I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 603

Through Christmas, year-end, and into the New Year.

Yoo So-wol spent her days quietly at the Heavenly Demon Cult, engaging in nothing extraordinary.

Since the conflicts were minor, there were no situations calling for her martial power.

Normally, civil wars involved a back-and-forth of taking and losing land like a game of territory capture, but this civil war was different.

Because at the news that Yoo So-wol had taken the field, the Emperor holed up tightly inside the capital.

Thanks to that, leisure was gained, and regions under the control of the Heavenly Demon Cult managed to escape price inflation.

And what had Yoo So-wol been doing during that time? Her daily routine was remarkably mundane.

Receiving reports from Wi Seol-ak, or tending to potted plants.

In particular, the plant she had been growing since before had bloomed fully, bringing peace to her mind.

She wished this daily life could continue, yet Yoo So-wol harbored a different feeling in her heart.

’I miss you, my noble friend.’

The encounter with Grylls on Christmas, brought about by pure coincidence.

The face of Grylls she confronted during that meeting could still be vividly recalled right now.

Photos of Grylls’s face were frequently posted on the Gallery currently, but she didn’t quite like those.

’They say pictures and real life are different. You look far better in person than in photos, my noble friend.’

Strangely, Grylls’s features didn’t make a striking impression when viewed through photos.

While it was true he possessed handsome looks after undergoing Body Metamorphosis, it was as if his presence couldn’t be felt in pictures.

The mysterious atmosphere radiating from him when they met on Christmas had left a deep impression.

It was like a mirage. Perhaps that was accurate, considering he departed after only a brief glimpse.

’How fine it would have been if we hadn’t merely locked eyes, but shared a cup of tea together.’

Yoo So-wol let out a sigh inwardly from regret.

If Grylls had resided at the Heavenly Demon Cult rather than Avalon, this thirst could have been quenched.

’No. On the contrary, the thirst might have grown even deeper.’

The difference between knowing and not knowing was vast.

If she had temporarily quenched that thirst, the subsequent agony might have been far worse.

This state was much better. Had they spent even a brief moment together, she might have been unable to endure the craving and barged into the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Thinking that made her feel slightly better, yet the sensation of a heavy weight hanging in her chest showed no sign of lifting.

’This feeling... I do not understand it.’

Even for Yoo So-wol, who had read countless texts since childhood, it was an emotion impossible to describe easily.

Setting aside the parched sensation in her throat, her heart pounded erratically on its own.

Whenever she recalled Grylls’s face from Christmas, her body reacted this way.

Because as the Sky of the Heavenly Demon Cult she could not carelessly reveal her inner feelings, she endured steadfastly, yet she grew more suffocated with time.

’No matter how high one’s realm, maintaining a mind like a clear mirror and still water is truly difficult.’

A human heart was like a flowing river; even if a dam was built, it was bound to crumble someday.

Thus, one had to be careful not to let it overflow, yet doing so had been far from easy lately.

For she was fully occupied suppressing the urge to see Grylls’s face just once—just one more time.

Her responsibility as the Sky of the Heavenly Demon Cult held it back, but even that was becoming arduous.

’Even so, I cannot reveal my feelings.’

Whether in reality or on the Gallery, she could not easily reach out for counseling.

In reality, the dignity of being the Sky might crack, and as for the Gallery... there was no need to explain.

When it was self-evident that the Orange Badge would peek at chat logs.

Then one might ask, why not seek advice directly from the Orange Badge?

’That person puts on a mask whenever it concerns my benefactor.’

Usually, Orange Badge, Don’t Abandon the Hero, exhibited a naive and simple-minded side.

However, when Grylls was involved, she was entirely different.

Though Orange Badge answered almost any question, the moment a query involved Grylls, she would ask back, ’Why?’

Even though it was just text, Yoo So-wol could clearly sense the wariness embedded within.

’It cannot be helped. I must speak as indirectly as possible.’

Just then, it was time for Wi Seol-ak to come with his report. Yoo So-wol meticulously picked her words inwardly.

Connecting the conversation naturally to that topic was key, but she was confident in doing so.

"Your Heavenly Presence. May I offer a loyal advice?"

"Loyal advice is always welcome."

"The sky embraces all, yet ultimately, the earth must exist for the sky to exist as well."

There wasn’t even a need. Wi Seol-ak led the conversation on his own.

Yoo So-wol understood in an instant what Wi Seol-ak was referring to.

No matter how powerful Yoo So-wol was, she could not confront the entire Imperial army alone in this situation.

If the Emperor remained holed up in the capital, the stalemate would drag on.

The longer this state persisted, the harder it became for commoners. Thus, talent capable of orchestrating this was necessary.

"If I cannot withstand that warmth, what should I do?"

As Yoo So-wol posed the question, she felt her face strangely flush heat.

