7.5 Interlude (2)
After the bidding competition for the last quantity of layered rock formations was concluded, my daily life was extremely peaceful. Although the dispute within the Liyue merchant community intensified, centered around the Biun Merchant Association, it was not my concern. Often, whenever Haengchu asked me to lend him my strength, all I did was sign a document.
However, the work at the top has increased rapidly recently. Like it or not, I had achieved hegemony over the Liyue commercial world. Naturally, the size of the upper level has grown day by day, and recently, the workload has become so much that the existing upper level employees cannot handle it alone.
First of all, a job posting was posted, but there was a human resource that could not be replaced no matter how many additional top employees were hired. Among them, the representative workforce was the ‘top stockholder.’ No matter how many employees I hire, all decisions at the top go through me. So, even if the number of employees increased, there was no way my work would decrease.
Rather, it was overwhelming just to review and sign the various reports and proposals that came in every day. In addition, I have so many external schedules that it has been difficult to even find time to return to my accommodation recently.
Nevertheless, having a peaceful mind was something that gave strength to everyday life that was spinning like a treadmill. Before that, I would suffer from problems related to the glow even during break times, but now that doesn’t happen anymore. Rather, the problem was that everything was going well.
My troupe has now grown to a size worthy of being ranked among the ranks of proper caravans. Of course, it was called the ‘Grand Prize Corps’ before then, but this was a national story. There was a feeling that it was a bit lacking to obtain the name of ‘caravan group’ for the entire Tivat continent.
However, after defeating the Enlightenment Merchant, the reputation of my superior spread throughout the Tibat Continent. Of course, it was a bit of a cowardly match that took advantage of Eung-gwang’s weakness, but the fact that Eung-gwang, who was writing the legend of undefeation, was defeated by a rookie who made his Sanggye debut less than a year ago made the upper ranks of the Tivat Continent nervous.
And that reputation soon led to my top credit rating. It was a top group that showed sufficient cash mobilization power even when competing with the top companies of Eungwang. The thought that at least I would never run out of cash to fulfill the contract gave my superiors extraordinary credit.
Since ancient times, credit is the lifeblood of capitalist society, and it was thanks to that reputation that my business continued to prosper day by day.
Now, there was no shortage of fame and capital anywhere on the Tivat continent. There was still a limitation that the scope of activities was limited to certain areas such as Mond and Liyue, but this was also a problem that could be resolved gradually as there was sufficient capital.
At least wherever he went, he would be at a level that could assist Lumine. I was proud of that. The fact that I, who until recently was just a burden to Lumine, has now become capable of protecting her.
However, even during this peaceful daily life, there were no incidents. Although they were not serious problems, they still caused some concern.
The first of these was related to palm seeds. That day, as usual, while I was reviewing documents in the upper office, I heard the secretary’s voice.
“Mr. Sangdanju, a close friend of Sangdanju has come to visit.”
‘Close friend’? I immediately thought of several names in my head. However, among them, there were few who would come to me in broad daylight. So I had no choice but to answer while tilting my head.
“Please let me in.”
Then the door burst open. The secretary bowed his head politely outside the door and guided his guest. Since the guest was an unexpected person, I stood up in joy.
The identity of the customer was ‘Palm Seed.’ He, along with Tartaglia and I, was the so-called ‘Three Princes of Liyue’ in the streets, and he was also the most leisurely person among us. He usually sat alone in his room and listened to the storyteller, saying he was considerate of me and Tartaglia, who were busy with work, but today, for some reason, he came to my office.
No matter the circumstances, it was always a pleasure to meet a close friend. I greeted him as if I was a little surprised, but also full of joy.
“No, Mr. Palm! “For some reason, you came all the way to the top.”
I immediately got up and walked towards Jong-ryeo with joy, and as always, Jong-ryeo showed me respect with restrained movements.
“Nice to see you again, Siwoo. “It was a sudden visit so I don’t know if it was inconvenient.”
“No, no…” Is there something that can be called lungs? I was just getting tired of looking at the documents. “Let’s sit down first.”
I said that to Mr. Palm, who looked a little sorry, and offered him a seat. And I asked the secretary for tea and refreshments. The secretary quickly brought out teapots and other teaware, and soon the basic conditions for conversation were established on the reception table in the office.
Fragrant tea and refreshments. These two could not be left out when talking to important guests in Liyue. The only exception was when drinking alcohol.
