510

 [Chapter 139]

[The Phoenix Egg (4)]

For a moment, he wondered what had happened.

A tongue entered.

He only remembers that sensation.

"—Are you in your right mind?"

"What?"

"What did you do to me?"

Eunha belatedly came to his senses.

By then, Han Seo-hyun had already pulled his hand, and the two had just left the Player Market.

Unlike when Eunha faced off against Kang Hyun-chul in the Player Market.

People walking on the street paid no attention to the two.

He tightly held her hand as it was, stopping her.

This noona really...

Does she have thoughts or not?

Han Seo-hyun kissed him.

In front of many people, especially players who are so loose-lipped.

Han Seo-hyun, a direct descendant of Sirius Group, essentially created a scandal lowering her own value.

Though they safely escaped the commotion thanks to her creating the scandal, it wasn't worth it.

It was too much.

But she actually—

"—We kissed, didn't we?"

After staring ahead for a while.

She said that after a long pause when Eunha's question ended.

Her manner of speaking while looking back was too brazen.

As if to say what did I do wrong?

What is this? Am I the strange one?

Why is this noona so shameless?

Eunha was dumbfounded.

He stuck out his tongue.

Her attitude was so nonchalant that he thought he might be making a fuss over nothing.

He inwardly agonized, but that wasn't it.

"...Why did you kiss me?"

"It was... the most efficient way to get out of that situation."

"..."

"Thanks to that, didn't we escape well?"

Han Seo-hyun asks with a smile.

Efficient.

It truly was efficient.

And it was too shocking.

Eunha closed his mouth for a moment hearing those words from her.

Then as if she gained momentum—

"—It's not strange for engaged couples to kiss, is it? We were able to safely escape from there, and we spread the fact that we're engaged to people around, so isn't it a good deal for just one kiss?"

"...What is this? Why am I embarrassed and noona is acting like it's nothing? Shouldn't it be the opposite?"

"It's strange to be embarrassed. A kiss... what's the big deal?"

"..."

"Looking at this, you're still young?"

"Hah, really..."

Now she's outright teasing him.

Eunha laughed bitterly in exasperation.

She seems to think nothing of it.

On the other hand, he didn't like that he was reacting sensitively to the situation.

At the same time, her behavior of not treating her body preciously bothered him.

"Noona, when you got engaged to that guy too..."

So he couldn't help but ask.

And he blurted out words impulsively then flinched.

Han Seo-hyun was glaring at him coldly.

"—Do you think I would have done that?"

"...Sorry. I got worked up for a moment."

"I understand you misunderstanding. But if you say something like that again... you know?"

"I got it."

"I'll apologize too for kissing you without saying anything. But there really was no other way then."

"..."

Was there really no other way?

Eunha quietly looked at her who had put away her angry emotions.

No matter how he thought about it—

—Don't you like me?

Then why did you stick your tongue in?

Such doubts wouldn't leave.

But he couldn't move his mouth.

He had asked before if she liked him.

What did she say then?

'Do you perhaps like me?'

'You know that's being self-conscious, right?'

Even if he asked her again now, she would tease him without blinking an eye.

So Eunha decided to speak indirectly with that meaning.

"—I've said this before too."

"What?"

"I have no intention of marrying you. I'm sorry to you noona, but just being engaged is enough for me to achieve my goal."

Eunha recalled the promise.

Han Seo-hyun's eyes widened.

But that was only for a moment.

Han Seo-hyun whose eyes quickly curved prettily opened her mouth.

"—That's the same for me. Why, are you saying that because you think I'll ask you to marry me?"

"..."

"I probably won't cling to you, so don't worry about that."

"...Really?"

"You're the one who shouldn't develop feelings for me later."

"Do you think I would?"

"Then why are you being so embarrassed about the kiss?"

"..."

"And it seems like you've been staring at my lips this whole time... This is probably just my imagination?"

Han Seo-hyun giggles softly.

Eunha couldn't say anything.

And he was somewhat displeased.

Eunha made a sullen face.

Why do I feel like I'm getting caught up in this noona's pace?

A strange feeling of losing.

Thinking this wasn't like him, he soon decided to go on the offensive.

He was determined to see Han Seo-hyun flustered.

"So a kiss is just a means too?"

"Yes. Shouldn't you use any means necessary to get what you want? We're in a strategic marriage anyway."

"I guess that's right. Then should I start strategically kissing randomly too?"

"...Do as you please."

"Really? Then I should kiss you now."

"Why?"

"What do you think people at the market thought of me? They'll probably make fun of me for being timid, right? So I need to show them that's not the case by kissing you first this time."

"...You have a point. Then where are you planning to do it?"

"Where else? We should do it here."

"...On the main street?"

"Isn't that obvious? Why are you hesitating now?"

She took the bait.

Eunha smiled triumphantly.

He took a step forward seeing the flustered Han Seo-hyun.

