The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 449

447. Still Working After Returning (3)

Evelyn drove the car out of the building parking lot without any other Hunters. Seriously, I’m the only one without a license. Reporters waiting outside snapped photos of the car.

“It’s not like I’m being kidnapped for the first time. They’re chasing me too much.”

Why are they always camped out in front of other people’s buildings? Evelyn glanced back at me at my words.

“You don’t read internet articles very often, do you?”

“Ah, yes. It’s not that I don’t see them at all, but…”

Since I don’t like them, the kids and other people around me don’t bring them up much.

“The impact of other issues is greater than the kidnapping.”

When we stopped at a traffic light, Evelyn picked up her phone, searched for an article, and showed it to me. As soon as I saw the photo prominently displayed at the top of the article, I couldn’t help but frown.

‘They actually used this photo…’

My eyes met with mine, holding a bouquet of pink flowers. What’s so great that I’m smiling like that?

“Giseungsu Breeding Center, close ties with Sesung Guild… Wait a minute. Why are they writing a novel? I clearly said from the beginning that I wouldn’t belong to a specific guild, but they’re speculating that I’ll go to Sesung.”

There was also content about overseas breeding requests. Since Haeyeon lacks foreign influence, it’s naturally more deeply connected with Sesung Guild, and so on.

“Evelyn is mentioned too. Sesung Guild’s outstanding ability to recruit overseas Hunters…”

Was that why Seok Simyeong told me to act friendlier with Yoohyun? Of course, he knows very well that I have no intention of going to Sesung, but these articles must have bothered him.

“Korea’s top Hunter Guild Leader’s aggressive love call, what is this? Wow, there’s already an article saying I’m getting a health checkup at Sesung Hospital. Is there a spy inside Sesung?”

“It was leaked on purpose.”

“What’s with the ‘had several private meals’? I eat with anyone.”

“The Guild Leader has only given private meals to Director Han. Excluding Chief Song Taewon, who declined due to financial issues.”

“…You haven’t eaten together? As a guild member.”

Evelyn smiled instead of answering. It seemed even S-Class Hunters didn’t like eating with their superiors. Soyoung would probably run away in disgust too.

“I’m not that bad as a dining companion, though.”

Anyway, I was planning to act friendly with Sesung Guild, but the talk of a merger was too much. Should I distance myself a little? Or should I show that I’m closer to Yoohyun and Hyunah? Like going on a group retreat. Breeding Center, Haeyeon, and Breaker together.

…Excluding Sesung is a bit much, though.

“At this rate, they’ll start talking about the Pegasus I’m giving them. Haeyeon has an S-Class Giseungsu going.”

I handed Evelyn the phone, grumbling. Articles can be written however you want. If you cleverly shrink and enlarge things, completely different content from the truth can come out.

“Evelyn, you’re going to name it, right? Do you have anything in mind?”

“No, but…”

Evelyn paused for a moment before continuing.

“Bare. Let’s go with that.”

“What does it mean?”

“It doesn’t mean anything.”

She just put it on appropriately. She didn’t seem to have any particular affection for the Pegasus, so I was a little worried. But Yoohyun is getting along well with Peace.

“Is it some kind of cult thing? Did Sung Hyunjae tell you?”

“It’s best not to get involved.”

“I heard Evelyn knows a lot about that.”

“Well. What I know and what Director Han wants to know might be slightly different.”

Still, Evelyn said she would organize and send me the information.

“According to what I heard from the Guild Leader, there must have been many changes in a short period of time. I have never killed an S-Class Awakened.”

“…Pardon?”

“I mean, I haven’t caused any friction.”

Um, it seemed she had quite a few bloody incidents with A-Class and below.

In the meantime, the car entered the Hunter Association parking lot. The reporters were waiting here too. They’ll probably pour out speculative articles again about appearing with Sesung Guild members. At least we’re keeping quite a distance, so they won’t be able to throw out unnecessary questions…

It’s because of that human that we’re apart.

The car door opened, and Sung Hyunjae held out his hand.

“There’s no need for you to come all the way here.”

