Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 454

454.

The rain-soaked downtown was a deep, achromatic [without color] color. The streets, once bustling with crowds, quickly became deserted, mirroring the sudden change in weather. People began running to escape the rain, hastily using their coats or bags to cover their heads. One of those people was now entering the building.

“Ugh, where did this rain suddenly come from? I’m all wet… Oh? El?”

The man, grumbling and shaking off the coat he had used to cover his head, recognized me, his eyes widening. I smiled, twirling the keychain on my finger—the spare key he had given me when we signed the lease for this guild office.

“Welcome, Chris.”

“What, when did you get here? You should have told me you were coming. I would have come earlier.”

Chris approached with a delighted expression, but he stopped abruptly, inhaling sharply. He had spotted সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel] lying next to me.

“A, a wolf?”

“It’s okay. That’s সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel].”

“সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel]? Ah, the one I’ve only heard about…”

“Yes, the High-Rank Water Spirit. সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel], Chris is all wet; could you dry him off a bit?”

At my words, সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel] lifted his head and turned it dismissively. His gesture was full of discontent, as if using his high-level abilities for such a trivial task was beneath him. Still, he couldn’t refuse his summoner’s request, and soon the moisture quickly evaporated from Chris’s body. Chris, who had been frozen in place, looked at his now-dry clothes, unable to hide his astonishment.

“Th, thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Wow… that’s amazing. It feels like I’m dreaming with my eyes open. A Water Spirit can do this too. I thought they could only make things wet.”

“He is a Water Spirit, after all. He can do anything related to water.”

“I see. That’s awesome. You really are a Spirit Master.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, you haven’t really shown us any Spirit Arts before. You’re always doing sword practice or physical training. We need something to remind us that you’re a Spirit Master. Haha, anyway, it’s my first time seeing a High-Rank Spirit this close. A water wolf, that’s amazing. He’s really handsome.”

“Really? Did you hear that, সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel]? Chris thinks you’re handsome.”

সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel], who had been resting his chin on his paws, narrowed his eyes as if annoyed.

—A pathetic assessment. I have no interest.

His reply was as cold as could be. Just like 엘뤼엔 [Ellyuen]’s subordinate, a spirit befitting his Spirit King. Fortunately, Chris didn’t seem to mind much. Or rather, he was too surprised to even process the content of the remark.

“Huh? Did he just talk? High-Rank Spirits can talk?”

“Ah, well, to be precise, all spirits can talk. It’s just that humans can’t understand their language. High-Rank Spirits can use methods that humans can understand.”

“I, I see. I didn’t know that. Wow, that’s amazing. If 다비안 [Davian] were here, he’d be speechless.”

“다비안 [Davian]?”

“Oh, you don’t know? He’s very interested in Spirit Arts. He’s never said it outright, but he always seems to be looking for related books. I’m guessing that the reason he entrusted you with those important documents was because he recognized you as a Spirit Master. He must have been drawn to the mysterious power he sensed in you, something he’s always been exploring.”

Of course, that wasn’t the case, but I just chuckled and brushed it off. It was true that he had been forcibly dragged into this mysterious arrangement called 트로웰 [Teuroel] back then.

“But why did you suddenly summon a spirit? You usually don’t summon spirits unless it’s really necessary. Especially a High-Rank Spirit, which is such a burden…”

As he spoke, Chris seemed to realize something. He paused and looked at me with a strange expression.

“Could it be that you caused this rain?”

As expected of a seasoned hunter, he was quick on the uptake. I shrugged with a smile, and he took it as a confirmation. “You can even change the weather? That’s insane,” he muttered in shock, then looked at me with clear interest.

“But why?”

“Well, there was a reason.”

“What reason?”

“Let’s just say it’s my way of ensuring a safe return. You could even say I’m contributing to world peace.”

“I’m getting more and more confused.”

I shrugged again at Chris, who was wrinkling his nose. It was only natural that he couldn’t understand how rainy weather was related to a safe return or world peace. Probably no one could understand the connection. But what could I do if it was true? Of course, even if it wasn’t, it didn’t matter. At least it would definitely help the two people who were probably running away right now.

