7.5 Interlude (4)
In the office in the middle of the night, the light on the top floor of Siwoo Sangdan, which did not go out even at night, guarded the night of Liyue like a lighthouse. It is not unusual for the lights in the upper management’s office to not turn off until late at night. In particular, as the ability of the top tier became more important as he led the caravan, it was natural that the owner of the top tier, who was growing to the level of the Siwoo Sangdan, was incredibly busy.
But today’s office was a little different. There was only one shadow guarding the office at night, but today two more shadows were mixed in. And the circumstances inside were more complicated. Inside the office, two women and a man were exchanging glances.
The man among them was me, and the other two women were Gakcheong and Gamwoo. I was just about to get angry. Rather than being truly angry, it was just a matter of trying to stall for time.
Fortunately, Gakcheong and Sister Gamwoo were embarrassed and stopped fighting for a while. It was worth it. In the end, I was the cause of the two people’s fight, but if I, the person involved, got angry, the two of us had no choice but to stop thinking temporarily. Also, the fact that they forgot my existence while they were fighting was also significant.
I was also a human being with emotions, and therefore, I had my own thoughts regardless of the fight between the two. However, that premise was forgotten and the two were arguing. I haven’t fully grasped the situation yet, but aren’t I being asked to make a choice?
I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Moreover, I don’t tend to get angry very often. Once such a person became angry, it was common to first want to appease them. It could also be said to be a kind of illusion. The illusion of ‘Have we crossed the line?’
That misunderstanding made each office, which was furious, feel discouraged, and Sister Kamu also began to hesitate. Gakcheong, who had a look on his face, cautiously opened his mouth.
“Well, I mean… ….”
As Gakcheong opened her mouth, I let out another frustrated sigh. Gakcheong seemed to be shocked by my attitude and closed her mouth again. I still don’t know how angry I am or what I’m angry about, so it seems like I’m just trying to keep an eye on him.
However, this advantage was only temporary. I thought during the quiet moment. So, is this situation where two women are fighting over me, so to speak?
It was an admirable thing. Sister Gakcheong and Sister Gamwoo were also women worthy of the envy of many men. But to be honest, I didn’t feel bad that these two women were fighting over me. It’s just that her head hurts.
I had Lumine, and I also had Mona or Fissle. I was in a state of confusion as I couldn’t decide on one of the three right now. It was absurd for two women to intervene in such a situation. I chose a word in my mind for a moment.
The important thing is that when two women fight over a man, there is a high probability that the man is trash. This was because it meant that at least room was given. When I think about it, there were quite a few times when I didn’t keep my distance.
I had to end this situation before it was concluded that I was trash and the debate started again without me. I opened my mouth in a soft voice.
“…… Just calm down, both of you. “I’m completely out of my mind right now.”
Gakcheong lowered his head and looked down at the ground with a slightly depressed face, and Sister Kamu let out a faint sigh. It was a sign that the excited two had regained their senses. There was no need for me to be angry anymore.
I hesitated for a moment and then spoke in a cautious voice.
“Well, first of all, I’m sorry. I got angry… “I’m out of my mind because I’ve been drinking.”
Even with my apology, the mood did not brighten. Gakcheong chewed his lips for a moment, then quietly shook his head. She said in a depressed voice.
“…… No, it’s kind of funny when you think about it. “I didn’t say anything for a while, but I was so excited.”
There was so much shame in those words that I could even feel the water in my mouth. Now that I think about it, she was completely ashamed. Although there was an excited argument, it was no different from a confession for each office. But pouring out her feelings happened in the worst possible way. Gakcheong’s body trembled a little, and I couldn’t even guess what was going through her mind.
I felt sorry for her and tried to tell her what to say, but she sighed and closed her mouth. It was a bad choice to add a few words about her here. Sister Kamwoo, who was watching me, also carefully spoke out.
“I’m sorry, brother Siwoo… I should have endured it too. “It’s too sudden, stop.”
It was a voice full of regret, but there was a subtle check in the tone. In the end, it meant that it was each government office that brought about this situation. Gakcheong, who couldn’t possibly guess what she meant, glared at Gamwoo.
But she soon had no choice but to chew her lips. As a member of each office, she felt resentful and ashamed, and she had nothing to say.
If I think about it rationally, today was the day that just the two of me and Sister Kamwoo made an appointment. It was each government office that arbitrarily invaded at that point. Perhaps each office was also very nervous. That’s probably why her brilliant mind didn’t do its job.
I was not unaware of that feeling. Because love makes people fools. Right now, even if it’s just me, I can’t think with cold reason if I touch Lumine, Mona, or Fissle. However, since this is the first time such feelings have been felt for each office, it is difficult to properly control them.
At that point, I stood up. And then he slowly approached each office. Even then, each office did not raise its head.
“…… Gakcheong, you are precious to me too.”
At those words, Gakcheong secretly raised his head. There was light moisture around her eyes. I chose my words to make her as hurt as possible.
“However, the direction of its importance may be different. And today was so sudden and emotional.”
Each office averted their eyes at my words. She must have known deep down that what I said was not wrong.
“…… You say things like that after thinking about it for a long time and making up your mind. “If I don’t choose you, can you accept it?”
