Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Training (1)
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“Ahem, attention everyone.”
Kim Yu-jeong's spirits hadn't lifted even after arriving at the Black Dragon Clan office. Oblivious to her mood, the executive Thunder Sword, Lee Jun-hyeok, scanned the room with a stern expression before standing up from his seat. As soon as he spoke, every guild member in the office turned to look at him. He cleared his throat once more and continued.
“An A-rank gate has opened up in Gangwon Province, so our clan leader went to provide support. For the time being, I'll be handling all internal guild affairs. Report everything important to me.”
“When will he be back?”
One of the other guild members asked. Lee Jun-hyeok frowned slightly and replied.
“No idea? Probably about a week? Maybe two? A-rank gates take forever from scouting to subjugation. Don't worry too much and just focus on your work.”
“Yes, sir.”
The response boomed through the room. Kim Yu-jeong glanced around the office with an even more complicated expression. With Thunder Sword standing in for the clan leader, bringing up anything about Ichie would be pointless. Given his old-school, prickly personality, he'd probably brush off any request for help from her with lukewarm indifference.
He might even chew her out for not handing Ichie over sooner. Kim Yu-jeong fiddled with the folded paper in her hand before tossing it into the trash. Time to get back to work.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “Yu-jeong sunbae!”
Jeong Su-hyeon waved happily. Having finished work, Kim Yu-jeong smiled brightly with an iced Americano in her mouth. But the smile faded instantly upon seeing Ichie next to him, like clouds covering the sun. She couldn't tell if the bitterness lingering on her tongue was from the coffee or something else.
“How's the volunteer work going?”
“Yeah, just plugging away at it.”
“He's right. Su-hyeon oppa's working really hard.”
Kim Yu-jeong nodded. Ichie stood beside Jeong Su-hyeon with an innocent look, as if she knew nothing. She kept a slight distance, but leaned in just enough to close the gap at any moment. Kim Yu-jeong said,
“When do you want to book the training ground?”
“Starting the 4th of next month should work.”
“Got it. I'll reserve it around then. Same for you, Ichie?”
Ichie nodded and replied.
“We're a team.”
“Right. A team.”
The word “team” made Kim Yu-jeong chuckle involuntarily. Seeing her laugh, Ichie smiled back. Kim Yu-jeong continued,
“Then, Su-hyeon, shall we call it here for today? I need to talk to Ichie privately.”
“Ah, sure.”
Kim Yu-jeong watched as Jeong Su-hyeon nodded and walked off into the distance. Ichie shook her head slightly while watching his back. Once he was far enough away, Kim Yu-jeong turned back to Ichie and asked,
“What on earth do you like about Su-hyeon that you're talking about dating as a trio?”
That was the question burning in her mind. Ichie didn't strike her as the type to steal another woman's man just because he had a decent face. What charm did Jeong Su-hyeon have to make Ichie like him so much? Kim Yu-jeong pressed on.
“I mean, let's be real... Su-hyeon isn't like, super handsome or anything, right? He's just averagely okay-looking? And his nickname... honestly, it doesn't leave a great impression.”
“Nickname. I don't care. My uncle's called the neighborhood virgin killer back home.”
“Ah...”
Kim Yu-jeong had nothing to say, letting out a sigh. Ichie continued,
“I'm struggling to adjust here in Korea, but he's been kind. Good personality. Takes care of me during training. I like his attention to detail. Nickname reminds me of family, feels friendly. And also...”
Ichie trailed off, closing her mouth as if about to say more. Kim Yu-jeong suddenly saw her as a lovestruck girl. Ichie fidgeted with her fingers, lips pursed, then said,
“I'm not telling.”
Kim Yu-jeong burst out laughing unexpectedly. This fresh side of her was novel. The woman who'd been scary and annoying just yesterday had turned into a coy maiden. She said,
“I get how you feel, Ichie. But suggesting we all date isn't realistic, you know? What if Su-hyeon says no?”
“No way. Men like having more women.”
“...Can't argue with that.”
