Seeking Revenge and Heading to England (1)
Because Dad mentioned that we were departing at 7 AM, I woke up an hour early to wash up. Only then did Franc, who had been half-asleep, finally snap out of it and half-crawl into the bathroom with great effort.
By the way, Hwayeon and Yeongeun don't seem to be thinking about waking up. Is this what they were aiming for by pouncing on me all night?
I slapped the two people's hugely swollen bellies, and Hwayeon and Yeongeun let out stifled whimpers before opening their eyes and looking up at me blankly.
“I’m leaving, but you’re not even seeing me off? That’s why you pounced on me all night?”
“Ugh... No, it’s not like that.”
Hwayeon said this with a small protest on her face full of grievance. Yeongeun couldn't even respond and just made baby-like sounds.
I really can't watch this.
Knowing that using the Healing Wave would cause both of them to feel pain-like pleasure in certain parts, I hadn't used it much during this time.
“Take this! Healing Wave!”
“What?! No...! Hwaaaa!”
“Ugu ugu ugu uuuu haaaaaang...”
Hwayeon, trembling with tears welling up, grabbed Yeongeun's half-drooping arm to support her and hurriedly entered the bathroom.
Our sister has been making sure to eat meals on time before leaving the house, brushing teeth and washing up after eating, applying lotion and skincare... She's basically trying to reserve my schedule down to the minute, never stopping talking.
“If anything happens, definitely contact me via the authenticator. Got it?”
“Got it. I got it, so stop already.”
Even though she's not a child, she was fidgeting like her ears would get stuck if I didn't listen, so I wondered if she heard it, and Hwayeon raised her eyebrows and said.
“It's because you don't want to bring any attendants as your attendants, right?”
“Ah, it's not like I'm going publicly, so what are attendants for?”
“You're the Master of Grand Blue now! Even for a private visit, you should bring at least some attendants!”
“How many times do I have to say that this trip to England doesn't require any attendants?”
“But!”
“Buts are things you find in Japanese light novels! Hwayeon isn't an attendant, she's someone I hired to support me from behind and monitor! If you don't stop, I'll get angry?”
That's why when Hwayeon alone is chattering, the others can't say anything.
Our entire family, Franc, Hwayeon, and then Yeongeun who arrived separately and just got here, plus Aunt Hyeryeong and Choi Suhan.
In the airport lobby, there are swarms of pretty women, but only Dad and I are standing there as men, so the gazes from people are not to be taken lightly.
And with Hwayeon who is so pretty that 10 out of 12 people on the street would turn to look, the men passing by send hostility while saying "Even though she's so pretty and worrying about me, I can't be grateful for it...!"
My outfit is a black fedora with thick horn-rimmed glasses, white short-sleeve shirt, black cotton pants, and casual shoes.
Hwayeon and Yeongeun are also wearing hats that cover half their faces, so the group's identity isn't revealed, but since only beautiful girls are gathered, I feel uneasy about when I'll be spotted.
Anyway, since I didn't want any more people staring at me, I told them to shut up, and Hwayeon pouted again.
Whether pouting or not, looking at the clock and waiting for the boarding time, Hwayeon pulled Franc back and started giving some instructions.
She's really impossible. Watching that, I took off the fedora and put it back on.
Wearing a hat I've never used before, it wasn't familiar and felt awkward, so I frowned, and Franc came over and fixed the fedora nicely on my head.
“It was unavoidable because Seoha's face has become too well-known. Recently, when you go out on the streets, it's become a trend to cover your face by growing your bangs like Seoha?”
“This is the first time I've heard that my style is becoming a trend.”
“You're not going out much because you're training, so you don't see the internet or TV.”
Hwayeon smiled faintly with a face that couldn't be persuaded.
“...I'll leave the rear guard to you. Miho, stay attached to Mom and never let her out of your sight. Got it?”
- Uung.
Miho wanted to come with me again this time, but since I can't bring her because something might happen to the family while I'm away.
“The only one who can protect Mom is you. Always stay attached to Mom's side.”
After saying "You have no one to rely on but me," and kissing her forehead to hide her fox ears, Miho, who had been with a sullen expression, smiled brightly as if it was the first time, and jumped around playfully.
Miho could hide her tails under a long skirt and her ears under the hat, but Hiarid, with her large build and wings, was sent back to the union office.
If anything happens, I'll call, so I gave her my phone too, so if something happens, she'll contact me.
