Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Our Differing Values!
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Thump thump.
Reneah's heartbeat seemed to echo all the way over here.
Photoshop had made it impossible to sense from the photo alone, but Han Hyo-jae exuded a cynical air.
Reneah flinched.
Even though she'd heard about him from me, seeing him in person was bound to feel different.
"Reneah?"
Reneah shot up from her seat and bowed her head hastily to Han Hyo-jae, who had greeted her first.
"Ah, hello. I'm Reneah."
"Hello, I'm Han Hyo-jae."
The two shook hands like business partners. The atmosphere was awkward, but their first greeting had gone smoothly, thanks to the practice.
They sat down and faced each other.
As I'd predicted, with the man usually taking the lead, Han Hyo-jae tossed out the first topic.
"If it's not too rude, I'd like to ask about your age first."
"Y-yes!"
Here it comes.
Reneah, tense as could be.
But they knew all about it on his side too.
"I heard you're 1,901 years old. Is that true?"
"Ah, yes."
"I knew elves were long-lived, but I had no idea it was to this extent."
"......"
"Did you come down to the 3rd Floor a few years ago by any chance?"
Reneah looked flustered at the gaze full of anticipation behind his glasses.
But even so, she did her best to explain, hoping to make the best impression possible.
"Ah, I— I mean, I've only been down here for less than a month. I've just been living in the forest until now, so......"
"I see."
Han Hyo-jae nodded and leaned back in his chair. The mood relaxed a bit more.
"You look just like in the photo. Personally, I liked how full of life you seemed in it."
"You l-liked it...? I, I thought your photo was nice too, Hyo-jae."
"Haha, I slathered on the Photoshop for a shot at marriage."
"Pho—to—what?"
"It's for making photos look better. Here, take a look."
Han Hyo-jae held out his phone.
"This is the original, and this is the Photoshopped version."
"Ooh, it, it's definitely different."
Their conversation was progressing better than expected. I watched proudly when Kim Yang popped another piece of cake into my mouth.
Sweet.
"P-President. He's a good guy."
"Hyo-jae? Of course. I picked him carefully."
I wouldn't just pair any old malicious leftover stock with someone. Especially not in Reneah's case—a country bumpkin who'd only been down here a month.
People who came down from the 4th or 5th Floors recently, or on short trips, got scammed the most often.
'A pure soul who's gone 1,901 years without meeting a single man. If she runs into the wrong guy and gets her nose pierced, it's over.'
In that sense, Mr. Han Hyo-jae was calculating yet diligent.
Fundamentally kind, considerate, and keenly aware of what benefits he got from it.
This type never treated others carelessly and always showed baseline respect.
If only he didn't have that M-shaped baldness creeping in, he could've aimed higher than B-Grade.
"Truth be told, I'm really interested in other races. Beastkin from the 5th Floor are great, but orcs, dwarves, and elves from the 4th Floor Rajesta Continent have this stirring appeal."
"I-it's a wonderful place!"
"Yes, I think so too. I've loved classic fantasy novels and comics since I was a kid. Ah, do elves really—"
The conversation continued smoothly after that.
Stories from a 1,901-year-old elf. The age gap reared its head occasionally, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
Once the topic wrapped up, a brief silence fell. They naturally sipped their coffee while pondering the next one.
And as usual, Han Hyo-jae spoke first.
"Um, Reneah."
"Yes?"
"We're meeting through a marriage agency, after all. I think we need to consider the practical side a lot."
"Y-yes!"
Reneah nodded, clenching her fists tight.
It seemed like she could see hope now that he was seriously considering marriage with her.
Han Hyo-jae's glasses flashed.
"What are your plans for work?"
"Pardon? Ah...... I was thinking of being a full-time housewife."
"My salary isn't that generous. I have to take care of my parents' retirement too. I heard you got bounty money from resolving that hunter issue this time."
"Pardon? Ah, right! 100 million!"
100 million.
Not a small sum by any means.
Reneah's combat prowess was one reason he'd shown up here.
"To be honest, if we marry, I'd like us both to work."
"Ah."
"You've been an elf queen, so low-grade hunter jobs shouldn't be hard for you. And they'd be safe."
