Chapter 75
Chapter 75
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: The Free Elixir and Special Bento
Anything taken to excess is never a good thing.
Was it because I'd heard a proposal—complete with advance notice—full of sincere feelings directed at me?
I still wasn't thrilled that he hadn't revealed the secret he was hiding (hair loss).
But Bug Hater decided not to pry any further and to respect Park Hyun-su's choice.
"Hyun-su, you better know I'm going to be watching you."
"Got it."
And just like that, their lovers' quarrel dissolved like water cut with a knife, and their relationship returned to normal as if nothing had happened.
With the goal of recruiting talent achieved, and the hour growing late, I was about to scoop up my two daughters and head back to our cozy home, figuring we'd accomplished everything for the day.
"Hold on. Where do you think you're going?"
"...? Me?"
"Yeah, you."
Out of nowhere, Bug Hater stopped me in my tracks.
She extended her hand as if demanding I hand something over.
"The elixir. You have to give it before you go."
"...?"
"Don't play dumb. You said it in our one-on-one chat—if I brought my boyfriend, you'd give me an elixir for free. You're not seriously going to pretend you don't remember, are you?"
"Uh......"
Come to think of it, I definitely had...
💬 Private Chat — Bug Hater ☑ This fucking bastard! I have a boyfriend! — Angel Daddy ☑ Yeah, yeah. If you have one, bring him along for sure. If you do, the elixir's free lol. ...Yeah, I did say that in our private chat, didn't I?
At the time, I'd tossed it out without a second thought, just to get the two of them to show up together.
I never imagined they'd confirm their feelings for each other and immediately come demanding, "Now that we're official, hand over the elixir!"
"...You're really relentless."
"What can I say? First time seeing a tough girl like me? If it means feeding my man something good, I can do worse."
"Ji-ah, cut it out."
"Hey, Park Hyun-su, stay out of it. Even if he's your boss, we take what's ours."
"...Sorry, Master."
Ha ha, well now.
Seeing him already under her thumb like this, I could practically see their married life stretching out ahead.
Still, it wasn't a bad look on them.
With a Bug Hater like her by his side, Park Hyun-su wouldn't get taken advantage of like a pushover out in the world.
"Hand over the elixir to feed Hyun-su!"
Of course, a wife to one of my people ought to have that much spunk.
Naturally, she might one day forget her place, pick a fight with someone big, and shit herself in regret—but embracing even that is the boss's role, I figured.
With that in mind...
"Alright, fine. Here's your elixir."
"...For real? Just like that?"
"A promise is a promise. It's not a total loss for me either—my guy's getting stronger."
Someone like Bug Hater would do anything to advance her man's career.
This was a good chance to train her on who she needed to impress.
People like her had a habit of acting behind the scenes and causing irreparable messes.
"Heh...? You're, uh, no—Boss, you've got some real guts, huh?"
"Now that you know, treat me right? I trip over elixirs like these."
"Oh my~ Of course, Boss! I'll serve you proper~! Just take good care of our Hyun-su, yeah? Share the good stuff~!"
"...You're giving me chills, so drop the cutesy act and talk normal. And no raising your voice like that."
"...Ungrateful ass even when I try. Fine, Boss. Take good care of our Hyun-su? Don't hog the good stuff for yourself—especially anything good for guys! ...Better?"
"Much better."
Yeah, Bug Hater.
That's more like you.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ With the matter of the two couples more or less settled...
"Then we'll head out first, Boss."
"Master, see you tomorrow."
We set a promise to meet again tomorrow.
Bug Hater and Park Hyun-su left first to prepare for conquering the 50th floor as I'd suggested.
And that's when...
"Mr. Yi Ron, may I ask about your next schedule?"
"Ah, Suit Team Leader."
"...Come to think of it, I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Yoon Seo-yoon, team leader of the VIP Response Team at Changseong Central Tower."
"Oh, really? I like calling you Suit Team Leader better anyway."
"...Yes. Call me whatever's comfortable."
Suit Team Leader Yoon Seo-yoon, who'd been standing guard at the door for security, asked about my next plans.
With today's business done but a new appointment tomorrow, I let him know I'd be visiting again.
"Noted. We'll ensure no rudeness like today on your next visit."
"Sure, whatever. Good luck."
I told him not to worry about it, but...
Given his position, he couldn't just brush it off.
Anyway...
"How's Park Ki-nam doing, by the way?"
"He's recovering quickly in the treatment room and should regain consciousness by tomorrow."
"Good to hear. When he wakes up, tell him I'm sorry. It was my first time out and about—I had no idea it'd turn out like that."
"Yes, I'll pass it along."
"Oh, and add that he should stop treating people like objects in front of me. I don't like it much. Might snap without meaning to?"
"......I'll make sure to relay that."
Even if he'd irked me...
My outburst of killing intent had nearly killed Park Ki-nam, so this was my way of expressing regret.
