章 537: 951
Eun-ha had known Cha Eun-woo for over 10 years now.
So there was no way he couldn't have understood her temperament.
'You shouldn't mess with Eun-woo.'
Although this applied to all the women he knew, Cha Eun-woo was particularly difficult.
Not only did she stay upset for a long time, but she also tended to torment others insidiously.
For example.
'Just when I thought she was being nice by wrapping some food, it turned out to contain food made by Min-ji...'
Not just Eun-ha, but many people in the clan had fallen victim to her methods.
To the point where those who knew would tend to avoid the wrapped food she offered.
Or after receiving her wrapped food, they would inexplicably reflect on their past, wondering if they had done something wrong...
'It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience.'
Therefore.
Fearing he might offend Cha Eun-woo, Eun-ha vaguely brushed off the situation.
"I should get going now. Again, congratulations on your wedding in advance. Both of you be happy."
"Hmm... Really? Alright, take care. See you next time."
He hastily left the place.
Eun-ha walked aimlessly.
The next person he ran into was...
"Hyung, noona."
"Oh, Eun-ha. Where are you going?"
"We're about to go for coffee, want to join us? Noona's treat!"
<All Poison Immunity> Yoo Nam-hoon and <Cheering> Yeo Woo-bi.
The two, who had just returned from completing a mission, greeted him warmly.
Eun-ha conversed with them.
He wanted to change the topic and bring up the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest team recruitment, but.
'This hyung and noona are getting married soon too.'
That's probably why they didn't apply for the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest from the start.
Unfortunately, it seemed he wouldn't be able to persuade Yoo Nam-hoon and Yeo Woo-bi.
Of course, since these two owed him their lives, he could force them to postpone their wedding and participate in the conquest, but...
'Am I some kind of trash to do that?'
Eun-ha didn't consider it.
He had no intention of forcing them against their will.
So he was about to part ways without explaining the situation, but the two brought up the topic first.
"Sorry, Eun-ha."
"..."
"We'd like to help, but it seems we can't do this conquest. Our wedding is scheduled during that time..."
"But if you really need us, we can postpone the wedding and go with you."
"Or we could hold the ceremony as planned but in the dungeon instead... That might have its own charm, haha... 'Till death do us part' and all. We'd probably be the world's first to get married in a dungeon?"
"No, Woo-bi. I looked it up, and there have been cases of people getting married in dungeons. Meetings are common..."
"But it would be the first in a black dungeon, right? Hmm... Suddenly it doesn't sound so bad...?"
"..."
Yeo Woo-bi and Yoo Nam-hoon, who started saying strange things in a serious atmosphere from midway.
Eun-ha blinked blankly and then burst into laughter.
'This is why I like them.'
They're really good people.
That's why he didn't want to receive their help.
Eun-ha decided to be considerate of them.
"No, you don't have to do that. I can't ruin your wedding because of me. I'll handle the conquest myself, so hyung and noona don't worry about it."
"Ah... Thank you, Eun-ha. Really."
"And I'll say this in advance. I bless both your marriages, and make sure to live happily."
* * *
Afterwards, Eun-ha continued to go around trying to persuade his friends.
Among them, there was someone who came to find him on their own.
"Eun-ha Eun-ha! I heard the story! You're gathering party members for the hero's party, right? It would be a shame if this Ariel was left out! Quickly, take Ariel with you!"
<Mermaid> Ariel, who started rambling in her characteristic high-pitched voice as soon as she appeared.
The blue scales on both sides of her head kept fluttering in sync with her actions.
Eun-ha couldn't help but chuckle.
"What hero's party? More importantly, are you saying you'll participate in the conquest now? If you were going to do this, why didn't you apply?"
"Sorry! I forgot while playing!"
Ariel raised her hand high.
"You really..."
This was so like Ariel.
Eun-ha, though dumbfounded, handled it as if he was used to it.
"Anyway, this works out well. I was planning to take you along no matter what."
"Ah, really? Eun-ha Eun-ha, you must like me a lot? You don't usually act like this!"
"Yes, I like you. You'll be very helpful there."
"Huh? Really? Why?"
Ariel tilted her head.
Eun-ha kindly explained.
"As you can tell from the name, the dungeon is located in the North Atlantic. So the monsters that appear in the dungeon and the terrain are mainly related to the sea. Inevitably, there will be frequent underwater battles, and your gift is specialized for that."
"Oho... Eun-ha Eun-ha, you know well? As expected of a regressor."
"Well, I think the participating countries are expecting this much too? Generally, dungeons are influenced by the environment they're based in."
"Still, it's amazing!"
Ariel praised him.
Eun-ha lightly shrugged his shoulders.
"Then I'll take it that you're participating?"
Ariel's recruitment is complete.
Eun-ha was about to turn around and go find other friends.
Just then.
"Ah! Eun-ha Eun-ha! Wait!"
Ariel quickly stretched out both hands.
She, being short in stature, clung to Eun-ha as if hanging on him.
