Chapter 39: From Now On, Please Answer My Questions
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 39: From Now On, Please Answer My Questions
From now on, please answer my questions.
I feel drained after hours of what felt more like an interrogation than an investigation.
I embezzled three billion won? I took money from apprentices to doctor their evaluation reports?
If I actually wrote those kinds of reports for money, I’d probably be cursed to death.
The list of charges the staff member rattled off while interrogating me was extensive.
Habitually taking kickbacks when recruiting heroes, accepting bribes to write favorable evaluations, inflating recruitment costs—the variety was impressive.
I’m not even that much of a hard worker.
Apparently, from the time the body owner first started until now, I’ve supposedly been fleecing the heroes who joined the clan for all they're worth.
Of course, there’s no way the timid original owner of this body would have done that, and since I’ve been here, no new heroes have joined except for the apprentices, so there was nothing to skim anyway.
No matter how much I scour the body owner’s memories, there isn't even a hint of involvement in such things.
In the end, it’s a frame-up. And it’s obvious who’s behind it.
I can understand Park Su-jin, but Park Sung-jun, you’re the one stabbing me in the back?
It’s true I don’t do much and I'm basically a salary thief, but considering how much profit I’ve brought to Break Line, you’re really going to pull this?
There was no way Park Su-jin could have pulled this off alone since she isn't even part of the clan.
Unless it was a clan member—and one in a position to manipulate the company at will—this kind of fabrication would be impossible.
That damn family.
But no matter how much I curse them, there’s nothing I can do right now.
I could just flip the table on everything and go to Square Garden, since they’ve been doting on me lately.
Three billion? That would be pocket change to Square Garden.
Song Ha-el told me back at the Center that Lee Ru-da is dying to recruit me.
She said she liked my evaluation reports and plans to apply my methods to her clan exactly as I suggested.
If I were to knock on Square Garden’s door right now, whether the criminal charges were true or not, they’d probably coolly drop the three billion and take me in.
But if I did that, the back of my head would sting from Park Sung-jun’s betrayal for the rest of my life.
I won't be satisfied until I land a counter-punch somehow.
... ...
But I don't know the first thing about administrative work.
Even if I want to clear my name, I don't have the skills.
My job in the military was hunting down monsters, villains, and Awakened from other countries; it wasn't administration.
I managed recruitment well enough since I had experience commanding a unit, but Han Ju-hee handled all the other administrative tasks.
The staff member showed me various charts and claimed they were evidence of embezzlement, but honestly, I didn't understand a word of it.
I return to the department, pondering my next move, and all the employees stare at me.
It’s still just an accusation, so it hasn't been officially announced, but how could something like this stay hidden?
They even hauled away the computer from my office for the investigation.
"Well, well, if it isn't the bold Manager Jeong Yeon-woo?"
Kim Yun-ah approaches from behind and speaks softly while massaging my shoulders.
"I’m surprised. I had no idea our Yeon-woo was so daring. Your wallet must be feeling quite heavy now, hmm? Is that why your butt is sticking out so much? Oh? It wasn't your wallet. Te-he."
Kim Yun-ah pats my butt and walks past me.
I finally received the sexual harassment I’d been asking for, but it feels disgusting.
As she walks away, swaying her large hips, I feel a sudden urge to run up and smack her.
"... ..."
When I look around, the employees all avoid my gaze and pretend to work.
Hmm... how sad.
I return to my office to find the room cold and empty, the computer and files all gone.
I was told I don't need to work or even come into the office until the investigation is over.
Oh, how exciting. I forgot to ask if they’re still paying me.
If the charges are confirmed, I’ll have to cough up money to Break Line that I never even touched.
Ah—was that it?
As I sit in my chair, lost in thought, Park Sung-jun’s intention becomes clear.
Since I’m becoming famous and other clans are showing interest, he wants to put a leash on me?
Then other charges besides the three billion might pop up too, right?
He’ll use this as leverage to force an unfair contract on me. Even if Square Garden offers to pay, he’ll use the contract as an excuse to keep me trapped?
That’s unexpected.
Since he knows my personality has changed, I didn't think he’d try to mess with me so recklessly, but here he is, pulling such an obvious stunt.
