Chapter 93
Of course fear penetrated me.
If I was being honest, I was far too careless. No matter how insignificant a User I may be, I thought I would somehow be able to resist an emaciated Koo Hui-seo…
‘What on earth is with this grip? I guess insane people truly are strong…!’ I was at my wit’s end with this predicament.
However, it occurred to me–logic piercing through my fear–that I shouldn’t show signs of being intimidated. I, after quickly stiffening my face and deliberately straightening my shoulders, spoke in a determined tone, “Why…are you holding my hand? Please let go.”
“You held onto me first…”
“That’s just…That was a consolatory gesture. I didn’t mean to grab at your hands like that.”
“…..”
Koo Hui-seo must have been self-conscious at my reply; he rolled his eyes here and there for a while. Then, he slowly released the strength on the chokehold his fingers had on my wrist. Careful not to provoke him, I slowly pulled back my hand.
The disappointed eyes that followed my movement raised goosebumps along my arm, but I was able to calm down after hiding my trembling hands under the table.
As soon as I settled myself, I thought I should get Koo Hui-seo out of this room as soon as possible. I was going to say that I wanted to rest alone…but Koo Hui-seo was faster. “Have I frightened you?”
I couldn’t bring myself to nod at his quietly choked voice.
That wasn’t the only thing. While I was hesitating, he bowed his head deeply. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, even though he didn’t seem to know why I was scared.
My heart ached when I received Koo Hui-seo’s apology. He must be at least ten years older than me…But, strangely enough, he felt like a child. It felt like receiving an apology from a child.
Haah…
Eventually, I swallowed back a deep sigh that bubbled up from within. I admonished, “Well, you don’t have to apologize for every single thing…I was just a bit uncomfortable.”
“Why……?”
“Usually, two men don’t paw at each other’s hand. It’s a bit…embarrassing?”
Koo Hui-seo raised his head to show that he was listening; after a short silence, he suddenly asked, “Do you hate me now?”
I had expected this turn of the conversation. Once again, he was slightly off the mark. I scratched my head in frustration.
Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to comfort him? With that rubbish thought in the back of my mind, I said firmly, “It’s neither like nor dislike. I have no particular feelings for Koo Hui-seo-ssi.”
“……”
“It’s just…Honestly, even if it weren’t me, anyone would have sympathized with Hui-seo-ssi’s story if they heard it. My attempt to comfort you, earlier, was an extension of that. I’m sorry.”
At my apology, Koo Hui-seo stared at me with eyes glistening like glass marbles.
I thought he would get angry; it’s the first time I’ve ever spoken so unsympathetically to someone. Unexpectedly, Koo Hui-seo smiled instead of shouting or flaring his temper.
That smile, oddly, seemed pleased.
“You felt sorry for me…” He murmured to himself.
“…….”
However, there was still an inexplicable smile that graced his lips. I kept my vigilance, not answering; Koo Hui-seo leaned his body towards me. Involuntarily, my upper body retreated backwards.
Koo Hui-seo did not point that out. “Lee-kyung-ssi is afraid of me, right? Whenever we lock eyes, you’re always blinking and shocked.”
“No, I…”
“If not scared, then are you disgusted with me?”
He cut to another fundamental issue with our conversation; I missed the timing to deny him. This time, Koo Hui-seo audibly laughed.
I shook my head, a beat late, and tried to think of any excuse. However, he waved his hand, trying to reassure me. “It’s fine. I also don’t think I’m quite normal…”
“…….”
His hand crept closer to me over the table; the table was far too small for me to widen the gap between us. Eventually, his fingertips were right in front of me. Though he was moving slowly, it felt like his hands were rushing towards me–a visceral pressure.
I felt like I couldn’t do anything. I was worried that I might further provoke Koo Hui-seo if I were to dodge my hands…
“What’s this bullshit?”
A familiar voice.
At the same time, I felt my body leaning far backwards. It seems that my chair was moved, body and all.
The back of my head hit something solid.
‘Jung Garam!’ I looked back in delight.
Jung Garam glared at Koo Hui-seo before turning to me, “Why’s he reaching out to you?”
“……” However, I had no choice but to keep my lips tightly shut. How could I explain the situation to Jung Garam in front of Koo Hui-seo…? Since I couldn’t speak to Treasure Hunter, I just looked at him earnestly.
Jung Garam searched my gaze and clicked his tongue, understanding my plea. “I guess I’ve arrived just in time?”
“……”
“Why do you always attract all the perverts?”
He talked as if it were all my fault, but Jung Garam, after saying all that–waved his hand at Koo Hui-seo, who was still observing us. Something flashed by, at such an incredibly fast speed that my eyes could not follow. I was startled at a sudden popping sound.
