Chapter 228: Divorced Single (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 228: Divorced Single (2)
Hmm… is it really okay for it to end this easily?
I tilted my head as I looked over the dungeon raid status report.
The Dungeon Impact that started in Sagami Bay and swept through Kanagawa Prefecture and the southern part of Chiba Prefecture was about 80% resolved.
There were dungeon explosions along the way, and we had to wipe out the New Human Alliance, but the fact that we cleared this much in just two months was largely thanks to the heroes who came from all over the world to help.
Honestly, I thought the Alliance would pull more bullshit, but as if mocking my suspicions, they hadn't shown their faces since the Otaki-machi incident.
As the raids progressed smoothly, the end was in sight for the Japanese Dungeon Impact, which had been nothing short of a disaster.
With 80% of it handled, the Japanese heroes could take care of the rest.
Countries had already begun preparing to withdraw their forces, and the Korean Support Headquarters was no different.
The Japanese government was also subtly signaling that they would handle things from here, so we were essentially being nudged to leave.
While they were grateful for the help, from a purely economic standpoint, it was better for Japan to use its own heroes.
No matter how many dungeons foreign heroes cleared, not a single cent of that loot went to the Japanese government.
They were spending a fortune running numerous support bases, providing equipment, paying support fees, and covering the living expenses of the heroes, but they weren't recouping any of it.
Of course, worrying about money during a disaster is foolish, but the Japanese government must be driven half-mad by the costs right now.
The economy around the capital was in shambles, the dungeons weren't generating revenue, they were buying expensive items like Treasure Orbs to distribute for free, the military was constantly on the move, and the recovery costs afterward would be astronomical.
At least Japanese heroes paid a certain amount of tax to the government as usual, so while the Japanese government was thankful for us, they were probably feeling like it was time for us to go.
Even aside from that, morale at the support base had dropped significantly because many heroes were starting to miss home.
Still, I didn't expect it to end this easily.
Was I the only one who was overly concerned about the New Human Alliance?
It was so smooth it was almost suspicious, but since they told us to leave, I guess we should go.
"Yo, Destruction King."
The heroes staying in the same lodging gave me a thumbs-up as they saw me.
After spending two months together, you'd have to be a Hornet not to get close.
The heroes chuckled and walked past, calling me 'Destruction King' teasingly.
Destruction King.
I really wish they wouldn't give me such an embarrassing nickname.
Whether in Korea or Japan, people love ranking things, so as the support mission was winding down, a media outlet released some statistics.
They ranked us in various categories like cumulative raids, destruction count, and so on, and Black Unicorn took first place in most of them.
The article, which felt more like a Black Unicorn special feature, took the liberty of naming us the 'Destruction Kings' and detailed our exploits.
From the negative public opinion when we first arrived, to the achievements of the first ten days that shut everyone up, to being the first to support Miura City to save Japanese citizens, and finally, wiping out the villains in Otaki-machi.
Looking at the main photo, the intention was obvious.
It was a photo of all the Black Unicorn members, but some were blurred out of focus, while Satomi and I stood prominently in the front, weapons in hand, carrying out the operation.
They say they don't get involved in politics, but royalty sure has a lot of power.
To suck up to Satomi so blatantly like this.
Well, Black Unicorn became even more famous in Japan because of it, so I guess it doesn't matter.
But this part is a bit burdensome.
They said that once the Dungeon Impact is completely resolved, they'll be awarding medals and prizes to the heroes who were most active during the disaster. Is this really okay…?
He's called the Emperor here, but from the perspective of a Korean with our history of war, receiving a medal from that King would look a bit strange.
It might make me look like Lee Wan-yong. Well, I guess he wouldn't be Lee Wan-yong here.
Anyway, I'll think about that when the time comes. For now, let's pack.
About two months and ten days after arriving in Japan, the Korean Support Headquarters withdrew.
"Heeeeeungh… Hero Jeong Yeon-woo…"
When we were about to leave, Yoko hugged me and wailed.
The male owner of the inn looked embarrassed and tried to stop her, saying it was rude, but I raised my hand to stop him and stroked her hair.
"I might come back to Japan after the Dungeon Impact is over."
"Hic, hic…"
Yoko couldn't even answer properly through her sobbing.
"I liked the Maple Inn so much that I'll stay here again next time I come."
I said it to comfort her, but the male owner liked it even more.
I had to break a sweat stopping him from saying he'd preserve the room I stayed in and keep it vacant just for me.
"Sob… You must come back… Heeeungh…"
"Yes, I'll come back. Or Yoko, you can come visit Korea. If you come to Korea, it'll be my turn to treat you."
At my words, Yoko nodded and finally let me go.
We had cleanly handled the southern part of Chiba Prefecture, which Korea was responsible for, and when we arrived at the airport, countless Japanese people were there to see us off.
The members were all startled and wide-eyed at the massive crowd in the airport.
So this is why Song Jae-ah sent Black Unicorn separately.
Looking at the airport where there was barely room to step, I was impressed by her foresight.
She's capable, so if she just had a bit more confidence, she'd be a huge asset.
"Waaaaaaaah!!!"
The airport shook with a roar that made it sound like a concert hall, startling me as well.
"Black Unicorn!!"
"Hero Jeong Yeon-woo is so cool!!"
"Satomi!! Satomi!! Japan's proud hero!!"
Most of the shouting seemed to be for me and Satomi, but among the loud voices, many were calling out the names of the other members.
Kwon Ye-jin's attention-seeking habit kicked in again, and she started posing like a fashion star until Lee Yu-na smacked her on the back and told her to stop blocking the way.
