Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 479

‘Why do I have to come here…’

Standing in front of the Gods Knights’ parking lot, Theresa clutched a large bag, her gaze distant as she took in the surroundings. A few days prior, Angela, the chairwoman of the group and also her mother, had issued a work order that turned out to be a training assignment right here.

The purpose was for her, as a team leader, to directly experience and understand the changes in the new gladiatorial world. She was to be stationed here for approximately two months.

Initially, she had resisted the idea, but Lucas had strongly encouraged her, leading to her reluctant acceptance. He argued that spending time together and fostering affection was crucial to lowering Beomseok’s guard.

“Am I doing the right thing? And why do I feel obligated to follow the orders of someone who isn’t even my father?”

Despite her presence here, Theresa couldn’t shake off her doubts. After Beomseok’s unsettling revelations, she had secretly obtained hair samples from her mother and Chairman Lucas for DNA testing. The results confirmed they were completely unrelated.

This discovery had thrown her mind into turmoil. While she couldn’t directly confront her father about whether he knew she wasn’t his biological daughter, she found Beomseok’s claims increasingly believable.

Yet, here she was, following Lucas’s instructions. He was the one who had offered her support when she felt lost and alone in the past. She couldn’t forget the warmth in Chairman Lucas’s eyes during that time.

‘If Beomseok is right and it’s all a false act… what am I supposed to do…? I’ll end up all alone again.’

Theresa shook her head violently, trying to regain her composure. Regardless of the truth, she felt an intense dislike for Beomseok. Just the sight of him ignited a deep-seated anger within her.

‘Okay. I’ll deal with my father’s situation later. If he deceived me, I’ll make him pay. But first, I need to resolve the Beomseok issue. Building trust will make my father less suspicious. And besides, I genuinely hate Beomseok. So, I’m here today to take him down. This is my own decision.’

Once she had reframed the situation in her mind, Theresa felt a sense of relief. It was her decision, not her father’s order, so it didn’t matter. She was now fully committed to bringing Beomseok down.

Theresa spotted the approaching electric car in the distance and softened her gaze. Beomseok was inside, so she needed to control her expression.

She stepped out of the car and offered a warm smile to Beomseok, who was rushing towards her with a delighted expression.

“Mr. Beomseok. How have you been?”

He embraced Theresa tightly. She wouldn’t resist, and the more physical contact, the better.

“How could I be fine? I’ve been longing to see you, Theresa, these past few days.”

“I missed you so much, Mr. Beomseok, that I couldn’t sleep. So, when my mother issued the work order to train at Gods Knights, I was overjoyed. I felt like I was flying.”

“Hahaha. That’s a relief. Actually, I requested that work order.”

“You did, Mr. Beomseok? Why?”

“Yes. Of course, because I wanted to see you, Theresa.”

The corners of her smiling mouth twitched slightly. She had suspected something. While learning about a new team type was necessary for the group, the suddenness of the situation seemed odd. No professional team sends a team leader away for two months of training.

“Ah. I see. You did a great job. Thanks to you, we get to spend two months together now.”

“Hahaha. That’s right.”

Beomseok glanced slyly at Theresa, his eyes lingering on her figure, and swallowed hard. She was wearing a red dress that accentuated her thighs and cleavage, as if intentionally trying to seduce him. He reached out and stroked her hip.

‘What? What’s with him all of a sudden?’

Although she felt a twinge of discomfort, Theresa suppressed it. She had already given him her body willingly, so she couldn’t very well object to this touch. She nestled her face in Beomseok’s arms and said.

“Mr. Beomseok, really. What if someone sees us?”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re the only ones at the training camp right now.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“The gladiators are away in another region for a practice match with a Central League team, and I gave all the office workers paid leave today. And Susan and Margaret, who are staying at our accommodation, have gone to work.”

“Why?”

“Hehe, what do you think? To spend some quality time with you, Theresa. Don’t you like it?”

“W, well, it’s not that I don’t like it…”

“Okay. Then shall we get started? Hehe.”

With that, Beomseok swept her up into his arms and headed into the nearby forest. Theresa, caught off guard, briefly feigned resistance, but soon lowered her head in resignation. It was something she had already anticipated. In the end, she found herself spending another passionate interlude with Beomseok amidst the lush greenery of the forest.

