Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 410

“Julien, let’s hang up now.”

– Why? What’s wrong?

“Director Vincent keeps calling me. I should pick up.”

Director Vincent was the head of the Chaplin Whisper team. He was deeply involved in this chaotic transfer market, so I might be able to get some important information. Of course, it was right to talk to him.

– Okay. Then let’s hang up here.

“Okay. Take care.”

Beomseok, having ended the call with Julien, immediately answered Director Vincent’s call, his face beaming. He didn’t want to appear too eager or wary.

“Ah, Director Vincent! It’s been a while. How have you been?”

– Yes, I’ve been well. And you?

“Hahaha, of course. It’s the holiday season, so it’s a little quiet, but nothing special.”

Vincent slowly scrutinized Beomseok’s appearance, his eyes narrowed. After confirming that the background was an office, he dropped a pointed remark.

– Why is someone so free in the office? Why aren’t you on vacation on some warm southern island?

“Hahaha, I thought about it, but I decided against it. Too much of a hassle. If tourists flock to me asking for autographs, it’s better to stay put. So, I decided to comfortably warm my back on the heated floor at home [ondol, a Korean floor heating system].”

– Oh, is that so? Not a bad idea. Well, you’ve become quite famous, so dealing with fans must be annoying.

“Yes, exactly.”

– But you, what are you doing right now?

“Ah, I’m organizing financial documents. I heard that a valuable gladiator is coming up at the World Walker Auction Market, so I’m checking our financial situation in advance to prepare for that day.”

– Oh really? Who is it?

“I can’t tell you that. It’s a secret recruitment.”

Beomseok was playing dumb, deliberately avoiding mentioning Yoshia. It wouldn’t matter if Vincent knew since she was leaving Chaplin Whisper anyway, but there was no need to reveal his hand.

A trick card had the greatest impact when revealed at the moment the opponent least expected it. He was ready to give up Yoshia at any time in this unpredictable transfer market.

Because if he aimed for her and then didn’t have enough money to recruit an S-class gladiator, it would be a major problem. It was better to recruit Yoshia when he had plenty of funds to spare.

Anyway, the World Walker Auction Market was held at the very end of this transfer market period, so there was still plenty of time to consider it.

– Is that so? Well, if you can’t say, I won’t press you. Anyway, Gods Knights and we are always good competitors.

“Hahaha, thank you for understanding.”

– And I think I have a rough idea who it is.

Beomseok feigned a startled expression. Yoshia was the biggest name in this World Walker Auction Market, and the only gladiator he could realistically target. Surely the director of Chaplin Whisper, who currently had her, wasn’t stupid enough not to realize that.

And this was precisely what Beomseok was aiming for. If Director Vincent mistakenly believed that Yoshia was his target, it would be easier to maneuver in the future.

“Ha, hahaha. Th-there’s no way you’d know, right?”

– Of course, I know. I’m the one who has that kid right now.

‘Hehehe, gotcha.’

Beomseok wore a troubled expression and glanced around. It was a bit early, but Director Vincent had already fallen for his trick. He felt a twinge of guilt, but the professional world was ruthless. The one who got deceived was simply a fool.

“Oh, how did you know?”

– Well, I have a pretty good idea. Yoshia’s former recruitment manager is Rebecca, the former team leader. And she’s currently working as a gladiator for Gods Knights. According to rumors, she’s quite close to you. She might have told you all about Yoshia.”

Beomseok scratched his head and said.

“Hahaha, I’m sorry about this. Chaplin Whisper must have been aiming to re-recruit her, but I intervened. If I become the owner, Yoshia will never return to Chaplin Whisper.”

– Tch. It’s a shame, but that’s how it is. What can I do? That’s how things have turned out. Anyway, good luck.”

“Why are you even wishing me luck? I feel even more guilty.”

Vincent, with a regretful expression, glanced at him.

– But you know, do you have time today?

“Why do you ask?”

– Ah, I have something important to discuss in person.”

