Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Delivery / Entering the 10th Floor
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"Delivery!"
A booming voice rang out from beyond the door.
I held my breath, waiting until the footsteps faded away.
Cautiously, I opened the door.
"......Wow."
The corridor walls were completely plastered with delivery boxes.
Fourteen? Fifteen? It was hard to even count.
"......What is it this time?"
As I pressed my forehead and let out a hollow laugh, Tikhe winked at Kitty.
"Kitty, let's move them!"
Bzzz!
With a wave of Kitty's hand, the boxes floated lightly into the air.
Rumble.
The boxes poured into the cramped living room, filling every inch of space where I could even stand.
It was like a distribution center all on its own.
"......That's all of them now, right?"
"Uh, y-yeah. Probably......?"
Tikhe averted her eyes and whistled innocently. From that reaction, it seemed there were still more on the way.
A surge of frustration welled up inside me. Of course, I had the money. This amount was no big deal at all.
But seeing all these piled-up packages still made my stomach twist.
'No, this isn't about the money.'
I tried to rationalize it. It wasn't because I was stingy. I just had to save where I could.
"Alright, let's sort this out first. Kitty."
I called out, and Kitty turned its head.
"Can you unpack the boxes, stack the empties over there, and sort the items here?"
At my request, Kitty flashed an OK sign with its thumb and forefinger before diving right into the task.
As it waved its tiny hand, several floating boxes tore open simultaneously.
The contents went to one side, while the empty boxes neatly folded and flew toward the entrance.
It was like the speed of an automated factory.
"Whoa! Good job, Kitty! You're a genius, a total genius!"
Kitty deftly stripped away the packaging and plucked out the contents one by one.
Every item that emerged was extraordinary.
Each box revealed something jaw-dropping.
From luxury bath sets with gold-embossed overseas logos to lace dresses and silk blouses. It was like she'd robbed an entire luxury boutique.
I could feel Tikhe's determination to uproot my shabby wardrobe entirely.
But the crown jewel was undoubtedly the one meant for Tikhe.
A pearl-shimmering, sheer silk nightgown that looked like it would reveal everything underneath if lifted.
And then there were the top-grade goose down duvet inserts, crystal wine glasses, luxury diffusers said to transform the air in the house...
Let's not even go there.
"......Hey."
I stared blankly at the mountain of packages and opened my mouth.
I flipped over the price tag on the silk nightgown and checked it. Then I froze solid.
"One nightgown for 2 million? You said you'd only spend 5 million total?"
2 million per outfit—what would this entire pile cost combined?
To reiterate, I had the money. This wasn't about regretting the expense. It just...... didn't sit right with me somehow. Really, it wasn't about the money. Absolutely not the...... ugh.
As I staggered, Tikhe sneaked up, gauging my mood.
"Honey, calm down. There's good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"
"......Bad news first."
Better to take the hit upfront.
"Well...... I did start with just 5 million, but there were so many pretty things that I ended up adding about 30 million more."
"......!!!"
My vision spun.
30 million?
As I clutched the back of my neck and toppled backward, Tikhe urgently grabbed my arm.
"Wait! Don't faint! There's still good news!"
"Haa...... What is it."
"The initial 5 million was from your money, but the remaining 25 million I bought with my own."
"Your money?"
I scowled.
"Where'd you get money?"
"That account you gave me when I said I wanted to trade stocks. I grew it."
I asked incredulously,
"That junk account? It only had 200 thousand left."
It was the account that had tanked to -80% after some failed day trades.
"I'm the Goddess of Luck, remember?"
Tikhe shrugged nonchalantly and added,
"So after paying the full 30 million, there's still 300 million left in the account."
"......???? Huh?"
"300 million."
In that instant, the tightness in my chest burst open.
Spent 30 million and 300 million remains?
Now that's a different story. This wasn't waste—it was noble consumption.
Definitely not relieved because of the money. Just impressed by her skills.
Anyway.
"So...... you're over it now, right? Yeah?"
Tikhe probed cautiously.
I cleared my throat and schooled my expression. Smiling here would ruin my dignity.
"Ahem. Well, since it's money you made with your abilities...... I'll let it slide this time."
"As expected! Your heart's as vast as the Pacific!"
"But it's not about the amount. From now on, no more spending without consulting me. Got it?"
"Yes, yes! I'll keep that in mind!"
Tikhe clung to my arm, acting cute.
