Chapter 14: A Letter from the Future
The skies over Andora still carried the fury of that morning. Dust from the horses' hooves and Kaelion Veylan's mocking laughter lingered in the air—yet neither was sharper than the wounds on Arlain's body. After the incident, Hyunwoo stood still in front of the village's information board, which had been shattered by Kaelion's antics. His eyes were red—not just from anger, but from a mix of disappointment and a fire that refused to die.
"Why are you here?" Hyunwoo asked coldly, staring at Kaelion, who was still lounging on his horse. "If you're just here to brag with no real reason, don't expect to leave this village alive."
Kaelion burst into laughter, the sound grating like nails on steel.
"Ahahahah! You think you can beat me? Don't be ridiculous, kid."
Hyunwoo clenched his fists. Kaelion's laughter, along with that of his men, echoed in his mind. Memories of the past… jeers from his former life… they all came rushing back. He lowered his head, his hair falling over his eyes.
Suddenly, a warm hand landed on his shoulder.
"Get up, bro. You're not alone," said Taeyang, standing beside him.
Hyunwoo's eyes widened. When he turned, Taeyang was smiling—calm and steady. Hyunwoo let out a long breath, shaking off his trauma for a moment. His gaze sharpened once more.
Kaelion smirked as he dismounted. "Relax. I'm not here without reason. First, the high council of Thalveran invites the leader of Andora to visit the capital. They want to talk."
Silence filled the air for a beat.
"Second," Kaelion continued, tossing a scroll toward Hyunwoo—but Taeyang swiftly caught it. "Someone named Jaehyun left this for someone named Hyunwoo."
Hearing that name, Hyunwoo smirked faintly.
"Bingo," he muttered.
Kaelion climbed back onto his horse. "Give my regards to this poor little village. Enjoy your days before you turn to ash."
And with that, they left. The villagers shouted curses from a distance, tending to Arlain, who was still on the ground—his face battered, but not a trace of regret in his eyes.
In the healing house, Yerin was applying bandages made of cloth and leaves. Her hands were swift, her face serious.
"Salka, get hot water and calming herbs. These wounds need immediate treatment," she instructed.
Salka nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Yerin glanced at the half-conscious Arlain. "You were incredible, Arlain. But don't do something like that alone again. You're one of us."
At the main house, Hyunwoo sat on the floor with Taeyang and Wonho. Jaehyun's scroll lay open before them.
"Why'd you smile when you got that letter?" Taeyang asked.
Hyunwoo looked at him. "This is the root of my plan. Jaehyun and I might not be able to predict the future—but from our talks, we knew the future could be built."
Wonho slowly unrolled the scroll. Inside, Jaehyun's handwriting stood clear:
Hyunwoo, I'm safe here. I've managed to get inside their system. Now I have power, influence, and money. It's like I was reborn as a businessman. Gold flows like water. I'm waiting for you.
Taeyang burst out, "That bastard. He was rich back on Earth, now he's a damn sultan here too. When's it my turn, huh?!"
Wonho let out a soft chuckle.
"He's inviting me to Thalveran," Hyunwoo continued. "And maybe… it's time."
That evening, the village leaders gathered at the town hall. Claude, Belinda, Salka, Ahsan, and several elders sat in a circle.
"Tomorrow morning, Yerin and I will head to Thalveran," Hyunwoo declared firmly.
Arlain hobbled in, his leg bandaged and body still bruised. "I object," he said, voice weak but sharp. "They toyed with us, Hyunwoo. They trampled on our pride."
"You really want to accept their invitation after what they've done?" he added.
Hyunwoo met his gaze. "I know, Arlain. But if we refuse, this village might be destroyed. They have weapons, soldiers. We've only just gotten back on our feet. I won't let our efforts go to waste."
"Why are you taking Yerin?" Belinda asked.
"Because Jaehyun once told me… he'd need Yerin's help too. Do you want to come with us, Belinda?"
Belinda blushed and shook her head.
Claude, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. "Who is Jaehyun really? Why is he so important to you all?"
Taeyang grinned. "He's the kind of guy who can strategize like a war god and do business like a king. Unlike Hyunwoo here… who's terrible at waking up early."
"Oi," Hyunwoo elbowed him, making everyone laugh.
Wonho stood beside him, eyes sharp. "We have to prepare. This might not just be a simple invitation from Thalveran… but the start of something much bigger."
Hyunwoo nodded. "Tomorrow, we leave for Thalveran."
The morning air in Andora was crisp and cool. The sun had just risen over the mountains, casting golden light on dew-covered leaves. At the main house, Hyunwoo and Yerin were preparing for their journey.
"You sure you didn't forget anything?" Yerin asked, checking a small bag of supplies.
"Triple-checked," Hyunwoo replied, adjusting his still-messy collar.
Elden entered with two sets of fine clothes that looked comically out of place in the countryside.
"Hyunwoo, Yerin… you can't go to the capital dressed like that. You're representing Andora. Wear these," he said, handing them the garments.
"Where'd you get these?" Hyunwoo asked, puzzled.
"They belonged to Belinda's parents. They were minor nobles who once lived here," Elden explained.
Hyunwoo ended up wearing a classic black suit with a long coat and a gold brooch on his chest. His neatly combed hair made him look like true nobility. Yerin wore a long ivory gown with simple lace, exuding an elegant aura that made heads turn.
When she stepped out, Belinda happened to pass by and gave a sharp glance.
"Hmph. That gown… would've looked better on me," she muttered, then added aloud, "But not bad. You look almost human now."
Everyone nearby laughed, easing the mood.
Yerin moved closer to Hyunwoo, prompting Belinda to scowl.
Taeyang appeared with a water pouch, scanning them from head to toe.
"Damn… you two really look like nobles. I want a coat like that too. I look like some lost bodyguard at a wedding," he grumbled, rubbing his nose in that cocky way of his.
Claude arrived with a simple horse-drawn carriage, prepared since morning.
"Carriage's ready. I'll take you to the outer gate. After that, you're on your own to Thalveran."
The villagers gathered in front of the square. They waved, threw wildflowers, and shouted encouragement.
"Take care, Yerin! Don't let Hyunwoo get lost!"
"Bring us souvenirs from the capital!"
"Good luck, Hyunwoo!" Krothar called out proudly.
And so the journey began. The carriage rattled over rocky roads. Along the way, Claude gave advice on noble etiquette and decorum.
When they arrived in Thalveran, the bustling city greeted them—grand buildings, smooth cobbled streets, and people in eye-catching clothing.
As their carriage entered the city, locals glanced over with curious—and judgmental—looks.
"Hey, look at that. What is that cart? For hauling hay?" one man laughed.
"Hahahaha! Looks like some cow-cart from the northern farmlands. They think they can get into the palace with that?"
Hyunwoo gave a thin smile. Yerin sighed quietly. Taeyang, driving the carriage, muttered under his breath, "Swear to God, if we weren't VIPs, I'd toss that guy into a ditch."
Claude chuckled. "Welcome to the big city," he said casually.
With unwavering spirit and burning resolve, the small group pressed on toward their goal—through the noise and grandeur of Thalveran.