As the sounds of people thanking us and chanting our names continued, the members' expressions turned into satisfied smiles, as if they were finally feeling the reward of helping Japan.
"You like it, don't you?"
"Cut the crap. It's noisy, let's just go."
Hornet, receiving public acclaim for the first time, looked away and cursed when I teased her.
Her blushing face was so cute I wanted to keep teasing her, but the longer we stayed, the more of a nuisance we were to the airport, so we had to move quickly.
Agents provided by the Japanese government had already cleared a path, and Black Unicorn walked proudly through the rows of people toward the plane.
They even gave us first-class seats for a job well done. They're spending a lot of money.
Passing through the noisy airport and entering the plane, it suddenly became so quiet it felt awkward.
Kwon Ye-jin and Anna were excited, touching everything in sight, until they had to apologize to a staff member, and Lee Yu-na scolded them both.
The service is good, and the seats are comfortable and spacious.
Except for the fact that all the flight attendants are men.
Men with clean-cut looks moved through the cabin, offering refreshing smiles. At times like this, I really hate this gender-reversed world.
The uniforms haven't disappeared, have they? If I search the whole world, there must be at least one.
While I was lost in serious thought, the plane took off for Korea.
Anna and Kwon Ye-jin, who had been excited about first class, eventually quieted down, and the cabin became calm.
Only the low voices of Lee Yu-na and Yoon A-young chatting in the middle seats could be heard occasionally. In the quiet atmosphere, I lowered the side partition and looked at Han So-ye.
As the screen went down, Han So-ye turned her head and gave me a soft smile.
While in Japan, she had finalized her marriage, and most of the mediation had been handled through video meetings. It would all be over once she made her final court appearance in Korea.
Fortunately, the evidence she presented was accepted, and she was able to get custody of So-hee.
It sounds simple when put into words, but it wasn't actually a smooth process.
I wasn't sure if the husband wanted child support or if he actually had affection for his daughter, but he absolutely refused to give up custody.
Since Han So-ye was in Japan, she was anxious, not knowing what her husband might do to So-hee.
He could have used persuasion bordering on brainwashing, telling her she had to live with her father, or if he was a complete scumbag, he could have even been a threat to So-hee.
When Lee Yu-na found out about the situation, she contacted Square Garden to try and send Han So-ye back to Korea, but she refused.
She stayed in Japan until the end to continue her escort mission for Black Unicorn, and her younger sister went to look after So-hee.
I saw Han So-ye talking to So-hee via video chat from the side; seeing her talk brightly while struggling to make So-hee understand the divorce was heartbreaking.
The bond between parent and child looks so warm everywhere.
Though there are many cases where it isn't.
"What is it?"
Han So-ye asked with a warm smile.
She had a hard time at first, but she had sorted out her feelings and had been showing a bright face more often lately.
"You'll be able to see So-hee as soon as we get back to Korea."
When I spoke indirectly about the divorce, Han So-ye gave a tender smile, thinking of her daughter.
"Yeah, it's all thanks to you, Yeon-woo. Do you want to meet our So-hee? I'm sure she'd love you."
"Yes, I'd love to. I'll buy So-hee something delicious."
"Hey—I should be the one treating you. You're the reason I can be with So-hee."
Han So-ye shook her head, insisting she would treat me.
So-hee, whom I'd only seen in photos, looked very bright and cute, so I was looking forward to playing with her.
"Are you going straight to court when we arrive?"
"Yeah, I have to go tomorrow."
"Are you going… alone? Without your sister or anyone else?"
"It's not something to brag about. I should just go by myself and settle it quietly."
Han So-ye spoke with a bitter smile, but I was against that.
With a husband whose heart had cooled enough to mock her openly, and a woman who loved to brag about stealing someone else's man, I could easily imagine how they would show up at court.
Even if her feelings were gone, seeing the two of them clinging to each other and acting all lovey-dovey would surely make Han So-ye furious.
"What time is it? I'll go with you."
"Huh? No, I don't want you to see me in such an embarrassing state, Yeon-woo. Besides, you'll be busy as soon as we get back."
As she said, I had a mountain of work piled up.
I had a ton of things to report to Lee Ru-da, and since I was returning from a foreign support mission, I had a backlog of interviews I couldn't avoid.
On top of that, the Association kept calling me for no reason, so while the other members would get about a week of vacation, I had to keep working.
Those bastards should just be satisfied that I made them money and leave me alone. Why do they keep summoning me?
Just as I had warned, the Association had stockpiled Treasure Orbs and consumables in preparation for the Japanese Dungeon Impact.
And as the consumption of Treasure Orbs in Japan grew and prices rose, they released them onto the market and made a killing.
Those bastards should at least give me a commission.
"It's fine. It's not like I'm ever going to see them again. I'm okay~"
Han So-ye spoke with a bright smile, but it felt forced, which worried me.
After the consensual divorce, she'd have to witness the disgusting scene of that woman clinging to her husband outside the courtroom. Thinking of Han So-ye watching that all alone made me feel bad for her.
Damn it, of all days, I have to go to the Association tomorrow.
Those guys always have the best timing when it comes to getting in my way.
"I get it. I know you're okay, so just tell me what time it is."
"I'm really fine."
Han So-ye, who looked sexy even when she was flustered, eventually told me the time after I kept insisting.
"You shouldn't come. You have to go to the Association, Yeon-woo."
Worried that I might break my appointment with the Association to come, Han So-ye raised her fine eyebrows and chided me.
I smiled and nodded at her, as she looked like she was teaching a young child.
Anyway, that means I can go once I'm done with the Association, right?
As soon as I got off the plane, I began adjusting my schedule for tomorrow.