Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Adaptation (3)
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Eventually, leaving Seo Yu-ju's urgent cries behind, I finished up my work and approached Wi Ho-yeon.
"Ho-yeon-ssi. Shall we head out now?"
"Ah... Sure."
'Truth be told, drinking with this woman doesn't exactly appeal to me...'
There was no helping it. To truly understand someone else, you need an honest conversation. And nothing loosens people up like alcohol.
Of course, the strong could circulate their mana through their channels to shake off any intoxication, but doing so in a setting like this would be unnecessary—and poor manners.
We left the clan house and strolled down the street as I struck up a conversation with Wi Ho-yeon.
"Ho-yeon-ssi, have you ever been to Rund before?"
"...No. This is my first time, joining the Eternity Clan."
"I see. If you get some time later, take a leisurely tour. Rund has more entertainment and food spots than you'd think."
"Understood."
"Hmm... More importantly, don't you ever wear casual clothes?"
I asked because she was dressed in martial attire, sword at her side—not civilian garb.
'Well, martial clothes are comfy, sure...'
"I'm your bodyguard, Lee Yun-seong-ssi. I need to be ready for any situation at all times."
'Fair point, but...'
Truthfully, her attitude worked in my favor. I didn't think anyone would try to assassinate me, but you never know with the world.
'Who knows, some lunatic might come at me out of nowhere...'
Running out of small talk, we walked on in silence until we reached our destination.
"This place...?"
"Oh, just a regular bar. 'Regular' might be underselling it price-wise, but I'll cover it."
"No need for that... I'll pay my share."
I waved her off and spoke up.
"Nah, don't worry about it. Sounds arrogant, I know, but I've got plenty of money."
Wi Ho-yeon nodded reluctantly.
"In that case... alright."
Ding-a-ling—
"Welcome."
As we entered the bar, eyes swarmed to Wi Ho-yeon. Her looks were part of it, but armed like that? Not the usual for a spot like this.
We took seats, and a server approached.
"What can I get for you folks?"
"Hmm... this one. What about you, Ho-yeon-ssi?"
"...Same as Lee Yun-seong-ssi."
"There you go. And wine with that, please."
"Got it. Give us a moment; it'll be right out."
With the server gone, snippets of nearby chatter drifted over as people glanced our way.
"Isn't that woman the Sword Empress?"
"Yeah, Sword Empress. Heard she settled in Rund recently..."
"So the guy... Eternity Clan?"
'...She's got quite the reputation.'
Even in a Rund wine bar, unaffiliated with the Eastern Alliance—people recognized her.
Lost in their talk for a moment, Wi Ho-yeon spoke up.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"Oh, sure. Go ahead. No need to ask permission—we're clanmates, right?"
"Yes... Why this place instead of the clan's wine bar...?"
'That's her question, huh.'
From her perspective, it made sense to wonder. No need to spend big here when the clan had its own spot.
'Reason? Clanmates might show up there.'
I'd picked this place deliberately for a private chat with her.
I needed insight into her mindset and values. Topics we were about to touch on weren't clan-appropriate.
"Hmm... Call it wanting to treat a new comrade right. Or does this spot not suit you?"
"No, it's just... I'm not used to places like this."
'Yeah, she doesn't seem the type.'
Her vibe screamed "not a barfly."
"Haha... I'm no regular either. Just experience. The more spots you try, the better, right?"
I wasn't used to it myself, but it didn't faze me.
'Observe others, mimic. Easy.'
Menu was a safe pick; etiquette? Copy the crowd.
"...I see."
'Hmm... Misunderstanding something?'
Her expression looked hesitant, like she wondered if I was hitting on her.
A chuckle slipped out. Understandable—given her looks, she'd dealt with it plenty. And as her sort-of superior in the clan, if true, it'd complicate things.
Especially since she owed Seo Yu-ju big, prompting her deference.
'Sure, she's my type looks-wise...'
I'm no idiot drooling over every pretty face.
My laugh must've tipped her, as she spoke first.
"...Something wrong? You laughed suddenly..."
