Chapter 183: Mister Seong’s Birthday (1)
“Wasn’t that blue dress cute? Yerim, I thought you’d like it.”
“The things I like to look at and the things I like to wear are different, you know. That dress was something I’d want to put on my doll.”
Yerim, who said that, was dressed in a tailored tailcoat. When I asked when she’d prepared something like that, she said she’d wanted to wear one since our trip to Hong Kong, so she had it custom-made. Instead of a bowtie, she had pinned a blue brooch matching her earrings, which suited her perfectly.
“Or… do you think this outfit isn’t good?”
“No, it’s great. You look cute.”
Her charming appearance was captivating enough to turn heads wherever she went. And then, there were the others.
‘…It’s moments like these that make me feel embarrassed to walk around with them.’
Han Yuhyun didn’t even need to be mentioned. Noah was still dazzling, and Myungwoo had long since become closer to their level than mine. A line of handsome men in formal suits, each with their distinct charm, made it feel like we were at some kind of film awards ceremony.
Next to them, Moon Hyunah was wearing an evening dress. Her half-shaved hairstyle paired with the dress should have looked mismatched, but it surprisingly suited her—so much so that it was striking. It was definitely a dress, yet the powerful and vibrant aura she gave off was incredible.
‘Am I the only one who stands out like a sore thumb?’
When I looked in the mirror earlier, I thought I cleaned up well, but it couldn’t be helped that my starting point was different. Anyway, the six of us stood on the helicopter landing pad.
The venue for Seong Hyunjae’s birthday party was none other than a cruise ship. With so many luxurious hotels available, why a cruise party? It was more like they were forced to choose it for safety reasons. Even with only domestic S-Rank Hunters gathered, people would worry about potential incidents. If foreign Hunters were included, panic would be inevitable.
Last year, they managed to hold it at a relatively isolated hotel, but even then, there was a minor dispute between S-Rank Hunters. They had passed it off to the public as a gas explosion. After that incident, a recommendation was issued: any official gatherings of multiple S-Rank Hunters, outside of work-related reasons, had to be held either inside a dungeon or at a location with no civilian residences within a one-kilometer radius.
Particularly for events involving foreign Hunters like this one, it wasn’t just a recommendation but a strict policy. Hence, the party had moved out to sea. There weren’t any suitably isolated hotels nearby, so this was the best option.
With a loud “thwack-thwack-thwack,” the helicopter arrived. Amid the gusting wind, Yerim adjusted the gift she was holding. It was wrapped in glittery paper with a ribbon attached.
“I bought the book you hinted at, Mister.”
Noticing my gaze, Yerim spoke up.
“Knitting Made Easy from the Basics, Nordic-Style Decorative Knitting, and Beautiful Knitting Pattern Designs. I ended up going way over budget, though.”
“You did well. He’ll like it.”
It was a perfectly tailored gift for someone like him. If he wanted to use up all the yarn I’d given him, he wouldn’t be bored until at least next year. I turned to Yuhyun.
“What did you prepare, Yuhyun?”
“I don’t know. The secretary’s office probably sent something appropriate.”
He sounded completely indifferent. It was a birthday, though. From the looks of it, Moon Hyunah didn’t seem to have prepared anything herself, either. Myungwoo had made some simple items and even prepared something for Noah, who was a late invitee. The gifts were one-time-use capture and flight items, respectively.
“What was it like last year? I’m a bit nervous since it’s my first time at something like this.”
While the helicopter was being prepped, I discreetly asked Yuhyun. I’d hosted a hotel auction party before, but a birthday party—especially an extravagant one like this, with so many people—was entirely new to me. I hadn’t even been to a normal birthday party in years.
“I didn’t go. Hunter Kim Seonghan went in my place.”
“You didn’t go? I thought it was a good opportunity for information exchange.”
“Publicly, I was said to be in the middle of an A-Rank dungeon raid…”
Yuhyun leaned slightly closer to me and spoke in a low voice. The helicopter noise made it impossible for the others to hear.
“That was when you got hurt.”
Oh. Right. It had been a year ago in the current timeline, but for me, it felt like six years ago, so my memory was fuzzy.
“…There were still people hanging around, looking for ways to take advantage of you.”
His slightly subdued tone triggered a memory. They were just common scammers, really. They’d approached me with delusions of grandeur, decided I wasn’t worth their time, and lashed out in frustration.
“It was a common enough occurrence. Did you get involved personally? They must’ve been small fry—why skip the party for that?”
“If I’d gone in that frame of mind, it would’ve caused more harm than good. …I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. You did everything you could to protect me. If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”
“Why would you?”
Yuhyun looked at me, clearly not understanding. Of course, the reason I got hurt back then was because my younger brother was too talented. Still.
