Chapter 886. Vacation (4)
Like yesterday, the Federation was chaotic.
I was not sure whether all big cities were like this or not, but Colorado, which was the big city that Ji-Hye noona had decided for us to settle in for the meantime, was kind of noisy.
In some ways, it was to be expected because the Federation had gone through a lot, such as the Continental War and the 27th Legion Summoning incident. It was even affected by the Continental Dungeon event.
A nation even as large as the Federation could easily go haywire after going through so many hardships in a short period of time, but it didn't happen, so...
‘They can be considered pretty lucky.’
It was actually a relief that it ended like this, and it seemed like everyone else thought the same because the city was pretty lively.
Actually, I was convinced that this was the busiest time for everyone here.
I heard loud voices everywhere, and there were workers doing their own jobs everywhere.
There were low-rank mages moving construction materials in the air and warriors using large hammers to drive in large nails. Many adventurers had decided to participate in the development and restoration plan of the Federation, so there was a constant cacophony of harsh noises.
The weather was great, and this was the perfect morning to go for a walk.
“We’re recruiting people to go on a hunt with us! I’m a warrior capable of displaying power equivalent to a rare-rank warrior!”
“We’re recruiting mercenaries willing to go farm for construction materials!”
It looked like there was a ton of work available for anyone qualified to take. I looked around and saw many marginalized adventurers. I nodded and thought that Ji-Hye noona had actually picked a decent place.
“I'm selling this recovery potion that I obtained directly from Lindel! I have many different potions with me, and they're all sourced from Lindel! Come take a look!”
'Those are fake.'
There were many people in the city, creating a bustling atmosphere.
There were finished buildings, but there were more unfinished buildings throughout the city, which made sense because the majority of the shops were being rebuilt. There were a ton of people gathered at the square to sell their items.
Lindel was like this at the beginning of its restoration plan.
The Federation was in the middle of its restoration plan, and it attracted a ton of immigrants who wanted to settle down in the Federation.
It wasn’t that difficult to move to the Federation.
There also seemed to be a large number of Asians here. They probably thought that it was better to start new here than in the Republic or the Sacred Democratic Country. I wasn’t sure what kind of rumor they heard, but they all had the same thought.
“I’ll repair your equipment. I have decent equipment, so please take a look.”
“Here! Over here!”
“The side story of 'How the Alchemist and the Genius Swordsman Loves' has been released! I really worked hard to get it, so come here and get your own copy! Now!”
I wondered why there were so many people gathered here, but at the same time, I realized that this had to be a common scene. The only difference was that Ji-Hye noona and I were here. I looked down and saw an unfamiliar sight.
‘Damn it, what’s with this maid outfit?’
Anyone could tell that it was a maid outfit.
‘Who the hell wears something like this these days? I’m sure not even the royal maids in the Union of Kingdoms wear something like this...’
I turned and saw my reflection in the window. I basically looked like Lee Ki-Yeon. The only difference from last time was that my hairstyle had changed. My hair was tied up like Jo Hye-Jin, but I still looked pretty good.
Perhaps it was all because of the makeup that Ji-Hye noona did herself.
If I had to give myself a one-sentence review, then I'd say, "I looked good overall."
If there was one thing I was happy about my outfit, it would be the fact that the outfit didn’t reveal any skin of my skin at all. If there was one thing I was unhappy about, it would be what Lee Ji-Hye was doing right now.
‘Stop touching me, damn it.’
It was absurd how we were walking down the lively streets with her hand on my waist as if she was trying to show me off to everyone. The arrogant grin on her face suited her; it felt like her face suited her overall nature.
Basically, she was handsome, and everything suited her so perfectly that it wouldn't be strange for anyone to think that she actually looked better with that face. It was to the point that I thought that her hair and gender were actually ill-suited to her.
She was slightly shorter than me and was way younger than me, so she looked like the young master of a noble family. She was also wearing fancy clothes from a popular luxury brand, which made her look even more arrogant.
Anyone could tell that she didn’t belong here; she looked like a rich kid who had come out to the world out of boredom. Even if that weren't the case, a young rascal being accompanied by a maid would easily catch everyone’s attention.
“Noona,” Lee Ji-Hye called out.
“Yes, young master,” I answered.
“You don’t look so good... You must be thinking about what happened yesterday,” she said.
“I’m not,” I said.
“That’s disappointing. I wanted you to think about it,” Lee Ji-Hye said with disappointment.
“Noo... I mean, young master, I don’t understand why you chose this place...” I said.
“It’s a nice place to walk around to kill time. There’s always something happening. There’s a lot of people and it’s the perfect place to get what we want,” Lee Ji-Hye explained.
‘Take your hand off of me, damn it.’
“Young master, behaving like this here... is a bit...” I mumbled.
“What?”
‘Ah, shit.’
- Lee Ji-Hye, don’t cross the line.
- What do you mean? I can do whatever I want. You can’t just start acting like this.
- You started it, Ji-Hye noona.
- I’m the young master here, not noona. Have you forgotten about our deal?
- Other people are watching, damn it.
- Who cares? It doesn't matter as long as we’re enjoying it. And it's not like people can avoid staring at you.
