I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 670

As the schedule for the Heavenly God Martial Festival was finalized, it drew the attention of countless people.

Many viewed it as a political tool, while many others participated out of pure curiosity.

There was also a significant group of people who wondered if their skills would hold up in the Central Plains.

No matter how much the martial artists’ skills had been leveled down due to the Orthodox-Demonic War, there was a reason for the saying, "Even a rotting fish has some value."

Moreover, since Internal Cultivation Arts were mainstream, the skills of a martial artist who studied them with determination were outstanding beyond any need for explanation.

Therefore, it was perfect for those with puffed-up shoulders to attend, resulting in an unexpectedly high participation rate.

The Heavenly God Martial Festival, receiving so much attention. Even there, some people drew attention just for whether they would participate or not.

"Dear. Are you also going to that tournament they’re holding in the Central Plains?"

"Probably?"

It was Ash. She replied to her mother’s question while eating a banana.

Originally, she hadn’t had the slightest intention of participating, but Selena’s persuasion had changed her mind.

Selena had persuaded her to participate, saying that staying in the Empire would make her easy prey for strange rumors.

Indeed, participating in the Martial Arts Tournament was not a bad option, as it could temporarily divert people’s attention elsewhere.

"If you go, won’t it just be an overwhelming victory? Then what fun would it be for people to watch?"

"I’m not participating as a martial artist, but as a guest of honor."

"Is that so? Well, that’s a relief."

"And I heard there’s someone over there who is on par with me."

At those words, Ash’s mother nodded as if she knew who it was and said,

"You mean the Heavenly Demon, right? The one with a nickname like some Demon King."

"Yes. From what I hear, there are rumors that she even took the head of the previous Emperor."

"What a terrifying person. Is she really that strong? Stronger than you?"

"Who knows?"

Ash didn’t answer half-heartedly; it was an evaluation close to her honest thoughts.

No matter who it was, nothing could be guaranteed unless they clashed swords directly.

Besides, unless it was a life-or-death struggle, she didn’t even consider it a battle. That would be a spar, not a fight.

Her mother, knowing Ash’s personality, cracked a silly joke.

"Even if you do fight, make sure you don’t hurt your face. If that pretty face gets scarred, my son-in-law will be heartbroken."

"He’s not dating me for my face... No, why are you even bringing that up?"

"He didn’t date you for your face? Are you sure?"

Again. Ash shook her head, thoroughly fed up with her mother’s meddling.

It was a meddlesome streak she could never get used to, no matter how hard she tried. What would she do if they broke up and she had to tell her?

’Not that I have any intention of breaking up, though.’

Since her heart had already been stolen, she had absolutely no intention of dumping him.

Even if Grylls dumped her, she would cling to him pathetically. She had to at least hear the reason, after all.

’If he dumps me because I’m too old... that would be a bit sad.’

She would probably resent the world.

Thinking, It would have been so much better if Grylls had woken up in the Forest of Four Seasons just ten, no, five years earlier.

Well, Grylls himself wasn’t picky and had said that as long as she was pretty, nothing else mattered.

Besides, given Ash’s realm, she was currently proving that age was nothing but a number.

Crucially, the most important thing was whether they could laugh and chatter together. In this aspect, she had already scored major points.

Especially since Ash was someone who had shown unconditional goodwill, Grylls held a great deal of affection for her.

Hadn’t he said that the moment he came outside, he would look for Ash first?

She was living on silently, keeping that promise close to her heart.

"Well, there are plenty of men who would drool just looking at your face and body. It’s just that you dumped them all."

"Isn’t it enough that I’ve found someone now?"

"Is he really stronger than you? Or is it just because you like him?"

"Hmm..."

Hearing her mother’s rather sharp point, Ash blinked and fell into thought.

At first, she had watched him thinking, Oh, he has talent, but at some point, his potential exploded, capturing her interest.

And now, aren’t there even rumors that he is the Chief God? The only god who could mediate between Aris and Aragon.

"He is strong. I can’t deny that."

"If those words are coming out of your mouth, he must indeed be strong. So, is he stronger than you?"

"I’m not quite sure about that. He’s the type who is incredibly strong in real combat."

Grylls’ strength lay not in playing with his opponents using flashy techniques, but in overcoming them through quick wit and situational judgment.

He was the style that grew even stronger in real combat on the line of death, rather than in a spar exchanging techniques.

If it were a spar, she could easily subdue Grylls, but in a real fight with no restrictions, it was hard to say.

Thus, she was even more curious about just how strong he was, but since he couldn’t actually come out yet, she could only speculate.

If he did come out, wouldn’t they have a ’light’ and ’unrestricted’ spar?

"Then isn’t it about time you told me his name? Just to your mom..."

"No way. You’ll just spread weird rumors again. I don’t want to cause trouble for him, so I’m absolutely not telling you."

"Oh, come on~ I even taught you how to grow potted plants."

"Absolutely not."

Not only was it a name that shouldn’t be casually revealed, but her mother’s past offenses made it even more impossible.