Eun-ha was puzzled.
"Why? Is there a problem?"
"Problem? There is! I just thought it would be a waste to just go along! And Min-ji and the others talked about it too? They said it's easy to be seen as a light woman if I do this!"
"No, you're definitely not light, so don't worry about it unnecessarily. Why are Min-ji and those kids saying such strange things..."
Muttering the last words quietly, Eun-ha sighed.
"What will you do for me if I go with you?"
"..."
Meanwhile, Ariel's attitude was firm.
She giggled and asked.
"What do you want?"
In the end, Eun-ha had no choice but to comply with Ariel's demands.
The corners of her mouth curved into an arc.
"Hmm... Let's see? What would be good?"
"You didn't even think about it?"
"Eun-ha Eun-ha! When have you ever seen me live in a planned way?"
"That's nothing to brag about..."
"Ah, this would be good! Going to karaoke with me and singing! Let's do a duet, us! How about ten times? Ah, I mean let's go to karaoke ten times! Don't misunderstand!"
"So you're saying let's go to karaoke ten times? And do duets there..."
Fortunately, unlike Eun-ha's worries, it wasn't an unreasonable demand.
It was somewhat acceptable.
'The number of times seems a bit much, but still... It's fine.'
If he had known that Ariel would sing for at least 3 hours alone in karaoke, he might have considered more carefully.
Unfortunately.
"Alright, there's nothing particularly preventing me from going. Deal, I'll do as you want."
"Yes! I should start selecting songs for our duets in advance!"
At this time, Eun-ha didn't know.
That in the future, he would be dragged along by Ariel and end up singing his throat out in coin karaoke.
And that he would avoid her for a while, taking care of his body...
He will greatly regret it someday.
* * *
Besides this, Eun-ha succeeded in persuading his friends and recruiting them for the conquest team.
In the process, he had to give something in return, like in the negotiation with Ariel, but...
"This much is bearable."
Eun-ha didn't mind.
And so.
"I've gathered all the necessary people."
The clan members who would participate in the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest were as follows:
* * *
'They probably all know already, but it's better to say it directly.'
We're going to conquer the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
To convey this news to Bruno and Julieta, and his parents, Avenier went to the house where he was born and raised, instead of the clan dormitory where he usually resided, as soon as he finished work.
Opening the front door and entering, he announced loudly.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!"
"Our son is here!? Come in quickly!"
Julieta responded.
Avenier walked towards the living room where the voice came from.
In the living room, there was not only Julieta but also Bruno, who had returned from the clan earlier than him.
"Good work today."
"You too, Dad!"
"Son, are you very hungry? Shall we order some delicious delivery food? What do you want to eat?"
"Hmm... I'm fine with anything. I like all meat!"
Bruno briefly encouraging him.
And Julieta warmly welcoming him.
Avenier exchanged recent news with the two of them.
Not long after that, when the food they ordered for delivery arrived and the table was set.
"Mom, Dad. I have something to say."
"..."
Avenier, with dinner in front of him, brought up the main point.
"I'm going to Italy with Eun-ha hyung to conquer the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>."
It's okay, don't worry.
It won't be as dangerous as when we entered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.
This time, success is almost guaranteed.
Because.
"Eun-ha hyung has memories from before the regression, and Yu-seong who came from the future also guaranteed success."
"..."
"Moreover, according to Eun-ha hyung, it seems I played a big role in the conquest before the regression."
With a sheepish smile.
Avenier continued talking as positively as possible to reassure the two of them.
When he finished his story.
"I see."
Julieta, who had been quietly listening along with Bruno, opened her lips.
She spoke in a calm tone.
"If it's a decision you've made after careful consideration, we won't stop you. But you must be careful and come back safely, okay? Listen well to Eun-ha when you go."
"Yes, of course."
"And... I guess it's time to tell you the story, Nier."
The story of how we and the Valentine family are entangled, and how we settled in Korea.
Swallowing her last words, Julieta smiled silently.
Then she began to recount her story, reminiscing about the past.
"Actually, I..."
The story of her reckless youth as the daughter of the Valentine family boss, once called the princess of Sicily.
The story of being proposed a political marriage with the son of the Mairon family boss as the Valentine family's power declined.
The story of fleeing to Korea with Bruno because she didn't want to accept the political marriage.
The story of how her brother and the Tredici of the Mairon family, who entered Korea during the Korea-Italy summit 20 years ago to take her back, became entangled, and so on.
"I found out later but... Actually, my brother planned to use me as bait to eliminate Genko Mairon. He intended to weaken the Mairon family with that and gradually crush them along with Big Mama... It seems he didn't intend to completely sell me off to the Mairon family. Though it's probably an excuse..."
"..."
Avenier sat up straight and listened until the end.
Time passed from then.
"A long time has passed, and it's not important to me anymore, so I don't have any feelings left for the Valentine or Mairon families. But I'm not sure how they might think of me. So..."
The story's point moved to the present.
Julieta continued.
