CH 335

The next day, Shalyh City came into view after their continuous march. Walking awkwardly with a disgruntled face, Jin-Cheon complained about how he couldn’t enter the city with just his underwear, but his eyes soon widened when he saw Eval Sevaru waiting for them near the city.

“You’ve returned, Boss.” Eval Sevaru greeted Chi-Woo politely and handed over a bag. There were clothes for several people inside. Chi-Woo, who had considered the members’ lack of clothing, contacted Eval in advance and told him to bring changes of clothes on the way. Although it was a small favor, Jin-Cheon, Aric, and the male hero were very grateful and touched.

“Wahhhh…” Even to the point of tears.

* * *

After returning to Shalyh, the rescue team only shared a brief goodbye and went their separate ways. When Chi-Woo returned to Seven Stars, he only saw Aida Odelia and not Ru Amuh. From what he heard, Aida suffered an internal injury while carrying out the previous request, so she hurriedly returned to the city to recover, and the remaining members of the first team went back out to finish the request. Although it seemed like their only team was pushing themselves too much, Eval Sevaru said it couldn’t be helped, since they needed to pay rent for this zone and pay off the debts owed to the official residence from building this base. There were many areas where they needed money.

“But Boss, I’m glad you at least succeeded in the rescue mission. Since Ho Lactea really values their reputation, they would probably pay up well. We should rip as much money off them as possible when they return.” Eval Sevaru sighed, saying that the finances will be all right for a while after getting compensated by Ho Lactea.

Chi-Woo decided to wait until Ho Lactea returned for now and began training. Although he did the same training as he always did, he focused on exploring the abilities of his newly acquired equipment. Although it was an item armed with the sixth element as its name indicated, there were still restrictions. It seemed as if he could utilize it better only if he knew exactly how to wield the type of weapon.

Thus, he tried to research more about it with his master, Byeok, but—

“I’m here!” An uninvited guest interrupted him. “Where’s Aida?”

Chi-Woo looked around and stared at Yunael as they approached. Recently, Yunael had been visiting Seven Stars whenever they were bored. Thinking back, Chi-Woo thought it all started when he prepared a proper meal for them once.

Yunael came to visit Aida after hearing she was injured, and Chi-Woo had offered them a meal out of gratitude. Yunael ate very well when he cooked a dish for them, so he served various dishes out of favor as a chef. Ever since then, Yunael had been going in and out of this place as if it were their home, with the excuse of seeing Aida.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Where’s Aida? I messaged her, but she’s not replying.”

“Aida is resting in her room.”

“Then what about food?”

“If you’re talking about Aida, I already cooked for her.”

“No, for me.” Yunael tilted their head back. “I haven't eaten yet. Can you hurry up and give me food?”

Chi-Woo gaped. There was a limit to a person’s shamelessness. He became speechless at how brazen they were. He asked with a groan, “Does Ho Lactea not give you food?”

“They do, but I don’t like it.”

“Then you can go to a restaurant.”

“I dislike that even more. It isn’t bad, but how should I put it…it doesn’t suit my taste?”

Liber’s food had strong seasoning, and Yunael said it sometimes made them feel bloated after eating it. However, Chi-Woo’s food was not like that at all; the seasoning was just right, and the food went down easily. Yunael liked how his food made them feel full and healthy. “What was it last time? Ah, right. It was gukbap[1]. I liked that one. Please make it a bit spicy this time.”

“Am I your personal chef?” When Chi-Woo couldn’t stand it anymore and complained, Yunael lifted one brow.

“Seriously, are you going to be like this? Why are you being so stingy with just food?”

“What do you mean I’m going to be like this? I’m not someone who cooks for you.”

“Fine, I’ll pay for it. How much do you want?”

“Excuse me? That’s not the problem.”

“And you shouldn’t act like that to me. Do you have any idea how much trouble I’ve been in lately because of you?”

This was news to Chi-Woo.

“Do you know what I had to go through a few days ago when I went to return the fire pit?” Yunael folded their arms. “The leader of the Kobalos grabbed me by the collar and shook me, shouting what the hell I did to the fire pit.”

“What, why?”