‘…Even though they just ran away.’

The earlier incident suddenly came to mind, and I felt a little depressed. I swallowed a small sigh so Chris wouldn’t notice.

에디스 [Edith] and 아이라 [Ira], was it? Asking them if they were 마신관 [Mashinkwan – Devil Followers] was a mistake. The two, who seemed to relax their guard after seeing the summoned সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel], ran away as soon as I asked that question. They were running so desperately that I couldn’t even bring myself to call them back. Of course, they wouldn’t have stopped even if I had called them. I didn’t think it was a particularly suspicious question, but it seemed I had approached them too carelessly.

Well, if it’s that time, they must be sensitive to everything. The word ‘마신관 [Mashinkwan]’ might as well have been a taboo. So, as a form of repentance, I decided to maintain the rainy weather for a while. I thought it would buy them time until they returned to the 교단 [Gyodan – Order/Cult], in case they were attacked again on the way. That meant I had to keep সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel] summoned, but going to the 숙소 [Sukso – Lodging] like this would be too conspicuous, so I came to the guild office nearby. I also needed time to sort out my thoughts away from the Spirit Kings’ gazes. Of course, if they decided to monitor me, there would be no way to avoid it. But the difference between what’s visible and what’s not is bigger than you think.

Honestly, I was also taken aback. 마신관 [Mashinkwan] and 인어 [In-eo – Mermaid]. I somehow managed to figure out the situation, but I didn’t realize that the time for that event was now. The reason why the 마신 [Mashin – Devil]’s 교단 [Gyodan] was 봉문 [Bongmun – Seclusion] and why they just skipped the 암흑절 [Amheukjeol – Dark Festival], their biggest 축제 [Chukje – Festival], was all because of that. It was still possible that it was just a guess, but I couldn’t think of any other explanation. To stop the 인어 [In-eo] from attacking from who knows where, they would have to be wary of all outsiders.

The woman’s eyes, gleaming as she looked at 에디스 [Edith], were still vivid in my mind. The woman, who was clearly an 인어 [In-eo], looked like an ordinary human to anyone. It would be even harder to recognize her if she blended in with the crowd. On the other hand, they seemed to be able to recognize 마신관 [Mashinkwan]. They mainly targeted young 신관 [Shingwan – Priest] with weak power, or so they said. They even created an evil 주술 [Jusul – Spell] to devour their 성력 [Seongryeok – Divine Power]. It was a 흑주술 [Heukjusul – Black Magic] called ‘Tears of the Fallen Angel’.

‘Wait, now that I think about it, didn’t 다비안 [Davian] give me something like a 주술식 [Jusulsik – Spell Formula] in the 서류 [Seoryu – Documents]?’

I felt like I had pinpointed something I couldn’t just ignore. Especially since the 명단 [Myeongdan – List] inside was likely a 명단 [Myeongdan] of 마신관 [Mashinkwan]. Maybe 다비안 [Davian] was investigating that matter. Could it be that the 마신교 [Mashinkyo – Devil Church] attacked Chris to steal the necessary 자료 [Jaryo – Data/Materials] after finding out about that fact?

“El, what are you thinking so hard about?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. More importantly, where have you been, Chris? You were supposed to be at the 사무실 [Samusil – Office].”

“Ah, I went to the 협회 [Hyeophoe – Association/Guild] for a bit. I was looking around to see if there were any 인재 [Injae – Talents] to recruit.”

“Did you have any 소득 [Sodeuk – Gains]?”

“No. It was all a waste of time. But thanks to that, I learned one interesting 소식 [Soshik – News]. Want to hear it?”

When I showed interest, Chris grinned and quickly took a seat across from me.

“There have been a few 마수 [Masu – Demon Beast] disturbances recently. The 근위대 [Geunwidae – Royal Guard] investigated the circumstances and found out that it was the 마신관 [Mashinkwan] who did it.”

“Huh? Really?”