The fragrant scent of tea brewed from the finest tea leaves tickled the tip of his nose. As the financial situation at the top has improved these days, it was a car that took a bit of extra effort to acquire, but it was worth it. This could be seen just by looking at the satisfied face of Mr. Palm, who was picky about etiquette.
In Liyue, the quality of the tea leaves was also the level of respect shown to the other person. Mr. Palm nodded his head with a faint smile.
“Hmm, it’s a nice scent… “It looks like it was brewed from tea leaves that only grow in the high mountains of Jeoungan.”
“Yes, because it is known as a place where ancestors stay, tea leaves influenced by sage energy grow there. Of course, half of this is an exaggeration, but shouldn’t the tea just have a good scent?”
“hahahahaha… That’s true. “As a person from Liyue, I am happy that you have now come to understand Liyue’s tea ceremony.”
Starting with the tea leaves, various stories were exchanged between the palm seeds and me. Starting with taking care of myself, talking about Tartaglia who is not here, and even talking about the ‘Rite of Transmission’ that Lumine is helping.
The ‘Sending Rite’ is the exact opposite of the ‘Cheongsin Rite’, and was an event similar to a funeral to send off a dead god. Of course, this is the first time that a Liyue god has died, but the Liyue people, who value tradition and etiquette, hoped that their god would also separate from the world through strict rituals.
And the person chosen to officiate such a national-scale funeral was Mr. Palm. He had the potential to be a person who was called the most knowledgeable scholar among Wangsaengdang. In other words, isn’t he recognized as the nation’s top etiquette expert?
Thanks to that, Lumine was helping Mr. Palm for a while, traveling around here and there to prepare for the sending ceremony. They said that the Dark King Emperor’s hull remained, and I said I could negotiate with Liwol Chilseong and show him at least the hull, but Lumine seemed to want the matter to be handled secretly.
The hull of the Emperor Amwang was also the source of Mora produced from the golden jade of Liyue. In the first place, ‘Mora’ itself was created from the body of the rock god Morax. Considering that Mora was the only reserve currency used throughout the Tivat continent, there was a high probability that the hull was also stored in great secrecy.
So, even if it came into contact with such a ship, there was a high possibility that Lumine would not be able to observe it to the degree desired. So, it seemed that Lumine wanted to unofficially see the Dark Lord’s hull while preparing for the sending ceremony.
That wasn’t wrong, so I decided to stay still. For me, it was somewhat reassuring just to know that Lumine was sleeping in a warm room and eating delicious meals.
However, Mr. Palm seemed to be a little embarrassed by the fact that Lumine was jealous of Mr. Palm and me at times, and I had nothing to say other than cliche words of comfort.
That’s what makes Lumine cute. When several stories were exchanged like that, I finally asked Mr. Palm.
“By the way, Mr. Jongryeo, what’s going on? “He usually didn’t visit me when I was at work.”
At my words, Palm Seed closed his eyes and swallowed a sigh. He thumped the teacup he was holding and returned it to the table. And he spoke to me with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“Well, it’s no different… “I came here to ask if you had any free schedules recently.”
“…… ? “A schedule?”
I couldn’t understand the English sentence, so I had no choice but to ask Mr. Palm again. If we were going to make a date for drinks, we would naturally meet up at any free time without having to ask about the schedule, but we weren’t in a relationship where it was worth asking about the schedule.
Then there was only one answer. They say you have to make an appointment to make official contact, so what reason is there for me to meet officially with Mr. Jong-ryeo?
Mr. Palm cleared his throat, hmm, clearing his throat. He spoke to me in a voice full of regret.
“It seems that the head of the Wangsaeng clan of this generation wants to meet you.”
“Ah… Him.”
It was only then that I understood Mr. Palm’s reaction. Was the head of Wangsaengdang’s name ‘Hodu’? Her name was so famous in Liyue that I had heard of it.
I heard that you are a very unpredictable person. Even the wise Mr. Palm found her somewhat difficult. Today, it seemed like he couldn’t resist the pressure and came to see me.
Hmm, I looked away for a moment as if thinking. Tap, tap, my index finger tapped the table. Of course, I had no intention of rejecting Mr. Jongryeo’s request, but was just wondering when there would be an empty schedule.
I quickly remembered the answer and nodded as if it was no big deal.
“Then let’s meet again next week at the earliest. Of course, this will only be possible if the head of the Wangsaeng family has time…….”