“Well, it’s just…”
I looked up at my brother. His black eyes met mine as if he’d been waiting for this moment.
“…Are you okay these days?”
“Huh?”
“I mean, you’re not struggling with anything, are you? Nothing stifling or difficult?”
Yuhyun hesitated briefly before answering.
“I’m fine for now.”
So, there was something. I felt torn between wanting to discuss it openly and just continuing to avoid the topic. Without my fear resistance skill, even this roundabout way of asking might have been too much for me.
If Yuhyun was enduring something because of me… No, he definitely was. Without a doubt.
“What are you two whispering about?”
At that moment, Yerim came closer and asked. When I dodged the question by saying it was nothing, she gave me a suspicious look. Let’s not think too deeply about it for now. I’ll have to bring it up again eventually, but not today.
“It still amazes me, no matter how often I see it.”
Moon Hyunah shook her head as she looked at us.
“To think I’d live to see the young master clinging to someone like a puppy. I never imagined it, not even in my dreams.”
A puppy, she says. Well, sure, my Yuhyun is adorable, but still.
“He’s always been sociable since he was young.”
“Do you know how your sociable little brother completely wrecked Yun Kyungsu? That guy acted like an old-school jerk first, of course. Probably thought he could intimidate the young master during their first meeting or something—he patted him on the head right off the bat.”
“He caught me off guard, that’s all.”
Yuhyun pouted as he spoke, glaring at Yerim instead of me. Yerim, don’t laugh. Please, just don’t say anything. I don’t want us crashing before we even get on the helicopter.
“Nothing like that happened before or after, except with you, of course.”
“At that time, the young master froze for a moment, then immediately swung a sword at that guy’s head. He looked like he was ready to kill him, but since S-Rank is still S-Rank, Yun Kyungsu managed to block it—barely. He survived but got absolutely trashed.”
Moon Hyunah burst into laughter, saying it had been quite the spectacle.
“Getting crushed by someone way younger than him, then being glared at like he was about to be killed for ages after—that really damaged Yun Kyungsu’s reputation. It’s probably the main reason Sudam didn’t grow as much as it could have. Not only was it embarrassing to get beaten up by a kid, but it was also terrifying to go to Sudam with the young master baring his teeth at them.”
So that’s why Yun Kyungsu always ground his teeth when it came to Yuhyun. Just like before, hearing the details confirmed that he totally deserved it. Finally, Yerim, who couldn’t hold it in anymore, spoke while laughing.
“Guild Leader, let me pat your head once too!”
“Yerim!”
I quickly pulled Yuhyun into a hug. Let’s not get riled up over a kid’s provocation, okay? Thankfully, my brother just shot Yerim a cold glare and ignored her.
By then, the helicopter was ready, and we took off. After some time, a large ship lit up with dazzling lights came into view over the ocean. Seeing it in person made me feel even more strongly that this was a waste of money. Even if it was rented, it must’ve cost a fortune—probably way more than a hotel.
Just before the helicopter landed on the ship, Yuhyun, who was sitting next to me, spoke.
“You haven’t had to use Grace for a few days, so it should be fully charged, right? Use it now.”
“Grace?”
“Yeah. And while you’re at it, use the Teacher skill too.”
…Wait a second. Isn’t this supposed to be Seong Hyunjae’s birthday party? Could this actually be some sort of S-Rank ranking match beta version or something? Regardless, I did as he asked. I activated Grace and used the Teacher skill on Yuhyun.
Moon Hyunah, who had attended the previous birthday party, tried to explain on Yuhyun’s behalf, but the helicopter landed faster than she could finish. As we stepped off onto the landing pad, I spotted a familiar face—Song Taewon.
He was dressed in a plain yet tidy suit that, while not expensive-looking, still gave off a neat and polished impression. It suited him well, given his build. However, his expression made it clear that he wasn’t here to enjoy the party—it looked like he was here for overtime work. Honestly, that wasn’t far from the truth.
‘You could’ve just stayed home and rested.’
This was offshore. Even if someone caused a ruckus, the chances of civilian casualties were practically nonexistent. Still, knowing Song Taewon’s personality, he wouldn’t be able to sit back and relax knowing a bunch of S-Ranks were gathered nearby. He really did have a way of making life harder for himself.
‘That’s probably why Seong Hyunjae finds him so intriguing.’
It wasn’t like other countries didn’t have S-Rank Hunters affiliated with their governments. But as far as I knew, there was no one else quite like Song Taewon.
