Chapter 98
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: High Society Party
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The academy had declared a break.
Partly due to the chaos from the ghoul field incident, but from what I'd heard, normal classes couldn't proceed because of an internal investigation.
'Something's off.'
In the original story, it was an incident that got hushed up and swept under the rug somehow.
Clearly, it was because I got involved.
For that reason, returning to the academy would be in a week.
In other words, I suddenly had a week of free time.
I'd originally planned to analyze my newly acquired abilities during that time, but...
"Japan, long time no see. It's the weak nation that's always shocked and terrified by Korea."
"...."
Who the hell instilled this ridiculous nonsense into Erina?
Oh, right. It was me.
I poisoned the Esnatia family. Sorry about that.
Baek A-rin looked at me and smirked.
"Why didn't you bring your acupressure slippers today?"
I replied to her with confident bravado.
"You idiot. When heading east, you absorb the sun's energy, bolstering your yang qi, so blood circulation stays plenty strong even without acupressure slippers."
"...."
Baek A-rin went quiet.
This was supposed to be a joke.
I'd come to Japan during the academy break to attend a social party with Baek A-rin.
It was apparently the first occasion where she'd introduce "her vassal," something she'd mentioned before.
She insisted I had to go—it was a rare gathering of famous clan heirs from around the world.
Plus, the timing was perfect.
"So we're heading out right now?"
Baek A-rin pointed at my clothes in response.
"No way. You can't go looking like that."
"What's wrong with my clothes?"
I protested while glancing at Erina, but she averted her eyes.
"Haha, I'm just not sure if they'd suit a party."
Feeling a deep sense of betrayal from Erina, I heard Baek A-rin speak up.
"Don't worry. I'll turn you into a whole new man."
I don't have any money, though.
...
And so, I was dragged to a department store by Baek A-rin.
A place this glamorous was a first for me.
Even here, Baek A-rin got VIP treatment—staff immediately escorted her to a spacious, pristine private room upon arrival.
"Alright, Kim Si-woo. Try this on."
Baek A-rin had brought dozens of outfits, and I was trying them on one by one for her evaluation.
'Doing this in front of these two feels kinda awkward.'
It wasn't uncomfortable, but the unfamiliarity made me a bit embarrassed.
"Hmm, your fit isn't bad."
Baek A-rin eyed me, seeming dissatisfied somehow.
She soon pointed to one outfit.
"Try that one."
What she indicated was an absurd suit—pants, top, and tie all in garish blue.
This is just straight-up teasing.
Seeing my expression, Baek A-rin turned away and said,
"Erina picked it."
"A-rin! When did I ever?!"
Going through options with these two would take forever.
Thinking that, I headed to the showcase rack lined with clothes.
Baek A-rin called out to me.
"Kim Si-woo, you're better off trusting my fashion sense."
"Don't worry about it."
In my previous life, I'd done some modeling gigs for a trendy shopping mall.
Not a ton of work, but the pay was decent.
The boss back then had taught me the basics of men's fashion over his shoulder.
'This'll do.'
A sleek black tuxedo.
Similar to a suit, but one that embodied elegance and refinement.
'But something even more suit-like and formal would suit me better.'
With that in mind, I selected a black tuxedo with a heavier, more sophisticated edge.
Maybe because it was top quality—the design was exquisitely crafted, with a flawless fit.
Every detail harmonized perfectly, giving off a subdued vibe.
Definitely fine clothing.
After changing into it, I noticed a few spots that felt lacking.
"This watch should work."
I slipped a stylish dress watch from the nearby display onto my left wrist.
Then I checked the mirror.
'Why does something feel off?'
Erina and Baek A-rin sitting there like judges was making me tense for no reason.
VIP service really was on another level.
A tube of pomade sat ready right in front of me.
Might as well tidy up my hair.
Baek A-rin grumbled.
"Just wear the one I picked."
"But I'm still curious how Si-woo will turn out!"
Baek A-rin nodded at Erina's words.
"Fair enough. He does have a subtle sense for this stuff."
"A-rin, what're you talking about? It's a chance to see something hilarious. Well, he's got a decent build, so probably anything looks fine."
Baek A-rin nodded unwittingly at Erina's comment.
"Yeah, true enough."
As Baek A-rin and Erina chattered away, they heard Kim Si-woo approaching.
Kim Si-woo asked a bit shyly from the doorway.
"How do I look?"
Baek A-rin and Erina gave no reaction.
