By midday, near the central water canal of the city, Wendy walked calmly, offering gentle smiles to everything around her. Her hands were clasped behind her back. Yul followed her, filled with curiosity about what kind of person Wendy truly was. After a short, quiet walk, he finally spoke.
"Tell me, Wendy… Where are you from, and what brought you here?"
She slowed her pace to match his and began speaking as they walked side by side.
"I came from Gua Village, up north.
As for why I came here, well… it's not really that important."
"That reminds me… When that man was killed earlier, I was shocked.
But you didn't react at all—you just took out a notebook and started writing.
What was that? Do you enjoy looking at dead bodies or something?"
Wendy stopped, gazing toward a small boat drifting on the canal.
"I suppose it won't hurt to tell you.
Actually, I came to this city to chase my dream.
Did you know that once every ten years, the city of Ouralia compiles a book containing the most significant events in the world and stores it inside the World Tree for eternal preservation?
The same thing is happening this year.
When the invited ones enter the World Tree, the book will be sealed and archived for the future.
I came here to be a part of that—to contribute to this year's volume.
The research I've been working on, the data I've gathered—all of it was about deaths and disappearances that history has forgotten.
So when I saw that person lying dead… I couldn't help myself. I had to document the event."
Yul heard her words like the soft notes of a melancholy song.
It didn't take long for him to understand the immense effort behind those words.
How many sleepless nights had she spent recording her findings?
How far had she traveled to collect that data?
How little time did she have for herself, for rest?
The dark circles beneath her eyes told enough.
The ink stains on her fingers hadn't faded.
Her ragged clothes made her circumstances all too clear.
But despite everything, the feeling welling up in Yul wasn't pity.
It wasn't even sorrow.
For someone who never had a dream, that word felt too distant, too heavy.
But at that moment, he admired her more than anyone—
someone who worked so hard for something, even if he couldn't fully understand it.
Their little stroll ended at a massive building.
Its grand entrance resembled that of a palace, and its sheer size suggested it was an ancient landmark.
Yul couldn't help but wonder what kind of place it was.
A guard stopped them at the gate and searched them both before letting them in.
Inside, the building was chaotic—people carrying documents, papers flying everywhere.
Yul was stunned by the chaos, while Wendy calmly made her way toward a large hall with a small desk.
Yul asked,
"What is this place?
It felt like I was walking into a football stadium."
"This is the Central Archive.
It provides information on the history of this world.
It's usually quieter, but today they're preparing to store the most important books into the Library of the World."
At the desk sat an old man, reviewing documents with a puzzled expression.
Before Wendy could introduce herself, he cut her off irritably.
"No need for introductions.
Say what you want and be quick about it."
"I'm sorry.
I've compiled valuable information in this book.
It's a decade's worth of work.
I know I'm a bit late, but I was hoping it could be included in this year's historical volume."
Wendy trembled nervously, clenching her fists and bowing her head.
The old man paused, then replied coldly.
"I know this may be harsh, but I don't have time for children's games.
This isn't a joke."
"Please, just read a little.
This record is extremely important—"
"Are you deaf?!" he barked.
"We don't have time to include nonsense in our archives!
Besides, how do you expect us to accept new data now? Are you insane?
If you understand what I'm saying, then leave. Don't waste my time!"
Yul, irritated by the man's tone, couldn't hold back.
He understood the man's position—but still, he couldn't stay silent.
"My name is Yul.
I'm a former commander in the King's army.
I've reviewed this girl's work myself, and I believe it's worth preserving.
In recent years, the war has shaken people's faith in the King.
If that trust collapses, chaos will spread.
Remembering the dead and the missing can restore morale.
I'm not telling you to accept the book—just read it.
You might find something valuable."
"You people just don't get it…
Fine. Give me the book."
Wendy hesitated but handed it over.
The old man flipped through a few random pages.
Then, without a second glance, he closed it and threw it into the trash bin.
When Wendy saw that, it felt like her chest was being crushed.
She bit her lip in regret, struggling to hold back her tears.
Yul stared at the old man with the same cold gaze he'd had since entering.
"You asked me to review it, and I did.
If you're satisfied, now please leave."
"You barely read a thing…
I should've expected this.
You people are nothing but scum," Yul muttered as he stepped closer.
The old man yelled for him to leave and threw some papers at him.
Yul punched him hard in the face, knocking out several of his teeth.
Wendy tried to stop him, but Yul didn't listen.
Before he could land another blow, guards swarmed them and a brawl broke out.
Even Wendy was struck during the chaos—blood spilled from her nose.
By then, it was too late to calm things down.
And so, Wendy joined the fight, standing by Yul's side.
She knew it was hopeless, but she couldn't stop herself.
She needed to let out the pain.
They fought, two against dozens, taking hit after hit.
In the midst of the confusion, Wendy caught sight of Yul biting one of the guards and couldn't help but laugh—
a sharp, bright laugh in the middle of all that pain.
Fifteen minutes later, both of them were thrown out of the building, bruised and bloodied.
Wendy couldn't hold back her laughter.
"I can't believe you hit that old man so hard—
I saw his teeth fly out!"
"He pissed me off. I lost control."
"I get it, but really…
To punch him in a place surrounded by guards? Are you insane?
We're lucky they didn't arrest us.
But honestly, during that whole mess, I laughed so much…
Maybe because I knew I didn't have to try anymore."
Yul didn't like hearing that, but he couldn't scold someone he'd just met.
"The thing you wanted me to help with…
You thought that if I, a former commander, asked on your behalf, they'd listen, right?"
"You're right… but it didn't work either.
Still, I don't care anymore.
I'm free now. I can do whatever I want."
"I'm sorry.
I couldn't help, and on top of that, I got you injured.
I really am sorry."
Wendy gave a light laugh.
"Yeah, my whole face hurts…
But I did have fun.
Still…"
Though her face was smiling, tears streamed down her cheeks like rivers.
"It just hurts so much…"
Yul couldn't do anything for her.
He simply stood there and watched as her tears fell.
After a few minutes, Wendy composed herself, wiped her tears, and forced a smile.
"Sorry about that.
I lost control for a bit.
But don't worry—I'm fine now."
Yul didn't say a word.
Those were feelings he could never understand.
Wanting something… working hard for it…
Failing, then crying over the pain.
No words would be enough—just empty comfort.
Their strange meeting was about to end as Wendy excused herself to leave.
At that moment, a flicker of light reflected in Yul's eyes.
He glanced at his hand and saw the invitation—the reason he came.
"Do you like books?" he asked as she turned around.
"Yes, I love them."
"Then… you must know a lot about books, right?"
"Hmmm… I guess so.
Is there something you want to know?"
"Actually, I want you to help me pick a book from the library.
I don't know anything about books, so I have no idea what to choose."
Wendy frowned instantly and replied with disinterest.
"Huh? Why me?
Sounds like a pain.
What do I get out of it?"
(She changes moods so fast I don't even know what to do anymore...)
Yul was confused, visibly puzzled.
"How about we talk over food?
You must be hungry, right?
My treat. What do you say?"
Her expression shifted again at the mention of food.
"Really? Then let's go now!
I know a place that serves the best food in this city.
We can talk about the details later."
"Wait—already?
You're walking awfully fast for someone who's hurt…"
Yul no longer knew how to deal with this girl.
He couldn't keep up with her ever-shifting moods.
And yet…
There was a certain joy in being around someone like her—
enough that he smiled without even realizing it as he followed her.
..