Chapter 33
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: I'm Not Sure the World is Beautiful, But...
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A few days later.
"By the way, is it really okay to keep skipping out on the part-time gig like this?"
"If the manager says take a break, you take a break. You're awfully chatty today, Miss Ha-yul."
"I mean, even if that's the case, the sub isn't gonna... "
"He's the type who'd just roll around at home otherwise, so don't worry about it."
I grumbled because I wasn't thrilled about ditching what had become a rare daily pleasure lately—the part-time job. But I had no choice except to take in the sight of the surroundings, packed with skyscrapers so tall they put my usual city to shame.
"So, where's Seon-ah?"
"Obvious, isn't it? She wouldn't get up even when I called her this morning. Probably cracked open beers all night and gamed again."
"...Is that girl really okay?"
"Don't sweat that part. She knows where to draw the line between work and play. At least, she won't screw up the script."
And so, for a moment, Bell and I wandered Yeouido, this unfamiliar city, watching the office workers hustle by in the middle of their busy world.
"Alright then... We came all the way to Yeouido for once. Gotta ride the cruise boat, right?"
"......?"
"What's with the face? We're here to have fun. You should enjoy it a little, Miss Ha-yul."
I'd tagged along without a word this morning when he said we were skipping work to head out, figuring it was some enemy territory recon. Then came this out-of-left-field suggestion.
"Wait, we're here to play?"
"Why else would we drag ourselves all the way here, you pain?"
Looking closer, Bell was dressed more casually than his usual outings—no suit today, just something laid-back.
"...I'm going home."
It felt like all the energy drained out of me in an instant. Riding the train up to Seoul just to hang out, only to bump into these monkeys I couldn't stand while trekking through Yeouido?
"Come on, now. Don't be like that."
If this was gonna happen, I'd rather have stayed comfy at the convenience store working. As I halted mid-stride and kept complaining, Bell patted my back with an awkward smile, nudging me along.
"Miss Ha-yul, you need to learn how to really unwind."
"Eh, doesn't seem that important to me."
"It is. Especially for someone like you who only knows work."
With that, we sat on a park bench overlooking the Han River clearly, feeling the cozy warmth brushing our cheeks amid the crisp breeze hinting at the spring to come. Bell picked up where he'd left off, handing me a steaming cup of barley tea from the vending machine.
"I want you to see just how beautiful this world is, Miss Ha-yul."
Beautiful? What a joke. To me, this world was nothing but a filthy cesspool of ugliness. Without magical girls as cleaners, it'd have sunk into the muck long ago—like a sewer overflowing with sludge.
"That's because you haven't seen it yet, Miss Ha-yul."
Did he read my mind again? Bell gazed at me with unusually gentle eyes and added,
"Don't just focus on the mess. Prejudices will trip you up eventually."
What a weird guy. Was this really coming from a villain bent on world conquest?
"Heh heh. Silly question. It's precisely because the world is this beautiful that it's worth conquering."
"You're such a freak."
"Anyway... yeah. I plan to show you a wider world, Miss Ha-yul. And brighter people."
"Not really interested."
Chewing on the sweet, nutty barley grains with a satisfying crunch, I quietly took in the peaceful park around us.
"Miss Ha-yul. Forgot already? When you and I made our contract. I told you clearly—become the sharpest sword in the world."
Bell grinned mischievously, playfully raising one index finger skyward as he spoke.
"Ponder it, girl. Only through deep deliberation will your blade be honed to true sharpness."
Always rehearsing his theatrics. I matched his dramatic tone, putting force into my voice as I replied while eyeing his exaggerated wink and gestures.
"Fuck off, you little shit."
Acting all girly. If no one was watching, I'd have kneed that smug face—too bad.
"Haha. Feisty as ever."
"Eek."
"All done? Let's hit the cruise! Reservation time's almost up!"
His creepy laugh sent shivers down my spine as he gazed at me fondly. I tried to bolt, but unfortunately, he snagged my jacket hood and dragged me along.
* * *
A little later.
"Man, the daytime view's not half bad. Right, Miss Ha-yul?"
I stumbled off the cruise boat, clutching Bell's coat tight in both arms—the smug jerk who'd teased me knowingly the whole way.
"Guhhh...!"
"Gahhhh!"