“It’s not 확실 [Hwakshil – Certain] yet if it’s true. But every time a 마수 [Masu] appeared, there were 목격자 [Mokgyeokja – Witnesses] who saw a 마신관 [Mashinkwan] nearby. One of them said that the 마신관 [Mashinkwan] played something like a 피리 [Piri – Flute]. And then the 마수 [Masu] appeared, or so they say.”

A scene suddenly came to mind. Was it when the 노인 [Noin – Old Man] with the strange atmosphere approached? 에디스 [Edith], who was terrified, was clearly trying to blow something like a 호각 [Hogak – Whistle/Horn]. I felt something was off. Does that have a 기능 [Gineung – Function] to summon 마수 [Masu]? But it’s common 상식 [Sangsik – Common Sense] that releasing 마수 [Masu] in the 도심 [Dosim – Downtown] would cause great 피해 [Pihae – Damage]. They didn’t seem like the kind of people who would ignore that. I’ve only seen them once, and I don’t know them well, but I couldn’t bring myself to believe it.

“What does the 마신교 [Mashinkyo] say?”

“Of course, they don’t 인정 [Injeong – Acknowledge] it. But they don’t seem to want to 풀 [Pul – Undo/Release] the 봉문 [Bongmun] even in this situation.”

“Then it’s 불리하겠네요 [Bullihagetneyo – It will be disadvantageous].”

“So, the atmosphere is almost 굳혀진 [Gutyeojin – Solidified] that they are the 주범 [Jubeom – Culprit]. The 소문 [Somun – Rumor] will probably spread tomorrow. There will be an atmosphere of 본격적으로 배척하는 [Bonkyeokjeogeuro Baecheokhaneun – Actively Rejecting] the 마신교 [Mashinkyo].”

That’s right. I knew that it couldn’t be helped, but I felt 답답하긴 [Dapdaphagin – Frustrated]. I’m just watching, so the 마신 교단 [Mashin Gyodan], who are the 당사자 [Dangsaja – Concerned Parties], will be even more so. I don’t know the 자세한 사정 [Jasehan Sajeong – Detailed Circumstances], but I wanted to believe the 교단 [Gyodan]’s 입장 [Ipjang – Position/Stance] right now.

‘If I go and 찾아가 [Chajaga – Visit] directly, I can find out the 사실 [Sasil – Truth]….’

There are plenty of 방법 [Bangbeop – Ways] to enter the 마신 [Mashin]’s 교단 [Gyodan]. The 인장 [Injang – Seal] on the back of my hand right now is sure to be very 쓸 만할 [Sseul Manhal – Useful]. No matter how 철통같은 수비 [Cheoltonggateun Subi – Airtight Defense] the 교단 [Gyodan] is 펼치고 [Pyeolchigo – Deploying], they will let the same 마신관 [Mashinkwan] in. They might 친절하고 상세하게 설명해줄 [Chinjeolhago Sangsehage Seolmyeonghaejul – Kindly and Detailedly Explain] everything I ask. It’s a 진짜 신 [Jinjja Shin – Real God]’s 문장 [Munjang – Sentence/Mark], so there’s no 염려 [Yeomryeo – Worry] of getting 들킬 [Deulkkhil – Caught] the 정체 [Jeongche – Identity].

The problem is that the 확률 [Hwakryul – Probability] of 카노스 [Kanoseu] recognizing me is also 엄청나게 높아진 [Eomcheongnage Nopajin – Greatly Increased]. No, isn’t it almost 백 프로 [Baek Peuro – 100 Percent]? It doesn’t seem like I should 끌어안는 [Kkeureoanneun – Embrace] such a 위험부담 [Wiheombudam – Risk] just because I’m curious about the 상황 [Sanghwang – Situation]. Besides, this 문제는 [Munjeneun – Problem] is supposed to be 해결하기로 [Hyeolgyeolhagiro – Resolved] by 카노스 [Kanoseu] of this 시대 [Shidae – Era] anyway. There’s 아무것도 [Amugeotdo – Nothing] I can do.

‘So, let’s 접자 [Jeopja – Fold/Drop] the 호기심 [Hogisim – Curiosity] here.’

