383. Minseo (End)

The final ending was different from what I usually saw.

Ding ding ding ding ding.

─ 8-bit, monotonous yet calming music played as the background brightened to pure white. Minseo tried to soothe the overwhelming emotions as he calmly read through the ending credits.

[ Leira Ainar ]

[ Final Job: Countess of Dexter, Guardian of Asran Kingdom ]

[ Marriage Partner: Ray Dexter ]

[ Ray Dexter ]

[ Final Job: Count, Guardian of Asran Kingdom ]

[ Marriage Partner: Leira Ainar ]

[ Engagement Ending: The Knight ]

[ True Ending ]

– Born in Abrival Castle, Leira Ainar had a happy childhood… (omitted) …After returning safely from her journey to the Belita Kingdom, she participated in the Maunin-Letii tournament, showcasing her skills to the world. The only Swordmaster on the continent, she quickly rose as a symbol of the Asran Kingdom. However, contrary to her sudden fame, Leira Ainar lived a rather calm life. She married shortly after becoming a knight and dedicated some time to raising their three children. The only time she wielded her sword again was five years later during the Orun-Conrad subjugation war when she participated as a guest general. Leira earned the nickname “Knight of Annihilation” in that war. After returning to her homeland, she was acclaimed as the Guardian of Asran Kingdom, but stayed secluded in her Count’s estate without further activities. She spent a quiet and peaceful life with her husband, Count Dexter, and their children. –

– Born in Barnau, Ray Dexter had a happy childhood… (omitted) …After returning safely from his journey to the Belita Kingdom, he showcased his abilities. The only Swordmaster on the continent, he quickly rose as a symbol of the Asran Kingdom. However, Ray Dexter’s path differed from that of his wife, Leira Ainar. He showed interest in political activities and frequented the territory of Count Brina near his wife’s hometown of Abrival Castle. He revealed and publicized Count Diego Brina’s smuggling schemes with foreign nobles and declared a territorial challenge against the Brina family as one of the titled, though he had no actual title. Ray Dexter declared the Brina estate as his own and was acknowledged for his contributions by King Arista de Klaus, who granted him a title of Count. Ray continued to engage actively in politics, even being appointed commander of the First Knight Order. Although he did not participate directly in the Orun-Conrad campaign, it is said he toured the battlefield alongside his wife. Years later, like his wife, he was also recognized as a Guardian of Asran Kingdom, concluding his political activities after rising his title all the way to Count. He spent a serene life in the Dexter estate with his wife and children, reportedly traveling occasionally to the capital of Jerome Holy Kingdom, Lutetia. –

[ Childhood Friend scenario ending has been altered. ]

[ Leah ]

[ Final Job: Saint ]

[ Marriage Partner: Reb ]

[ Reb ]

[ Final Job: Holy Knight ]

[ Marriage Partner: Leah ]

[ Childhood Friend Ending: The Bishop ]

[ True Ending ]

– Born in Demos Village, Leah had a happy childhood. Although poor, she received her parents’ warm affection… (omitted) …When she turned six, the heavens opened, and Leah became a saint. Saint Leah was exceptional. Unlike past saints who abstained from public life to serve God, she actively engaged in the church’s operations, quickly promoting a young monk, Veronian, to cardinal, stirring winds of change through the rigid church system. Her subsequent actions were even more shocking. Saint Leah frequently embarked on pilgrimages and declared her marriage to the holy knight, Sir Reb, whom she had entrusted to protect her. The Cross Church was thrown into chaos by the unprecedented decision of a saint, but Leah persisted in her marriage. Saint Leah left behind numerous remarkable deeds and accomplishments. She pushed to abolish slavery, which had been forbidden only in the Jerome Holy Kingdom while urging other kingdoms to outlaw it as well, leading to the excommunication of the Lognum Royal Family that strongly opposed her. She criticized the discrimination against illegitimate children and even prophesized the disappearance of sorcerers, knights, and priests. The last saint is regarded as a historical figure that remarkably influenced history. Some describe this era as a time when public thinking shifted from irrationality to reason, interpreting her dramatic actions as the church began to embrace secular values. The historical significance of her actions is still under discussion, yet records show that Saint Leah lived a happy life as an individual. She bore two children, lived a long life, and passed away peacefully on the same day as her husband, Sir Reb. –

