VACATION [5]

Manual for the Regressionist Episode 887

Vacation (5)

'Quicker than I thought.'

Actually, this was the situation I had expected since joining the adventurer's guild. It was already predetermined that someone would approach us.

After all, this wasn't a place where people gather just for a simple trip. If we had only thought of a simple journey, we would have gone to an ordinary inn.

The moment Ji-hoo and I stepped into this place, we were essentially open to everyone. It was like saying, "If you have good work or information and you're a capable adventurer, come and join us," implicitly.

Unlike the other people who were looking around cautiously, this guy probably had confidence in his skills and came to us with a friendly demeanor.

'He may have other motives...'

Or he may simply want to make friends, but either way, it was clear that he had a good personality.

He was a late 20s Westerner, and though it was obvious, it was the first time I had seen his face. As soon as I opened my mind's eye, his overall specs came into view.

'At least a hero grade. Even higher.'

"I'm a bit embarrassed, but I'm called Hurricane Jillain."

'Not bad.'

Overall, I got a strong feeling that I liked him. Although his nickname was a bit cheesy, he seemed to have high agility and a cool personality.

"I heard that you came from Castle Rock in the Kingdom. I was pleased to hear that because I also had some experience there in the past..."

Since I had tried to open up a channel of communication with the adventurers in Colorado anyway, it might not be a bad timing.

When I glanced at Ji-hoo, he nodded his head slightly. After exchanging greetings, I stepped back a bit, which he took as his permission, and moved one step forward.

After sitting down, he quietly looked at Ji-hoo.

'I may have looked a bit like a maid just now.'

I knew I shouldn't be too proud, but I couldn't help feeling proud. It was the movement of maid Alice.

"Yes, you may sit down."

"Since it's a commemoration of our meeting, let me buy you a drink."

"You have come a long way."

"It's not such a long way these days, thanks to the Warp Gate."

"Haha... That's true. How has Castle Rock changed?"

"It has developed a lot. There are positive and negative aspects, but adventurers will like it."

"But it's not better than here, right?"

"I know that Colorado is known as the land of opportunity. Recently, there have been many guests coming in, probably due to that. Certainly..."

"So, can I ask you about Jillian? I'm a bit impatient."

"Haha, no problem. I just want to make friends with someone from outside..."

'This guy must be selling drugs somewhere.'

"Just kidding. Haha... I just thought I could give you what you want, Mr. Lee Ji-hoo. You must have a reason for coming all the way here. If you came to find the Adventurer's Guild, you might be looking for useful mercenaries... or maybe you came to find wandering rumors like dungeons..."

"Interesting."

"Whatever the case, it's clear that you have come to do something unpleasant. However, Colorado is not a friendly city to outsiders. Even if you don't know about the city, you will feel what I'm saying when you go outside. If you want to gather information or stay active for a long time, it's better to increase the number of party members. Since you seem to be looking for mercenaries..."

"Hmm... If I say I'm not interested in exploring dungeons, it would be a lie... Do you have any useful information?"

"There are a few things you might find interesting. They're not public dungeons..."

'I can smell a lion somewhere. I feel it's too cheesy to listen to him for a moment because of his attractive appearance.'

"If what you say is true, what do you want in return?"

"I'm not that cheap a resource."

Although he was a little thin, his words were not lies.

His stats were beyond hero grade and towards legendary grade, and his job and characteristics were not bad either.

Having a quaint nickname was one of the factors that could earn him extra points.

He had been active in Colorado for quite some time, and it was safe to say that he had cleared a decent amount of quests and dungeons, as he was known by the name of "Hurricane".

With excellent stats and a decently even face, he could easily fetch a high price as a mercenary hired by the Adventurers' Guild.

The problem was that he was looking this way.

"..."

It looks like he's scanning the pathetic and miserable Lee Kiyeon like a snake. The answer seems to be already decided.

"..."

"There may be a more comfortable way than gold."

"Interesting."

What's so interesting? Damn it.

'You were the villain, you son of a bitch.'

I felt him grab me firmly.

I was startled and tensed my body, but my body was dragged mercilessly. With a tearing sound, the shirt was ripped apart. I tried to cover up the collarbone in a hurry with my hand, but he had already seen it.

"A slave's brand."

Damn it.

Details, Jihye.

I told you not to do this.

I told you someone might notice.