“Miller Hunter is a little lacking in consideration. Isn’t it too heavy for Hanyujin-gun [a polite suffix] to hold right now?”

The baby sheep was a bit bulky and heavy. Horned Fox was small and thin, and Peace wasn’t too burdensome when he was in his youngest, juvenile form. Still, I can hold it.

“Song can walk on his own, right?”

– Meeeeh.

“You have to be careful outdoors.”

Well, yes. Sung Hyunjae held the baby sheep in one arm and helped me up with the other. They’re filming everything, right now. Still, I have to smile for now. The camera performance is good, so they can clearly capture my expression at this distance.

“Let’s act less friendly for a while.”

“Are you abandoning me as soon as you get what you want? My partner is so cold.”

“Abandoning? What are you abandoning? I’m saying this because rumors are spreading. I think I need to act friendlier with Haeyeon and Yoohyun.”

Sung Hyunjae tilted his head as we moved inside the building.

“You’re going to act even friendlier with your brother than you are now. Was that even possible?”

“I mean media exposure, exposure. We’re going to have a Peace doll launch event, so we can stick together and show a good relationship then.”

“It’s more likely to be seen as an insincere, event-only thing.”

Is that so? Then naturally… naturally… there’s nothing to do. Usually, brothers show their close relationship at home. Outside, it’s mainly a business relationship. Surveillance is so strict that paparazzi can’t even get near the Breeding Center. I can’t openly show off at work, saying, ‘Oh, my brother is doing well.’

“Welcome, Director Han Yujin.”

As soon as the door opened, Choi Youngjoon, the head of the Hunter Association’s public relations department, greeted me with a bright face. I’m not going to the Association. Still, I’ll inevitably be involved. Chief Song Taewon also stood up from his seat and nodded lightly towards me. I greeted him back and sat on the sofa.

Sung Hyunjae put the baby sheep on the table. The sound of hooves hitting the glass plate was faint.

“You said the Giseungsu Breeding Center would cover the cost of raising the Volcanic Black Sheep, but you can hand it over to us.”

“Song is still Chief Song’s personal Giseungsu [a monster or beast that has a special bond with a hunter]. The cost of a personal Giseungsu should not be paid by a public institution.”

The contract for the Volcanic Black Sheep was different from the usual ones. First of all, Song would continue to remain affiliated with the Giseungsu Breeding Center. However, the partner of the Volcanic Black Sheep was Song Taewon.

It’s roughly similar to an entertainer from Agency A having a lifetime contract with Program B. Or an agent company and a club in sports.

“Of course, the Hunter Association must take responsibility for accidents that occur during dungeon raids, dungeon break handling, and public relations for the Awakened Management Division and the Hunter Association.”

The basic breeding cost is paid by the Breeding Center, by me. But the costs incurred during work were different. The Association had to pay for that. Even compensation for pushing the kid too hard.

“You’ve checked all the conditions, right? You must adhere to the working hours. You must not make them face dangerous monsters compared to their rank. The Volcanic Black Sheep has priority when the Association acquires equipment for Giseungsu. Remember that Chief Song does not have the right to resell.”

I wanted to transfer all the rights to Chief Song. But Chief Song was burdened, and it was difficult for him alone to protect the Volcanic Black Sheep. Of course, it wasn’t that he didn’t have the ability to protect it. If Chief Song strongly resisted, who would dare to touch Song?

The problem was that he wasn’t the type to do that. He was still someone who easily gave up what was in his hands. If I said it was for the sake of more people, for the sake of the country, he would give up.

So, for now, I decided to keep it under the Breeding Center’s affiliation and have the Breeding Center protect it.

“Chief Song Taewon’s home is a general residential building. Pets are not prohibited, but it will be difficult to get permission for the Volcanic Black Sheep to reside there immediately.”

“What’s the problem when an S-Class Hunter is with him? He’s even still a baby. He’s quiet. The Breeding Center will take responsibility for problems that occur outside of work hours. And anyway…”

I glanced at Chief Song, who was sitting silently.

“…You won’t be staying home for long, will you?”

“That’s… yes.”

