Is That the Best? Are You Sure?
Park Secretary came rushing over at Yujin's call. No idea where he'd been, but arriving this fast? As expected of a pro secretary—there's definitely something different about him.
For now, he'd told the slime trapped in his soul to shut up. An outcast like him couldn't handle communicating with two people at once anyway.
“You called, young master?”
Park Secretary eyed Younghee, who was sleeping under the blanket, with a peculiar gaze.
“Something came up.”
Hmm, banmal with an adult still felt awkward. For Yujin, raised in the land of propriety, the chaebol heir's speech patterns were a bit overwhelming.
“It's a long story to explain—”
“No need.”
As Yujin started to lay it out, Park Secretary cut in first.
“You don't have to tell me every detail. I just follow your orders, young master.”
No, I wish you'd hear me out. He'd wracked his brain, firing up his imagination to craft a perfectly plausible excuse. It was airtight—anyone would buy it. He'd squeezed his head so hard to make it.
But if he says it's unnecessary, it'd be ridiculous to push.
Outcasts like him missed their window to speak once and struggled to get the words out later. How to kick off a topic and steer it where he wanted? Whatever—as long as the guy got the gist, it was fine. He'd tuck that story away for a rainy day.
“Anyway, as you can see, that's the situation. I need to borrow a car to take Younghee somewhere.”
“Where to?”
“Well—”
...Come to think of it, where did she live? He'd never asked. They weren't close enough to swap personal details like that.
And he sure as hell couldn't shake awake a passed-out girl to demand her address.
Guess I'll wait till she comes to.
Of course, leaving her sprawled on a theater seat wasn't an option. It looked comfy enough at a glance, but it was still just a table. Movie theaters were public spaces too. They had to get out of there first.
“Any decent spots nearby to crash?”
Park Secretary nodded with a confident smile.
“I know just the place. We can sort everything out there.”
Ooh, what a capable adult. Handling a total clusterfuck like this without batting an eye. So cool. Dazzling! Reliable!
“Then, if you would.”
He cleared away the pillow and blanket, then carefully hoisted Younghee onto his back.
“Nngh...”
She let out a short groan as her body shifted. She looked so at peace like this. Did she even know some freakish monster had hijacked her body earlier?
Nah, better if she doesn't remember.
Hugging it out with friends, acting all cutesy, even locking lips. Carrying those cringey memories around? She'd probably bail from sheer awkwardness. He couldn't lose a friendship he'd grinded so hard for over something this stupid.
“Young master, let me take her.”
“Nah, she's light.”
This was the body that could one-shot an ogre. If anything, he worried her tiny frame might burst.
...Uh, she would be fine, right? No screw-ups with his strength control? Better play it extra safe, just in case.
“Hmm, it's not about that, but...”
Park Secretary let out a brief groan. What was the big deal? It was just one girl.
“Heukcheon's heir piggybacking a girl might come off as undignified.”
What the hell was Heukcheon's problem anyway? Yeah, it was a big organization or whatever, but they couldn't even let him look after a friend? Screw pointless traditions like that. Who had time to sweat every little thing?
“I don't give a damn about stares like that.”
Park Secretary's eyes flashed wide.
“My apologies! I spoke out of turn.”
He bowed deeply.
Of course—the young master's words are spot on!
Park Secretary had always thought Heukcheon needed to flaunt its power to command respect. How shortsighted. True strength didn't need showboating. A male lion on the savanna roars to intimidate the weak. But an elephant? It just stands there. No one dares underestimate it.
Heukcheon wasn't strong because of its name. It was Heukcheon because it was strong.
When had he gotten so obsessed with parading might to others? Doubting his lord's choice over what others might think? In the old days, he'd have offered his head on the spot for such disloyalty!
Yujin had enlightened him with a single phrase.
The true heir of Heukcheon.
Even at his young age, he granted revelation to the likes of Park Secretary himself. He reaffirmed his vow of loyalty.
“Right away, then—I'll guide you to the car.”
“Ah, sure.”
Watching this, Yujin wore a wistful frown.
Damn, I thought we were kinda buddies, but one word and he goes full serious. Did I just pull rank?
