Chapter 247

〈Chapter 247〉 Part 1, Chapter 11, Section 17

<Rasputin>.

In the original story, he was recommended as a successor to the Round Table after being eaten by Penril. He is an S-Rank special ability user from Russia.

Just like Ryu Cheonseong of Sky Castle, he possesses a simple physical enhancement type special ability and was both a hero and villain in the original.

<Playboy>. <Sex Machine>. <Demon Monk>.

True to his motif, he wields an unspeakably massive… well, you know what, and is undoubtedly the guy with the “biggest” thing in this world.

Separate from his heroic qualities, Rasputin’s infamous among women due to his colossal member.

But here’s the kicker—he actually enjoys indulging in that aspect quite a bit…

And not just that, but he also has a penchant for targeting heroines, making him a villain who isn’t really a villain.

Through his special ability, Rasputin commands an illusion magic that makes it impossible to escape once ensnared—his true identity as a mesmerizing seducer.

And now, this Rasputin has become Rusalka’s fiancé.

* * *

<At that moment, Vladimir Mansion, Russia.>

Anastasha desperately wanted to return to Korea immediately and reunite with her husband after twenty years apart.

“Husband…”

Even a few months weren’t enough to resolve the love they’d built over time. Thanks to Phoenix’s coaching, their bond had grown unbreakable.

“But coming back home like this… I’m still Rusalka, and Anastasha…”

Due to the influence of the body’s owner and the family she came to know after possession, Anastasha now saw herself as ‘Vladimir.Rusalka.Anastasha,’ unable to fully embrace just one identity.

“Never thought you’d try to trap me with political marriage…”

Being the daughter of marriageable age from the Vladimir family became her downfall.

‘Princess’ wasn’t an exaggeration—Anastasha hailed from a prestigious lineage, was part of the upper class, and related by marriage to one of Russia’s current regime’s power brokers.

Not only that, her own special ability ranked second only to Seol Hwa-ryeong, earning her immense popularity as Russia’s de facto heroine.

Effectively, Russia’s Hero.

Considering the symbolism of the Round Table, Undine enjoyed nationwide support and adoration akin to a goddess.

– Why would such a princess disappear in Korea? Does she really have a husband there? It seems more than just liking Korea…

– This is national asset leakage!!! Korea is trying to poach talents from our Round Table, starting with Xiao Lin!!!

– Is the princess really planting roots in Korea because of some Korean man? What about us? She kept popping up all over the place to protect us from monsters!!

“I’ve been too focused on my husband…”

Many Koreans were wary of Qinghua leaving Korea, much like how Russian public opinion was reaching a boiling point over Anastasha potentially settling down in Korea.

“But Dad… this isn’t right!”

Thus, the Vladimir family resorted to extreme measures. Pairing Anastasha in a political marriage with none other than Rasputin—an S-Rank special ability user equally handsome and powerful.

Bang Bang Bang!

The ice-frozen door rattled with knocks. Anastasha fortified the ice with more magical energy while outside, her father Suborof’s voice echoed through.

“Daughter, I’m sorry. But even though I gave you freedom, there are lines you shouldn’t cross…”

“I don’t want to hear it! Go away!”

Anastasha covered her ears, yet the lament of Suborof, amplified by S-Rank abilities, reached her clearly.

“…If we didn’t do this, I feared you wouldn’t come back. I didn’t want to see you forcibly summoned. Sorry, sorry, Daughter.”

“…”

Anastasha buried her head between her knees.

“Humans… ugh, so frustrating…”

A tear trickled down Anastasha’s cheek. The unstable mana flowing from her body turned into frost, chilling the room.

“Huh… huuu…”

Struggling to breathe, Anastasha tried to hold back tears, but her heart remained unsettled.

“What should I do…?”

<Undine> was torn between being Anastasha and Rusalka.

* * *

<At that moment, Yeouido Phoenix Penthouse.>

“Rusalka followed that?”

I summoned Light Blade for a private meeting. His appearance had deteriorated horribly overnight.

“Yeah. The trouble stems from Rusalka being both Rusalka and Anastasha.”

Light Blade sighed, admitting Anastasha seemed to have strong ties to her ‘in-laws’ back home.

“So, she went back briefly at their request, only to be told about the arranged marriage upon arrival?”

“…Yeah.”

With Anastasha gone long-term to Korea, Russian citizens grew anxious. Monster management faltered, leading to unrest across the nation.

“The people got upset when the Round Table stopped handling monster threats.”

“…People need personal lives too. Rusalka deserved some downtime.”

“Still, focusing solely on pleasure caused public outrage. Seriously, who would’ve thought they’d neglect basic duties for marital bliss…”

Thanks to teleportation magic, visiting Russia every two or three days could’ve helped, but the couple couldn’t bear to leave each other’s side.

“It’s your fault. Mmm…”

Previously, Light Blade might’ve drawn the line.

But now, with parts of his personality missing, becoming a ‘monster,’ he prioritized his lust and happiness with Rusalka over the fear people felt from monsters.

“That’s regrettable. Moving forward, we’ll limit activities to nighttime. Still, this forced marriage feels wrong, doesn’t it?”

Light Blade tore at his hair in despair.

“There’s already a husband.”

“He’s dead.”

“You killed him.”

Even covering his face with both hands, Light Blade glared at me. His killing intent was palpable—if things escalate, he’d likely attack.

“So, you’re helping out of responsibility. Without me, Anastasha might’ve never known about Rusalka and wasted her life.”

Light Blade stayed silent. Though reluctant to admit it, he understood his inner turmoil better than anyone.

