a warm, cozy day, and so on.

It was a day when everyone offered blessings in their own way and looked forward to the upcoming New Year.

This tendency was particularly strong in the Western Regions rather than the Central Plains. After all, the Eastern Realm tended to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday more.

Even so, celebratory events took place regardless of East or West. For Christmas, where children woke up to find presents, was also a day dedicated to kids.

Thus, parents across both East and West were fully absorbed in contemplating what gifts would make their children happy.

"...Thus, the preparations for the festival have been grandly concluded."

"You have done well. I hope the children of the Divine Cult enjoy themselves."

And that was no different for the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. If anything, they tended to take even better care of Christmas.

While the Nativity of the Twin Gods and Buddha’s Birthday had clear targets of veneration, Christmas was closer to a festive celebration.

The tale of Santa Claus handing out gifts was treated lightly as well. Adults already knew that Santa was a fictional figure.

Even if he really existed, it wouldn’t matter much. He would be closer to a fairy than a ruler like the Heavenly Demon.

If anything, they could even spread bizarre propaganda claiming that the Heavenly Demon had summoned Santa, so they never suppressed the holiday.

’Children are precious in the Heavenly Demon Cult.’

Yoo So-wol slowly read the report left behind by Wi Seol-ak.

As news broke that Rudolph, the deer Santa travels with, actually existed, many children were filled with anticipation.

Since the Heavenly Demon Cult was a gathering of those marginalized in the Central Plains, children were bound to be extremely precious.

Who was it that said it takes an entire village to raise a child properly?

The Heavenly Demon Cult was fulfilling that role not just as a village, but as a whole collective entity.

’Did the report say the Imperial Court is also hosting a far grander festival than before to cover up the aftermath of the war...?’

What caught her attention in Wi Seol-ak’s report was the response of the Imperial Court.

Because Santa could easily become an object of public admiration, the Imperial Court usually acted sensitive toward the topic.

But this Christmas was different. They were promoting it to be held on a lavish scale, as if showing off.

Even combined with the Central Plains’ traditional culture of saving face, the scale was unprecedented.

Whatever the reason might be, that could be set aside. Either way, peace reigned.

’Thanks to this, everyone can enjoy a comfortable mind at least today.’

Since ancient times, Christmas had been renowned as a day of blessing.

Waging war on such a day? One would easily be branded the biggest piece of trash under heaven.

As such, Yoo So-wol could spend today far more leisurely than usual.

However,

’Boredom is unavoidable, it seems.’

To relieve her boredom, she intended to wander outside.

She couldn’t just stay cooped up in her room doing nothing while a festival was unfolding.

Since she had done the same last year, Wi Seol-ak and the other elders would roughly guess her whereabouts.

Thus, hiding her presence completely, Yoo So-wol stepped out onto the streets where the festival was in full swing.

Although countless pedestrians bustled back and forth, not a single person noticed her presence.

"Dad! Dad! Old Man Santa is coming today, right?"

"W-Well, I don’t know for sure either, sweetie."

"He is coming today! They said Rudolph is real!"

"Do you want some candied fruit hawthorn skewers?"

It seemed the fact that Rudolph actually existed had already spread among the innocent children.

Parents had no choice but to coax their kids gently. Picking out gifts alone was probably overwhelming enough.

Not only kids, but songs rearranged with traditional Central Plains instruments echoed far and wide.

’Did they say it’s called a carol in the Western Regions?’

When was the last time the Heavenly Demon Cult was this vibrant? Yoo So-wol fell deep into thought.

In her memory, even last year hadn’t been to this extent. But this year was different.

Partly because Yoo So-wol had grown into a reliable protector more than anyone else, but decisively, their finances had become exceedingly abundant.

Trade with the Western Regions had turned bustling through Hair Growth Herb alone, on top of Grylls’s indirect assistance.

They had become so financially prosperous that Wi Seol-ak practically revered Grylls as a true god.

’It is good to see.’

The Christmas festival ran from early morning until late at night.

Nighttime especially was when the festival began in its true sense.

Although it was only 9 a.m., pedestrians were already overflowing.

"Miss Yeon. Are you not cold?"

"I am fine. Being by my husband’s side makes even my heart feel warm."

Among the crowd were many lovers sharing affection. Yoo So-wol stared at them silently.

Having ascended to the Profound Realm, the harsh cold was nothing to her. Yet, she felt strangely lonely.

’Is this loneliness?’

Unlike in the Gallery, there was virtually no one in reality who was personally close to Yoo So-wol.

Since everyone treated her as the revered Heavenly Demon, it was only natural.

Even amidst the booming festival right now, she had no one to share it with.

’The heavens are ever lonely.’

Having chosen to walk the Heavenly Way, she could not utter weak complaints.

The heavens must embrace the sun, the moon, and countless stars.

