Chapter 89
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: Etiquette of the Central Plains
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Very impressive.
In fact, the emotion conveyed by "impressive" could mean many things, but if its definition is "good, admirable, and praiseworthy," then it fits perfectly.
It's exactly the right word.
She was impressive.
The urge to reach out and pat her head welled up unbidden.
Of course, I wouldn't actually do it...
In the end, Seol Yu-wol had seamlessly blended her long-lost dream of becoming the Murim Alliance Leader into the new option of the Association.
It was the pinnacle of progress for a client with strong dependency on others.
At first, I'd worried that since I was an Association doctor, she might just be following along out of obligation, but thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case.
"How do I join the Association?"
Seol Yu-wol asked me with clear, bright eyes.
As someone connected to the Association, I surely had some advice to offer.
So, what were the ways for Seol Yu-wol, a proven talent, to join?
Submitting documents? An interview? A test?
Simple. Just say...
"I'll join."
And that's it.
The Association Chairman would probably rush out barefoot to welcome her.
The Association fundamentally lacked even a single S-rank hunter among its members.
To be precise, they had some in the past, but not anymore.
Back when dimensional transfers and gates weren't as frequent as they are now, the Association did have S-rank hunters on staff.
But times had changed.
As monster threats became everyday occurrences and the value of a single S-rank hunter began to sway national security, demand for them skyrocketed, and so did their prices.
The Association couldn't keep up.
It was impossible for a national institution like the Association to match the astronomical contract fees and perks offered by the top ten guilds, backed by massive corporations.
In the end, all the Association's S-rank hunters left for guilds, and the Association filled the gap by hiring more A-rank hunters in bulk.
And... it seemed somewhat successful.
It wasn't that they couldn't match the money.
But the other benefits the guilds offered were beyond the scope of what welfare packages could provide.
I'd heard even Jin Sea had been offered guild shares.
So, in this situation, if a verified talent like Seol Yu-wol wanted to join the Association...
There was no reason to refuse.
So, I planned to tell her the plain truth in a way she'd understand.
"Just say you want to join the Association, and that's it."
"...? Really...?"
"Yes."
For real.
Who would say no?
Seol Yu-wol pondered my answer for a moment, then looked up at me again with those clear eyes.
"Then... what kind of work will I be doing?"
Well.
It had been so long since the Association last had an S-rank hunter that I had no idea...
They might have something prepared.
I truly had no clue what she'd do.
One thing was certain, though: the Association would let her do whatever she wanted just to keep her.
"You'll probably discuss it with the Association during the onboarding process—what you want to do, what role you'd like. You and the Association together."
I added gently to reassure her.
"Don't worry. I'll be there with you through the process."
I could stand by her side objectively and ensure she didn't sign anything unfair.
At my promise, Seol Yu-wol bowed her head cautiously.
"Thank you..."
"No need."
"Um... could you perhaps tell my mother about this too...? I... I still can't contact her myself."
Ah.
Yi Seo-ryeong.
She must have assumed her daughter, Seol Yu-wol, would join the Azure Heaven Alliance.
She hadn't shown it outwardly, but it was the most natural path.
"If you could relay it for me..."
Seol Yu-wol looked up at me pleadingly.
It wasn't difficult.
"Of course. I'll contact her right away."
I pulled out my phone from my pocket and sent a message.
***
I made Seol Yu-wol a nice meal and returned to the control room.
Our reunion after so long had ended well.
She was heading in a good direction.
And it would only get better from here.
Satisfied with that fact, I felt a sense of fulfillment in my role.
Back in the control room, the team leader approached and gave a brief report on the remaining Association schedule.
The basic training for this batch of Otherworlders would wrap up soon.
Not many of them, so it was moving quickly.
"Oh, and as you requested, I informed the Azure Heaven Alliance Leader. She's on her way here right now..."
"A phone call would've sufficed..."
"I said as much, but she insisted on coming in person."
Looks like my shift end was still far off.
I didn't have direct contact info for Yi Seo-ryeong or the Azure Heaven Alliance, so I had to go through the team leader.
"Ah... she's here now. Shall I open the meeting room?"
"That would be great, thanks."
I replied briefly and left the room again.
Heading to the cafe.
What did Yi Seo-ryeong like again?
Tea, I think.
Not sure if she'd go for something exotic...
I grabbed a chamomile tea for her and a coffee for myself, then headed to the reserved meeting room.
Just then, I caught sight of Yi Seo-ryeong entering the meeting room from down the hall.
She was wrapped head to toe in pitch-black robes.
That sight made me pause for a second.
It wasn't her usual attire, so I was a bit surprised.
