Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Why Are You Here?
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"No way. I never even imagined this."
"I assumed you were aware."
Even though I'm a Londoner, I have a soft spot for Korea, where I was born and raised.
"Welcoming the new year in London!"
We took about three days off after Christmas and then flew into the UK on a week-long schedule, so thinking about it logically, of course we're ringing in the new year here in Britain. So why didn't that even cross my mind?
Actually, today isn't New Year's Day yet—tomorrow is.
"So today is a day off, huh..."
"Yes."
Lately, Ophelia handles all my scheduling, so I've kind of lost track of dates. Even back when she wasn't around, I only kept track of weekdays for my part-time shifts—I never really paid attention to specific dates.
Like, when it got cold after wearing short sleeves, I'd think, "Oh, autumn's here," or when it started feeling a bit hot, "Guess it's summer."
But heading overseas for a New Year's trip does give off major influencer vibes. Pretty cool.
"Hmm, what should I do? There's nothing to do in London."
Okay, that's a lie. If I'd stayed in Korea for New Year's, would it really be that different? Not really. Maybe I'd have met up with Do-hee or Chae-ah unnie, but from their perspective, I'm not close enough to spend New Year's with. They've got families to be with.
"No helping it, then! I'll have to summon the golems!"
"There's one thing I'd like to mention regarding that."
"Yeah? What is it, Ophelia?"
Ophelia stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment, as if choosing her words, then nodded.
"The Summon skill might not work properly."
"Huh? Why not?"
"Because the distance is too great."
"Whaaat...!!"
I hadn't even considered that. According to Ophelia, there's about a 127-degree longitude difference between Korea and the UK. Not quite the opposite side of the Earth, but pretty darn close.
The Summon skill is impressive, sure. I've called Minium or Ophelia from Busan to Seoul before... but Seoul-Busan and Korea-UK are worlds apart.
"Ugh... what now..."
It's New Year's, and being separated from Suri and Minium feels kinda disappointing. Actually, thinking about it more, it's really disappointing. Could I grind the Summon skill right now until I could call them from the moon to Earth?
Doggo and Minium and Suri can all get massive temporary boosts, so why couldn't I juice up my own magic power?
"Hyah! Turn this princess into the super strongest princess—!!!"
"..."
"Nope, not working."
Maybe if I try a few more times? Hunters are supposed to grind their abilities dozens or hundreds of times, right?
"Yah! Enhance myself!"
"Hyah! Princess enhance!"
"Urgh! Eve click!"
Mecha-Doggo, who had been lounging comfortably on the bed watching my tearful efforts, waddled over and barked once.
"B-be-transform! Ultimate Princess!!"
—Beep...
"Huh? What'd you say?"
—Beeep...
"If I'm gonna do weird stuff, put some pants on first? Got it, sorry."
"Mrrrowr."
"Is the meal to your liking?"
"Yeah."
I wasn't sure if we'd go out today, but brunch was a must either way. Plenty of people were working today, after all. The hotel staff were on duty, and it wasn't a public holiday—just my day off.
Britain's great and all, but I don't have friends here, and I can't summon Minium or Suri, so it felt lacking. Suddenly, I wondered what I even did on days off back home in Korea.
Day off today and nothing to do
What do you even do for fun in the UK?
Ringing in the new year in the UK?
"London Eye? But I am the London Eye."
"London Eye refers to the giant Ferris wheel located between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges."
"Ah, got it."
So 'eye' doesn't mean 'kid' after all.
The London Eye is a Ferris wheel that once held the record as the world's tallest, standing at 135 meters (per Ophelia). It's so massive it takes 30 minutes for one full rotation, offering panoramic views of London—practically a must-see attraction.
But it's peak season right now, so same-day bookings are nearly impossible. You might not get on until next year...
"Hmm, London Eye... If I book now, could I ride it before heading home?"
"Actually, Eleanor gave me a reservation slot. It's for 3 p.m. today—she said to use it if you're interested."
