Chapter 142
Chapter 142
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: The Three Commanders
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"Take care, driver."
"Thanks, miss."
Click.
Stepping out of the taxi, I'm greeted by crisp, clear air.
My back aches from the long ride.
⚙ STREAM STARTED ⚙ Han Ga-eul has started broadcasting I fiddle with my phone to turn on the stream, and viewers pour in right away.
"Come on in, my babies."
— ⚔️Boss Hi hi — ⚔️Boss Sweet morning "It's almost lunchtime?"
— ⚔️ Yeah lol — ⚔️ Lmao real name policy The viewers are lively as always today.
These guys are always full of energy.
— ⚔️ Outside? — ⚔️ Where's this? "Right here, right now!"
— ⚔️ Oh shit oh shit oh shit — ⚔️ Hell yeah, pumped "Tri-Command Operations Headquarters."
— ⚔️ Oh damn, that day already? — ⚔️ Boss said she'd start late today cuz of that A grand building looms behind me, with sentries standing guard at the entrance.
This is the place that commands six legions and four brigades. Most headquarters are just a single building, but this one's ridiculously huge.
"The first streamer in the universe broadcasting live from Tri-Command Operations Headquarters! Han Ga-eul here."
— ⚔️ Lmao boss in high spirits today — ⚔️ Military streamer idol lmao — ⚔️ Is this the right girl? Lmao One thing I've learned from streaming: no matter what, if you put energy into one side, the other side tires out fast.
When I amp up the hype, the viewers love it—best of both worlds.
"It's a military base, so there might be spots I can't stream due to security. You get it, right?"
— ⚔️ Got it got it — ⚔️ OK "Alright, let's go."
As I approach the entrance, one of the sentries staring blankly at me steps forward.
"What's the purpose of your visit?"
"Here to see Grandpa."
"Your name, please?"
"Write it as Cheon Ha-jin."
"Yes, Cheon Ha... jin."
The sentry's eyes widen mid-routine response.
I get it—generals with stars on their shoulders come and go here, so why the shock?
"Here’s your visitor pass. Head right at the first intersection to the Yeong Hall. Filming is only allowed there, so please mind that."
"Yep, thanks."
He must've noticed my phone mount and warned me accordingly.
Following his directions, I turn right at the intersection, and a tree-lined path appears, beautifully planted with shade trees.
"Whew, the air in the military is seriously good."
— ⚔️ Ew — ⚔️ You fool "Can't hold back in air this fresh."
A bit further down, I spot the smoking booth I'd been looking for at a corner.
It's barely a booth—just a spot with a "Smoking Area" sticker.
Flick, flick.
"Whew— ah, nice air."
— ⚔️ Ajushi lmao — ⚔️ My uncle does that "Noona!"
Is it lady next, then noona? I'm sick of hearing "noona" from this guy.
A big guy in a crisp uniform waves enthusiastically as he approaches—surprisingly cute for his size.
"Eh? Cheol-ah."
"Sergeant Kang Cheol!"
"Why aren't you with the Viper Unit? What're you doing here?"
"That's military life for you. Got pulled for manpower shortage."
— ⚔️ Dude Kang Cheol still huge af even after ages — ⚔️ Newbies gonna get disciplined Like the viewers say, he looks even bigger than last time.
"Whew— you're working hard."
"Nah. But where's Baekseol?"
"Right here."
I crack open the pocket of my cardigan to show him, and Cheol bends down to look.
Inside, a white fluff ball snoozes softly.
"Must've dozed off in the car. She'll wake up soon."
"So cute."
Cheol stares at Baekseol for a while, then nods.
"How'd you get here?"
"Saw the stream."
Cheol pulls out his phone from his pocket and shakes it.
"Right. You're a viewer too."
Chatting with Cheol burns through my cig fast.
I stub out the butt and reach for Cheol's back; he lets out an awkward chuckle and offers it.
Guess he's gotten used to my weird habits.
"Whoa, up high!"
Slipping my thigh around his neck, my view shoots up instantly.
— ⚔️ Kang Cheol you bastard pay double taxes — ⚔️ So jealous Cheol-back rides are a rare treat.
"Cheol-ah, if I'm heavy, lemme down."
"You're too light. Gotta eat more, noona."
"I've been stuffing myself."
Back when we met, he could barely talk—now he's all smooth and cheeky.
Cheol walks slowly with me on his back, the ground shaking with each step.
"Cheol-ah, is my thigh soft?"
"..."
"Squishy?"