He places his hand on her cheek.

She froze in place.

"And noona. You don't know how to kiss, do you?"

"...What?"

"Just sticking your tongue in isn't everything."

"W-What are you trying to do?"

"Why don't you experience it yourself?"

"..."

"Close your eyes."

Han Seo-hyun's eyes shake.

Now that he looks, her neck is bright red.

He pressed his body close to her.

Only then did she seem to sense something and tightly shut her eyes.

I should flick her forehead.

Punishment for teasing me.

Eunha was planning to pretend to kiss her and flick her forehead.

Just then.

"—Um... kids? Sorry to interrupt your intimate dating, but could I talk with you for a bit?"

"Hey! You should finish what you started!"

""..."" 

Park Hye-rim was nearby at some point.

Eunha let go of his hands that were holding Han Seo-hyun seeing her who appeared without warning.

...When did she follow us?

The crazy squid followed too.

Eunha's face crumpled.

He thought about running away again, but—

"—Hey, Eunha. Won't you spare some time for my sake? I'll keep that person from causing a scene."

"..."

"I'm not asking for the return beast egg. I've already persuaded him about that. Just... sigh, that person says he wants to talk with you..."

Park Hye-rim pleads desperately.

Twelve Seats Park Hye-rim.

Also a player of Regulus Clan.

She was his sister No Eun-ah's master and senior.

"...Okay."

Since she begged so much, he had no choice in the end.

☆

Let's eat since we're hungry!

That person said cheerfully.

He has no dignity as one of the Twelve Seats.

Park Hye-rim who briefly asked someone else to handle her work only wanted to sigh seeing how pathetic the person next to her was.

"Hye-rim, add more red pepper paste. That's how it's delicious."

"I'll eat as I please."

A blood sausage soup restaurant near COEX.

She who came in guided by that person slowly ate the blood sausage soup placed in front of her.

It was frustrating, but delicious.

Soon she quietly raised her head and looked at the two people sitting across.

"The blood sausage is hot so you'll burn the roof of your mouth if you eat it now. Put it separately in the bowl... no, I'll do it for you."

"Okay, thanks. Want some pepper?"

"I'll eat it if you give it to me."

"Here."

"Yum."

They said they were engaged.

No Eunha and Han Seo-hyun.

The two seemed close.

She warmly watched Eunha separating the blood sausage from Han Seo-hyun's bowl and Seo-hyun feeding him green peppers.

Eun-ah was right.

It's not a strategic marriage like people said.

They look good together.

No Eunha, the younger brother of her No Eun-ah.

The No Eunha Park Hye-rim remembered was a child who had killing intent to protect his sister over 10 years ago.

A child who seemed to make her shudder just by being near.

But now that child has grown handsome and is taking good care of his fiancée.

The image of Eunha in her mind changed positively.

On the other hand—

"—Ah, this place's soup is the best as expected."

"..."

How has this person not changed at all in over 10 years?

She couldn't help but resent him who was just wolfing down his food.

☆

He felt strangely annoyed.

The reason he felt annoyed was actually something trivial.

The delicious restaurant he and Kang Hyun-chul knew was the same.

Eunha's pride was hurt.

I should never come here again.

He might cling to me if I come eat blood sausage soup for no reason.

Still, he was satisfied seeing Han Seo-hyun eating the blood sausage soup deliciously.

Eunha glanced at her carefully sipping the soup.

Her mouth was so small.

"—Ah, that was delicious."

Around that time.

Kang Hyun-chul who had been hastily eating without cooling the blood sausage soup put down his spoon.

It was as if the gift protected the roof of his mouth.

Anyway, Eunha moved his spoon to continue eating.

"Hey, Eunha. So..."

Hey, Eunha.

So...

Since when did they become close enough for him to speak so familiarly?

Eunha couldn't understand.

Of course, he was eating free blood sausage soup.

Meanwhile, the way Kang Hyun-chul who had been eating without saying anything brought up a topic was ridiculous.

Player Park Hye-rim had been talking this whole time, so what "so" is this?

Let's just eat blood sausage.

He decided to just ignore him.

Eunha ate without even looking at him.

Regardless, Kang Hyun-chul now spoke while picking his teeth with a toothpick.

"From the moment I saw that egg at the auction hall, I thought I absolutely had to have it... Well, what can I do. I can't take what you bought."

"Just try to take it. I'll really tell Seo-young unni then. No, is taking things from a kid something an adult should do?"

"That's why I said I won't do it."

Kang Hyun-chul and Park Hye-rim arguing.

It was a scene Eunha had seen many times in his previous life too.

So he looked at Han Seo-hyun.

She's eating well.

It was worth bringing her.

Should I tease her later about kissing after eating blood sausage soup?

Han Seo-hyun scoops rice.

Eunha put diced radish kimchi on top to make it easier to eat.

She who was momentarily surprised answers with a smile.

