Chapter 213 Japan Trip (1)

Translated by: Ddomigan

‘Oh, I got a reply.’

Yoojin had received a text message from Song Taewon.

[Nothing much happened. But, thank you for your concern.]

That was Song Taewon’s response to Yoojin’s congratulatory message on the safe completion of the raid and a question asking if anything strange happened in the dungeon and whether he was feeling okay. Does that mean Song Taewon did not sense the gaze?

‘So, it does have something to do with me.’

Yoojin has entered dungeons alongside Yoohyun, Yerim, and Sung Hyunjae several times before whereas not at all for Song Taewon. He couldn’t be entirely certain about it, but it’s best to be cautious.

[Please stop by the rearing center sometime. I brought in a super cute and fluffy lamb which made me think of you, Chief Song. But I can come to you if that’s what you prefer. It's just really adorable.] Yoojin messaged Song Taewon.

Yoojin had a feeling that Chief Song would fall in love with the lamb the moment he touched it. The texture of the lamb’s wool was addictive. If it wasn’t for Peace, Yoojin might have already brought the super snuggly lamb back with him. But at home, the seat on his lap was already reserved for Peace... ‘Perhaps I can keep the lamb with me when Peace is away in a dungeon.’ Yoojin thought.

Meanwhile...

“We really can’t?”

Yerim asked, pestering Yoojin while he was typing his messages. Before she was able to receive a response from Yoojin, Yoohyun cut her off and replied on his behalf.

“No.”

“Han Yoohyun, was I asking for your opinion? This house belongs to ahjussi!”

“We already have enough fur flying around with just Peace and Park Yerim staying here.”

“What?! Fur? Hey! Don't you know that it’s your hair that’s falling out? Your hair stands out the most, you know?”

Yerim shouted as she brought the puppies closer into her arms. The wolf cubs in her embrace whimpered softly.

“Yerim, you know you can come see them anytime since they live right downstairs, right?” Yoojin said.

"But I already like them so much. Can't I bring them to my room?"

Both the white fluff balls were clinging onto Yerim as she spoke. However, it wasn't because they liked her, but rather...

‘They look scared.’

From a distance, Peace was slowly tapping the ground with his tail, glaring at the puppies. It seemed Peace didn't like the fact that the wolf cubs had come into the house. Despite being monsters, they were still part cat and part dog, so it didn't seem likely that they would get along easily for now.

Every time Peace bared his fangs, the wolf cubs froze in fear visibly. Even if the cubs looked pitiful, Yoojin still can’t let them share the same space as Peace.

“I'm sorry, but you can't keep them inside the house, Yerim. However, they will eventually be beast mounts that are dedicated to you, and by then, you can be there with them while they grow up."

Although Yerim looked sad upon hearing what Yoojin said, she still nodded her head obediently like a well-behaved child.

“I will visit often, Milky, Blanc.”

When did she decide on their names? Could it be that the names were taken from two of her dolls? Yoojin felt sorry for Yerim when she turned back to look at him. Although she had wanted to raise a puppy, the wolf cubs really just lived right downstairs.

- Kyaleueleung.

As Yerim and the wolf cubs went outside, Peace approached Yoojin and rubbed its body against his leg. Peace seemed to be in a good mood.

“I hear you’re taking Peace along to Japan?”

Yoohyun turned around and asked. Yoojin nodded as he walked with his younger brother.

"They requested to have Peace be brought over there. The Japanese were quite strange. I thought they might feel hesitant if several S-classes were going, but apparently, they seem to like it.”

Yoojin thought of negotiating with the Japanese so that more than two S-class hunters could accompany them on the pretext of safety. However, it turned out that the Japanese had already requested for Han Yoohyun to come along, and they also welcomed any other hunters to join.

“Since Noah and Riette are foreigners, I wonder if we could bring them to Japan.”

Specifically, since both of them are freelance hunters currently, they should be able to afford to go on a trip. Though, Riette did decline to go. Yoojin sat on the sofa while holding Peace, and then switched on the TV. A program related to the Japan-Korea relations was airing. They were also analyzing the Japanese hunter who would be Yerim's opponent.

[I heard that Park Yerim's biggest weakness is her lack of experience as a hunter, however, she has an advantage in terms of terrain conditions...]

The news program had also criticized her for entering the Slime Dungeon despite her lack of experience. Though it was only briefly mentioned to prevent the program from being off-putting, the power of the media was still frightening. Whenever they decide to conceal or downplay certain problems and issues, most people would just accept whatever version of the truth that’s presented to them. The opposite, however, was also true.

"I'm not sure about Yerim or Seonghan, but Yoohyun, since you're the guild leader, it would be difficult for them to whisk you away. I wonder if they are going to offer some amazing conditions. Could the Thunderbird Robe be something like a pretext?”

