Side Story 49. The Birth (2)

Of course, the baby wouldn’t remember what kind of hardships it overcame to come into the world and that it wasn’t alone in fighting those difficulties. However, just because it didn’t remember didn’t mean it never happened.

At this very moment, the baby inside the womb was in the process of overcoming adversity with their mother. That was the reason why Woo Yeon-Hee wished for no interventions in her childbirth, and Seon-Hu accepted her wishes.

The delivery room was set up in Seon-Hu’s mansion. It had been three hours since the medical team entered the room, but there was no news other than Woo Yeon-Hee’s occasional moans. When her groaning began to sound more like cries, sighs escaped from Seon-Hu’s lips.

The first to arrive at the mansion was Na Jeon-Il and his wife. They had been staying only in the country around the due date, waiting just for this day.

“Where is the baby?”

“As you can see, not yet.”

“No, I am talking about Yeon-Hee[1]. Did the doctors say anything?”

“The labor is getting longer…but she is a strong woman. Don’t worry.”

Seon-Hu made eye contact with his mother. How could he ever forget it? In the pitch-black darkness where nothing was visible, the pressure coming from all directions was so intense it brought unbearable thoughts. If that place was not inside his mother… If his mother’s support had not been there… He wouldn’t have existed now.

“And thank you.”

Seon-Hu’s sincerity was delivered to his father as well.

“We are the ones who should thank you.”

***

The newly born baby lived up to his prenatal nickname. They named him ‘쑥쑥이,’ which translated to ‘growing fast,’ and the baby already had an unusually thick head of hair that wasn’t typical for a newborn.

Seon-Hu sat beside the bed and gazed affectionately at Woo Yeon-Hee, who was cradling the baby. The room was filled with a solemn silence as the medical staff had momentarily left. Seon-Hu's eyes reflected calmness and profound realization.

A thought resonated within him. From now on, the child will be the most precious thing in my life.

Gazing at the baby nestled in his mother’s arms, Seon-Hu couldn’t help but ponder about the forthcoming changes in his life.

Woo Yeon-Hee said, “He looks just like his father. This thought crossed my mind, is it strange? I'm being serious here, so hear me out."

Instead of responding verbally, Seon-Hu gently caressed her cheek, indicating he was listening intently. An overwhelming emotion welled up within him, leaving him momentarily speechless.

She continued, “Speaking of our little Ssook-Ssook’s name, why don’t we name him after the father, like they often do in foreign countries? Like, someone the II or the second. I’ve been thinking, and I truly believe there’s no better name than 'Na Seon-Hu.' What do you think of that name?”

***

After Woo Yeon-Hee and the baby had settled, guests began to arrive one by one. Seong-Il arrived, accompanied by Ki-Cheol. While Seong-Il was engaging in pleasant conversations with Seon-Hu’s parents, Ki-Cheol was observing the guests with keen interest. In particular, his attention was fixed on a certain couple.

As he saw the harmonious interaction between the Na Jeon-Il couple and the Gillian couple, Ki-Cheol's expression grew contemplative. Among all the guests, his father was the most vibrant, yet ironically, he was the only one without a partner, which always seemed slightly off to Ki-Cheol. This had been a longstanding concern for him.

What was the point of being popular with women if he couldn’t form a lasting bond with any of them? Even those fleeting moments, captured in photos, had ceased since his father took on a prominent role in their association.

Could it be because of me?

Ki-Cheol wondered. He didn’t long for a new mother but rather for a companion for his father, someone who genuinely understood and loved him. One face came to mind - the Empress Hera.

Ki-Cheol had known of Jamie in Jeonil and Choi Ga-Young in Ilsung, but still felt that a war comrade, like Hera, was more fitting for his father. On their way to the venue, his father had mentioned, "Their bond is not just romantic. They are comrades-in-arms.”

Moreover, during a period when his father temporarily lost his awakened abilities, Hera had been by his side, as his father had once mentioned. Also, Ji-Hoon hinted that Hera had feelings for his father and vice versa.

Suddenly, Ki-Cheol remembered something precious he had stowed away in his secret box.

「 Wish Coupon

Note: From Odin and Mary. To Ki-Cheol, Caliber Kwon Seong-Il’s son. 」

He had hesitated to use this wish, but it felt like soon, he might gather the courage.

Please find a match for my father. I recommend Hera.

