Chapter 442: Modest Image (1)
“That’s…”
“Yes. This is what our hyung- no- the Blue Vice Guild Master and Honorary Cardinal of the State, Lee Kiyoung, has said. There is indeed a threat looming over the horizon.”
“…”
“Ignorant guys like us didn’t know. I also don’t know what’s going on in this place where peace has come after the war… Given the current situation of the continent, that’s not necessarily an absurd lie. Some quests were jammed out of nowhere, and the dungeons began to restrict us from entering. The State and the Republic, the United Kingdom, and even the Interracial Union are uniting for a common goal.”
“That…”
“Let’s not force ourselves to create an atmosphere in our attempts to calm the chaotic continent. Let’s not pressure ourselves with the sudden news, either. Many large guilds and nations are already training to prepare against these threats. Because of that, lots of confidential conversations are already being held. More information will probably be released as more time passes, right?”
“Are the demonic dungeons’ rise the aftereffect of the Demon Summoner Jin Qing’s capture?”
“I think we can put it that way. That being said, the current status is that our clan, who had been dormant so far, also appeared this time because we couldn’t ignore the continent’s crisis. It’s our home anyway. We should try to save it much as we can.”
“It feels like I’ve heard a very serious story. I feel ashamed. Our clan only thought about making a living to survive…”
“Well, that’s what everyone does, don’t they? That just makes Honorary Cardinal Lee Kiyoung even more amazing. He doesn’t care about himself.”
“You seem to know him well.”
“Yes, I do. That isn’t everything, even. Crack Land is also in the business of losing money. Rumors say that he is starting this with a debt to the Republic… How tight would it be to collect military funds there? Think about it.”
“Hmm…”
“Imagine if the friendship Clan Master is in the position of the Blue Guild, Black Swan, Red Mercenary, or another large guild. Would you open the Crack Museum to civilians?”
“That’s…”
“Some would have made that choice, but I can assure you that not most will. If you can get items from it with only the parties that belong to several large guilds right now, why would you lend the dungeon filled with honey? Which madman would give others a chance to become stronger on the continent? I mean, it’s pretty obvious as to why he did that. He thought that the balanced growth of the continent is the top priority. Our Honorary Cardinal must have thought so!”
“Balanced growth…”
“That’s right! This is balanced growth. Experiences and items that can be obtained in dungeons. In any case, this is a business that the dungeon where the officials would be at a deficit. That’s why we are here. What can we do? We can become stronger and provide help to the threat that will arise later. That’s why our clan came to the Crack Museum. That’s probably why everyone did. Am I right, everyone?!”
“You’re good at talking, Pak Sergei! Although you’re a Republican, you’re saying great things!”
“Of course, I do! Absolutely! Come here and get a drink!”
“That’s right! You are absolutely right!”
The guy’s voice made the entire bar buzz again as he asked for their opinions.
Most adventurers nodded at Pak Sergei’s remarks. There were even parties that applauded and cheered at his words.
He seemed to be exhibiting drunken behaviors with a red face, but people like him usually ended up helping a lot in such a place. I was worried that this would break my reputation, but I had soon become confident that that would never happen.
‘This pig bastard really…’
‘Are you really not a regressor?’
I thought about it without even realizing it. I had joked about it, but somehow, I also felt suspicious of what happened. The power of that pig, which proved to be insanely useful when it wasn’t needed, was indeed outstanding.
Of course, he usually trolled about things, but he always came through for me without fail during the moments when I really needed him.
That role was also included having to advertise the Crack Museum, and it didn’t seem like that was the end.
I didn’t know what Lee Jihye ordered him to do, but I felt like he was doing more than the minimum.
After about 40 minutes of socializing, he began to address the party. It had given off the hint to wrap up the conversation.
“Ahem. I’ve stayed for too long. It would be better for me to go.”
His manner of farewell was a bit too unpredictable, but I couldn’t say I was surprised. He knew that our party was going on an expedition tomorrow, so this must be out of consideration.
He understood that it would be hard for the Friendship clan to end the conversation.
‘Look at his kindness…’
It was what made people respect him. There was gratitude in Lee Cheol-woo’s eyes, as if realizing the favor he did.
“We have to prepare for tomorrow too… Thank you so much for your good words today and for your help, Pak Sergei.”
“Adventurers should help each other, after all.”
It was quite a heartwarming scene.
“Let’s go, Kiyeon.”
“Yes. Cheol-woo.”
Seniors and juniors greeted each other and bid their farewells.
Personally, it was a bit of an uncomfortable meeting, but at least it was helpful for the Friendship Clan. Not only did they get a lot of information, but they were also able to get the right thoughts and mindsets.
‘Right. Absolutely. Opportunities like this are uncommon.’
I also waved at them, joining the group in saying goodbye. Pak Sergei looked at me with a strange expression before nodding.
“I’ll see you again later.”
It felt like I had passed the crisis safely. However, I quickly realized that it was just a personal wish.
Knock, knock-
Soon, I heard someone knocking on my door.
When I opened the door, I saw Ahn Ki-mo and Park Deokgu shaking a filled bottle.
In particular, Park Deokgu was looking at me with a dog-like expression.
“Come in.”
He had a big smile.
“Long time no see, hyung-nim.”
It did feel like it had been a long time.
* * *
“Why didn’t Ye-ri come?”
“She didn’t come because of the fascination dance. She’s probably mortified of it by now. Anyway, why is your room so small? Can you move to a bigger place?”
