Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: Chapter 9 - Market
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"One skewer of grilled chicken... no, make it two, please."
"Sure thing, just a moment."
I wandered through the market until I spotted a cart with flashy lights in the back and placed my order for skewers.
The distinctive aroma of grilling meat mingled with spices, teasing my nose and making my mouth water.
"You're getting two to eat?"
"No?"
"Then why order two?"
"One's for you."
"Oh my."
Yeo So-cheon, cloaked in the Bloodstained Cloak to hide her striking blue hair, flashed a pleased smile.
"You didn't even ask, but you ordered one for me too. Treating your soon-to-be wife so sweetly..."
"Here you go, sir."
"I'll handle the payment."
"Yes, sir."
"Huh?"
I took the two chicken skewers in each hand, left the payment to Yeo So-cheon, and moved on to browse the market further.
It happened to be market day, so there were noticeably more stalls than usual.
-Nom nom
The freshly bought chicken skewer was every bit as delicious as it smelled.
Perfectly grilled—not burnt, but tender and crispy at the same time—with seasoning that was just right, not overpowering.
'Next, maybe some veggies...'
"I was actually touched for a second, and that's how you repay me?! Why make me pay and just wander off?!"
"Don't yell. Just eat this."
"Mmph."
I carefully fed her the untouched skewer from my other hand.
"It's good once you try it."
"...Mmph mmph."
"Eat first, then talk."
"..."
-Munch munch
Luckily, Yeo So-cheon seemed to like the skewer too.
Despite her personality, her youthful appearance made her silently munching away look surprisingly cute.
Of course, thinking about her temperament chased away any such notions in an instant.
"...What? Why are you staring like that?"
"Nothing. You're cute, that's all."
"Hah, flattery won't work on me now."
With that, Yeo So-cheon turned her head aside and fanned her hand dramatically.
"And sure, it's not that expensive, and yeah, I've got more money than you, but shoving the bill on me and walking off first? That's a bit much, don't you think?"
"I didn't bring my wallet."
"Don't people usually say that before heading to the market?!"
"We're basically married anyway. My money's mine, your money's mine—what's the big deal?"
"...I must have misheard that."
"Just your imagination."
I handed her my half-eaten skewer after she finished hers and glanced around.
"Thirsty? Want me to grab you something to drink?"
"Liquor?"
"...What else would I get you to drink?"
"Come on, you're joking."
As much as I loved my booze, I wasn't bold enough to come home reeking of alcohol when Dang Ayoung was already glaring daggers, waiting for me after our late-night romp.
Sex was one thing, but booze on top of that?
'I'm dead meat today...'
"Just drink some water like a good girl. She said something about you being dehydrated."
"Fine..."
I unscrewed the water bottle she'd bought and took a swig.
-Gulp gulp
"Ahh... mmm..."
Oh, that hits the spot.
The cool water filling my mouth and sliding down my throat felt divine.
Having been so parched earlier, it tasted like nectar from the heavens.
"Hah..."
Not wanting to spill a drop, I even sucked straight from the bottle's mouth.
-Gulp
Thirst had me so focused that my other senses dulled, like a martial artist's trance.
Once the dryness eased,
"Pah..."
I pulled the bottle away and exhaled deeply.
Fresh oxygen sharpened my mind, and my senses returned.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...What the hell."
The bustling market noise had vanished; everyone's eyes were locked on me.
For a split second, I wondered what I'd done wrong.
Yeo So-cheon broke the silence.
"What are you all staring at?! Show's over! Mind your own business!"
-Gasp!
"S-sorry."
"R-right away."
Her shout scattered the crowd along with their stares.
"You... ugh, really..."
"...What happened?"
"I hope you're not seriously asking."
...Hmm.
'Did I slurp the water too loudly or something?'
That was the only thing that came to mind.
I didn't think I'd made noise, but drinking was all I'd done.
"...Forget it. That clueless look on your face says it all."
"I'm wearing a hat right now, you know?"
"I can tell even without seeing your face."
She could read my expression even with my face hidden?
And worse, she was spot on. Infuriating.
"...Want some water? A little left."
"...You want me to drink that?"