Perhaps knowing her own track record, Ash’s mother looked disappointed but didn’t pry further.

Besides, interfering with a first love that had barely begun to bloom was not something a mother should do.

"Alright. But you are going to the Central Plains in about two months, right?"

"That’s right."

"And taking the flower too?"

"Of course."

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her mother. She just felt at ease keeping it by her side.

Even now, as she rolled around on her bed, she kept the potted plant safely enshrined on the shelf beside her.

Ash’s mother chuckled, finding her daughter’s behavior amusing.

"You really are devoted. When will that flower bloom?"Get faster updates on novelping(.)com.

"I don’t know either. He said even he doesn’t know much about this flower."

"Looking at how it has formed a bud, it seems like it won’t be long before it fully blooms..."

Ash’s mother felt puzzled as she looked at the flower that showed no signs of fully blooming.

Of course, although different flowers have different blooming seasons, once a bud forms, it usually means it’s close.

However, this flower had formed a bud but refused to bloom, which felt strange.

"It might just be a slow-blooming type. I heard some flowers need to be grown for three months."

"That’s true. By the way, you’re giving it nutrients regularly, right? And repotting it from time to time."

"I’m doing exactly as you said, Mom."

Not only was she constantly anxious that it might wither, but she had even searched through other books.

Ash, who usually never studied, was completely absorbed in this potted plant.

Finding her daughter admirable, Ash’s mother pretended to wipe away a tear and spoke.

"To think my tomboyish girl would turn out like this... I realize once again that it’s a man who truly makes a woman."

"Get out."

Ash pushed her mother’s back, ushering her out.

Although she was being forcibly evicted, her mother didn’t seem to mind and kept chattering about something.

Since most of it was about Grylls, Ash couldn’t help but blush.

’Mom also said she used to be a wild girl until she met Dad and became gentle...’

Since it was her own story, she had nothing to refute. She sighed and returned to her bed.

She was about to reflexively open the Gallery, but paused and looked at the potted plant sitting on the shelf next to her bed.

It had been about three weeks since she planted the seed she received from Grylls.

Thanks to her devoted care, it had now formed a bud.

’What will happen when this flower fully blooms?’

She tapped the bud with her finger. There was no reaction.

It had clearly been a week since the bud formed, yet there was no sign of it blooming.

Even her mother, an expert, had said she had never seen such a flower. There was definitely some sort of condition.

’A flower symbolizing the Chief God.’

To be precise, she had heard it was the national flower of Grylls’ hometown. And now, it had become the flower symbolizing the Chief God.

Click-

"Oh, right. Dear. I forgot something important."

It was just when Ash was staring blankly at the pot, lost in thought.

The mother she had clearly kicked out suddenly popped back in without even knocking.

Ash, whose attention had been entirely on the flower, hadn’t noticed her presence at all and couldn’t help but startle.

"How old is my son-in-law? Is he older or younger?"

"Does that matter? Given my age?"

"Of course it matters! I heard that some sons-in-law are so close in age to their mothers-in-law that it’s awkward."

"What on earth..."

Ash was about to tell her to stop joking, but closed her mouth. Come to think of it, Grylls’ age was indeed ambiguous.

In her memory, he was in his early to mid-twenties, but if his true identity was the Chief God, it was a different story.

It could be four digits, not just three. An age that would make even long-lived races bow their heads.

Of course, she would call him whatever he wanted, but it kept nagging at her mind.

’Th-then, do I have to call him oppa? That feels so embarrassing...’

For Ash, it was truly embarrassing. She felt her face turning red for no reason.

Someone might tell her to have some conscience, but what could she do when it was the truth?

Since she had rarely called anyone oppa or eonni in her life, it felt quite novel.

"Hmph."

There was no way her mother would miss Ash’s reaction. Ash’s mother let out a subtle hum and quietly turned back.

"...What was that?"

Seeing that, Ash couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded.

In the end, she got off the bed and hurriedly chased after her mother.

At the same time, the potted plant on the bedside shelf floated up and followed closely behind her.

"Mom! What was that reaction for?!"

"I just let it go because you looked like a blushing bride."

"B-blushing bride?! I’ve told you so many times, we’re not like that yet!"

"Didn’t you say you even kissed him? Why is a girl who was so proactive being so shy now?"

"Ah, please!"

Now, as always, she could never win a verbal argument against her mother.

It was when the participation of Ash, the Sword Master of the Messiah Empire, in the Heavenly God Martial Festival was becoming increasingly prominent.

Once her attendance was semi-confirmed, other kingdoms had no choice but to move quickly.

In particular, the Iris Kingdom, which bordered the Messiah Empire, was in the greatest hurry.

Especially since the Messiah Empire was standing out even amidst the chaotic global situation.

Furthermore, due to Robert, the previous Emperor of the Messiah Empire, the Iris Kingdom had suffered significant damage.

Normally, when a holy or wise ruler is born in another country, the bordering nation suffers the most.

Robert had self-deprecatingly claimed he only focused on internal cultivation, but clean-up work alone was a tremendous achievement.