Choi Youngjoon agreed with my words, feeling sorry for him. It was likely to become just a place to sleep. Fortunately, Song fell asleep early and was quiet until sunrise. He was quite sleepy because he was a baby.

“The Hunter Association has already prepared a space for Giseungsu. Until he’s a juvenile, he can roam freely. The Awakened Management Division is also free to operate within the department.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“It’s our duty, of course.”

Still, it’s nice that the people who have changed are easy to talk to. Chief Song remained silent even while adjusting the remaining additional details. His gaze was constantly on the baby sheep sitting on the table. It was an expression that was difficult to guess what he was thinking. Heavy and calm.

Choi Youngjoon left his seat for a moment to handle some work, and the baby sheep bleated softly.

“Hold him once.”

At my words, Chief Song’s lips faintly hardened. Sung Hyunjae, who had been sitting leisurely like a spectator, smiled when he saw that.

“Are you even scared?”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Chief Song Taewon is different from Hanyujin-gun, who easily gives love.”

“…I’m not that easy either.”

Do you think I like just anyone? Seok Simyeong is being very nice to me now, but I’m still awkward with him.

“Well, Hanyujin-gun is only good at giving. On the other hand, Chief Song Taewon can’t receive either, but excluding his heart, he gives everything else. That’s also a problem.”

I agree with the words ‘gives everything’. He should take care of himself too. Chief Song, who only let out a short sigh without any particular rebuttal, reached out to the baby sheep. The baby sheep stared blankly at the slowly approaching large hand, then suddenly stood up,

Thud,

Headbutted him out of the blue.

– Meeeeh!

He managed to step well on the slippery glass and headbutted Chief Song’s hand again. Chief Song was a little embarrassed, and Sung Hyunjae chuckled softly.

“He seems to still be sulking.”

“Sulking?”

“Or is he complaining that it’s been a while?”

What are you talking about? Song Taewon reached out to Song again. This time, instead of headbutting, the baby sheep rested his head on the palm of his hand.

“…I’m sorry.”

– Meeeeh.

“First of all, I look forward to working with you. But it won’t be satisfactory.”

– Meeeeeeh.

“You can go back anytime if you’re uncomfortable.”

…Um, Chief Song. He wouldn’t understand even if you said that. Are those sincere words also for himself? Song just wagged his short tail and sucked on Chief Song’s thumb. Chief Song looked at me.

“Is he hungry?”

“Oh, no. He does that when he plays with Sorok. He bites or sucks on his ears, so Sorok gets annoyed.”

“I see. Please tell me the other precautions.”

“I’ve organized it into a file, so I’ll send it to you by email. It’s not that difficult.”

Since he needed to grow, he decided to stay at the Breeding Center for three days a week. Chief Song awkwardly held the baby sheep. On the other hand, Song, as if already used to it, snuggled into Chief Song’s arms and began to chew on his tie.

I should give him a few ties as gifts. I can process that as an expense, so he’ll accept it.

“Ah, and this is Song’s exclusive leash.”

I took out an S-Class wire and put it on the table.

“As an A-Class Giseungsu, I prepared something especially strong. Take it quickly.”

“…It doesn’t look like a leash.”

“It is, it’s a string. And here’s a necklace like this.”

It was a C-Class necklace that I had Mingwoo urgently request.

“The kid doesn’t like wearing a leash, so Chief Song can usually use it.”

“I have a strong enough string for myself. I’ll just take the necklace.”

“It has to be an S-Class string because he’s an A-Class Giseungsu. Really.”

It’s not a complete lie.

“Imagine Song all grown up. Since I’m raising him, he might become a quasi-S-Class Giseungsu. Then you can’t use an A-Class or lower string because it’s unsafe! It’s a necessity, a necessity! How can someone raising a pet use a leash that doesn’t fit the kid? For safety, S-Class is absolutely necessary!”

“…I’ll keep it for now.”

In the end, the S-Class wire went into Chief Song’s hands. Thanks, Song! You’re a good son!

“And to hold the string properly, you also need sturdy gloves—”

“No.”

Tch. As expected, I couldn’t go that far.