Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: Instinct Against Reason
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The place Lesim guided him to was another hotel not far from the Olts Hotel where Hwan-in was staying.
While the Olts Hotel bore the name of a hotel, it was merely a three-star establishment with an annex building. In contrast, the Glahhels Hotel here was a five-star luxury spot complete with expansive gardens on a vast plot of land.
Hwan-in recalled Ssa mentioning that a single night in a standard room here cost two enwha—two million won—and impassively scanned the lobby's opulent interior, which rivaled any top-tier five-star hotel back in his world.
=Welcome, Mr. Lesim.=
=I'd like to have a quiet meal with this gentleman.=
=Right this way, please.=
A woman in a black-and-white uniform for staff bowed slightly and led the way. From this, Hwan-in could tell his hunch about Lesim was spot on, even without looking at him.
The effortless way she handled a subordinate like that could only come from someone raised in such an environment from a young age.
Hwan-in stared at Lesim's back, where his refined bearing betrayed his noble upbringing.
'Not a request for defense technique lessons, then.'
His doubts deepened.
It didn't seem like Lesim had orchestrated this situation just to deceive him. Someone with the wealth to stay at a place like this and the privilege to command underlings could easily hire skilled companions or instructors.
'Neither the Ho Tribe nor the High Tribe knows I'm a Soul Shaman, and it's not related to Haien Jod.'
With no guesses coming to mind, he even wondered if they wanted to recruit him as a mere porter.
But that seemed unlikely. They wouldn't bring him to a high-end hotel like this just for a porter.
Guided into a room with one entire wall made of glass, Hwan-in glanced once at the garden visible outside before taking his seat and wiping his hands with a lukewarm wet towel.
He knew Lesim was watching him closely but ignored it, instead recalling the etiquette of fine dining as he moved.
Moments later, two women in waitress attire entered with menus.
Nine courses listed on luxurious leather plates.
Each course detailed various dishes, but Hwan-in simply asked the approaching server if the main dish of the day was fish or meat. Upon hearing it was a greasy fish dish, he ordered a light white wine not aged in oak barrels, leaving the rest to the chef's recommendation.
=Any foods you can't eat?=
"None."
=Order received.=
While Hwan-in wrapped up his order simply, Lesim fussed over each item with specific requests, spending a full ten minutes on it before flashing an awkward smile and offering an excuse that wasn't quite one.
=Sorry for the embarrassing display. For some reason, I get picky about my tastes in places like this.=
"I understand. When you're eating anyway, it's only human instinct to want something delicious."
=Uh... ah, um. R-right. Even for one meal, you'd want it to be tasty...=
Hwan-in's casual reply seemed to strike Lesim deeply; he looked profoundly moved.
Hwan-in inwardly chuckled at the idea of someone getting emotional over such a trivial thing when Lesim realized his own reaction and asked with an embarrassed laugh.
=By the way, your order was so straightforward. Why leave everything to the chef's recommendation?=
"Chefs are people too, masters of their craft in the realm of cuisine. Even with the same order, you'll get similar yet different dishes—or different yet similar ones—depending on the person. Once I realized that, my mindset shifted. I started wondering what dish this chef would recommend, or which one they'd be most proud of."
=Ahh...=
"Since I don't have any foods I avoid, it's a bit of a game. For those with dietary restrictions, it's impossible, but there's a small sense of superiority in ordering the restaurants' hidden gems."
=Oh... But don't chefs strive for consistent quality on the same dishes? The menu shows the courses are fixed, too.=
Hwan-in gave a small smile.
"Etiquette varies by counterpart and situation. Even with the same counterpart and situation, there are times when a different approach is needed."
Then, pointing at Lesim with a finger before pointing at himself, Hwan-in watched as Lesim's eyes widened—his mouth even slightly agape.
It was just a simple observation that dishes could vary by time and place, nothing profound. But to Lesim, influenced by the Forer effect from his own experiences, it felt like another truth.
'Still young, so he gets surprised by the smallest things.'
Lesim ate his precisely prepared course as requested, devoting his full attention to the man before him.
'No doubt about it. Not of common birth. Not our tribe's table manners, but refined and elegant ones befitting the elite, insightful conversation, and martial prowess that subdued a rank-5 warrior with skill alone.'
