Outing with Jiyoon
"You want to go to the bustling streets with Jiyoon?"
My father's eyes widened in surprise as he asked again, and I nodded, repeating my answer.
"Yes. I made a promise with Jiyoon."
I'd prepared my follow-up argument in case he refused, but then—
"Ha, haha! Hahahaha! What an astonishing coincidence! Hahahaha!"
Father suddenly burst into laughter.
"……Father?"
"Hahahaha! Sorry about that. You just caught me off guard. Do you know what I was going to ask you?"
"……No idea."
At my response, Father smiled faintly and spoke up.
"Truth is, while getting your suit fitted with Maestro yesterday, I also asked him to make something for Jiyoon. So I was hoping you'd go with her."
Huh? This is……
"I wanted to go myself, but I've got urgent business in Busan today."
Business……
"Perfect timing! Just perfect. Hahahahaha!"
……Things worked out just like this?
"Even without the request, I would've gone anyway. She's my sister."
Father's words rang with inevitability, and I bowed my head, replying as if it were the most natural thing.
Perhaps pleased by my respectful bow, Father nodded with a gentle smile.
"Yes, I thought this would be a good chance for you to spend more time with Jiyoon. Honestly, you haven't played with her much since puberty hit, have you? She's been happy with how you've changed lately…… but she still seems to feel some distance."
His thick hand landed warmly on my shoulder.
"For you to bring it up first like this—yes. Family should cherish and love each other. As your father, I couldn't be prouder."
Sincerity shone in his expression as he said it.
"By the way, Famiglia will assemble a separate security detail."
So he wasn't planning to send me alone after all.
I let out a quiet sigh of relief inside, but Father's grip tightened on my shoulder.
"Of course, you'll be the closest to Jiyoon, so I trust you'll protect her well."
"Naturally, Father."
I would've guarded her with everything I had, request or no.
With permission for the outing secured, it was time to push for the next step.
"In that case, Father, on the way to get measured, could Jiyoon and I stroll through the bustling streets a bit?"
"Hm? The bustling streets?"
He tilted his head, clearly not having considered that far.
"Wouldn't that be a bit dangerous?"
"I'll submit our route and stops to the security chief in advance. And from the moment we step out, I won't leave Jiyoon's side."
But most importantly—
"I think the biggest reason I went astray during puberty was the lack of freedom. It's fine now, of course…… but having walked that path, all I want is for Jiyoon to grow up feeling a little more free."
There was the chance Jiyoon might inherit the original Eugene Han Calione's personality.
'What do you know?! I've been watched since I was a kid, locked away, crushed under the expectations of a father called one of the world's strongest—what do you know, acting all high and mighty!'
That line from the game, spat by the minor villain squad member—it captured perfectly why 'Eugene Han Calione' started to derail.
Truly.
If that's really why he fell, wouldn't it affect Jiyoon similarly?
That pure worry was my point.
Fortunately, Father seemed to respect my view.
"Alright. With you by her side, I can entrust it to you."
"Thank you."
Of course, Father had reason to worry.
We weren't ordinary kids—we were the son and daughter of a globally active mafia family. The odds of enemies or grudge-holders making a move were high.
Yet I could declare it confidently because, at this point in the story, no one in these streets could threaten me or the Calione security team.
A voice came from beyond the door.
Father checked the time and stood with an awkward smile.
"Time flies. I'll head out first. Be careful."
"Yes, Father."
He patted my shoulder twice and left the study.
Back in my room, I quickly drafted a simple plan and had a maid deliver it to the security chief.
That should clear any issues for going out with Jiyoon.
As I changed for the outing, cheerful footsteps echoed from the hall—tap tap tap tap—and a smile crept onto my face.
"Oppa~! All ready~?"
Knock knock.
Jiyoon's voice came from the door.
"Yeah, come in."
"Okay!"
She burst in the moment I gave permission, beaming brightly.
"What do you think of Jiyoon? It's the ribbon Grandpa Parnello gave me~!"
Her ponytail was neatly tied back, adorned with a cute red ribbon.
"Suits you perfectly. Ready to head out?"