"Be careful not to let your birth be revealed in Italy. And I hope there won't be any incidents involving the Valentine and Mairon families because of us. I, we are fine now."
Lastly.
"I heard from Eun-ha this time. I don't know what happened, but the current leader of the Tredici is my brother, Albert Valentine."
"..."
"Since that brother is also participating in the conquest, you'll probably meet him. So keep that in mind."
"...What should I do if he recognizes me?"
"That... I'm not sure either. How my brother might have changed now, how he might think of me... So, Nier."
"Yes, Mom."
"Judge with your own eyes then. What kind of person my brother is."
Julieta advised with concern.
Avenier, having organized the story he had just heard, nodded boldly.
"...Yes, I will. Don't worry."
* * *
The smartphone vibrated.
It was a call from Noh Eun-ae.
Avenier, who was drying himself after coming out of the bathroom, quickly answered the phone.
"Hello? Noona?"
[Nier, what are you doing now?]
"Me? I just finished showering. Why?"
[I'm thinking of going to the convenience store now, want to come along?]
The night streets are dangerous.
He couldn't let Noh Eun-ae go alone.
Avenier quickly answered.
"Sure, I'll go!"
[Okay, good. Then let's meet in front of the house in 10 minutes. Is that enough time?]
"I'll quickly get dressed and come out!"
He hangs up the phone.
Avenier moved like lightning to wipe off the water on his body and find clothes to wear.
When he went out to the meeting place, exactly 10 minutes had passed.
"Nier."
"Noona!"
Noh Eun-ae, who had arrived first and was waiting, waved her hand.
Avenier ran to her.
Noh Eun-ae chuckled.
"You could have come slowly, why run and sweat? This makes your shower pointless."
"I can't keep noona waiting!"
"Oh my. Let's go to the convenience store. Noona will buy you ice cream."
"Great!"
With that.
The two headed towards the convenience store while chatting happily.
The atmosphere was friendly.
They were comfortable with each other, having known each other since childhood.
In the midst of this, Avenier cautiously brought up a topic.
"I won't be able to see noona for a while. I've decided to go conquer the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> following Eun-ha hyung."
Avenier's voice was tinged with regret.
On the other hand, he was inwardly tense.
'What if noona tells me not to go? Should I not go? But they can't do without me... I have to protect Eun-ha hyung too...'
Avenier waited for her response while watching Noh Eun-ae's reaction.
Fortunately, his worry was unfounded.
"...I see, I thought that might be the case. Be careful not to get hurt. Do well in the conquest. Please take care of our oppa too."
Fortunately, his worry was unfounded.
Noh Eun-ae understood.
Avenier was inwardly relieved.
But he flinched at the conversation that followed immediately after.
"But we won't be able to see each other while you're gone for the conquest... How long do you think it will take?"
"I'm not exactly sure... But according to Eun-ha hyung, it might take at least 6 months or more."
"What? At least 6 months?"
"..."
Noh Eun-ae suddenly raised her eyebrows.
Avenier couldn't hide his sense of crisis in front of her gaze.
He spoke up as if trying to smooth things over.
"Uh... Noona, I'll try my best to conquer it as quickly as possible."
"Is that something you can control? The pace of the conquest will entirely depend on your oppa and the commanders from other countries."
"Then I'll try to persuade them somehow..."
"Never mind, just do your best. When you come back, we can see each other and play as much as we missed, right?"
"Yeah... That's true..."
Noh Eun-ae sighs as if there's no helping it.
Naturally, Avenier, having passed the crisis, felt like he had aged ten years inwardly.
Soon, having regained his composure, he subtly and familiarly suggested.
"Noona, when I come back, shall we watch a movie?"
"A movie? What movie?"
"You know that series you said you wanted to watch before. The movie title was... 'The Middle Boss's Childhood Friend' or something? It should be released by the time I come back, right?"
"The timing would match up... Okay, let's watch the movie together."
"Yes! I'm getting so motivated!"
As if expressing his emotions through action, Avenier clenches his fist.
Watching him from the side, Noh Eun-ae giggled.
"Are you that happy about watching a movie with me? It even motivates you?"
"Of course! Naturally!"
"Really? Then... Shall I give you even more motivation?"
"Huh? How?"
While Avenier was puzzled, Noh Eun-ae put her finger to her lips.
"If you come back safely without getting hurt."
"..."
Her lips, reflecting the streetlight, sparkle very temptingly.
They look like delicious fruit.
That's how they appeared to Avenier's eyes.
At that moment, those enchanting lips finished speaking.
"Noona will give you a kiss."
"...!"
A meaningful tone that could be either serious or joking.
However, the effect was immediate.
Avenier's eyes widened, and his face filled with excitement.
He exhaled forcefully.
"Noona, really? Is that a promise? No taking it back."
To Avenier's urging, already seeming impatient.
Noh Eun-ae burst into laughter without giving a proper answer.
"Who knows? If you're curious, come back and see! Whether it's real or not."
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