[What's life anyway, you just live as you live]
[What's life anyway, you just live as you live]
Sion and I never held a wedding ceremony. Consequently, we inevitably never went on a honeymoon, which is the next step. Setting aside the wedding—given Sion's appearance and the fact that we didn't really have anyone to invite anyway—I do want to try going on a honeymoon.
Even if I had gone before, it's my first time in this body. Besides, who's going to tackle a married couple for going on a trip?
"The news has been noisy lately because of Dimensional Rift occurrences."
"It seems to have increased compared to last year."
"It doesn't feel right. Won't something big happen later?"
The morning news reported that Enemy Species had appeared again today due to a Dimensional Rift. The location wasn't our country, but nearby... meaning China or Japan.
Since one appeared in our country the day before yesterday, the frequency has increased significantly. I don't know why the Enemy Species appear, but I don't think it's for any good intention.
"Should we postpone the honeymoon......."
"There's nothing to worry about, is there? Whatever comes out, we can just knock it down."
"That's true, but the aftermath is the problem. If it happens overseas, it causes all sorts of issues."
The procedures for a Force User to go abroad are complex. In other words, it's like a walking weapon leaving the country, so every nation inspects strictly. Unless I'm being dispatched externally, I doubt there's a way to leave.
But for now, I'm a civilian on the surface, and I have no intention of getting involved unless an Enemy Species appears right in front of me.
"The fact that the frequency is increasing means there's a high possibility it will continue to do so in the future. As time passes, Dimensional Rifts will likely occur so frequently that people will be reluctant to travel abroad."
"Then that means now is the perfect time, right?"
"It would be best to leave before it gets any more chaotic."
"Then where should we go......."
After about a month, both Baek-ri and Seo-ae-ssi have gotten used to the shop work. Baek-ri has become accustomed to using Force for physical enhancement, often using it for fatigue recovery or muscle replenishment while working.
Perhaps because I taught them the flavors thoroughly, they've gotten better. They're good enough to watch the shop when I'm not around, so I think I can go on my honeymoon with peace of mind.
"How about participating in Comiket this time?"
"Is there a doujinshi you want to buy?"
"Actually, I wanted to buy a doujinshi featuring a lewd blue-haired busty girl. But I gave up on it."
"I'm interested as well. But isn't it noisy lately with all the anti-Korean sentiment and whatnot?"
Japan is still acting like the usual assholes while promoting anti-Korean sentiment. It's so common now that it feels like the occasional provocation from North Korea.
Are they not even tired of it? They're just holding on by turning a blind eye, deliberately looking outward—specifically at Korea, which is the best target for distraction—to cover up their own internal problems like the Fukushima radiation.
I guarantee you, let's see if they can still do that in 20 or 30 years. If they can't even solve the radiation problem, Japan will face a major crisis.
"Should we make and sell some radiation neutralizing substance?"
"Leave it. In about 200 years, they'll develop it themselves."
Ah, if it's a complex technology using Force rather than pure scientific technology, it might be faster. Originally, when science and supernatural abilities combine and develop, explosive results are bound to be achieved.
"I don't look Asian, so I'm fine, but you might get called a 'Josenjing' over there."
"Doesn't matter. If they pick a fight, I'll just beat them up."
"You'll get arrested if you do that."
"I'll beat them up secretly. As long as I don't get caught, it's fine."
Then shall we try Japan? Sion is actually quite interested in things like Comiket. Radiation isn't a problem for me or Sion. It's close, and I speak Japanese at a native level, so there's no language worry.
It would be better to go and wander around directly rather than looking for a travel agency. But the Japanese subway is at a dungeon level.
I should pack my passport and luggage.
"The visa is.......ah, Japan is visa-free for short-term visits, right."
"I will pack the luggage. When are you planning to go?"
"Let's set it for next week or the week after. I'll tell the shop, too."
Since I told them I'd go on a honeymoon, I just need to tell them when and leave the shop to them. Should I give them a little bonus this month?
"Other than that, it would be good to call that person and tell them you're going."
"Who?"
"Isn't there someone called Team Leader Jo at the KFU?"
Ah, I did say to call me if there was work, so I should probably mention it if I'm going abroad.
I immediately took out my phone. Sion had deliberately created an untraceable line for me, so it's connected, but no matter how much they investigate, it's impossible to find my location with this.