"It is... a bit chilly out."
The weather was cool.
Feeling nothing amiss, I followed her to the door.
Sipping my coffee, I knocked lightly with my hand.
- Knock knock.
"It's Yoo Seon-woo."
I announced myself and turned the handle to enter.
- Slide...
After closing the door, I couldn't help but freeze in confusion.
The black robes were draped over a chair.
But Yi Seo-ryeong had risen from her seat to greet me.
She wore a white silk dress that revealed every curve of her figure.
"It's been a while, Doctor."
She smiled brightly and bowed deeply in greeting.
I, still a bit dazed, hurriedly bowed back.
So that's why she'd worn the robes...
She must have had to wear it.
It felt a bit out of character for her usual style.
Hunter Gallery users would probably lose their minds over it.
Seeming aware of my flustered gaze, Yi Seo-ryeong blushed and offered an excuse.
"My dear child... insisted I try it on once, but it's too... flashy and revealing for me, so I covered up."
"I rushed here without even changing..."
She'd hurried over upon hearing about Seol Yu-wol, without time to change.
I understood.
I shook my head and replied.
"It suits you perfectly. Though, maybe... cover up just a little..."
At my clumsy compliment, Yi Seo-ryeong covered her mouth with her long sleeve and let out a soft laugh.
She bowed once more with proper etiquette.
"Thank you, Doctor. Your words alone are comforting."
Yi Seo-ryeong glided over to where I stood, then carefully pulled back the chair in front of me.
She returned to her spot and stood perfectly still.
It felt like she was gesturing for me to sit, so I awkwardly took the seat.
Sometimes, I had no idea how to respond to Yi Seo-ryeong's meticulous courtesy.
Only after confirming I was seated did she delicately sit in her own chair.
I offered her the warm tea I'd prepared in advance.
"Chamomile tea. If it's not to your taste..."
Yi Seo-ryeong accepted it and savored the aroma for a moment.
She took a sip.
Opening her closed eyes, she spoke softly.
"Perfect... it's my favorite."
She smiled brightly as she said it.
Her smile eased my tension a bit.
"Glad to hear it."
I dove straight into the story about Seol Yu-wol.
I'd worried about where she wanted to go.
But she'd overlaid her old dream of becoming Murim Alliance Leader onto the Association through her own judgment.
And finally, she'd decided she wanted to join the Association herself.
After explaining everything, I waited for Yi Seo-ryeong's reaction.
She was Seol Yu-wol's mother, but also the head of a guild.
She might feel some regret at losing an S-rank hunter.
In the worst case...
She might try to impose her choice again.
Yi Seo-ryeong fell silent for a moment.
She gazed quietly at her reflection in the tea.
After a long pause, she spoke softly.
"That child... chose her own path of her own will."
"Yes."
"Her old dream... Murim Alliance Leader..."
That was right.
Yi Seo-ryeong toyed with her cup without drinking.
"It was the path I forced on her my entire life."
Her voice trembled faintly.
"A path I pushed her onto out of my own greed, regardless of her wishes. And yet, for her to see it as her own dream..."
Yi Seo-ryeong looked up at me with moist eyes.
"As her mother, I am simply overjoyed."
She continued slowly.
"Doctor, it feels like you're filling the role of parent for Yu-wol that I couldn't—no, didn't know how to fulfill. I am truly... grateful."
I slowly shook my head.
"Filling the void left by her father so completely..."
"No."
I appreciated the high praise, but it wasn't that much.
I handed her a tissue and waited for her tears to stop.
We exchanged a bit more conversation after that...
In conclusion, Yi Seo-ryeong fully respected Seol Yu-wol's choice.
And thanked me as well.
That wrapped up today's talk.
We agreed to meet again when Seol Yu-wol's Association contract officially began, then stood to part ways.
"You've worked hard. Until next time..."
As I offered the customary farewell,
"Doctor."
- Poof...
Yi Seo-ryeong softly pulled me into an embrace.
Her embrace carried the warm scent of tea.
"Thank... you..."
She whispered so faintly it was almost inaudible.
Her face flushed bright red as she stepped back and bowed her head.
"This is... a greeting of gratitude from us in the Central Plains..."
Yi Seo-ryeong desperately explained, her ears as red as could be.
"Until now, I was... too unworthy to offer such a greeting..."
One more thing learned today: in the Central Plains, embraces express gratitude.
I decided to match their etiquette.
I spread my arms wide once more, embracing her carefully without touching her body.
And patted her back lightly.
"Thank you for respecting Yu-wol's wishes... Alliance Leader."
I expressed my own gratitude with a sincere smile.
