Chapter 20 - VACATION [15]

"Regrssor's Instruction Manual Episode 897: Vacation (15)"

'Damn, I'm so irritated.'

"This is so frustrating."

"What's bothering you so much?"

"...."

"Well, it's obvious."

'Jincheong, that bastard.' Translated by Sunbaetime_1170.

Recalling the voice of the excited guy, once again a feeling of distortion came over me. Rather than receiving the money, it would have been more satisfying to hit him in the back of the head. It was definitely a mockery.

The different tension than usual and intentionally laughing loudly were clearly intended to provoke this side.

Even if that wasn't the purpose, how good would it have felt to obtain two million gold coins for free? It was an unexpected gain, so it must have felt even better.

As I continued to remember the voice thanking me, a bitter feeling began to rise again.

'No, it's not that bastard, it's Kim Hyun-seong who's the real problem. What kind of insane person willingly hands over two million gold coins because of a past connection? Where did you get the money from? Did you forge a promissory note? Wasn't the profit you earned from raiding the black market supposed to be given to me?'

I couldn't know how much gold was piled up in this black market, but two million gold coins were an absurdly large amount. Even if I sold all the loot here, there was no way Kim Hyun-seong had the means to handle such items. In the end, I became curious about how the remaining one million gold coins, excluding the 1 million gold that Jincheong paid in advance, could be generated.

Originally, it was the amount to be collected by the Continent Protection and Management Committee. It felt like suffering a double loss, and the bitterness was beyond imagination.

'Jincheong is not the problem. Kim Hyun-seong, that bastard is the root of all evil.'

If Jincheong had been a little more determined to pry, I'm certain he could have gotten more than two million gold coins. I wondered how he could commit such thoughtless acts without considering what I would do with the quests I gave him.

I wanted to hold a hearing even if it was with a she-fox. Of course, that she-fox might be old, but I still wanted to hold a hearing.

"But it seems like Kim Hyun-seong has some masculinity left. His gaze towards Lee Ki-yeon was suspicious. Nevertheless, he has some character. Seeing how he wholeheartedly supports her...

"..."

"It was fun, right? Since it turned out this way, let's wrap it up on a good note."

'Well, it's not ending on a good note.'

"Well, it wasn't without gains. We resolved the Colorado drug addiction crisis within the story... Although there's still a lot of aftermaths left."

"But what comes after is more important. Within a week, there will be a chaos with people complaining about addiction symptoms. We should designate Colorado as a special management zone and trace the distribution routes of the medicine. We can leave the tower to Hansora. For now, it's better not to touch Lindel. Jincheong promised to take care of the Republic's side. Let's consider restoring the Federation to its original state as the top priority task."

Right, as long as we see the results. It's a problem when we only see financial losses. Designating it as a special management zone costs money too. How can we leave the addicts suffering as the Guild's reputation enhancer? Especially when the Federation is already known for its financial troubles, it's obvious that we will have to request funds from the Management Committee.

When we calculate the cost of the drug addiction treatment center, counseling center, and the livelihood support for federal adventurers including Colorado, it will require a significant amount of funds. Of course, not all of it comes from my wallet, but it's closely related to the funds of the Management Committee, so it leaves a bitter feeling.

'Kim Hyun-Seong, that bastard.'

"Are you sure about what's happening at the tower?"

"Yeah, we have the Warp Gate, so we've covered everything. Once we start involving one person, they'll all be connected like sausages. If we keep an eye on the Black Swan and take action, it won't take more than a few days."

At least we can recover the assets the corrupt factions have. That's a relief. But Kim Hyun-Seong is still a bastard.

"By the way, noona looks better."

"Well, yes. It feels like I had a real vacation for once. And since the shoot was recorded, I can see it every day."

"What did you shoot?"

"Everything. Once it goes through editing, it will be quite enjoyable."

"Everything?"

"Well, anyway, we should spend the rest of our vacation with Yeon-su. The reason such a good work was born is because of the dedication of the staff. We should leave some things for Yeon-su, who worked hard. Oh, by the way, weren't you going to meet your brother Kim Hyun-Seong? There's less than 30 minutes left, what should we do?"

"I never planned to meet him anyway. Oh, by the way, I should send him a message."

As expected, a message has already arrived. Even though I want to write something nice, I can't.

-Ki-Young, where are you now? I'm almost there.

He doesn't even apologize.

-We should cancel our appointment today. Looks like you're busy... Please continue with your work. ^^ It seems like I disturbed you, since there was no contact in between and you seem busy. Isn't that right?

-No, I had reasons for not contacting you... Anyway, I was trying to contact Ki-Young. It was quite important...