"Picking up the bow again......"
A shadow crossed Reneah's face.
In the married life she'd dreamed of, she apparently wasn't holding a bow anymore.
"Even if not a hunter, I'd like you to at least have a job. We can figure kids out when the time comes, but until then, it's doable."
Han Hyo-jae was calm.
His words were cold, but that didn't mean they were bad.
On the contrary, they were so realistic that they simply reminded her how harsh reality could be.
"I heard you don't have a house or any assets."
"I-I have a bow."
"......Which is why I think dual incomes make even more sense."
"Ah, yes."
Short reply.
Han Hyo-jae stared straight at Reneah before taking another sip of coffee.
"......Don't you have any questions for me, Reneah?"
After pondering briefly, Reneah voiced the question she'd kept deep in her heart.
"What do you think an ideal couple looks like after marriage? That's what I'm curious about."
"......An ideal couple."
Caught off guard, he adjusted his glasses and paused.
He mulled it over before explaining calmly.
"I want a rational relationship. Not tilted toward one side, but a partnership. A couple should look in the same direction, not at each other."
"......"
"Yes, that's what I hope for. Like running a three-legged race toward one goal together."
"A goal like—"
"It'll vary. Financial stability, raising kids, parents' retirement, and so on."
Strangely, Han Hyo-jae's answer seemed to weigh even heavier on Reneah, and he knew it.
So he asked in return.
"What about you, Reneah? What's your ideal marriage?"
"I...... I......"
She pressed her clenched fist to her chest.
Her ideal, cherished deep within.
"One where we laugh together, cry together, and support each other. Where just looking at each other makes us happy, without needing anything else."
Silence descended.
Slurp.
Han Hyo-jae took another sip and asked calmly.
"So you want a long dating period before marriage, then."
"Ah, yes. That's right."
"I'm the opposite—if the conditions and feelings match, I'd marry right away."
"......"
"......"
Their stances were parallel lines.
Before long, they were gazing at each other.
All too comfortably.
Without any thrill or flutters.
"Did I chase an impossible ideal?"
Reneah scratched her cheek and asked, like a student seeking feedback.
"Yes. Given your age too. Coming to a marriage agency in modern society means you're here for marriage, not dating. But you're hoping for romance."
"......"
"These days, people work till 100. Not working looks incompetent. Saying you dream of being a housewife at marriage sounds like becoming a 'stay-home wife' stereotype."
Han Hyo-jae's words poured out like a boss reviewing a report and suggesting revisions.
"You have no savings either. You're beautiful, but age is non-negotiable."
"R-right."
Silence returned.
Their coffee cups were empty by now.
Han Hyo-jae glanced out the window, uncrossed his legs, and asked.
"Did I come off too harsh?"
"A-a little?"
"I suppose so. I know it might hurt. But Reneah, I came here to find a match for me too."
"......"
"This is my precious one shot, used on you. Same for you. No need to hold back."
"Ah."
"Meracle's president, Kim Juseon. He's capable, with a good eye for people. But he can't decide everything for you."
Kim Yang elbowed my shoulder with a chuckle.
Even amid that, their talk continued.
"All the people who'll stand before you from now on, not me. You'll have to judge them yourself."
Han Hyo-jae rose slowly.
Gathered his bag and looked down at her.
"Marriage is your choice."
"......"
"Sorry if I hurt you today. But the next one won't be much different. That's marriage."
Han Hyo-jae bowed politely.
This was probably their first and last meeting.
Reneah stared at him and let out a small laugh.
"Nay, I too...... learned much today."
"......Your original speech?"
"Mm, you could say that."
"It suits you better."
The two chuckled.
"Thanks to you, I see how lacking I am. And what efforts I must make. My gratitude."
"......Me too."
Han Hyo-jae hesitated a moment, then smiled a bit softer than before.
"That marriage is an exchange of emotions, not business. Thanks for reminding me today."
They hadn't gotten what they wanted.
But it was a day where they'd both learned something.
"I wish you find a fine match."
"I hope you find the married life you've always dreamed of, Reneah."
With no regrets or lingering affection, they simply blessed each other's futures and parted.