Knowing his personality, he wouldn't have started this just because Park Su-jin was whining.
Why are you so impatient, Park Sung-jun? It’s not like you. You’re a smart guy.
Is there something else going on?
After pondering for a moment, I sigh and stand up.
I pack my things and head out, addressing the employees who are trying their best not to make eye contact.
"Everyone, as you’ve probably heard, I’ve been given a vacation. Though... it seems to be an unpaid one."
I speak with a smile, but only Han Ju-hee and Baek Bo-min look at me.
Right, at least you two are worried about me.
"You’re all capable people, so please make sure there are no disruptions to the work while I’m gone. I’ll come back after my vacation if I can. Until then, keep up the good work."
As Baek Bo-min tries to stand up, Han Ju-hee grabs her and makes her sit back down.
Then, meeting my eyes, Han Ju-hee gives a quiet, respectful bow.
When she looks up, her eyes tell me not to worry.
I’m not sure exactly what she means, but it feels like she’s rooting for me, so I nod back and leave the department to wait for the elevator.
"Phew—so much is happening."
Won Tae-hun stands next to me, sighing as he holds a stack of documents.
I stare at him silently. He gives a small smirk and enters the elevator first when it arrives. I follow him in.
Despite holding the documents, Won Tae-hun follows me down toward the lobby, staring straight ahead as he speaks quietly.
"Investigate Department Head Kim Yun-ah. No matter who started this, those records couldn't have been modified without going through her."
As soon as we reach the lobby, Won Tae-hun walks out ahead of me as if nothing happened.
Won Tae-hun, you man among men.
I’ll admit it—you’re the manliest guy in this world.
I’m standing there, moved by the sight of Won Tae-hun’s back—the epitome of a man—when the elevator doors start to close, and I hurriedly scramble out.
Good. I was at a loss for what to do, but he narrowed down the target for me.
I won't forget this favor.
I watch Won Tae-hun walk away for a moment before swiping my ID card and heading out to the lobby.
Since it’s still broad daylight, I’m debating whether to go home when Kwon Ye-jin calls out from behind me.
"Master! Is that really true?!"
It’s still just an accusation; is she planning to broadcast it to everyone?
"If it were true, wouldn't I have received something from Hero Kwon Ye-jin as well?"
"Exactly! If anything, I’m the one who’s received more from you, Master."
Kwon Ye-jin kicks the ground in annoyance and glares at the clan building.
"Those bitches are sneering at me, asking how much I gave you. And what’s up with that staff member? They were interrogating me like I’m some kind of criminal."
"Did you get into a fight?"
"No, no. You told me that even if I can't be friendly, I shouldn't pick fights. But I think I’m going to get fired too. They were threatening me, saying I’m under suspicion."
"Is that so? I haven't been fired yet, though."
"Eh? Why the discrimination? What the hell! You said you’d make me an S-rank! You said you’d take responsibility!"
Kwon Ye-jin starts shouting at the top of her lungs.
I sigh and look around.
"I’ll make it happen, so be quiet. Let’s go grab some coffee."
"Huh? Coffee? You can actually swallow coffee right now?"
"If you’re not coming, I’m going alone."
"No, I’m coming! I said I’m coming! Ugh—fine, let’s go."
We head into a nearby cafe and take a seat.
I order an iced Americano, and Kwon Ye-jin gets a lemonade.
We’re ordering drinks that don't suit us at all.
Kwon Ye-jin sucks down a third of her lemonade in one go, lets out a long breath as if her frustration has eased, and then leans back in her chair with a delinquent posture, staring at me.
"Master, what are you going to do now? If you didn't embezzle the money, then what the hell is going on?"
"Someone framed me."
"Which son of a bitch did it? I’ll crush them. Which bitch was it?"
It’s the Clan Leader; I wonder if she can handle him.
With fire in her eyes, Kwon Ye-jin gets angry on my behalf.
"Why don't we just quit this shitty clan and start our own?"
"That’s a good idea. You do know that you need to be at least a B-rank hero to form a clan, right?"
"Uh... really?"
Apparently, she had no idea. Kwon Ye-jin turns her head away, dejected.
"Then let’s just go freelance until I hit B-rank. With your skills, Master, party members will be lining up."