Fortunately, Wi Seol-ak didn’t seem to notice, but her tension couldn’t be helped.

Meanwhile, Wi Seol-ak, quite flustered by the question, did not answer right away.

"...I cannot comprehend the words that the sky cannot embrace warmth."

"I understand your sentiment. However, it is as I have stated."

"Could the sun I am thinking of be..."

"It is indeed the one who granted immense help to our Cult."

Wi Seol-ak nodded. A reaction relieved that his guess wasn’t off.You are reading on nоvelping.com, the official source.

Yet he was equally bewildered, taking a brief moment to think.

After a subtle pause of silence, Wi Seol-ak offered the best answer he could give.

"The idea that the sky cannot embrace the warmth of the sun makes no sense in itself. For the sky is infinite, and the sun is ultimately a part of that sky."

"Even if the sky can embrace it, what if the earth is the problem? The earth might crack, unable to endure the heat of the sun."

"The sun must set eventually. And the moon will cool its burning heat."

"It sounds as though you are telling me to place a moon by the sun’s side."

Yoo So-wol narrowed her brows slightly. Suddenly, such an imagination occurred to her.

An image of someone other than herself—a woman, no less—standing next to Grylls.

Just that thought felt beyond uncomfortable; a surge of displeasure swept through her.

Sensing that atmosphere, Wi Seol-ak hastily opened his mouth.

"Your Heavenly Presence. The sun and the moon are entities that cannot coexist at the exact same moment. Only the sky can embrace them both simultaneously."

"It sounds like you are telling me to bestow tolerance."

"Yes. Exactly. Tolerance is a virtue that only the sky can bestow."

’Even if there’s someone weird beside him, let it slide. Isn’t it fine since he’s someone you’ll embrace anyway?’

That was how Yoo So-wol interpreted it, and Wi Seol-ak had indeed spoken with a similar gist.

The problem was that they were dreaming different dreams; Wi Seol-ak offered it in a public, official sense, whereas Yoo So-wol received it through personal feelings.

"...What happens if I suppress him?"

"The earth will crack endlessly and tear apart."

’Do not think of suppressing him. In the end, mercy is what’s required.’

At Wi Seol-ak’s sharp answer, Yoo So-wol wore an expression of subtle dissatisfaction.

A reaction showing she refused to let Grylls go. In truth, both of their goals were identical.

As stated earlier, it was merely a crossroads between private and public desires.

"Demonic Brain."

"Pray speak."

"In this world, other skies exist besides myself. If the ground one stands upon differs, the sky too is different."

Wi Seol-ak listened intently. It was almost unprecedented for Yoo So-wol to lay bare her inner feelings like this.

Normally, she would have brushed it off by telling him to handle it himself. He needed to listen carefully.

"I am worried that another sky might embrace the sun I desire."

"..."

"What should I do? I ask for your opinion."

’She is finally growing! To voice such concerns aloud!’

Wi Seol-ak cheered internally. He had suffered so much because she usually displayed an unhuman-like demeanor.

Though showing vulnerability wasn’t ideal, asking for an opinion in itself was a great step.

Otherwise, there was no telling where she might bolt off to. This way, internal variables could be prevented.

"...Your Heavenly Presence. People can become the sun and the moon, but a person’s heart is like a river. Its flow cannot be dammed."

"You share the same thought as I."

"Even if one forcefully twists or blocks that flow, it will build up and eventually burst. Allowing it to flow naturally is best."

"Can even the sky not stop it?"

"Yes. Because the river is held within the earth."

"..."

’Then what should I do?’ Yoo So-wol stared at him with such eyes.

Reading that gaze, Wi Seol-ak bowed his head and replied solemnly.

"Once you awaken to the human heart, you will be able to embrace it with a broader mind."

"..."

"Pray greet him with mercy, not oppression."

Having spoken, Wi Seol-ak bowed quietly. Meanwhile, Yoo So-wol fell into deep thought.

If Grylls settled under another sky—that is, in another country—she had planned to bring him back by any means necessary.

However, doing so would only build a dam in Grylls’s heart, which would inevitably burst in the end.

She hated that. Beyond feeling troubled, it was a heart-rending agony.

"...Then I ask again, Demonic Brain. How can I make that flow direct itself toward me?"

"There is an easy method, and a method that is not."

"Tell me the easy method."

"It is for Your Heavenly Presence to reveal your heart as well."

’Confess openly.’ At least, that was how it sounded to Yoo So-wol.

At the same time, her face began to flush red. Fortunately, Wi Seol-ak had his head bowed, so he didn’t notice.

"...And the method that is not easy?"

"It is to wait loftily for him to realize the sky’s feelings on his own."

"There is a high chance of having him stolen away."

"Whichever choice you make, he will recognize the greatness of the sky. The choice rests with Your Heavenly Presence."

"I understand. I shall humbly accept your words."

