Got a Gallery in the Wild

The Gallery had existed for so long that even its origins had become uncertain.

Over the years, countless moderators had come and gone, and with each new one, the rules changed as well.

Some moderators were excessively strict, while others were far too lenient.

However, among all those changes, there was one rule that had never changed.

It was the prohibition against forming cliques. Not within the Gallery, but in real life.

There were many reasons why associating outside the Gallery had become taboo, but one incident ultimately cemented that prohibition.

Title) The Best Outcome of a Gallery Gathering

(Photo of several elves gathered together.)

A group of handsome and beautiful elves posing for a photograph.

ㄴWho are they?

ㄴThe great elven ancestors who drove out the Dark Elves.

ㄴThey were always making posts in the Gallery about hating Dark Elves. Then they held a gathering and actually put it into practice. LOL.

ㄴDidn’t the Dark Elves say anything?

ㄴOf course they protested. But those guys also had influence in politics…

ㄴOn top of that, they incited other people, so there was no way to stop them.

ㄴAnd they weren’t even the only ones. Historically, there have been plenty of people who organized gatherings to plan rebellions.

The Dark Elf Expulsion Incident.

Originally, the Dark Elves were not so much a separate race as a people who had lived in a specific region for a very long time.

Just as humans had many different peoples, the Dark Elves were simply one of them.

But just as humans discriminated against others solely because of their skin color, elves were no different.

Especially since elves were a race with an exceptionally strong superiority complex.

There was a time when the Gallery was filled with posts overflowing with hatred toward the Dark Elves, and the elves who shared those beliefs eventually organized a gathering.

Up to that point, it would have been nothing more than a simple meeting.

The real problem began after they gathered.

Because one person acts one way alone, but when they become two, three, or more, their courage grows, and sometimes that courage ends up crossing the line.

The elves who had limited themselves to expressing hatred toward the Dark Elves were no longer satisfied with words and resorted to action.

The result was the Dark Elf Expulsion Incident.

It was because of that incident that in-person gatherings became the greatest taboo.

ㄴBut bans only affect registered users, right? They mean nothing to anonymous and semi-registered users.

ㄴNo, no. That only applies to registered users. There’s another reason too.

ㄴWhat is it?

ㄴBecause too many registered users and anonymous users disappeared after going out to eat together.

ㄴGood grief…

ㄴGatherings have far too high a chance of ending up involving some kind of crime. Who in the world would meet up with strangers in such a dangerous world?

Meetings between anonymous and semi-registered users were full of risks.

That was why in-person gatherings eventually became an absolute taboo, and most registered users avoided associating outside the Gallery.

Unless, as had just happened, both of them accidentally discovered they shared the same secret and realized that the other was also a registered user.

‘…So it was true.’

Swordmaster, Ash, stared intently at the beautiful young woman standing before her.

A beauty with snow-white hair, so lovely she looked like a living painting.

Not only her face—even her figure was enough to make any man’s heart waver.

Although she wore a white dress that covered her body, it was impossible to conceal such beauty.

‘Judging by her actions, she’s definitely StarlightPrincess.’

She hadn’t reached that conclusion because she constantly received elixirs.

She had deduced it from StarlightPrincess’s behavior.

Ash, who practically lived buried in the Gallery, knew the quirks of countless registered users.

And StarlightPrincess’s most distinctive characteristic was one thing.

Her daily messages wishing others a speedy recovery.

She was a registered user who had appeared out of nowhere and, day after day, posted wishes for people’s recovery.

And the young woman standing before her, Selena, was famous for suffering from an incurable disease.

‘There are countless people in the world with incurable diseases, but…’

Just a moment ago, Selena had admitted it herself.

She was StarlightPrincess, a registered user close to Grills.

Even if she had answered merely to test the waters, it no longer mattered much.

The mere fact that she had replied that way was practically an admission.

If she truly hadn’t known what Ash was talking about, she would have responded with complete confusion.

Then why had Ash decided to approach her first and indirectly reveal her identity?

The answer was simple.

Pure curiosity.

‘Even if people find out I use the Gallery, it’s unlikely the rumor will spread.’

If only Ash had confessed, it could have become a problem.

But Selena had responded as well.

Among the nobility, the Gallery was one of those subjects nobody wanted to talk about.

Simply discovering that someone was a registered user could seriously damage their reputation.

