Chapter 43: Even a Rich Heiress is No Match for a 'Real Alpha'
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 43: Even a Rich Heiress is No Match for a 'Real Alpha'
"So, are you saying that luck played a part in clearing the S-Class Gate? Don't you think that's a bit of an overstatement...?"
"I mean it. It would have been impossible if it were a Boss Raid, a Defense, or an Offense mission. It was only possible because it was a Concept-type Gate."
Melanie frowned the moment she turned on the TV and heard the nonsense spewing out.
"May I ask why you think so?"
"It’s quite simple. Once the clear conditions for a Concept-type are revealed, the difficulty level drops drastically."
This was true.
Concept-type Gates were tricky to categorize alongside other Gate difficulties. First of all, the monsters that appeared were usually around A to B-Class. In other words, their defining characteristic was that the difficulty plummeted the moment the clear conditions were figured out.
Actually, the rule of thumb for Concept-types is to clear them with a small, elite force.
It was a valid point, but she couldn't help feeling annoyed. Instead of talking about the lack of casualties or the brilliant cooperation involved in clearing the Gate, he started with 'luck.' It sounded as if anyone could have cleared it as long as they were lucky enough to be there.
The host on the screen seemed to realize how dangerous that statement was, as he began to break into a cold sweat. However, the Hunter, oblivious to the atmosphere, continued.
"Cadet Baek Tae-yang... was it? Whether it was the department store monster incident or this recent case... there's no denying he's talented. But you can't deny he has the luck of the heavens, either. Just look at this latest issue. No matter how much of a 'mount' it is, it's strictly a skill. It's a skill he obtained after ranking first in contribution. And yet, I don't understand why everyone's reaction is so overwhelmingly positive... This is the equivalent of driving an armored tank down the street!"
This wasn't wrong either.
But it's not appropriate for the current situation.
Not a single word the guest Hunter said was factually incorrect. The problem was the timing.
The morning show, 'Strong and Powerful Morning! HOT Rookies!', was a program that analyzed rising stars. It was extremely popular for its segments investigating and profiling newly Awakened rookies. Its biggest draw was that they invited famous figures related to the rookie in question.
"Are you suggesting that Cadet Baek Tae-yang is dangerous? I can't just let that slide. Besides, hasn't it already been decided that summoned mounts are perfectly fine as long as they follow traffic laws? I don't see why you're trying to make an issue out of it again."
If one had to pick the most famous person associated with Baek Tae-yang, this man would never be left out. It was Chairman Choi Young-nam of 'Bogeumjari,' one of the top three multi-purpose corporations in the country.
The rumors that he's completely on Baek Tae-yang's side were true.
Some said he was just using the boy for the company's image, but looking at his attitude now, those were all lies. The way he glared at the Hunter with a deep furrow in his brow showed nothing but sincerity.
"Whew, it's spring outside, but it feels like midsummer in here with all this heat! Hunter Lee Hyo-tae has pointed out the potential risks, while Chairman Choi Young-nam seems to highly value the rookie's stability based on his recent track record. Since this rookie has been at the center of every major recent incident, I think both perspectives are perfectly valid."
The host hurriedly wrapped up the conversation before the atmosphere could boil over.
In Lee Hyo-tae's case, he was full of animosity toward Baek Tae-yang, and the reason was soon revealed. He was the Hunter cited as the catalyst for Baek Tae-yang's Awakening. Although no video footage remained, the incident had been thrust back into the spotlight as Baek Tae-yang rose to fame. Carrying the disgrace of being a '5th-Grade Hunter beaten by a non-Awakened,' he had come on the talk show to reclaim his honor.
He didn't even break even.
He likely intended to paint himself as a 'pitiful victim' by attacking Tae-yang's violent tendencies and past behavior. But with Chairman Choi Young-nam appearing, all those plans had been rendered moot. A 5th-Grade Hunter who drifted between D and F-Class dungeons was in a completely different league than the chairman of a global conglomerate; it was almost pitiful to even call it a fight.
"How is the recruitment of Kim Min-su going?"
"Yes, My Lady. Cadet Kim Min-su hasn't shown any particular intent yet. It's highly likely he'll side with Lady So Yu-min."
Melanie had watched the program hoping to pick up even a scrap of information on Baek Tae-yang. However, nothing new had been revealed beyond basic facts, and the conversation had devolved into mere predictions of his future moves. Seeing no point in watching further, Melanie turned off the TV and finished her preparations to head out.
