Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Cloth Shop
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"Yeah. That's how it went down."
Zhuge Jin's eyebrow twitched. But he didn't press further and quietly handed me the thick stack of bills.
He averted his gaze from me and spoke again.
"Ah. You said you're being targeted by those fiends, right?"
He must have heard from Zhuge Seo that Black Elder and Cheonha Young were after me. At this point, it was reasonable to suspect that Cheonha Young and Black Elder knew I was in the Murim Alliance. Did the Demonic Cult not have an intelligence network? Of course they did. Absolutely. They'd shown up the very next night, after all.
I nodded obediently.
"That's right."
Then Zhuge Jin spoke toward the empty air.
"Come out for a moment."
Sssrrk.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a man in a green martial robe emerged silently from the shadows on the roof of the adjacent building. He quietly cupped his fists toward Zhuge Jin.
"They're stationed throughout the Murim Alliance, guarding the headquarters and the outskirts, so don't worry. We've already placed some around the Azure Dragon Squad's quarters where you're staying. Though... Squad Leader Byeok told me you're hiding your true strength."
In truth, I'd already spread out my senses thinly through a subtle aura extension, so I'd felt the unnatural experts lurking nearby. Roughly four in this area alone. Those must be the Black Tortoise Squad responsible for the Alliance's defenses.
But seriously, how much had Byeok Cheonwi spilled? He'd blabbed everything without hesitation. ...Hm. No, wait. There was that menhera girl behind him too. I'd have to claim my reward later with a good titty grope. This Ten Lian. Hiding back there was downright cheeky. She'd just dodged my eyes again.
At that moment, Soso, who had her arm linked with mine, spotted the Black Tortoise Squad member's robe and her eyes sparkled.
"Whoa! Turtle! It's a turtle!"
What she was pointing at was the intricately embroidered Black Tortoise emblem on the squad member's chest. I corrected her without thinking.
"It's not a turtle, it's the Black Tortoise."
"Whaaat-?"
Soso's shoulders slumped dramatically. Her sullen face looked like it might burst into tears any second. Hm. Should've just let it slide. I'd disappointed the kid with my unnecessary correction.
Zhuge Jin watched us for a moment before continuing.
"Beyond the Tortoise Squad members, the Zhuge family has also set up formations throughout the Alliance to prevent intruders, so don't worry too much. No matter how skilled those fiends are, they can't roam freely inside the Alliance."
That reassurance eased my mind a bit.
"Waaah-! Senior Brother! It really is the Tortoise Squad!"
"Yeah, yeah. I had it wrong."
I sensed the Tortoise Squad members flinching at my extended senses.
Anyway, it felt good to be back in the Murim Alliance after so long.
Dokgo watched us for a bit before speaking up.
"That should suffice for today's inspection."
With that, he turned away without lingering, joined by Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Seo. These guys had no intention of hiding it at all. The 'inspection' was clearly just an excuse to check on me.
If that's the case, just call me directly. Why make it so awkward when you've assigned me vice squad leaders? Isn't this workplace bullying? Abuse of power?
I glanced down at the thick stack of bills in my hand.
...Fine, I'll put up with it since I got paid. Sigh.
After parting ways with the Alliance Leader's group, we headed straight to the money changer.
The place was quite large, and being Murim Alliance-operated lent it credibility. When I handed over the bill stamped with the Alliance Leader's seal, the clerk's eyes went wide.
He alternated between staring at the bill and my face several times before calling over someone who looked like the manager from the back. They whispered among themselves. Soon after, the manager approached politely and offered to exchange it for gold.
And what we received were three hefty gold ingots. Not thin sheets like paper, but chunks the size of an adult fist that thudded heavily into my palm.
"Whoa! Senior Brother! It's so shiny!"
Soso beamed at the gold like a child. Adorable.
Haeun's lips curved up slightly, clearly satisfied with the amount. The rabbit, as usual, seemed oblivious.