To find a suitable escort matching the status of the one she served, Lesim had been visiting the Haiyern Advanced Dojo for days when he witnessed an exotic-looking man flawlessly overpower the dojo master's son through technique alone.
The man's skill was so impressive that his status as an unawakened ordinary person barely registered.
Someone whose technical prowess might even surpass his own still-novice self—or even his master's.
And after felling the dojo master's son, he offered a brief lesson without a trace of arrogance or conceit—a true gentleman.
Not one to boast afterward, either; the innate quality of a master martial artist.
Had the man been of the Lukrang Tribe, Lesim would have assumed he was some High Tribe scion he didn't know.
But he was of an appearance unlike the four great tribes or seven great sub-races—unconnected to the High Tribe.
In a situation where he needed someone of high status who could avoid drawing attention, while upholding her dignity and decorum, this man fit Lesim's criteria perfectly.
Lesim scoured the city for him. In the brief moment he'd taken to gather his thoughts, the man had left the dojo with his group and vanished.
Investigating the spear warrior who'd accompanied him that day yielded his name, and info that he'd obtained an official ID from the administration office.
He'd also heard the man had hunted an urger in the wilds.
With his skills confirmed ample, all that remained was to meet and make the formal request...
'But he's nowhere to be found. Why?'
He couldn't locate the man. Despite his distinctive exotic looks, no one in the central district knew him.
The black hooded cloak he wore was a trendy brand item in the city, making it hard to pinpoint by that alone.
Eventually, Lesim visited the spear warrior named Brillit but couldn't reveal her identity due to her current position, earning outright suspicion and failing his goal.
Lesim didn't give up.
Unable to mobilize people while hiding his identity, he tirelessly roamed, inquiring about the man's description everywhere.
Thus, ten days passed fruitlessly, forcing Lesim to abandon the search.
'He might have already left for another city.'
Disheartened, Lesim resumed his hunt for alternatives, but finding someone matching his standards seemed impossible.
Having seen someone far exceeding them already made him even pickier.
'Skilled but rude, or polite but unskilled...'
He couldn't compromise on either.
He didn't want a brute causing trouble for the young lady, nor a weakling leaving her in danger.
As time slipped away and despair crept in that he might fail her wish, while scouting the labyrinth barracks, Lesim heard a commotion from a tavern and spotted the man's back amid the crowd.
'That's him!'
Heart racing, Lesim approached cautiously without showing his urgency.
His polite request fortunately secured this meal, and confirming the man's unexpectedly fine character, Lesim resolved inwardly.
If not him, he'd have to abandon the young lady's labyrinth expedition.
'Time's short. For her wish, I must secure him as escort.'
"So, what did you want to discuss with me?"
As the courses ended and Hwan-in sipped the minty yellow-green after-dinner tea, Lesim set down his cup, placed his hands on his knees, and spoke gravely.
=I'd like to request you as labyrinth escort, Mr. Hwan-in.=
"..."
Lesim sensed the expression drain from Hwan-in's face and hurriedly continued.
=Just me and one other. Your role would be protecting that one person in the labyrinth. Pay is one gold coin upfront, nine more upon completion. Just bring your own gear.=
About to refuse outright, Hwan-in paused at the staggering fee and stared at Lesim before speaking.
"Just escort duty?"
=Yes. We'll provide all recovery potions, disease cures, antidotes, and other supplies. With your skill in easily felling a rank-5 warrior, I believe you're more than capable in the lightless labyrinth. I know my explanation is lacking, but I promise it's not dangerous.=
"...Do you know the average fee for a one-time labyrinth escort by a rank-4 professional is around three yellow enwha?"
=I do. But though you're jobless, I judge your skill sufficient to conquer the lightless labyrinth on technique alone.=
Hwan-in closed his eyes, pretending to think, then asked.
"With enough money, the administration office can refer trusted high-rank adventurers or explorers. Ten gold coins could hire three rank-5 professionals depending on duration. I don't understand why you'd choose me specifically."
He said he didn't understand, but Hwan-in had already pieced together the rough circumstances.
A young jobber boy reeking of highborn privilege.