"Your grace is boundless."

Wi Seol-ak withdrew from the audience chamber, having offered ample advice.

From his perspective, it was advice on how to properly recruit top talent, but for Yoo So-wol, it was different.

For her, it was advice on how to hold the man she desired in her arms.New chapters come out on novelpin​g.com first.

’To reveal my heart...’

Yoo So-wol considered the easy method. The problem was that even this wasn’t easy.

In the first place, she didn’t even fully comprehend her own heart.

Since childhood, she had been educated and raised not as an ordinary person, but as the Heavenly Demon.

From her days as the Young Heavenly Demon until now, she had been taught duty and responsibility, remaining ignorant of the human heart.

Thankfully, due to the Gallery, she had gradually come to understand human hearts and exchange honest conversations.

’It is a heart even I do not fully know. If I reveal it recklessly, even my benefactor might be bewildered.’

She had to somehow realize this feeling. That was the top priority.

Despite receiving counseling(?), this emotion only grew more suffocating. Was awakening to the human heart truly this difficult?

’He said a person’s heart is like a river. If I move wherever my heart leads me...’

Yoo So-wol thought of her heart like a river. She didn’t block its flow and let it run free.

Then she naturally connected to the Gallery. The moment she logged in, what she searched for were Grylls’s posts.

Grylls was likely doing personal maintenance today rather than exploring.

She wanted to know more about his everyday life. She wanted to stand by his side and look in the same direction.

No sooner had that thought occurred than she found herself sending a private message to Grylls.

[Heavenly Demon: My noble friend. Are you there?]

[Wild Grylls: Yes, I’m here. What’s up?]

[Heavenly Demon: I merely called for you.]

[Wild Grylls: You must be bored lol]

Bored. No, she wasn’t bored.

She had simply acted as her heart led her. Still, her stifled feelings seemed to ease slightly.

Yoo So-wol unknowingly formed a warm smile as she continued chatting with Grylls.

[Heavenly Demon: Boredom, is it? Perhaps that is accurate as well. What are you doing, my noble friend?]

[Wild Grylls: (Photo of grooming cute Wonmo’s fur) Taking care of Wonmo.]

[Heavenly Demon: Wonmo is cute. Perhaps because I named him, he feels even more so.]

[Wild Grylls: I hope there comes a day when you can see Wonmo with your own eyes. Wouldn’t Wonmo like that too?]

[Heavenly Demon: I hope so as well.]

Yoo So-wol carried on the conversation wherever her heart took her.

As they chatted oblivious to the passage of time, hours quickly flew by.

[Wild Grylls: I have to step out for a bit to deal with something. See you later!]

[Heavenly Demon: My noble friend. May I ask you one thing before you go?]

[Wild Grylls: What is it?]

[Heavenly Demon: How do you view a person’s heart?]

It was an out-of-the-blue question, yet she wanted to ask nonetheless.

Usually, even when Grylls acted frivolously, there was substance hidden within his words.

His true worth shone especially when he harshly criticized others. Hadn’t he done so when cursing the gods?

[Wild Grylls: Well? I’m pretty weak when it comes to that stuff, so I don’t really know.]

[Heavenly Demon: Is that so? Very well.]

[Wild Grylls: But you shouldn’t ignore it. The moment you ignore it, you’re the only one who suffers.]

[Heavenly Demon: ...Could you explain in more detail what you mean?]

[Wild Grylls: It was probably when my parents passed away. I thought I would stay calm and composed.]

He had mentioned it a few times before. Grylls, who had lost his parents early in a sudden accident.

Now he spoke of it half-jokingly, but back then, his heart must have been torn to shreds.

[Wild Grylls: But once the funeral was actually held and I bowed, everything I bottled up inside just burst out. That’s when I realized: a person’s feelings aren’t meant to be ignored, they just end up piling up.]

[Heavenly Demon: Mm...]

[Wild Grylls: Don’t keep hoarding them up endlessly. They say a late-blooming passion is the scariest, right?]

[Heavenly Demon: Thank you.]

Yoo So-wol smiled. Thanks to him, she was able to awaken.

That a person’s heart is like a river, and its flow cannot be stopped.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

And she realized that her own heart was flowing toward Grylls.

[Heavenly Demon: My noble friend. I shall ask one more thing.]

[Wild Grylls: Sure. Go ahead.]

[Heavenly Demon: What kind of woman do you favor?]

[Wild Grylls: Are you gonna dress up like that? lol]

Grylls responded playfully, but...

[Heavenly Demon: If that is what you desire.]

[Wild Grylls: What?]

[Heavenly Demon: Did you not say not to ignore one’s heart?]

Yoo So-wol answered with absolute sincerity.

Now that she had decided to no longer ignore the river flowing in her heart.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

’I am looking forward to this.’

Yoo So-wol swelled to the brim with anticipation.