After 가뿐히 내린 [Gappunhi Naerin – Lightly Made] a 결론 [Gyeollon – Conclusion], I 돌려보냈다 [Dollyeobonaetda – Sent Back] সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel] for now. It was time for 귀가 [Gwiga – Returning Home] by now. After 크게 한 번 숨을 삼킨 [Keuge Han Beon Sumeul Samkin – Taking a Deep Breath], I 바라보았다 [Baraboatda – Looked At] 창밖 [Changbak – Outside the Window]. As the 연결 [Yeongyeol – Connection] with সিক্যুয়েল [Sikyuwel] was 끊어지면서 [Kkeuneojimyeonseo – Being Severed], the 내리던 비 [Naerideon Bi – Falling Rain] also 점차 잦아들기 시작했다 [Jeomcha Jajadeulgi Shijakhaetda – Gradually Began to Subside]. The 구름 [Gureum – Clouds] was 걷혔지만 [Geothyeotjiman – Cleared], the 침침하게 탁한 하늘 [Chimchimhage Takhan Haneul – Dim and Murky Sky] was 그대로 [Geudaero – As It Was]. It was because the 해 [Hae – Sun] was 보이지 않는 [Boiji Anneun – Not Visible]. 어느새 날 [Eoneusae Nal – Before I Knew It, the Day] was 꽤 저물어져 있었다 [Kkwae Jeomureojyeo Isseotda – Was Quite Darkening]. It was time to 돌아갈 [Doragal – Return] to 일상 [Ilsang – Everyday Life].

* * *

As Chris 예상대로 [Yesaengdaero – As Expected], the 소문 [Somun] that the 마신교 [Mashinkyo] 풀었다 [Puleotda – Released] the 마수 [Masu] 퍼져나갔 [Peojyeonagat – Spread] 아주 빠르게 [Aju Ppaleuge – Very Quickly]. As there was 인명피해까지 [Inmyeongpihaekkaji – Even Casualties], it was a 소식 [Soshik] that was 충분한 to 크게 들썩이기 [Keuge Deulsseogigi – Greatly Agitate] the 제도 [Jedo – System/Capital] 전체 [Jeonche – Entire]. The 충격에 빠진 사람들은 [Chunggyeoge Ppajin Saramdeureun – People in Shock] 촉구했다 [Chokguhaetda – Urged] that the 마신 [Mashin]’s 교단 [Gyodan] 당장 풀 [Dangjang Pul – Immediately Undo] the 봉문 [Bongmun] and 나와 해명 [Nawa Haemyeong – Come Out and Explain] the 사태 [Satae – Situation]. There were also 무리 [Muri – Groups] who 찾아가 [Chajaga – Visited] to the 교단 [Gyodan] 앞으로 [Apeuro – In Front] and 시위 [Siwi – Protest].

However, the 마신 [Mashin]’s 교단 [Gyodan] 꿋꿋이 고수했다 [Kkutkkuti Gosuhaetda – Steadfastly Maintained] 침묵 [Chim묵 – Silence]. The 황실 [Hwangshil – Imperial Family], who 나선 [Naseon – Stepped Forward] to 달래기 [Dallaegi – Appease] the 흉흉해진 민심 [Hyunghyunghaejin Minsim – Agitated Public Sentiment], 직접 호출했으나 [Jikjeop Hochulhaesseuna – Directly Summoned, But] 무시했다 [Mushihhaetda – Ignored] even that.

All 교단 [Gyodan] are 인정받 [Injeongbat – Recognized] 별개의 체제 [Byeolgaee Cheje – Separate System], but even so, 무시하는 [Mushihaneun – Ignoring] the 황제 [Hwangje – Emperor]’s 요청 [Yocheong – Request] was 명백한 결례 [Myeongbaekhan Gyeollye – Clear Discourtesy]. The 황제 [Hwangje] 크게 진노했고 [Keuge Jinnohaetgo – Greatly Angered], the 마신교 [Mashinkyo]’s 평판 [Pyeongpan – Reputation] 떨어졌다 [Tteoreojyeotda – Fell] to the 바닥 [Badak – Bottom].