"Ah, no... Just guessed what you were thinking."
"...What?"
"You might think I'm making a move. No worries—nothing like that."
Caught out, her face flushed red.
"..... Sorry."
'Not great at hiding emotions.'
"No need to apologize. The situation's ripe for misunderstanding."
As we chatted, our order arrived.
"Here's your food."
"Thanks. Dig in, Ho-yeon-ssi."
"...Yes."
I ate casually, glancing her way—she froze, unsure.
"If you're lost, watch others and follow suit."
"Ah..."
A physical job, sure enough—she soon carved and ate like the pros.
With drinks flowing and the mood right for deeper talk, I dove in.
"The reason I wanted to talk... It's about you as my bodyguard. Got something to say on that."
"...The bodyguard thing?"
"Yes. And sorry about this morning. I vented to Yu-ju-ssi 'cause it felt burdensome, but she misunderstood."
"Don't worry about it. I think I messed up."
'Ugh... Here we go again.'
Everything's her fault. No convo starters there.
"Sigh... Like I said then, you did nothing wrong. Yu-ju-ssi just misread my words."
"....."
"You'll get why I find bodyguards burdensome as we talk. It's not you, or any fault of yours."
"...Got it. Understood."
"Good. One question: What kind of personality do I seem to have?"
"Personality...? What do you mean?"
"Not literally rational or whatever. Just how do I come off? Temperament, that sort of thing."
Before diving deep, gauge her impression.
Lies possible, sure—but face-to-face, tipsy? Gestures, expressions betray truth.
Humans leak subconscious signals nonstop.
'Strength doesn't cover psychology.'
"...Honestly? Warm to those close, cold to outsiders when needed."
"Spot on. More detail? No pressure—no downsides for you."
".... Hope it doesn't offend. Kind and soft with inner circle... but ruthless or detached to others if required. Though polite normally."
'Sharp insight. Nailed it quick.'
Impressive for short time together.
"Exactly. Details would drag; that's the gist."
Suddenly pitied Seo Yu-ju. Wi Ho-yeon got me this well already; she still saw me as a naive herbivore.
"Like you said, I can be ruthless if needed—for myself, clan, party. Even if it wrecks others."
"....."
Topic turned heavy; she looked uneasy.
But she had to hear me out. To set my stance toward her.
Accept the guard... or...
'...Risk misunderstanding and refuse.'
"Your take on crime and illegality?"
"...Crime and illegal acts?"
"Yeah. Say someone attacks me first—I don't sweat laws much. Not saying I'm a lawless thug."
Mentioning outlaws sparked killing intent in her eyes.
Reason I brought it up?
'Her status window has "Outlaw Hater" title.'
Couldn't have her meddling later. I'd hide what needed hiding from her, but needed to know if she'd interfere.
"I..."
"....."
"I hate outlaws. Sorry, personal reasons—don't ask. What I mean is... I can't forgive direct crimes, illegal or not."
'Bit ambiguous.'
"Hmm... I see."
Not ideal. Hoped for indifference, but a non-psycho wouldn't say that.
'No choice. Lay it out, backpedal if bad reaction.'
"Reason I resisted a bodyguard... I don't plan to stick to legal only."
"...What do you mean?"
'Your reaction?'
"Our clan's small now, but I see it growing huge. Definitely."
Not arrogance. With Seo Yu-ju? Set in stone.
"Then... pure legality hits limits."
".... I get it. Ex-big clan member here—know what you mean."
"That's why no bodyguard. Also, if they hit me or mine? I hit back tenfold. No sitting pretty for the law."
"......"
"Your answer now."
I waited, tense. She's beyond me strength-wise, key clan asset.
Didn't want to lose her.
Long silence, then:
".... I can accept that."
'Phew.'
"Clan Master's order... Serve you devotedly. More than her."
'Really dodged a bullet.'
"Unless you're acting like outlaws—which you're not—I'll follow your lead. That's my answer."
"Haha... Great. Here's to us, Ho-yeon-ssi? Cheers?"
"...Yes."
No need to sideline her. True relief.