– Born in Rutina Castle, Reriana de Yeriel had a happy childhood. With overwhelming support from her beloved king and queen, she entered politics too and studied royal sciences alongside Prince Lean de Yeriel. Despite receiving numerous marriage proposals from nobles, she rejected them all… (omitted) …The princess, who had grown up as a sheltered flower in a greenhouse, started to take initiative after attending the royal assembly hosted by King Khmian de Tatalia of the Belita Kingdom. From that point on, she began interfacing with foreign royalty through letters and sent Prince Eric de Yeriel to the Aisel Kingdom, establishing the Tertan Duke’s House as her backing force. Many expected her to contest the succession rights with Prince Lean de Yeriel, but that did not occur. Reriana accepted Lean’s concession and ascended to the throne at a young age. She persuaded Cardinal Berg who controlled the church of Conrad Kingdom to establish the first university and laid the groundwork for public education utilizing the church system established in every village. Cooperating with the great noble, Marquis Benard Tatian of the Belita Kingdom, she constructed a land trade network and announced the advent of the Age of Exploration, arriving a century later by investing in the newly established port’s navigation techniques. Reriana de Yeriel is considered a rare despot in history. She subjugated the nobles under royal authority, absorbing their fiefs into the realm, hastening the fall of feudalism. Reriana simultaneously governed the conquered Orun Kingdom, becoming de facto the sole ruler of the continent in the south. As for her personal life, Reriana de Yeriel led a pretty happy life. She married the commoner, Santian Rauno, after three years of courtship and had two intelligent sons. She lived a long life and peacefully passed away as she slept. –

– Born in Rutina Castle, Lean de Yeriel had a happy childhood… (omitted) …History records him as a genius strategist. It took him about eight years to prepare for the subjugation of the Orun Kingdom. He secretly formed allegiances with great nobles of the Orun Kingdom like Duke Gaidan and Duke Drazin and had the saint declare the abolition of slavery, placing the slavery-based economy of the Orun Kingdom into turmoil while also excommunicating the Lognum royal family, isolating them in international diplomacy. With the tacit approval of Jerome Holy Kingdom and Belita Kingdom, Prince Lean de Yeriel set forth with merely two thousand troops on the subjugation of the Orun Kingdom. He drew in the oppressed native tribes hiding in the Lognum Mountains to his side and waged guerrilla warfare, inciting the nobles to rebel. This remains one of the most remarkable tactical examples of weakening central power and has inspired brilliant future generals. Prince Lean de Yeriel’s efforts alongside the Swordmaster Leira Ainar ultimately led to the defeat of the Lognum royal family, who were cornered despite their unique talents. After successfully conquering the Orun Kingdom, he called himself a “Duke” and spent years stabilizing the occupied territories. He encouraged local autonomy in the Orun Kingdom and once that territory reached a stable phase, he entrusted its governance to his sister, Reriana de Yeriel. Having spent his youth amidst the turmoil of war, he then enjoyed peaceful days in the capital of Belita Kingdom, Oberg. He dated Ksenia Peter for eleven years without marrying her, laying the foundation for a culture of free love in the calculating noble society. Famous for enjoying luxurious cultural activities while traversing the capitals with Ksenia, he sparked a boom in noble and affluent class overseas travel and promoted cultural exchanges between kingdoms. The date of Prince Lean de Yeriel’s death remains unknown. After his sister and wife Ksenia Peter passed away from old age, he abruptly vanished. –

Ding ding ding ding.

The music box’s melody repeated with slight variations.

The tone was sweet yet somewhat sorrowful.

Life is just. 인생이란 그냥 이렇다.

Minseo confirmed the lives of six people that had become so precious to him, feeling both moved and melancholic.

Just as he finished reading the last period, an overwhelming emotion tried to wash over him.

The music box’s tone raised a note higher, almost as if to say everyone did well, showing three photographs.