Beomseok checked his watch. It was 10:30 AM. The Chaplin Whisper training camp was only about 20 minutes away by flying car, so he could definitely make it.

Having a conversation with Director Vincent about this transfer case wouldn’t be a bad idea. If he could glean some information indirectly, he could gain an advantage.

“Well, I have time, but what are we going to talk about?”

– It’s not something I can discuss over the phone. I’d like you to come over now.”

After a moment of hesitation, Beomseok finally nodded. Meeting with Director Vincent was advantageous in any case.

“Okay. Since you’re asking, Director Vincent, I have to go. What time should I come?”

– I’ll be waiting, so I hope you can come as soon as possible. Actually, it would be better to have lunch together, so please come before lunchtime at the latest.”

“Yes, I understand. See you later.”

– Okay, come soon.”

Beomseok, having ended the call, quickly grabbed a thick coat from a nearby hanger and left the chairman’s office. He got into his flying car parked in the parking lot and headed to Zion City, where the Chaplin Whisper team was located.

“As expected, a team with deep pockets is flashy.”

Arriving at the Chaplin Whisper training camp parking lot, Beomseok surveyed the surroundings and let out a low whistle. The training grounds themselves weren’t much better than Gods Knights’, since they had also invested heavily, but the other facilities were on another level.

The gladiator rest area, practically a public park, and the indoor garden where they could relax even in winter. Several fountains, though frozen and unattractive now, and a wide pond spread around them. Even for a World League team, this level of facility was extravagant.

Just then, a man in a neat suit approached Beomseok. He had short red hair and looked to be in his 30s.

“Hello, Mr. Oh Beomseok.”

“Yes, hello. Excuse me, who are you?”

“I’m Herbert, from Chaplin Whisper.”

“Ah, I see. Nice to meet you. What’s going on here?”

“Director Vincent asked me to guide you, Mr. Oh Beomseok. Our training camp is so complicated that first-time visitors often get lost.”

Beomseok looked around and nodded. With roads branching out in every direction like a spiderweb and numerous buildings of varying sizes, it was easy to get disoriented.

“Well, I guess so.”

“Please follow me. I’ll take you to the residence where the director is staying.”

“Yes, please.”

Beomseok got into the unmanned electric car that Herbert had brought. The car twisted and turned, finally stopping in front of the main gate of a green-roofed house near the artificial forest. He pursed his lips, looking at the two-story structure, and grumbled inwardly.

‘Is this a residence? It’s a mansion! Are they trying to intimidate me?’

The wide balconies on the first and second floors that curved outwards, the luxurious and antique exterior of the building. Even in winter, there were outdoor reception chairs and a table in front of the door, and a huge fir tree grew beside it. Two rounded gardens, each about 10 meters in diameter, flanked the house, with a pebble path leading to the stairs at the front door.

It was hard to call it a mere residence.

Herbert, having exited the car, opened the iron gate leading to the mansion’s yard and said in a friendly tone.

“Come in, the director is waiting.”

“Tch, let’s go.”

Beomseok and Herbert walked along the pebble path, up the stairs, and stood at the entrance to the building.

“Director, I’ve brought Oh Beomseok.”

– Ah, is that so? Come in.”

As Vincent’s voice came through the intercom, the door swung open. Beomseok admired the splendid decorations inside as he entered the living room, which was flooded with sunlight.

Director Vincent, seeing him, rose from the sofa and greeted him warmly.

“Beomseok, welcome! It’s been a long time since we’ve met in person like this, right?”

“That’s right. Chaplin Whisper hasn’t sold many gladiators except in the early days, so there was no reason to come. And we’re in different regions, so I haven’t seen you at major gladiator events either.”

“Hmm, I guess so. But you could have visited more often; you’ve been too distant. We’re not complete strangers.”

“Well, that’s true, but I’ve been so busy. I’m running as a gladiator and working as chairman. I haven’t had a moment to spare since entering the gladiator world.”