“That’s… ….”
Each office opened its mouth as if trying to refute something, but then lowered its gaze again. After a moment of silence, she let out a small sigh of her own.
“…… “It’s not.”
I smiled bitterly. In this way, a woman who falls in love for the first time is blind. I felt grateful but also sorry. I spoke to each office.
“And I have Lumine, so I’m not in a position to give an answer yet.”
Gakcheong was chewing his lips as if he was thinking, and I turned my gaze to Gamwoo. To be honest, I was more embarrassed by Gamwoo than each office.
I made a formal confession, and the answer was also returned. However, Sister Gamwoo went so far as to say that it was okay if she was not the first. I groaned inwardly. And after hesitating, he opened his mouth again.
“Well, Sister Kamwoo…” ….”
“I know.”
Gamwoo received the words in a soft voice. Her attitude was that she had already made up her mind. She placed her hand on her heart and spoke quietly.
“The fact that I can’t be Siwoo’s first priority right now… But it’s okay, I’m used to waiting.”
I sighed at those words. If so, it was a matter beyond my will and ability. However, in the hope that a good woman like Sister Kamu would not suffer, I endured the pain in her heart and cried out in pain.
“…… “No matter how long I wait, I might not get anything in return?”
Those were cruel words. The idea that no matter how long you wait, you may not receive a reward, was such a cruel expectation that it would shake even the firmest of resolve.
Nevertheless, Sister Kamu nodded her head. She said with a grin.
“But it’s okay.”
As I looked at her with her complex emotions, Sister Kamu added in a casual voice as if she was telling her an obvious truth.
“…… Because if you do that, you’ll die.”
The contents were not natural at all.
I felt a little cold sweat. Sister Kamwoo’s love was deeper than I thought. First, I spoke to her as if to comfort her.
“Sister Gamwoo, don’t joke… ….”
“It’s no joke.”
Sister Kamwoo spoke in a firm voice. She walked, moving her slender legs. And he stood next to me and spoke to me.
“…… I told you, right? “Now I don’t want to live without Siwoo.”
And then he smiled again. Sister Kamwoo’s smile is beautiful every time I see it. It was still kind and charming, though.
“So, please be careful. “If you don’t give them too much love, some animals will die.”
The emotions clearly felt in her words were so heavy that I could only look at Sister Kamu with slightly surprised eyes. As always, Gamwoo placed her hand on her chest and lowered her head. This was her greeting as she left.
“…… Well, it’s too late at night. “I’m done.”
Meanwhile, Sister Kamu glanced at her cold eyes. Each office still remained silent. Sister Gamwoo didn’t even say hello to her, and she left. And for a long time, her office was immersed in silence.
I scratched my head. My head was spinning. My head hurt, as if I was trying to sober up. It would have been right to stop drinking when I thought about going to work tomorrow, but my mind was too complicated.
Sighing deeply, I found my seat again. I leaned against the backrest as if I was going to sit down and drank the remaining alcohol in my half-empty glass. Yes, it’s all my fault.
Up until then, each office had not said anything, so I glanced at her. And she asked cautiously:
“Would you like to have a drink?”
At my words, the eyes of each office turned to me. Her eyes were so cruel that I avoided her gaze. I cleared my throat and tried to change the mood, but I couldn’t avoid the irritated scolding from each office.
“…… “Is that what you say to the girl you just dumped?”
It wasn’t wrong. I looked at each office for a little while and spoke in a shy voice.
“No, whatever. Yes, but… ….”
“And then.”
I am interrupted, and voices from each office penetrate. Gakcheong walked with a proud gait, and she sat down in the seat where Sister Gamwoo had been sitting just a moment ago. The attitude was quite serious. It was completely different from his dejected attitude just before. The burning light returned to her wine-colored eyes.
Gakcheong, who was sitting across from me, gave me a look as if asking me what I was doing. I cast a hesitant gaze towards each office, and eventually took out a drinking glass from my ‘backpack’ and placed it in front of each office. And then, quickly, the alcohol is poured. When asked, ‘What should I say to the woman who got dumped?’, Gakcheong emptied his full glass without hesitation.
The glass was empty in an instant. She put down her drink with a thud. And she said.
“…… No matter how much I think about it, I think it’s right.”
“What?”
“I like you.”
Questions and answers that come and go in an instant. The last word broke my heart, but I soon came to my senses and sighed.
“But for me… ….”
“…… “Who am I?”
I closed my mouth at those words. And he looked at each office as if asking what it meant. Come to think of it, we once had this question and answer. The day she was detained, she went to visit her.
However, each office seemed to have no intention of having a long question and answer session like that time. She expressed her thoughts in just one word.
“I am Gakcheong.”
That arrogant voice, but when it touches the lips of someone with the right qualifications, it becomes ‘confidence’. Gakcheong was truly a worthy person. Her clear voice continued.
“Heir of the famous family, Jade brother of the Seven Stars of Liyue. “And he is a perfectionist and a talent who has been called a ‘genius’ since he was young.”
And when all the fetters of life were lifted, Gakcheong hit the desk with a bang and stood up. The eyes of each office were burning and looking at me.
