I’m Here to End This Fight

Chapter 211: Black Dragon Hall (2)

After hearing Andres’ story, Yuri’s eyes flickered with interest.

‘Wonju Association?’

Hadn’t he heard that name somewhere before?

‘When was it?’

While Yuri was sifting through his past memories, Andres took another step closer.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself formally. I am Andres Chayce, the next appointed leader of the Wonju Association. I am here to welcome Yuri Holland as a member of our association.”

With those words, Andres extended his hand as if offering a handshake.

In that instant, Yuri recalled where he had heard of the Wonju Association.

[“The Blue Bird is part of a group with a considerable history and tradition, along with the Wonju Association, even within the Cradle.”]

It was information he had heard from Jerry in the past while gathering intel about the Blue Bird.

They had said that the royal club located in the Cradle was referred to as the Wonju Association.

As Yuri pondered over this information, a question mark popped up in his mind.

‘But if it’s the Wonju Association, then surely…….’

Andres claimed to have come to recruit Yuri into the Wonju Association.

However, from what Yuri knew, that was an impossible task.

And the reason for this was voiced by someone other than Yuri.

“What’s going on with the Wonju Association, which used to pride itself on only accepting descendants of noble families with a long history and tradition?”

A woman appeared with a curt and mocking tone.

It was none other than Julia Singh.

Julia, who had appeared suddenly, gave Andres a sly smile and continued speaking.

“Moreover, as far as I know, the Wonju Association’s traditional membership requirement is that one must be an adult over the age of 18, correct?”

This was precisely it.

The reason why Yuri questioned Andres’ claim of inviting him to join the Wonju Association.

In the past, Jerry had also mentioned that the requirement to join the Wonju Association was being at least 18 years old.

Julia pointed this out once more.

“Yuri Holland is sixteen this year, and even if the year changes soon, he will still only be seventeen, so he doesn’t meet the requirements, does he?”

Although she was smiling, her voice had a sharp edge, prompting Andres to withdraw the hand he had extended towards Yuri.

Instead, he gave Julia the same sly smile.

“As times change, we’re just trying to keep up. What are you doing here, Julia Singh?”

“I also have some business with Yuri Holland.”

“Is that so? Then wait. I was here first.”

Andres and Julia glared at each other.

Sparks flew between their gazes.

As a result, Gunther and Arin’s squabble came to a halt, and Yuri quietly slipped away to stand beside Poppy.

He slyly extended his hand to Poppy.

“Hey, if you’ve got some rations, hand them over.”

After all, it’s more entertaining to watch while munching on something.

At Yuri’s brazen request, Poppy pulled out a packet of rations that he always kept with him.

Of course, he didn’t forget to grab his own share as well.

Rustle—

As Yuri opened the packet, Theresia and Arin scooted over to him, each reaching into the bag of rations.

Munch, munch.

Chew, chew.

Crunch, crunch.

As Yuri and his friends busily chewed on their rations, the tension between Julia and Andres grew even hotter.

“I can’t let that happen.”

“That’s rude. It’s basic courtesy for the first person to arrive to take care of their business first.”

“Since when has the Cradle become a place where we kindly wait our turn in competition?”

“Competition? What competition are you talking about?”

“If you came as a representative of the Wonju Association to invite Yuri Holland, then I’m here as the leader of the Blue Bird to recruit Yuri Holland, so it’s a competition.”

“It seems you’ve been given full authority after Senior Fritz stepped down.”

“That man stepped down from the front lines long ago, and I’ve been wielding full authority ever since.”

“Is that so? I wouldn’t know since I wasn’t interested. Anyway, you’re saying the Blue Bird is inviting Yuri Holland? Isn’t the Blue Bird essentially a personal faction of the Hyun family?”

“Is there any reason why it can’t be? And let me correct you. I didn’t say ‘invite.’ I said ‘recruit.’”

“Aren’t they the same thing?”

“They’re different. And as for the Wonju Association, are you sure about this?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Wonju Association includes Gunther Ryder. Are you saying you’ll bring Yuri into the Wonju Association with him around?”

“Is there a reason why that would be a problem?”

“Did Gunther agree?”

“I am the next leader, and all the other members have agreed to this.”

“Ha! Obvious tricks.”

Julia’s gaze, filled with disbelief, caused Andres to furrow his brow.

“…Your words are harsh.”

“It’s you all who are harsh. Isn’t it obvious that you’re planning to use Yuri as a means to check Gunther? To use and discard him as a pawn?”

“…….”

“That’s why you’re ignoring the principles the Wonju Association has upheld and approaching Yuri, who is neither a noble descendant nor even eighteen.”

For the first time, Andres was at a loss for words.

Moreover, his smile had vanished.

With a sharp glare, he questioned Julia.

“…Then what reason does the Blue Bird have for taking in Yuri Holland? There’s no reason for a personal faction of the Hyun family to need him, is there?”

“Is there a reason I should tell you?”

“…….”

“If you want to know, find out yourself.”

Andres fell silent.

He realized that continuing this exchange with Julia, who was of Hyun lineage, would only disadvantage him, so he chose to shift the topic.

“No matter how much we argue here, in the end, it’s Yuri Holland who will decide… So let’s ask the person in question directly.”

“Sure, let’s do that. I’m sure he’d want to speak with me anyway.”

Both turned their heads towards where Yuri was supposed to be.

But then.

“…Huh?”

“…Eh?”

Yuri, who was supposed to give them an answer, was no longer there.

He had vanished without a trace.

“Wh-where did he go?”

“Where is he…?”

In response to their questions, Arin swallowed her ration and spoke up.

“He said it was boring and left.”

