The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 42

42. My Brother Is… (2)

“Then, excuse me.”

The man with the Awakened appraisal skill approached me and spoke. I wanted to check the status windows of the people here too, but using Seed Leaf right now would be too noticeable.

I was under the attention of S-Ranks. If I rolled my eyes at the empty air, I’d immediately be grabbed by the collar for doing something suspicious.

– Grrr.

Peace, who was nestled quietly in my arms, suddenly bared his fangs. Immediately, the appraiser stepped back and said,

“Average stats F-Rank, both Agility Up and Mental Strength Up skills are E-Rank.”

“Did he sense the appraisal skill being used? He’s sensitive.”

Hanshin Guild Leader said, filled with admiration.

Hanshin Guild Leader, Park Min-gyu. A defense-specialized S-Rank Hunter, exactly thirty years old this year. Originally, he was an ordinary office worker and a plain man with a weak presence among the domestic S-Ranks. The Hanshin Guild itself was also a plain top-tier guild without standing out much.

A special characteristic was that he had a bad relationship with Kim Sung-han. To be exact, Park Min-gyu unilaterally regarded Kim Sung-han as a thorn in his side.

Was it that he instinctively noticed Kim Sung-han’s potential? If Kim Sung-han became an S-Rank, the premium of being the only defense-specialized S-Rank Hunter in the country would fall.

“Still at an immature C-Rank level? Mr. Han-soo, use your skill once more.”

Breaker Guild Leader said to the appraiser. Considering that she gestured and called him over earlier, did she bring the appraiser? Or maybe he’s a Breaker Guild member.

Breaker, one of the three major guilds. Its guild leader was Moon Hyun-ah, the only female S-Rank Hunter in the country. Though she wasn’t the only one anymore.

A former tennis player in her late twenties, her main weapon was a glaive [a polearm weapon with a single-edged blade], so she would be the most interested in ride-type skills. Currently, Breaker was also the guild with the most ride-type skill holders in the country. In other words, she was expected to be a prime customer.

– Kyaang!

When the appraiser used his skill again, Peace barked loudly. This time, the distance was further away, but he was really sensing it?

“It’s okay, Peace.”

While I was soothing the excited Peace, the gazes toward us became blatantly heated.

“This seems to be real.”

The Hunter Association President said, surprised and impressed.

“A Flame Horned Lion was a boss-level monster in an S-Rank dungeon, right?”

Moon Hyun-ah looked at Yoohyun and asked. Even though she was seven years younger, why was she dropping honorifics when they were both guild leaders and S-Ranks?

“Not a single individual, but three adults excluding the young. The overall stats are lower than a solo boss, but it’s definitely at the S-Rank level.”

“The first raid was two months ago, so the second raid will be in a month. How about it, Young Master? If the young appear again, hand them over to us.”

“An exchange with a highest-grade ride-type skill with cold resistance is possible.”

Yoohyun said with a gentle smile. Moon Hyun-ah also raised the corners of her lips in response.

“Come to think of it, our lovely little junior’s level 10 skill is ice-type. What exactly is the skill? I’m curious.”

“Hunter Park Yerim said to tell you that excessive attention is burdensome.”

“As one of the only two female S-Rank Hunters in the country, I just want to get close to her. It would be more comfortable for Yerim-yang [a Korean honorific] to have a guild leader of the same gender. Of course, I’m not saying I’ll ignore the contract and snatch her away. Three years will pass quickly.”

She said, smiling. Wow, she was openly coveting Yerim. Of course, which guild she contracts with after three years is up to Yerim, and approaching her in advance to win her over isn’t against business ethics.

Still, I didn’t like it. Don’t ignore my younger sibling and use mutual respect.

“I know that Haeyeon has already purchased several young monsters, isn’t your greed excessive?”

MKC Guild Leader Choi Seok-won said. Why was that guy picking a fight again?

Choi Seok-won was a former soccer player who even served as the national team captain. I used to like him, but seeing him now, he was annoying. Still, he was using honorifics, so plus one point.

“The news is fast, even though they haven’t even entered the country yet.”

“You publicly expressed your intention to purchase them, did you think I wouldn’t know? Seven high-grade and one highest-grade. You swept them all up.”

Choi Seok-won said, slightly agitated. Eight monsters. Yoohyun, were you planning to dry your brother to death? Of course, he wouldn’t entrust them all at once, but still.

More than that, I didn’t expect a new highest-grade monster to appear already. Was it thanks to the malignant stock?

“The highest-grade young can be exchanged for a highest-grade with cold resistance, or ten high-grade young including a high-grade with cold resistance. Feel free to contact me anytime.”

Yoohyun said leisurely. The highest-grade monster he purchased this time didn’t seem to have cold resistance. I wondered what kind of guy it would be.