As the sun began to set, Theresa lay naked in the forest, breathing heavily, her head lolling to the side. She had been with Beomseok since she arrived that morning, so it was no surprise she was exhausted.

Whether out of genuine remorse or mere pretense, he cautiously apologized to Theresa.

“Was I a bit… too much?”

‘Is that a bit!’

Theresa suppressed her true feelings and forced a smile as she looked at him. Her stomach was churning with anger, but she had to endure it, even if it meant salvaging what she had invested so far.

“Haa, it’s, it’s okay. I was actually happy to think that you love me this much, Mr. Beomseok.”

“Ah. Really? That’s a relief. Then, one more time?”

Theresa frantically waved her hands. To be honest, she had initially felt a surge of excitement during their encounters that day. She had experienced countless moments of intense pleasure, losing herself in the sensations. But as it continued, it became a living hell.

“N, no. Later. Actually, I haven’t unpacked my luggage since I arrived. I came here for training to learn about work, so I can’t just do nothing. I’m a little sad, but I think I should go in and look at some documents.”

“Hmm. I guess so. Even though I requested it, Chairwoman Angela sent you here with a purpose, so we can’t just play around. Shall we go in then?”

Beomseok got up and gathered the clothes scattered around them. Theresa, relieved, also put on her clothes. It was unpleasant, but she could change soon, as she had a bag of clothes in the nearby parking lot.

“Okay. This is the room where you’ll be staying for two months, Theresa.”

Theresa surveyed the room and made a dismal face. It was nothing like the places she had lived in before. It was clean, but small, with minimal furniture. The bathtub and sink in the bathroom were right next to the toilet, and there was no living room.

The thought of spending two months here filled her with despair.

“It’s cozy and very nice. I really like it.”

“Really? That’s a relief. Then take a rest and have dinner with me on the 3rd floor. We’ll go over the overall work then.”

At those words, Theresa’s face paled. She remembered the feast she had shared with him in the past. Of course, there wouldn’t be dog meat soup [a Korean dish], but the rest were just as unsettling. That day, Beomseok had devoured those unidentified foods with great relish.

She turned her head slightly, her face pale, and said.

“Can’t we just eat out? That Chinese restaurant was delicious.”

“Hehe. We’ll go there later. I want to serve you a meal that I cooked myself, Theresa.”

As expected, Theresa’s shoulders slumped. She was afraid she would have to eat skate congee [a Korean dish made with fermented skate] or something equally unappetizing again.

“Sigh~ I’ll look forward to it then. But what kind of dish is it?”

Beomseok smiled and stared at her. He had no intention of serving a particularly Korean dish that day. It was better to cater to her tastes to improve her impression of him.

“Well, what do you like? Should I make skate dishes? Or should I try pasta, even though it’s my first time?”

Theresa’s choice was obvious. Pasta was far more appealing, even if it was poorly made.

“Please make pasta. I’m craving something sweet today.”

“Ah. Really? It might not be very good since I’m not experienced.”

“I, it’s okay. I like anything you make, Mr. Beomseok.”

“Okay. Then I’ll call you at 7 o’clock, and we’ll have dinner together.”

“Okay. See you then.”

Theresa smiled brightly and went into her accommodation, closing the door behind her. This time, she was genuinely happy. She didn’t know what kind of pasta it would be, but it was bound to be better than that previous meal.

“Okay. Here it is. Enjoy your meal.”

Theresa, seated at a table in the restaurant, inhaled the aroma of the pasta that Beomseok had brought and swallowed hard. The smell was incredible.

“It smells really good. Mr. Beomseok, you must be a good cook?”

“Hehe. No. I just put my heart into it, thinking of serving you, Theresa.”

“Really? I’m looking forward to it then.”

Theresa twirled the spaghetti noodles with a fork and ate them, making a satisfied expression. A surprisingly delicious flavor filled her mouth, quite unlike a dish made for the first time. That was because it was made with pre-made spaghetti sauce and noodles from the supermarket, so it was hard to mess up.

Beomseok also took a bite and then brought out the prepared documents.

“First, let me tell you about our team’s schedule.”

“Yes. Explain it.”

“Hmm. You’re already familiar with the game schedule, Theresa, so let’s skip that and talk about the recruitment schedule. This is crucial for the Gods Knights team. We’re planning to recruit two gladiators during the remaining summer transfer period.”