“Let me think. I think he said something about someone using so~ much of the divinity in the fire pit that it now became a useless tin can instead of a holy relic?” Yunael shook their collar and snorted with a hmph. “They furiously shouted at me and lamented about what the hell was going to happen to their tribe while they tried to return the fire pit to its original state. Seriously, I’ve never seen someone look so devastated.”

“So what happened?”

“What do you mean what happened? I had a hard time covering it up by saying it was all because of that bastard Samigina. Of course, I couldn’t get the reward I was promised.”

Chi-Woo became speechless. If what Yunael said was true, there was a very high possibility that he was the reason the Kobalos’ magic pit had become a tin can. Restoring Blessed Luck would have consumed considerable divinity, and in addition, a foreign god had been summoned to establish an equivalent exchange for the objects he offered.

“Well…but don’t worry about it too much. Although it takes some time and labor, he said there’s still a way to recover it.” Yunael whined about how even then, they were in such a tricky spot and had been beyond flustered.

“Why don’t you go easy on them and make them a meal? They’re a guest who’ve visited for the sake of their friend, and it’s against courtesy to let a guest go on an empty stomach.” Byeok, who had been quietly watching, added her two cents. “And while making them a meal, it would be great if you make one for me as well.” Of course, Byeok didn’t forget to smack her lips and get up because it was true that Chi-Woo’s food was delicious.

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Chi-Woo couldn’t go against his master’s words and replied without choice, “…Come in.”

Yunael jumped in like they were flying. After deliciously finishing off one bowl of gukbap, they went to see Aida, and after chatting for a while, they sat down at the table and said they’d go after having dinner.

Chi-Woo thought while looking at Yunael’s bulging cheeks that it would be better to put another spoon on the table starting from tomorrow. However, the next day, even though he prepared a feast specially for them, Yunael didn’t come. They didn’t show up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Chi-Woo found out why the very next day. Ho Lactea had returned. After issuing a general mobilization order, Ho Lactea proudly returned to Shalyh despite the state they were in making it clear that they had been through a struggle. From what he heard, it seemed that they had succeeded in completing a difficult request entrusted by the legend himself. Rumors spread in an instant, and everyone’s attention was on them. And Ho Lactea’s next move was, surprisingly, to visit the leader of Seven Stars.

Alice visited as soon as she returned, and Chi-Woo, who could guess the reason for Alice’s visit, gladly welcomed her.

After exchanging brief greetings, Alice brought up the topic they both expected. There wasn’t much to talk about since Yunael had sent her messages about what happened beforehand. All that remained was to discuss the compensation, but Chi-Woo decided to leave that matter to Eval Sevaru, who was much more skilled in the art of diplomacy.

“As Yunael’s message stated, it seems like rumors about what happened during the expedition haven't spread.”

As Alice said, people only knew that with the support of Seven Stars, Yunael succeeded in the expedition by defeating a great demon. Dulia had been itching to talk about what truly went down in the expedition, but she suppressed it because if everything got revealed, her reputation would also get damaged. Although it was a bit irritating, it was better for her if people thought she returned to the city alone, risking her life to bring reinforcements after getting Yunael’s agreement.

“You saved the future of the Kobalos tribe and defeated a single-digit ranked great demon. It’s an accomplishment that you must have wanted to reveal to everyone.”

“Yes, that is true, but Boss told me that we’re not strangers but allies who promised to work together for a bright future. As he says, what’s the point of revealing the flaws of our ally?” Eval Sevaru responded eloquently with a smiling face. Of course, the underlying meaning was, ‘We’ve done this much for you, so it’s now your turn to pay back. If you have a conscience.’

“Really? Is that true?” However, Alice showed an extraordinary reaction. “Did you really say that?” Although Alice must have gotten the meaning behind Eval’s words, she leaned towards Chi-Woo and asked again, as if she sincerely believed his words.

“Well, yes…” Chi-Woo nodded awkwardly.

“Oh, my.” Alice clasped her hands together. Exposed under the veil, her pretty lips broadly smiled like a blooming bud.