At first glance, it looks like a simple tattoo, but it's a magical door imbued with magical power. It was a magic used only in the black market before.

"I don't know what the story is, but I don't need to know."

"Hmm..."

The eyes raging bastard dog wander with greed. After verifying the slave's mark himself, he looked at me as if looking at an object.

'Wow, I did well to come out. There are still these bastards around.'

Naturally, like everything else, the trade of slaves had been illegal in the country for a long time, and although it was impossible to completely eradicate it, it had been illegal for a long time.

Maybe he had come to plant new roots in the federation since things weren't going well in his own country.

It was his own delusion, but it was somewhat convincing.

"There are still legal places within the federation. Of course, thanks to the great and magnificent saints, most of the major cities have taken a stand that it is illegal... But it will take a while for a legal system to be created to complement that. How can his eyes reach every corner of the world?"

"Some cities have an implicit atmosphere of turning a blind eye. Since the situation in the federation is not so good compared to other places, there will be plenty of opportunities to dig in, won't there?Isn't that right?"

"....."

"Is there a black market here?"

"Are you pretending not to know, or do you already know everything? You don't have to worry about the outside. I have covered all the eyes and ears around here. If you hire me, I'm willing to tell you more, but... I haven't heard your answer yet."

Ji-hu still didn't even give me a glance.

'Damn it.'

It was the right thing to do according to the setting. Ji-hoo didn't know if he still loved Kiyeon, so I had to act accordingly.

Ji-hu's love was twisted, and he was basically a person with bad tendencies. If it was for his own pleasure or purpose, he didn't hesitate to do dirty things, and he had a basic tendency like a child.

To him, Kiyeon was nothing more than a cherished toy. Of course, there was a detailed setting that he regretted it to death after Kiyeon left him, but since Lee Kiyeon had not yet left, he did not know his true feelings.

Ji-hu's eyes looking at me became even colder...

'No. Don't be too immersed. Shibal.'

"Um... what do you think, Nuna?"

A mischievous face.

"....."

"I think it would be better to ask Nuna."

Ji-hu enjoys tormenting Kiyeog again. This is because his expressions of affection have evolved perfectly in the wrong direction since he has never received love since childhood.

'No, focus on the damn story...details.'

'Damn it.'

"My lord."

"Do you not like it?"

'Think of the answer. Kiyeon, you're confident and smart. It's an unavoidable situation that led to this at the door, but you're wise. Of course, I didn't think that Lee-ji-hye would hand me over, but it felt like a test.

"I, I, I... "

Once I brought my hands to my chest and loaded my eyes with fear, I looked at Jihoo. I saw a damp, fragile, and delicate trembling pupil as if it would break apart right away.

Lee-ji-hye's expression is still spiteful. If your answer is begging for sympathy, it seemed like she was saying it's wrong. Yeah. I know this isn't the right answer. Lee-ji-hye likes it when Ki-yeon obeys her words. In the end, I couldn't help but speak quietly.

As if determined, I bit my lips and said.

"If it's something that Young Master wants... anything..."

Lee-ji-hye nodded with a distorted smile, and Jileen, who accepted it as a positive sign, grabbed my hand tightly. With a thud, the guy bounced off towards the wall.

Although only my collarbone was exposed for a moment, Lee-ji-hye quietly wrapped me in a cloak. A nonchalant, chic gesture, a look of not understanding why she did this, a momentary disappointment in oneself for losing reason, and a stained gaze with the anxiety that she might really be attracted to Ki-yeon.

It was a fleeting moment. Maybe after this hour passes, the fleeting emotions will surely disappear, but it felt like a flame burning uncontrollably in Lee-ji-hye's heart.

'No, sh*t, Jihoo! Is this story real?'

'Jihoo, I'm falling for you.

' It was so close that I couldn't see even an inch ahead.'

*****

-From that night on, Ji-hoo mistook the volcano-like emotions burning inside of him for anger. He became more persistent, rough, and merciless in tormenting Ki-yeon. He said it was Ki-yeon's fault and that everyone believed it was because of Ki-yeon that he was shaken.

-You got too into it, Nuna.

-It's okay for you too, Oppa. My heart still flutters. Why are you so sexy?

~~~

Four chapters today!!!

It's past 1:00AM!

got to sleep, see you all tomorrow, also. Please provide Raws if possible.