Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Off on a Trip
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“Researcher Lee Se-hwa, did the Black Princess really demand that?”
Kwon Sae-ron, the 6th Research Director, asked firmly.
A piercing gaze felt from behind her black sunglasses.
“Yes. The Black Princess said she wants to go find the three tools mentioned by the Prayer Receiver herself. And she requested that I accompany her.”
“That's a headache. It's practically the same as releasing an anomaly out into the world.”
Currently, the Black Princess occasionally went out for walks.
But her walks didn't cover a wide area, and there were always a few agents waiting behind her.
Thanks to the lab's remote location, encounters with civilians during her walks were extremely rare.
“Letting an anomaly roam freely outside is a risk far greater than any walk.”
Kwon Sae-ron toyed with her lips, seemingly deep in thought.
Even someone nicknamed the lab's biggest eccentric couldn't easily approve this.
“But the Princess holds crucial information exclusively. Despite all our efforts, the lab couldn't extract anything from the Prayer Receiver.”
The prophecy from the Prayer Receiver about the approaching apocalypse.
According to the Princess, the apocalypse referred to a newly born anomaly, and three tools were needed to stop it.
And only the Princess knew the locations of those three tools.
“We have two main options. First, grant the Princess's request. Second, persuade her to share the information. What do you think, Researcher Lee Se-hwa? Can you convince her?”
“That seems difficult. For some reason, she's incredibly excited about going out to find the tools herself. She looks like a kid anticipating a family vacation.”
The Princess had been buzzing with excitement for days, planning on her own.
It was obvious she was looking forward to heading outside.
Extracting the information from her alone seemed practically impossible.
“Then we'll have to let her go outside. But the other research directors would never allow it. It's no different from releasing a captured anomaly.”
In a lab dedicated to containing and storing anomalies, releasing one was unprecedented.
“The other stuffy research directors would rather try squeezing info from the Prayer Receiver than set the Princess free.”
Kwon Sae-ron let out a small sigh.
“Foolish waste of time. No one knows when the apocalypse will appear, and here they are squandering precious moments. Too few people on my side.”
If word got out that they'd released an anomaly, the media would swarm with attacks.
Even excuses about stopping the apocalypse wouldn't faze them—they'd just keep condemning.
‘Keeping the Princess locked in the lab is tough. But letting her out... the other directors will oppose it.’
It was a headache from every angle.
Opposition and criticism from other directors and the media awaited, nothing more.
Mid-deliberation,
Kwon Sae-ron suddenly smiled and spoke up.
“Researcher Lee Se-hwa, there's a famous internet saying you might know.”
“A saying?”
What was this out-of-the-blue talk?
Kwon Sae-ron leaned back, relaxing into her chair.
She looked almost resigned.
“It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
“...Pardon?”
After that, they discussed Kwon Sae-ron's plan.
I left the director's office in a daze.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “Princess, here's a pair of sunglasses as a gift.”
I took the black sunglasses Se-hwa offered.
They were oversized, big enough to completely cover my eyes when worn.
“Since it's a gift, I'll gratefully accept. But what's with the sudden present?”
“Thought it'd be useful when we're out and about. Like it?”
“It's pretty nice, I guess.”
I wasn't sure, but they looked expensive.
“Anyway, have you finished all your trip preparations? Why does getting ready take so long? My patience is wearing thin.”
I vented my complaints at Se-hwa.
A few days ago, I'd told her I wanted to go on a trip to find the three tools.
She'd said she needed time to prepare and asked for a little patience.
Every day since, whenever I asked if she was ready, she'd say she needed more time and kept delaying.
“Ahaha, sorry. There was just a lot to prepare. But now I'm all set for the trip.”
Se-hwa gave an awkward laugh and finished her reply.
Finally, time to set off.
“Heh, good thing you finished before my patience ran out. Can we leave right now?”
“Yeah, we can go anytime. But Princess, I have one request.”
“What is it?”
“Please wear the sunglasses when we're outside. It's a gift from me—surely you can do that much?”
Se-hwa made the request with unusual seriousness.
Was wearing sunglasses that big a deal?
It wasn't hard, so I agreed readily.
“Got it. I'll wear them outside.”
“Thanks. Want to try them on?”
I put on the sunglasses as Se-hwa suggested.
Looking around through the pitch-black lenses, everything appeared a bit dimmer.
Se-hwa examined my face from all angles.
“Perfect.”
She nodded and muttered briefly.
Then, with a smile, she spoke in a gentle tone.
“Princess, those sunglasses suit you so well.”
“Heh. Thanks for the compliment.”
“They're seriously gorgeous on you? It's like they were made just for you.”
“I see.”
“Never seen anyone pull off sunglasses like this. Prettier than most models or idols!”
“R-Really?”
“Yeah! You're already beautiful, but with the sunglasses, your aura is off the charts.”
Se-hwa showered me with praise, enough to make even me a bit embarrassed.
I knew I was pretty, but this level of flattery was a little much.
“Okay, enough compliments. It's getting embarrassing.”
“Ahahat, got it.”
Se-hwa laughed playfully.
With that joyful expression, she continued.
“Princess, they look amazing, so keep wearing them everywhere. Throughout the whole trip.”
“I already said I'd wear them outside.”
“On top of that, indoors and everywhere else too. I want others to see your stunning look.”
There seemed to be an inexplicable seriousness behind her beaming smile.
Who knew she'd praise my looks so earnestly?
“A-Ahem. Fine! I'll wear them all the time, as you wish.”
“Thanks, Princess! You're so generous.”
I cleared my throat and agreed, and Se-hwa expressed her gratitude.
She stared intently as I put the sunglasses back on.
“Great, now we're all prepared. Time to hit the road!”
I stepped out of the room with Se-hwa.
We greeted people in the hallway and left the lab.
A refreshing morning breeze blew in.
I'd been so busy wandering the lab lately that going outside felt novel.
‘And this outing isn't just a walk.’
It was for a long trip, so unlike a stroll, we needed transportation.
I followed Se-hwa and got into her car.
The front seats were clean, but the back was piled haphazardly with clothes.
“Why are there so many clothes in the car?”
“Ahaha, just outfits for commuting.”
I glanced back to inspect the backseat.
Several white lab coats, plus miscellaneous clothes.
And a black suitcase amid them.
Why carry a suitcase separately if she just dumps clothes like that?
“U-Um. I'll clean it up later, so stop staring. No more observing—tell me the destination?”
I told Se-hwa the destination, and soon the car started moving.
A short while later, nothing but green trees visible outside the window.
The scenery from my trip to the lab came to mind, drawing me into nostalgia.
“Princess, got any more info on the tools? We're on the trip now, so you can share.”
“Fine. The entity said it knows nothing more about two of the tools. But it gave some details on the one we're after first.”
Prodded by Se-hwa, I reluctantly shared.
“It said the first tool to stop the apocalypse is called the Soul-Cleaving Sword.”
We're off to find the Soul-Cleaving Sword.