And 비록 그만큼은 아니지만 [Birok Geumankeumeun Anijiman – Although Not That Much], Chris and I were also 겪고 [Gyeokgo – Experiencing] a 곤란한 시간 [Gollanhan Shigan – Difficult Time]. It’s been over a 달 [Dal – Month] since we started 모집하기 [Mojiphagi – Recruiting] 길드원 [Gildeuwon – Guild Members], but there were 여전히 아무도 지원자 [Yeojeonhi Amudo Jiwonja – Still No Applicants]. The 무르익은 봄 [Mureuigeun Bom – Ripe Spring] 자랑했지만 화창한 날씨 [Jaranghaetjiman Hwachanghan Nalssi – Boasted Sunny Weather] 날이 갈수록 [Nari Galsurok – As Days Went By], the only thing 채우는 [Chaeuneun – Filling] our 길드 사무실 [Gildeu Samusil – Guild Office] was 음울한 공기 [Eumulhan Gonggi – Gloomy Atmosphere].

“Don’t you think it’s 낫지 [Natji – Better] to just 들어가 [Deureoga – Join] other 길드 [Gildeu] even now?”

트로웰 [Teuroel], who 즐거워하는 [Jeulgeowohaneun – Enjoying] as I 곤란해질수록 [Gollanhaejilsurok – Became More Troubled], was even 진지하게 조언할 정도 [Jinjihage Joewonhal Jeongdo – Seriously Advising]. Chris, who was 미안해하는 [Mianhae Haneun – Feeling Sorry] to me, 권했다 [Gwonehaetda – Recommended] that too. But I got 오기 [Ogi – Stubbornness] here, so I was 심정 [Shimjeong – Determined] to go to the 끝까지 [Kkeutkkaji – End]. It was a 심란한 시기 [Shimranhan Shigi – Troubled Time] in many ways.

“I 알아냈어 [Aranaesseo – Found Out] why there’s 아무도 찾아오는 [Amudo Chajaoneun – No One Coming].”

But it seems that it’s not 법 [Beop – Law/Rule] to be 암울하라는 [Amulharaneun – Gloomy]. Chris 나타났다 [Natanatda – Appeared] with a 잔뜩 부은 얼굴 [Jantteuk Bueun Eolgul – Swollen Face] while I was 한창 수련하고 [Hanchang Suryeonhago – Busily Training] according to the 늘 하던 일과 [Neul Hadeon Ilgwa – Usual Routine]. He looked like he was 다친 [Dachin – Hurt] from 싸워서 [Ssawoseo – Fighting] with someone at 척 보기에도 [Cheok Bogiedo – At First Glance]. Even after 벌컥벌컥 들이켠 [Beolkeokbeolkeok Deurikyeon – Gulping Down] a 회복제 [Hoebokje – Recovery Potion], he was 씩씩거렸다 [Ssikssikgeoryeotda – Panting] for a while because he couldn’t 이겨 [Igyeo – Overcome] the 분 [Bun – Anger]. Thanks to that, it was 조금 더 시간이 흐른 후 [Jogeum Deo Shigani Heureun Hu – After a Little More Time Passed] that I could 알아볼 [Arabol – Understand] the 상황 [Sanghwang].

“대체 무슨 일이에요 [Daeche Museun Irie Yo – What on Earth Happened]?”

“젠장 [Jenjang – Damn], it was the 진혼 [Jinhon – Requiem] 놈들 [Nomdeul – Guys]. It was all because of 그놈들 [Geunomdeul – Those Guys].”

“You 알고 있었잖아요 [Algo Isseotjanayo – Knew That, Right]?”

“No, it’s not that 정도 [Jeongdo – Extent]. Ah, 글쎄 [Geulsse – Well], 그놈들 [Geunomdeul] are 대놓고 시비를 걸고 [Daenoko Shibireul Geolgo – Openly Picking Fights] to the people who are 보이는 관심 [Boineun Gwanshim – Showing Interest] in our 길드 모집 벽보 [Gildeu Mojip Byeokbo – Guild Recruitment Poster]. It turns out that they’ve been 계속 그랬던 지금까지 [Gyesok Geuraetdeon Jigeumkkaji – Continuing to Do So Until Now]. They even 협박했다 [Hyeopbakhhaetda – Threatened] that they won’t 가만히 안 둘 [Gamanhi An Dul – Leave Alone] the people who 가입하는 [Gaiphaneun – Joining] our 길드 [Gildeu]!”

