Chapter 885. Vacation (3)
“I’m tired of it...” I muttered.
Anyone would agree that it was such a ridiculous situation. Angel Ki-Young became Devil Ki-Young in just a day, as I was smiling warmly at him yesterday.
I was sure he remembered how I was thanking him continuously when he gave me a useless gift. The bond between Kim Hyun-Sung and I was great these days, which was why I understood his reason for looking at me with such disbelief.
I was furious, and I had even thrown the bag that he had given me to the floor. This was not supposed to happen, and he couldn't believe that this was happening.
This was a bit much, but the person who'd get mad or cry first was usually the winner.
Even if one hadn't done anything wrong, one was bound to reflect on one's actions if the other person were to get angry or cry first. One would question whether one had done something wrong. They'd also think about whether the other party was simply having a bad day or if something actually happened.
There was a moment of silence and it seemed like it took him a while to process my comment earlier. As always, his reaction was still the same.
“I’m sorry.”
I knew he'd say that.
“What exactly are you sorry about?” I asked.
Apologies had long become a habit of Kim Hyun-Sung, and I could tell that he apologized without even thinking about it.
‘I need to strike like lightning.’
I had to be emotional and corner him to make sure that there wouldn't be any time for him to think.
That was the basics of negotiating...
“Tell me exactly what you’re sorry about. Let’s hear it,” I said.
“Ki-Young...”
“You’re like this every single time. Fix your habit of apologizing first. Please,” I begged.
“Ah...”
“I know you’re not sorry,” I argued.
“No, I really am sorry. I...”
“I’m sick and tired of this,” I mumbled.
'What’s with that face?'
“Forget it. Please leave,” I told him.
‘I’m doing the right thing, right, Ji-Hye noona?’
I needed to be cold and end the conversation here, but I was sure that wasn’t enough to make him leave. He wasn’t that dumb that he wouldn't realize the fact that things would truly be over between us if he were to leave right now.
'You’re really going to leave? Leave. If you do, it’s over.'
Regardless of what had happened, I could tell that he was genuinely trying to figure out what he had done wrong and was trying to buy time. His eyes trembled as he kept his mouth shut, as he had no idea why I was so angry.
‘I don’t feel good about this either...’
Kim Hyun-Sung had suffered for over ten years, so nothing would change even if I were to let him do whatever he wanted for a year. Letting him rest was actually the right thing to do. Considering the things he had gone through, one year was probably not enough for him to rest properly. The way he was spending his time was kind of wrong, but at least it was making him happy.
I felt kind of bad seeing his anxious look, but I needed to act this way to buy some time.
If I were to talk to him about it nicely, the conversation wouldn’t go anywhere.
As expected, Kim Hyun-Sung didn't leave.
I thought cornering him more would be a good idea, but...
‘Let’s just stop here. I’ve said enough.’
It’d be fine if he were having fun on his own, but he was affecting the guild’s finances. I could have stopped him long ago. Fortunately, it wasn't too late yet, and the timing was actually perfect, as I had things to take care of with Ji-Hye noona...
“Whoo...”
“I’m... sorry, Mr. Ki-Young,” Kim Hyun-Sung repeated.
“Haa...”
“I—”
“No, I think I was being a little harsh,” I interrupted.
“What?”
“I think I was being a bit sensitive because I’ve been really stressed lately. I’m usually not like this, but I've been worrying about many things...” I told him.
“...”
I picked up the bag on the floor and said, “It looks good. I like it."
The atmosphere was still tense, but it was better than earlier.
I nodded, signaling to him that he could sit down.
Kim Hyun-Sung sat down.
“But I don’t want you to do this again,” I warned him.
“What?” Kim Hyun-Sung questioned.
“You may not be aware, but the Blue Guild is preparing to open a few businesses, which are for beginner adventurers and for those marginalized in our society, but we’re not in a favorable position financially due to the recent events.
"Moreover, the money we had invested in the free psychological counseling center is in conflict with the Lindel city plan...” I explained.
“I-I see...” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
“We’re managing through the alchemy workshop and the weapons business, but we need to save as much as possible,” I added.
What I said wasn't true, as we were obtaining a ton of money from the warp gates, but Kim Hyun-Sung wasn’t aware of the guild’s financial situation, so I was sure he had no idea what I was talking about.
“If possible, I don’t want to stop you from doing what you want to do. I’d like to delay the welfare project, but as you already know, we’re in an urgent situation... Whoo... I’m sorry,” I said.
“I see...”
“I’m really sorry for saying this, but the amount you've been spending every month to maintain your status is a lot...” I revealed.
“...”
He was definitely at a loss for words. Using a clan or guild’s annual budget to maintain one’s status was just absurd. If I had used a fabricated version of the Blue Guild’s financial reports to tell him more about the situation, then I would have been able to explain it better, but it didn't really matter.