A saint, Leah riding in a carriage, and her holy knight, Reb, aiding those in need. They looked undoubtedly happy.

Hmm… It felt like Reb was a bit tied down? Seemed like him.

In contrast, the next photo of Leira Ainar and Ray Dexter was quite different.

They were in the midst of a couple’s quarrel, and the mansion was threatening to split apart due to the aura blade they unleashed.

The butler looked distressed, and the children lay in the yard as if they had given up, paying no mind.

Haha. Judging by the kids’ expressions, it seemed they weren’t seriously fighting after all.

Maybe one of them started it just to have a spar… Leira looked like she was slightly smiling too.

Minseo laughed while watching them moving slowly in the photo as if time was dragging, then turned to the last photo.

It depicted the entire continent, with Queen Reriana towering over it, gazing down while Prince Lean traveled the regions in a carriage with Ksenia.

I wonder why Reriana looks a bit sulky? Is it because she thinks her brother is shirking all the work and goofing off?

Minseo viewed that photo cheerfully too, imagining Reriana would stomp on the little carriage of Lean if they weren’t careful.

He felt he could predict how those two siblings fared later on.

Listening to the monotonous melody, Minseo fell into contemplation. He thought that when this day came, when it was time to see the final ending, he’d be so elated. Relieved.

But instead, the emotion was more complex.

Did I grow too fond? Or is it due to lingering regrets? Did I really bring about the best ending? And how should I live going forward?

At that moment, other characters’ names began to materialize in the space where the photos had disappeared. Minseo soon came across an unexpected message.

[ Childhood Friend – True Ending ]

[ Engagement – True Ending ]

[ Beggar Siblings – True Ending ]

[ Congratulations! You have perfectly cleared the Raising Lena game. As a reward for your perfect clear, the expansion pack version has been unlocked! You, the player, can choose a random character to play the expansion pack version of Raising Lena. However, your achieved accomplishments will be reset. Would you like to continue playing? Yes / No ]

[ Selectable Characters and DLC List ]

[ Todler Akiunen, Dawn of Civilization ]

[ Astroth, Burning Ambition ]

[ Saint Azra, Infinite Rebirth ]

[ King Maunin, Counterattack on the Empire! ]

[ Last Emperor, The Upside-down Dungeon ]

[ Cornus, Mana Road ]

[ Saint Udean, Purification of the Church ]

[ Marquis Tatian, Master of Gold Coins ]

[ Alzeor de Lognum, The Foolish Prince ]

[ Barbatos, Squirming Divine Power ]

…

…What are they trying to pull now? Minseo chose No without hesitation. The next unexpected message appeared.

[ Thank you for playing Raising Lena. The game is now ending. ]

[ … ]

[ You did not receive the Childhood Friend True Ending rewards. ]

[ Please select a reward. ]

…What?

Varied DLC lists and messages faded, leaving only the words to select a reward. Minseo was slightly dazed. If it’s a Childhood Friend True Ending reward…

– ‘Please allow Lena to live happily.’

Upon realizing that the condition for the true ending of [ Raising Lena ] was to fulfill her dream instead of making her a princess, he couldn’t help but mumble in shock. It seemed the system did not see this as a scenario reward selection.

But why now? Could it be…?

[ Please select a reward. ]

Minseo’s heart grew more troubled than before.

How could this be an appropriate reward? Is it alright for me to accept the price of having gone through that much suffering? No, honestly, after going through all that, don’t I deserve something? Maybe others wouldn’t understand, but Reb would.

But what should I take? Money? Wow. I thought that, and it really sounds awful.

1 billion. 100 million. No, even 50 million would be enough to make life more bearable. I could apologize to Chaehwa, rent a house together, and start afresh.

But I simply couldn’t do that.

Ding ding ding ding. As the calm sound flowed, Minseo’s worries deepened.

He reflected on everything that had occurred before the word reward.

When he first started this game, he had trampled on Leah’s dreams, wishing to live happily in Demos Village.

He met Leira Ainar who aspired to be a knight, and in the damp alleyway, struggled to protect his only younger sister while becoming a beggar.