I added a warning to watch his words and actions going forward, then we headed back to our beloved home.
"Going out was fun-nyang!"
"Daddy, we're going out again tomorrow, right? Then let's pack a bento and play!"
"Sounds great-nyang! Lulu wants to eat bento there too-nyang!"
"Hm... I saw some pretty famous restaurants in the basement there. Wouldn't it be better to eat out?"
"No way-nyang! Anything's gotta taste worse than Daddy-nyang and Little Sis-nyang's cooking-nyang!"
"Exactly! The smell alone—the food they make together can't be beat!"
<Tabula agrees with her sisters. Father and I make the world's best food!>
"Well, if you girls say so."
The moment we got home, seeing them buzzing with excitement for tomorrow's outing—it looked like they'd had a blast today.
Packing a bento wasn't hard, and hearing our cooking topped everything made me oddly proud, so I agreed.
"Alright, everyone, bath time-nyang!"
"Little Sis, come with! We're doing a super bubbly bubble bath today!"
<Great! I'll play you the must-know tips video for bubble baths!>
"Um... benefactor? The fairy wants to bathe with the king too... may I have permission...?"
"No. The second you try filming, you're out. No negotiations."
"...Actually, fairies stay clean without bathing. I'll wait quietly."
"Queen's awfully quiet today? Thought she'd try bribing her way in with gifts or something. What gives?"
"My daily notifications are limited. Do you have something to say?"
"Nah, just curious."
Anyway.
We wrapped up the long day with a family dinner.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The next morning.
Or rather, deep in the predawn hours before the sun even rose.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Tower of Insects 50th Floor Job Ranking - Warrior Class has been updated. ⚔ Tower of Insects 50F Job Ranking - ｢Warrior｣ ⚔ [1st - Namgung Cheon : 15:25] [2nd - Great Sword Romance : 28:25] [3rd - Divine Sword Union : 32:25] ... ... ... [10th - Broccoli : 59:25] - NEW! ...So that's how ranking notifications look?
I'd sent them out daily, but this was my first time on the receiving end—kinda novel.
That said...
"...Isn't sending notifications in the morning a bit rude?"
Thanks to it, I was wide awake.
How do you plan to take responsibility for this, Park Hyun-su?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I should've been exhausted from turning into an early bird—or predawn bird—but my superhuman body boasted insane efficiency: one hour of sleep felt like over ten.
No point trying to sleep again when I couldn't, so I ended up starting the day earlier than most.
"Guess I'll make the bento."
<Tabula will help!>
With plenty of time...
I got into it with Tabula, even whipping up new seasonings from tower ingredients.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ [Salt Made from Ocean Essence]
[Pepper from Black Forest Vines]
[Battle Hornet Honey Sugar]
[Concentrated Whale Anchovy Fish Sauce]
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I bought various monster meats, cooked and tasted them.
"Hm... Labyrinth牛 meat is tough—too much muscle."
<What about Dungeon Black Sheep?>
"Hm... This is good! Low activity means tender meat, no gamey smell. Meat's decided."
<Dungeon Black Sheep for meat, Crimson Pollock for fish?>
"Crimson Pollock has poison, but it's delicious enough. Just detox properly?"
<Leave detox to Tabula!>
Selecting the tastiest ingredients, we made the bento.
⚙ ITEM ACQUIRED ⚙ Special Bento Packed with Daddy's Love-! x10 Special Bento Packed with Daddy's Love-! [S] A dish brimming with one dad's love. [Effect 1]: Eating meat slightly boosts all stats. [Effect 2]: Eating fish slightly boosts status ailment resistance. [Effect 3]: Finish the meal to gain [Rapid Growth] for the day. [Luck Effect!]: Chance of 'Enlightenment' increases during [Rapid Growth]! "...Did I overdo it?"
A mere bento—not even a potion—had absurd effects attached.
I'd created something too OP to show the world again, thinking I'd messed up once more, when...
💬 Private Chat — Tower Expert Doctor Roun-ah, you up? "...Doctor?"
Of all the timing.
The one person I absolutely couldn't let find me showed up.
— Tower Expert Doctor Oh, Roun-ah, you're awake! "G-Good morning, Doctor. What brings you here at this hour...?"
— Tower Expert Doctor I spent all yesterday absorbing elixir and finally dozed off, then bam—ranking alert. Still tired, laid back down, but stomach growling, can't sleep. Figured I'd grab a bite, thought you might be up too... and what's that amazing smell~! So, whatcha making? "...Nothing."
— Tower Expert Doctor ...Huh? Roun-ah, why are your eyes so wide? "...What about them."
— Tower Expert Doctor You... why do you look like a puppy who just got caught causing trouble? What's behind you?! "...Nothing."
— Tower Expert Doctor Don't lie! Think I haven't known you long enough?! What mess did you make this time to act like that?! Show me what you're hiding right now! "No way! I don't want to! Stop it!"