The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 489

487. Welcome (2)

“I’m not sure if there’s any room left, but could I have the list?”

I looked up at Chloe, trying to appear as professional as possible. Chloe’s face was calm, almost expressionless. I suddenly wondered what she was thinking.

“We have no intention of revealing our attendees.”

“About 30 billion won per S-Class Hunter on average. Even just three people would be 100 billion. That’s about 80 million in dollars.”

That was the amount the Awakened Management Office had told me. To be exact, it included the cost of damages, and blowing up the cruise ship was a big part of it. The total amount, including the cruise ship price and other expenses, was simply divided by the number of S-Class Hunters, so the actual cost would be much less than that. Sung Hyunjae would have to take responsibility for the cruise ship cost anyway.

“You might think I’m being stingy with just a few hundred million, but there’s no reason to waste money unnecessarily. I’m not a philanthropist, and especially not to people who have plenty of money.”

And I really need to save money. The uninhabited island was cheap compared to the cruise ship, but the large mansion and other facilities on it were quite expensive. Even if I ‘borrowed’ it, it would be hard to get away with it unscathed. Sishio generously told me to use it as much as I wanted, but I officially paid a reasonable price.

On top of that, there were costs for renovating the guest rooms, restaurants, banquet halls, and various labor costs, transportation, and so on. There were more places to spend money than I thought. It wasn’t enough to empty my bank account, but costs were still coming out of the building and the breeding center, so I couldn’t just throw money around.

“So I have no intention of scattering invitations to people whose faces and names I don’t even know.”

“You don’t want us to visit?”

I gave Chloe a gentle smile.

“Of course, I’d like to invite you. I still like you, Chloe.”

“…You don’t have to say things you don’t mean.”

“I mean it. I’m not that fickle. I’m not so narrow-minded that I’d change my mind overnight just because I was rejected. Ah, maybe Chloe is uncomfortable. Then I’ll just like you secretly! Without making it obvious.”

Chloe’s lips tightened slightly as she looked at me, who was smiling brightly. If you ask me if I was being sincere or not, I still had feelings for her. I thought I had completely given up on her these past few days since that day, but seeing her in person and talking to her made my heart flutter again. But there’s no way I can purely like her like I did before the regression…

“I’m expecting at least ten invitations to go to the United States, but what do you think?”

“That’s probably because it’s where the most S-Class Hunters are currently located.”

“Please deliver those invitations through me.”

So she’s going to sneak in among them. Even if ten invitations are sent, it doesn’t mean that exactly ten people will come. Most S-Class Hunters were guild leaders of large guilds. Of course, they would have several companions. At the very least, there would be around thirty people.

Leaning back, I slowly clasped my hands together on the table.

“What benefit would I get from that?”

“I will *haeje* [release] Park Hayul’s skill.”

“You’re talking about something obvious as if you’re doing me a favor.”

“To *haeje* [release] the skill, you need to contact Director Han Yoojin directly. So I want to be guaranteed safety.”

If she disguised herself and approached me in a place where many people gathered, she would be able to *haeje* [release] the skill without me noticing.

‘It’s dangerous to use *tteoknip* [a Korean term for disguise or deception] on an S-Class, but Park Hayul is an A-Class, so…’

No matter how she changes, it would be easy to find her unless she changes her status window. I nodded slightly, with a reluctant expression.

“I don’t want to accept it when I think about how much I suffered because of the skill, but I also don’t want to drag it out because I suffered that much.”

“Thank you.”

“But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let it go here. Until I receive reasonable compensation and an apology as a victim, we will inevitably be uncomfortable with each other.”

In other words, if they bowed down now, we could reconcile. Considering what I went through, it would be fair to say we’re enemies, but the situation is what it is. At this point, it wouldn’t be good for people trying to save the world to fight each other. But it’s not just me, so I can’t just say, ‘Oh, it’s okay~.’

Once I’ve been used as bait, who’s to say it won’t happen again? Until we sort things out for sure, it’s impossible to hold hands because I’d be anxious.

“I will definitely convey Director Han’s intentions.”

Chloe answered obediently. I don’t know what she’s really thinking, but her attitude is different from before, which made my mouth bitter. It must mean that I’m not an easy opponent anymore.