She’s just spouting unrealistic plans, but her innocence actually makes me feel more at ease.
Talking to her, the stress from the investigation melts away, and my head feels a bit clearer.
Just as we’re exchanging meaningless, trivial banter, Han Ju-hee calls.
"Yes, Ms. Han Ju-hee."
"Manager, I’m calling from outside the clan building. I’m sorry I couldn't step up earlier."
"No, it’s fine. There was no need for you to get hurt by getting involved."
"I don't believe for a second that you embezzled anything," Han Ju-hee says firmly over the phone. "I’ll conduct my own investigation within the clan. I’ll clear your name and find the mastermind."
"... ..."
That’s nice to hear, but... why?
I know she’s opened up to me since I started working more than the previous owner of this body.
I know she respects me, but to go as far as risking her own position?
Until I know who my allies are, I have to be careful.
"Can I ask you one thing? Why are you trying to help me? If this goes wrong, you’ll get fired too."
Personally, I think she’d be able to spread her wings better if she got fired from Break Line and went to a larger clan.
Han Ju-hee is silent for a moment before answering in a quiet but powerful voice.
"Because I want to keep working with you, Manager."
It doesn't feel like a complete reason, but I suppose it’s her way of expressing herself.
Even if I’m planning revenge, I’m going to run to Square Garden if things go south anyway, so I might as well trust her.
She’s been reliable so far, and if it’s Han Ju-hee, she’ll be able to organize all the data that I find hard to understand.
Once I get the evidence to clear my name, she’ll turn it into a weapon.
"Yes, I want to keep working with you too, Ms. Han Ju-hee."
"... ... Thank you."
I’m the one who should be thanking her, but she thanks me first.
"Intern Baek Bo-min said she’d help too, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"Yes, thank you. For believing in me."
I’m surprised by how many people are trying to help me.
Is my heart just that cynical? Is it because I lived in a world where schemes were rampant and betrayal was as common as eating?
Whenever someone shows me this kind of kindness, my first instinct is suspicion.
I worry that by trusting people in this different world, I’ll just end up getting stabbed in the back again.
Regardless, having someone as talented as Han Ju-hee help me is like gaining a thousand-strong army.
Now that I have some people on my side, my brain is starting to work again.
After hanging up, I meet the eyes of Kwon Ye-jin, who has been watching me intently.
"You can start fighting from today."
"Huh? With who?"
"With the people in the clan. Pick fights with the apprentices... no, the rookies who are accused of giving me money."
Kwon Ye-jin sees my expression, which is much brighter than before, and grins.
"Picking fights is my specialty."
Don't make that your specialty.
"One thing to keep in mind: it’s not an interrogation. Just pick a fight by saying, 'You gave money to Jeong Yeon-woo, didn't you?'"
"It’s a bit embarrassing since I’m under suspicion too, but... well, if you say so, Master, I’ll do it. I’m sure you have a plan."
"Don't go too overboard. Just enough."
Hearing my words, Kwon Ye-jin says she understands and heads back to the clan.
Look at that initiative. She’s charging right in just because I told her to. What a woman.
Sucking on the leftover lemonade, I turn on my smartphone.
"Hello, reporter. It’s been a while. Yes, I’ve been well. How about you? Yes, yes. Right. Haha, I enjoyed that too. Yes, the reason I’m calling is, well, at our clan right now..."
After catching Millionface, I’ve done many interviews and know quite a few reporters and broadcasters.
The person I’m talking to now is at one of the most influential media outlets and is one of the reporters I’m closest to.
I tell the reporter everything that happened today.
Of course, I don't mention that I’m the one accused of embezzlement.
I simply say that someone has been doing such things.
Demanding money from heroes is something that deserves public condemnation.
Naturally, it’s a story any reporter would jump at.
The reporter is shocked by what’s happening at Break Line and says they’ll verify the facts and prepare an article immediately.
"Yes, thank you. Oh, and as for the informant... yes, thank you for keeping it a secret. Of course. Hahaha, between you and me, I trust you."
I hang up and smile.
Now, which reporter should I call next?
Since things have already come to this, let’s blow this up as big as possible.
If you’re going to force someone to stay, Park Sung-jun, you’d better be prepared to place a high bet.