Chapter 442: Modest Image (1) |
“That’s…”
“Yeah, our hyung-nim at the Blue Guild, I mean, the Sub Guild Master of the Blue Guild and the Democratic Country’s Honorary Cardinal, Lee Ki-Young, said it himself. The threat does exist,” Park Deok-Gu said.
“We are ignorant, so we have no idea what that means. The war has already ended, and it’s finally peaceful, but I think the peace we are enjoying right now is just an absurd facade…” Park Deok-Gu added. ”The Sacred Democratic Country, the Republic, the Union of Kingdoms, and even the Kingdom of Others are standing united for the same goal.”
“I see…”
“They intentionally didn’t suppress the news about how the continent will become chaotic soon. Many large guilds, unions, and clans are preparing for the threat, and there have also been quite a few secret meetings,” said Park Deok-Gu. “I’m sure that we will find more information soon.”
“Is the threat the reason why demon dungeons started appearing after the death of Demon Summoner Jin Cheong?” Lee Chul-Woo asked.
“I think it’s safe to say that. Anyway, that is what’s happening right now. Our clan couldn’t turn a blind eye to the threat, so we decided to emerge from seclusion and help. Anyway, we all live on the continent, so we have to do our best to protect it,” said Park Deok-Gu.
“I feel like I just received serious news, and I’m a bit ashamed. Our clan hasn’t really been thinking about saving the world. We just want to make a living,” said Lee Chul-Woo.
“Well, the same goes for everyone else. And I think that’s why Father Lee Ki-Young is amazing. He’s too altruistic,” said Park Deok-Gu.
“Of course. This Rift Land is actually a loss for him. According to the rumors, he set this up while being indebted to the Republic… He’s trying to save up military funds, so money is pretty tight for him. Think about it…” Park Deok-Gu paused.
“Hm…”
“I’m telling you to think about it from the perspective of the Blue Guild, the Black Swan Guild, the Red Mercenary Guild, and the other large guilds. Would you guys open the Rift Museum to ordinary people?” he asked.
“That’s…”
“I’m sure a few people will make that choice, but I can guarantee that the majority won’t do something like that. If the parties affiliated with those large guilds were to take turns in the dungeon, they could easily obtain all the items in the museum…”
”Why would they open this valuable dungeon to the public at this price? What kind of crazy guy would give others a chance to become stronger?”
”The reason is obvious… He believes that balanced growth is more important than anything else. I’m certain that our honorary cardinal thought that way when he allowed the public access to the Rift Museum!” exclaimed Park Deok-Gu.
“A balanced growth…” he repeated.
“That’s it! A balanced growth. You can obtain experience and items in the dungeon. No matter how you look at it, the parties involved in the dungeon decided to take on losses, and they are the reason we’re here!”
”What do you think our job is? It’s to grow as fast as we can and contribute to the upcoming threat. That’s the reason why our clan came to the Rift Museum. I’m sure it’s the same for others. Don’t you agree, everyone?” he asked.
“You got it right, Bark Sergei! You know how we feel despite being a Republican!”
“Of course! Indeed! Have a drink! It’s on us!”
“Thanks!”
The atmosphere became lively when Park Deok-Gu suddenly asked for the public’s opinion, and the majority of the adventurers agreed with his comment.
There were even some parties that applauded and cheered for him. It seemed that the alcohol was starting to influence him because of his flushed face, but his words were valuable in a place like this. I was worried that my reputation was going to be ruined because of what had happened, but it seemed that I didn’t have to worry.
‘This pig…’
I couldn’t help but think that he was a regressor as well. Well, it wasn’t really a serious thought of mine, but I became suspicious of his past actions. This pig was extremely helpful at the most random times. It was true that his actions were often reminiscent of a trolling teammate, but he had always ended up being helpful when it was necessary.
He had to have received additional missions other than promoting the Rift Museum. I didn’t know what kind of missions Lee Ji-Hye had given him, but it felt like he was doing more ad-libs than necessary.
I was sure that the stories he had told in the latter half of the conversation were things he had thought of on his own rather than because Lee Ji-Hye had told him to say them.
Park Deok-Gu started talking again, and it seemed like he was trying to wrap things up.