“Leave the raid team to us. Please take care of yourself.”
“Take care.”
With time up, after receiving everyone's goodbyes, we moved to go through the boarding procedures. In the middle, Yeongeun pointed to her left wrist from behind, probably to contact when arriving.
Checking the flight tickets handed by Suhan, I moved to the gate and asked Dad.
“I know about first class, but what about premium class?”
“You'll know when you see it.”
With Dad's blunt answer, I pouted and looked at Franc, who smiled and explained.
“It's a more premium and differentiated service than first class. When Suhan picked the tickets, it seemed like you have to go to the airport directly to buy tickets, not online. So, it's set up so that even someone who can hire at least a subordinate can use it, and they only take 12 people at a time. It's truly the best premium service.”
“A seat with only 12 people in the safest place on a large plane, it must be very expensive.”
“I heard it's 30 million won one way.”
“Whoa! Expensive!”
“You don't earn much money. Those who have money have the duty to return it to society.”
“It's the duty of those who have?”
Chuckling, we arrived at the empty premium class boarding area to go through immigration... but there was nothing like that.
Confused, I looked around, and two stewardesses in Korean Air uniforms were waiting and came towards us.
“Good morning. Are you Mr. Jung Soohun and Mr. Jung... Seoha?”
“Yes.”
The two neat stewardesses froze for a moment upon seeing Franc standing next to me and Dad, then smiled awkwardly and took our luggage and started guiding us.
“You don't do immigration checks?”
Curious, I asked the stewardess in front.
She flinched and panicked, then stepped back a bit and opened her mouth towards me.
Her gesture was very polite and restrained. As long as it's not fear...
“For premium class customers, besides ticket purchase, there is no other immigration check. The same applies for arrival immigration.”
Wow, it's expensive. I heard there are automatic border control machines these days, but here a female stewardess comes out to carry the luggage and guide to the plane. The luggage isn't put in the cargo hold, it seems they store it separately.
After passing immigration, the interior of the arrived plane was on a different level from the business class I've flown before.
The floor was laid with Persian carpet, and 12 seats made of expensive wood and natural leather were arranged.
In the middle, there was a lounge bar, and on one side, a reception room for customers.
Curious, I looked around the premium class seats, and since Dad and Franc were the first to arrive, the 12 seats were completely empty.
From what I heard, in premium class, two dedicated attendants are assigned in front of each person. Truly premium service.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Cabin Crew Kim Seona, who will take care of the customer's convenience during the flight.”
“Please take care.”
Reaching out my right hand, the stewardess was startled, then carefully extended both hands and lightly held mine. Then, carefully backing away, she entered the area that looked like the rear stewardess space, and as soon as she entered, her legs gave out, and she leaned on her colleague's shoulder while staggering.
Why like that?
With legs weak, she prepared various things on the cart with terrifying hand movements, picked up a small menu-like thing, and approached me with a gentle demeanor while doing model walking.
“There are various things prepared. What would you like to drink?”
I didn't know what to say, so I looked at Franc, who explained instead.
While sipping sweet fruit juice and touching the large panel TV hanging in front of the seat, the stewardess came over occasionally to check if I needed anything, which honestly became a bit bothersome.
Meanwhile, five well-dressed customers entered, and the captain personally came to bow to the eight of us, including Dad and Franc, in turn.
Especially when coming in front of me, he bowed 90 degrees and said if there's any discomfort, tell him anytime, and bowed again.
Those stewardesses and the captain uncle seem to know who I am.
Looking at me, there's a bit of fear...
I've never caused any trouble outside of Japan, so why are they so scared?
A while later, after all customers from first, business, and economy classes boarded, the plane started moving with the captain's announcement. There was no vibration or noise, so it didn't feel like it was moving.
A while later, with a feeling of the lower belly floating, the plane took off into the sky.
Goooo-
I lay down in the seat decorated like a room with small engine sounds so that other people's gazes wouldn't reach.
Since the seat is as large as a double bed, I called Franc to sit next to me and was about to watch a movie when Dad, who heard the announcement that the plane had entered stable orbit, came over and asked.
“What are you going to do when you arrive in England?”
“First, meet Lydia and visit the Edelberg family, then after taking care of business, just wander around here and there?”
“Is that so?”
“Why? If you have something to say, say it. What's the matter?”
“...I was asked by the person who was in charge of the academic conference. He seems to want me to attend the conference.”
