Chapter 148
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 148
Yoo Seong-un knew Bisabeol’s tastes inside and out.
'He likes dry, selfish people.'
He preferred talents who were extremely individualistic, yet fundamentally diligent and competent. The kind of people who, if they saw someone die right in front of them, would think, ‘Ah, what a pity. Thank goodness it wasn’t me.’ Yet, they still possessed just enough decency and conscience to function in society. Those were the people Bisabeol collected.
'In that sense, someone like Ju-hyeon is the complete opposite of what Bisabeol looks for.'
In truth, Seong-un only knew the type of person the Guild Master liked to acquire. He had no idea what kind of people Bisabeol actively disliked or how he treated them. It made sense, really; if they didn’t suit his taste, he wouldn’t bother collecting them in the first place.
And now, in the present moment…
“…”
“…”
A silence straight from the depths of hell descended upon the room, and Yoo Seong-un couldn’t stop himself from wringing his hands.
'Someone, please say something.'
Caught between Bisabeol and Ju-hyeon, Seong-un felt like he was shriveling into nothing.
'I knew Bisabeol could be sarcastic, and I figured Ju-hyeon wouldn’t be his type, but this…'
Bisabeol looked at Ju-hyeon with an expression of genuine, undiluted loathing.
Though a smile was plastered on his face, his lips were twisted into a sneer. This wasn’t his usual sly, serpentine smile that never wavered. His eyes were cold, and his gaze was arrogant and utterly uncooperative. Seong-un had never seen the Guild Master look at anyone this way before.
'And this guy, too…'
Ju-hyeon wasn’t exactly behaving normally, either.
He wasn’t even attempting to smile. Ju-hyeon usually projected an amiable and diligent aura, but for some reason, he had dropped all pretense of politeness in front of Bisabeol. His narrowed eyes held nothing but blatant contempt for the Guild Master.
'Why on earth?'
They had literally just met.
'You haven’t even exchanged a single word yet!'
Seong-un could never have imagined this suffocating atmosphere when he’d taken custody of Ju-hyeon from Gio. The man he had chatted with on the way to the meeting room had been incredibly gentle and easygoing.
“…”
“…”
“…Excuse me,” Yoo Seong-un finally broke, unable to bear it any longer.
“Could one of you please say something?”
Stop making me so damn uncomfortable, he screamed internally.
Whether they sensed Seong-un’s desperation or simply decided their silent war was over, both men instantly wiped their expressions clean, returning to their usual personas.
“Ah, my goodness. My apologies. Ju-hyeon, your reputation precedes you, but your actual presence is so impressive that I found myself captivated. Please, forgive my rudeness.”
“Forgive you? What are you talking about, Guild Master Bisabeol? I was so nervous to meet the famous Collector that I believe I was the one who committed a discourtesy. I am truly sorry.”
Watching the two sly foxes exchange hollow pleasantries, Seong-un inwardly sighed.
'I want to go home.'
Of course, it was far too early to clock out.
“Guild Master.”
“Yes, Seong-un?”
“Should I excuse myself?”
“Now, now, don’t be like that. Please, take a seat,” Bisabeol said, gesturing with his trademark serpentine smile. “We are about to discuss ‘Seo Gio.’ Shouldn’t Curator Yoo Seong-un, the man in charge of him, be present as well?”
“If that is your wish, Guild Master. Thank you for your consideration.”
If an outsider hadn’t been present, Seong-un would have begged, ‘Please stop torturing me.’ But for the sake of the guild’s image, he had no choice but to back down. He obediently sat where Bisabeol indicated.
Finally, a proper conversation began.
“Allow me to formally introduce myself, Ju-hyeon. I am Bisabeol, the Guild Master of the Collector Guild,” Bisabeol said with a light, perfectly composed smile. “I have heard about your situation. It was quite rude of me, but I learned of it through Seong-un. I believe you have already received a basic explanation from our curator…”
“Yes, thanks to him, I also heard about ‘Gio’s Portrait.’ I was shocked to learn that the famous Black Cloak is actually one of Guild Master Bisabeol’s collectibles.”
“I apologize that this old collector has startled an innocent young man. So, the fact that you’ve come all this way to the Collector Guild… does that mean you are willing to take responsibility for Seo Gio?” Bisabeol added in a smooth, natural tone, “Ah, of course, if you find it too burdensome, you are free to decline.”
“Even if I feel the role is a heavy burden, I have no intention of declining,” Ju-hyeon replied, his words flowing just as smoothly. “I have received a great deal of help from ‘Seo Gio’ in the past. Since you are giving me a chance to repay that debt, it is a great honor for me.”
At that moment, Seong-un heard Bisabeol’s voice whisper, “At least he knows.” His lips hadn’t moved; it was ventriloquism—a private signal to let Seong-un know he was in a foul mood. The sound was pitched at a volume an ordinary person like Ju-hyeon shouldn’t have been able to hear. But…
'So what?'
To be honest, Seong-un wanted to side with Ju-hyeon. He didn’t particularly like that the man had openly glared at his boss, but Bisabeol had been the one to start the fight with his expression.
'I wish he would act his age.'
Regardless of Seong-un’s thoughts, the conversation continued.
“The ‘Gio’s Portrait,’ known to the public as the ‘Black Cloak,’ is currently registered as an A-Rank Hunter belonging to the Collector Guild. That is the identity he uses when roaming the human world.”
“And my role would be to act as the manager for ‘Hunter Seo Gio.’”
“Since Seo Gio is officially affiliated with the Collector Guild, you can think of yourself as his secretary. Your job will be to help ‘Gio’s Portrait’ blend in with humans and live his life as a Hunter without causing any friction.”
Bisabeol put on the public-facing smile the world knew so well. It carried the faint arrogance unique to S-Rank Hunters—beings closer to monsters than men—yet it was a smile that inspired trust and stability.
