Chapter 80
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Gift (2)
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At a department store in Gangnam, I was playing the role of Mannequin A.
Good. Perfect. Hwa, what do you think?
Meiden asked Yuhwa, who was playing the part of Mannequin B.
It looks like something I've seen at DDP Fashion Week.
And you, kiddo?
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and said.
Uh I think it suits me, but isn't it a bit much?
Meiden put a hand to her forehead.
Forget it. What did I expect from a couple of fashion disasters?
In the span of thirty minutes, Yuhwa's and my outfits had changed completely.
Yuhwa was no longer in her stiff business suit, but a bright one-piece dress.
And I was wearing clothes so flashy they'd put an idol to shame.
I think I liked my old clothes better.
This outfit is too much.
Looking over, I saw Yuhwa also staring at her outfit with a reluctant expression.
Her face seemed to say, I think the suit was neater and prettier.
You there, miss salesclerk, what do you think?
Meiden called out to a store clerk. The clerk, who had been observing us from nearby, answered.
I believe it's the perfect coordination, reflecting 120% of this year's trends. As expected of you, Ms. Meiden Keuritineseu. I'm in awe.
The corners of Meiden's mouth crept upward.
See? This is a normal person's reaction. Got it? You fashion disasters.
Meiden wagged her finger and clicked her tongue.
Even so, calling us fashion disasters is
I was still baffled.
How could I trust the clerk's words? They're the type to praise an unflattering outfit just to make a sale.
Since it's come to this, my only option is to get a third party's fair opinion.
*Click*
I took a picture of my reflection in the mirror.
What're you doing?
Gonna ask my friends if it looks good.
Good idea.
Ah. I should post one too.
Yuhwa, apparently planning to consult her friends as well, took a picture of herself.
Meiden crossed her arms, a confident smile on her face.
I uploaded the picture to the [Master and Disciples!] chatroom.
[Photo Attached]
[What do you guys think of this outfit?]
The response was immediate.
[Shin Jia: Wow! Seonjonim, what's with that outfit? It looks amazing on you!]
[Ha Siyeon: Whoa, whoa! So stylish.]
[Really? Is it that good?]
[Shin Jia: Yes! The colors are subtle enough to highlight your face. And it's tone-on-tone! You should dress like this all the time.]
[Ha Siyeon: Seoyul, you didn't pick this out yourself, did you?]
*Well, she's right.*
[...Why do you think that?]
[Ha Siyeon: Because you're a black-color fanatic, Seoyul. Who picked it out for you?]
A black-color fanatic.
A black-color fiend.
So that's how people saw me.
Looking over, I saw Yuhwa also had a dazed expression.
She looked like her friends had just grilled her, saying things like, What's a suit fanatic like you doing in such a bright dress? Did you get a boyfriend? Who is he? Does he have any chronic illnesses? Where are you getting married?
What'd your friends say?
Meiden said with a smirk, looking at me.
They said it looks good.
And? Didn't they ask who picked it out for you?
How did she know?
Anyway, you get it now, right? You're a fashion disaster.
Yes.
Seeing even Jia and Siyeon react so dramatically, I guess I really was a terrible dresser.
Good. If you understand, let's go to the next store.
Meiden said, handing her card to the clerk.
What?
Yuhwa and I asked, our eyes wide.
Aren't we done?
Meiden. Isn't one outfit each enough?
Meiden just scoffed.
Looking at you two's sense of style, I won't be at ease unless I get you at least four or five outfits each. That way, you'll have plenty to wear.
Meiden smiled like a mother looking at her hopeless son and daughter.
***
And so, for about five hours.
We did our best as Meiden Keuritineseu's mannequins.
Good. Perfect.
With our hair perfectly styled, we were now sitting in a restaurant for dinner.
Wouldn't it be nice if you two always went around like this?
*I'm so tired, there's no way I could keep this up.*
Especially you, kiddo. With a face like that, your usual clothes are nothing short of a crime. You know that?
Yes.
I decided to readily admit it.
After following her around for five hours, I understood all too well. Just by changing my clothes and hair, the way people looked at me changed.
A flawless face that needed no work, and a body honed by Pi Jinho's rigorous training.
When Meiden Keuritineseu's touch was added to that, it created a literally explosive synergy.
If I'd walked around alone today, I'm sure I would have been hit on by at least ten women.
No, really.
I'm not just flattering myself; there were at least ten people shooting heart-beams from their eyes at me.
Anyway, superhumans are people, too. You should care about things like regular fashion, not just your gear.
Meiden passed me a piece of her steak, a faint smile on her face.
And you especially, kiddo, you need to rest sometimes. From what I heard from that Jinho fellow, you're practically a training machine.
It's because I enjoy it.
Come to think of it, Meiden was the same age as Instructor Pi Jinho.
Kiddo. You got any hobbies?
Hobbies Not really.
What about seeing a movie recently? Or hanging out with someone?
I don't think I've done that either.
Even on my days off, I usually spent them training or planning to minimize future variables.
Is that so.
Meiden looked at me with eyes full of a certain sadness.
Then, she briefly met Yuhwa's gaze before looking back at me and saying.
Let's just eat. Our appointment is at seven.
Ah. Yes.
She did say our appointment with the Korean branch of Blacksmith was at seven.
***
6 PM. After a quick dinner, we were heading to the Blacksmith Korean branch headquarters in Meiden's car.
Come to think of it, what happened to the Ancient Artifacts?
I'd been so distracted I forgot about the most important thing.
Meiden looked at me through the rearview mirror and said.
What do you mean, what happened? They're stored safely in the trunk.
The trunk of this car?
Yep. I brought them along to give to you when I drop you home later. Why? Curious what kind of artifacts are in there?