‘She separated from Sung Hyunjae, but she’s holding her own and standing up to him.’

Perhaps she’s revised her assessment, thinking that I’m not just a naive kid protected by S-Classes. I needed to change my image to the higher-level Hunters. So that they can see Han Yoojin himself, not the S-Classes behind me.

“I hope you hide your identity well.”

I smiled lightly and continued.

“I will not be responsible for any unfortunate accidents that may occur in a gathering of high-level Hunters. I will also state it in the invitation. Personal grudges should be settled personally.”

There was a small uninhabited island near here that was close to an underwater reef, and if you went out a little further, there was also a low-level dungeon prepared. There’s no way they won’t fight, so I was planning to tell them to go out and fight if they were going to fight, like at Sung Hyunjae’s birthday party. If that happens, I won’t be responsible for any accidents. They’re not kids, and high-level Hunters should take care of their own business.

“I know. That’s why I asked for a large number of invitations, as there are no safety guarantees included.”

Park Hayul, I don’t want to hurt that guy, but. Taking out my emotions and looking at it really objectively… objectively, objectively. Pretending it has nothing to do with me. Even if I *haeje* [release] his skill, he could get caught again. So I have no intention of touching him… um, let’s not think too deeply about it. Let’s just say hi if he’s there. If it doesn’t work, I’ll just turn off my fear resistance for a moment.

Anyway, I’m really curious how many people will sneak in.

“Then I will step down first.”

Chloe said with a short bow. Originally, it was supposed to be a deal between Sung Hyunjae and her alone, so it was natural. I reflexively checked Sung Hyunjae’s expression. He was smiling quietly and faintly, but he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“You can just stay, it’s okay.”

I said to Chloe, pretending to try not to show any signs of anxiety.

“I’m sorry, but this is not a place for me to be.”

“No, you don’t have to go… As I said, I still like you, Chloe.”

Chloe ignored my gaze, which seemed to be saying, ‘Can’t you stay here?’ Then she turned and walked out. Soon, I heard the sound of the door opening and closing, and I sat back down in a half-standing, awkward posture.

Still, since the other person is Sung Hyunjae, it would be suspicious if I treated him too casually as soon as we broke up. It would be different if there were other people, but I had to show some reluctance to be left alone. …I actually didn’t want to either.

“Director Han.”

Sung Hyunjae called me.

“Take it off, or be taken off. Which one do you want?”

“You’re talking as if there’s a choice. It’s getting colder these days, so as a weak F-Class, I’d rather put on more clothes than take them off. Let’s talk about the deal.”

I opened my briefcase and took out the documents. I have a tablet PC, but paper still feels more formal.

“You’ve already received the proposal. What I want is the meeting records of the high-level Hunters and the information of the S-Class Hunters. The Awakened Management Office and the Hunter Association have already cooperated. But when it comes to overseas information, Sesung Guild will be the best in terms of both quality and quantity.”

Then, I took out the invitation from my inventory and placed it in front of Sung Hyunjae.

“This is an invitation for the Sesung Guild Leader.”

Sung Hyunjae’s hand pulled the invitation in front of him. Then he tapped it slowly with his fingertips.

“If I were in a situation where I didn’t need to be considerate, I would have grabbed you by the neck and pressed down.”

“I met Chaturbhuj.”

Chloe had left, so there was no need to keep my guard up and hide it. Sung Hyunjae’s expression became even more sullen at my words.

“It’s not dangerous, she said it was just a simple invitation. She just said that we would also participate in the party they’re hosting. I also received a solid safety guarantee.”

“Judging by the way you’re talking, you were alone again.”

“You know me well.”

“I don’t know, so tell me everything in detail from beginning to end.”

“I’ve told you everything.”

Golden eyes stared straight at me. The gaze felt strangely accusatory.

“…How about the second stamina potion material dungeon? It’s in Australia, so we’ll stay out of it. You’ll be eating it all by yourself.”

“When is it?”

“In about two years?”

“Too long. I’ll have to tear your clothes.”

“Pardon?”

“Wouldn’t it be suspicious if I showed my displeasure and still let you go so easily?”

“Why don’t you try to live a little nicer? The priority right to Giseungsu [a rare monster] breeding information for the next year.”