-But you didn't give it to me. It seems like you're busy, so you can stop replying now. Blue Guild Master. You work so hard, so I believe you will handle the things I mentioned with certainty. ^^;;

Don't you get it? Even now? Really?

-If you could at least send a performance report by tomorrow, I would be really grateful, Blue Guild Master. Especially if you could focus on the budget section, Blue Guild Master.

'You know I'm angry right?'

'It's about time to pull myself together. I feel like I've been too lenient all this time, really.'

Even if you're oblivious, you should be able to understand at this point.

Just the fact that there's no immediate reply is evidence enough. And didn't you notice that the emoticon in the initial message wasn't friendly?

Sure enough, the handheld mirror started ringing right away.

Since he doesn't know what to say in a message, it must mean he want to talk directly.

Of course, I won't answer the call. It rings two or three times, but I disconnect the call as it is.

-Please refrain from calling, Blue Guild Master. I can't talk right now.

-Ki-Young, actually, there was something I really wanted to say today.

He's in a hurry.

-Do it next time.

It's so obvious what he is going to say that I can't even laugh.

The situation is obvious. Like saving someone in danger, it could be a reasonable excuse. If I listen, I'll have to compliment him again. It's better not to listen.

-Instead of useless small talk, how about focusing a bit on work? ^^;; I'm a bit busy right now.

The words are predictable.

Predictable. Well, sorry. I'm sooooo sorry... Hahaha, whatever.

-If I've upset you... I'm truly sorry.

'Sorry means nothing.'

-Actually, I brought a gift. It's a necklace from Michaelaria. I wanted to deliver it in person... If you could spare some time...

A photo is also being sent. The name feels oddly familiar.

'Oh, this is that thing.'

It was the last item to be sold at the black market. It has a fairly simple design, not my taste, but it's a decent item to be sold at an auction house.

'I could probably sell this to Jincheong.'

It seemed quite regretful, so maybe I can sell it for 2 million gold. If the functionality is good, I can even wear it myself.

Although it's fortunate in the midst of misfortune, the message about wanting to meet doesn't really resonate with me. He'll probably apologize and ramble on again. I weakened a bit, but I had to show some backbone to this punk. Still, I should accept the necklace.

-If you could send the necklace by courier, I would appreciate it. I don't want to see it right now.

-Yes... I will send it right away.

-If you have nothing more to say, I will end it here, Blue Guild Master.

-Ki-Young, um...

-Yes?

-I had unavoidable circumstances that made me late to the place you invited me.

-I also have unavoidable circumstances right now, which is why I'm telling you like this. ^^;;

-I'm sorry, but...

Of course, I won't reply to the last message. Instead, I start sending messages to someone else on his stead.

Before long, I hear a voice from outside.

"Vice Guild Master, a guest has arrived."

"Ask them to come in. No, I will go out."

"Yes."

As I open the door, a face that I haven't seen in a long time comes into view.

"How have you been all this time?"

The usual blonde, no change on the face even though it's been a while, maybe because he's smiling. Seeing that he came running as soon as he received the message. It should have been like this. i should have done this.

"I'm a bit late, huh? Sorry. I was in the middle of training..."

"No, it's fine, Rafael."

"Well, by the way, what's the matter?"

"It's not something significant. Do I need a reason to contact you?"

"Well, it's not that, but..."

Yeah, I've been quite indifferent to you. I understand. It's sudden.

"I contacted you because I wanted to have a conversation that we've been putting off while having a meal. I'm curious about how you've been lately... and I also have some requests. It's about recent events happening on the continent. Do you have time?"

"Yes, I'm okay, hyung."

"Just a moment... Can you make a reservation at that restaurant over there?"

"I, I know a place. Let's go there, hyung."

"Yes?"

"Well, it's about dinner time... and I thought something like this might happen..."

"Should we take a picture first?"

"Yes? Suddenly..."

"Let's take a picture together, Rafael."

"Ah... yes."

I feel like taking a good photo. Leaving Rafael, who is smiling ambiguously, behind, I immediately connect to BenigoreNet.

Uploading is a rare occurrence, but I log in to my personal account and start uploading the photo. There's not much time. The problem lies in what caption to write.

For the photo that will decorate Benigorenet after a long time, this title seems fitting:

"[Met the Gray Knight after a long time.]"

It's just fine.

Of course, it doesn't end here.

[#I won't care anymore # Outing with my cherished younger brother # Long-awaited outing # Restaurant # Honorary cardinal and the Gray Knight # Holy Sword Knight # Rafael # Stress is finally gone # Finally liberated # Love through understanding each other # Unbroken promise # A true friend who communicates sincerely]"

And...

"[#A new friendship]"

I had to grab their attention. Seriously.

~~~~

Provide raw please.