Only I Am A Reader

"Congratulations to our victorious guests for their achievements. Once again, I want to thank you for helping our Palace avoid the recuperations of leaving that threat unattended for…"

Although the walk back was extremely awkward thanks to the contrasting state of mind that the two groups possessed between rush and relaxation as well as the strange father and daughter pair, it quickly passed by as Leo and the other stepped back into the Northern Ice Palace in less than a day.

The time difference was too minuscule, but the returnees could be said to have completely changed within that small frame. Staring down at them, the elders didn't seem to do a very good job at suppressing the greed deep in their eyes…

During their return, the Heavenly Strength Society shared some context in regards to the monster problem, so they were equally shocked, but even when they selectively chose to keep they received a half-secret, the four seedlings' rising levels weren't hard for them to notice. Although Bing Baek's advancement was supposed to be a goal on their side, she was currently irrelevant to them.

"To think that the cracks extended up to here… These invaders are truly unpredictable."

At the same time, the elders who thought their little playground was safe from the danger of the invasion had a big headache when they found out the details of the battle. This case wasn't restricted to them, as long as the people back in Zhongyan heard the news, the future would only grow grimmer…

"Indeed, once our members arrive here, we will make sure they provide help in case of such emergencies. The benefits of our alliance naturally go both ways."

Cheon Jeong found talking with the cunning geezers to be a great annoyance, but she still held on as she stressed the importance of this relationship. In short, if they didn't want to get screwed, they had to do as agreed upon. Having taken a bit of a liking to the little Ice Princess, she wanted to reduce her suffering.

"Of course! Worry not, since we already decided on something, we will hold up to it. To a great cooperation for us both!"

The regretful Grand Elder could only smile and accept the Blade Spirit's words. The resources were a great contribution, but the fact that these youths were already as strong as some of the Northern Ice Palace's seconds-in-command showed just how much talent they had. If the rest of the Heavenly Strength Society's members were half as talented, they undeniably stood no chance in an all-out war.

"In that case, we won't be overstaying our welcome. We already notified the sailor to prep our ship, so we will be leaving when everything is ready."

"That's a shame, we really wanted to show you our hospitality at its best…"

Both sides wore friendly expressions, but their conversation only consisted of jabbing at each other. Cheon Jeong didn't want to stand in the repulsive Palace any longer, and the Grand Elder simply couldn't wait for them to leave.

'Phew, done.'

Leo let out a breath of relief as they finally exited the throne room. The Devouring Centaur's gift was particularly necessary for him as a jack of all trades, which was why actively acted towards getting it as soon as he caught sight of Bing Baek.

It was simply something that Leo couldn't afford to let Geochin lay his hands on after snatching the Sky Fruit. Even then, the sleazy political battle inside the Northern Ice Palace was too upsetting for the stomach. Thankfully, they had already grabbed everything they wanted and ended things on a proper note, all while keeping the Heavenly Strength Society in advantage!

"Noona!"

Bing Baek's brother that stayed behind ran toward her once we returned to the guest room section to collect whatever we left behind. It was obvious that his worry for her was boundless even when he knew she was the more responsible one between them. Having only survived this long by staying by her side, his sister was practically his entire family.

"So, you will be leaving now?"

Holding her brother in her embrace, Bing Baek turned to Leo and the others, asking a rhetorical question with a hint of sadness carried within. Although she felt nothing but danger from them back when she first met them, that danger was now mixed with warmth…

"Yeah."

Leo answered without thinking much about it. If things were to go according to the script where she would meet Geochin and share the Phoenix problem with him, Bing Baek was supposed to join the gang with Pung Miyoung and leave the Northern Ice Palace, but the current setting was largely different.

'It's somewhat of a waste, but this is for the better.'

Although passing on one of the main cast becoming their companion was a bit regretful, the addition she could add to the team was rather limited. Her buffs had proven very useful, but its scope was too limited. If their opponent didn't possess an opposing attribute, the support she could give would have been very limited.

Unlike most protagonists who kept every friend and lover attached to them as eye candy, Leo wasn't fond of accessory companions who contributed close to nothing. Instead of filling this useless role, what Bing Baek could do as a princess within the Northern Ice Palace was more likely to be of great importance depending on how she made use of her freedom.

'Besides...'

Yeon also wasn't comfortable in her company just yet. Naturally, her feelings were more of a priority.

"Will you be alright here?"

Cheon Sohee broke up the silent staring. Anyone with a little bit of common sense could tell that Bing Baek didn't enjoy her life here.

"Yes, you don't need to worry about me, I…"

Passing her gaze by the group that was all over the place, Bing Baek smiled before stopping at Leo. This was a short meeting with everyone starting with the youth who pulled her out of the pit, but she had learned to have some confidence in herself thanks to them. If she could, she wanted to…

"I plan to try my best on this side as well. Let us meet in the future when I have truly managed to escape the shackles holding me back."