“I’m not interested in whatever they have to offer.”

Yoohyun said while seated next to Yoojin.

"I have enough. I'll be satisfied as long as I can maintain my current everyday life."

“...You don’t need anything else?”

"We already have a house to go back to, a home. Unless they give me an item that can definitely keep you safe in Japan, then who knows, but that likely won’t be the case."

It would be quite amusing if a world-saving item suddenly popped up in Japan.

"Yeah, me too... I wish I can continue living like this." Yoojin said.

It would be great to live a life where the biggest problem is something as trivial as 'you can't bring a dog into the house,' and the only concern is what to have for dinner next.

That being said, however, when the kids go on a dungeon raid, Yoojin would also just get anxious again. While he was already grappling with a lot of problems, he was uncertain about what other issues might crop up in the future. ‘Why is my life so tough?’ He thought.

“...You know, Hyung.”

Yoohyun cautiously brought up another topic, and as Yoojin turned to look at him, he saw that Yoohyun’s face was full of gloom. It made Yoojin wonder what had happened, could he have troubled his younger brother without even realizing it?

“During the time I awakened and the period not long after that, I gave you a hard time, didn’t I?”

Yoojin hesitated to speak, and his mind went blank. That time...

“No, that’s not true.” Yoojin said.

“But, hyung.” Yoohyun uttered.

“I can’t really remember it.”

That was 8 years ago, so Yoojin doesn't even really think about it. The memory was distant enough to have faded.

“That’s why, you don't have to worry about it. I’m fine. It's already in the past.”

Yoojin smiled, saying that he was okay. Because up till this point in time, things haven't been that bad. As for the things that would’ve happened afterwards, they're irrelevant as Yoohyun doesn't know anything about them. Only just sometimes, Yoojin would get bothered by those thoughts.

"That was just an argument between family members, it happens sometimes. We’re bound to have big fights and reconcile later since we live together. But it's all good now, so it’s okay."

Yoojin didn't think that was a memory worth bringing up, so he shifted his gaze towards the TV. A replay of Yerim's interview was airing. In it, she was smiling confidently and brightly.

"Hey, if Japan tries to take you away, just pretend to hesitate and accept anything they offer. There's absolutely no need to refuse what they give. Take everything you need, wipe your lips and just return home."

Yoojin was especially curious if Yerim would bring home a barrage of new items for Myeongwoo and Noah. Since everything he received in advance was rather pleasing, Yoojin was looking forward to it. Then at that moment, the sound of a door opening was heard.

“Yerim, shake off the fur before coming in.” Yoojin said.

“Alright!”

Perhaps because they're wolf cubs, their fur wasn't shedding as much as one would expect for a full coat, but nonetheless, they were still shedding. Yerim came running and plopped down next to Yoojin.

“Pack your things in advance tonight.” Yoojin advised.

“I have already packed everything this morning~” Yerim said.

Apparently, she was just as fast. Though there isn't much to pack anyway. Just in case anything happens, Yoojin had bought three spare phones. He also reminded himself to pack separate side dishes for breakfast in case the kids didn't like the food there.

It’d be nice if everything goes well.

The airport was crowded with people. Not only were there many reporters, but also many spectators. Yerim was busy expressing her gratitude to the people who came to support her, she also posed for photos and accepted interviews.

“I will return victorious!”

As Yerim declared while waving her hand, a loud cheer was roused. Her popularity was like that of a famous celebrity. In fact, she was so popular, she wouldn’t need to feel inferior in front of other celebrities. Yerim had already received many advertising offers even before the public knew about her match with the Japanese, and after that fact, the number of brands that begged her to accept their or even sponsorship deals had increased significantly. The hat Yerim was currently wearing was a sponsorship product personally chosen by her.

Amid the continuous cheering, they completed the check-in procedures and headed to the lounge. Moon Hyuna was already there waiting in the spacious lounge. The people from the Hunter Association were also there.

“Director Han, you’re dressed prettily.” Moon Hyuna greeted.

What was ‘prettily’ even supposed to mean?

“I wasn’t aware you were close to Hunter Riette, Breaker guild leader.” Yoojin said.

As S-class hunters started leaving Korea for overseas in droves, concerns about domestic safety naturally arose. Although the dungeons had been cleared, there was still a need for hunters who could handle any emergencies to be around in case of a dungeon break.

Therefore, Haeyeon had S-class Hunter Kim Seonghan stay behind while entrusting Blue's Master Token to him, the token of a top-notch S-class beast mount. As for Sesung, they had S-rank Hunter Evelyn around, so there were no issues for them.

Breaker had encountered a problem with this matter, but it was promptly solved by temporarily hiring Riette.

"I get along well with her since she's carefree and easy-going. There are hardly any female hunters that are on bad terms with me in the first place. I'm quite popular, you know." Moon Hyuna said.

