The Rose Sword's Arrival
Shortly after noon on an early afternoon, a group of people had gathered at one side of the runway at Incheon International Airport.
They were there to welcome Charlotte Michelle, the SS-rank hunter from France, whose arrival was imminent.
Among them, No Gwan-sik, the president of the Hunter Association, had come in person to greet one of the world's top hunters.
"I had a hunch, but she's really coming."
"They say Lee Ha-na was her prized disciple. Word is, in France, she was treated almost like a successor."
No Gwan-sik clicked his tongue softly at his secretary's quiet addition.
"Tch… Such a talented hunter gone too soon… But still, this is ridiculous. Dropping everything just because one disciple died? She's doing whatever she pleases."
"…At least Charlotte is on the milder side. Someone like China's 'Wang Feng' hunter is on a whole different level, from what I hear."
"…True. Even Seong Jae-myeong ten years ago was no ordinary man… She's practically a lady by comparison."
"That's exactly what they call her."
No Gwan-sik nodded grudgingly at his secretary's words, his face a touch displeased.
Having served as Hunter Association president for over thirty years, No Gwan-sik was one of those who believed hunters needed tighter reins.
As he waited for Charlotte to disembark, No Gwan-sik suddenly frowned at someone off to the side and clicked his tongue openly.
"That raccoon's here again. Doesn't miss a beat."
"…Former Prime Minister Yu Cheol-yeong."
"One of the ruling party's top presidential candidates. With the president's term winding down, it's about time he showed his face… Still, impressive. An SS-rank hunter's coming in a rage, and he doesn't run. Everyone else fled Seoul ages ago…"
Muttering to himself, No Gwan-sik clicked his tongue briefly as Yu Cheol-yeong spotted them and approached.
He switched to a genial expression in an instant.
His secretary, watching from the side, averted his gaze as if he hadn't noticed.
"Aigoo, President. Fancy meeting you here."
"Haha. Prime Minister Yu, it's been a while."
"Ha ha, I'm no prime minister anymore. Just a wanderer these days."
"Heh heh, you a wanderer? Even a passing goblin would laugh."
"Ha ha, just a figure of speech."
Ha ha ho ho—the two old foxes chatted amiably, at least on the surface, drawing a faintly queasy look from No Gwan-sik's secretary.
His eyes met those of a woman who had arrived with Yu Cheol-yeong. Startled for a moment, the secretary quickly composed himself and bowed politely.
Thankfully, the woman acknowledged the gesture calmly, without a fuss.
The secretary let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"So, what brings you here, Prime Minister Yu?"
"Ha ha, to see the famous Charlotte hunter, of course? You need at least one government rep for a state guest like this."
"Oh? Weren't you just a 'wanderer' a moment ago…?"
"Ha ha, politician and ex-prime minister first, wanderer second, right? Everyone's busy with 'various issues' these days, so a free agent like me has to step up."
"Mm…"
No Gwan-sik let out a short groan. The 'various issues' Yu Cheol-yeong had pinpointed gnawed at him.
"…Things have been a bit strange lately, true."
"Ha ha. Times like these call for you to lead the way, President. I have faith in you."
"…You'll help out plenty too, Prime Minister Yu."
"Ha ha. What can a mere wanderer do? But I'll pull some strings here and there."
No Gwan-sik clicked his tongue inwardly at Yu Cheol-yeong's affable chuckle.
He'd known the man for years, but dealing with him was never easy.
'Sly old raccoon… That silver tongue of his is something else.'
Honestly, he'd take fighting monsters in a labyrinth over chatting with politicians like this any day—a hundred times over.
Not that he was decrepit; No Gwan-sik was an SA-rank hunter himself, a veteran of over forty years.
As he bantered amiably with Yu Cheol-yeong, hiding his thoughts, No Gwan-sik's gaze fell on the woman standing beside him.
At first, he pegged her for an aide, but his seasoned hunter's eyes told a different story.
"…By the way, Prime Minister Yu, if you don't mind me asking—who's the lady beside you?"
"Ah, my apologies. Late introduction. This is my daughter, Hwa-yeong."
Come now, Hwa-yeong. Say hello.
At Yu Cheol-yeong's gentle nudge forward, his daughter Yu Hwa-yeong stepped up without protest.
"I'm Yu Hwa-yeong. It's an honor to meet you, President. I look forward to working with you."
No Gwan-sik let out a thoughtful 'hm' as she introduced herself demurely.
He scanned her swiftly with a sharp glint in his eye, then broke into a warm smile.
"Heh heh, honor's mine. Delighted to meet you, Miss Hwa-yeong. Such a beauty—you must make your father proud, Prime Minister."
"Ha ha. She's a good girl, listens well. A model daughter."