Of course, that would only happen if the things they had done inside the Gallery came to light.

Most nobles, unable to endure boredom, used it as well.

They simply pretended not to know anything.

After all, it belonged to each person’s private life.

Even if Selena decided to betray her, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Because then everyone would discover that she used the Gallery too.

It would be a spectacular self-destruct button.

Besides, Ash had never done anything truly embarrassing.

All she ever did was post advice and swordsmanship techniques.

‘…Although I did ask someone to marry me once or twice.’

Even if that came to light, at worst she would spend a few days rolling around under her blankets in embarrassment.

‘And she also seems to have enjoyed the Gallery in a fairly restrained way.’

StarlightPrincess’s history as a registered Gallery user had also been fairly moderate.

There was no need to look far—HeavenlyDemon was enough.

Didn’t she spend all day acting out that bizarre persona?

And she wasn’t the only one. Most of the other registered users were far from normal as well.

That was why Ash had thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing for the two of them to know each other’s identities, so she decided to reveal herself first, and Selena immediately understood her intentions.

That would be a secret shared only between the two of them.

Even if one tried to betray the other, they would both lose.

On the other hand, they could at least talk a little about Grills.

“It seems you’ve also had a fortunate encounter, Lady Selena?”

“Of course. My parents, my younger sister Mary… They are all irreplaceable bonds in my life.”

“It’s similar in my case. If it wouldn’t trouble you, would you like the two of us to speak in private?”

“I’m terribly sorry. Today, I wish to spend my time with my family. When you have the opportunity, please come visit our territory. If a Countess such as yourself honors us with a visit, I’m certain my parents will welcome you with open arms.”

“I’m afraid that will be difficult. I’ve been quite busy lately.”

Busy with the Gallery, Selena concluded.

HeavenlyDemon and Swordmaster always left comments on every one of Grills’ posts.

And Swordmaster was especially famous for posting swordsmanship advice.

Selena was no different.

She carefully read every single one of Grills’ posts without exception.

She even wrote down everything she learned from them in her diary.

On top of that, she continued sending him all kinds of supplies.

‘I’d better keep some distance.’

Becoming friends with Swordmaster was fine.

But becoming close to Ash was another matter.

Who was Ash?

One of the people consistently mentioned among the strongest on the continent.

Getting close to someone like her meant becoming entangled in all kinds of rumors, whether she wanted to or not.

And in the worst-case scenario, they might accidentally reveal that they were both registered users.

So the best course of action was to maintain a prudent distance and let each of them go about her own business.

“By the way, Countess, what kind of exercise do you usually do?”

“I simply exercise a little every day. And you, Lady Selena?”

“Yes. Ever since I recovered from my illness, I’ve become quite fond of it. Although, since I’m no expert, I still struggle quite a bit.”

“If you’ll allow me to offer a bit of advice…”

Even while keeping some distance, Ash ended up sharing many genuinely useful tips with her.

And she deliberately spoke loudly enough for Mary to hear as well.

In truth, that was also a kind of smokescreen.

Passing the time with harmless conversation.

Since neither of them wanted to deal with the rest of the nobles, it was much more comfortable to chat with someone on the same wavelength.

“Then I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”

“It was a very pleasant conversation.”

However, they couldn’t stay together for too long.

After chatting for an appropriate amount of time, the two parted ways.

As soon as Ash left, a group of young nobles immediately surrounded Selena.

They wanted to know what kind of relationship she had with Ash, whether they had known each other before, and countless similar questions.

Having expected something like this, Selena answered them with complete composure.

‘Now that I think about it, they said Lady Mercedes greatly helped her family thanks to her extraordinary intelligence.’

As she walked away, Ash reflected on Selena.

She had never imagined that the elixirs Selena constantly sent to Grills were actually brewed by Selena herself.

During their conversation, Selena had explained that she had prepared countless medicines while trying to cure her illness.

And that, during the process, she had “coincidentally” discovered a remedy that ultimately cured her.

Grills had undoubtedly played a major role in that coincidence.

Most likely, it had all been thanks to a fully matured Mandrake.

‘There’s no reason to distrust her.’

Given Selena’s personality, it was impossible to imagine her trying to take advantage of Grills.

Quite the opposite.

After speaking with her, Ash realized that Selena regarded him as her benefactor.