“No. This is enough. It’s uncomfortable, but… it would be funny to change rooms now. I’ve already unpacked all my luggage here.”
“Well, okay then. By the way… according to what you said, are you here as Lee Kiyeon for inspection or something?”
Hmm. Yeah. Actually, I was just trying to do a simple disguise, but I think it’s hard to remain incognito with that. This body isn’t as uncomfortable as I thought it would be.”
“Somehow, you have a face that feels familiar. No, the face is subtly different, but the smell is similar.”
“What smell?”
“Well, your smell. The faint smell of medicine, as well as the smell of a mixture of this and that…”
“You noticed me only with that?”
“There is actually something else! The bag! Seeing that bag you carry every day, I thought of you immediately. And the name is too similar! Honestly, I didn’t know at all at first, but when I thought it might be you, everything just strangely fitted perfectly! You can fool a ghost, but you can’t fool Park Deokgu’s eyes!”
“…”
“Can I call you nuna from now on?”
“Nuna, my ass. Just call me as usual. Ahn Ki-mo, make yourself comfortable. It’s been a long time since we drank together.”
“Thank you, Vice Guild Master. By the way, I was really surprised. I didn’t even imagine that you would turn out to be so beautiful. If you hadn’t really given a hint with your bag, we wouldn’t even realize it was you.”
“I will take that as a compliment. How’s the guild?”
“It’s the same. Since this project takes a lot of work, we’re extremely busy maintaining and repairing it. There are more things to do than I expected. The same goes for the Guild Master. He’s still very busy. Oh! I haven’t contacted the Guild Master yet. Should I call him here? Or even Hayan…”
“No. You don’t have to do that. They’re busy, and I don’t want to bother them. I hope you keep this matter between you two, and Ye-ri.”
‘Never let Jung Hayan know…’
“I thought so. I already told Ye-ri that in advance.”
‘Thank you, Ki-mo.’
“My lips are sealed. Trust me.”
‘I don’t believe you. Bastard.’
He took an oath as he pounded his chest, but I was scared that he would run in and report it to Jung Hayan.
Of course, I could tell that Park Deokgu wasn’t a tattletale, but it was also undeniable that he was extremely talkative when he was around Jung Hayan.
I had no choice but to change the topic in a hurry before it could be further discussed.
“But why did you pick up that kind of disguise? Physical Wizard… and what’s up with the blood-mad Berserker, Ki-mo?”
“Ahem. I’m feeling ashamed. It’s a role I’ve always wanted to play… Still, I am comforting myself by saying that it seems a little better than the dance of fascination.”
“Certainly, that… was a little too much. Ye-ri, that little kid is so shameless. I will have to conduct a sex education class at the Blue Guild soon.”
Ahn Ki-mo, who had taken this as a joke, spat the drink out.
The overall atmosphere turned out to be pretty good, the three of us sitting in a small room and chit-chatting. It certainly felt like it had been a long time since I had spent time like that.
In particular, I couldn’t even remember when I had a drink with Park Deokgu. The way he kept talking nonstop was enough to make me bored, but not that time since we
“Is your wound okay?”
“Well, since my body is healthy and strong, then I’m fine. More importantly, are you okay? I heard that even a Templar had come…”
“I’m physically fine. I was a little tired, but it seemed to be because of that…”
We asked each other’s regards.
“Vice Guild Master, when will you finish this?”
“I’m just going to go in and out of the dungeon. It won’t take long.”
“Hmm… I see. For some reason, it’s too bad to end this meeting like this. What do you think about having another drink with us after you’re done with all your work?”
“I’m definitely up for it.”
“Sure.”
We continued talking about useless things.
I, too, didn’t want to end the good time after a long time. As I looked outside, I realized that it was already dawn.
After realizing that I would sleep only for a few hours now, I was stunned for a second, but I could still sleep for about four to five hours.
‘I can take the fatigue recovery potion.’
Ahn Ki-mo started to open his mouth when he noticed I was sleepy. He seemed to have realized now that it was better to leave.
“Let’s go, Deokgu. He is going to the dungeon tomorrow, and it seems that we have taken much time off the Vice Guild Master.”
“Ahem. Ah, it’s too bad to end this like this… hyung-nim, let’s just stay for another hour.”
“We can do this after I come back. I also want to be with you, but I’m so tired I can’t stand it.”
“Then, it can’t be helped, but…”
“Get out, you bastard. Let me sleep.”
When I pushed him away, he reluctantly stood up.
“Then, Vice Guild Master, see you soon.”
“Well, call me if you need anything. I will come running.”
“Okay.”
As I was about to open the door and see them off, I heard a voice.
“Ah.”
As I turned my head naturally, I saw a woman from the Friendship Clan.
I didn’t know why she was out at a time like that, but I could see her looking at Argirmo and me with a shocked look.
As soon as she checked out Pak Sergei popping out of the room, deep disgust began to permeate her face. It was as if she was looking at an insect, or like she was looking at human trash that couldn’t be cleaned up.
The moment I realized the misunderstanding, I swallowed hard.
“…”
“…”
“You seem to be misunderstanding something…”
The crazy bitch who had joined them had now dragged two men into a room a day before the expedition.
That was the moment when my image was solidified from Light Kiyeon to Bitch Kiyeon.
I saw her closing the door in a hurry as if she saw something she shouldn’t have.
‘My modest image is over, fuck.’
I heard the sound of the modest behavior that I had built up so far collapsing from a single mistake.
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