Kim Si-woo smiled inwardly.
'Guess they don't like it.'
He was just thinking of quietly going with Baek A-rin's pick.
Then Erina broke the silence.
"Si, Si-woo, why don't you dress like this all the time?"
Baek A-rin's eyes were locked on Kim Si-woo.
Erina had always thought his looks were decent enough.
But seeing him properly dressed was a first.
Was it the clothes? His already tall frame looked even taller.
His shoulders seemed broad despite the perfectly tailored blazer.
The muscles peeking under his shirt—ones she'd seen before—now stood out more strikingly, perhaps due to the allure of partial concealment.
Above all, with his forehead swept back, his sharp features were fully on display. She swallowed hard, thinking,
'Is, is he this handsome?'
Erina's cheeks were unmistakably flushed.
Naturally, Baek A-rin was no different.
She couldn't tear her eyes away from Kim Si-woo.
Baek A-rin thought as she stared at him.
'Kim Si-woo was this level?'
Baek A-rin liked Kim Si-woo purely for his actions.
She'd thought his appearance was fine, but nothing compared to Lee Seong-hyeon's outlier looks.
She did believe looks were part of one's prowess, but when it came to men, she figured they weren't important.
That's why she'd felt nothing special seeing Lee Seong-hyeon, even when everyone else lost their minds over his handsomeness.
But today, looking at Kim Si-woo, Baek A-rin realized she'd been wrong.
'Won't be embarrassed taking him anywhere.'
"Insane. You're crazy."
To the point where her words flipped from her actual thoughts.
Late into the night, at a social party teeming with people.
Even to my untrained eye, everyone was decked out in expensive clothes and jewelry.
Finger foods and drinks were artfully arranged.
'Atmosphere isn't bad.'
They exchanged warm greetings and chatted amiably.
Probably networking.
Gentle music played in the background—some conversed quietly, others danced.
The problem? I was the only one standing apart.
"Feels seriously uncomfortable."
Erina and Baek A-rin had brought their own dresses, so I was waiting while they changed.
In the meantime, I slowly wandered, taking in the vibe and culture.
'No one's talking to me anyway. Might as well just browse.'
Truth be told, there wasn't much worth scrutinizing.
In the original story, countries outside Korea barely got more than minor side-character treatment.
That's when a man approached and greeted me.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Akira from the Hanakiryu family. Don't think I've seen you before..."
Hanakiryu, huh.
One of Japan's prominent clans, I believe.
The clan head had four wives, so I couldn't memorize every single kid.
He looked about my age, so probably from a concubine.
I smiled and replied.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Si-woo."
"Which clan are you from...?"
"Still a student, so not affiliated with any clan yet."
He seemed flustered at my answer and pressed,
"Ah, no, I meant your family..."
Oh, that kind of thing?
"No, my family doesn't run a clan or anything."
He snapped his fingers like it clicked.
"Ah! Then politics, maybe? Should've said so up front..."
"No, really not. My parents passed away."
Akira looked utterly shocked.
Yeah, you just stepped in it.
As I thought that, his face twisted.
"What did I mistake you for? Wasting words on some waiter."
"Pardon?"
He'd apparently mistaken me for a waiter.
He jabbed my shoulder with his finger, shoving me.
"If you're a waiter, just say so. Don't confuse people! Why dress like that?"
"No, I'm..."
"No wonder—lowborn trash, orphans without proper upbringing."
Even a waiter shouldn't act like this.
Where the hell does this uncontrollable superiority complex come from?
As I scowled, Akira sneered.
"What's with the face? Think you can do anything? I could flatten a nobody like you with one punch—no need to call anyone."
Should I kill him?
Sigh...
Deep down, I wanted to crack the back of his skull and stomp him flat right there.
But causing a scene would just embarrass Baek A-rin—nothing more, nothing less.
For her sake, I'd endure.
Matching his level in a situation like this would just make me as trashy as him.
Even if he acted like that, I'd keep my manners.
Forcing a smile, I opened my mouth to respond civilly.
"Looks like you got some bad prenatal education. Happens a lot when there are multiple mothers."
Having too many absent parents has to be more pitiful than none, right?
I could see the veins bulging on Hanakiryu Akira's neck.
Even treating him politely, and this is how he reacts?
Out of pity, I opened my mouth for one more "kind" word.
"You aren't getting mad, are you? Nah, no way. Not from someone who got four times the family education. Haha."
"You bastard...!"