Whenever the conversation subtly turned toward Grills, her voice became just a little more cheerful.

‘After all, he cured an incurable disease. That’s only natural.’

Something only Grills, the survivor of the Four Seasons Forest, could accomplish.

Even if he himself wasn’t aware of it, he had already exerted tremendous influence over the Messiah Empire.

And not just over any noble.

He had saved none other than the daughter of House Mercedes.

Besides the fact that there was virtually no chance of this ever coming to light, meeting StarlightPrincess changed Ash’s outlook.

‘I’d better help Lady Selena continue supporting Grills.’

StarlightPrincess continued sending him elixirs.

That directly affected Grills’ chances of survival.

It was still best for the two of them to pretend they didn’t know each other.

But if something were ever to happen to Selena, Grills’ survival would also be affected.

And besides.

‘After finally finding such a promising talent, I can’t let it slip away.’

She wanted that small sprout to grow up healthy.

To one day bear sweet fruit.

And when that time came, she wanted to be the one to harvest it.

It was a very small wish.

And, at the same time, the greatest one of all.

“His Majesty the Emperor is entering!”

Before anything else, the succession ceremony had to conclude.

Hearing the announcer’s powerful voice, Ash turned her head.

Emperor Arnold strode confidently through the enormous doors of the audience hall.

Behind him followed Count Gorgon and several attendants.

Finally, Arnold reached the throne reserved exclusively for the Emperor.

Standing at his side was Count Gorgon, as though he were his most trusted confidant.

At a glance, it was obvious how much faith Arnold placed in him.

As Ash and the other nobles wondered why, Arnold opened his mouth.

“Thank you all for attending this succession ceremony. Today, I have once again confirmed that the future of the Empire is truly promising.”

It was a solemn speech.

Ash, Selena, and all the nobles listened attentively.

After all, these were Arnold’s first words now that he legitimately occupied the Imperial Throne.

His words would determine the direction the Empire would take.

“At present, the Empire…”

In short, Arnold said the following.

The Empire remained steadfast and unshakable.

But the rest of the world did not.

Just as a landslide eventually sweeps away everything around it, if the neighboring nations descended into chaos, the Empire could also be affected.

Therefore, from now on, he would place special emphasis on diplomacy with neighboring countries.

In other words.

Nobody should do anything foolish.

Considering the current situation, it was an entirely orthodox policy, so Ash calmly took a sip of wine.

“And furthermore…”

Tap.

Arnold placed a hand on Count Gorgon’s shoulder as he stood beside him.

At that gesture, Count Gorgon proudly raised his chin.

His expression overflowed with satisfaction.

“This is Count Gorgon, who will continue rendering both great and small services to the Empire. When my father fell gravely ill, it was he who stepped forward to help him. Thanks to that, His Majesty was able to pass the Imperial Crown on to me.”

“Count Gorgon?”

“Didn’t they say His Majesty’s illness was incurable?”

The revelation that Count Gorgon had treated the former Emperor, Robert, shocked the nobles, who immediately began whispering among themselves.

Ash was no exception.

She frowned slightly before thinking to herself.

‘Could it really be true?’

Perhaps because she had just learned about Selena’s case.

The whole thing seemed far too suspicious.

Just as Ash discreetly turned her gaze toward Selena.

Selena did exactly the same.

Their eyes met for an instant.

And with that single glance, both of them understood exactly what the other was thinking.

Everything suggested that the situation was about to become complicated.

***

While the succession ceremony was taking place in the Messiah Empire.

Grills headed to the arena as soon as he woke up that morning.

He wanted to see what was happening there and, while he was at it, have Lackey participate.

“UOOOOOO!!!”

“That’s it! Well done, Lackey!”

From early in the morning, he enthusiastically cheered Lackey on throughout the tournament.

The wager?

No less than three Bigu Pills.

The moment he wagered them, Sloth stared at him.

But Grills simply replied,

“I’ll win them back! Besides, all Lackey has to do is win!”

“……”

In the end, even Sloth had no choice but to cheer for Lackey as well.

While Grills enthusiastically encouraged Lackey in the arena.

“…Is this the place?”

A Holy Knight riding a giraffe arrived at Grills’ shelter.

Just as an unexpected connection had been born during the Empire’s succession ceremony.

The Four Seasons Forest was also preparing to forge a new bond.