Chapter 134

 

“Eh? What do you mean all of a sudden?”
 

“That’s all a lie. You want me to act?”

 

“But everyone does it. Once you’re in the media, there’s no avoiding it. Even famous hunters have separate images they maintain for public appearances. It’s the same with San-ha nim.”

 

Lee Cho’s words made me recall the public service ads I had seen before in the dungeon, featuring Lim Dan and Seong San-ha.

 

[San-ha, what do you think is the most important quality for a hunter?]

 

[Wow, this sounds really dangerous.]

 

Looking back now, it seemed completely different from their real personalities. And Seong San-ha was the same.

 

“So it was all just acting.”

 

I didn’t want to be part of that, reflecting some fabricated image. All I wanted was for people to know I was Kang Eui-jin. If I had to act, it would all be meaningless.

 

Noticing my displeased expression, Lee Cho and the PR team entered an emergency meeting. I sat next to Seung-yeon, snacking as I waited for the staff to finish their discussion inside.

 

“Weren’t you bored?”

 

“Oh, no! It was interesting. I had heard that famous hunters manage their image separately, but I didn’t expect it to be done this way. And… honestly, I think it would really suit Eujin-nim!”

 

“Suit me? You don’t even know.”

 

“But really…”

 

Seung-yeon glanced at the seat where she had been sitting earlier with a disappointed expression. I shook my head quietly as I looked at her. I hadn’t said anything to Seung-yeon, but there was a notebook that another staff member had been about to open, only for it to be immediately closed after Sierra subtly stopped them. 

 

I had clearly seen it. The words “Behavior Guidelines for Each Concept” were written there. 

 

Below that, there were ridiculous instructions like “Don’t show your teeth,” “Keep your voice below a certain decibel,” and other absurdities.

 

I firmly decided again that I would never accept those concepts and crushed the ice in my drink, chewing it.

 

Soon, Lee Cho and the staff came out. As the PR team staff members were organizing the concept materials they had spread out, Lee Cho approached me with Sierra.

 

“Since Eui-jin nim doesn’t want it, we decided to put the concept on hold for now. San-ha nim also said that we should prioritize Eui-jin nim’s wishes.”

 

“Well, technically, he said, ‘It’s not like you’re going to listen to me, so let him do whatever he wants.”

 

Relieved that I didn’t have to act, I quickly felt at ease. But then Lee Cho pulled out a tablet and said,

 

“We’ll make sure the concept aligns with Eui-jin nim’s natural image and convey it accordingly. However, there’s an issue with the main shoot and interview. Since you’re an S-rank awakened person, many people will likely take your unique style as part of your charm, so there’s no need to adjust your tone. Just make sure not to use any foul language in official settings. 

 

Also, we’ve prepared a report on the information about Eui-jin nim that will be made public, and what will remain confidential. Please be sure to go over it before tomorrow’s interview.”

 

Lee Cho took a thick stack of papers from his bag and handed it to me. He looked down at the documents with a troubled expression and said.

 

“Eui-jin nim, the Tower Holding Countries meeting is a place where the leaders of the world and equivalent hunters gather. Participating as a representative of Korea means you will face not only reverence but also envy and jealousy. Remember that, no matter who you are, you won’t be able to escape conservative views. So… please understand.”

 

“I got it.”

 

I had said I didn’t want to play the role of the prince on the tower, yet here I was, burdened with it. If only it were a potion recipe book instead, I would’ve been thrilled to dive in.

 

***

 

I woke up with the sensation of floating. When I opened my eyes, I found Han Seo-jin’s face right in front of me. Han Seo-jin, who had been pushing open the bedroom door with his foot, seemed to have noticed my gaze and looked down at me.

 

“Why are you sleeping outside like that?”

 

“I don’t know, I guess I just dozed off.”

 

“Go back to sleep.”

 

I had been reading the papers Lee Cho had given me on the sofa since the interview was tomorrow, but…

 

Turning my head to check the spot where I had been lying, I saw the wrinkled blanket left on the corner of the sofa. Apart from that, the table where Seung-yeon and I had eaten snacks and played was completely cleared.

 

‘Did Seungyeon cover me up?’

 

After Han Seo-jin laid me back on the bed, he covered me with the blanket and raised an eyebrow as he looked at my face. He reached out his hand toward my head and asked.

 

“What is this?”

 

“What is what?”

 

In Han Seo-jin’s hand was a very small hairpin. It seemed like it was one of the many pins I hadn’t noticed earlier when they were styling my hair. I must have missed it.

 

“Oh, that. Today…”

 

I was about to brush it off casually, but then I remembered what Leecho had said before we parted ways earlier today.

 

─”Please keep the fact that Eui-jin nim will be attending the Tower Holding Countries meeting and revealing their identity until the day of. Especially for the center… I mean, for Esper Han Seo-jin, please be extra careful.”