"Whoooa!!"
I didn't expect that level of consideration. Royal Mayfair really is top-tier luxury. Love it. 3 p.m.... 15 minus 12 is...
"3 in the afternoon! I'm going! You'll come too, right Ophelia?"
"Yes, I'll accompany you."
"Yay!"
And just like that, our London Eye ride was set. They booked the most in-demand slot, so skipping it would be like wasting half my life.
But it was only 11 a.m. now, so we had plenty of time. Shower, get ready leisurely, and head out.
The Eye normally runs until 6 p.m., but on December 31st, it shortens hours, making Eleanor's slot the last one.
Like how Americans gather in Times Square, London's Thames River area is the spot for New Year's. It'll be packed with tourists—should be fun and lively.
My heart was suddenly racing. What I thought would be a boring end to the year had this surprise in store.
"They'll probably do a New Year's countdown too, right?"
"Yes. At midnight, the bells ring from Big Ben."
"Whoa..."
Big Ben's the star, of course. Crowds line the south bank of the Thames, countdown together, cheer and applaud as one.
"Alright, time to wash up?"
"Yes, I'll assist you."
Ringing in the New Year in London requires an actual 'ticket' to enjoy it properly.
There are a few prime zones, like around South Bank—closest to the London Eye and the most crowded. Best fireworks views, tons of security keeping things safe.
Second is near Westminster Bridge, close to Big Ben. Great for hearing the bells chime loud and clear.
Embankment's partial zones need tickets too—more relaxed and less packed. Trafalgar Square's another option. All per Ophelia.
Naturally, we headed to the South Bank ticketed area. After all, I'm Royal Mayfair Kids' model.
"Yay!"
"Princess, crowds will be heavy, so please stay close by my side."
"Got it. You hear that, Doggo? If you get pickpocketed, it's bye-bye time with us."
—Beep?!
"Pray hard in your heart that any pickpocket gives you tons of dog treats."
—Beeepbeep!!!
We showered leisurely, got dressed, and set off around 2 p.m. Famous tourist spot plus year-end traffic controls meant leaving an hour early.
Not Eleanor, but a kindly chauffeur from Mayfair picked us up from Claridge's to the Eye. His wife sat shotgun. And get this!
"Gasp...! You're...!"
"Ohoho, it's that cute little girl from before."
"My, what a coincidence."
They were the sweet elderly couple from the restaurant in London—next table over, smiling at me during my first meal with Eleanor. What a wild coincidence—they remembered me too.
"Yes, I thought you were adorably eye-catching."
"Th-thank you...!"
"Thank you for the ride."
"Hoho, no need to thank us."
Wait, Eleanor's with Mayfair, so are these folks too? Or just acquaintances? Turns out Eleanor asked them to drive us—so yeah, they know each other!
During the drive, we chatted with the couple and Ophelia (mostly about flowers and gardening), and their Chihuahua and Doggo had a little bark-fest.
—Grrrrrr!!!
—Beebeegrrbeebee!!!
What was the beef with these tiny things? Saffron, the Chihuahua on grandma's lap up front, twisted around to bare teeth and tremble at Doggo perched on my head.
Doggo countered by displaying a tiger pic on his face screen—but low-res, so meh.
"Now now, Saffron? Mind your manners with guests. Be quiet."
"Doggo says sorry too. Me sowwy~"
—Beep...
—Grr...
They ended up sharing treats for a happy ending—bff's now.
—Screech...!
"Here we are, little miss."
"Whoa...! Thank you, grandpa, grandma! You're heading back now?"
"Not at all. We're going to the London Eye ourselves."
"Wow, same time slot then!"
"So it seems, hoho."
Surprisingly, they were riding the Eye too—picked us up as a bonus. They mentioned one more in their party, and who shows up?
"Grandpa! Grandma!"
"Oh, our granddaughter. Good wait."
"Whooa!"
"Gah, it's you..."
My arch-nemesis and rival. Eloise Whitmore was their granddaughter.