Yet desiring warmth when there wasn’t even a sun in her heaven yet was a foolish thought.Read the latest chapters at nov​elping.com.

Thinking so, Yoo So-wol turned her steps away.

’Since I have nothing to do, I might as well manage the Gallery.’

It was enough for her subjects to enjoy the festival. It was the duty of the heavens to ensure they lived in peace.

Since the entire Heavenly Demon Cult fell within her sensory range anyway, there were no problems.

Jjir-it—

"Mm?"

It was then. Yoo So-wol felt something being picked up by her senses.

And not on the ground, but in the sky. If it had been a flying bird it would be one thing, but she sensed an energy far larger than any bird.

’For even me to describe it as immense...’

What’s more, she didn’t just sense a single massive energy. There were at least two.

Could a dragon have appeared? Yoo So-wol tilted her head upward with sudden interest.

And before long, she was able to see clearly the identity of the entities flying across the sky.

Ttal-lang— ttal-lang—

Two four-legged beasts were vigorously pulling something. Yoo So-wol quietly observed them.

Every time their hooves struck the air, hopeful bell chimes resonated far and wide, enveloping the entire Heavenly Demon Cult.

"Huh? What’s that sound?"

"Do you hear something?"

"Something in the sky is..."

Despite the noisy festival, that bell chime alone was crystal clear.

Because of that, one or two passing pedestrians looked up at the sky, and soon three people raised their heads.

Once three people tilted their heads, countless crowds turned their gazes upward toward the sky.

"Th-That...!"

"What is that?!"

"Something in the sky is...!"

The pedestrians couldn’t help but be startled.

And for good reason: two four-legged beasts were pulling a sleigh through the air.

Beyond shocking, the sight felt positively mystical. That wasn’t all.

[Ho! Ho-ho!]

An old man’s energetic laughter resounded alongside the delightful bell chimes.

[Have a joyful Christmas!]

Sha-a-a—

Shouting so, the old man driving the sleigh began scattering something.

Snow, the symbol of winter and the touch that added romance to Christmas.

To some it was trash falling from the sky, but to those enjoying the festival, it was an unparalleled blessing.

Ttal-lang! Ttal-lang!

The entity that shocked everyone in the Heavenly Demon Cult hovered across the sky for a long while.

Prowling the skies and scattering snow, the figure felt like something straight out of legend.

No, it would be more accurate to say that legend was unfolding right before their eyes. The ones who reacted first were the innocent children.

"Dad! Dad! Old Man Santa! It’s Old Man Santa, right?!"

"See what I said! He really exists!"

"He really came!"

Children possessing untainted innocence jumped around in sheer delight.

After all, the childlike wonder harbored in their hearts had materialized before their eyes.

Of course, adults knowledgeable in the ways of the world couldn’t easily snap out of their shock.

Except for just one person: Yoo So-wol, who had recognized Santa’s presence from the start.

’Intriguing.’

Her body slowly levitated into the air. Void Flight, a martial arts technique naturally mastered upon entering the Profound Realm.

Though the consumption of Internal Energy was severe, having consumed a portion of a Dragon Heart, she suffered no issue whatsoever.

Thus, she rose gradually into the sky until reaching the same altitude as the entity pulling the sleigh.

"Ho! Ho-ho!"

The legendary figure met face-to-face: the Old Man of Christmas, the figure referred to in the language of the Western Regions as Santa Claus.

A bushy white beard and a physique far larger than any average adult man.

And finally, his iconic red outfit. It was an appearance Yoo So-wol also remembered distinctly.

’I wonder what is contained inside that sack.’

Yoo So-wol slowly approached Santa, who was circling the area.

The deer pulling Santa’s sleigh glanced at Yoo So-wol briefly, but soon ignored her.

They seemed to consider Santa’s orders far more important than Yoo So-wol.

Soon, as she drew nearly adjacent to Santa, Yoo So-wol quietly released her Internal Energy.

An eruption of Internal Energy that made the already harsh winter feel even colder. Yet even against that burst, Santa remained entirely unfazed.

"Ho! Ho-ho! You mustn’t do that!"

He even spoke as if scolding a young child. Yoo So-wol’s interest grew even stronger.

Any ordinary being would have frozen solid and been unable to take action, but Santa was completely different.

The fact that he treated Yoo So-wol’s actions as endearing plainly demonstrated his overwhelming composure.

"Fascinating."

Naturally, as the Heavenly Demon, she wasn’t one to let that slide.

Though Santa was an idolized figure to children, she was the ruler of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

She had a duty to verify whether this entity was truly safe. Just as she gathered her Internal Energy...Get faster updates on novelpin‌g.com.

"Wait, I feel a dangerous aura... is it just my imagination?"

"I feel it as well."

