You should respect me.

I am the national kendo champion and recently won the Infinity Arena. Since I started playing Infinity Blade, I haven’t dropped from the top tier even once. At this point, it’s hardly an exaggeration to say I’m the best assassin user around.

I’m also a fully-fledged adult. I have an ID card in my wallet to prove it. Sure, my body may look young, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m over twenty. So… so…

Can we keep some distance here? You’re a little too close.

“Da-eun, your hair is so nice. What shampoo do you use?” “Whatever’s cheapest… from the internet.” “Gasp! That’s a crime. You should be using something better for hair like this. It’d be a waste if it got damaged. Do you use conditioner?” “I usually buy them in sets, for the discount.” “I’m going to report you. I’m seriously jealous right now.”

This isn’t going to work. I can’t bring myself to ask her to move away.

I was trapped in Sansae’s—no, Kim Shin-ah’s—embrace. She hadn’t physically restrained me or anything, but we were close enough that our bodies touched. Shin-ah was gently combing through my hair, arranging it neatly.

But the reason I was acting as if I were tied up was… the soft pressure of her chest against my back.

I couldn’t exactly say anything about it. My face grew warm, and I lowered my head. I’m still a guy, after all. It wasn’t that I disliked it… but it didn’t feel right to enjoy it, either.

It felt like my strength was draining from the guilt. Was I going to melt away completely?

“Can I touch your cheek?” “Um… yes.” “Just as I thought, you have baby-soft skin. It’s so smooth. You didn’t put on any makeup, did you?” “I just put on some lotion.” “How is life so unfair?”

Sansae stroked my cheek. She pressed her fingers into my skin, tugging gently. Meanwhile, Elderin was beside me, carefully braiding my hair.

It was clear from the looks of things that no one had any intention of rescuing me.

Elderin was fully absorbed in what she was doing. Dolguol was watching us like a dad with his daughters, and I knew if I asked for help, he’d just chuckle and do nothing. Sulbbang… well, he didn’t seem to have the courage. He kept glancing over but avoided looking directly at me.

My salvation came from the outside, just when I felt like my soul was about to be drained.

“The meat you ordered has arrived.”

The server brought in a tray loaded with cuts of meat. The red flesh was marbled with white fat, capturing my gaze.

In fancy restaurants, they even grill the meat for you. The server gave detailed instructions on how to enjoy each cut and how to dip it in the sauce for the best taste. My mouth watered as I watched.

Elderin—no, Yuserin—glanced at my face and smiled, looking pleased. I must have been a bit too obvious. She, as the host, made a suggestion with a triumphant look.

“Shall we start eating?” “Yes!”

Now, my taste buds are more sensitive than before. I could savor the richness of the melting fat and the deep flavors nestled in the meat.

Beef tasted amazing. I couldn’t stop smiling as I ate, completely forgetting to keep my expression in check.

I get now why women are so into finding good places to eat. If I could feel this happy with each meal, I’d be hunting down new restaurants too. There was, however, one drawback to having sensitive taste buds.

“Phew, haaa… hoooo…”

I’d become bad at eating hot food. Unlike before, when I’d eat anything, I now had to blow on stews to cool them down.

I sipped on the salty doenjang stew, letting its orange-tinted broth soak my tongue. Afraid it might spill, I slurped it off the spoon with a satisfying “slurp.” Swallowing some white rice after, I couldn’t help but smile again.

With such happiness, something was missing.

“Should we order a few bottles of soju? Da-eun, can you drink?” “I keep telling you, I’m an adult.” “Hmm…”

They didn’t look convinced. I swear, it’s true.

The doubt only dissipated when I showed my ID. I’m Han Da-eun, and I’m over twenty-three years old.

As the atmosphere grew warmer, we ordered drinks. With alcohol, my head was pleasantly light. Shin-ah’s embrace felt comforting as her arms wrapped around my waist. I placed my hand over hers, relishing the warmth.

Warmth. The warmth I’d longed for. It wasn’t the hot water from a shower; this was human warmth. It made me feel safer, warmer.

When my body grew warmer, I began to worry about Sulbbang. The girls were obviously more comfortable around me, and here I was nestled in Sansae’s embrace. Shy Sulbbang seemed hesitant to say anything.

That won’t do. I’m in a great mood right now! So let me give you a chance to speak.

“So, what are everyone’s plans for next season? Sulbbang, weren’t you doing siege battles?” “Oh, I was mostly part of a mercenary guild, taking contracts.” “Right. You’re not weak, but you’re not exactly a powerhouse either. It’s because your guild master is so weak.” “Excuse me! I’m actually pretty strong!” “I don’t think so. Prove it.” “Now that you mention it, maybe I’m weaker than I thought.”

Sulbbang laughed at his own words, and I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“This season, my guild and Shin-ah’s guild, and Elderin’s guild will team up to try for a rural territory. Dolguol hyung will join us soon.” “Going independent, huh?” “Well, something like that. I think it’s possible.”

The next update would open multiple smaller-scale siege territories, giving mid-tier guilds a chance to go solo. With increased demand for resources, more manpower was needed. Sieges were no longer exclusive to the high-tier players; they were open to more people now.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” “It felt wrong to ask you to join when you’re so big now. I’m sure you’ve had offers from bigger guilds.” “Well, you’re not wrong… hmph.”

Elderin picked up a piece of meat with her chopsticks and held it up to my mouth. I took it without protest.

Joining a big group would mean big rewards, but that was for the guild, not for me. I didn’t want to align with either of the dominant forces in the siege battles. Ideally, I’d work for both without picking sides, just enjoying the honey pot.

“Hmm…” “You don’t have to decide now. We’d feel bad if you agreed while drunk. It’d seem like we planned it.” “I wasn’t thinking that, but fine.”

Elderin was quite considerate. Sure, I was in a good mood now, but it wasn’t something to decide hastily. I needed time to think.

With the topic of next season wrapped up, we drifted into casual chatter.

The topic naturally turned to the Arena, as it was my victory that had brought us together. We talked about the group stage, the battle against the Reaper, and other highlights.

“Oh, remember when everyone thought you’d lose?” “Yeah, I even made a bet.” “You said you’d win, right? You were that confident?” “Why worry about losing when I wasn’t going to lose?”

I might have been waiting for this. Winning was great, but having people beside me to celebrate made it feel much better. Maybe it was the alcohol, but I felt more emotional, and I smiled without a care.

We talked about all sorts of things, like the silent dagger duel with the Reaper and the corpse bomb Crow pulled off. Only I, who fought there, could share these stories.

Thankfully, no one brought up my Swordmaster stance. They must have noticed how bad I looked back then and held back out of consideration.

But there was something we’d all overlooked.

“So why did you cry after the win?” “Huh?” “You did great in the interview, but then you started crying over salmon. You’re more of a crier than I thought.”

Drunk, I was more sensitive than usual. My body had a surprising tendency to tear up.

At another time, that comment would have been harmless, but the mention of salmon reminded me of Mom. I suddenly felt down.

“Why, why are you teasing me? Sniff… sniff…” “Oh? Wait, are you crying? I didn’t mean it that way. I didn’t mean to—” “What are you doing?!” “Da-eun, come here. Big sis is here.”

For the next thirty minutes, Sulbbang endured the scolding of both girls.

Maybe… this isn’t so bad. Is this why they say a woman’s tears are a weapon?
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TL note:

What do you think will happen next? I’m curious about your theories for where the story is headed! Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re enjoying the translation, give it a like. ???? Your support really helps! If you’d like to contribute, you can check out my profile [ko-fi.com/satabog] for donations. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!