“As far as I know, Seo Gio introduced himself to you as an Evil God. Is that correct?”
“Yes, by the name of Arjio…” Ju-hyeon said, a gentle smile on his face. “For an Evil God, I was surprised by how incredibly kind and merciful he is.”
“That is precisely the charm of ‘Gio’s Portrait.’ He possesses thousands of different facets, but fundamentally, he is well-disposed toward humans and quite the gentleman.” As Bisabeol described Gio, his smile momentarily became genuine. He loved works of art, and he loved his own collectibles even more. He truly wished for the comfort and happiness of ‘Gio’s Portrait.’
“I understand why you were wary, having first met him as an Evil God. But if you show him goodwill, ‘Gio’s Portrait’ will surely reciprocate.”
“…There was a rumor that the Black Cloak gives gifts to good people.”
“It’s true. He genuinely likes good, polite humans. And he detests evil, impolite humans—to the point of isolating them from society entirely.” Bisabeol’s eyes curved into sly crescents. “Isn’t that a trait quite to your liking, Ju-hyeon?”
“…Haha…” Ju-hyeon returned the smile in kind. “How could I dare judge whether it is to my liking or not?”
“Ah, what humble words. Quite unlike the grand ambition you harbor.”
“I was born with nothing. I am a shabby and cowardly man.”
“Such excessive humility does not suit you, Ju-hyeon.” Bisabeol’s smile twisted. “What suits you is ravenous greed, is it not?”
“…” Ju-hyeon’s own smile deepened. “…I never expected to be called greedy by the Collector himself.”
“We simply operate in different fields, but we are both quite greedy people,” Bisabeol said, before his expression smoothed back into its public mask. “Though you probably won’t admit it. Seong-un will explain your exact duties to you.”
At that, Seong-un, who had been silent the entire time, nodded. “I will explain the details to you later.”
“Ah, thank you. I was worried about what I would have to do…”
“It won’t be difficult, so you don’t need to worry,” Seong-un assured him.
At his curator’s words, Bisabeol looked at Ju-hyeon once more. “Do you wish to join the Collector Guild?”
Ju-hyeon wore a polite smile. “No?”
“Haha! I figured as much.”
“I don’t think I’m the kind of talent that suits the Collector Guild.”
“Regrettably, that is true.”
Only Bisabeol’s ‘collectibles’ could occupy a place in the Collector Guild. In other words, it was an absurd company where one couldn’t even get hired unless they were a piece of art that caught Bisabeol’s fancy. In that sense, anyone could see that Bisabeol was wary of Ju-hyeon. Even Seong-un, who prided himself on being favored by the Guild Master, had never seen his boss react this way, which spoke volumes.
“Since you will be a secretary personally hired by Hunter Seo Gio, you don’t have to worry about taking orders from me. Just focus on obeying Seo Gio’s commands.”
“I will do so.”
“I understand things haven’t been fully settled with the Association yet, so I will pull a few strings. I’ll help you leave cleanly, without any fuss. Did you leave anything behind at your workplace? Any items you need to retrieve?”
“No, nothing.”
“Then we just need to sever your ties. Fortunately, that is not difficult for our Collector Guild. I will help settle the matter so everything is resolved without any friction.” Bisabeol then smiled and asked, “Do you have any other questions?”
“It seems to me that you have something you want to say, Guild Master.”
“Oh, my. You saw right through me.” The smile vanished from Bisabeol’s face. “I do not particularly like people like you, Ju-hyeon.” He added, “You probably feel the same way about me.”
“Humans like you chase after illusions far too seriously.”
“Chasing after such illusions could be considered the right of foolish humans.”
“Is there really a need to do something when you know it’s foolish?”
“Because those of us who don’t have a keen eye like yours, Guild Master, have to grope our way forward in the dark.”
“…As expected, I really do not like people like you.” Bisabeol muttered, beginning to toy with the rings on his fingers.
“…”
Realizing that this was a habit Bisabeol displayed when he perceived someone as an enemy, Seong-un stared quietly at Ju-hyeon. While he couldn’t fully grasp the flow of their conversation, it was clearly significant. In what way did his respected boss find this man so threatening and detestable?
'Judging by the circumstances… does he see him as someone who could harm the Work?'
Since Bisabeol hadn’t given him a specific signal, it didn’t seem like Seong-un needed to treat Ju-hyeon as an enemy just yet, but he inwardly raised his guard against the civilian researcher. He trusted Bisabeol’s eye for people.
'Indeed, a civilian who doesn’t lose his nerve even when facing an S-Rank Hunter and an A-Rank Hunter… something is off.'
Just as he was thinking there was more to Ju-hyeon than met the eye, it happened.
“—Hey.”
A long arm reached out from behind Bisabeol’s back.
“…”
“The air is heavy.”
With a clink of jewelry, the arm revealed itself, covered in all kinds of accessories. Fingers adorned with brilliant jewels came to rest, playfully and lightly, on Bisabeol’s shoulder. Seong-un’s eyes followed the arm to its owner.
Pale skin that looked as though it had never seen a ray of sunlight, a vivid smile, and hair the color of dark blood.
“You shouldn’t play tricks on a hero.”
“…”
“Instead of treating such a precious talent with respect…”
It was a portrait.
“Isn’t that right, Guild Master Bisabeol?”
A portrait that had materialized in midair, untethered to any wall.
“…”
“…”
“Those eyes.” The gazes of the two monsters met. “They belong to a dragon, don’t they?”
Bisabeol’s pupils slit vertically.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Gio’s Portrait.”
“I gladly accept your invitation.”
“My, my…” Filled with delight and greed, Bisabeol smiled. “…It is an honor.”
It was the first meeting between the Collector and the Portrait.