I pointed sternly at the pile of stuff.
"And look at this. The place is already cramped enough—how am I supposed to live with all this junk everywhere? No room to step."
At that, Tikhe's face lit up like she'd been waiting for it.
"Exactly! I was just about to bring that up!"
She clapped her hands.
"Shall we move?"
A tempting proposal.
Money was no object. But I shook my head firmly.
"No. Conditions aren't right."
"Huh? Why? We have plenty of money."
Tikhe tilted her head. I sighed deeply and pointed at my face.
"Look at me."
"You're cute, why?"
"Yeah, I am kinda cute...... No, that's not the point!"
I nodded instinctively before waving it off hurriedly.
"A minor can't just buy a house on a whim.
Without an ID, if I go to a realtor and say 'I'll take this place,' they'll kick me out and demand my parents."
"Ah...... Then your parents...... No, forget it."
Tikhe started to say something but clamped her mouth shut. She looked like she'd almost said something regrettable.
As if to smooth over the awkward air, she nodded exaggeratedly and changed the subject.
"Hmm! You're right, that makes sense. Let's finish sorting the stuff first. We can think about the rest later."
We silently focused on sorting the items again.
While organizing for a while, Tikhe glanced at the clock and spoke up.
"It's already this late? 2 a.m."
Time had slipped into the deep night.
"So? You wanna hit the Tower today?"
Tikhe asked.
I pondered briefly before sighing.
"Haa, guess we have to. The timer's not up yet, but it's nagging at me."
"Yeah. It's been quiet lately."
"No idea. Maybe the difficulty ramped up and they're gone, or maybe they're holding back for a bigger hit.
Either way, can't just sit around. I wanna clear the 10th floor before surveillance tightens."
It felt off, but we had to move.
"Today's probably fine, right? This is the outskirts."
"Hm...... Maybe?"
I wasn't convinced. I'm all about safety first. Definitely not a coward.
"Ah, right. I've got a way."
I lay on the bed and closed my eyes.
Three butterflies rose from my fingertip.
Their vision shared with mine.
Dark park and Tower entrance. Not a single ant in sight.
"......Looks like no one's there?"
As I opened my eyes and sat up, Tikhe grinned and grabbed her bag.
"Then let's make it quick. Grab the boss and clean up."
Near the Tower.
Tikhe and Kitty were in stealth mode. I trudged along alone.
"Hm...... Expensive clothes really are something."
I fiddled with the sleeve cuff.
It was the outfit Tikhe had insisted on. Strawberry milk-colored hoodie with a white skirt.
Less dungeon raid, more rich girl out for a stroll.
'This is so embarrassing......'
Tikhe's getup was even more over-the-top.
A beige ribbed long dress that clung scandalously to her curves, with a cardigan lightly draped over her shoulders.
The so-called 'suburban mom look.'
I grumbled before putting it on, but once I did, I had to admit it.
The fabric was insanely soft, probably thanks to the price.
The way it hugged my body felt like cotton candy.
"Haa, so soft and smooth."
I was rubbing the sleeve against my cheek, savoring the texture, when Tikhe suddenly froze.
She stared intently at the tree beside the Tower entrance, shrouded in thick darkness.
Clatter.
With a small sound, a golden die dropped from thin air and rolled across the ground.
[6]
'What? A random die out of nowhere?'
As I turned my head, Tikhe's whisper pierced through.
"Shh. Just look straight ahead and walk in naturally. Hurry."
Her voice was low and urgent. Something was wrong.
Acting casual, I straightened my clothes and stepped into the Tower.
Woooong—.
A blue wave engulfed my body, and I vanished completely inside the Tower.
Swish.
Exactly three seconds after Blanc disappeared.
A shadow rippled beneath the tree where no one should have been.
A man stepped out.
Black coat, hat pulled low.
Shadow Guild Master Park Si-hoo.
"......What was that?"
He scowled at the entrance.
He'd definitely sensed a presence. Heard footsteps too, and reflexively turned.
But in that moment.
A leaf flew in from somewhere, perfectly blocking his view, and a sudden gust kicked dust into his eyes.
"Ugh."
By the time he rubbed his eyes and looked again, the area in front of the Tower was empty.
"Saw wrong......?"
Park Si-hoo narrowed his eyes.
"......Hmm."
Park Si-hoo pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.
With suspicious eyes, he paced around the Tower entrance for a long while.
The smoke drifted into the night sky.