The 진혼 [Jinhon] 길드 [Gildeu], who 무너트리고 [Muneotteurigo – Destroyed] the 여명의 활 [Yeomyeongui Hwal – Dawn’s Bow] 길드 [Gildeu] and 집요하게 괴롭혔 [Jipyohage Goerophyeot – Persistently Harassed] Chris even after, was 대대적으로 활약하고 [Daedejeogeuro Hwalyakhago – Actively Operating] again this time, it seemed. I thought that people were 알아서 몸을 사리는 [Araseo Momeul Sarineun – Taking Care of Themselves], but I didn’t know that they were 펼치고 방해 공세까지 적극적으로 [Pyeolchigo Banghae Gongsekkaji Jeokgeukjeogeuro – Actively Deploying Obstruction Tactics]. It was a 순간 [Sungan – Moment] that I 단숨에 이해되는 [Dansume Ihaedoeneun – Immediately Understood] why there’s even 아무도 기웃거리는 [Amudo Giutgeorineun – No One Even Peeking].

“So, you 한 판 한 [Han Pan Han – Had a Fight]?”

“Then would I just 놔둬 [Nwadwo – Leave It]? I 참았다 [Chamatda – Endured] from 쳐들어가려다가 [Cheodeureogaryeodaga – Trying to Barge Into] to 놈들 길드 사무실 [Nomdeul Gildeu Samusil – Those Guys’ Guild Office].”

“아주 잘하셨네요 [Aju Jalhasyeonne Yo – You Did Very Well].”

“잘했지, 그럼 [Jalhaetji, Geureom – Of Course I Did Well]. 후후후 [Huhuhu – Hehehe], 기뻐해라 [Gippeohara – Be Happy], El. 어쨌든 [Eojjaetdeun – Anyway], 일이 잘 풀렸으니까 [Iri Jal Pullyeosseunikka – Things Worked Out Well].”

“Why, are 그놈들 [Geunomdeul] saying that they won’t do that again?”

“I’m going to 받아낼 [Badanael – Get] that 말 [Mal – Word] from now on. Not 그놈들 [Geunomdeul], but 다른 거 [Dareun Geo – Something Else]. The people who 보였다 관심 [Boyeotda Gwanshim – Showed Interest] in that 벽보 [Byeokbo – Poster] earlier. After 대화 좀 해봤더니 [Daehwa Jom Haebwatdeoni – Talking to Them a Bit], they were people who 올라온 [Ollaon – Came Up] to the 제도 [Jedo] with the 작정 [Jakjeong – Intention] to 가입할 [Gaiphal – Join] 여명의 활 [Yeomyeongui Hwal] from the 처음부터 [Cheoeumbuteo – Beginning]. They decided to 가입하기 [Gaiphagi – Join] our 길드 [Gildeu].”

“헐 [Heol – Wow], 진짜요 [Jinjayo – Really]?”

“그래, 진짜 [Geurae, Jinjja – Yeah, Really]. Don’t 놀라지 [Nollaji – Be Surprised] when you hear it, El. 심지어 세 명이야 [Shimjieo Se Myeongiya – Even Three People].”

……세상에 [Sesange – Oh My God], what did I just hear? After 숨을 삼키고 바라보니 [Sumeul Samkigo Baraboni – Taking a Breath and Looking], Chris was 크게 고개를 끄덕였다 [Keuge Gogaereul Kkeudeogyeotda – Greatly Nodding] with a 싱글벙글한 얼굴 [Singgeulbeonggeulhan Eolgul – Grinning Face].

“What did you say just now? 세 명 [Se Myeong – Three People]? Did you say 세 명 [Se Myeong]?”

“그래, 세 명 [Geurae, Se Myeong – Yeah, Three People]!”