“…… So, I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. “It will continue to be that way.”
She chewed her lips as if steeling her resolve. And she uttered one last word.
“Everything, including love.”
From Noble mtl dot com
Just like that, each office left. It was truly a speech worthy of each office until the very end. I had a drink in the lonely office.
There are only five women, indeed.
Is this a sign of good luck or a sign of ruin? I couldn’t figure it out. Just thought.
Next time I see Mona, I’ll ask her. How many people are involved in my fate?
Five or six? That night, we drank together with the moon. It was with my concerns.
**
That day was something special. I’ve been thinking like that since I woke up in the morning. That day, I woke up early, prepared a meal, and Mona left for Mond the day before. Just before she left, Mona pulled my collar and kissed me on the lips.
And then, at me, who looked like he couldn’t stop me, he gave me a charming smile.
“…… I love you, Siwoo. And I look forward to seeing something even better next time.”
‘For example, kissing them on the lips first?’ Mona added playfully, and then she joined the upward journey to Mond. It was impossible for her to imagine Mondbondan without her, so she had no choice. I saw her off with a wry smile.
Now that I think about it, I ended up not being able to ask how many women were involved in my fate. But, when I thought about it again, it wasn’t really a problem to worry about. Just five women were already enough. It is probably unlikely that it will increase further than that.
I decided to stop caring about that problem. And now, there are only two people left in the home they have built in Liyue.
It was just me and Lumine. Of course, there was also Paimon, but it felt vague to call Paimon a ‘person’, so we decided to make an exception. Because it was a creature whose identity was unknown to begin with.
Lumine that day was a little strange. Recently, she and I had been in an awkward mood, but even considering that, there was something suspicious about her Lumine attitude.
She kept looking at me, but when I even made eye contact with her, she got so surprised that she lowered her head and hesitated. There was a slight blush on her face, and although I was curious about her inner thoughts, I didn’t bother to provoke her.
Because it was cute. Lumine had a naive side to her which made her quite cute. She was especially like this when it came to relationships between men and women. Maybe she was on the same level as Fissle.
Just like that, the usual daily life passed by. After finishing the meal, I packed the food and other travel supplies. He then wished Lumine and Paimon a good trip and informed them of various precautions he had picked up at Liyue Sanggye.
Lumine was watching me even then. Just when I was beginning to wonder, Lumine’s small lips opened. Now that she had finished all her preparations, Rumine was about to leave her home.
“Well, well, so Siu…” ….”
Her voice trembling with tension, I looked at Lumine with her puzzled eyes. She says Ruminee talking to me, what is there to be tensed about? I think Lumine was willing to solve most problems if she asked.
Lumine took a deep breath for a moment to steady her voice, and then she spoke to me.
“…… “I feel like I failed to say thank you.”
I let out a light laugh at those words. Well, that was a good problem. I said it as if it was no big deal.
“It’s okay, that’s why I created the top. “It was something that had to be done.”
Despite my answer, Lumine quietly scoffed. And she said in a slightly trembling voice.
“No, I still wanted to say thank you. To Siwoo, who is always by my side and protects me.”
The sincerity was evident in that voice, so I looked at Lumine without saying a word. Paimon looked away while whistling.
Lumine looked at me with determined eyes, as if she had made up her mind. Beautiful amber eyes had a jewel-like shine.
“Siwoo.”
“Huh?”
And the next moment.
Lumine got on her tiptoes, and their breaths mingled.
There was no time to panic. Lumine’s lips overlap with mine. Her skin was fragrant. That sweet scent that always reminded me of her absence.
It was a brief contact. The meeting of her lips with yours is such a blurry experience that you cannot perceive it. It passes in an instant, and the feeling of skin touching is surprisingly not realistic.
So I had no choice but to stare blankly at Lumine with bewildered eyes. The lovely girl who locked lips with me lowered her head.
Her face was red. It was evident that even her ears were bright red. She spoke in a stuttering voice.
“…… It’s my heart. Well, then I’ll just leave.”
And as if she couldn’t bear the shame, she immediately went outside. Her gait was stiff. Paimon, who was smiling contentedly, followed, and soon the sound of fighting was heard between the two. It was a one-sided composition with Lumine being embarrassed and Paimon teasing her.
I was still dazed until then, then I touched my lips.
Huh, I ended up bursting out laughing. It was a particularly pleasant day. I looked at Lumine’s back for a while, then looked at the scenery of Liyue.
Today too, many people were coming and going in Liyue. In the downtown area, the voices of merchants touting customers rang out, the happy laughter of lovers, and children of noble status who appeared to have graduated from Okgyeong University were seen.
Liyue, which had been shrinking not long ago, was regaining its vitality as if it were a lie. Many of my memories were also tied to this place. The day I first met Sister Kamwoo, the day I became drinking friends with Tartaglia and Mr. Jongryeo, and even the moment I met Gakcheong and entered into a bidding competition with Eunggwang.
And today, I leave another memory here.
Yes, this was Liyue. It is the best trading port on the Tivat continent, and a city of vitality whose population fills the alleys like blood.
The king of kings died, but Li Yue was alive. As always.