Only I Am A Reader
chapter-403

Looking at the Martial Artists with a wide range of affiliations, Leo inwardly nodded. This was his true target behind calling for reinforcements.

Aside from the sects, schools, and families that openly disagreed with Geochin's movement, there weren't just a few others that just pretended to comply while making some preparations in the shadows.

'Even she is here.'

The greatest example of that was none other than the swordsmen clad in plum blossom robes. Although her expression wasn't that great, Pung Miyoung stood among the mixed group celebrating their newfound freedom.

In the end, only those who had the final say get to decide the ending. If the ending had been the same as it was in the novel, this tragic heroine would have still smiled at the protagonist for achieving his goal and scoring an additional her, just being happy for still having a place by his side.

However, in this iteration where Yeon, Leo, and the Heavenly Strength Society provided some hope after establishing a solid reputation by stealing some of Geochin's limelight, Pung Miyoung's fate completely changed.

Rather than marching by Geochin's side as he conquered the last hurdle in his path, she was sent with the hidden swordsmen groups of Mount Hua for one last attempt at restoring actual autonomy…

'There should be nothing more to worry about.'

As ironic as Pung Miyoung's situation was, Leo had no interest in the actual subject. His main focus was flattening up all potential issues that could pop up after he left!

Now that some sort of rapport had been built with Martial Artists from all over Murim, a situation where the Heavenly Strength Society was viewed as the number one public enemy shouldn't occur ever again.

In this way, even if one or two organizations tried to stir up some trouble later on, they could only get silently squashed by the Society before they could rile people up.

"Yeon Unni, Sohee Unni, long time no see!"

Just when Leo's original group of four got together again, an energetic Bing Baek cheerfully came over. Considering how she used to act when they had first met, her personality seemed to have completely changed!

"Baekbaek!"

Nonetheless, seeing her being this friendly, the chummy Sohee came up with a nickname on the spot as she hugged the enthusiastic Ice Princess in contrast to Yeon's subtle nod.

"Are you alone this time?"

The white-haired bishounen brother that followed Bing Baek around the last time they stepped into Murim was not here this time.

"An unknown battlefield like this was too dangerous for brother to come. Nevermind that… Baekho Oppa, are you finally free to talk?"

"Bing Baek… How is it like back at the Ice Palace? I hope things have become a bit better."

After maintaining his silence for a few seconds, Leo finally spoke up as his eyes darted between the two contrasting beauties next to him.

"The manipulative geezers have taken more than a few steps back, so life is more relaxed now. Of course, all of that is thanks to you."

'The cold is no longer suffocating…'

Bing Baek didn't explain much, but her frank words implied more than they told. In addition, although she seemed to direct her thanks towards the Society, her gaze towards Leo told something else.

'...All thanks to you.'

The originally skeptical girl that encased herself from the cruel reality with a thin sheet of ice was now bursting with appreciation towards a single individual.

She had first found him annoying and dangerous when he first approached her, but had he not done so, her life would have remained the cold hell that it has always been!

It was all thanks to the pressure that Cheon Jeong applied in the name of the Heavenly Strength Society. However, had it not been for Leo's initiative, Bing Baek would have never experienced what it was like to live as an actual princess.

The frigid geezers that were no better than demons were just as cowardly as they were evil. Once they weighed out the risks, they seized all forms of torment towards the two future pawns as well as their father. They were now content with being no more than honorary elders…

'My value…'

Still, that wasn't all that Leo had given to her. Her obscure ability to read other people's hearts had only given her low self-esteem after sensing how everyone on the island thought of her.

However, the way Leo genuinely believed in her during the Mutated Centaur hunt was what eventually restored her self-confidence.

Whether it was the better environment, the elevated status, or her developed personality, Bing Baek believed that she owed it all to Leo!

As such, feeling this overwhelming urge to give back, she made sure to not forget the one request that he entrusted her with!

"I have got it, the thing that you asked for."

Since Leo himself wasn't exactly sure of when or where 'it' would appear, he only gave her a general range. But even when Bing Baek finally attained the freedom to rest whenever she wanted, she still diligently went to look out for Leo's target.

Clink.

Gently removing the padded pouch tied to her waist, Bing Baek presented it to Leo as she slowly opened it up.

'I want him to praise me, maybe even-'

"Careful, it's really fragile."

'-a pat on the head?'

"Woah-"

The revealed item was truly astonishing that Sohee let out an exclamation before quickly controlling her voice. It was a flower completely sculpted out of glass, its beauty was nothing short of a jewel!

'There it is, finally.'

[ Hidden Event occurrence has been detected. Hidden Piece, Frozen Bloom, discovered ]

[ You have received 216 Reading Points. ]

Frozen Bloom, that was the identity of the Hidden Piece that Leo had missed out on due to visiting the Northern Ice Palace too early!

Although it looked like a glass sculpture, it was actually a mystical planet. What looked like glass was just extremely clear ice!

Since this specific Hidden Piece was a very important part of Leo's future plans back on Earth, He wanted to praise Bing Baek to the sky for her impeccable timing. However…

'This is a little bit troublesome…'

Seeing the twitch in Yeon's ear, Leo felt a small headache coming up.