Reunion with the Black Market Boss
A quiet knock echoed through the room.
I glanced toward the door.
The kids were too busy devouring their meat to notice, leaving me to watch it alone in silence.
At first, I thought it was just a server, but the presence outside carried the unmistakable aura of an awakened hunter.
A-rank at minimum.
One teetering on the edge of S-rank, no doubt. Give them the slightest opportunity, and they'd climb there without much trouble.
So what was someone like that doing seeking me out here?
As I pondered, I realized the presence felt familiar.
“Come in.”
The door opened at my calm command.
And in walked a man with a face I knew well, just as I'd suspected.
“It's been a while, Nix. I hope you've been well.”
Na Yeon-seong bowed politely.
The man I'd been looking for alongside Lisa.
I'd figured they'd come to me eventually, but after stirring up more chaos. I hadn't expected it this soon.
Even in hiding, they must have been keeping a sharp eye on the outside world.
I suppressed a flicker of gladness and gestured to a seat.
Na Yeon-seong glanced at the kids nestled in my lap, munching away, before cautiously sitting across from me.
A new scar on his cheek stood out—a mark that hadn't been there before.
“What happened to that scar?”
“...I got it while running. The opponent was just too strong...”
I nodded silently as his voice trailed off.
Thankfully, aside from the facial wound, he seemed fine.
“So how'd you track me here? I did make a scene to draw you out, but I didn't think it'd work this fast.”
“...The boss instructed us to monitor the outside constantly. Anything involving you was top priority. After you surfaced yesterday, we blanketed every barbecue joint nearby.”
“...Of all places, a barbecue spot?”
“The boss said you'd definitely head to one if you were in town...”
I had no comeback for Na Yeon-seong's quiet addition.
“...And Lisa?”
“She's waiting for you. Shall we go now?”
I mulled it over at his question.
A glance at the kids showed they'd eaten plenty.
Suli's eyes sparkled with her usual curiosity, fixed on Na Yeon-seong.
To Soon-i trembled, sensing his superior strength.
Rue quietly flicked her tongue, observing him.
They'd already shifted from meat to him entirely. I couldn't help a chuckle.
“Fine. I was planning to see her anyway. But we have one stop first.”
“Understood. Mind if I tag along?”
I nodded after a moment's thought at his cautious ask.
Nothing to hide.
We left the barbecue place and grabbed chicken as planned.
Na Yeon-seong looked a bit thrown by me juggling the kids in one arm and a pile of chicken in the other, but he didn't show it.
His perceptiveness had always impressed me.
“Wait here. I'll just drop this off and be right back.”
I parked him a good distance from my sister's place.
He accepted without complaint. I headed home alone.
Sister was still buried in her studies. I handed the chicken and kids to her and Snow.
Take care of the kids.
Snacks for you two.
I have business—gotta go.
Snow grabbed me as I turned to leave.
Had she sensed something?
I said nothing as she followed quietly.
With Lisa next, having Snow along felt safer.
I didn't trust myself to handle the aftermath alone if I went without a word.
We rejoined Na Yeon-seong, who waited with a car—must've called in a subordinate.
He gasped involuntarily at his first look at Snow.
“...And this is...?”
“My wife.”
“...No wonder you resisted the boss's charms so easily. She never stood a chance.”
I chuckled at Na Yeon-seong nodding our way.
Snow's beauty was overwhelming enough to force even a loyal subordinate's admission.
Original nine-tailed fox material, after all.
Na Yeon-seong, still stunned by Snow, led us to Lisa's hideout.
I'd pictured some deep mountain lair, but the car headed downtown—right into the heart of the city.
A famously luxurious hotel. A suite, no less.
...Hardly a spot for someone dodging pursuit, right?
Na Yeon-seong explained quietly at my dubious look.
The darkest spot is under the lamp, he said.
Hiding in plain sight was safer.
If spotted, the fame of the hotel would make attackers hesitate.
Buy plenty of escape time.
I tuned out midway—just accept it if they said so.
Finally, face-to-face with Lisa.
Na Yeon-seong stood guard outside as Snow and I entered.
She lounged on the sofa, expecting us.
She shot up at our approach.
Her face looked gaunt compared to last time.