In other countries, government-affiliated S-Rank Hunters were treated as heroes. They didn’t follow orders but instead acted on their own will to protect and serve their nations. This was especially true in the United States, where hero-worship culture was already deeply ingrained. Though nominally affiliated with their governments, these Hunters operated as entirely independent authorities. Song Taewon, on the other hand, actually carried out the duties of a public servant, which made him vastly different from his foreign counterparts.
If Seong Hyunjae had seen him behaving this way for three years, he would’ve grown bored by now, given his personality. But recently, my influence had played a role.
‘More than anything… in Seong Hyunjae’s pre-regression memories, Song Taewon is someone who’s already dead.’
To top it off, Song Taewon had died after passing on one of his skills to him. Based on the circumstances, it had likely happened right in front of Seong Hyunjae’s eyes. If Seong Hyunjae felt déjà vu from his pre-regression memories, Song Taewon must feel uniquely out of place to him. A person who had died in front of him was now alive, walking around, and even undergoing subtle changes.
It would undoubtedly feel strange and new.
“You must’ve gone through a lot to come all the way here.”
At my words, Song Taewon gave me one of his trademark complicated looks. Whenever he looked at me like that, I felt like a clueless rookie who had made a mistake. In reality, he probably thought of me that way too.
“So even Hunter Han Yujin is here.”
“This time, I’m truly innocent.”
I was just here to attend a birthday party and hand over a gift. Well, to be precise, it was more like a bribe, but still. This time, I wasn’t scheming anything. I really just came for something simple.
“Hunter Han Yujin, you need to be more aware of how you appear to others.”
I know I’m considered quite versatile in various ways, but the party attendees are likely to show more interest in Myungwoo. After all, aside from monster mount breeding and awakening rank verification, my other abilities are still largely unknown. On the other hand, Myungwoo, who has crafted an S-Rank weapon, would undoubtedly be the most sought-after person here.
“Don’t worry, Chief Song,”
Moon Hyunah interrupted with a bright smile.
“If anyone tries to pick a fight, I’ll neatly fold them in half and toss them into the sea!”
“Please don’t do that.”
Song Taewon replied with a sigh, continuing in a calm tone.
“If violence occurs, please report it instead. If violence is unavoidable, be sure to provide a detailed account afterward. Any foreign S-Rank Hunter deemed a significant threat will be subject to entry bans or flagged for close monitoring.”
He then pulled out a list of party attendees from his inventory. Slowly scanning the room, Song Taewon checked each of us—me, Yuhyun, Moon Hyunah, Yerim, Myungwoo, and Noah—against the list, marking us off with his pen. Finally, his gaze returned to me once more.
“Be careful.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure to behave so you don’t have to worry.”
After passing Song Taewon, we made our way inside. As we walked down the hallway, Moon Hyunah spoke.
“Yerim, get your weapon out.”
“Got it, unnie!”
Wait, what? Why weapons?
Moon Hyunah pulled out a sleek spear, not overly flashy but tall enough to easily surpass her height. Yerim also summoned her icewood spear and draped her shawl over one arm. Even Yuhyun drew a sword.
“Are you planning to start a fight here?”
At my question, Yuhyun shrugged.
“I didn’t attend last year, so I’m not completely sure, but with a setup like this, the chances of things staying quiet are slim.”
“Exactly. Old habits die hard. Do you think a bunch of lunatics will suddenly turn into meek lambs just because they’re at someone else’s party? It might not be as bad as usual, but they’re definitely not going to behave.”
That… sounded plausible, but also like something that could give me a headache.
“And what if the ship sinks because of you all?”
“If someone who can’t even manage that much is running around with an S-Rank badge, they deserve to be thrown overboard and drowned!”
Please don’t laugh while saying things like that. Feeling exasperated, I looked over at Myungwoo and Noah.
“Even if that’s the case, it might still be dangerous for Myungwoo.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect him well. Myungwoo’s stats aren’t that low, and he has defensive items with him.”
“Yeah, there’s nothing to worry about, Yujin. I still have the damage nullification item, and if worst comes to worst, I can retreat to the forge. Besides, if someone does try to pick a fight with me or you, this is a good chance to figure out exactly who they are.”
Myungwoo added, explaining that when people came to his forge in person or sent representatives, they usually hid their true colors and acted polite. Here, their real intentions would likely be more obvious. Still, I couldn’t shake my concern—safety should come first.
“Don’t stress about it too much, hyung. Things won’t escalate too far. If it were truly dangerous, I wouldn’t have let you come here in the first place.”
“Exactly. This is supposed to be a lighthearted party~ Just relax and enjoy the show.”
…Unlike the openly excited Moon Hyunah, even Yuhyun seemed subtly pleased. And Yerim? She looked like she was ready to take off into the air at any moment.
Fine, it’s a party. An S-Rank party. Just… please don’t go so far as to sink the ship.
–TL Notes–
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