‘…What?’ Eval Sevaru was taken aback when it seemed that Alice was in a very good mood. The Ho Lacteas were descendants of gods who claimed to be the best even though Chois reigned supreme. They were a family so renowned for being authoritative that there were rumors that all the Celestial Realm’s formalities towards the twelve Celestial Lights were created because of them. On top of that, Alice was a shining talent that the world hadn’t seen in a long while since Elrich.

‘Is she telling us to just get over this topic since she’s showing such a big reaction?’ However, Eval Sevaru couldn’t help but be suspicious of her intentions as her reaction was so different from the rumors. However, his worry had been a false alarm.

“Since you’ve considered us to that extent, I should also repay that favor. Is there anything that you want in particular?”

“Well, there’s nothing that comes immediately to mind. Since we received a request to fulfill a rescue mission, it would be enough to just receive compensation for that.”

“Hmm. A compensation.” Alice nodded and suddenly turned her head left and right. “Come to think of it…every time I visit Seven Stars, I’m filled with admiration. This building is a sight to behold.”

“Haha. Yes, we spent a lot of money on it, but thanks to that, we’re dying these days. Our future looks bleak thinking about repaying all that debt to build this space.”

“I see.” A soft smile formed on her lips, and she said, “Then Ho Lactea will handle that debt.”

Eval Sevaru flinched; he was so shocked he couldn’t even reply properly. “…What?” He asked a few seconds later with a blank expression.

“If you built a building of this level, you must have borrowed a considerable amount of money from the official residence, right?”

“Yes, yes, that’s true, but…”

“You have the documents, don’t you? Then let’s go to the official residence and proceed with the transfer of debt.”

“Wait, but it’s hundreds of thousands of royals at the least.”

“Yes, it doesn’t matter.”

“A-Are you serious?”

“It’s only a minor favor compared to Sir Chi-Woo’s efforts to save our face. I’ll send someone as soon as I get back.” Alice answered in a relaxed manner, and Eval Sevaru’s jaw dropped. He looked between Chi-Woo and Alice as if a gold nugget had rolled into his hand.

“Will you be fine with that, Sir Chi-Woo?”

Chi-Woo gave an affirmative with a slightly blank face because Eval Sevaru was desperately telling him to say yes with all his might. Eval Sevaru had planned to get enough compensation so that they could rest easy for a bit, but she was willing to pay all their debt off on her own. There wasn’t a bigger pushover than her.

However, Chi-Woo had a different opinion. He didn’t think that Alice Ho Lactea was such a kind-hearted person to the point of being foolish. Rather than that…

“Haha.”

Chi-Woo felt strange as she smiled at him as if he was a cute boy. For some reason, this situation felt like an older sister paying the credit card debt for her immature brother.

“Ah, by the way,” Alice turned around and said before leaving, “I’m cherishing the gift you sent me last time. I should’ve thanked you earlier, but because of work, I had to push it off until now.” When the establishment of Seven Stars was officially announced, Alice had visited him in person and congratulated him by handing him a flower pot.

Following the advice of Eval Sevaru, Chi-Woo had returned the favor. She was probably referring to that potted plant he sent. “Likewise, I’m cherishing the flower you gave me by watering it every day.” To be honest, Eval Sevaru was the one tending to it every day, but Chi-Woo made up an answer. It was for courtesy’s sake, but Alice’s composure broke again, and she gave a strange reaction.

“Really? Is that really true?”

Seeing Alice squirm like a shy but happy girl, Chi-Woo had no idea why she was acting like this, but he made a firm resolve inside his mind to ask about her when his brother returned.

* * *

It was a few days after that when Yunael visited Seven Stars again. Unlike their usual self, Yunael picked at their food; when Yunael stormed into Aida’s room, Aida grabbed them and asked, “What happened?”

“…Probation.” Yunael answered briefly.

“And?”

“She just told me to keep a low profile for the time being.”

“Really, just probation?”

“Ah, I don’t know—” Yunael lay down on the bed and continued, “I went in, prepared to get scolded like crazy, but she was in a surprisingly good mood that day.”

Aida tilted her head as she listened to Yunael grumble. “But considering her personality, I don’t think she would have dropped this easily.”

