Manual for Returners, Episode 886
Vacation (4)
The atmosphere in the Federation was chaotic overall, just like yesterday. Not all cities in the Federation are like that, but at least the chosen metropolitan city, Colorado, seemed a bit restless.
It could be considered a natural situation in a way. The Federation has been through a lot. The Great Continental War, the 27th Army Summoning Incident, and even major events during the Continental Dungeon Operation.
If it had been normal, the nation could have lost its function, but it had endured consecutive hardships….
"At least we're lucky to have ended it at this level."
It's actually better to think that way. As everyone is feeling, the city is quite lively. It can be considered the busiest time. There are loud noises coming from all directions, and workers are seen doing construction work.
Lesser mages are moving construction materials in the air, and warriors are pounding large nails with giant hammers. Many adventurers also seem to be participating in development and maintenance plans.
Loud and disorganized sounds mix together. The weather was clear, and it was a suitable morning for a walk.
"Looking for people to go hunting. I'm a warrior who can cover up to intermediate level."
"We'll hire mercenaries to go farming for building materials. There seems to be a lot of isolated adventurers here, so we chose well."
"There are different types of recovery potions that we directly sourced from Rindel. Please take a look and buy what you need."
That one is fake.
It's fitting to say that it's overflowing with vitality since so many people are mixed and gathered here.
There were more completed buildings and buildings still under construction, and since all the shops were undergoing reconstruction, many people gathered in the square to sell goods. This is probably what early Lindel looked like.
Since it is still under development, many immigrants have gathered here to seize opportunities and establish themselves, and it wasn't particularly difficult to immigrate to the Federation. The proportion of Asians seemed quite high, and they probably judged that starting here was better than in the Republic or the Confucian country, where there was already nothing to eat.
I wonder what rumors they heard... People are all the same when it comes to thinking.
"We can repair your equipment. We also have many good pieces, so take a look around."
"Here! Over here!!"
"This is a prequel to 'The Love of the Genius Detective and Alchemist!' We got it at great cost!"
Why are so many people crowded here?
The scenery here probably isn't much different from usual. The only difference is me and Nuna. Let's take a slow look down below. An unfamiliar sight caught my eye.
'Shibal, what's with the maid outfit?'
[My translator does not like translating "Shibal" which means "Damn it" or "Shit" so take not of that].
It looks like the clothes maids wear.
'Who wears that nowadays? Even the palace maids of the Kingdom Alliance don't wear those. Ugh.'
When I turned my head, I saw a reflection of a face in the window. It was a perfect image of Lee Kiyeon. The only difference from last time was her hairstyle; it was tied up like Cho Hyejin's, but it surprisingly suited her well.
The makeup that Ji-hye did herself seems to blend in well. The overall impression is that it all goes together nicely. One thing to be grateful for is that there wasn't any revealing clothing. The only thing that wasn't appreciated was Ji-hye herself.
'Stop touching me. Seriously.'
It's gauche to walk around flaunting oneself with a hand on one's waist, and even more gauche to leave it there. Her face is adorned with a sly smile.
Overall, her face feels similar to her original appearance. She's naturally good-looking. It doesn't feel forced or uncomfortable, to the point where I think it might suit her even better than before. It's like the only things that are different are her gender and hair.
She's slightly shorter than me, and she looks much younger than me, almost like a young lord. The fabric of her clothes looks expensive, and it's a brand that anyone would recognize just by hearing the name. She's dressed in a way that doesn't seem to fit with this city, like she's just out for a leisurely stroll in the world.
Even if it's not exactly that, the sight of a young thug still looking like a child, walking down the street with a maid, is going to draw attention no matter where they go.
"Noona."
"Yes, my lord."
"You look a little upset... are you thinking about yesterday?"
"No."
"That's disappointing. I was hoping you'd remember."
"I don't understand why you... my lord, chose this place..."
"It's a good environment to walk around in for entertainment. There are always incidents and accidents nearby, and a lot of people come here. Isn't it perfect for getting what we want?"
"Um, my lord, here you are... a little..."
"What?"
"Stop it, Shibal. Really."
[I think we know what's happening lol].
"What do you want me to stop doing? It's my heart, isn't it? And why did you come in like that all of a sudden?"
"You came in, hitting and all. Right now."
"Here, I'm not your noona. Did you forget the contract?"
"Shibal, other people are watching."
"What does it matter what other people think? As long as we're happy. And if people see my brother, they'll look no matter what."
"Oh. Really."
"I'm so disappointed. I've done so much, and I can't even get this right. I've worked so hard for you... do you know how much I've suffered?"