“Why is the chair of the medical academic conference looking for me?”
Curious, I sat up and looked at Dad, and Franc, who was sitting between my legs, slightly lifted her body and gave me space.
“You didn't treat the people who were mentally controlled by the Soul Reaper, right. That's why.”
“Ah. I see. When will you go?”
“If you're busy, you don't have to go.”
“What? Tell me clearly. Go, or not?”
“Don't go.”
Looking at Dad's expression, it seems the chair is trying to cling to my fame. With Dad's expression that it's not a big deal, I nodded.
“Yeah. If you need it, let me know anytime.”
“Okay.”
Since the business is over, I turned to go back, and Dad's blunt appearance made Franc cover her mouth with both hands and chuckle.
In that gap, a 50-year-old man with a smiling face approached me. Franc, with a hardened expression, blocked his way in front of him.
“What is it?”
“Ah, that. I'm this person. Hearing about the fame of Grand Blue Master, just for a greeting...”
When the man handed over his business card, Franc took it and nodded slightly.
“Understood. I'll pass it on, so please go back.”
“...Yes.”
Franc's smile is bright and warm like moonlight, but when she has a straight and hardened expression, there's a sense of intimidation that makes it hard to speak casually.
The man couldn't say anything and returned to his seat, and the other two who were peeking at me sighed with an expression that they were glad they didn't speak.
“Why was that? Ah, thanks for stopping the annoying thing.”
“Master Siha asked me to. I was told to take on the role of attendant instead.”
...Ugh. Suhan is really...
“Seoha, how about buying a private jet?”
“A private jet passenger plane? I don't know how far I'll go abroad in the future, so do I really need to buy one?”
“The training ground in Shinchon-dong is a long area in an L-shape, so wouldn't it be good to build a mansion there and make a runway? It would be convenient when traveling abroad with Dad or Mom. No need to come and go annoyingly like now, and I don't have to worry about other people's gazes.”
“Hmm... How much would it cost to buy a plane like this?”
“It's not like I need a plane this big. If you have any thoughts, I'll send an email to the airline company.”
“Yeah. Let's look into it after going to England and coming back.”
While talking with Franc, the stewardess who brought the fruit juice was trembling at the ends of her eyebrows while listening to our conversation.
Others say that receiving service is luxurious and like it, but why do I feel uncomfortable? I'm not a snoop.
After flying for 12 hours receiving the stewardess's excessive kindness, we arrived in England at 4:40 AM.
I wasn't tired. There was almost no vibration, and I flew comfortably in a bed-like seat.
Without going through immigration, we left London City Airport, and the cloudy weather welcomed us with lots of clouds. Moreover, the sun was rising at this time.
Is England's morning fast in summer?
The escort team to protect Dad arrived early yesterday... Oh, there they are.
Scanning with Spatial Perception, five people matching the characteristics Suhan mentioned: three physical enhancement, one recovery, one wind attribute, were waiting with two limousines.
However, next to them, four familiar young women and black-suited Yankees approached us.
The bulky men in black suits approached Dad and me, and the five escort team members waiting on the other side hurriedly ran over.
“Master!”
“It's okay. This side is Lydia Isla Marietta, a princess of the United Kingdom.”
Showing the hand of the female ability user with boyish cut, who seems to be the team leader of this escort, introducing Lydia, the five finally hid their surprise and stood behind Dad.
While watching the escort members' appearances, Lydia smiled brightly at me and slightly lifted her skirt for a polite greeting.
“Hello? It's been 20 days.”
“Hello. Princess?”
“It's early, but you came prepared.”
“Hehe. How could I not know since the Grand Master of Korea is coming? ...Actually, I heard from Siha.”
Lydia, smiling brightly welcoming me, saw my expression souring and hurriedly added.
“It's true! Siha called and said that Seoha-ssi took Korean Air at 8 AM and left!”
It was inside. Lydia, panicking, was subtly checking the atmosphere, then turned and approached Dad for a polite greeting.
“Welcome to the United Kingdom, Doctor Jung.”
“...Thank you for the hospitality. Princess.”
While holding my hand and guiding us to their limousine.
Although it's early morning when the sun is rising, there are many people moving around the airport, and I can hear them whispering while looking at us.
Especially while looking at Lydia, "Isla Princess?", "Light Princess, right?" and then looking at me and Franc, "Oh my, it's the Destroyer!", "The Destroyer has come to the UK!", "Oh God, our UK hasn't done anything wrong to the Destroyer, right?" ...