Being in a position of power was awkward as hell. Yujin mulled it over inwardly as he followed Park Secretary.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The familiar black limousine. He laid Younghee down first, then slid in beside her, and it pulled away smoothly.
Their destination? A hotel.
“Ooh! Young master! Thank you for gracing us!”
A man in a black suit rushed up, bowing deeply. He wasn't alone—staff behind him held perfect ninety-degree bows too. Tough to count them all, but it wasn't a small crowd. Exaggerating a bit, it felt like the entire hotel staff had turned out.
“Everything's prepped as discussed?”
Park Secretary spoke down to the manager like it was nothing. The man didn't bat an eye. On paper, this was a normal hotel, but it was firmly under Heukcheon's thumb. In other words, Park Secretary was his boss's boss.
And that was underselling it. Park was the chairman's former chief of staff and the current heir's dedicated secretary. Beyond his skills, legends swirled about how he'd wiped out a rival organization in a single night. His name carried weight in the shadows.
“Of course, everything's perfect. We've cleared all guests and spotlessed every facility! We always aim to provide the utmost service.”
“You weren't planning to stick the young master in some used room, were you? Do that, and this hotel vanishes in a puff of ash tonight.”
“Perish the thought! Our suites are reserved exclusively for Heukcheon's VVIPs. Maintained spotless for your anytime arrival.”
The manager flowed seamlessly into his pitch. Park Secretary nodded, satisfied. Sudden notice or not, this was Heukcheon. The one and only heir, Young Master Yujin, no less. This treatment was par for the course.
“Young master, shall we?”
“Ah, yeah.”
Yujin, oblivious to the context, was pretty flustered. He'd just needed a spot for Younghee to crash till she woke. A hospital bed or park bench would've done. Who hauls someone to a hotel like this?
Do rich folks crash in hotels even for naps?
Made sense, though—plenty of cash meant anything went. A hotel was comfy if you could swing it. Plush beds, cozy, secure. Overkill for a quick rest, sure, but...
And what's with this reception?
Park Secretary had only called after they left—something simple like “Young master's en route.” That was maybe thirty minutes ago. And now this crowd rolling out the carpet? The perks of golden spoon life... Insanely impressive.
“Closest spot I could snag on short notice. Hope it's to your liking.”
The manager bowed again, fretting over any shortfall.
“No, it's more than enough.”
If anything, it felt excessive. The lobby gleamed like it was lit from within—pure luxury, straight out of dramas or movies. For Yujin, whose fanciest stay was a motel, it was culture shock.
No other guests around. Bright enough not to creep me out, at least.
A quick elevator ride later, guided by staff, they entered the room. Yujin let out a hollow chuckle.
Whoa, a whole world like this exists.
No joke—this single suite dwarfed his old life's apartment. The bed alone rivaled a studio. Top-shelf fixtures everywhere, not a speck of human wear. You'd swear it opened yesterday.
Who even slept in places like this? Royalty? Nobles? Then it hit him—he was here now.
The real rich world is on another level.
Using a spot like this just for a quick nap? Felt almost guilty. Anyway, he settled Younghee into the bed. So pillowy—she'd sleep like a baby. Hopefully not all night, though.
“Young master, I'll take my leave then.”
“Where'll you be?”
“Standing by in another room. Call anytime if needed.”
He almost said come with, but held back. Younghee waking up alone in a strange luxury hotel? She'd freak—probably yeet herself out a window.
Sleep tight.
She showed no signs of stirring, breathing soft and steady. Dead to the world—even a piggyback ride wouldn't wake her.
Plopping into a chair, boredom hit fast.
Hey, say something.
-Huh? Didn't you tell me to shut up?
That was for when no one's around. I'm bored—keep me company.
A beat of silence. Then the slime, like what the hell?
-What bullshit is this? Now's the busiest time, no?
Busy how?
-Man and woman alone in a hotel? Only one thing to do.
Yujin blinked, clueless. The slime yelled in exasperation.
-Pounce! Fuck her! Strip her and tease those nipples!
No, has this bastard lost his mind?