***

“Congratulations, Sun. "

"Thank you."

Seon-Hu and Jonathan shook hands. Despite the living room already feeling packed due to the many guests, an overwhelming wave of emotion seemed to sweep through the space once more when they shook hands.

The atmosphere in the room once again became warm and congenial. For that day, the usual hierarchy seemed to have evaporated, replaced by light-hearted talk and laughter. There was a free and relaxed demeanor in everyone's actions.

No numbers or mentions of past battles were discussed. The topic of conversation revolved around the newborn child and the potential future children.

“So when can we see our little one?” Jonathan asked.

Even then, Seon-Hu had been waiting for Joshua. Given he hadn't arrived yet, Joshua might have worried that his presence would dampen the mood. He was slowly changing, but he still had a lifeless look in his eyes.

The intense gaze from being absorbed in rising to the top… Seon-Hu wanted to see that passion in Joshua's eyes again, but all he had seen recently was a slight concern for their old comrades. It looked vague to hope for more than that.

Jonathan took Seon-Hu aside and said, "Are you waiting for Osiris? You've done enough. Maybe it's time to let him go, especially for the sake of the newborn. Focusing on the child will be plenty."

Seon-Hu couldn't reply. Then, a car arrived at the far side of the balcony. Joshua was getting out of the car. The ruler of the dead, the lord of the spirit realm, was now walking as a human.

“I apologize for being late.”

When Seon-Hu met Joshua's eyes, he realized why he was late. More polished than anyone, Joshua's hands were filled with shopping bags. They were gifts for the mother and child.

Jonathan glanced inside the bags and remarked, "Did you pick everything out yourself? I can't imagine anyone helping you."

Jonathan initiated the conversation. Given the day and place, it was a jovial tone, as if addressing a long-time friend. Joshua responded similarly.

Yet, it was clear that it was a forced tone and expression. Jonathan had witnessed the truth in what Seon-Hu had shared about Joshua. Joshua was, to his core, no different from the dead. He also seemed to understand why Seon-Hu couldn't let go of Joshua. He had the look of the eyes of someone dead, yet without a purpose to continue living. Seeing that in person was heart-wrenching.

They hadn't interacted much, but they had fought together on the same battlefield for the same purpose. Jonathan felt deep sympathy for Joshua and for Seon-Hu, who couldn't let Joshua go.

“I'll see you soon then. Congratulations, Master.”

"Come and greet our little one first. Sun, can we see him now? I don't know how long we've waited."

Jonathan was quicker than Seon-Hu.

"Right. Everyone was waiting for you. You were the last one."

Leading with a gesture, Seon-Hu went ahead.

***

It was a difficult walk for Joshua. He felt like an intruder in a space filled with joy involving the Master's family. That was why he stood far away after greeting the Na Jeon-Il couple.

Seon-Hu eventually came out of Woo Yeon-Hee's room. The door was open, revealing Woo Yeon-Hee and the baby. The Na Jeon-Il couple, who had already greeted the child, stepped back for the guests, right where Joshua was standing.

Na Jeon-Il shifted his gaze into the room and spoke to Joshua.

"His name is Seon-Hu. Our grandson has the same name as our son. It may be unconventional in our culture, but what's the big deal? There's meaning in a son carrying on his father's name."

Before then, Joshua had been still without any movement. But hearing the baby's name triggered something. He took a step and then another, moving closer. The baby was the center of attention.

Seeing Joshua, Woo Yeon-Hee initially looked surprised but then greeted him with a smile. She gestured him closer, and Seon-Hu made way.

Joshua now stood before the child. A child of the Master's blood, carrying on the Master's name, but looked nothing more than a newborn. Joshua had expected more, but it was just an ordinary baby.

"He's smiling! Look, our little one is finally smiling!"

"Ah, I thought he was a bit fussy, but he's just picky. He seems to recognize people. I thought he'd cry anytime."

"Even kids recognize handsome people. Isn't Joshua known for his good looks?"

There was so much laughter, but Joshua heard none of it. The baby, looking up directly at him, held all of Joshua's attention. The bright light surrounding the baby seemed to reach into Joshua's eyes. Then, Joshua lowered his head.

I will protect you with everything I have, Young Master.

1. Korean in-laws often call their daughter-in-law ‘baby.’ Yeah, it sounds weird that I am now translating, but it is pretty common. ☜