Meiden switched the car to auto-drive, then spun around to face me.
She wore a playful smile.
She had the air of someone who wouldn't tell me even if I asked.
I am curious.
But I couldn't suppress my curiosity. Which race's ancient artifacts they were. How many there were.
It was weighing on my mind.
Not tellin' ya.
I had a feeling, and I was right.
Meiden laughed heartily and continued.
C'mon, kid. It's no fun if I tell you beforehand.
Meiden reached out, messed up my hair, and laughed.
A cool, minty perfume scent wafted from her wrist, carried by her body heat.
For now, just think hard about what kind of gear you're going to commission from Blacksmith.
Okay.
We drove for about thirty minutes and arrived at the Blacksmith Korean branch.
Welcome.
Guided by an employee, we moved toward the heart of the building.
I thought we were going to an office or a reception room, but what's with this workshop?
He is waiting inside.
Thanks.
Meiden gave a small wave.
The employee gave a slight bow before returning to his post.
*Knock, knock*
Gramps. Coming in?
Meiden didn't even wait for a response before opening the door.
The moment she opened the door, the sweltering air from inside brushed past my face. The intense heat of a forge.
*Clang Clang Clang*
Inside that hot room, an old man was hammering steel.
He was an old gentleman with his white hair tied back neatly and a well-groomed white beard.
Still as impolite as ever, I see.
The old gentleman remarked without even turning his gaze.
*Clang, clang.* The rhythmic sound of iron striking iron echoed.
What's the point of formalities between us?
What 'us'?
A father-daughter kind of relationship?
You're full of crap today.
The old gentleman scoffed.
Anyway, wait a moment. I'm almost finished. Go to the office and have something to eat.
Yeah, yeah.
Meiden answered perfunctorily.
But she showed no intention of leaving the workshop.
She just stared at the old gentleman hammering the iron with a dreamy look in her eyes.
I also found myself staring blankly at the old man. It was ordinary hammering, not at all flashy or amazing, but for some reason, I couldn't look away.
Cool, isn't he?
Meiden said quietly.
My old man. His skill is the best in the world.
An unconcealable affection shimmered in Meiden's eyes.
That's Elder Jeong Il-yong.
Yuhwa whispered in my ear from beside me.
Ah.
Jeong Il-yong, the greatest blacksmith in China.
So this was the man.
His name was mentioned a few times in the original work, but he never made a direct appearance.
I seem to recall it saying he had connections to Meiden Keuritineseu.
He's Chinese, right?
Yes.
His Korean is very good.
He can speak all the basic languages. Studying is his hobby.
Wow.
So he was an incredible person.
We continued to watch Elder Jeong Il-yong's hammering.
The more I watched, the more I felt drawn in.
About ten minutes passed like that.
What's so interesting about an old man hammering away that you're all staring?
The old gentleman put down all his hammers and approached us.
Ah. Forgive us.
Our apologies.
Yuhwa and I bowed our heads slightly. Then Meiden spoke.
It's fine. He's not really telling you off. He's just embarrassed and trying to cover it up. Unlike how he looks, this old man is actually very shy.
Don't talk nonsense, you insolent brat.
Jeong Il-yong clicked his tongue and looked down at Meiden.
What is it, you stubborn old gramps?
Looking up at him, Meiden bared her teeth in a grin.
It's been a while. Looks like you're starting to get some gray hairs.
And you, gramps, look like you're starting to lose those gray hairs.
You seem to be getting some wrinkles, too.
Your wrinkles have all disappeared, gramps. Trying to become a skeleton?
Their words were a bit harsh, but they were both smiling.
I'm glad to see you're as impudent as ever. It's been a long time.
Yeah, it has. Anyway, gramps. Let me introduce these kids. You know Hwa, right? You've met a few times.
Yuhwa bowed her head.
And this is the kiddo who'll be wearing the gear we're commissioning today. Kang Seoyul.
Jeong Il-yong's gaze fixed on me.
An unknown tension rose within me under that heavy gaze, born from his years of experience.
I'm Kang Seoyul.
Jeong Il-yong.
The old gentleman extended his hand to me.
I took it and shook it lightly. It was a rough hand, just as you'd expect from a blacksmith.
I hear you're Jinho's student?
Yes, that's right.
It seems he has a connection with Instructor Pi Jinho as well.
Not bad.
Jeong Il-yong smiled.
Right? He's a good kid.
Indeed. I might not trust your eyes, but I can trust Jinho's.
This old man's words always leave a bitter taste.
Jeong Il-yong glanced at Meiden and scoffed again, an expression of disdain thrown in for good measure.
Anyway, I just need to make this kid's gear. Is that it?
Huh? Yeah.
Hmm.
Jeong Il-yong stroked his chin, seemingly in thought.
If it's too much trouble, just introduce me to another craftsman. Someone discreet and skilled
Fine. I accept.
Huh?
At his ready acceptance, Meiden's eyes widened.
Really?
Meiden looked overjoyed.
Why? You don't like me taking the job?
No, of course it's great. It's just so unexpected. Gramps, you came to Korea like you were running away, saying you wouldn't take any more gear commissions. That you were sick and tired of it.
That is true.
So that was why the greatest blacksmith, Jeong Il-yong, was serving as the head of the Korean branch.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. What's gotten into you?
No particular reason. He's a kid that both you and Jinho approve of.
Jeong Il-yong gave a faint smile and looked at my chest.
His eyes, a dreamy, luminous lavender.
And he seems like a rather interesting kid.
His eyes were aimed precisely at the [Pinnacle of the Weapon] tucked inside my clothes.
Could it be that he knows about the [Pinnacle of the Weapon]?