“That’s 설마 [Seolma – No Way]!”

“It’s the 소리지 [Soriji – Sound] that we can 드디어 길드 등록 [Deudieo Gildeu Deungnok – Finally Register the Guild]!”

“Chris!”

“El!”

Chris and I, who were 감격에 벅찬 [Gamgyeoge Beokchan – Overwhelmed with Emotion], 얼싸안았다 [Eolssaanatda – Embraced] each other.

“Wow, Chris! You look the 제일 잘생겨 [Jeil Jalsaenggyeo – Most Handsome] in the 세상 [Sesang – World] today!”

“고맙다 [Gomapda – Thanks], you’re 원래 잘생겼어 [Wonrae Jalsaenggyeosseo – Originally Handsome]!”

“It’s not 빈말 [Binmal – Empty Words], it’s 진짜 [Jinjja – Real]! I’m saying that I can see 후광 [Hukwang – Halo] from Chris right now! You can 데뷔 [Debwi – Debut] as a 연예인 [Yeonaein – Celebrity] 당장 [Dangjang – Immediately]!”

“I don’t know what you’re saying, but you too!”

I didn’t 아끼지 [Akkiji – Spare] even 낯간지러운 칭찬 [Natganjireoun Chingchan – Embarrassing Compliments]. I felt like there was 도저히 no 방법 [Dojeohi No Bangbeop – Absolutely No Way] to 표현 [Pyohyeon – Express] this 감동 [Gamdong – Emotion] without doing that. Chris was 받아치고 넉살 좋게 [Badachigo Neoksal Jotge – Retorting Wittily], probably in a 비슷한 상태 [Biseutan Sangtae – Similar State]. Looking back, 둘 다 [Dul Da – Both] were 살짝 제정신이 아니었다 [Saljjak Jejeongsini Anieotda – Slightly Out of Their Minds].

“Wouldn’t it be 어떨까 [Eotteolkka – How About] to 꺼지는 [Kkeojineun – Shut Up] if you 방해했 적당히 [Banghaehaet Jeokdanghi – Interrupted Appropriately]?”

It was thanks to 트로웰 [Teuroel]’s 목소리 [Moksori – Voice] that we 정신을 차린 [Jeongsineul Charin – Regained Our Senses]. When I 흠칫해서 돌아보니 [Heumchithaeseo Doraboni – Startled and Looked Back], he was 지켜보고 [Jikyeobogo – Watching] us with 식은 시선 [Shigeun Shiseon – Cold Gaze]. He was 짜증이 났는지 [Jjajeungi Natneunji – Annoyed] that he was 방해를 받은 [Banghaereul Badeun – Interrupted] while he was 한창 굴리는 [Hanchang Gullineun – Busily Rolling], and his 얼굴 [Eolgul – Face] was 구겨져 [Gugyeojyeo – Wrinkled] more than 평소 [Pyeongso – Usual]. Chris, who was 찔끔한 [Jjilkkeumhan – Sheepish], 물러섰 한발 [Mulleoseot Hanbal – Stepped Back One Step] with an 어색하게 웃으면서 [Eosaekhage Useumyeonseo – Awkwardly Smiling].

“실례했습니다, 형님 [Sillyehaesseumnida, Hyeongnim – Excuse Me, Brother]!”

“누가 네 형님이야 [Nuga Ne Hyeongnimiya – Who’s Your Brother]?”

“하핫 [Hahat – Haha], 시정하겠습니다 [Sijeonghagetseumnida – I’ll Correct It], El’s 형님 [Hyeongnim]! I’ll 꺼지겠습니다 당장 [Kkeojigetseumnida Dangjang – I’ll Shut Up Immediately]! I’ll 갈게 먼저 [Galge Meonjeo – I’ll Go First], El. I’m going to 사무실 [Samusil] as soon as 수련 끝나는 [Suryeon Kkeutnaneun – Training Ends] because we decided to 작성하기 a 계약서 [Jakseonghagi a Gyeyakseo – Write a Contract] in 한 시량 later [Han Shiryang Later – An Hour Later].”