Jongryeo breathed a sigh of relief as if he was glad to hear what I said. However, he seemed to hesitate for some reason, and eventually he opened his mouth in a sighing voice.
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that. But… ….”
Mr. Palm warned me in advance with a puzzled look in his eyes.
“That child… He’s a bit of an unusual kid, so it might feel a little rude. “Please understand with an open mind.”
I chuckled at those words and ended up laughing. The response was that they were worried about everything. After all, he was someone who could be said to be Jongryeo’s superior, so he was wondering how I could possibly be angry about something like that. I declared in a confident voice.
“Jongryeo, you don’t have to worry. “After all, I am a person who has met all kinds of people.”
It was like that when I was working at the top, and it was like that even when I was in real life. When a college student was thrown into a labor site empty-handed, he would meet all kinds of people. How could I, who had been trained like that, be swayed by a girl with a slightly unique mentality?
It was such an expression of confidence, but Mr. Palm still looked at me with suspicious eyes. However, he soon felt like he had nothing more to say, and eventually nodded his head heavily.
“…… “Then, please take care of me.”
After a few more words were exchanged, Mr. Jongryeo announced his intention to get up. His argument was that you shouldn’t hold on to busy people for too long. Of course, it was okay for me to talk a little more, but it was also true that I was busy, so I decided to put my regrets aside and see Jongryeo off.
However, before leaving, Mr. Palm asked me a strange question.
“Siwoo, this is just a what-if story.”
Now, just before opening the door and going out, Mr. Jongryeo started praying like that.
“…… “What would it be like if the King of Darkness hadn’t died?”
“You’re saying you’re not dead? “Is this the case when he was alive and continued to rule Liyue?”
“No, that’s not it… “What if the King of Darkness wasn’t dead, but he had concocted an incident to pretend to be dead?”
I burst out laughing at those words. Are you pretending to be dead? Why would Lord Cheng, who has led Liyue for thousands of years, do such a thing? Mr. Palm made a confused face for some reason at the sound of my laughter, but I told him regardless.
“No, kekekeuk, the King of Darkness is pretending to be dead? What are you doing? Mr. Jongryeo was a person with a surprisingly rich imagination. “That’s a twist that wouldn’t even be used in third-rate novels on the market.”
Despite my continued answer, Mr. Jongryeo just closed his eyes and was lost in thought. However, since this was the question asked first, I stopped teasing the palm seed and thought about it for a while.
“But, well, it’s just a what-if. The King of Darkness wasn’t dead, but he pretended to be dead and this caused this uproar…….”
My worries did not last long. Because the answer was so clear. I smiled slightly.
“…… “I have to give it a shot somehow.”
A sigh escaped from Mr. Palm’s mouth. He asked as if looking at me.
“Is that really the case?”
“Well, because of that irresponsible act, the whole country was shaken, and Lumine had to suffer by sleeping on the street for over a month. “Of course you wouldn’t be angry, would you?”
“Even if it is a path for Li Yue?”
I was speechless for a moment at that question. My frown narrowed. ‘The road for Liyue’? It was not clear how Li Yue was related to the departure of the King Emperor. However, there was one person that suddenly crossed my mind.
The mere disappearance of Gan Yu, Gacheng, and Emperor Yan shook Li Yue to its roots. The conflict between the two was representative. If it were not for the abnormally high dependence on the King of Darkness, there would have been a brief storm in Liyue.
I thought for a moment and then sighed.
“…… “If that’s the case, I understand.”
At the same time, I opened the door instead of Mr. Palm. Mr. Palm’s golden gaze was still fixed on me.
“But I can’t forgive. “If you’ve given Lumine a hard time, you have to give her a hard time somehow.”
In response to my answer, Mr. Palm just smiled bitterly. He nodded his head with his eyes closed.
“…… “Yes, that is your answer.”
I didn’t know what the question meant, but I had the feeling that it was an important question to Mr. Jongryeo. Even so, I wouldn’t be able to understand the deep inside of it.
Nevertheless, I decided to think that one day I would hear that story.
The second incident that remained in my memory was with Mona. That day, she returned home from work early for the first time in a long time, and found Mona, who had not yet returned to Mond, sitting in her living room.
After Lumine returned, I introduced Li Yue’s home to Lumine and Mona. Until then, she had been staying at the hostel, but now that Lumine was back, she had nothing to worry about. The accommodation, which has been well managed by the top staff, has received favorable reviews from Lumine and Mona.