Even in luxury, the stress had worn her down.
As I studied her, she rushed over, arms wide like she'd hug me any second.
Normally, I'd dodge, but her haggard look tugged at me.
Maybe indulge her once, for comfort...
Snow moved in a flash, wedging between us. Lisa froze mid-stride.
The two women locked eyes.
“...Who might you be, interrupting our touching reunion?”
“'Tis rather a question for this lady. Who art thou, shameless vixen, daring to fling thyself at my husband?”
“......”
“......”
Silence hung between them.
Then their cold gazes turned to me. I averted mine wordlessly.
Snow's glare was too sharp.
I hadn't done anything.
Still, Snow—your Korean's fluent already? Perfect pronunciation, beyond reproach.
“...So, who are you, really?”
“Hmph. Need it spelled out? Can't you see I'm his wife?”
Snow linked arms with me. Lisa's eyes twitched.
I nodded slowly under her stare.
“I mentioned a wife and daughter before.”
“...I thought that was just your kink... It was real?”
“...Not a kink.”
Lisa smacked her lips at my firm tone.
She eyed us oddly, then sighed softly.
“A guy I actually liked, after all this time...”
“...My apologies.”
“...No need from you. Makes me feel worse.”
She glanced at Snow, who met her gaze with a leisurely smile.
Lisa paused, then spoke.
“Mind if I call you sis from now on?”
“...What?”
“Second wife is fine by me. I'll serve you as big sis. Or queen sis?”
Even Snow faltered at Lisa's calm offer.
A crack split her poised expression.
Before she could lunge, I cut in.
“Enough joking.”
“Not a joke?”
“......”
Lisa chuckled.
Gaunt or not, she was the same old Lisa.
Worrying was pointless.
“So, care to talk business? What happened in the last half-year? How'd it come to this?”
I steered to the point before the banter dragged on.
Lisa rubbed her forehead with a groan.
“Not that weird, really. We just got crushed. By power stronger than ours.”
“...The hunters who crossed over, huh.”
“Yeah. SA-rank ones.”
“China and Japan?”
“Spot on. Two from Japan, one from China. Aiming to dominate the underworld. Foothold to swallow Korean hunters whole.”
She pulled a cigar from her pocket casually.
Glanced at Snow, who nodded from our linked arms.
Lisa lit up without hesitation.
“It started after you killed Charlotte.”
“Hm?”
“Chaos erupted back home post-Charlotte. Government, Association—too busy shaking internally to check foreign ambitions.”
“...My fault?”
“Less blame, more fact.”
She exhaled lightly, eyeing Snow.
“She looks insanely strong. SA like you?”
“No.”
“...S then? Seems too strong for that...”
“SS.”
Her cigar dropped.
Ashes scattered across the table, but she ignored it.
“Lie, right?”
“Why lie about this?”
“...Oh my god... Married power couple? Wife's SS-rank? One of only three left in the world?”
I nodded at her shocked face.
Realization hit; her jaw dropped.
“...Gotta call you sis for real... What's your name, sis?”
Her tone shifted from prickly to friendly, almost coquettish.
Snow replied calmly.
“Snow.”
“...Alias couple? Snow fits the white hair, though...”
She glanced between us, sighed.
“Mine's fake too, so no complaints. Snow sis it is?”
“Call me what you will. So long as you keep away from my husband, vixen.”
“...Hmm... Still a no? Second's fine, really—won't you allow it, sis?”
Snow stared icily, like an ice storm brewing.
Lisa yielded first.
“...Scary sis.”
She sighed softly, turning to me.
“Thanks for coming. Thought you'd ignore us... Yesterday's rampage was for us?”
“I owe you and Na Yeon-seong, big and small.”
“...Thanks.”
She murmured weakly, uncharacteristically.
I met her eyes, then spoke evenly.
“So, what's next? Not planning to hide forever?”
“Used to have no choice against those SA-ranks. But now...”
Her eyes sparkled, gloom gone.
“Won't ask for free help. Formal request to you who beat Charlotte—and Snow. Help me.”
She bowed.
Snow glanced my way.
I nodded after a beat.
“Compensation will be generous.”
“Of course—business is business. You won't be disappointed.”
I nodded again at her confident grin.
The deal was sealed.