Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Nayeo-ju Saves the World
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Wait, what?
I haven't done anything wrong, have I?
It was while I was rolling my eyes, feeling sweat beading up and trickling down.
"Has Guild Master Kang Han adapted to that new spear he bought?"
"Huh? How did you know about that?"
"...News travels fast inside Maestro."
Well, that makes sense.
But the fact that the Justice Guild Master had picked out and bought one of his old pieces probably made it spread even faster.
That thought suddenly brought a hunch about Jeong Je-hwa's frosty attitude.
No way, really?
Even after a few exchanges, Jeong Je-hwa kept his head slightly turned, showing only half his face.
Is this guy sulking because I didn't come visit him last time?
He's the Maestro Guild Master, after all.
Jeong Je-hwa himself—sulking over something like that?
I couldn't ask outright, so I hesitated for a moment, but then he spoke in an even more monotone voice than usual.
"Unfortunately, the shield isn't finished yet."
Yup. He's definitely sulking.
"I'll contact you once it's done, so come back then..."
"I'm not here for the shield."
I cut him off before he could dig himself deeper into sulk mode.
"I had some business at Maestro, and before heading upstairs, I thought of you and came down on purpose."
Jeong Je-hwa's sturdy frame twitched slightly.
"Should I head out, then?"
"...What business do you have?"
Finally looking at me properly.
Part of me wanted to tease him more, but I decided to let it slide for today.
I pulled out the cookies Seong Yona had made from my bag and smiled.
"I brought these because I thought you'd like them. Macadamia cookies."
His dark brown eyes flicked to the prettily wrapped cookies, then back to me.
And then he said,
"...I'll get some tea."
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he stood up.
This guy is just so predictable.
With his mood lifted, Jeong Je-hwa started chatting about the shield project.
"Adding an A-rank mana stone could reinforce the overall durability. But if we do that..."
Who would've thought the enigmatic Maestro Guild Master was such a talker?
I wasn't a crafter, so I didn't follow all the details, but I nodded along anyway.
It was because his affection toward me kept rising as the conversation went on.
"...Of course, for attack power..."
"By the way, Guild Master."
Affection was great, but I actually had real business today.
I slipped in gently so as not to annoy him.
"You said earlier that news travels fast in Maestro."
"I did."
"So, do you know anyone good at making clothing items? Anyone you'd recommend?"
"For you to wear, Nayeo-ju-ssi?"
"Something like that. We're making guild uniforms."
"Hmm."
He ran a hand through his hair and replied.
"I'd make them myself for you, Nayeo-ju-ssi, but I'm swamped with the shield. Shame."
"Tell me about it."
I meant it.
Uniforms by the Master himself.
Once word got out after his reclusive days ended, it'd be all the rage.
"For fabrics, Hunter Jeong Hee-ok from shop is top of the list."
"Ah, I've heard of her. She used to make traditional hanbok, right?"
Jeong Hee-ok, the artisan from , was famous enough that even I—who was still adjusting to this world—had heard of her.
A living cultural treasure awakens and transcends rank limits, churning out S-rank items as an A-rank crafter.
In a way, it made sense; in another, it was incredible.
"But commissioning Jeong Hee-ok Hunter or means waiting years, doesn't it?"
Not as backed up as Jeong Je-hwa, but still a long list of pre-orders.
And the prices went without saying.
"No other options besides Jeong Hee-ok or ?"
"None."
Why so firm?
"Come on, Maestro has tons of other fabric item crafters besides her shop. If you recommend one..."
"You said it's for you to wear, Nayeo-ju-ssi. Then it has to be Jeong Hee-ok."
I get that she's the best, but...
Just as I was about to grumble,
"I have a personal connection with Jeong Hee-ok Hunter."
"Oh?"
He slid a sheet of paper and a pen toward me.
"Jot down your desired design and effects here. I'll pass it along."
"No way."
Of course—even Jeong Hee-ok would bump a guild master to the front of the line.
How did I not think of that?
Excited, I sketched the design I'd been thinking of and listed the effects below.
Started simple: flame resistance, insulation, impact absorption.
Jeong Je-hwa, watching over my shoulder, offered advice that refined the design and added a few effects.
The blank page filled up with drawings and notes in no time.
I scanned it seriously one last time and said,
"Um, Guild Master."
Because the most important part was missing.
"Friend discount?"
"...I'll mention it."
I bought the protagonist a new weapon and ended up broke.
After a short meeting with Jeong Je-hwa, I returned to Justice Guild in Jongno.
No matter how blasting the AC was everywhere, summer sweat was unavoidable.
Showered and out, and there was Baekho as usual, sprawled on the bath mat waiting for me.
"Yaaawn."
"Baekho, if you're sleepy, go crash."
"Whine."
Baekho forced his droopy eyes open and wobbled over, licking the water off my legs.
"Eek."
I kneaded his head firmly.
"How you gonna survive this harsh world being such a softie? Huh?"
Baekho let out a kyaung.
I've got you, Nayeo-ju!
[ ♡~(>᎑<`)♡ ]
Complete with that speech bubble.
Suffers because of people, yet trusts them anyway.
Seemed like Baekho's unchangeable nature.
"Sigh, fine. Grow up nice and sweet, got it?"
I kissed his forehead.
"Kyaang?"
First time for such affection.
Stunned, eyes unblinking for a sec—then he pounced.
"Whoa!"
Still a baby tiger, but fattened up by the guild members' constant pampering, Baekho packed a punch.
Hitting me full-force while I was squatting? Down I went, butt-first.
"Kyau! Kyau!"
He burrowed into my arms, howling joyfully, then licked my face everywhere.
"Yow! I just showered!"
"Kyaaang!"
Baekho doesn't hold back.
Fine, do your worst, you rascal.
I flopped flat on the floor.
Baekho went wilder, planting himself on my chest, rubbing his face and smooching like crazy.
The affection rally kept going.
Staring up at my now-familiar Justice Guild room ceiling, I felt eyes on me.
Turned to see Gungki watching Baekho intently.
His range had widened lately, but those red eyes remained eerily empty.
As if life held no meaning.
"I'll find you a good owner soon, too."
He must understand, yet Gungki showed no reaction.
Then he whipped his head away.
Such a prickly guy, as always.
"Kyaau."
Baekho finished his ceremony, nuzzling into my neck and purring contentedly.
I patted his chubby butt and thought anew.
"Guess I really go for the innocent, sweet types."
Makes sense—I liked novel protagonist Kang Han for that reason, too.
Can't help rolling up my sleeves around people like that.
Gazing at Baekho's now '56' affection, I murmured softly.
"Grow big and strong, my Baekho."
With growth buffs tied to affection, he'd be fine.
His warm body heat made the floor bearable, so I closed my eyes for a bit.
Exactly one week later.
Around when three high schoolers on summer break were writhing in boredom.
The Justice Guild doorbell went ding-dong.
"We even have a doorbell?!"
No one was pressing it, so who knew!
Probably just someone at the wrong place.
I squirmed on the training room couch as Kang Han went to check.
Stay still too long and you get bedsores. Bedsores.
But his returning footsteps sounded... off.
Cracking my eyes, I saw him entering with several wide boxes stacked in his arms.
Sleep vanished; my heart pumped blood wildly, adrenaline surging through my veins.
"Package! It's a package!"