“Sesung is not a daycare center. I will leave it to Director Han in the future as well.”

“I’m spreading information to avoid world-class sole parenting. Just take it appropriately.”

He’s acting like he’s going to do that, but he’s really being picky. It’s helpful to have, but it’s not like the meeting will fail without it. Well, I’m going to subtly poke Haeyeon with that information too.

“What am I supposed to do if you reject the proposal after receiving it? Isn’t this the stage where we only leave the detailed adjustments after securing the seat like this? The third is—”

“With Giseungsu [a rare monster] information, I will have the director of the breeding center visit and brief me directly when I want.”

Sung Hyunjae said nonchalantly. I feel like he put the emphasis on the latter.

“It’s for one year, so it’s a maximum of three times.”

“Twelve times.”

“Not quarterly, but every month? Four times. What are you looking at? I’m going to flip the table?”

After a brief discussion, it became six times. Anyway, he’s been visiting that much usually, so it wasn’t an excessive demand. He’s already come more than three times since the regression.

“You seem to be getting along surprisingly well with Chloe. I didn’t think she would trust you so easily.”

“People tend to open their hearts easily when they think they are special to someone.”

“Special?”

“Simply put, showing a side of yourself that you don’t show to others.”

What did he do? Did he even cry? Sharing special secrets is a good way to strengthen the bond between people. If you whisper, ‘I’m only telling you this,’ you’ll feel like they value and trust you so much, and your favorability will increase.

Or they might look down on you, but that’s unlikely with Sung Hyunjae and Chloe. Above all, if someone in Sung Hyunjae’s position gives you special treatment, you can’t help but fall for it. Especially if your situation is not good, you will feel even more secure.

“…You’re a bad guy.”

“I’ve never deliberately been kind. There was no need to.”

“Then I’ll be the bad guy.”

He’s only kind to people he likes or who catch his eye. How great.

Some time later, Sung Hyunjae went out first, and I put on my shirt. I put more spare bandages on my neck and threw the turtleneck in the trash. What a waste.

Many people were interested in the meeting hosted by the director of the Giseungsu [a rare monster] breeding center, but of course, not all S-Classes around the world could attend. What would happen if a dungeon broke out? Korea was the only place where dungeon management had become stable, and even in Korea, not everyone was going.

The first batch of invitations sent out was 30 in total. I was planning to send about 30 more.

“If you expect 200 to 300 high-level Hunters, that should be enough.”

I said to Sishio on the monitor. Since it’s an island in Japan, I’m paying for it, but the Amaterasu Guild is in charge of preparing the meeting place. Of course, we decided on the interior style. If I wasn’t careful, it might be decorated with golden lions.

“I think there will be more A-Class Hunters. Is the preparation going well?”

[Of course, it’s perfect!]

Sishio said confidently. Then he showed me some photos and videos. Originally owned by an S-Class Guild, the mansion in the center of the island was magnificent. Looking at the exterior, it looked like a classic European mansion rather than Japan. There were enough guest rooms and power generation facilities. It was too good to blow up. There was also a separate swimming pool and a beach. It’s getting cold, so I won’t be using it.

He said that the cleaning and renovation of the guest rooms were almost finished. Looking at the photos, they were well decorated like hotel rooms.

[There are a total of seventy-five guest rooms, including the main building and the annex.]

Even if the mansion was large, it was not the size of a large hotel. In the first place, it was like a villa for a large guild to use. So I decided to rent the nearest hotel as a whole. If several people stayed in one room, the mansion would be enough, but these people wouldn’t do that.

“Thank you for your concern.”

[This is nothing! But if you really want to thank me……]

Sishio suddenly lowered his voice.

[I have a favor to ask.]

“Tell me.”

If it’s not difficult, I should grant it. I have to get along well in the future. Sishio cleared his throat.

[When no one is around, uh, can you call me Mom?]

“……”

……. Uh, …um. No, isn’t it about time the keyword effect disappeared? I barely managed to hold back the curse that was about to come out of my mouth and tried to smile. I have to get along well. I have to get close enough before the keyword effect disappears. I have to.

“Ah, it won’t, there’s no way……”

My life. As soon as permission was granted, Sishio shyly looked at me, aaaaaaak! Anyway, that’s how it was. It’s not easy to live in this world…….