Yu Cheol-yeong gazed at Yu Hwa-yeong with evident fondness, the picture of a doting dad.
No Gwan-sik watched for a moment, then spoke as if it had just occurred to him.
"Speaking of which, don't you have a son too?"
The casual remark shattered the cheerful mood.
No Gwan-sik realized he'd stepped on a landmine.
"My son's missing."
"…Mm. Missing…? Does that mean…?"
"Yes, lost in a labyrinth."
"…Ugh. My apologies. I had no idea and brought it up…"
No Gwan-sik bit his lip at Yu Cheol-yeong's visibly darkened expression.
Even a battle-hardened veteran like him found this awkward.
As No Gwan-sik hesitated, Yu Cheol-yeong forced a 'heh heh' to lighten the air.
"I'm fine. It's been three years… He's buried in my heart now."
"…Lost in a labyrinth—your son was a hunter?"
"No. No talent for it, apparently. Worked as a porter, from what I heard. Broke my heart when I learned… Hwa-yeong took it especially hard."
No Gwan-sik's gaze shifted to Yu Hwa-yeong. She bowed her head deeply.
Her somber aura screamed profound grief.
No Gwan-sik sighed softly.
"…My condolences."
"Thank you."
The mood sank again, teetering on awkward, when—
The private jet they'd been waiting for touched down.
"…Shall we leave it there?"
"Yes… It was enlightening."
Yu Cheol-yeong and Yu Hwa-yeong departed first.
No Gwan-sik watched their retreating figures with polite bows for a moment.
Then he sighed deeply.
"My mistake."
Felt like he'd racked up a debt with that slip.
Yu Cheol-yeong probably hadn't meant it, but these things add up—you end up owing him one.
"Or maybe that raccoon planned it."
Muttering quietly, No Gwan-sik sighed again.
He hoped whatever favor Yu Cheol-yeong asked later wasn't too big.
Like backing his presidential run, say.
"More importantly, Secretary Hwang."
"Yes, President."
"See Prime Minister Yu's daughter? What'd you think?"
Hwang Seok-ho blinked in surprise at the sudden question.
"…Yes. A lovely young lady."
"Not what I asked."
"…Pardon? Then…?"
No Gwan-sik clicked his tongue at the secretary's blank stare.
"So naive… Tch… You've got a long way to go."
"…What do you mean…?"
Ignoring the question, No Gwan-sik glanced toward the pair, now blended into the security and aides.
He muttered softly.
"A hunter…"
"…Pardon? Who…? No way—the former PM's daughter?"
No Gwan-sik clicked his tongue loudly at the startled query.
"Yes, you fool. Stronger than you, even."
"How…?"
"Top A-rank at least. Give her a chance, she'll hit S-rank tomorrow…"
Hwang Seok-ho gasped quietly.
He was only B-rank himself.
"…Look into it quietly when we get back. From his reaction, even the PM might not know… Or maybe he does and pretends not."
Muttering absently, No Gwan-sik grimaced.
"Argh. Tch… Politics isn't for me. Retire after this year, maybe."
"…You say that every year."
"…How am I still here after thirty years with no one reliable? You need to grow up fast…"
No Gwan-sik eyed his secretary steadily.
Then sighed again.
Hwang Seok-ho bristled.
"What's that look, President?!"
"Argh. Tch…"
"Tell me straight!"
"Enough, kid. We're late. Let's go see the great SS-rank's face."
No Gwan-sik strode off. Grumbling, Hwang Seok-ho followed.
They halted before the crowd-packed plane.
The French flag and a red rose banner stood out sharply.
After a brief wait, a woman stepped onto the red carpet.
Dazzling blonde hair, blue eyes.
Nearing fifty, yet she looked early twenties—a stunning beauty.
One of the world's four pinnacle hunters.
France's SS-rank hunter.
The 21st century's Joan of Arc, the Rose Sword—Charlotte Michelle.
Her graceful steps exuded elegance and poise.
Not deliberate, yet she moved like a living painting.
Someone watching sighed in awe.
But unlike her beauty, her aura was ice-cold and oppressive.
A perfect lady in form, a stern sovereign in presence.
A masterful blend of opposites.
That was France's SS-rank, Charlotte Michelle.
Neither rushed nor dawdling, she finally touched Korean soil.
Flashbulbs erupted from waiting reporters; welcomers surged forward.
She scanned them indifferently and spoke softly.
"Where is my dear disciple, Ha-na?"
A voice devoid of warmth, laced with unmasked fury.
These were the first words of the SS-rank hunter stepping onto Korean soil for the first time.
* * *
Two people watched the scene live on broadcast.
"We're screwed, right?"
"Not my fault… Okay, it is, so don't take my meat."
In a barbecue joint, the Black Market boss—an S-rank hunter—sighed deeply.
Lisa's world went dark.