Countless countries had crumbled because they couldn’t even govern their internal affairs, and strengthening royal authority was the same.

Crucially, discovering Ash was practically equivalent to inflicting massive damage on the Iris Kingdom.

Because of Ash’s terrifying exploits, they had suffered heavy bleeding in their usual territorial disputes.

Furthermore, the newly crowned Arnold was cooperating with the Holy Kingdom to conquer the Forest of Four Seasons.

In that sense, the Iris Kingdom also had to quickly select a prominent figure to bring glory to their name.

"So that person is me."

"Yes. That is correct, Kadir-nim."

And there was one person who was most suitable: the Mage King Kadir.New chapters come out on novelping dot com first.

Kadir stroked his beard as he looked at the envoy sent by the royal family.

The person dispatched from the royal court was a count palatine—that is, the King’s most trusted confidant.

No matter how much the authority of the Magic Tower could afford to ignore the royal family, there was still such a thing as saving face.

Since Kadir couldn’t ignore the budget supported by the royal family either, he showed proper courtesy.

"If the Sword Master participates, other countries will decide to join one after another. Above all, the Holy Kingdom’s decision to participate is the biggest factor."

"The Holy Kingdom has nothing to gain from participating, do they? How curious."

"We are currently looking into it, but they are citing information gathering as the reason."

"Hmm."

Kadir nodded as he listened to the count palatine’s explanation. With each of his reactions, the count palatine’s expression shifted slightly.

From the Iris Kingdom’s perspective, if even Kadir didn’t participate, there was no suitable person to bring them glory.

Of course, this was because Ash’s reputation was too outstanding, but as a rival nation, they couldn’t just sit still.

Moreover, since it concerned the Central Plains, which they usually deemed important, they had no choice but to be even more sensitive.

"If I participate, what kind of support can the royal family provide?"

Fortunately, Kadir seemed interested in participating.

To be precise, he seemed interested in the benefits he would gain from participating.

But that didn’t matter. The most important part was that they had gained his interest rather than a rejection.

The count palatine cheered inwardly for a moment, then maintained his composure and spoke.

"If you wish, we will allocate a larger budget for the Magic Tower."

"I would prefer numbers rather than abstract promises. I don’t really like empty checks being thrown around."

Kadir was acting fastidious, like a true mage. This was normal.

It wasn’t that they would completely shut their mouths, but he wanted to make sure there would be no reason for disappointment.

"It is still under discussion, but we should be able to allocate at least 20% more."

The count palatine, who was well aware of Kadir’s personality, reluctantly brought out a detailed figure.

Kadir made a peculiar expression at the word ’at least’ rather than ’at most.’

If it was that much even at a minimum, it meant the royal family was indeed desperate.

"Very well. Is there anything else?"

"Is there something specific you desire?"

"I would like to formally research the Forest of Four Seasons."

"Mmm..."

At those words, the count palatine let out a low groan.

It was a proposal he had fully anticipated, but hearing it directly made it troublesome in many ways.

Unlike the Messiah Empire, the Iris Kingdom had no borders touching the Forest of Four Seasons.

They had one before Robert’s reign, but they had lost the territory afterward.

It was practically a request to seize territory. At present, it was impossible.

At the very least, Ash would have to die or defect to another country, which was absurd.

"...It is difficult at present. Unless we ask the Messiah Empire, that is."

"Hmm. I understand for now. I will participate, so let’s establish the detailed conditions slowly. I’ve carved out precious time even for this."

Get lost quickly. I’m busy researching.

At Kadir’s roundabout expression, the count palatine also nodded.

Getting his consent was already a successful achievement in itself.

It would be enough to coordinate slowly afterward.

Having sent the count palatine away, Kadir then headed to...

"When on earth will this damn flower bloom?"

It was the pot containing the Rose of Sharon, the plant Grylls had given him.

Forming a bud was good, but there had been no progress since then.

He flipped through various books to find out why, but no useful knowledge came up.

[You lack devotion. Devotion. You must grow it better.]

The skull chattering beside him, the Immortal King Kazan, was a bonus.

Kadir snorted and immediately retaliated.

He forced Kazan’s mouth open and shoved something inside.

It was a long, blunt cigar.

"Smoke this instead."

[Isn’t this bad for the body?]

"You don’t even have a body, what do you mean bad? Ah, of course."

Pwoooo-

As acrid smoke billowed out, Kadir waved his hand and replied,

"I personally rolled this cigar with only harmful ingredients."

[Huuuuh...]

Kazan showed a dizzy reaction.

Whatever was in it, it was immediately clear that it was bad.

[Still, compared to the guy who ate whale poop...]

"Shut up."

He immediately shoved him into the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, at that time in the Forest of Four Seasons.

[Hey there.]

"What?"

[Is it really okay to take this?]

"Ahem. Take it? This is a spatial relocation!"

[Ha. Please, Chief God-isiyeo. Grow up, hasoseo.]

He was on his way back home after a long time.