Of course, it was the same with Paymon. She seemed impressed by the dedicated Paymon bathtub in her bathroom. It wasn’t that big, so it didn’t take up much space.
Lumine and Mona, who were assigned their own rooms, seemed intent on staying in this mansion for a while. Lumineya said there was still work left to do in Liyue, but it was surprising that Mona was still there.
It must not be easy for her to remain at the Mond headquarters. However, I was secretly happy to have Mona by my side, so I deliberately did not bring up such topics.
It seemed that Lumine had not returned yet. As soon as I entered, Mona smiled brightly. She closed the book she was reading and came towards me.
And as if it was natural, he clung to my arm and smiled. Those green jade-like eyes were so attractive no matter how many times I saw them, my heart pounded a little.
“Are you back, Siwoo?”
“…… Uh, um. I finished work a little early today. What about Lumine?”
Mona’s eye smile became more alluring at my question. She answered in a refreshingly even voice.
“She hasn’t come back yet. “It’s been a while since we were alone together?”
At the same time, she secretly clung to me even more, and I had no choice but to hold my breath at the uniquely soft feel of the female body. A groan escaped me, “Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk””.
Mona’s proactiveness sometimes puzzled me. She was a very attractive woman, and her clothes also had an aspect that stimulated men’s lust. If I had been a little less rational, I would have attacked Mona a long time ago.
But not now. I had Lumine and many knots to untie. I sighed deeply.
“Mona, stay away… “It’s hard to bear.”
“Are you telling me not to hold back?”
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Mona then provoked me with a confident smile, but I just shook her head and took her steps. Mona seemed a little annoyed by my withering attitude and turned into a sulky face. Her face was pretty, so she had a cute side to it.
I glanced at her and smiled at her. And he said it teasingly.
“If I don’t hold back, I’ll be in big trouble, right?”
“…… “Hmph, you speak well.”
“Is it true, or try to predict a future that I can’t stand?”
I lay down on the soft sofa in the living room. Perhaps because of the luxurious materials used, I felt a sense of stability as soon as I leaned on it. Mona stared at me for a moment, then sat down next to me with a haughty gait.
Then, he slowly leaned his body towards me and started grumbling as if his anger had not yet subsided.
“You already saw it? “Isn’t there just one or two women involved?”
Mona then snorted her laughter. He was criticizing my half-baked attitude. She nudged my side as if blaming me.
“…… “You flirt.”
However, there were quite a few things I felt a little unfair about. Of course, even ten mouths had nothing to say about not choosing either Lumine, Mona, or Fissle. But I was planning on making a decision soon and had no plans to cheat after that.
“No, Mona… “They keep saying that there are many women by my side, but I have no intention of doing so?”
“Fate doesn’t lie. Look at me. “I’m doing this because I got involved with a playboy.”
Hearing those words, I couldn’t help but groan. It seemed like I would only incur losses if I spoke anyway, but I opened my mouth with the feeling that I had to get my money’s worth.
“Mona, I am…….”
“…… “So, are you going to abandon me?”
I was out of breath. My mind went blank at Mona’s sudden question. Mona was looking at me without saying anything. She has pure white skin and eyes that resemble green jade. The woman who did everything for me, beautiful with her dark blue hair.
A broken breath flowed from my throat. She said, her voice breaking out with him.
“No, I mean… ….”
“Or Lumine or Fissle?”
I am speechless again. Then she snorted, as if she knew Mona would do that, and then she pinched my side with all her might.
At that moment, a scream came out of my mouth. It was an unexpected surprise attack. Of course it was bound to hurt.
“aaah! Hey Mona. What I just did was really painful…… !”
“I said it hurts, so of course it is. Anyway… “He’s a playboy.”
With that, Mona let out a deep sigh, and then she leaned helplessly into my arms. Even though the pinch on her side made me feel sore, I couldn’t shake Mona off.
Her soft weight was placed on me, and Mona’s subdued voice rang out.
“…… “Just give me a hug, quickly.”
I hesitated a little, but I couldn’t help but put my arms around Mona’s body as she glared at me. I felt a warm touch in her arms. Mona said a little indignantly.
“I’m just putting up with it… “So far, I think she’s the first.”
‘That woman’, when I heard those words, I thought of a certain woman. A girl with golden hair and beautiful scarlet eyes.