- Ah, man.
- You’re making me sad. I’ve done so many things for you, but you can’t do this one thing for me? Do you know who I’ve been doing all of this for... How can you say that when you know how much I’ve suffered?
- ...
- I’m so sad, Lee Ki-Young. Be honest with me. Who helped you come this far? I want my reward as well. Don’t you agree?
- ...
- And I’m sure you like the attention. You say you don’t like it, but your body is saying other—ah! Yes, I should use that line.
- ...
- Anyway, if you’re embarrassed, then act like it. That’s your character. Seeing you blush is cute as well. I worked hard to put that make-up on you... and your outfit is pretty as well.
- I haven't realized it until now, but I think I have a slight fetish for this kind of thing, oppa. I mean, perhaps it’s because my Ki-Yeon looks good in that outfit. You look like the main character of a novel who just got hurt by the world.
- You look good as well. You're really like a kid who knows no fear.
- I appreciate the compliment, but stop acting out of character and focus.
‘Damn it, maybe I shouldn’t have done this.’
I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but I never imagined it’d be this difficult.
However, Ji-Hye noona looked really happy. Now that I thought about it, I had never really spent that much time with her.
We'd meet often because of work, but we'd never met separately for leisure and pleasure. I figured she was happy because she could act like this without worrying about other people. She was relieving her stress by looking around the city, the items being sold on the street, and walking down the streets herself.
Ji-Hye noona and I weren’t the type of people that enjoyed being in crowds, but outings like this helped from time to time.
If it weren’t for the people staring at us, I would’ve enjoyed this as well.
After all, this could be considered a unique experience as well.
As we walked down the streets, Ji-Hye noona's hand was still on my waist. I tried to wriggle myself away from her hand, as it felt weird, but she grabbed my waist and held me firmly in place.
I felt uncomfortable because it felt like she was telling me to come closer.
‘Why is she so strong?’
“I think I’m going to get kind of lonely tonight. How about you wear your necklace?” Lee Ji-Hye suggested.
“...”
“I’m kidding. Let’s go, noona,” Lee Ji-Hye said.
“Yes, young master,” I replied.
“We’re going to join an adventurer guild today,” Lee Ji-Hye informed me.
“Okay.”
The adventurer guild was pretty big.
I heard its status had fallen significantly due to Benigoa Net, but it was still pretty big since it was better to create a party or go out on a hunt offline compared to doing all that online.
A decent adventurer guild would provide accommodation for those coming from other places, and they'd even assist mercenaries and wanderers on their tasks.
It seemed that this adventurer guild was considered "decent," as I saw a steady stream of people exiting and walking into it.
When Lee Ji-Hoo opened the door, the people inside instantly looked at us.
A deafening silence filled the hall as we walked down the hall and approached the front desk.
“This must be your first time at an adventurer guild... What can I help you with?”
“Give me your best room,” Lee Ji-Hoo said arrogantly, hurling gold coins toward the front desk staffer.
“Lee Ji-Hoo. Lee Ki-Yeon. Give us a temporary Adventurer Registration Certificate,” Lee Ji-Hoo added arrogantly before turning around to sit in front of a table.
Clearly, it was up to me to handle the miscellaneous things.
“That’s Mr. Lee Ji-Hoo from Castlerock. We came to get a temporary Adventurer Registration Certificate. I’ll... take care of the related documents and seals...”
“Ah, I see. Please follow me,” the staffer said.
“Okay.”
Many eyes were on us, and there was even someone who whistled at me.
'You actually whistled at me, you bastard? I’ll remember you. I’m going to smash your head in.'
“They're from the Democratic Country.”
“Yeah, Castlerock. Why are they here?”
“I don’t know. Maybe that rich young master over there has decided to come here on a vacation?"
“With a maid?”
“She’s—wow... I have no idea what to say.”
“If they’re from Castlerock, then I’m sure that maid is pretty skilled.”
“...”
“I’ve confirmed both of your identities. You’re both registered as epic and rare-rank independent adventurers. If there are any tasks or missions you want to take...”
“I’ll be sure to take a look. Thank you,” I said.
“Got it.”
I walked past the staffer and glanced behind me.
However, all I noticed was the sound of my heels clacking against the ground.
‘I told her I didn't want to wear heels, damn it.’
Lee Ji-Hoo really looked like a bastard as he stared at me walking toward him. He was smiling at me as if he was telling me to sit beside him. When I hesitated, he pulled my arm until I clumsily fell into his arms.
“The thing you asked me to do—”
“I have more work for you...” Lee Ji-Hoo interrupted.
“Yes, young master. Anytime... M-More importantly, what would you like to eat today?” I asked.
“I want to eat here today,” Lee Ji-Hoo replied.
“Okay.”
Ji-Hye noona was really enjoying this. She was so focused on her character.
I was sure she was doing this to attract everyone's people’s attention, as she enjoyed their attention.
No one approached us despite our behavior. Of course, they were still staring at us. Lee Ji-Hoo ate quietly and frowned. He wiped his mouth clean, and he looked like he did not like the food at all.
And that was when I heard a voice. “Mind if I join you?”