“Ugh. I was going to ask you to help capture Karna.”

Karna would’ve been a good opponent for Light Blade, but his current state left much to be desired.

“…My condition isn’t great either.”

“I get it.”

While I understand, I’m frustrated and angry that this situation arose now.

“If you issue a direct order, I could fight, but what can I do in this situation?”

Light Blade exhaled deeply. His pride usually kept him strong, but now he appeared weak before me.

“Chh… Karuna… forgive me…”

Slap!

Light Blade slapped his own cheek. His dazed eyes gradually cleared.

“I mustn’t weaken. I’ve shown weakness. My apologies.”

Acknowledging his behavior and apologizing to me, something rare from Light Blade, surprised even me.

“Is Rusalka’s engagement to another man that shocking?”

“…”

Witnessing his collapse was unsettling. I almost felt bad for him.

“Alright then… let’s do this.”

“What are you planning?”

“S-Rank special ability user? Then why not show up as a better husband candidate?”

As a Dark Legion officer, I offered the best advice/command possible.

“What? Shouldn’t we snatch the bride?”

“Haha!!”

Light Blade clutched his stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

“What? I rarely think about others.”

“Hahaha, no, it’s funny! I was once a hero until two months ago!”

Regaining composure, Light Blade looked up.

“To think I’m considering infiltrating another country to kidnap someone to protect my wife!”

“…Are you prepared?”

I encouraged him. Neither of us wanted Rusalka falling for Rasputin.

Whoosh.

My magical energy infused Light Blade’s core, stabilizing his breathing.

“…So this is the power of an ordered monster.”

“I’ll open Chang-yeom from afar. Let loose.”

Determination returned to Light Blade’s eyes. Breaking the window, he prepared to fly to Russia—

“Don’t ruin the mood again!”

“Light Blade! Where do you think you’re going?”

“No! Let go, Lighthouse! I’m bringing my wife back to Busan!”

“This will spark international conflict! Why are you encouraging this, Commander?!”

“It’s not THAT bad… just minor disputes…”

“Aaaah! Stop him! Commander will resurrect you if you die!!”

Subordinates rushed to stop us. Lighthouse latched onto Light Blade’s pants like Misery, temporarily halting the Dark Legion’s <Princess Snatching Plan>.

* * *

Meanwhile, Seomyeon, Busan, Seok Harang’s residence.

“Oww…”

Seok Harang clutched his throbbing head, sitting up in bed. Despite feeling energetic, his chest ached strangely.

“What did I… Oh.”

Covering himself with the blanket, memories flooded back as he glanced at the bean bag chair.

“Crazy gas… Aaaagh!!”

Seok Harang wanted to erase yesterday’s memory. If possible, he wished to cut it out of history, shred it, and toss it in the trash.

“I’ll never collect cubes again.”

Memories lingered vividly.

Brother, honey…

“Crazy girl. Seok Harang, you’re insane, INSANE.”

Two cubes floated above the ceiling, casting soft orange light as Seok Harang lay entangled with Phoenix, blushing pink.

Slap!

He slapped his cheek to regain focus, tingling from the mana-infused strike. Still, staying like this felt dangerous.

“She left without a word… How embarrassing.”

Using mana-summoned water, Seok Harang washed his face. Breakfast sat untouched on the kitchen table, still warm despite looking aged.

“Oh.”

Seok Harang sat awkwardly. One set of utensils, one plate.

“Would eating together make any difference? Pfft.”

Though slightly saddened, he decided to enjoy the meal regardless.

Steam rose magically maintained warmth.

“Did she leave because of urgent morning business…? What’s so urgent?”

Checking news via the magical gear gifted by Phoenix, Seok Harang noticed familiar keywords involving <Undine>‘s engagement.

“Mom?”

His chopsticks clattered onto the table, startled awake.

“So, this <Rasputin> guy engaged to <Undine>? Strengthening national defense through marriage between association ability users and military royalty…”

Seok Harang’s mind raced. Mana leaked from his body, cooling the food rapidly.

“…Could this be why she left without telling me?”

He chuckled bitterly.

“Mom…”

Having lived unaware of his mother’s existence, even knowing Rusalka was technically his mother emotionally felt distant.

“So, she thinks she can play mom now?”

Mockingly smiling with his spoonful of rice,

“Next time, I’ll tease her about it. Hehe… Ugh.”

The rice was as cold as if taken straight from the fridge.

“…”

Seok Harang stood quietly.

“Well, they’re parents… Might as well let them do what they want… Hmmph.”

Burying his head into the dining table, he tugged at his hair.

“But still, these people ignored me for over 20 years… Tch, clingy feelings arise even though I didn’t do anything wrong… They always run away whenever they see me in Busan…”

As Seok Harang’s thoughts deepened, a call came through his magical gear. Straightening up, he cleared his throat before answering.

“What is it?”

[You were eating? Sorry about that.]

Executioner Baek Hee-a called early in the morning.

[After finishing your meal, please come to New Seoul urgently.]

“Huh?”

Another problem arose. Seok Harang grew anxious.

Maybe Phoenix caused trouble again?

“Big Brother, seriously. Sigh.”

Covering his face with both hands,

“Still, gotta eat and head to work…”

Opening the rice cooker lid to reheat the cold rice,

“Hmm?”

– For lunch, don’t order takeout. Use the dishes in the fridge.

“…”

Seok Harang’s expression complicated upon opening the fridge. All garbage from the freezer was cleaned, replaced with neatly stocked fresh foods.

“Big Brother and nonsense…”

Seok Harang made a decision.

“Might as well consider marrying him.”