Looking back now, he wondered how he could have been so foolish.

He went to extremes to make the Lena’s princess dream a reality and had been used by people, failing to recognize others’ true feelings. Unable to endure the endless hardships, he crumbled, moved by Leo’s pleas to make Lena happy.

Rewards.

For someone like him, rewards.

If it’s me receiving lessons learned, that’s one thing.

Minseo, thinking of himself as a fool, resolved his heart.

He didn’t want to forget the lessons gained through this struggle just because the mindset changed on entering and exiting.

‘Chaehwa. Give me the courage to fulfill dreams together with Chaehwa. I wish to have an unwavering conviction…’

The message to select a reward stared back at Minseo as if questioning whether that truly was his wish.

Soon, an answer sprang to mind.

[ The wish you already possess belongs to the player. Please replace it with another reward. ]

[ Thank you. ]

The white background and 8-bit sound pixelated— and everything went dark. Minseo rubbed his dimmed eyes.

When he opened them, he found himself seated before a laptop. In front of the glowing blue Windows logo.

I’m back.

Minseo sighed, dropping his hands. As he stared blankly at the unchanged logo, he pondered how he would live going forward.

Chaehwa wants to become a theater actor. Even now. I promised to become a playwright and provide her with a stage.

That was our childish dream and the promise of our youth.

…Right.

It’s not too late; I’ll start over again.

I’ll go to tell Chaehwa, who is preparing for a job after giving up on her dreams.

Let’s try again. What’s impossible in that?

I’ve returned to my senses and figured it out, so I’ll go tell her.

Minseo steeled himself and was just standing up from his desk, ready to set off anew.

“…Huh?”

Something unfamiliar caught his eye.

Everything about modern society felt strange after a long while, but these didn’t belong here.

Principles of Business Management.

Principles of Economics.

Business Statistics.

These were textbooks from my first year of college that I had tossed out ages ago. Where are my civil servant exam books? Realization struck, and I noticed more oddities.

The laptop looked new.

No, it looked old.

It was an old laptop that my father had bought for me when I enrolled in university, happily saying, “Congrats on getting into Seoul!”

I’d thrown it away upon graduation. Wait. W-what time is it?

He grasped the phone he had used back in high school. Click, opened it, and the date was…

It was July of the year I enrolled in university. The last day of the first semester, and today was a day he would never forget.

Today, I confessed to Chaehwa.

No, now I need to go confess in the club room. In an hour, Chaehwa would finish her final test of the first semester and come to the club room.

“Wow! I’m late!”

Minseo’s body sprang up like a spring. He hadn’t realized yet that he was now young again.

How did I confess? Flowers… Ah, I bought some on the way. Am I wearing…? Phew. Good thing I am. Hair… Oh dear, what is this, looking so tacky?

Minseo dashed into the palm-sized bathroom and started a whirlwind of drying his hair. Damn, my socks are wet. As he was caught sitting on the edge of his bed, changing his socks, a sudden thought hit him. He grinned while holding one sock.

I’m young again. The mere thought of Chaehwa makes my heart race like this.

It felt just like when he had entered Leo’s body. If he had to pick just one thing he liked about blending with them, it was this.

Lena was so lovable. The burning youthful vigor made him feel as if he could achieve anything.

He had been granted another chance. Minseo stood up with a beaming smile. He pulled out flat sneakers from the drawer and hopped into them.

Sunlight sparkled as he kicked open the front door! The future looked so bright. There were many things he could do.

Chaehwa’s father would pass away from a stroke in about eight years. I should buy him a lot of the things that are good for preventing strokes.

My parents will probably divorce next year. They seem to have grown distant since I moved out, so I should visit them more often.

Minseo dashed forward with thoughts of the future. But suddenly, he flinched and came to a halt. Upon reflection, there was something missing from the shoe rack.

Something useless that a grown man ought to have prominently displayed in the shoe rack.

“…This damn… No, what can I do about it?”

Minseo murmured lowly and dashed out again. Heading toward the university he used to attend, searching for the girl with whom he would fulfill dreams together.

The following year, Minseo joined the army.

Fin.