 

─”Why Seo-jin?”

 

I had asked curiously, but Leecho had hesitated, then shook his head.

 

─”It’s… never mind. It’s probably just a misunderstanding. Just be cautious for a few days.”

 

─”Alright, it’s only a few days anyway.”

 

I was still unsettled by Lee Cho’s expression and found myself mumbling as I tried to brush it off.

 

“It’s nothing. Probably just the kids messing around. …But why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?”

 

Seeing Han Seo-jin fully dressed with his outerwear on, I asked. He gave a small nod.

 

“Yes. Something came up, and I think I need to go myself.”

 

“At this time of night? Just go tomorrow. Is it something important?”

 

“………Yes, it is important.”

 

His voice sounded serious, so I waved my hand and urged him to leave.

 

Han Seo-jin turned off the lights and left, but since I had woken up in the middle of the night, sleep wasn’t coming back. Normally, I would have been up immediately the moment I was left alone, but it seemed like even Cloud had fallen asleep since it was quiet. 

 

I got out of the bed, deciding to take this opportunity to look over the materials Lee Cho had asked me to review.

 

‘I would’ve been the model student if I’d gone to school.’

 

However, I couldn’t find the documents anywhere around the room, the sofa, or near the table.

 

“Did Seung-yeon take them?”

 

I peeked into Seung-yeon’s room, but all I could hear was soft breathing in the darkness. Not wanting to wake him, I quietly closed the door and stepped out onto the terrace.

 

Facing the cold night air, I gazed at the tower standing far in the distance. Bathed in moonlight, the tower emitted a chilling aura, glowing by itself in the night. I stood there, lost in thought, staring at the tower for a long time. 

 

The breeze carried some distant noises, and my gaze drifted downward. Even though it was hard to see in the dark, I could easily spot Seong Sanha among the people below.

 

Seems like both Han Seo-jin and Seong San-ha were busy working even at this hour. If I had my own workshop, I would probably have been busy making potions all night too.

 

‘Wait, what will happen with my workshop?’

 

If I reveal that I’m Kang Eui-jin, will I be able to return to my workshop?

 

It wasn’t entirely impossible. After all, I’d be protected by bodyguards, and the more attention I drew, the safer I’d be, so having the workshop might actually be better.

 

I needed to tell Seong San-ha this brilliant idea right away. I grabbed the railing again and looked down, but it seemed like he had already gone inside the hotel. The front entrance was empty.

 

‘He just got in, so he probably won’t be sleeping yet.’

 

Given how busy he was, I couldn’t afford to wait until tomorrow, so I quickly rushed out of the room in my slippers. Only after I left did I realize a small problem.

 

“Right, I don’t know where Seong San-ha’s room is.”

 

I had left my phone in the room, and since we had blocked each other, I wouldn’t have been able to contact him anyway. I also didn’t have the hotel room key, so I couldn’t get back in.

 

What should I do…? 

 

I scratched my head, then dragged my slippers to the elevator. I was planning to ask the staff for help.

 

When I reached the lobby, it was empty, likely because it was late at night. I sat on the sofa and waited for someone to come, watching the hunters standing guard outside the hotel. The sight of their pristine white Cheon Rang uniforms naturally reminded me of Seong Sanha.

 

About twenty minutes later, a staff member came back, looking tired and holding a coffee. He was surprised when he saw me and asked,

 

“What’s the matter, sir?”

 

“I left my room key inside. Also, can you tell me where Seong San-ha’s room is?”

 

“Uh, yes. Yes?”

 

***

 

To my surprise, Seong San-ha’s room was on the same floor as mine. It was at the opposite end of the hallway, though.

 

The staff told me that only Seong San-ha and I were staying on the 33rd floor, so I could go to his room without worrying about disturbing anyone else. Excited, I made my way to his room.

 

‘I’ve got the room key now, and once I find Seong San-ha, I’ll get my workshop back!’

 

When I arrived, I rang the bell, but there was no answer. I wondered if he was out, so I rang again and knocked on the door, calling his name.

 

“Seong San-ha! Hey! Seong San-ha! Open the door!”

 

“Is this the wrong room? Or did they leave already?” 

 

Just as I was debating whether I should go back to the lobby and check the room number with the staff, the door suddenly swung open. 

 

“Ah, shit, you scared me.” 

 

“Kim Eui-jin? What’s going on? Are you okay?” 

 

The warm air wafted through the crack of the door as if they had just gotten out of the shower. 

 

Through the gap in the loosely worn bathrobe, I could clearly see the muscles on their upper body and the defined curves, and I couldn’t help but admire them internally. 

 

‘Wow, damn. This is no joke. Does he work out for them separately?’

 

I absentmindedly followed the drops of water running down their wet chest, but suddenly snapped back to reality. 

 

“…Hey, when you’re taking a shower, you should say something.”