Meanwhile, the banter between the two people sitting across had ended.

"—I won't take the egg, so let's have a match instead!"

"I don't want to."

"No, why!?"

Kang Hyun-chul suggested cheerfully.

In a tone like asking to go play somewhere, a voice that might make you agree unconsciously.

But Eunha was indifferent.

There was nothing to be flustered about.

He had received Kang Hyun-chul's sparring proposals to the point of being sick of them in his previous life.

But Kang Hyun-chul didn't seem to have thought he would refuse the proposal.

Eunha's answer was simple.

"I'm not even a player, how could I spar with the Blaze Clan Lord? Moreover, someone who's one of the Twelve Seats."

"Hey, I have a brain too. I'm not saying to fight right now."

"Then when?"

"Hmm..."

Eunha asked in an annoyed tone.

Kang Hyun-chul who received the question seemed lost in thought for a moment.

Soon he leaned back in his chair and rocked back and forth—

"—It's probably impossible this year, but I think I'll visit the academy to give a lecture next year?"

"So?"

"By then you'll be 19, so you'll have grown somewhat from now, right?"

"Maybe."

"Let's have a match then. I'll teach you a thing or two as your senior."

"Okay, I refuse."

"Why? How come?"

Kang Hyun-chul making a face as if how could he refuse his proposal.

Eunha calmly recalled his memories.

Come to think of it, it was next year.

When the crazy squid came to give a lecture around the cultural festival...

Though the lecture was truly terrible, only emphasizing grit.

Eunha inwardly gave a bitter smile.

Because he recalled the memory of attending the lecture with Lee Yu-jeong and leaving halfway in disappointment.

Anyway, Eunha refused.

"What's the reason?"

"Because there's no benefit for me. Why should I use my strength to spar with you?"

"...This is the first time I've been treated like this."

"Too bad."

"What do you want? I have a lot of money."

"Someone like that couldn't even pay 6 billion?"

"Hey! Is 6 billion someone's name!?"

"Anyway, I don't need money."

"Ugh..."

Han Seo-hyun finished eating.

Eunha thought about getting up from his seat soon.

He didn't want to be involved with Kang Hyun-chul anymore.

There was no reason to have a sparring match that wouldn't benefit him at all.

Just then.

"—Then if money doesn't work, how about this?"

"...What is it?"

Kang Hyun-chul held him back.

Eunha looked at Kang Hyun-chul who seemed to have had a flash of inspiration.

He grinned triumphantly.

It looked just like squid legs wriggling disgustingly.

But what he said was completely different from his appearance.

"—How about Blaze Clan issuing a statement of support?"

"...What

"..."

"The news that you'll create your own independent party when you graduate from the academy is spreading like wildfire in this industry."

"So?"

"But they say a protruding stone meets the mason's chisel. With rumors spreading like this, there may be people around who don't look favorably on you creating a party?"

"..."

"So when you create a party, Blaze Clan will issue a statement of support to the industry. Ah, a congratulatory statement on the launch? Is that right?"

This is nonsense.

Eunha opened his mouth.

How could Kang Hyun-chul have such an idea?

This guy is really crazy...

He's racking his brains because he wants to fight so badly.

Eunha was convinced this was an answer Kang Hyun-chul came up with himself, seeing Park Hye-rim beside him also looking startled.

Anyway, a statement of support...

A statement of support from an S-rank clan.

Certainly, he didn't have that kind of background to use.

If the party he would create someday encounters some mishap, if that mishap is caused by someone's plot.

Then Blaze Clan would turn their swords towards them.

So unless someone was crazy, no one would attack his party.

Hmm...

It's not a bad proposal.

Eunha pondered.

Still, his heart wasn't strongly moved.

Is he saying he can't receive a statement of support from any S-rank clan other than Blaze Clan?

After long deliberation, as he was about to refuse—

"—I'll take responsibility and ask Regulus to issue a statement of support too. If not, I'll give you a useful artifact or jurisdiction."

"Excuse me? Why are you suddenly dragging me into this? Huh?"

"Hmm..."

Kang Hyun-chul added to the proposal.

The added proposal was tempting.

Not one, but two statements of support.

For Eunha, it could be said to be not a bad proposal.

There's no way he wouldn't receive Regulus Clan's statement of support...

If necessary, he could just take the assets Blaze Clan holds...

Not bad.

This much was worth crossing swords.

Just then, Han Seo-hyun whose eyes met as he turned his head was also looking at him to accept the proposal.

"—Okay. Make sure you keep your promise."

"Yes! I always keep my promises!"

"And since I'm an academy student, go easy on me okay?"

"What? How?"

"...Not using artifacts? And since it's just a sparring match, not using extremely dangerous magic?"

"That much is fine..."

"In exchange, I'll use artifacts."

"Ugh... Okay, fine."

And so Eunha made an unequal treaty with Kang Hyun-chul.