Chương 298: 712
[Chapter 182]
[Life of the Weak (3)]
It took only a day for Han Seohyun to report to the Mana Management Organization and get approval.
As a result, Eunha and the new recruits' party decided to depart tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Han Seohyun showed a similar reaction to others.
'─The hamburger was delicious. Next time you come, if you have time, buy me one again.'
'Seohyun, you liked it too?'
'It's a taste that makes me worry about gaining weight, but it's more delicious than franchise hamburgers.'
Honestly, Eunha was surprised.
Han Seohyun is very picky about food, so she doesn't often say directly that something is delicious.
Moreover, she even asked him to buy it again.
If Seohyun says it's delicious, it must really be delicious.
Ha Jieun's cooking skills are amazing.
Eunha thought this seeing Han Seohyun's reaction.
At the same time─.
─I wonder if Yujung would like it too.
He had such a thought.
So Eunha decided to call her after a long time.
However, it took a bit of courage to make the call.
"..."
Since marrying Han Seohyun.
Eunha had been trying to keep some distance from Lee Yujung.
In fact, it had been several months since he last met Yujung.
He had only called her a few times since then.
She probably felt it too.
As if she sensed Eunha's attitude.
Naturally, her contacts decreased as well.
[─Hello?]
"Yes, have you been well?"
After hesitating for a long time like that.
Eunha finally made the call.
Then Yujung answered the phone after just a few rings.
[Yes... It's me, I'm doing well. How about you?]
"I'm so busy with work I can't think straight."
[I heard from oppa. That Pandora Clan has so much work they can't even take requests from the group well...]
A phone call connected after a long time.
Perhaps because of that, it was just awkward.
He didn't know what to say, and it seemed she was the same.
But time was a remedy.
[─So you're going to Seongnam tomorrow? Are you all prepared?]
"I'm all set. I finished preparing and now I'm talking to you like this."
As they both caught their breath and the timing to change topics aligned.
As if filling in the long gap.
The two started to happily converse, sharing each other's daily lives to make up for the distance between them.
Then Eunha was able to bring up what he wanted to talk about.
"Do you like hamburgers?"
[Hamburgers? I don't eat them often... Why do you ask?]
"Last time I went down to Seongnam, I happened to find a shop that makes delicious handmade burgers."
[I see.]
"So today I bought some hamburgers to give to the clan members, and they all seemed to like them quite a lot. They said they were delicious."
[Really? Hearing you talk about it makes me want to eat one too. Really, how can you talk about food late at night like this.]
"I'm sorry, forgive me."
[It's okay. Keep telling me about it.]
"So I'm going to Seongnam again tomorrow, and I'm planning to buy hamburgers again on the way back. I wanted to buy one for you too if you like hamburgers."
[...]
"You don't like them, Yujung? You don't care for them?"
[No, I like them. Really, I like them.]
There was a long silence in the middle.
Eunha asked again to confirm and.
Then Yujung answered quickly.
A sound as if she was out of breath.
Eunha burst out laughing hearing Yujung speak rapidly over the smartphone.
"Okay, I'll buy one for you too. Did you want to eat one that badly? I didn't know you liked hamburgers that much."
[...It's because it's been a long time since I've had one. Stop teasing me.]
"Okay, I got it. What kind should I buy? Cheese? Bacon? Mushroom?"
[...What do you like?]
"Hmm... I found the cheese one delicious."
[Then I'll have cheese too. Buy me the same one you eat. I'd like that.]
"Alright, I'll do that."
[And be careful. Don't get hurt... Now... I won't be able to see you much.]
"...Thank you for worrying about me."
Now, I won't be able to see you much.
Eunha closed his eyes hearing the tone that seemed somewhat depressed.
"─I'll call you again next time. Sleep well."
[Okay... See you next time. Sleep well.]
A promise without a set date.
When the next contact would be.
Now the two couldn't know.
☆
Of course, including Hoshimiya Kaede.
Among the clan members leaving for Seongnam, Yeowoobi and Yoo Namhun were mixed in too.