— ⚔️ Kiyaaa!!! — ⚔️ Gonna lose my mind gonna lose it gonna lose it — ⚔️ Hang that bastard!! — ⚔️ Life is like steel Cheol trudges on silently, his ears beet red.
Still shy despite his size.
"Where we headed anyway?"
"To where the Chief Warrant Officer is."
"He's waiting for me, huh."
Hearing Grandpa's waiting, I hop off Cheol's back. He turns to me with a puzzled look.
"Can't greet him like this. Disappointed?"
"N-no, not at all."
— ⚔️ That dude's super disappointed lmao — ⚔️ Land of courtesy and manners but bull-like lol — ⚔️ Fr lmao — ⚔️ Polite as long as you don't shove it in lol — ⚔️ Shall we kill? — ⚔️ Your back's folding in half lol "Next time I'll wear a skirt. Don't be too bummed."
"Noona, please."
— ⚔️ Fuck kill him!! — ⚔️ Pls next life as Kang Cheol pls next life as Kang Cheol As we chat and walk, the atmosphere around us starts feeling off.
People who look like the broadcast team are rushing about, and soldiers are hustling too.
"Grandpa just said come sing a song and go, right?"
"Did you think it was something small?"
"Yeah..."
Why'd Grandpa call me to a place buzzing with the broadcast team?
"I wanna bail."
"Too late. Chief Warrant Officer's over there."
Cheol points to the front of a large building that looks like officers' quarters.
Among the three people chatting out front, one face is familiar.
"Grandpa!"
"Come here."
I run to Grandpa, and his fierce goblin eyes crinkle into half-moons.
He places his weathered, rough hand on my head.
"Mm."
It's coarse and rugged, but feels good.
"You'll make me go bald. Pet gentler."
"Heh, you rascal."
"I'm a girl, duh."
His patting gets rougher.
As I greet Grandpa, I feel stares boring into me from around.
"Chief, care to introduce?"
"She's like a granddaughter to me."
The other two look baffled.
If she's a granddaughter, say so—or not. "Like a granddaughter" confuses them.
"Hi, I'm Han Ga-eul."
"Nice to meet you, Bae Jun-ho."
"Whoa! Four stars. Cool."
"Haha."
He bows politely and offers a friendly handshake with a warm laugh.
Four shiny stars gleam on his epaulet.
"Never seen the Chief smile like that. Must really like his granddaughter."
Grandpa's back to his goblin face.
"He's the Tri-Command Operations Commander."
"Please take care of me."
"Haha, you're the Chief's granddaughter—I should be asking you."
He looks a tad younger than Grandpa but similar rank.
After shaking with the Commander, another hand extends from the side.
"Tri-Command Operations Chief of Staff, Hwang Hong-hwang."
"Pardon?"
"Hwang, and my name's Hong-hwang."
Damn, that's a destructive name.
As if used to reactions, the Chief of Staff smiles and shakes my hand.
"At least it's not Hwang Hwang-hwang, haha!"
"Ah. Haha. True."
Unsure how to respond, I glance at Grandpa for help; he shakes his head.
Two shiny stars on his epaulet. Can a general be this lighthearted?
"Please take care of me... uh... Staff Officer? Staff Grandpa?"
"Oh! Now I have a pretty granddaughter too."
I shoot Grandpa another look; he shakes his head again.
Must be his personality.
Hard to read someone from one line, but he seems like a chill neighborhood grandpa.
His spotless glasses cover laugh lines that scream his vibe.
But the sharp glint in his eyes now and then? Not to be underestimated.
Looks friendly, but scary when mad—textbook example.
"Ahem, I'm a grandpa too."
The Commander blurts out randomly and averts his eyes sheepishly.
"Yes, Commander Grandpa."
His lips curl happily—likes the title, huh?
Wonder if "Grandpa" feels good.
Haven't aged that much yet, so who knows.
"Eaten?"
"Not yet."
With greetings done, Grandpa tosses out the classic Korean check-in.
"Wanna eat together?"
"Mm... no! I'll eat with Cheol. You guys go ahead."
"Hm?"
All three gazes snap to Cheol simultaneously.
"Se-Sergeant Kang Cheol!"
"......" "......" "......"
"Hey, why scare my boy!"
— ⚔️ Kang Cheol blacks out! — ⚔️ Kang Cheol: Darkness state — ⚔️ Kang Cheol wants to gag the boss — ⚔️ Kang Cheol: Lack of initiative Silence falls awkwardly when Baekseol pokes her head out from my pocket.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah!"
She climbs out into my arms and stretches on my palm.
The six eyes on Cheol naturally shift to the fluff ball on my hand.
"Ta-da. Our house's poofball."