[Ah, yes! This is Team Leader Jo In-hyung! What's the occasion?]
"It's me. I'm planning to go on my honeymoon this time."
[Now that you mention it, I heard you got married not long ago. Haven't you gone on your honeymoon yet?]
"So I'm planning to go this time. To Japan."
[.......Huh? Japan? You're going overseas?]
"Yes."
[The procedures for a Force User to go abroad are complex. Especially if you're a Master-class Force User, it's even more........ah, you were a civilian, right.]
"There's no problem even if I go."
[Instead, you must not act as Raccoon Man while overseas. If a domestic Force User secretly appears and acts overseas, you could be punished for illegal entry.]
"How well have I lived so far? I run away as soon as I hear a Dimensional Rift alarm; the last case was actually rare."
At that time, it was a rest area in the middle of the highway, so the alarm didn't go off, but places with a certain population density, like cities, have alarms. If I hear that and run, there's nothing for me to do.
[But things are not normal lately. The number of Dimensional Rift occurrences. The level of Enemy Species has also risen suddenly. Who knows what might happen when.......]
"That's why I have to go now. If something bigger happens, you'll call me, but how do I know if I'll have time then?"
[How about you go at least after the current situation calms down? Traveling domestically in Korea isn't bad either.]
"Hey."
Where the hell does he get off trying to use me as he pleases?
I went out of my way to call and inform him, so it's a miracle I'm not pissed off after hearing that.
"I'm trying to go on the honeymoon I couldn't go on with my wife, so what's it to you? I'm not going to the Middle East or anything, I'm just going to the country right next door, so by what right are you trying to stop me? Do I look like a pushover just because I've been using polite language and treating you decently?"
It's not like I'm going to some country with poor public safety to proselytize like some church in the old days; I'm going on an overseas trip to a country right next door, a country with good public safety where a Master-class Force User is present, so what business is it of his?
If he knew I was a civilian, would he have said that? He would have told me to have a safe trip or to be careful of radiation; he wouldn't have tried to stop me.
Meddling should have its limits; I don't know what kind of mindset he has to try and stop someone from going on their honeymoon.
[........I apologize. Have a safe trip.]
"Yeah, I'm hanging up."
There was no point in using polite language anymore. Ah, seriously, my mood is completely ruined before the trip.
As I hung up the phone, Sion was staring at me blankly.
"I don't think a domestic trip is bad either."
"I don't want to go to places that rip people off with exorbitant prices at every resort and charge money for illegally installed facilities."
"Sometimes, seeing how you dislike Korea, I wonder if it's not just because you dislike it for no reason."
"It's not like I hate everything. The internet is fast, and public safety is good. If you have money, where else is there a better country to live in than this?"
"That is true. With gun possession being illegal, the public safety is good, so what more could you ask for?"
Overseas, especially in the United States, it's said that gun possession has increased in preparation for the unexpected due to Enemy Species. Only the gun companies are happy. In fact, even though a civilian's gun can't deal a single point of damage to an Enemy Species.
Thanks to the increase in gun owners, gun incidents have also increased, so Korea, where gun possession is illegal, has better public safety compared to overseas.
"Clothes and........well, I guess I'll just buy that much. Just in case, I should pack my wallet thick."
"Power Black Card!"
"Ah, that one thing is enough, I guess. Still, I should have some cash."
Preparing for a trip feels good. Even though there's a lot to pack, there's no way I'd feel bad about going on a trip.
I should book the plane tickets soon, too.
Trip preparations went smoothly. I told Baek-ri and Seo-ae-ssi at the shop, so it's fine to leave the shop empty for a while.
I was thinking of a one-week trip. I chose that because I thought that would be enough to fully enjoy the trip.
I found a good hotel and finished booking the plane tickets. All that's left is to grab the carrier and go to the airport.
[Yes, Hyung. Don't worry about the shop and have a safe trip.]
"I'll leave it to you in the meantime. Give my regards to Seo-ae-ssi, too. Don't ruin the shop, okay?"
[Go and have a lovey-dovey time on your honeymoon. Bring back a gift when you come back.]
"I can't buy you anything because I'm scared of Japanese radiation. Instead, I'll give you a bonus this month."
[Hyung might be like that, but what about Hyung-su-nim? Radiation doesn't discriminate between people, you know.]