There are 12 new recruits.
We need someone who can manage them besides noona and Yeonhwa noona.
Since we're going to work the new recruits anyway.
Eunha decided to bring all the new recruits.
However, it could be quite a dangerous mission for new recruits.
So Eunha decided to bring additional clan members to Seongnam.
"Today was supposed to be the start of my vacation... I was planning to laze around at home, what is this."
"It can't be helped. We can't refuse when Eunha asked, right?"
"Ugh... That's true but... Still, this isn't right..."
Yeowoobi and Yoo Namhun.
According to the original plan, today would have been a vacation for the two, so their expressions were not good at all.
It was unfortunate for the two, but Eunha rejected their vacation because they were so short-handed.
If it were other kids, they would have protested, but Namhun hyung and Woobee noona owe me a debt.
I'm sorry but it can't be helped. I'll make up for the vacation sometime later.
Eunha smiled bitterly.
The two owed him a life debt.
Because of that, they couldn't defy Eunha.
Eunha soothed them while promising to guarantee them a vacation someday.
It was the typical model of an evil corporation.
At least I pay a lot of money so it's not all bad.
He always gives proper compensation for overtime work.
He keeps the cafeteria in the clan headquarters operating at all times so clan members can work without going hungry even late at night.
The welfare for clan members was perfect.
Soon Eunha who thought that far decided to shake off his guilty feelings.
"─Then Kaede, you search the places where the monsters are said to be living. Cooperate with the local players."
"Noh Eunha."
"Huh? What?"
"You're not human."
After arriving in Seongnam City.
Eunha asked Hoshimiya Kaede and the clan members to search.
Kaede frowned sharply at the request to get more accurate information about the monsters' habitats.
"I'll make sure to give you a good vacation."
"I won't fall for it."
Unlike Choi Eunhyuk, Bae Subin, and Kang Sihyung.
She who ended up following Eunha this time too growled.
But even so, she took rangers, hunters, snipers, and telepathist Seo Dambi and disappeared.
Even though her attitude is like that, she still listens.
Her words and actions don't match.
Eunha smiled slightly.
He decided to give Kaede a vacation if this job is properly finished.
Soon he turned his head to the remaining clan members.
"Then Namhun hyung and Woobee noona, take the rest of the kids to the lodgings. The Seongnam City Mana Management Organization should have assigned us lodgings, so please unpack our luggage there. After you're done, take the kids to eat. They must be hungry."
"Okay, got it. The subjugation operation starts tomorrow morning, right? Today we're just meeting with other clans."
"Ah, I'm craving soup. Kids! Let's quickly go to the lodgings, unpack, and go eat soup! No one dislikes soup, right? Is soup decided for the menu? Clap clap!"
""""Yes!!""""
The operation starts tomorrow.
By the time they unpack and have meetings with other clans, the sun would surely set.
So Eunha instructed Yoo Namhun and Yeowoobi to let the new recruits rest appropriately to recover from travel fatigue.
Regardless, in Yeowoobi's case, her eyes were shining at the thought of eating lunch.
"And Euna noona and Jingyu."
"Yes."
"Yes! Clan Lord!"
"You two go to the Mana Management Organization and prepare for the meeting. Handle lunch on your own. I'll take care of some work and be there by the meeting at the latest."
Noh Euna and navigator Kim Jingyu.
The two decided to prepare the briefing for the operation.
With them.
There was only one person left who hadn't received instructions from Eunha.
Eunha looked at Ryu Yeonhwa.
"...Do you want to come with me, noona?"
Eunha was planning to go meet Ha Baekryeon like this.
So while we're in Seongnam City anyway.
It didn't seem bad to let Ryu Yeonhwa meet Ha Baekryeon in advance.
Although Ryu Yeonhwa probably doesn't know Ha Baekryeon has the <White Silver> gift.
"─Yes, I'll go with you."
Ryu Yeonhwa responded.
☆
After sending off all the clan members.
Eunha walked to Ha Jieun's shop with Ryu Yeonhwa.