Voices other than Santa’s reached Yoo So-wol’s ears.

She had been confused due to the bell chimes, but these were voices she had heard before.

One was the voice of Ludwig, the Guardian of the Holy Kingdom, and the other was....

’...Benefactor?’

Was it because Grylls’s voice suddenly struck her ears? Yoo So-wol showed a rare flicker of panic.

Thanks to that momentary pause, a armed clash was avoided, but an even more critical situation unfolded.

Someone poked their head out from the sleigh driven by Santa. That person’s eyes met Yoo So-wol’s directly.

"Huh?"

"Ah...!"

The man and woman let out similar reactions the instant their eyes met.

Seeing the face of the man who locked eyes with her, Yoo So-wol’s suspicion transformed into certainty.

Though he rarely revealed it, it was his face that she had clearly learned through the past memories shown by the World Tree recently.

An appearance that gave off a tough impression, perhaps having weathered all kinds of trials. Yet he still retained a sweet simple plainness.

Overall, it was a likable appearance that one could never forget once seen.

"...Gwigong?"

"Heavenly Demon-nim? You’re Heavenly Demon-nim, right?! It’s me, me! Grylls!"

Poking his head out of the sleigh, Grylls flailed his arms and called out to Yoo So-wol.

At his call, Yoo So-wol snapped back to her senses and approached him.

However, was it forbidden for outsiders to draw near? Santa driving the sleigh bellowed.

"Ho! Ho-ho!"

Hwi-i-i-ing!

Though a simple laugh, a blast of wind comparable to a freezing northern gale lashed at Yoo So-wol.

The wind was so overwhelmingly powerful that even she, having reached the Profound Realm, could not easily advance.

Even her fingertips began slowly freezing over, instantly displaying Santa’s power.

"She’s someone I know! Please stop!"

Fortunately, thanks to Grylls persuading Santa, the gust subsided quickly.

Thus, Yoo So-wol was able to push past the gust and reach the sleigh.

Reaching the sleigh, the man and woman stood face-to-face in close quarters.

Both wore dazed expressions, as though unable to tell if this was a dream or reality.

"Are... are you truly my benefactor?"

Yoo So-wol asked in an urgent voice. But here, an unfortunate issue arose.

Unlike in the Gallery, a language barrier existed between the two in reality.

At this, Grylls roughly picked up on Yoo So-wol’s tone and pointed to himself.

"Grylls! Grylls! Wo shi Grylls!"

The Central Plains language he had learned over Lackey’s shoulder. Naturally, intonation was thrown out the window.

But to Yoo So-wol, that alone was more than enough. A warm, spring-like smile blossomed fully across her face, bright enough to melt away all of winter.

A beauty’s smile was comparable to the most exquisite flower. Her sun-warm smile made even one’s heart feel cozy.

"Ho! Ho-ho! Time for me to depart!"

But time was terribly short. Santa was a being who traversed the entire globe.

He could not remain stuck in one place like the Heavenly Demon Cult, so he had to move on.

Sensing that shift, Yoo So-wol didn’t even think of subduing Santa, keeping her gaze locked on Grylls.

Grylls, too, hearing Santa’s words, felt an urge to say something.

What they could do was severely limited, but their thoughts were united.

Gwak!

As if swearing never to forget each other’s warmth, they held hands. Words were unnecessary.

In that manner, the two faced each other, sharing warmth even if only for a brief moment. A warmth akin to lighting a campfire in the freezing winter.

Yoo So-wol looked at Grylls with mournful eyes. A gaze pleading whether he couldn’t stay just a bit longer.

But.

Hu-ung!

As if it were time to go, Santa snapped the reins vigorously.

At once, the sleigh receded into the distance. The situation was so abrupt that their clasped hands slipped apart.

Time seemed to flow slowly for Yoo So-wol. She wanted to hold on longer to Grylls’s hand as he drifted away into the distance.

Yet strangely, her feet wouldn’t move. She still couldn’t tell whether this was a dream or reality.

"See you next time~~~!!"

Meanwhile, Grylls shouted at the top of his lungs as he receded.

Due to the language barrier, she didn’t know the exact words he spoke, but the intent carried within them was conveyed crystal clear.

Ttal-lang— ttal-lang—

The bell chimes gradually faded into the distance. Still, Yoo So-wol stood nailed in place in the sky.

Not only that, she even gently caressed the hand that had held Grylls’s.

As if assuring her it was reality and not a dream, her hand felt exceptionally warm.

Dugeun! Dugeun! Dugeun!

Yoo So-wol’s heart pounded like a drum.

It was a Christmas that had felt endlessly cold, yet this time was different.

For she had received a completely unexpected gift.

’How warm....’

A tiny campfire flickered to life in Yoo So-wol’s cold heart.

As if the sun had peeked out gently in a lonely sky.