"She can just use her ability. Protecting the person next to her 24/7 is nothing."
Actually, let's hide the fact that for Sion, radiation would be a nutrient rather than harmful.
[Then have a safe trip. See you next week.]
I finished saying goodbye to Baek-ri. Now, I can leave as early as tomorrow.
"Did you pack everything you need?"
"I've packed everything. Nothing is missing, so you don't need to worry."
"I sometimes have a bad memory, so there are times I forget to bring something.......but it's a relief that you packed it."
Even if I'm a reincarnator and a Transcendent, I'm not omnipotent. Since I am human after all, I am imperfect, so I have lapses in memory and make mistakes.
There has been at least one time I forgot to pack necessary items.
"Let's just sleep today."
"Are you preparing because tomorrow is the first day of the honeymoon?"
"I should eat a lot and replenish my stamina.......Shall we go eat authentic Japanese eel rice bowl?"
I guess if we go to Comiket and Akihabara, the rest will just be a food tour. Ah, shall we go there once? The zoo in Saitama Prefecture.
"Are you going to see the Ta-noshi Humboldt penguins?"
"That would be good too. And buy a few souvenirs."
Come to think of it, I might be able to give souvenirs as gifts, even if not food. If there's radiation on them, I can just remove it. My thinking was short-sighted. It was a harmful effect caused by only thinking of food when I think of souvenirs.
Even if I said that, I can just buy them. Even if it's nothing special, it feels good to receive a gift, so I should buy something useful.
Looking forward to the trip tomorrow, I lay in bed with Sion and tried to sleep, but when I blinked for a moment, it was the next day.
My, time flies.
"Since we packed everything, let's go right away. It's Incheon Airport, right?"
"It's the 10:30 ticket. But is it okay to just go with a regular economy seat? If we wanted to, we could book not just business class, but first class."
"But what's the point of wasting money on that? If it took all day, that's one thing, but we're only riding for a couple of hours, so there's no need to choose an expensive seat, right?"
Besides, economy seats allow us to sit closer together. Ah, this is a personal desire.
It doesn't take as long as you'd think to get to Japan, the country right next door. It takes at most about 2 hours from Incheon to Tokyo, so you just sit for a moment and wait, and you arrive. There's no in-flight meal either.
We take the carrier with our luggage, our wallets, and our passports, and leave the house. We'll be back in a week, so let's lock the door well.
"I've activated the security system, so don't worry."
"What is it? Secom?"
"Nothing special, it just erases intruders from this world at a molecular level."
"Hey, that's scary. Why would you install something like that in a security system?"
"I'm joking."
Well, she probably installed an alarm or something like that. Since Sion did it, I don't have any worries.
We were able to get to the airport without any issues. We took the limousine bus that goes straight to the airport, so it was quick. It's peak vacation season, and it's swarming with people trying to go on trips. I wonder how many of them are going abroad.......
Looking at the time, it was 9:30. We had about an hour left until the flight time, and since we left without eating breakfast, we decided to eat at a restaurant inside the airport to fill our stomachs. We chose kimchi stew at a place that looked like a snack bar for a safe menu.
"Ah, come to think of it, I should make kimchi stew later."
"Your kimchi stew was incredibly delicious. Please make it after we return from our trip to Japan."
"Alright, I'll show off my skills for the first time in a while."
Among the skills I've accumulated while reincarnating, if I had to pick something I'm good at besides killing people, it's definitely cooking. People can't live without eating, and I did it as a hobby. Among them, my best menu is kimchi stew. I've never made it in worlds where there is no kimchi among the ones I've reincarnated into, but it's still my best menu. It received good reviews from everyone who ate it, to the point that if I hadn't opened a chicken shop, I would have opened a snack bar.
The snack bar at the airport restaurant was just passable. I didn't expect an amazing taste in a place like this in the first place.
Soon, the time came, and we boarded the plane. The flight attendant's gaze was drawn to Sion's appearance, but she looked surprised when she realized she was an adult, contrary to her appearance.
The overseas trip, my first in this life, made even the boring waiting time feel enjoyable. It might be because I was being lovey-dovey with Sion next to me, though.
"It'll probably be lunchtime when we get there, what do you want to eat? Since the hotel is in Shinjuku, considering the travel time, I think it would be good to eat."
"Hmm....... When I think of Japan, I can only think of sushi or sashimi. Is there anything worth eating in the city?"