"But where are we going?"
"There are people I owe from when I stayed here last time. The place where I bought the hamburgers you ate two of yesterday."
"...You don't have to emphasize the two."
"If they're made fresh, maybe three would be possible?"
"..."
"Are you angry?"
"I can't eat that much."
"Okay, I'm sorry."
When Eunha spoke playfully.
Ryu Yeonhwa protested softly.
Eunha chuckled seeing her embarrassed.
"The shop owner's daughter is there."
"I see."
"I've become quite close with her, so I want to see her face before we go."
"But is it okay for me to go too?"
"What's wrong with it. You'll be able to get along well with that kid too, noona."
"Yes, I hope so."
In the previous life, when even the guards who were supposed to protect the Fairy turned their backs.
<Divine Spear> Ryu Yeonhwa was the person who remained until the end, keeping her faith unchanged and staying loyal to Ha Baekryeon.
All the people who received teachings from <Divine Spear> Nam Gungseong-un were like that.
They all thought the Fairy was absolutely necessary to protect the country, and therefore believed their power existed only for the Fairy.
So noona will get along well with Baekryeon.
That's why Eunha was certain.
In this life too, Ryu Yeonhwa would become a person who protects Ha Baekryeon.
Moreover, if she starts building a connection with Ha Baekryeon from now, they could become even closer than before the regression.
That was what Eunha thought.
While thinking that─.
"─Ah."
"Is that the child?"
"Yes, that's her. Her name is Ha Baekryeon."
Around the time Ha Jieun's shop came into view.
Ha Baekryeon coming from the opposite direction with her school bag caught their eyes.
Eunha waved his hand.
"...!"
Only then did Ha Baekryeon seem to notice Eunha as she suddenly raised her head.
Then she put strength in her eyes.
Her lips protruding in a pout was a bonus.
"Are you coming back from school?"
"Didn't you say you were going back yesterday? Why are you here again?"
"I came back to work again. Is your mother at the shop?"
"Did you come to see our mom again?"
"I came to eat hamburgers."
A conversation that wasn't properly established.
Baekryeon just kept questioning without answering Eunha's questions.
Eunha answered her readily.
But he couldn't bring himself to say he came to see her.
It seemed like it would only raise suspicion.
Then he decided to change the topic.
"Today I came with oppa's friend."
"Who's oppa?"
"...Mister's friend."
"Hmm..."
"Hello? My name is Ryu Yeonhwa."
When Eunha introduced Ryu Yeonhwa.
Ha Baekryeon's gaze finally turned to Ryu Yeonhwa next to him.
She showed wariness.
While she took a small step back.
Ryu Yeonhwa lowered her body and greeted Ha Baekryeon.
"...Hello."
There was a utility pole nearby.
Ha Baekryeon quickly ran away.
Ha Baekryeon who hid behind the utility pole poked her head out and responded.
It was still a wary attitude.
"She's originally very shy with strangers."
"I was like that when I was young too."
"You too, noona?"
"...I think so? I used to throw everyone who approached from behind over my shoulder. So people at the dojo always approached me from the front."
"Ah, I see... Noona was quite shy too."
"Yes, even now."
Ryu Yeonhwa speaking calmly.
Eunha responded uncomfortably to her words.
Her shy behavior isn't much different from the previous life or now.
It can't be helped.
Eunha inwardly sighed.
Fortunately, after seeing Ha Baekryeon's face, she had lowered her guard towards Eunha to some extent.
So Eunha approached Ha Baekryeon, leaving Yeonhwa behind.
Soon he took out a secret weapon from his pocket.
"─Here."
"What is this?"
"It's a macaron. Is this your first time seeing one?"
It was a macaron directly imported from Pierre Hermé in France, which he had asked Han Seohyun for earlier.
In the previous life, Ha Baekryeon and Lee Yujung really liked Pierre Hermé's macarons.
Eunha remembered that and held out the macaron to Ha Baekryeon.
"I know what macarons are."
"...Really?"