One who'd vetted skill and manners so thoroughly to secure an escort.
Approaching him after recalling an incident from half a month ago.
Ignoring the verified referral system for massive sums to personally recruit.
The administration's referral system shares requests across cities by rank, recording client and contractor info.
All pointing to a noble scion wanting a commoner's labyrinth experience without revealing identity.
And Lesim as their protector/attendant.
Confident in his deduction, Hwan-in probed to gauge Lesim's reaction.
"Not dangerous, but possibly illegal."
As expected... Lesim sighed softly and replied.
=I swear on Beast God Himself—nothing illegal or unlawful, nor harmful to you. What I seek is someone polite and skilled, whom I can part with smiling after. I roamed Wayford a month and found no one else fitting.=
"Sounds like you investigated me."
=...I won't deny it. After first seeing you at Haiyern Advanced Dojo, I searched tirelessly.=
Bingo. And Lesim looked ready to give up cleanly if refused. Hwan-in smiled faintly.
"A young lady making such a pushy request is quite troubling."
=Really...?!=
Lesim's wolf ears bristled down to the finest fur in shock; Hwan-in lifted his teacup to savor the aroma.
'Lovely minty scent.'
=H-how? How did you... know?=
Hwan-in's cup rattled against the saucer from Lesim's trembling hands. After swirling and swallowing a sip, Hwan-in answered.
Any longer, and suspicion might turn to attack.
"No enemies here, so relax. I pieced it from the info you let slip during our talk."
Now Lesim's pupils shook wildly, face screaming 'Did I drop that many hints? Impossible.'
Hwan-in listed his deductions; Lesim propped elbows on the table, covering his eyes. No proud young wolf remained—just a scolded puppy.
"And offering ten gold coins sealed it."
=Well, anything less and you'd refuse... But wait, what evidence pointed to a young lady? How'd you know I'm serving one?=
"Lesim, you need to study the world more."
=...Am I that naive?=
"Only study can bridge the gap in experience."
=...=
A non-answer, but Lesim accepted it. He was crestfallen realizing his sloppy actions had exposed her status.
What now? Cancel and leave? No—I've shown my face and name; with his insight, he could trace her anyway.
Oh no. Her reputation...
'It's all plain on his face.'
Reading Lesim's turmoil before it darkened further, Hwan-in tapped the table twice.
=...?=
"Here's the deal. I won't pry further into you or your young lady's identity. As for the escort, I'll accept after meeting the principal—around ten days from now, if that's fine."
=R-really?=
"I swear on Beast God's name. I'm not so idle as to dig into your backgrounds myself."
In this world, oaths on gods—known to exist—carried the utmost weight. Breaking one invited pursuit by the faith's punitive knights for defiling the divine name.
Coerced oaths held no power; only voluntary ones, like theirs, did.
Relieved by the divine oath, Lesim grew curious about Hwan-in's job but prioritized the response.
=Thank you for your consideration. And Mr. Hwan-in... may I ask why the ten-day grace period?=
"First, explaining why I want to meet the principal: One, I'm not saintly enough to guard a spoiled noblewoman. Two, my maid is training at the local vocational institute; her course ends in seven days. She's a sword warrior, by the way."
=...Not a consort, but a maid? Are you perhaps from provincial nobility...?=
"No. Anyway, it's good news for you—better to have a woman for close protection of a lady."
=Ah, y-yes. That would be appreciated. And she's no rude, pathetic noble miss, so rest easy.=
Who knew.
"Go back, consult her, and if she agrees, contact me at Olts Hotel. We'll settle details and contract then."
=Understood.=
Conquering the lightless labyrinth took experts about eight days, novices around fifteen.
Escort for fifteen days netting ten gold—ten billion? Worth it.
Hwan-in's funds: roughly eighteen unified gold coins and eight yellow enwha.
Eighteen billion eight million—a fortune, yet meager for elite living standards.
Olts Hotel alone: 200 days' stay equaled one gold. For two: one enwha daily, three-plus gold yearly.
Quality gear drained gold per piece; protective magic devices started at ten gold.
'I'd enter the labyrinth once Isilite's out anyway. If it earns money too, best take the job.'
As long as the lady's temperament was decent.