"If that's the case, we can eat at the hotel a bit late, or have Yakiniku nearby........Ah, come to think of it, how about we tour the shops that appeared in 'Solitary Gourmet'?"
"That's not a bad idea. I'll look up where they are first."
As we chatted about this and that, the plane soon began preparing for takeoff. After the announcement, we fastened our seatbelts and waited a little, and soon, as I felt a faint pressure, I could see the runway passing below outside the window.
2 hours seems long, but it's surprisingly short. Since I asked the flight attendant for a drink and planned more detailed things to do in Japan with Sion, there were only about 15 minutes left until landing.
It was like my first reward vacation as a recruit. It goes by fast, like the story of how I stuck the cigarette I was smoking on the day I left for vacation into the flowerbed, and when I came back from vacation, the cigarette was still burning. I really wish my military life had gone by that fast.
[Dear passengers. This aircraft will soon be landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. Please remain seated and fasten your seatbelts.]
When the announcement was heard, we busily prepared to get off. We only had one carrier, and that too was put in the luggage compartment, so there wasn't really anything to pack, but I checked if I had things like my passport since I would need to use them at the immigration checkpoint.
After the plane landed and we waited a little, everyone stood up busily to get off along with another announcement.
"Is the next step the immigration checkpoint?"
"Huh? Aren't you used to places like this? At least the time you've spent on the planet Earth seems longer than mine in total."
"I've visited Earth many times as an alien, so I received special treatment, and it was rare for me to go through these ordinary, formal procedures."
"Then I'm above you in this regard. I've traveled abroad until I was sick of it."
Japan doesn't need a visa if it's just for tourism purposes. It's not the country next to Korea for nothing.
Sion and I headed to the immigration checkpoint. It's called an immigration checkpoint, but it's actually just a place to check for formality. It's bound to just pass with a few questions.
"Hello. What is the purpose of your visit?"
The inspector greeted us with a slightly smiling face. The pronunciation was a bit awkward for a Korean. It's natural that they are Japanese since they are a Japanese airport employee.
I handed over Sion's passport at once and said.
"Tourism."
"Where are you planning to visit mainly?"
"First of all, the biggest purpose is Comiket."
At the mention of Comiket, the inspector seemed convinced.
"What is your relationship with your companion?"
"We're a married couple."
"...........?"
Slightly, Sion took out our marriage certificate. Since the age will be written on the passport, the age is fine, but the marriage certificate is necessary.
Since they are a person in charge of immigration in Korea, they should be able to read Korean, and as they read the marriage certificate, a look of disbelief flashed across their face.
"Even if she looks like this, she's an adult."
When Sion gestured to look at the personal information section of her passport, even if they weren't convinced in their heart, there was no problem on the surface.
"It seems you came individually, not through a travel agency, but what will you do about interpretation?"
"I, I speak Japanese well. No problem."
To that, the inspector asked in Japanese.
"[Where are you planning to stay?]"
"[Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shinjuku. We've also made a reservation.]"
The inspector's eyes widened as if a little surprised.
"You speak Japanese well. There were people who did sometimes, but their pronunciation was awkward, but you sound like a native Japanese person."
"At least I didn't learn it from anime."
I had reincarnated as a Japanese person in the past. I learned native-level Japanese then.
Thanks to that, listening and speaking are no problem, and reading and writing are also possible.
"Welcome. Welcome to Japan. Have a pleasant trip."
The inspector attached a stay permit sticker to the passport. It's a pass as it is.
With that, Sion and I were able to set foot in Japan in earnest.
Actually, my feelings about Japan are not that bad. I think they are rather favorable.
In the past, I disliked them indiscriminately just because they were a war criminal nation that invaded Korea in the past, and because the behavior of the far-right was annoying, but my perception changed due to a protest I happened to encounter.
It wasn't a strange protest, but a protest where Japanese people were walking around saying 'Let's be close' in awkward Korean. It's an old story, so I don't know well, but it was probably an anti-far-right protest or a pro-Korean protest.
That became an opportunity for me to open my eyes wider. The back then me hated everything including Japanese people blindly and didn't try to think deeply. So after that, I decided to look at a part first, then look at the whole, and then judge.
The conclusion I reached after going through various experiences is that most of the shitty things are the government. It's the government that promotes far-right policies and commits stupid acts.