"You're disappointed. You're disappointed. Kiyeon. Honestly, tell me. Who benefits from dragging me along like this? I should get some kind of compensation, shouldn't I? Isn't that right?"
"And honestly, Oppa likes the attention too. He may say he doesn't like it, but his body is honest. Ah! I should use that line too."
...
- Anyway, if you're embarrassed, just act like it. That's your character, oppa. Your blushing face is cute too, I like it. You worked hard on your makeup... and your clothes are really pretty too. I didn't know I had a bit of a longing for this kind of thing. Oppa. Or maybe it's because Kiyeon is good at picking out clothes. You look like a character from a novel who's been hurt.
- You look good too, noona. You're like a fearless young girl who speaks her mind. Really.
- Thank you for the compliment, but don't come in so often with flattery. Let's immerse ourselves in this, okay? Immersion.
'Shiba, I think I did this for no reason.' I expected it to be difficult, but I didn't expect it to be this difficult. But Jihye looks happy.
Come to think of it, we haven't spent much time together. We've met for work, but we've never spent time like this. Maybe we're feeling good about being able to do this without worrying about other people's eyes, as we walk around the city, looking at things for sale on the street and relieving stress.
Neither Jihye nor I were the type to enjoy playing around in crowded places, but sometimes it's helpful. As long as we don't care about people's attention, it's enjoyable enough. It's a bit different...
Even as we walk, Lee Ji-hoo continues to hold onto my waist, tightly gripping me as I twist my body uncomfortably. It feels like he wants me to come closer, which is a bit embarrassing.
'Why are you so strong like this?'
"I think it'll loosen up a bit at night. Do you want to wear our necklace and go out?"
"....."
"Just kidding. Let's keep going, noona."
"Yes, my lord."
"Today, we're going to register with the adventurer's guild."
"Yes."
"If there's a chance, we'll look for a good quest."
"Sure."
The adventurer's guild is generally known for having big builds. Although there are rumors that their reputation has declined due to the influence of the Benigorenet, it's still better to form parties and go hunting offline rather than online. For decent adventurer guilds, they provide lodging for outsiders and offer various missions for mercenaries or wanderers. Many people can be seen here as well.
As soon as Lee Ji-hoo quietly opens the door, all eyes are on him. The noisy place suddenly becomes quiet as he enters the guild.
"It seems like it's your first time here at the adventurer's guild... How can I assist you?"
"The best room you have." His haughty tone while throwing a coin at the employee is quite noticeable.
"Lee Ji-hoo. Lee Ki-yeon. Temporary adventurer registration card issuance." His words are short as well.
While she took a seat on one side of the table, it was my responsibility to move around.
"Are you Mr. Lee Ji-hoo from Castle Rock? I've come to obtain temporary adventurer registration. Here are the related documents and stamps...," I said.
"Oh, yes. Can you come with me for a moment?" The receptionist asked.
"Yes," I replied.
His eyes were intense. I remembered the kid who whistled while he worked. Prepare to break a few dishes.
"You're from the Kingdom? Castle Rock? What brings you here?"
"Do you know what's going on here? Maybe a rich young lord is traveling or something. I don't know,"
"With a maid?"
"That, too... Wow, I can't even say it..."
"If it's Castle Rock, they must be pretty skilled, right?" I asked.
"..."
"You both have been identified. You were registered as free adventurers of hero and rare grades, respectively. If you want a mission or quest, let us know..." the receptionist said.
"I'll look into it gradually. Thank you," I said.
"Yes, I understand."
As we passed the receptionist, I heard only the sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway.
"Damn it, I told you I don't like shoes," I muttered.
Lee Ji-hoo, who had been watching me the whole time, was a real troublemaker. He lifted the corners of his mouth and quietly looked at me as if he wanted me to come to his side.
He immediately grabbed my arm as I hesitated, and my appearance became that of a half-hugging guy.
"There's something else I need you to do..." he said.
"Yes, Lord. Anytime... Um, what about today's meal?"
"I'll eat here, Nuna."
"Yes."
This Nuna seemed to be really full of herself. Look at her immersing herself in her work. I think she's doing it for other people to see.
"I'm sure. It seems like she's enjoying the attention of others.
No one is approaching her, despite her conspicuous behavior. Even though everyone is sneaking a peek at this place from a distance.
Quietly eating, in the meantime, Ji-hoo was wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, as if he didn't like the food.
That's when a voice was heard from somewhere.
"Can I join you for a moment?"
~~~~
Three chapter today!!!!
Provide raws if possible.