We exchanged one ingot for silver coins, making our money pouch bulge with weight. Haeun hefted it appraisingly and nodded in satisfaction.
"This should be more than enough for the rabbit's clothes."
Hm. She meant buy some for her too.
"Got it. While we're here, I'll get you and Soso one each."
Soso's face lit up.
"Yay! Yay! New clothes!"
She bounced in place with joy. Haeun grumbled,
"Hmph, who asked you to buy any?"
but couldn't hide her leaking smile. She was pretending otherwise, but her delight was obvious.
We left the money changer. Next up: shopping for clothes.
I subtly extended my senses to their maximum, scanning the area for the shop with the finest stitching and best fabrics—the most expensive, highest-quality cloth shop around.
Not far off, I sensed a shop radiating an especially brilliant aura. The unique spiritual energy of money and luxury goods. That was it.
Soon, we arrived at our destination. A large signboard read 'Cloud Garment Cloth Shop'.
Stepping inside, the interior lived up to its high-end reputation with impressive scale. Walls brimmed with colorful silks and fabrics, while ready-made garments displayed their elegant forms.
"Whoaaa! It's huge!"
Soso's eyes went round as she gasped in awe. She soon darted around excitedly, exclaiming over the pretty silks.
"Soso! No running! You'll trip!"
Haeun chased after her, fussing, but couldn't tear her own eyes from the flashy clothes.
We came for rabbit clothes, but these two had left the actual rabbit at the entrance.
The lone rabbit stood there blankly.
Hm.
I glanced around. The shop was spacious, with a few other customers absorbed in their own shopping, paying us no mind.
I casually reached out and groped the swell of breasts atop the rabbit's clothes. Soft, massive sensation filled my hand.
The rabbit's expressionless face turned toward me. Probably wondering what I was doing.
No one else to hear but the rabbit, I murmured low.
"Gotta know the measurements for custom fitting..."
Groan. Groping her tits outdoors—in a luxury shop, no less—sent thrilling chills through me. Pressing firmly around the areola, I could feel the shape clearly even through the fabric. When her nipple stiffened in response, I reluctantly pulled away.
I took her hand and moved deeper inside. The rabbit followed quietly without a word.
Hm. What would suit her?
Over there, Soso and Haeun were still chattering away, engrossed in picking their outfits. Looked like I'd have to choose the rabbit's myself.
I checked the ready-made silk garments and the fabrics on the walls. They could make custom pieces on the spot from selected fabric, it seemed. For a higher price, naturally. But none of the off-the-rack items fit the rabbit's overwhelming proportions.
Custom order it is.
Where's the owner? The place was so big, it was hard to spot.
As I looked around, Haeun approached holding two navy outfits, one in each hand.
"Hey, Shadowless. Which one suits me better?"
She held them up to her body alternately and asked. I pretended to ponder, extending my index finger to point left, then right—before thrusting it straight out to poke the pert nipple bulging under the fabric she'd held up.
"Haeun looks best naked."
"Ugh! You... you pervert! Die!"
Haeun's face flushed beet red in an instant. She huffed, covering her chest with the clothes, and fled toward Soso.
I was about to search for the owner again when Soso tottered over holding two pinkish outfits.
"Senior Brother! Senior Brother! Which one looks better on Soso?"
She gazed up at me with eyes full of expectation. I smiled softly and pecked her forehead.
"Soso looks pretty in anything. If you can't decide, get both."
"Hmph!"
From the direction Soso had come, a distinct snort rang out. Cute.
Soso grinned ear to ear and scampered back to browse more. Now it was time to really find the owner. I raised my voice toward the shop interior.
"Owner!"
"Coming! Right away, customer!"
A plump middle-aged woman hurried down from the second floor, voice urgent. She looked busy, but her eyes were sharp—no ordinary gaze. She scanned us from head to toe in a flash. Warm-faced, yet exuding pro expertise.
Definite master stylist vibe.
Who does she remind me of?
Ha, who was it?
Just seeing her filled me with unfounded trust.