“Two people? Who are you planning to recruit and how?”

“One mid-tier and one vanguard, but the mid-tier is already decided, so it’s not worth mentioning. The problem is the vanguard. I’m a little worried because there aren’t any suitable vanguards available on the market right now.”

Theresa was well aware of that. Desert Scorpions, the team she managed, was also looking at a few, but there were no promising gladiators.

This was due to the large number of significant transfers that had occurred the previous winter, with players being sold at inflated prices. As a result, the transfer market was in a stalemate, with sellers demanding unreasonable prices and buyers refusing to meet them.

Consequently, transactions were stagnant.

“I see. These days, gladiators are overpriced compared to their actual abilities. And there aren’t any particularly useful gladiators in sight.”

“So, I’m hoping to overcome this challenge and recruit a good gladiator at a reasonable price. Do you have any ideas?”

Theresa was taken aback. She was being asked to share her trade secrets with someone who was supposed to be learning from her. The situation was completely reversed.

‘I don’t have any ideas, but even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. Why should I help Gods Knights? Humph.’

She shook her head with a troubled expression.

“Well, the market is so frozen that I don’t have any solutions either.”

“Ah. Really? Then I have no choice but to search around.”

“Search around?”

“Even after the season starts, trades are possible until the end of August, so there’s about a month left, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Theresa and I will travel together then, roaming around the world. Like a trip. What do you think?”

That was out of the question. If they traveled together, she would have to endure his presence constantly, which was unbearable. Spending a month like that was simply impossible.

“W, wouldn’t that be a bit… impractical? The market is completely frozen, so even if you find someone, there’s no guarantee they’ll be traded at a reasonable price.”

“It’s okay. I’m planning to visit the Central League teams.”

“Why are you going there? The prices might be lower, but is there any chance of finding a good player in the Central League? Of course, there are some promising prospects, but their prices are already exorbitant.”

It didn’t matter. His real goal was a romantic trip with Theresa. There were too many opportunities to encounter other women on the team, which would interfere with his efforts to win her over. These two months were crucial.

“Hmm. I initially thought so too, but I believe there are talented players who are secretly hiding their abilities among the lesser-known elf gladiators [a race in this fictional world].”

“The ones who are trying to get into the Walker Auction Market quickly?”

“Ah, not those ones. I think there are young players who are doing it for other reasons.”

“Why? If they showcase their skills and move up to the upper league, they’ll gain recognition and honor, so why would they refuse?”

“That’s true, but there might be players who aren’t interested in honor… or rather, don’t desire it. Elves have the same emotions as humans. Besides, they don’t necessarily value money, so it’s even more plausible.”

The money that elf gladiators without owners receive is just pocket money. Of course, no child would be aiming for the upper league solely for the money.

“That’s true, but for what reason?”

“For example, they might not want to leave their teammates, or they love the area, or they dislike the manager or the team. There could be many reasons.”

It was a plausible story, but somewhat far-fetched. Theresa couldn’t understand why she would be running around for a month based on this premise.

“Well? It’s understandable, but I don’t think there’s much of a chance?”

“It’s a trip to discover a new trade route, so it doesn’t matter if it fails. A challenge is a good thing.”

Theresa bit her lip. It was just an excuse, but she was annoyed that she had come here to learn about this kind of approach. A mindset of only pursuing things that are guaranteed to succeed was a trait that a manager should avoid at all costs.

“Sigh~ A challenge is good, but Gods Knights will be in the middle of the season then. You have to attend the games, right, Mr. Beomseok? It would be better to focus on the season games than to pursue a reckless trade.”

Beomseok shook his head. The first four games of Gods Knights were mainly against weaker teams. If they recruited 프리시카 [romanization of Korean], there’s no way they’ll lose, so it was better to use that time to increase Theresa’s favorability. These two months were that important.

“It’s okay. I’ve made all the arrangements. Okay, let’s go together.”

In the end, Theresa had to accept his honeymoon proposal. She wanted to refuse if possible, but she couldn’t because Beomseok was so insistent. And even though it’s a month, the games are held on weekends and occasionally on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so the actual time spent traveling would only be about ten days.

============================ Author’s Note ============================

Have a good weekend, everyone. I’ll see you again tomorrow.