Men are all the same. It was a phrase Kim Yu-jeong had heard since childhood. Men were simple creatures who lost their minds over pretty girls and toys. She glanced at Ichie once more.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Volunteer work was rewarding but mentally exhausting. Alternating between sorting paperwork and organizing supplies felt more like a parcel loading gig than orphanage duty. Over the past ten days, I hadn't cared for the kids even once.
“Good work.”
A staff member brought me iced coffee. According to Choi Mi-so, one of the staff, the director—our Black Dragon Clan leader—was tied up with an A-rank gate dispatch, so they needed help with these tasks. Still, I couldn't help feeling disappointed since I wanted to look after the kids.
“I wanted to spend more time with them. They really like me.”
“Hahaha.”
She just laughed it off whenever I said that. I couldn't figure out why. While sipping my drink and waiting, Ichie staggered into the admin office. Her hair was a mess, her face full of fatigue.
It seemed they'd thrown a grand farewell party fitting the last day. Ichie shook her head vigorously and said,
“Kids. Hate them.”
“They're just clinging because they like you. Don't hate it too much.”
“I know, but they stick too close. Exhausting. Isn't it for you, Su-hyeon oppa?”
“Nah, I'm fine. I'm a hunter, after all.”
I flexed my muscles to show off. Ichie stared at them blankly before nodding. On the final day of volunteering, the staff handed us five-hour verification certificates with a bright smile.
“All done now?”
The staff said regretfully. A few kids peeked through the admin office door. Ichie frowned at them, then strode forward doing a ghost impression.
“Boo!”
The kids scattered. Ichie nodded proudly. She seemed to like them a lot, deep down.
“Yeah, it's a shame. If we ever need the training grounds again, we'll come back.”
“Stop by anytime you're bored.”
“Of course.”
I gathered the volunteer papers as I said that. Clutching the ten sheets felt great. After seeing us off with the staff and kids, I headed to the entrance and called Yu-jeong sunbae right away.
“Sunbae.”
“Ah, Su-hyeon. Last day of volunteering today, right?”
“Yeah. Volunteering's done, got all the 100% discount papers. Where should I submit them?”
“Ah, that... Hand them to me tomorrow when we meet. Both you and Ichie.”
“Thanks.”
Ichie stared at my phone. We exchanged a few more pleasantries, nodded, and smiled warmly. After hanging up, I looked at Ichie. She said,
“Let's eat.”
“Sure. What do you want?”
“Anything's fine.”
“How about the seolleongtang place nearby? It was tasty last time.”
It would've been even better if that damn dragon clan leader hadn't dumped pickled radish broth in my bowl. I still couldn't forget his face as he slurped the half-eaten spoon and said,
'Mmm, delicious. This is how you eat it.'
In front of the shabby sign, Ichie tilted her head, trying to decipher the letters. After staring at what looked like [Mother Seolleongtang], she asked me,
“Mother Seolleongtang?”
“Nope.”
“Beauty Seolleongtang?”
I shook my head and pointed to the small sign inside: [Young-mi Seolleongtang]. Ichie looked a bit disappointed. We sat, ordered two bowls of seolleongtang, and she popped a pickled radish into her mouth. The crunch seemed satisfying; she nodded, eyebrows twitching happily. I said to her,
“Training starts tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Train hard and get first place.”
“No way. First place is mine.”
“First place. Su-hyeon oppa can't. You get second, I get first.”
“Wanna bet again?”
“Bet?”
Ichie asked back. I nodded. I'd lost last time, but I was confident this round. With the Omnipotent Being, mental training, Black Dragon Clan sessions, and my higher strength stat. Seeing my smug face, Ichie said,
“Bet. Good. If I win this time, go play with me.”
“Play?”
“Yu-jeong unnie, Su-hyeon oppa, and me. Three of us. Amusement park. Wanted to go.”
I'd have to talk to Yu-jeong sunbae about this. I nodded and said,
“Got it. I'll ask her later.”
“What if Su-hyeon oppa gets first?”
“If I get first?”
Ichie looked at me with eyes full of expectation. What should I ask for? I hadn't thought about it.