"Then what about Baek Tae-yang?"
"Seeing as there's been no contact with Chairman Choi Young-nam, he seems to be unaffiliated."
"Then I should try approaching him. Head straight to Baek Tae-yang."
"Understood."
Kaivan, the global Awakened weapon manufacturer, was always hungry for rookie models. Rookies were cheap to hire, and the return on investment was massive if they happened to skyrocket in popularity. It was a Kaivan tradition to select the most promising cadet in each country as their model. Naturally, the candidate the Chairman of Kaivan had recently picked was Kim Min-su. His personality and looks weren't fully vetted, but the keyword [Hero] was far too attractive to pass up. However, because So Yu-min was always stuck to him, they hadn't been able to make an overt move.
"If he takes the bus, it'll take at least thirty minutes... He should be coming out soon, My Lady."
"Good. Let's wait."
But then, a titan named Baek Tae-yang had appeared. The Chairman of Kaivan hadn't mentioned this to Melanie. How could he use his own daughter as a business tool?
I'll do it.
Melanie already knew her father's heart. He was a man who hadn't said a single harsh word to her even when the company almost collapsed due to her lack of skill mastery. She would have no face if she couldn't proactively seize even a small opportunity like this.
I'm not planning to do anything big from the start.
It was a simple matter of introducing herself. Since they had cleared a Gate together, communication shouldn't be difficult. Of course, she had been unconscious and hadn't seen the situation through to the end, but still.
"My Lady, Cadet Baek Tae-yang is coming out."
Melanie was brimming with confidence. She didn't say it out loud because it felt like bragging, but she knew she was exceptionally beautiful. Even Kim Min-su had stammered when he first met her. It wasn't just Kim Min-su; every man was like that. It was an inevitable phenomenon for cadets receiving character education, as they lacked experience with the opposite sex. She assumed Baek Tae-yang would be the same, even if he hadn't gone through that specific curriculum.
Men are all the same anyway.
If a pretty girl made a move, they were bound to fall for it. Just then, Baek Tae-yang stepped out of the dormitory building. Just as she was about to approach him naturally in the limousine—
"Rocinante."
"Huh?"
Baek Tae-yang summoned Rocinante with practiced ease. Even if no restrictions had been announced, how could he summon it so casually? Before she could even react, he hopped onto Rocinante and accelerated instantly.
"Catch up to him, now!"
"Ye-Yes, ma'am!"
The speed was fast enough to startle even the driver.
But he's following all the rules while doing that.
It felt like watching one of those legendary Busan taxi drivers she'd heard about. He wasn't doing anything illegal, but he was dancing right on the edge. Furthermore, whenever the surrounding traffic increased, he suddenly drove the bike as gently as a lamb.
"I'll have to cause a fender bender just to get him to talk."
At this rate, Melanie's entire plan would go up in smoke. She had intended to have him get into the limousine and talk while driving slowly, but he was just too fast.
"I'll make contact during the left turn, then."
"Good."
The driver's judgment was swift and accurate. His experience showed in the way he boldly cut in and forced Baek Tae-yang to stop during the turn. Pulling over to the shoulder afterward was equally flawless.
"I'll take it from here."
Melanie did one last check of her face. Clear, sapphire-like eyes and luxurious blonde drill hair. Perfect.
"You. Get in my car. Right now."
When she spoke while rolling down the window, Baek Tae-yang stood there speechless. Well, it was understandable; he was probably shocked to see a Western beauty this stunning for the first time.
"Don't just stand there blankly. Deactivate your skill and get in."
Melanie was truly confident. Even though she had zero dating experience, she believed she could wrap any man around her finger.
Or so she thought.
*
Is this bitch crazy?
We almost had a major accident, yet where does this entitled attitude come from? Looking at her face, she clearly induced the collision on purpose. Seeing as she told me to deactivate my skill and get in, she must want to create a space for conversation.
"Uh... Miss Melini."
"It's Melanie."
"Ah, my apologies. Miss Melanie... We aren't exactly strangers, but we aren't close either. Isn't this a bit rude?"
Getting close to Melanie was going to be a problem.
If I do, she won't end up with Kim Min-su.