“Haeyeon’s Young Master is reaping the benefits thanks to his hyung [older brother].”

Moon Hyun-ah smiled brightly and got up from her seat. At her steps approaching me, Yoohyun’s relaxed expression slightly hardened.

Don’t show it, you brat. Stay still.

“I’ve kept a precious person standing for too long. Come on, sit down.”

Moon Hyun-ah personally pulled out a chair and said. Just looking at her smiling face, she seemed really kind and friendly. She was a great beauty with nothing lacking anywhere, and she was also very tall. At a glance, she looked over 180cm.

I hated S-Rank stats for this reason. Was Yerim also going to become taller than me? Sad.

“Thank you.”

As I obediently sat in the chair, Moon Hyun-ah leaned her upper body over. Her proportions were so good that I didn’t realize it when I saw her on TV, but her build seemed much better than mine. Before the regression, I had built up my body a bit, but now… I was just an F-Rank who had been in a dungeon once.

…Honestly, even before the regression, I don’t think I could compare. Even though it was covered by a suit, her broad shoulders and thick arms were extraordinary.

“Haeyeon’s Young Master’s hyung, a super rookie’s guardian, and even raising a cute cat. If we take Han Yoojin-ssi [a Korean honorific], will everything come along?”

“That can’t be.”

I smiled back and answered.

“There are no freebies or gifts, it’s a single item.”

“It’s a shame, but I can be satisfied with just the main item, how about it?”

“I’m sorry, but it’s not for sale.”

Saying that, I subtly turned my gaze. I was worried about Yoohyun, so I checked, but he wasn’t even looking this way. Yeah, if you can’t manage your expression, just don’t look.

“Not even to your younger brother?”

A long finger lightly poked my cheek. Peace, who was lying on my lap, perked up his ears warily. Yoohyun’s head turned this way, and our eyes met.

It would be good to clearly state it at this opportunity.

“Would there be an exception to something that’s not for sale? However.”

“However?”

“I’ve decided to make an exception if he becomes the best in the country.”

“Interesting.”

Moon Hyun-ah laughed softly.

“Then, does that mean the Seseong Guild can buy you right now?”

At her words, I shifted my gaze. To the man who hadn’t said a single word until now.

Seseong Guild Leader Sung Hyun-jae. The hunter who was called the strongest in the country, including the guild and himself. He was looking at me with a bit of interest.

He seemed to be wanting an answer, so I should give it to him.

“The best in the country gets a younger brother discount.”

I continued, with a smile.

“Other people will only be recognized as an exception if they become the best in the world.”

“You’re confident!”

Moon Hyun-ah shouted cheerfully. Stop patting my shoulder, you woman. It hurts. Peace is baring his teeth too.

“Like brother, like brother, it reminds me of when that greenhorn was making a fuss about creating his own guild. Still, his hyung is much more moderate than his younger brother, as befitting his age.”

…No, what’s wrong with my younger brother? He seems to be the most moderate among the people gathered here, but the evaluation is too harsh.

“My younger brother is more moderate than me.”

I couldn’t help but say a word. Moon Hyun-ah widened her eyes exaggeratedly.

“Is that joke serious?”

“Of course it’s serious—”

“Oh my god, hyung! You’re so cute!”

Then she burst out laughing. Seriously, why…….

‘…Wait a minute.’

The other people were laughing too. Except for Yoohyun, who was sitting primly. Even the Seseong Guild Leader was letting out a dumbfounded laugh.

Surely these people weren’t free enough to do a hidden camera prank on me…… Yo, Yoohyun? Your reputation seems a bit strange…….

“Wow, that crazy bastard is putting on an act in front of his hyung—”

“Breaker Guild Leader-nim [Korean honorific],”

Yoohyun cut off Moon Hyun-ah’s words.

“I think your words are a bit harsh.”

“Really crazy! No wonder he was disgustingly polite today! I thought he suddenly matured, ahahaha—”

Then she started laughing again. She was about to roll on the floor. I wanted to know what was so funny…….

‘Putting on an act, huh.’

What on earth was she talking about? Our Yoohyun was kind and gentle since he was young. He listened well and didn’t cause much trouble.

Of course, I knew that he couldn’t continue to be kind and gentle if he was going to be a guild leader at a young age. Still, calling him a crazy bastard was too much.

“It’s a good thing that the brothers have a good relationship.”

Hanshin Guild Leader said. Were you going to say that after you laughed the second loudest?

Damn it, it must be because you guys were crazy that my younger brother acted accordingly. They must have tormented him to death, saying that a kid didn’t know how to yield. Just looking at how Yoohyun was worried about my safety, it was obvious that there were only black-hearted bastards, would he shake a dogtail grass at hungry wolves instead of shooting a gun?

