Mastermind
Copyright© 2026 by FantasyTranslater
Chapter 46
Basically, the regular meetings of the Blue Moon often end without any special incidents.
The previous meeting was extended significantly due to Deus’ outburst in response to Seolrang’s question, but that was merely an exception.
Once everyone but Deus and Yutia had internalized the notion that there were certain questions they should never ask Deus, such exceptions could be avoided.
Although Deus, who usually remained silent, would occasionally speak up whenever the topic of the Great Moon was mentioned, those conversations no longer dragged on.
This was because Rine and Radan consistently redirected the conversation.
Thus, today’s meeting should have proceeded peacefully, unlike the last one, and thanks to their efforts, it was expected to conclude in under 20 minutes.
[By the way, Seolrang, that person said he was going to the colony this time, did you meet him?] Yutia asked Seolrang.
[I’m going to marry Great Moon!]
[What?]
That was before Seolrang answered.
In the beginning, the atmosphere wasn’t all that bad.
The other members of the Blue Moon were aware that Seolrang sometimes used exaggerated expressions, and Yutia thought it was just one of those moments.
But then.
[That person is truly wonderful. No wonder Seolrang likes him.]
[Exactly! That’s why I’m going to marry him!]
The moment they realized that Seolrang wasn’t just exaggerating but was actually serious.
[ ... What are you talking about?]
Yutia’s face, usually calm under any circumstance, suddenly hardened, and the other members of the organization held their breath at the sight.
Everyone at the meeting knew exactly when her expression and tone would take that turn.
‘She’s holding back.’
‘She’s really holding back.’
‘She’s holding it in.’
Deus, Radan, and Rine immediately sensed Yutia’s mood and recoiled.
Even though it was just a virtual meeting using magic projection, they instinctively knew how terrifying Yutia could be when she was angry.
But the three of them assumed that this storm would soon pass.
Seolrang knew Yutia well enough and feared her too.
However.
[I mean it! I’m going to marry the Great Moon!]
Contrary to their expectation that Seolrang would back down, she confidently declared her intention as though it was a final decision.
The other members of the organization were left dumbfounded.
Yutia briefly closed her eyes, as if trying to regain control of her expression, then opened them and asked,
[Seolrang, do you understand what you’re saying right now?]
[Of course I do! We’re going to become a family. I’m confident I’ll do well!]
Yutia closed her eyes again, as if feeling dizzy, then opened them slowly.
With a faint smile, as if trying to soothe a child, she spoke softly.
[Even if you’re confident, that’s impossible.]
[Why?]
[Because we are the shadows of the Great Moon.]
[...?? Can’t we get married and still be shadows?]
Seolrang’s face showed no sign of being convinced, instead asking, what’s the big deal?
A crack formed in the faint smile that had returned to Yutia’s face.
[Listen carefully, Seolrang. We are the shadows of the Great Moon. Shadows can’t stand by the side of their master. Do you understand what I’m saying?]
Yutia’s face, which anyone present could see held a subtle yet distinct edge of anger, made the other members think that this conversation would finally come to an end.
[... ]
Seolrang, seemingly feeling Yutia’s emotions more clearly this time, shrank back a little.
But then, as if gathering her resolve, she blinked and answered,
[Still! I’m going to get married!]
Even after Yutia’s growing irritation became clear, Seolrang’s firm declaration left the members momentarily stunned.
“I know! Anyway, the most important thing is what the Great Moon thinks!”
The organization members couldn’t help but gape at the situation, as Seolrang was openly declaring war against Yutia.
As Yutia and Seolrang began glaring intently at each other, Rine and Radan had a single question running through their minds.
What exactly happened between Seolrang and the Great Moon to make her act like this?
“Do you really think that person will choose you?”
“Master said that I’m not too bad!”
Of course, Alon didn’t say that sincerely but merely to comfort her when Seolrang was whining and asking if she was disliked.
However, cutting out the context, only that part of the conversation surfaced, causing Rine and Radan to react.
“What, what did you say...?”
Just as Yutia was about to be hit by shock.
“What exactly happened between you and that person, Seolrang?” Deus asked, attempting to change the subject.
“So,” Seolrang began recounting her interactions with the Great Moon, slowly shifting the atmosphere to one of calm.
Seeing that Deus had effectively defused the tense situation, Rine and Radan exchanged satisfied glances.
“ ... And that’s what happened.”
“I see.”
“So? Isn’t that amazing!?”
“Indeed. Hmm—listening to your story suddenly reminds me of the majesty the Great Moon showed in the north half a year ago.”
[[...!]]
As Seolrang’s story neared its conclusion, taking about 20 minutes, both Rine and Radan wore expressions of regret.
Deus, seizing the opportunity during their moment of carelessness, seamlessly shifted the conversation back to the events of half a year ago.
Just like that—
“ ... I still vividly remember it, the figure of that person, standing against the sunset on the ashen, barren land.”
“Oh! I know exactly what you mean!”
[[Ah.]]
Before Rine and Radan could redirect the conversation, they saw Seolrang eagerly agreeing, as if she’d been waiting for this topic, and their faces darkened.
Two hours later.
“Hmph ... that was quite a lengthy tale.”
As they expected, Deus’ story had finally come to an end, and both Rine and Radan felt a sense of relief, thinking the meeting was finally over.
“Anyway, you can’t marry that person!”
“I can!”
“You can’t!”
“I can!!”
“You can’t!!”
“I CAN!!!”
[[... ]]
With the argument between Yutia and Seolrang flaring up once again like it was nothing, both Rine and Radan engraved a new realization in their minds that day.
Yutia exhibits a surprisingly childish side whenever the Great Moon is involved, even just a little.
It wasn’t exactly the kind of information they wanted to know, Rine and Radan thought as they gazed up at the sky, which had already begun to brighten.
About a week later, Alon finally managed to escape from the desert.
“Then I’ll visit you again next time, Count!”
Rad, the leader of the Golden Hair Merchant Guild, bowed so deeply it was as though he might be mistaken for a mere servant.
However, none of the merchants, mercenaries, or even the mages present questioned Rad’s behavior.
They were all aware of the growing renown of Count Palatio from the colony, and among them, the mages and mercenaries had witnessed the Count’s power firsthand.
“I’ll see you when fate allows.”
“Thank you very much!”
As Rad bowed at a 110-degree angle and began to prepare the merchant guild for departure, someone spoke.
“Count.”
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