"Yes~!"
I took her tiny hand and walked slowly to the front gate, where the car waited.
Given the mansion's size and security, we'd need a car to reach Maestro's tailor shop in the bustling district.
Of course, for Jiyoon's safety, organization members were already stationed along the route and at every stop.
Everyone in Calione adored and cherished Jiyoon, so the team was buzzing with determination.
Honestly, was all this necessary? But compared to Michael Jackson renting out entire malls for shopping, this was just our fate.
"Picnic~ Picnic~ Picnic with Oppa~"
Glancing sideways, Jiyoon bounced excitedly, face lit with anticipation.
Her first outing in ages had her thrilled.
Due to Calione's nature, young Jiyoon couldn't go out freely—these rare trips were precious.
Even Eugene Han Calione had completed all basic education at home with tutors.
"Hum hum hum~ Hum hum~ Hum hum hum~"
At least I could go out thanks to the academy. Father deemed a vice-headmaster-track student like me safe enough on my own.
Proving my Hitman power in the heir trial helped, but escorts still tailed me if I headed out suddenly.
I get it, but…… overprotective much.
Once Jiyoon grew a bit and gained some power, she'd probably roam freely too.
"Waaah……!"
Our car emerged from the long forest road into the bustling district, lined with shops and buildings.
"Oppa~! Sooo many people!"
Just seeing the crowds made her giggle delightedly.
"This spot looks good. Shall we get out, Jiyoon?"
"Yes~!"
At our pre-planned drop-off, I exited first and opened her door.
"Let's get our clothes fitted first? Papa told them to make something pretty for you."
"Clothes? Yay~!"
She pounced into my arms like a puppy.
I ignored the in-ear chatter like 'Lady's too cute……!' and gently set her down.
"No running, or you might get hurt. Hold Oppa's hand and walk slow, okay?"
"Yeees~!"
Hand in hand, we headed toward the tailor shop.
Jiyoon's eyes were glued to the passing crowds and colorful storefronts.
To her, it all looked peaceful and beautiful……
But reality was anything but.
The full Calione mobilization to protect just us two.
I figured three teams max, but somehow the entire security force mobilized.
Father might've overdone it, but……
"Aigoo, this guy's hammered in broad daylight!"
A merchant dragged a slumped man right past us.
There was good reason for the overkill.
Not overkill after all.
"Oppa, that guy's being dragged!"
"Yeah, looks super sleepy."
"Then he's going for a naaaap~?"
"Yep, off for his naaaap."
Snail soup counts as a nap, right?
"Sooo, where to for clothes~?"
Jiyoon looked up at me, craning her neck.
I knelt to her eye level, stroking her hair.
"To the nice grandpa's place."
"Nice grandpa?"
"Yeah. Little farther—tell me if your legs hurt?"
"Jiyoon's legs are strong!"
"Good. But speak up if they do. Oppa'll carry you."
"……Ow~ Ow~ Jiyoon's legs huuurt~! Ow~"
The second I offered a piggyback, she squatted dramatically with a fake whine.
It was so cute I nearly laughed, but……
The desperate cries in my earpiece killed my laugh.
What the hell were they doing……?
"Leegs huuurt~ Jiyoon's dyiiing~"
Even peeking at me slyly, her act was too adorable—I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Alright, hop on. Piggyback time."
"Wheee! Jump!"
Despite the "hurt legs," she leaped onto my back.
"Hehe……."
Face smooshed against my back, but I could tell she was grinning ear to ear.
"Just a piggyback, and you're this happy?"
"Sooo happy!"
Her cheek rubbed mine enthusiastically at my innocent question.
"Oppa hasn't given one since Jiyoon was three~!"
She remembered from age three?
That was about four years ago…… when 'Eugene Han Calione' became a villain.
Peak middle-school syndrome and puberty.
"……I'll give you rides more often from now on."
"Really? Hee hee hee! Love Oppa so much!"
Just that simple promise had her melting happily against my back.
Yeah, if tiny affections like this made her so joyful, I could do it anytime……
Why were these guys losing it? Ruining the mood.