“Ahem, it’s pretty late, so we should head back to our rooms.”
The timing was kind of random, but this could be considered late. He knew our party was going on an expedition tomorrow, so he was trying to be considerate. After all, our party wouldn’t be able to end this conversation first.
‘Look at how considerate he is…’
I applauded him for that.
Lee Chul-Woo definitely noticed what Park Deok-Gu was trying to do as well because he revealed a grateful look.
“Yes, we also need to prepare early in the morning tomorrow… Thank you for the advice and for what you did for us today, Mr. Bark Sergei,” Lee Chul-Woo said.
“Adventurers should help each other out,” Park Deok-Gu commented.
It was a heartwarming scene.
“Let’s go, Miss Ki-Yeon,” said Lee Chul-Woo.
“Okay, Mr. Chul-Woo.”
The senior and the junior nodded and said goodbye to each other. Personally, the situation was a bit uncomfortable for me, but it was helpful for the Friendship Clan.
They get a lot of information, and they also learned the right mindset that they should always have in their minds and hearts.
‘Indeed. This is a rare opportunity.’
Naturally, I joined the group and said goodbye to them while waving my hand.
Bark Sergei looked at me strangely at first before nodding.
“I hope we see each other again,” Park Deok-Gu suggested.
It felt like I had overcome that obstacle, but I immediately realized that I was mistaken.
Knock! Knock!
I opened the door slightly and saw both Ahn Ki-Mo and Park Deok-Gu shaking a bottle of alcohol.
Park Deok-Gu was looking at me like a puppy.
“Come in,” I told them.
Park Deok-Gu smiled brightly and said, “It’s been a while, hyung-nim.”
It really felt like it had been a while.
***
“Where is Ye-Ri?” I asked.
“She’s practicing her Dance of Enchantment. I’m sure she’s in her room and kicking her blanket. By the way, hyung-nim, why is your room so small? Can’t you move to a bigger room?” asked Park Deok-Gu.
“This is more than enough. It’s uncomfortable, but… it’ll be absurd to change rooms at this point. I’m already done unpacking as well,” I replied.
“You have a point. By the way… did you disguise as Lee Ki-Yeon to do an inspection or something?” he asked.
“Something like that. I was going to do a simple disguise, but I reckoned that a normal disguise wouldn’t possibly work. And this body doesn’t feel as uncomfortable as I thought,” I answered.
“I knew you looked familiar! I mean, your face looks kind of different, but I instantly recognized your smell,” he said.
“What kind of smell?” I asked.
“What do you think? You have a faint smell of medicine and a mixture of other things on you,” Park Deok-Gu replied.
“You made a deduction based on that?” I questioned.
“There’s something else, and it’s your bag! You carry that bag of yours everywhere, so there’s no way I won’t recognize it with just a glance. Your name is similar as well!”
”I didn’t notice it at first, but after thinking that it could be you, things started falling into place, and that’s when I made a deduction! You can fool a ghost, but you can’t fool my eyes!” yelled Park Deok-Gu.
“...”
“Should I call you noonim from now on?” asked Park Deok-Gu.
“Yeah, right. Just call me as usual. Mr. Ahn Ki-Mo, you can treat me like you did before as well. I mean, it has been a while since we shared a drink like this,” I told him.
“Thank you, Sub Guild Master. I’m really surprised. I could have never imagined that you would be so beautiful as a woman. If it weren’t for the glaring hint, which is your bag, I would have never suspected you,” Ahn Ki-Mo said.
“I’ll take that as a compliment. How’s the guild?” I asked.
“Nothing really changed. There are still a lot of things that have to be handled, so I’m really busy these days…”
”There is a lot more to do than I thought. As always, the guild master is busy as well. Ah! We haven’t contacted the guild master yet. Would it be fine if we contacted him right now? Or at least Miss Ha-Yan…” asked Ahn Ki-Mo.
“No, you don’t have to contact them. I don’t want you to worry about me when you’re already so busy. And please keep this to yourselves. Of course, you can at least tell Ye-Ri,” I requested.
‘Don’t let Jung Ha-Yan know, no matter what…’
“I already told Ye-Ri,” Ahn Ki-Mo replied.