It was always in the back of my mind, and now that I can shake off any remaining lingering feelings about reality, there is only one decision I have to make.
He would choose her, Mona seemed resentful of that fact.
“If you think about it, I am also a stone that has been rolled over, so I will be patient with you. Instead, promise me one thing.”
I didn’t say anything. He was silent and then just sighed.
“…… “What?”
“Don’t take another woman’s side in front of me… At least stay quiet. Otherwise, you could die.”
As she said that, Mona’s eyes took on a dreary light for just a moment. A primal emotion that replaces the primal desire to monopolize the man you love.
“…… “Not you, that b*tch.”
In the end, I had no choice but to sigh due to the fiercely burning hostility accompanied by the sound of “Ugh.”
Another reason I can’t make a decision is because someone might die.
I’m not joking, I was honestly afraid of such a future.
**
Nevertheless, I did not believe in the future Mona saw. To be more precise, it was right to say that it didn’t feel real. Of course, there were partners who could develop into a relationship between a man and a woman. Nevertheless, there was always an ambiguous feeling about heteros*xual relationships.
Once you cross a certain line, you become man and woman. Otherwise, we’re just friends. Who crosses that line first, and who defines that ambiguous emotion as ‘love’ first? It was a matter of reason that was divided over such trivial issues. This is a problem I have also encountered several times.
The important thing is not to leave even such ‘space’. If you can’t see the line to cross in the first place, you can’t cross it. Of course, there are people who arbitrarily cross the line in the name of unrequited love, but that was inevitable since it was force majeure in the first place.
However, as we live, we form relationships with countless people, and among them, those of the opposite s*x who have deep interactions develop such ‘lines’ without knowing it. It’s just a question of whose heart is farther from that line. That’s why people use complex measures to distance themselves from others and try to get closer to others.
That’s what ‘love’ is all about, the biggest challenge of youth. At least that’s what I thought. I thought I was somewhat familiar with such problems, having experienced many incidents of my own. Of course, it did not take long for such arrogance to be broken.
Sake glasses, snacks, and bottles. No matter who saw it, it was a common drinking scene. Including the fact that there were three people present, it didn’t feel strange at all.
The alcohol got to my head. The alcohol, hot as steam, penetrated my brain. My judgment was clouded, and only my thinking circuit was repeating an overwhelming cycle of idling to understand the current situation.
The two women were facing each other. A woman with light purple hair and a woman with blue hair. The eyes of the two women clashed in the air.
The soft wine-colored eyes were heated with heat, and the mysterious purple eyes were set in an extremely cold light. The two women’s words point at each other like swords.
“It’s fun… You go around calling someone a whore, but what you’re actually doing is a whore? “I guess you can’t control that dirty body anymore?”
“Didn’t old man Ok-hyung tell you? No matter who I meet, it’s private… And I remember that you had a late-night schedule today, but I didn’t know that someone of Chilseong’s age would abandon his national affairs and come… “No, it’s not Chilseong, it’s because she’s a girl blinded by jealousy?”
I tried to supply oxygen to my brain by dry washing my face in order to relieve my brain, which was heated by the heat of alcohol, even a little. However, no matter how much oxygen was supplied, the thought circuit that had already been released could not function properly.
I looked back on my memories. Have those two ever had a fight like that in front of me? Of course, I could understand that those two had a secret fondness for me. Because it could have been so. However, the fact that such a war of nerves broke out between the two women meant that it had already happened a long time ago.
Without my knowledge, between the two of us. And I didn’t know that. That was the only conclusion I could come to right now.
“‘Slut’…… ? Ha, I’m glad you’re a girl. “Because I don’t live as long as others.”
“…… “Have you finished speaking?”
Electricity and cold air rise. A very small explosion was occurring, as if a fire was going off. It was evidence that the feelings between the two were becoming more and more intense. The power of the elements moves according to the will of its owner.
When the situation seemed to be getting more serious, I tried to come up with the best words with my still head.
“What are you doing? Calm down first…” ….”
“…… Siwoo, you!”
However, this seems to have been a mistake. Gritting my teeth, a sharp voice pierced my ears. It was the voice of each office. The two women’s eyes turned to me at once.
“You choose.”
And I asked.
“…… “Is it me or that woman?”
The eyes of the two women turned to me, and a difficult question as difficult as the problem between humans and good people was posed. I could only sigh.
Paymon, where are you? Help me, please.