I looked at Koo Hui-seo with surprised eyes; there was a long horizontal wound on his originally unmarred cheek. He seemed to have been cut by something.
Koo Hui-seo, almost instinctively, retrieved his outstretched hand and placed it by his cheek. The cut, which looked like a small scrape at first, opened as soon as he touched it, quickly spilling enough blood to soak his palm.
“A spanking is the best medicine for crazy guys like him.” Jung Garam crossed his arms, assailing him with a powerful threat.
Jung Garam, this kid! He doesn’t know how to do things in moderation. What if you leave a big scar on his face?! Chairwoman Shin was downstairs, and I was unable to summon Jung Garam right now. Moreover, we had no idea how strong Koo Hui-seo’s abilities were.
Disregarding my nerves, Jung Garam showed nothing but a triumphant attitude.
Ah…I’m screwed.
Koo Hui-seo does not know of Jeong Garam’s existence, so, from his perspective, it will look like I attacked him.
However, once again, Koo Hui-seo smiled instead of getting angry or calling his mother. “…Alright. Let’s continue to talk later.”
He took his hand off his cheek and said his goodbyes. Apparently, the wound, which had opened quite wide, had healed completely within this short moment.
After that, Koo Hui-seo slowly stood up and passed by us. I held my breath and only sighed once I heard the door closing behind my back.
“Haaah….” I sighed.
“What happened?” Jung Garam suddenly asked, grabbing me by the nape of the neck, before I could feebly collapse. I didn’t even know where to begin; the words would not fall easily from my lips.
To summarize what had happened in this room: [While explaining Chairwoman Shin’s backstory, he fell into an awful state of despair. I felt sorry and sympathized with his pitiful image, so I offered some words of comfort. But, that action may have somehow stimulated that crazy guy…]
No matter how you present it, I wouldn’t be able to avoid Jung Garam’s bitter criticism that this trouble was of my own making.
I tried to think of a plausible excuse. However, this time the Servant’s unexpected ability, which I had forgotten about for a while, seemed to have activated faithfully.
Jung Garam looked down at my squirming body as the silence continued. The corners of his lips contorted, “You know, I’ve already heard everything?”
“Huh?”
“‘Hui-seo-ssi is strange but blah blah blah…’ How very sweet?”
Damn it…!
I must be out of my mind. I forgot that servants could hear everything, no matter how quiety I whisper to myself, as if I had been bugged!
Wait a minute…So he’s saying he knows everything?
I got angry at Jung Garam’s sarcastic tone. “Then, why did you ask me if you already knew everything, hm?”
“I wanted to know what went through your dumb mind when you said that.” Jung Garam grabbed my chin–I was still sitting in that chair–and forced my head up. Though they were a few thin and elegant fingers, I did not dare resist that noticeably different force.
He leaned his face close to mine and spoke in an almost threatening tone. “A person in your position sympathizing with Koo Hui-seo? Don’t make me laugh…What do you think might have happened if I didn’t arrive just then? How long do you think it would take him to twist your neck?”
“You don’t know how insignificant and foolish you are. And how do you, in every situation, choose to do the things that will worry both me and Dawon-hyung…” After saying so, Jung Garam clasped my neck with his other hand.
I thought he was going to grab me by the collar, but, instead, his cold hands slowly stroked the vessels along the side of my neck.
I couldn’t muster up the energy to rebel–overwhelmed by the pressure along my airway and the grim expression the Treasure Hunter wore.
Shaking, I simply let him do as he wished; Jung Garam sighed deeply.
Then, he leaned his forehead against my neck, rubbing into me: he was acting like a child. Detestably changing the tone of his voice, he whined, “Choi Lee-kyung. Why do you feel bad for Koo Hui-seo? From now on, he’ll be the guildmaster of the guild with the most cash flow–and a Ranker to boot. If his younger brother messes with him, his mother will solve everything for him. He’s better off than you no matter how you look at it.”
“……”
“If you’re going to pity someone, pity me. I’m already dead. Additionally, I’ve been contracted to a small fry like you.”
“…….”
“You’re still renting your lodgings, your level is low, your abilities are shabby, and, most of all, I’m afraid you’ll die with any errant blow. As your contractee, every day my heart pounds with anxiety…I feel like I’m going to develop a mental illness because of you?”
What could I say to argue with that?
I could only swallow my pent-up frustration and respond, “I understand…Nothing happened, it’s fine…”
TL: I’m still on vacation so I’m a bit slow to upload~ but here’s 93!
MC finally said to someone “I have no feelings for you” lmao.
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