This Person Was a Hunter Too...?
This person was a hunter too...? Grrrrowl.
I'd tried my best to hold it in, but in the end, my stomach surrendered.
...Damn it.
At the sound of my stomach growling, both the guild leader and Han Serin turned to look at me.
Well, no helping it now—time to own up boldly.
"Um..."
I couldn't hold back the hunger anymore, so I shyly raised one hand and bowed my head.
"...I'm really starving here, so can we eat something first before we talk?"
Maybe it was because I'd taken an S-rank hunter's killing intent head-on while walking down the street, but my body was demanding fuel in the rudest way possible.
"Sorry, our Arang is growing fast, and here I am keeping you from eating."
"Don't treat me like a kid."
"You are a kid."
No words for that.
Han Serin, looking all affable now like she'd never been sulky, patted my head with a kind smile.
"Yeah, food first. What do you want, Arang? Wanna go out for some meat?"
"Hmm... Meat takes time, so how about sandwiches here?"
"Sure? I have all the ingredients."
At Han Serin's words, the guild leader's face twisted.
"Arang, you feeling okay? Why eat something she made? Come on, let's go out—I'll buy you meat."
"Hey! Cha Eunwol, what the hell?!"
Han Serin shot up, bristling.
"I've been learning from our Arang, and now I make it pretty damn good. Don't diss me."
"You? Hilarious. Your cooking's got no soul to begin with."
(Honestly, I get the reaction.)
Before I taught her, it was straight-up apocalyptic.
I tugged at the guild leader's sleeve.
"It's true. I tried it last time too, and it was pretty good. I taught her everything from the filling ratios to the sauce."
"......For real?"
Even with my guarantee, the guild leader eyed Han Serin and me skeptically, back and forth.
Finally, she shrugged like she had no choice.
"Fine. If Arang says so, I'll give it a shot."
"Hmph, you think I'd half-ass anything for my Arang? Wait here—I'll whip it up quick."
Han Serin grinned triumphantly and headed to the kitchen.
While she made the sandwiches, we settled at a wide table by the window.
Finally sitting down.
"Let's check out the houses while we wait. Hyunah."
"Yes, I've got the info sorted."
Kim Hyunah pulled a slim tablet PC from her pocket and slid it across the table.
The screen showed a list of properties that screamed luxury at first glance.
My eyes sparkled as I pored over the photos and details Kim Hyunah had pulled up.
"Hmm..."
Every single one made our current place look embarrassing by comparison, but nothing quite clicked.
(This one's too big—cleaning would suck. That one's got a crap view.)
Back in the day, I'd have gasped at the prices, but now I could afford this level easily.
...People really do change.
Having money made house-hunting way more chill than before.
I was scrolling thoughtfully for a while when one photo jumped out at me.
"Oh? Hold on. I wanna see this one."
The one I pointed to was a luxury officetel on the rooftop floor.
The interior was nice, but the real draw was the wide private outdoor terrace right off the living room window.
(Perfect spot for naps.)
As I perked up my ears at the terrace photo, the guild leader and Kim Hyunah leaned in to scan the listing.
"Let's see... Rooftop floor, private unit—no running into neighbors. Dedicated elevator, triple lobby security. Ten minutes by car from guild HQ—solid location."
"Yes. A bit more reinforcement on the terrace side, and it'd be top-notch security-wise."
I beamed at their approval.
"Right? On nice days, napping up there would be perfect. Tons of sunlight too."
My tail swished excitedly, and faint smiles tugged at their lips.
"Good, glad you like it. Hyunah, lock this one down."
"Got it."
Just then, the rich aroma of butter hit from the kitchen as Han Serin approached with a huge tray.
"Here ya go—worth the wait. Egg bacon sandwich, upgraded with what I learned from Arang plus my own tweaks, and strawberry smoothies."
On the table went three thick, steaming sandwiches and drinks.
Fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, half-boiled fried eggs stacked mouthwateringly.
"Looks decent... but last time it was all show."
"Eat it first, then talk! I put extra care in 'cause it's for our Arang!"
Cha Eunwol bit in dubiously.
Crunch.
Her eyes went wide like a startled rabbit.
"Wha...?"
She stared at the cross-section in disbelief, then chewed thoughtfully, head tilted.
"What the—this is actually good. Why?"
"Told ya!"
Han Serin planted hands on hips, smug as could be.
"Built on Arang's basics, plus I studied hard to level it up. Of course it's good."
"Ugh, that smug face is so annoying..."
Cha Eunwol grumbled but demolished half her sandwich in seconds.
I stuffed mine till my cheeks bulged, munching away, and snickered at the scene.
(Tastier than last time. She just needed basics—her instincts are solid.)
Han Serin, sipping her smoothie beside me, eyed the bear plush obediently on my lap.
"Hmm... Arang, what's with the bear? You into dolls now?"
"Oh, this?"
I brushed crumbs from my mouth casually.
"Gerang guild leader uncle gave it to me outside earlier. It's surprisingly squishy, so I kept it."
"......What?"
Han Serin's eyes sharpened as she bolted up.
"That psycho gave you that? Throw it out now!"
"Huh...? But it's a gift—tossing it feels wrong..."
"Who knows what crap he pulled on it? Don't carry that around!"
As she reached for the bear on my lap, I yelped and clutched it tight, dodging.
"Ah, Hyunah checked it earlier—it's just a bear plush!"
"Still bad juju!"
I shook my head frantically to protect my fluffy bear, and the guild leader facepalmed with a tsk.
"Hah... Shoulda gotten you a bear too."
In the end, I kept the bear.
Not 'cause I like it or anything. Just... the texture's nice.
Kim Hyunah stood, brushing her suit.
"Arang-ssi, I'll head to the realtor now and handle the deposit and full contract."
"Eh? Don't I need to go too? It's my place."
I blinked, but she shook her head gently.
"No need. With a power of attorney, I can handle it as your agent—no trouble for you. Rest here with the guild leader."
"Ah...... Thanks then."
Honestly, paperwork's a drag—perfect.
Even last time it was annoying.
I bowed, and a soft smile graced Kim Hyunah's lips.
"Of course. For you, Arang-ssi, it'll be flawless."
After she left through the cafe door, I slurped the last of my smoothie and called to Cha Eunwol across the table, checking her phone.
"Guild leader."
"Yeah? Still hungry?"
"Nah. You free tomorrow by any chance?"
She checked her schedule, frowning apologetically.
"Hmm... Got stuff piling up, gonna be busy awhile. Why? Somewhere you wanna go?"
Her busyness drooped my ears.
Timing sucks when it matters.
"Ah....... Was gonna ask to hit the tower like last time."
Seeing my floppy ears and pout, she fidgeted guiltily.
(Didn't mean to make her that sorry.)
"Seriously sorry. Once I put out these fires by weekend, I'll have time—next time for sure, yeah? Unnie'll clear it all out for you."
"Got ittt......"
As I slumped over the table all mopey, Han Serin—clearing empty plates beside us—poked my shoulder and chimed in.
"Pfft. If Cha Eunwol's busy, go with me."
"......Huh?"
"Tower, right? I got time—I'll tag along."
At her offer, I blinked up at Han Serin's face blankly.
...I'd forgotten, since she's always napping at the cafe.
Ah... right. This person was a hunter too...?