Just as I expected, Kim Hyun-Sung’s eyes started shaking. He didn’t have a basic concept of money. We never really talked a lot about his life on Earth, but he was probably born with a silver spoon.
“I... I was... really...”
“Obviously, I think you’re worthy of receiving that kind of treatment, and I want you to enjoy this place more than anyone, but I do want to see you go out into the field while wearing your armor sometimes. It’s already been a year...” I said.
“You need to start deciding what you want to do. You can’t keep being lazy. Are you going to live like this for the next one hundred years? I’m only human, man.
“You're making me feel worried in more ways than one,” I told him.
'I’m worried that you’ll actually be jobless. You’re not trying to reap profits even though you haven't done anything, right? Light Ki-Young once said that one shouldn't even look at incompetent bastards. Have you heard about that? It’s two outs for you right now.'
“I understand what you’re saying,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
“I’d like to ask for a small favor...” I said.
“Anything... I’ll do my best,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
“I’d like you to visit the Republic,” I requested.
“...”
“The Blue Guild is planning on setting up a branch there. I won’t be able to provide you with a lot of support, but it’s required. I'd like to see the old Kim Hyun-Sung, who had led the Blue Guild into its tremendous growth,” I explained.
'There isn't going to be any type of support. I want you to go there and build it yourself. Build power and go on raids. You understand what I’m saying, right? Don’t take out a loan, no matter what. I want you to work passionately as if you’re a beginner adventurer again. It’s better than playing around.'
He was the Guild Master of the Blue Guild, so I wanted to give him something more important to do, but it had been a while since he was on the field, so I couldn't just send him out there haphazardly.
Moreover, the farther he was from the Federation, the better it would be for us, so the Republic was the best place for him to go.
The guild branch in the Republic was going to be built for a symbolic reason, anyway, so his success didn't really matter. If he somehow managed to succeed and become an important figure there, the guild branch there would become even more symbolic, which was why it was better to dispatch him there.
Once he was back to his old self, I could just give him other tasks to do.
I looked at Kim Hyun-Sung and saw that he was being hesitant.
“Of course, I’d be happy to do that, but I’m worried about your safety and health...” Kim Hyun-Sung muttered.
“You know we no longer have to worry about threats. I’m happy that you’re worried about me, but I’m not someone that requires protection. I've been feeling a bit uncomfortable with those types of hospitality recently... Like the three months after I woke up. Haa...” I sighed.
“I understand,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
“I believe we need to change as well. You and I can’t stop moving. I hope you understand what I’m saying,” I continued.
“I do, but...”
“Haa... I’m tired...”
I was sure he’d get PTSD from hearing the words "I'm tired" so many times.
“If that’s what you want... then I’ll follow your orders,” Kim Hyun-Sung said. It seemed that Kim Hyun-Sung no longer wanted to hear the words "I'm tired," so he changed his stance.
I couldn’t help but smile because this was much easier than I thought.
“But I’m really worried about your health, Mr. Ki-Young,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
“There are many other people in the guild, and it’s not like we’re going to be apart for thousands of years. It’s only going to be for a few months. More importantly, if I do end up in a dangerous situation, I’ll be sure to let you know right away since we’re still connected,” I reassured him.
Kim Hyun-Sung nodded, and it was probably because he had confirmed it with his own eyes. He'd always look happy every time I said that we were still connected. Anyway, it was the perfect line to end the conversation.
“Thinking about it now, it looks like I’ve really been a disappointment. I think I’ve gotten lazy these days,” Kim Hyun-Sung confessed.
“It’s nothing like that,” I said.
“And... I haven’t been very trustworthy,” Kim Hyun-Sung added.
“I wouldn’t say that...” I said.
“I gladly accept your request, Mr. Ki-Young,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
I got the feeling that he accepted because he had no choice, but I liked his determination.
Afterward, many things happened so fast...
“Would you like to eat together?” I offered.
“Sure.”
We ate together, visited shops, and we went on a walk, too.
“That one is nice.” I pointed out.
We met with the other guild members and drank wine...
“So you’re saying that Hyun-Sung bro is going on a business trip to the Republic? Who is he going with?” Park Deok-Gu asked.
“The guild won’t be providing a lot of support... so...”
“I’ll go with him,” Sun Hee-Young offered.
“I’d feel relieved if you go with him. While we’re on the topic, how about taking the new recruit with you?” Park Deok-Gu suggested.
“M-Me?” Belier asked.
“Just in case he has to go on a raid or go hunting... on-field training is important for a rookie, too,” Park Deok-Gu said.
The next morning...
“Just as I thought, I like that look on you the most,” I complimented Kim Hyun-Sung upon seeing him in his armor.
“I’ll see you later,” Kim Hyun-Sung said.
And then...
Then...
Hm...
Then...
“Tell me, noona. I want to hear it from you. What do you want? Tell me,” Lee Ji-Hoo said.
'Damn it.'
“You... Young... Master,” I replied.
We soon found ourselves at the Federation.