“Ah…….”

“Bo-boring?”

Facing the two stunned individuals, Gunther added more to the conversation.

“Oh, before he left, that guy told me to pass on a message to you both.”

“What did he say?”

“He said, next time, instead of wasting time on empty discussions, he’d like to have more constructive conversations.”

“……?”

“He said he understands the situation now, so next time, don’t come empty-handed; come with your hands full. The heavier, the better for him.”

Upon hearing those words, a flicker of realization flashed in both Julia and Andres’ eyes.

‘With hands full?’

‘The heavier, the better?’

What could that possibly mean?

Both immediately caught on.

‘Ha… So, he’s saying that if we want to recruit him, we should make an offer.’

‘How very typical of Yuri.’

Andres furrowed his brows slightly, while Julia let out a faint chuckle.

‘Well, this works in my favor. After all, I’m the one who knows best what he truly wants!’

Brimming with confidence that she could win over Yuri, Julia’s eyes sparkled.

“Tell Yuri that I’ll be back later with both hands full.”

“Yes, Senior Julia.”

As Gunther nodded, Julia shot a derisive smile at Andres before striding off boldly.

Andres watched her leave with a hardened expression.

Noticing the eyes of those around him on him, he quickly composed himself.

“Hmm… I seem to have shown an unsightly scene.”

With a soft smile returning to his face, Andres now turned to Theresia and spoke.

“My visit today isn’t solely about Yuri Holland. You, too, were a part of my purpose for coming here.”

“Me too?”

Theresia blinked in surprise, and Andres nodded.

“Yes, I also want to extend an invitation to you, Theresia, to join the Wonju Association.”

“I’m the same age as Yuri Holland, though.”

“If Yuri Holland qualifies, there’s no reason you wouldn’t. In fact, apart from your age, you are more suitable for the Wonju Association than Yuri Holland is. The Winchester family is a distinguished noble lineage.”

“…….”

“Join us. Join the Wonju Association.”

Andres extended his hand, but Theresia’s gaze cooled as she stared at it.

A slightly icy tone escaped her lips.

“It’s not a particularly appealing offer. It feels like I’m being thrown in as a bonus along with Yuri.”

“…That wasn’t my intention at all.”

“Nevertheless, that’s how it comes across. So let me make it clear.”

“Make what clear?”

“If I’m going to be treated as a bonus, then I’ll fully remain as one.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“If Yuri joins the Wonju Association, I’ll join too. And if he doesn’t, I won’t either.”

Theresia’s resolute decision was clear: if Yuri didn’t join the Wonju Association, she wouldn’t either.

At this, Andres’ eyebrow twitched ever so slightly.

His expression hinted that he wasn’t entirely pleased, and he withdrew the hand he had extended, nodding his head.

“I accept your terms. Then relay this to Yuri Holland: I’ll be back soon with a gift that should satisfy him.”

“Yes, I understand.”

With Theresia’s response, Andres turned on his heel and walked away with determined strides.

And with that, the people who had caused the commotion left.

The hall quickly quieted down.

Then, suddenly, a voice of astonishment burst forth.

“Wait, Senior Tetsha!”

Arin looked at Theresia with a stunned expression.

In Theresia’s blue eyes, Arin saw the unspoken words: ‘How could you do that!’

Theresia flinched, wondering if Arin had seen through her true feelings about rejecting the offer using Yuri as an excuse.

But then.

“Senior, you’re the same age as me?!”

“…….”

It seemed that Arin was surprised by something else entirely.

“Oh my gosh! You’re the same age as me! No wonder Yuri treats you so casually; he must have already known your age!”

“He did know, but… even before he knew, he treated me just as he pleased.”

“Of course, that’s what it was!”

“…Are you listening to me?”

“The fact that you’re the same age as me… I can’t believe it!”

As Arin continued to emphasize their same age in amazement, Theresia, feeling slightly annoyed, squinted at her and asked.

“So, how old did you think I was?”

“You seemed more mature than me, so I assumed you were older!”

“If being more mature than you makes someone older… then there probably aren’t many people younger than you. Even Gunther is much older than you.”

At those words, Arin’s gaze shifted to Gunther.

Noticing her look, Gunther spoke in a grumpy tone.

“I’m the same age as you.”

“……?!”

Arin’s eyes widened in shock.

Her gaze then shifted to Poppy.

“I’m hungry.”

Upon hearing Poppy’s simple statement, everyone looked at Arin.

Their eyes clearly indicated they were expecting her to translate.

To which Arin replied in exasperation.

“…They say you shouldn’t ask a man his age.”

Theresia also looked at Poppy with disbelief, while Gunther nodded indifferently.

“Right. That’s fair. Anyway, Arin, let’s continue the conversation we didn’t finish earlier.”

“What conversation?”

“We need to have a deep and serious reflection and discussion about why you referred to the Demon King’s Castle as the product of our blood, sweat, and tears.”

“…Are you sure you haven’t been affected by poison or something?”

“I’m perfectly normal.”

“No, there’s definitely something wrong with your eyes; they’re slightly misaligned.”

“You’re seeing things.”

“Ugh, no! Stay away from me!”

Arin and Gunther began circling Poppy again.

Watching them, Theresia mumbled softly.

“…Is having lingering effects from poison or becoming petty one of the side effects?”

She wondered why he seemed to be turning into more of a jerk as time went on.

And wasn’t his mental age getting lower as well?

Theresia watched Gunther with a look of exasperation.

Julia and Andres, who seemed like they would be back soon with gifts in tow.

However, someone else found Yuri before they did.

And that reunion was with someone Yuri hadn’t expected at all.