-Drip
I glanced down at the bottle I'd drunk from.
Why the reaction?
'Oh.'
Right—indirect kiss.
Even I could pick up on that one.
"On second thought, might be awkward. Forget I offered..."
"No, give it here! Hand it over!"
-Snatch!
She yanked it from my hand.
'Wasn't awkward after all?'
Thought she hated the idea, but guess not.
Anyway.
-Slurp slurp
"...Why does it taste kinda sweet?"
"Ah, wanna grab some tanghulu?"
"Dessert now?"
Her comment about sweetness suddenly had me craving dessert, so I started hunting for tanghulu.
"Looks like people over there are carrying some—probably that way."
"Let's head there, then."
Weaving through the crowd, I realized I was holding Yeo So-cheon's arm naturally.
She noticed too and lifted her arm.
"Say, how do we look to others right now? Our outfits match, after all."
Now that I noticed, she looked pretty excited.
Enjoying our market stroll together, maybe.
Come to think of it, this might be her first real date.
'Should probably take her out more often beforehand.'
Get her hooked, and she'll drag herself out of the house next time.
Seemed like a plan.
As for her question about how we looked...
"...Like kids sneaking out to the market without their parents."
"..."
I answered realistically.
My cloak hid my build decently, but next to Yeo So-cheon, my not-so-tall stature was obvious.
Hers wasn't a special cloak like mine.
"We couldn't pass for a married couple or lovers?"
"At this height?"
I raised my hand above my head, gesturing between us.
Did the gesture hit hard?
"Urgh... Unlike you, I could totally pass for an adult!"
She straightened up, puffing out her chest.
...Fair point.
Standing tall, the curves under her cloak made her seem petite but grown-up.
"And don't forget—I'm taller than you!"
"Don't brag about a thumbnail's difference."
"Hah! Even a little taller is still taller!"
"...Tch."
If I'd possessed this frail body back then, she wouldn't have a comeback.
Back on Earth, I...
'...Can't remember again.'
Trying to recall Earth details felt like fog in my brain—nothing clear.
Surface memories and knowledge popped up fine, confirming I was from there...
'Just faded with time, I guess.'
Not important now, so I let it go.
No going home till 10,000 points anyway.
And even if I hit that with three wives locked in, ditching them for Earth solo? Nah.
...For now, focus on the blue-haired kid beside me and Dang Ayoung waiting at home.
We walked on and found a tanghulu stall. Bought two with her money again, one each.
-Lick
-Lick
Two short kids side by side, licking candy.
No way anyone mistakes us for a couple.
I got some dumplings for Dang Ayoung too. Stamina recovered a bit...
'Shouldn't die...'
-Lick
Sugar to the brain, forcing optimism.
High chance bitter poison comes through these lips later anyway.
-Shiver
Scenes flashing in my head already had me trembling.
"That scared? Want help?"
"How?"
"What's so hard? A word from me to Poison Phoenix, and she won't touch you."
"..."
She didn't say it outright, but I got the gist.
Dang Ayoung couldn't match her in force or status.
If Yeo So-cheon wanted, she could rein her in.
"...Nah, I'm good."
Poor Dang Ayoung otherwise.
Not going that far.
-Lick
"Figured you'd say that."
"Then why ask?"
"You were shaking so much, thought you were really scared. As if everyone's buying your fake fear while you're secretly looking forward to it."
"...Who said I'm looking forward to anything..."
-Thud!
Yeo So-cheon slammed a hand on the wall beside me.
Our heights matched, so her face was right there at eye level.
"Not looking forward to it, really?"
"...To what?"
"You love when a girl pins you like this."
-Slide
Her finger brushed my lips as she spoke.
Her blue hair, shimmering mysteriously inside the cloak, made her look otherworldly.
I couldn't even think to stop her face drawing slowly closer...
-Crash!
-Boom!
-Slash!
"Kyaaah!"
"Aaaah!"
"Everyone, get out of the way!!!"
"..."
"..."
"...We should hurry and check it out."
-Grimace
Noise from nearby—martial artists brawling. Seeing Yeo So-cheon's disappointed expression as we walked away, I thought:
Today's digging at least two graves.