Thanks, Ki-Mo.
“I’m good at keeping secrets, so don’t worry about it,” Park Deok-Gu commented.
I can’t trust you, man.
Park Deok-Gu was pounding his chest while trying to reassure me, but I was afraid that he was going to run to Jung Ha-Yan and tell her what was going on.
Of course, it was true that Park Deok-Gu was usually good at keeping secrets, but he had always been ready to spill the beans when it came to Jung Ha-Yan.
I had no choice but to change the subject.
“By the way, how did you come up with that concept? A physical mage, as well as a berserker who’s crazy for blood? Mr. Ki-Mo?” I asked.
“Ahem, it just happened. It’s just a role I have been wanting to do for quite a while now, and I’m trying to comfort myself by saying that it’s a bit better than Dance of Enchantment,” replied Ahn Ki-Mo.
“That’s definitely… a bit overboard. That Ye-Ri has become cheeky. We should probably provide sexual education at some point at the guild,” I suggested.
“Pfft!” Ahn Ki-Mo reflexively spat the mouthful of alcohol in his mouth. He definitely thought that I was joking based on his reaction.
It was nice that we were talking in such a cozy room, and it had definitely been a long time since we spent time like this. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had drunk with Park Deok-Gu.
Park Deok-Gu had also gotten better when it came to conversations. Back then, I would easily get bored by his incessant talking, but it wasn’t the case anymore because we conversed about various topics.
“How’s your wound?” I asked.
“I’m fine. I’d rather die than lose my strength. Anyway, I should be the one asking you that. I heard the templars came by…” Park Deok-Gu muttered.
“I’m fine physically. I was kind of tired, but I think it’s because of that…”
We decided to ask each other how we were doing.
“Sub Guild Master, when are you planning on ending this?” Ahn Ki-Mo asked.
“I’m just going to make a quick visit. It probably won’t take long,” I answered.
“Hm, I see. For some reason, I feel sad about letting things end this way. What do you think? How about we have another get-together after we’re done with all this?” he suggested.
“I’m in,” Park Deok-Gu chimed in.
“That sounds great,” I replied.
We were talking about useless things, and I felt sad about having to end this fun gathering. I glanced outside and saw that it was already deep in the night.
I spaced out when I realized that I would only get a few hours of sleep. Still, it would at least be four to five hours of sleep.
‘I can just drink a fatigue recovery potion.’
My eyes were starting to close on their own. The quick-witted Ahn Ki-Mo noticed that, and he immediately realized that it was time for them to leave.
“Let’s get going, Mr. Deok-Gu. He’s going to a dungeon tomorrow, and we’ve already taken up a lot of his time,” said Ahn Ki-Mo.
“Ahem, I’m a bit sad about ending this gathering like this. Hyung-nim, let’s have fun for one more hour,” Park Deok-Gu requested.
“Let’s continue having fun after I leave the dungeon. I also want to spend more time, but I’m really tired,” I told him.
“I guess there’s nothing we can do about that…” he commented.
“Leave already, man. Let me sleep,” I said, patting his shoulder.
At that, Park Deok-Gu forced himself up.
“We’ll see you later, Sub Guild Master,” Ahn Ki-Mo saId.
“Let me know if you need anything. I’ll come here running,” Park Deok-Gu told me.
“All right”
I opened the door and showed them out, but…
“Ah.”
I heard a gasp.
I looked up and saw one of the female members of the Friendship Clan.
I wasn’t sure why she was still out this late in the night, but she looked stupefied as she stared alternatingly between Argimo and me.
However, her stupefaction quickly turned into disgust when she saw Bark Sergei exiting the room after Argimo.
She was staring at me as if I were some kind of disgusting bug or human scum.
I immediately realized that she would definitely misunderstand, so I gulped unknowingly.
“...”
“...”
“I think there’s a misunderstanding here…” I muttered.
Light Ki-Yeon was now Bitch Ki-Yeon.
She quickly closed the door to her room as if she had seen something she wasn’t supposed to see.
‘My prim and proper image is ruined, shit…!’
The prim and proper reputation that I had been painstakingly building had collapsed after just one mistake.
Comments 2