“I know, right? What did she say again? I can make one mistake, but she won’t tolerate two mistakes? And she kept touching that blasted potted plant again while talking the whole time… Seriously, what’s up with that?” Yunael snorted and puckered their lips. They seemed displeased by Alice’s decision. Yunael had not only acted on their own but almost discredited the organization’s reputation. However, considering that they only got probation, Alice’s punishment was very lenient. It seemed as if Yunael wanted to be kicked out.

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“What do you mean good?” Yunael said bluntly. “The atmosphere in Ho Lactea is no joke. One guy just outrightly glared at me while walking past me. Ha! Like he can do anything besides glaring at me!” Despite their words, Yunael seemed bothered about this. “I think they want me to get out on my own… It’s funny. I guess they think they can take my place if I’m gone.”

Aida could roughly guess Yunael’s situation from listening to them. Although rumors about their behavior hadn’t spread in Shalyh, it was different inside Ho Lactea because they knew everything about what happened. They probably despised Yunael as much as they suffered in the recent expedition.

Once lost, trust took twice as much or more to regain. Moreover, this was only true if they had already built a relationship and there was an existing foundation of trust, but there was no way Yunael, a maverick, would have formed connections with the heroes around them.

It would now be difficult for Yunael to gain permission to act independently, a privilege they had gotten before based on Tania’s reputation. For a while, it was clear that they would be treated like the black sheep by everyone inside Ho Lactea. Although it was unfortunate, it couldn’t be helped since Yunael brought it on themselves. Since Yunael knew this the best, they sighed. Then they suddenly turned around and asked furtively, “…What about Seven Stars?’

They were being pretty vague, but Aida knew what Yunael meant. Aida almost burst into laughter for a moment, but held it back. She didn’t know what Yunael saw and experienced during the rescue mission, but it was about time for them to ask. Considering that Yunael was the one to mention this first, Aida decided to tell Yunael what they had been wanting to hear during their many conversations. “Yunael, do you want to leave Ho Lactea?”

“I mean…well.” Yunael spoke in a slightly round-about way. “It’s just…it’s not bad, but I don’t think it fits well with me…” Although it hadn’t been so long when they highly praised Ho Lactea, Yunael complained while trying to look far into the distance.

Aida smiled inwardly and cleared her throat. “If you want, I can put in a word for you.”

“Really?” Yunael pricked up their ears and quickly glanced back at Aida. “You can do that for me?”

“It won’t be hard to ask, but I can’t guarantee the results.” This was not a matter between teams, but between organizations; furthermore, it was a matter between two organizations that represented humanity. It was not a place someone could enter just because they wanted to. An agreement must be reached between the two leaders of both groups. In other words, Chi-Woo needed to make a move on his end.

“Anyway, put in a good word for me. That guy knows my skills, so he probably won’t say no.”

“I’ll arrange a meeting soon.” After Yunael went back, Aida ran to the office right away and reiterated what happened in detail. Eval Sevaru danced; he had been anticipating this since Yunael started going in and out of this place recently. He seemed to have been waiting for this very moment to finally repay the humiliation he suffered from Yunael. The two immediately began to plot to make sure they got Yunael. They butted their heads together and conversed for a long time.

“What? We’re going that far?” Eval Sevaru shouted in shock.

“Why, what’s wrong with it?” Aida asked calmly.

“Didn’t you say…you’ve been friends for ten years? And didn’t you tell me to not be too harsh?”

“That was before the fish went inside the net. Since they seem to have been caught in the net already, why don’t we do whatever we want?”

Eval Sevaru looked at Aida in disbelief.

“Well, if you feel uncomfortable about that, let’s just make them cry moderately.” Aida smacked her lips and offered a compromise as if it couldn’t be helped.

“I mean, even then, that’s a bit…”

“It’s because I’ve been missing Yunael’s crying face for a while. This is a very rare opportunity. You’ll know once you see it, but it’s fun to make Yunael cry. It’s pretty cute.”

“Ha, geez. Then…” Then they began conversing again.

“…” Chi-Woo looked at them with a slightly shocked face. ‘…Fun to make them cry?’ He hadn’t ever expected to think this, but he felt a bit sorry for Yunael.

1. Hot soup with rice. ☜