"They sell them at Luminous Sweet. I've eaten them once before. They were quite delicious..."
"This one is even more delicious than that."
But Ha Baekryeon wasn't very surprised seeing the macaron.
Eunha realized then.
Unlike the previous life, in this life Luminous Sweet popularized macarons several years earlier.
So that's why Ha Baekryeon knows about macarons.
Nevertheless, Ha Baekryeon's gaze was drawn to the macaron.
Gulp
She swallowed.
Eunha smiled slightly.
"You eat it. I brought it for you. I don't just have this one, I have a lot. I'll give you all of them later."
"Mom said not to take things from strangers..."
"Am I a stranger?"
"...I guess not."
"I'm a regular at your house, a regular. It's okay to take things from regulars."
"Ugh..."
Ha Baekryeon is conflicted.
She stamps her feet.
Even though she acts grown-up, in the end she's still 9 years old.
Eunha burst out laughing, finding Ha Baekryeon's behavior cute.
"Here, take it. Mister and very..."
"Unni."
"...Mister and unni are giving it to you."
"...Thank you."
After a long hesitation.
It seemed Ha Baekryeon finally decided to follow her emotions rather than reason.
She carefully reached out from behind the utility pole and accepted the macaron.
Soon she came out from behind the utility pole and greeted the two.
Is this the effect of the macaron?
Ha Baekryeon is being docile.
When Eunha patted Ha Baekryeon's head, she made a displeased expression but silently let it pass.
By the way─.
─I've been thinking since I first met her, but why can't I sense mana from Baekryeon?
The mana in her body is well contained, and it's hard to even sense her presence... Was the amount of mana leaking out small before she awakened <White Silver>?
Looking at Ha Baekryeon up close.
Eunha harbored doubts.
He could only sense very faint mana from Ha Baekryeon.
But as far as Eunha remembered, she had vast mana even greater than Fairy Im Gaeul.
The current Ha Baekryeon who doesn't know how to contain mana should be leaking vast amounts of mana.
What is this? Why can't I sense it?
Eunha put strength in his eyes.
He decided to draw up his internal mana to examine Ha Baekryeon's internal mana.
What he saw then was─.
─There's nothing?
Is that all?
He could only see very faint mana circulating inside Ha Baekryeon's body.
It was unbelievable.
Eunha doubted his own eyes.
He opened his eyes wide and examined Ha Baekryeon's internal mana more thoroughly.
And only then did he discover it.
─Is there magic cast on her?
Why is this cast on her?
Magic with a faint presence that could only be found by looking closely.
Complex magical formulas were located near Ha Baekryeon's left chest.
It was concealing the internal mana coming from Ha Baekryeon's heart.
Who is it? Who did this?
It couldn't have been like this originally...
Although he couldn't grasp it precisely.
By looking over the magical formulas, he could understand the general content.
The concealment magic was designed to make the world think Ha Baekryeon's internal mana was small unless she manifested it by her own will.
The magic was quite strange.
It was as if someone had identified the nature of the gift she possessed and concealed it to hide it.
Anyway, it was something that didn't exist at all, or probably didn't exist, in the previous life.
Who on earth would use such intricately concealed magic on a mere 9-year-old girl, and even when she was younger?
When his thoughts reached that point─.
─It must be the <Star-Counting Witch>.
Without a doubt.
Eunha was able to reach the correct answer.
He hadn't met Ha Baekryeon while not interfering with her future.
Nevertheless, her future had changed, which meant it was the work of someone who could interfere with the future besides himself, excluding the butterfly effect.
As far as Eunha knew, there was only one such person.
I wondered what she was doing in this life without even becoming one of the Twelve Seats...
Did she somehow end up meeting Baekryeon?
<Time Witch> Precious Memory.
And along with <Divine Spear> Ryu Yeonhwa.
One of the Twelve Seats who took Ha Baekryeon's side even after the Twelve Seats were reorganized into the 3rd generation.
<Star-Counting Witch> Song Yunseo.
Eunha discovered her traces from Ha Baekryeon's internal mana.
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