I finally let loose the vomit I'd been holding back right at his feet.
"Kuh, ku ku..."
A bit messy, but seeing him freak out and hop around in panic made it all worthwhile.
"Hey, you lunatic... Even so, we're about to eat. Dumping it here...?"
"No matter how crazy I get, I won't top you... Urp."
"Ehey, get off. This is expensive stuff—you're ruining it."
After Bell discreetly used magic to clean up the puke traces so no one would notice, and I'd rinsed my mouth and shoes with water,
"Ugh, I'm dying."
"Nngh... Never pegged you for such bad seasickness."
"I didn't know either, so shut it... My head's pounding..."
As I leaned against a bench near the pier, locking eyes with Bell gently massaging my shoulders, I was about to ask what was next on the agenda.
Rumble rumble.
For some reason, a crowd was gathering not far off, their faces lit up with excitement—the most welcome sight imaginable.
"Hm... Looks like a magical girl's around."
Only after hearing Bell, who'd peered through his thumb-and-forefinger telescope like glasses, did it hit me late that this was Yeouido.
"Let's go."
"Shouldn't you rest a bit more?"
"Even if we're here to play, it's a chance to scout enemy turf for once. Right?"
"Well, true... but I wasn't planning to seek one out."
I forced my wobbly legs to stand, lightly swatting away Bell's helping hand, and started walking carefully.
"Hiya—!"
Suddenly, a familiar kiai echoed from beyond the mountain of monkeys.
"Ugh..."
"Miss Ha-yul!"
Apparently, this puny body was already wiped from the puking earlier—against my will, the world spun, and my head rushed toward the ground.
Tok.
When I came to, I spotted an unusual fabric: white silk embroidered with a golden dragon pattern.
"Hey, you okay, little one?"
A familiar voice rang out—one I'd heard back when I assisted other magical girls as Seriel to broaden my horizons.
"With so many people, don't wander from Daddy. Got it?"
The voice flicked my falling body upright with a single finger, then gently held my shoulders until I steadied myself.
"...Not Daddy."
Meeting sparkling amber eyes right in front of me, I stepped back and bowed in thanks.
The distinctive white qipao-style magical girl outfit. Brown hair braided into twin loops like rings. Sturdy limbs belying a magical girl's frame. Only one magical girl in the country screamed "I'm Chinese-style" this blatantly.
"Thanks, Meimei."
Magical Girl Meimei. By experience alone, she could've retired ages ago, but she still patrolled the cities daily as an active veteran, beloved by many. ...And she was my next target, too.
"Ehehe, no biggie. Have fun on your date with Uncle! Be careful not to trip next time!"
I watched her vanish at high speed like teleporting, hands behind her back.
"...Date? Don't say creepy shit like that."
The mere thought nearly made me hurl again. Muttering under my breath, I shot a glare at my irresponsible boss Bell, who scratched his head awkwardly as he approached.
"Shall we go, lady?"
"Call me 'lady' one more time and you're dead."
"Whoops."
Regrettably, with monkeys crowding in, my only option to escape was grabbing the outstretched hand of that idiot.
"Whoa—didn't expect to run into you up close while just watching from afar. You alright, Miss Ha-yul?"
"Huff, huff... Damn you, how many times do I gotta say I have to run to match your strides...!"
We dashed like fugitives to a deserted spot.
"Phew, now I can breathe."
"Sky's getting dark already."
Gazing at the twilight sky, we shared a glance for a moment.
"...So, what's for dinner?"
Stomach's rumbling—shouldn't we eat before moving on?
"Tsk tsk. I booked the cruise and all—think I'd skip dinner prep?"
He thumped his chest, insisting I just follow his lead. I seriously wondered if I could trust him.
"Told you, right? No complaints all month at the job, and I'd treat you to premium Hanwoo."
"Oh."
"Let's gorge instead of poor Seon-ah, who wouldn't even show for free!"
Gazing at Bell, who finally looked reliable and solid for the first time today, I felt the weight on my shoulders lighten just a bit for some reason.
"Sounds good."
Why was this villain so damn likable? Watching the fool, I followed without hiding the smile tugging at my lips. I still didn't get the world's beauty, but... at least the Hanwoo tonight was memorable—delicious enough to stick with me.