Chapter 73
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Sandwich of Gratitude
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Elves were sprawled out here and there.
Three military cots were set up, and the desks and lockers held equipment neatly arranged.
Every piece of gear was top-of-the-line— the kind that would make any hunter's eyes spin.
In truth, this wasn't some other place. It was the first floor of Su-hyeon's villa.
While Su-hyeon was at school, they'd chased out the residents... er, reached a fair negotiation to take it over, and secretly renovated it too.
Su-hyeon had no idea her villa had become a stronghold for (US Marine-trained) elves.
She'd never really mingled with the neighbors anyway.
"Hee hee hee."
Turning toward the odd sound revealed an elf buried under a blanket, peeking at her phone and giggling.
Unlike her usual sharp, alert demeanor, she looked just like any other unemployed layabout, grinning at her screen.
"So cute again today..."
A young-faced elf sighed and murmured, drawing nods of agreement from around the room.
The screen showed Brüel's SNS post with Su-hyeon's photo.
"Team leader's so lucky. And she's so young too—impressive."
"It's the weekend today, but no new pics yet?"
The elves eagerly awaited days when Su-hyeon went out to play.
Those days always brought a flood of her adorable photos.
Not content with their capable team leader securing a supply through negotiations with her friends, they'd even gotten permission from Su-hyeon herself for regular pics. Still, they were always thirsty for more.
The shots from Ga-eun and her friends felt more raw and lively than Brüel's polished ones.
"At least we're doing way better than our colleagues back home."
"True..."
One elf chided her wistful colleague, who reflected inwardly.
Scrolling down Su-hyeon's photo revealed a string of comments from homeland colleagues.
Jealousy, envy, and near-worshipful praise filled the thread.
Click-
The door handle turned suddenly, and the lounging elves' eyes snapped to it.
No presence meant no intruder—just a teammate.
Creeeak-
Sure enough, a colleague returning from her shift.
Precisely, the leader of Team 2.
The elves were split into three teams of seven, rotating eight-hour shifts to guard Su-hyeon.
They could go a week without issue, making the human shift system unnecessary. But for this mission, peak condition was paramount.
Plus, adapting to human culture and environment was their way of blending into Earth.
Even after nearly eighty years here, it was just starting to feel natural for these long-lived beings.
"What's that?"
An elf near the door voiced puzzlement at her teammate laden with stuff.
Team 3's leader should be in the men's quarters.
Sniffing the air... food? Meat, veggies, bread... sandwiches?
"Meal time's not for hours. You got some early?"
No one had put in an order.
As confusion spread,
Team 2's leader spoke solemnly.
"These were made by the Little Divine Beast herself."
Elves poured from their beds.
Blankets flew skyward, and in a blink, they knelt in formation at the entryway.
The graceful beauties, eyes closed and one knee down, looked almost reverent.
If not for the T-shirts, tank tops, and baggy shorts.
Thud crash clatter-
Books and phones hit the floor belatedly.
Once the commotion settled, Team 2's leader nodded, satisfied.
"Always give thanks."
She distributed the sandwiches one by one, and the elves received them without lifting their heads, hands raised high.
"Oh, ooh..."
Recipients stared gravely, debating preservation.
"Vacuum seal them?"
Said the elf who'd recently bought one out of curiosity.
Into the machine—flat as a pancake.
"Aaaah! My bestowed gift!"
Two others pitied her wail and continued.
"Glass case with epoxy?"
"Bacteria inside would still spoil it."
"3D scan?"
"Just the shape—not the real gift."
"For homage, like a statue."
"Hm... plausible."
Team 2's leader eyed them pitifully.
"You planning to waste the Little Divine Beast's grace? Enough nonsense—eat gratefully."
They exchanged looks, snapped to, and nodded.
With reverent faces, they thanked and carefully unwrapped.
One bite: crisp veggies and fruits of all sizes crunched, but they didn't mind.
They were moved by the clumsy, heartfelt effort.
The leader shook her head at the sight and turned to the door.
Teams 2 and 1 (just rotated) had done this twice already. Men's quarters (Team 3) still awaited.
One more time? She sighed.
"Whew."
(Secret: she'd teared up making a tiny altar too.)
Around the same time, on the building's fifth floor.
Su-hyeon sprawled on her bedroom floor, oblivious to the downstairs commotion.
Her small frame was smeared with egg, oil, veggie juice.
The ill-fitting apron, tied like a tuxedo bib, had long failed.
The room was no better.
Sink overflowed with peels and shells; cabinet below oozed sticky whites.
Chopping board held a small cleaver amid veggie massacre.
Laid paper wrap was wet, crumpled, torn—pure annoyance.
Microwave area looked cleanest by comparison.
"...How to clean this."
Su-hyeon muttered at the ceiling.
Fingers throbbed from knife work.
Slowly rising, she resolved.
"Shower first."
Cleaning now would worsen it.
Crossing the damp floor, she opened the bathroom door.
Glancing back: tiny footprints trailed from room center.
"Ugh..."
With a weary sigh, she entered.
Her back looked less chef, more defeated soldier from food war.
Next morning, Su-hyeon rubbed her eyes awake.
Room still trashed.
She'd wiped urgent spills (egg whites, juices) and crammed rest into sink and mega-bags.
Floor minimally mopped—still slick.
Hard scrubbing secured just enough for bedding.
"Ugh... that day is here."
The tiny figure stood resolute.
Sink mess meant no water today.
To drink even late, clear it fast.
Dragging the half-full trash bag, she gathered bits.
Filling it rustlingly, she huffed to the door.
Opening it, she startled slightly.
"Good morning, Su-hyeon."
Brüel stood calmly, as ever.
No knock—just waiting.
"Brüel? What's up so early?"
"Seemed you might need help."
Shed eyed her warily after insisting on solo gifting.
Su-hyeon nearly refused but recalled unreachable splatters—accepted gladly.
"Thanks. Could you help a bit?"
"An honor to assist."
Brüel effortlessly lifted Su-hyeon's hand and bags.
"Oh, first—would you take this?"
She pulled an envelope from her pouch with her free hand.
"What's this?"
Premium envelope, sealed with tree-on-boat wax, soft touch and faint scent screaming luxury paper.
"Thank-you letters from the elves for yesterday's sandwiches."
Su-hyeon took it, stunned. Opening revealed pages of elegant script.
Her eyes reddened faintly.
"All this for...?"
Brüel bowed slightly.
"They're desperate to repay your undue grace."
"I was repaying them."
"Many wanted grander thanks, but we settled on letters to avoid burdening you."
Even limited words per elf...
Su-hyeon nodded.
Endless reply cycles loomed otherwise.
Clutching the letters, warmth filled her.
Yesterday's toil felt rewarded.
"Finish cleaning now?"
"Yeah!"
Su-hyeon and Brüel descended stairs with trash.
Side-by-side impossible—narrow stairs and hall forced single file with big bags.