There are times when the approval rating of politicians who make such remarks goes up every time, but even among Japanese people, there are those who actually like Korea.
You know, we also have guys who hate Japan but are pro-Japanese with their lower bodies.
"If we go to Saitama Prefecture, there is Kasukabe City where the author of Crayon Shin-chan lived, so it would be good to go there too."
"Ah, is that so? I didn't know that. When it comes to Crayon Shin-chan, it brings back memories, so I still watch it sometimes."
I was planning to just go see the zoo, but since Kasukabe City is there, I think it would be good to go.
Ah, something like Ghibli Studio suddenly came to mind. As expected, there are more things that come to mind after making a travel plan.
We ate at a shop called Titi in Ota Ward, right near the airport after coming out. This is a shop that sells shrimp fresh spring rolls that appeared in 'Solitary Gourmet'. The spring rolls were delicious.
It was quite far to the hotel in Shinjuku even if we took the subway. I'm thinking about whether I should rent a car.
No, I'll just take a taxi. One way or another, if it costs a lot of money and time, a comfortable taxi is better.
And we arrived at the hotel, the hotel we booked is the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel.
"I think I know why you booked this place."
"The facilities are fine."
"That's not it, the hotel name is........."
"Isn't the name also Ta-noshi?"
"That guy isn't a Friend."
It's a high-end hotel with good facilities. So we decided to eat dinner at the hotel. Restaurants in places like this are guaranteed to be decent. Sometimes there are hotels that do buffets, but it's not bad to eat there anyway. Buffets are always right.
I wanted to try wandering around Shinjuku city, but there's not much to see. Most of it is entertainment districts or company buildings, so.......but the night view is pretty. After dinner, I watched the night view reflecting outside the window in the room with Sion.
We ordered wine as room service. I don't have any alcohol I avoid, but Sion likes sweet things, so I ordered dessert wine.
As we clinked our wine glasses and shared a drink while watching the night view with atmosphere, I think it was good that we came on a trip.
Even if she looks expressionless on the outside, a faintly enjoyable expression is revealed on her face. For reference, I'm the only one who can recognize this. It's a change in expression that even her cousin can't recognize.
"The night view is pretty, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. In Korea, the lights of the night view felt a bit like the aftermath of working overtime, but here the feeling is different."
"Hey, Japan is also full of black companies. Probably most of the lights are from people working overtime among those too, right?"
"To think that this night view is the fruit of human blood and sweat. Somehow it feels pitiful."
"If you hadn't come, I would have been working somewhere too. I might have been working on a construction site, earning some seed money, and running a small food truck."
"Supporting the husband is the wife's duty."
"Honestly, it doesn't feel like support, it feels like I've become a gigolo."
So I also feel a bit sorry. My economic power is not mine, but Sion's. From her perspective, even if earning money is a very simple thing to do legally, it still weighs on my mind to keep being indebted to her.
"You don't have to think like that. I do the brain work. You do the physical work. Isn't that what a married couple is, supporting each other by dividing it like that?"
"Even though you're stronger than me in terms of pure destructive power."
When Sion slightly clenched her fist, I turned my head and looked at the night view, pretending to be indifferent.
If you ask who would win if Sion and I fought, I would win. But if you purely count the destructive power of the majority and the range, Sion is above me.
I am a character for boss raids, not a character for siege warfare. In short, I am a warrior, and Sion is a mage.
Just sitting together and chatting makes me happy. Even if I didn't have money, if I only had Sion, I would have been happy. Even if I rolled in the gutter, even if my arms and legs were blown off, as long as she is with me, it's fine.
"Ah, the alcohol......."
Since we both have a high tolerance for alcohol, and since it's dessert wine, it's not that the sweetness is strong but the alcohol content is strong, so as we drank it down, the wine in the bottle was already gone.
Even though I shook it, a drop or two fell and that was it.
"Mine has some left. Would you like a sip?"
"No, I can just order more......."
Sion pretended to pass the wine in her glass to me, but she drank it herself. She didn't swallow it but held it lightly in her mouth.
And then, she smiled. At that sight, I realized what it meant.
This is a honeymoon. And there is something you do on the first day of your honeymoon.
"If you put it that way, shall I have a sip?"
To think that the mood was set not by me, but by Sion. It seems I still have a long way to go.