“Are you saying everyone except for Hunter Evelyn?”

“Oh, she’s just an acquaintance. Our personalities don't match after all. Even if she’s skillful, I wouldn’t want to be close to someone who likes to act behind people’s backs. It's just too repulsive.”

Moon Hyuna had also advised Yoojin to be careful in the meanwhile.

“Please make sure that no beasts are roaming around inside the aircraft.”

A staff from the Association said while eyeing Chirpie as it floated around the lounge. Of course, little Chirpie won't suddenly go around teleporting. Velare also seemed to want to wander around, but Yoojin kept it on his wrist just to be safe.

Peace was quietly sitting on a chair whereas Yerim and Noah were going through snacks. Myeongwoo looked tired likely since he was busy with work before going on this vacation. Instead of forging items, he was busy helping the others practice smithing.

Yoojin heard that the blacksmiths from Myeongwoo's smithy, Seo Dongbaek and Lee Minsuk, succeeded in producing a low-level items just two days ago. The value of the completed items were low, but it demonstrated the possibility of forging items without the need for specialized skills. They plan to make a large-scale announcement on this breakthrough once they are able to create mid-rank items.

“Hyung, would you like something to eat too? You haven’t had a proper breakfast.”

“Hmm, maybe I should. I didn't know there was a buffet in the airport lounge.”

Yoojin hadn't stop by the lounge during his trip to Hong Kong. Truth be told, he didn't even know such a place existed. Yoojin thought it would have been nice to take a flight then. The lounge had quite a variety of food to offer, and that included wines as well. He was thinking about having a simple sandwich when the door opened, and through it, Song Taewon had walked in. Yoojin wondered what was going on.

“You must be busy, but did you come to see me off?” Yoojin asked.

He briefly wondered if it was okay to have so many S-class hunters around. There are a lot of ordinary people too, though. In response to Yoojin’s question, Song Taewon then answered quietly.

“It's a measure to prepare for future contingencies. I can't interfere with matters abroad, but...”

While scanning through the lounge’s scenery, Song Taewon wore an expression that seemed as if he was holding back a sigh. He then continued speaking.

“I’m wishing you a safe journey.”

His expression seemed to convey the thought, ‘Please be mindful to not get into an accident.’

“I'll just be a quiet spectator on this trip to Japan, so don't worry. And Chief Song, since you’re doing well, please drop by the rearing center if you have time. I've mentioned it to you beforehand, but would you like to touch the baby lamb just once? It's really cute."

Yoojin asked, however, Song Taewon didn't respond and just stood to one side.

‘I wonder if he had a proper meal. Should I ask if he wants a sandwich?’

Yoojin thought as he filled up a plate with sandwiches while Yoohyun poured him a drink. Meanwhile, Yerim gushed about how delicious these cookies were and put some on his plate before going to get ice cream. Noah complimented the taste of a cake and asked Myung Woo if he would like to have some coffee. Moon Hyuna had ordered a separate meal altogether, expressing her confusion over the presence of chefs in the lounge, given that they were in an airport, not a restaurant.

It was nice to witness the ‘Going on a trip to have fun’ atmosphere right from the start. As the smell of steak being grilled wafted out, Yerim shouted, "Me too!"

“Why don’t you eat too, Yoohyun?” Yoojin asked.

“I’m not that hungry.”

Yoohyun has a relatively small appetite, but he hardly ever complains about the food at home. Even when Yoojin would offer him cookies as a snack, he was usually able to eat whatever that’s offered to him.

- Bbiyak!

Chirpie cheeped just as the door opened again. When Yoojin turned around to check if he had bumped into Chirpie, he saw it perched on top of a nest of faded, light-colored hair. Sung Hyunjae had walked into the lounge nonchalantly. As Yoojin was about to greet him like usual, their eyes met.

...But at that moment, Yoojin wasn’t able to say anything, and he averted his gaze.

“Are we all gathered now? What time is the departure?”

In response to Moon Hyuna's question, they were told that preparations for the flight have been completed. The sound of forks touching plates was heard and Yerim had said, ‘Let's finish eating and go,' while also asking if she could take some ice cream onboard with her. Yoojin took a deep breath before looking back at Sung Hyunjae. While Sung Hyunjae held Chirpie in his hand, he smiled at Yoojin. It was the kind of expression he always had on.

“It appears Chirpie had made a mistake. Please hand him over.”

Sung Hyunjae approached silently and handed over Chirpie to Yoojin. ‘...Stop staying silent, say something already.’ Yoojin thought as he took the chirping baby bird into his arms awkwardly. Just then, Yoohyun held onto those hesitant arms of his.

“Let’s get going.”

“Huh, oh, okay.”

The group was pulled into one last photo op as a whole before leaving the lounge to board the plane. Soon after, the plane departed and landed in Japan a few hours later.