My goal was to snatch her away right before she and Kim Min-su became a thing. But if I made her fall for me before that even happened? The quest itself wouldn't proceed. I couldn't just start a harem and ruin the plan to wreck Kim Min-su's pure love.
Seducing a girl like this is child's play.
She was clearly acting like this because she relied on her looks, but she had picked the wrong target. This kind of behavior only worked on virgins like Kim Min-su.
I've slept with plenty of lower-tier versions of you back in Itaewon.
She was just like the girls who wandered the streets on Halloween like Pokémon NPCs. Memories of heading to a motel after a few words and a couple of drinks at a bar came flooding back. You didn't even need much conversation. Both sides were just looking at faces and ready to spread their legs.
"I'm sorry. But I'll be blunt. Baek—"
Ding!
"Ah, hold on. Sorry for cutting you off. I got a text..."
[Yoo Su-jin]
> Tae-yang, I tried to reply to your text yesterday but I missed it, I'm so sorry ㅠㅠ...
> I thought you wouldn't contact me because of such a big incident...
> Are you feeling okay? It was all over the news, I was so worried.
> We were on a dungeon field trip yesterday too ㅠㅠ... Anyway, I'm really sorry for the late reply.
> You're not mad, right? Right? ㅠㅠ...?
> (Emoticon of a small puppy wagging its tail while holding a 'Sorry' sign)
A lot of people mistakenly believe that 'an alpha male's life is always full of girls texting first.' That was half-right and half-wrong. In the beginning, reaching out first was always more effective. You had to make them think, 'This guy is interested in me too,' to properly open their hearts. After that, even if you didn't contact them often, the girl would naturally reach out, remembering the attention you gave her initially.
Of course, it's not like I'm playing with Su-jin.
It was just a habit. There was no reason to use the old tricks from Earth on the innocent Su-jin. Since she was the first woman he'd had a relationship with since coming here, he wanted to treat her with care.
[Yoo Su-jin]
< It's okay, Noona. I'm sure the 2nd-year dungeon trip was tough.
< I'm actually heading back to the S-Class Gate site right now haha.
< I'll call you later. Make sure you pick up then.
Yes! Yes! I'll definitely pick up right away.
(Emoticon of a puppy blowing hearts with its tail)
A smile naturally formed on his lips at the cute emoticon. After letting the smile linger a bit longer than usual, he immediately switched to a cold, expressionless face when he looked back at Melanie. It was a method of creating a clear 'temperature difference' to establish distance.
You aren't the one who makes me smile—that sort of vibe.
"Yes, so what was it you wanted to say so bluntly?"
"I'd like to offer you a modeling contract with our Kaivan Corporation."
A model, huh? Chairman Choi Young-nam had contacted him once about that too. He had declined back then because he didn't know how the world worked.
Wait, this could actually be an opportunity.
In the novel's setting, Melanie and Kim Min-su were destined to be somewhat intertwined. For her to skip that and offer me a modeling contract directly? That shouldn't be happening.
She definitely offered it to Kim Min-su first and got rejected, so she came to me.
I could guess the reason. Yu-min was always there, and since he was a pushover protagonist, he'd need some kind of catalyst. This meant that if I provided the right catalyst, I could pair Melanie and Kim Min-su up immediately.
"Didn't you contact Kim Min-su first?"
"Huh? How did you..."
"I'd like to discuss the details inside the car, if that's alright?"
"Yes... Yes! Please, come in."
For a virgin to dare try and control me—how arrogant. After reverse-summoning Rocinante, he waited for the limousine door to open.
I'll give you a thorough standard for comparison.
After meeting me, she would have no choice but to compare when she eventually met Kim Min-su. I just had to make her think of me even at the very moment she was trying to make Kim Min-su her model. The moment the thought that Kim Min-su wasn't enough began to dominate her mind as she kept feeling regret—
That's when I step in.
The drive to the S-Class Gate would take about twenty minutes at a slow pace. Cooking one virgin in twenty minutes? It was nothing.
I guess I am helping you with your love life, Min-su.
Since I was the one helping his harem, it was only right that I be the one to bring about its ruin. Look at this young lady, flustered the moment the flow of conversation shifted. She was wearing a haughty mask, but she was no different from a country girl who had just arrived in the big city.
Even a rich heiress is no match for a real alpha.
She had no idea. She didn't know what kind of being the man about to sit next to her truly was.
People never know until it's too late.