Why am I the Destroyer? I only threatened Japan!
...Still, I like the Destroyer side more than Blue Genius.
The bulky men in black suits brought by Lydia took our luggage and put it in the trunk of the royal limousine, and the escort team leader standing next to Dad frowned his eyebrows.
Seeing that, he said.
“We'll move in Lydia Princess's car. You all, please go back to the hotel first.”
“But we are...”
“When I'm with Dad, you don't have to worry about the escort.”
“...Understood. We'll follow, Master.”
After watching the escort members getting into the two high-end sedans, I got into the UK royal limousine with Lydia.
Sitting in a suitable place in the interior made of D-shape, I asked Lydia, who was sitting with her knees together modestly and smiling brightly at me.
“Is the UK seeing me as the Destroyer?”
“What?! No! Is there any reason to think that? Seoha-ssi is respected in Korea...”
“Destroyer?”
“Destroy... No! You're the Grand Master!”
Lydia, startled and shaking her hands, looked at me and I chuckled.
“I heard people were gossiping about me in front of the airport. That's too much. I didn't actually destroy Japan much, so why call me Destroyer.”
At my words, Dad chuckled.
“The investigation result that buildings collapsed easily in the 7.2 Richter earthquake is due to the shockwave from the bomb you detonated from the sky. You can't completely deny it.”
Huh... I clicked my tongue at Dad's unexpected attack, and Lydia smiled and said.
“I have reserved a hotel for Doctor Jung and Seoha-ssi who visited our UK. I hope you like it.”
“Thank you for your consideration. However, since I already reserved the hotel, I will decline the princess's recommendation.”
“Ah...”
Lydia seemed to think that Dad had shown favoritism towards her as her ally. Of course, she thought the recommendation would be accepted, but she didn't expect to be rejected, so her expression was one of not knowing.
“Not only us, but Dad's escort members will stay together, so we'll go to the hotel we reserved. Sorry, but I'll decline.”
“T, then where will you stay...?”
With a sullen expression, Lydia was trying to find out where we would stay, and Franc opened her mouth.
“I heard that the Savoy Hotel suite was reserved, Princess.”
“Is that so? Thank you for telling me. Franc. But I wanted to treat the two of you as guests of our royal family...”
Was that hotel the royal hotel?!
But in some novels, royal hotels are said to be prisons... No, it's not about the UK, but in fantasy novels.
“I mentioned it before, but I'm coming for my personal reasons now, so it's difficult. If I go as a royal guest, there will be things I have to do from the guest's perspective.”
“But Seoha-ssi didn't come to watch that video, did you?”
“I do want to watch it, but since I don't know what to demand in return for showing it, I don't really want to watch it. Anyway, if there's a chance next time, I'll ask then.”
At that time, it might be rude to refuse to stay, but considering my recognition, it probably won't happen.
“Yes...”
Leaving Lydia, who had become a bit thoughtful, I checked the foreign scenery for the first time with Spatial Perception.
But when seen with Spatial Perception like this, it doesn't feel like scenery, just data.
Looking out the window at the outside scenery, what... The scenery with trees lining the streets between buildings doesn't seem much different from our country.
Then, the ancient-looking castle and castle walls that caught my eye. Actually, what's more worrying is that the phase power feels in many places inside the castle rather than the castle itself.
This pattern is like an item made of something with phase power?
While passing by a tourist in tourist clothes next to the iron fence in the blue morning air, I was looking inside the castle with Spatial Perception, and Lydia, thinking I was interested, quickly opened her mouth.
“It's the London Tower. Officially, it's Her Majesty's palace and fortress. It's one of our London pride.”
“Tower? A castle?”
“Hehe. For some reason, there was a time when it was called a tower without any modifiers. So, oddly enough, it's more commonly called London Tower than the official name.”
Lydia, with a slight smile, continued to explain as if my interest was pleasing.
“The London Tower was used as a palace and fortress, but the most used purpose was as a prison. It was a place to imprison high-status people, but since the 1300s, it has been used as a place to store the royal jewels and crowns used by the royal family.”
While listening to the explanation and looking at the items with phase power in the London Tower, as Lydia said, most of them look like crowns. Is it wearing or storing the crown obtained from the Phase World?
After that, while nodding appropriately to Lydia's story recommending places in the UK worth visiting as tourist spots, I thought that later I should do sightseeing with Franc alone.