“Oh my, hyung! Yeah, it’s good if you treat him well. You have a good younger brother.”

Moon Hyun-ah said, straightening up as she bent over and crouched down. I really hated this woman.

“Still, you said he has to be the best in the world, but I heard you’re really going to stay unaffiliated?”

“Yes. I think it would be better that way. Rather than belonging to one place, stepping back and fairly doing business as a ride-type skill production and management position would be good for various guild leaders.”

“But realistically, aren’t you affiliated with Haeyeon?”

MKC Guild Leader asked, slightly frowning.

“It’s just a cooperative relationship. It’s inevitable to get help because it’s difficult for me to handle it alone. If you think about it that way, the people here will also receive special favors in exchange for negotiations, just like Haeyeon. There are many guilds that need ride-type skills, not only domestically but also overseas. You’ve gained an opportunity to become much more advantageous than them.”

The five guilds gathered here would definitely establish an advantage over other guilds, not only domestically but also overseas. One of the conditions of the negotiation was that they could preferentially occupy one spot each out of the maximum number of five that I could raise.

They could quickly create S-Rank raid teams equipped with ride-type skills, and they could also trade with other guilds for the vacant spots.

The conditions were so good that Seok Si-myung grumbled that he was being too nice.

“Also, my value is at its peak right now and will continue to fall, so you don’t need to worry too much about the relationship with Haeyeon. High-grade and highest-grade ride-type skills aren’t consumables, are they?”

It wasn’t known how long the monsters’ lifespans were. But it would definitely not be short. Even low-grade monsters raised for research were fine for over seven years, so there was a high probability that high-grade monsters would have even longer lifespans.

So, it was clear that the number of people coming to me would start to decrease in about four or five years. The demand wouldn’t completely disappear, but I would only need to replenish about three or four per year. If an S-Rank or higher tamer or someone with a similar skill appeared, I might be able to rest even sooner.

“My dream is to reduce the number of breeding requests and retire halfway in a few years to live leisurely.”

This was the honest truth without a single lie. I should hold a baby monster and manage the building. Ah, just thinking about it makes me happy. It’s a perfect life.

It would be perfect if I didn’t have to worry about keywords not working or a lover who thought of the neighborhood oppa [older brother figure] as a guardian.

“Hyung speaks well. Then, let’s get to the main point and finish adjusting the contract.”

Moon Hyun-ah smiled as she returned to her seat.

* * *

Since the framework was already there and almost all the details were filled in, the final adjustments went smoothly.

The gist of the negotiation was this:

The five guilds guarantee the safety of me and the building I own.

I prioritize the breeding requests of the five guilds. However, the number of preemptive slots is limited to one per guild every two months.

The construction of the building where the breeding facility will be located is done with the investment of the four guilds excluding Haeyeon.

The ownership of the completed building belongs to me.

There were other minor details, but the important thing was these four things.

And the most beneficial thing for me was guaranteeing the safety of the building I owned, right in this part.

Of course, it was limited to the one building being built this time, and the period was also limited. But there was no clause that only I had to enter this building.

In other words, as long as I, the building owner, accepted them, whether it was Yoo Myung-woo, Seok Hayan, or anyone else, they could receive protection from the top five guilds in the country.

Yoohyun and the other guild leaders probably couldn’t even imagine what I was going to do. Still, if I gave them priority like with ride-type skill breeding, it wouldn’t be a loss for them either.

I could play around and receive rent.

With that, I stamped the contract, and after a few questions about Peace, it quickly ended. There weren’t any difficult questions, and the guild leaders and even the association president were subtly kind to me.

Well, it was a situation where they should be kind, and it wasn’t bad to treat me well. But I felt uneasy.

Especially Moon Hyun-ah’s gaze that said I was so cute she could die. If you excluded the regression, I was younger, but she looked at me as if I was her youngest sibling.

I had to endure it since they were giving a lot of money to build the building.

“It was fun after a long time, thanks to hyung.”

Moon Hyun-ah winked at me and left through the door. Ah, yes. I’m truly rewarded that you said that.

I was tired even though I didn’t do much.

“Peace, stop biting the chair and come down.”

Did he get into the hobby of destroying furniture? That chair must be expensive.

I was about to go and bring him over, but someone blocked my path. It was Seseong Guild Leader Sung Hyun-jae.

“I’ll remember the exception condition.”

He said with a smile. What exception… Ah, wait a minute. Please just forget it.

“Then, I’ll see you again soon.”

He lightly patted my shoulder and passed by. Ah, well. It wasn’t easy to become the best guild in the world, and he wouldn’t have become it even after five years. I didn’t need to worry about it.

Anyway, it was over.