Vincent nodded repeatedly, as if understanding.

“Well, I suppose so. I know your situation.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Well, have a seat.”

“Yes, I understand.”

He sat down on the sofa opposite Vincent. The cushions were so soft they were almost uncomfortable.

Vincent looked at Herbert and said.

“You sit here too. We have a lot to discuss.”

“Yes, Director.”

As Herbert sat next to Vincent, Beomseok eyed him subtly. He seemed to be more than just a simple guide, judging by his presence.

He pointed to Herbert and asked Vincent.

“Who’s this?”

“Ah, don’t you know? He’s our team’s trade manager.”

At Vincent’s smile, Beomseok felt a chill run down his spine. The presence of the trade manager meant this wasn’t an ordinary meeting. Sensing something was amiss, Beomseok gave an awkward smile and said lightly.

“Hahaha, well, it’s always more enjoyable to have a meal with more people. Who cares who it is? Is lunch ready yet?”

“No, they’re setting up in the kitchen now. It’ll be out soon.”

Come to think of it, the delicious aroma of food was wafting from nearby. He couldn’t quite identify it, but it seemed to be a simple meat dish and soup.

“I see. The chef must be good. It smells delicious.”

“That’s right. I think you’ll like it when you see it.”

“Hahaha, I’ll trust your judgment, Director.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed.”

As silence fell between them, a beautiful elf carrying a bread basket emerged from the kitchen. Her long blue hair, reaching her waist, was particularly striking, and her figure, accentuated by the form-fitting sportswear, was undeniably captivating.

Normally, Beomseok would have admired her beauty, but now he simply frowned and lowered his head. He realized he had walked into Director Vincent’s trap.

It was none other than Yoshia.

‘I’m going crazy. This is definitely Director Vincent’s scheme.’

Beomseok’s reasoning was simple. The most effective way to drain a competing team’s resources was to sell expensive gladiators. The presence of Herbert, the trade manager, strongly suggested this possibility.

Director Vincent pointed to Yoshia, who was placing the bread basket on a nearby table, and said.

“Ah, come to think of it, you mentioned you were very interested in our Yoshia, right?”

Beomseok cleared his throat loudly, glanced at Yoshia, who nodded a greeting from afar, and said.

“Cough, yes, that’s right.”

“Well, of course. Elves like our Yoshia are rare. She’s good at gladiating, good at cooking, and her appearance? You’d naturally be interested. Hahaha.”

“Ah, ah, yes, that’s right.”

Vincent smiled wryly. He seemed to have caught on.

“Oh, by the way, did you hear anything from Director Clark?”

He had, but Beomseok had no choice but to play dumb.

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, it’s something you wouldn’t know if you hadn’t heard. Let’s move to the table; it looks like lunch will be out soon.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Vincent, rising from his seat, carefully watched Beomseok’s back as he walked ahead. He suspected that his worries were coming true.

In fact, Vincent had mentioned the potential acquisition of Devil Spritz’s Bormia to Clark, the director of the Avond national team, hoping he would relay the information to Beomseok. He had a strong attachment to the Avond national team and would likely intervene if something threatened Gods Knights.

If Gods Knights became weaker, the Avond national team would also suffer. While it wasn’t ideal to share this information, journalists were adept at sniffing out major transfer deals.

It would become public knowledge soon anyway, so he decided to use it as a way to gauge his opponent’s intentions.

‘That bastard. It looks like he’s going to make a serious move this time.’

Director Vincent suspected this because Beomseok hadn’t mentioned Devil Spritz at all. Knowing about it but pretending not to meant he was planning to jump into the transfer case, signaling his intention to compete.

Otherwise, Beomseok would have loudly complained as soon as he arrived.

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

Ah, it’s so hot. Even after a shower, I’m covered in sweat within an hour or two. I’m grateful for the cool breeze today, but I’m worried about tomorrow.

Everyone, be careful of the summer heat. See you again tomorrow.