509

 [Chapter 139]

[The Phoenix Egg (3)]

Rewinding time, one day earlier.

Han Seo-hyun, attending the same university, was having brunch with Han Seo-yeon at a nearby cafe.

"—So did you kiss?"

"Unni."

Even after spending 3 years in Japan.

Her older sister Han Seo-yeon's personality hadn't changed one bit.

Han Seo-hyun frowned.

Her sister was prying into her love life with Eunha as a topic of conversation.

"Can't we talk about this as family?"

"Because we're family, I don't want to talk about that."

"How stingy... So did you do it?"

"..."

The conversation just wasn't getting through.

Han Seo-yeon's attitude was stubborn.

Han Seo-hyun answered with a cold gaze.

But Seo-yeon seemed able to infer the answer just from her expression.

"You haven't done it yet, huh?"

"I'll handle my own business."

"Okay, who's saying anything. I'm just worried."

Han Seo-yeon snorts.

Han Seo-hyun kept her mouth tightly shut.

Regardless, Han Seo-yeon continued speaking.

"Ha-yang has spent more time with Eunha than you."

"..."

"Then shouldn't we assume they've probably gone as far as they can?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm worried Eunha's heart might be more with Ha-yang. I'm worried my little sister might get rejected."

"You don't need to worry."

"Still."

Han Seo-yeon's worry.

Seo-hyun who saw her sister's emotions with her eyes replied as if it was nothing.

Then Han Seo-yeon pouted her lips with a dissatisfied face.

Han Seo-hyun ignored it.

She was trying to ignore it.

Until her sister said the next words.

"—Should I give you some advice on how to make Eunha's heart go to you?"

"..."

Han Seo-yeon grinning.

Han Seo-hyun paused while moving her utensils.

Then she examined her sister's emotions.

Half worry, half mischief.

It seemed worth listening to at least.

"..."

But she didn't ask with her own mouth.

Seo-hyun asked with her eyes.

No, she ordered.

To hurry up and speak.

"This one thing is the end, the end."

Han Seo-yeon shrugged nonchalantly.

Soon she brought the hand handling her knife to her mouth and—

"—Just kiss him suddenly. Boys that age would die for it, wouldn't they?"

"Unni..."

"Why are you making that face? No, listen to me. I'm telling you it'll be over if you just kiss him once? Is your face just any face?"

"Let's hurry and eat. It's almost time for class."

"This kid doesn't want to believe me? Believe me. You trust your unni, right?"

"..."

"And when you kiss."

"...What are you doing?"

"This. You have to use this, this."

"..."

Han Seo-yeon suddenly sticks out her tongue.

Seo-hyun looked at her sister with a pathetic gaze.

"I told you to believe me. If you just do this, Eunha's heart is a sure thing!"

"..."

"You're tempted now too, right?"

"...I won't do it, I won't."

"I'm telling you to try it once pretending you're fooled? It'll definitely have an effect. Eunha will really like it?"

"..."

Han Seo-yeon argues passionately.

Without a hint of falsehood.

Han Seo-hyun decided to listen to her story for a moment with a mind to humor her.

Meanwhile, if there was something she didn't know about her sister.

It was that her sister was someone who learned about love from books.

☆

6 billion won.

Though there's nothing they can't pay.

It was quite a burdensome amount even for people who entered the Grade 1 auction hall.

Yet a young man who wasn't even a player yet spent the huge sum of 6 billion won to buy a return beast egg.

"What was I doing at that age..."

"Crazy... Where did the money come from? Where the hell did 6 billion come from?"

<Quick-witted > No Eunha.

The name of the person who won the return beast egg was instantly known to the people present.

People who had been giggling at him competing with <Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul changed their expressions when they heard his identity.

"Huh... an academy student..."

"So he wasn't even a player yet?"

"No wonder... He did look young."

"There were rumors in the industry... So he was <Quick-witted >."

A young man who wasn't even a player yet paid the huge sum of 6 billion won in a Grade 1 auction hall.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

6 billion isn't someone's kid's name, where on earth did that money come from?

They couldn't help but wonder.

"Did some group sponsor him?"

"No, what kind of sponsorship gives 6 billion? You're saying they sponsored 6 billion just to buy something at an auction?"

"Where did that money come from?"

"Ah, but how did he get in here when he's not even a player?"

"Oh, right? He shouldn't have been able to enter, did someone come in with him?"

"Come to think of it, who's that kid next to him?"

"She looks vaguely familiar..."

"...Isn't that Han Seo-hyun?"

"Han Seo-hyun? Who's that?"

"The second daughter of Sirius Group's chairman."

""""...""""

The questions were quickly resolved.

People's gazes now turned to the woman sitting next to Eunha.

Her appearance that had drawn attention since first entering the auction hall.

Belatedly, some people recognized her identity.

"A direct descendant of Sirius Group?"

"No, why is she here?"

"There should have only been one eldest daughter participating in group management... Why..."

Han Seo-hyun, direct descendant of Sirius Group.

A name not well known in the industry was mentioned.

Curiosity lingered in people's gazes.

They realized how No Eunha was able to enter this place.

The next question that arose was what exactly the relationship between No Eunha and Han Seo-hyun was.

That's when.

"—Let's move on now."

"Okay."

While the auction moved on to the next item.

No Eunha got up from his seat as if he had finished his business.

But he held out his hand to her.

Both he and she.

The two held hands very naturally.

"Come to think of it, I think I heard No Eunha got engaged to a direct descendant of Sirius Group recently..."

"So they were that kind of relationship?"

"Ah, right. It was quite a commotion because of the engagement. I had forgotten about that."

"Then does that mean he'll become a person of Sirius Group soon..."

People couldn't focus on the auction.

They kept whispering while staring intently at the two people leaving the auction hall.

Among them, people knowledgeable about how the world works realized Sirius Group had gotten their hands on No Eunha.

Then they started interpreting the return beast egg paid for with Han Seo-hyun's money as like an engagement gift.

Or that Sirius Group was actively sponsoring him to that extent.

"This is strange..."

"What's strange about it?"

"From what I know, I heard No Eunha was dating Jeong Ha-yang..."

"Jeong Ha-yang? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere... who was it? Ah, <Index >'s <The Seed>?"

"Isn't she Alice Group's direct descendant?"

"Wait, come to think of it, there was that story. That No Eunha was seeing Alice's direct descendant..."

"...I don't understand, which one is true?"

"They say both are true."

""""...""""

"No, haven't you heard this news yet? There were rumors all over the industry recently about No Eunha two-timing..."

""""Crazy....""""

Anyway.

The story of No Eunha buying a return beast egg for the huge sum of 6 billion won became famous in the industry.

☆

People's gazes were annoying.

He wouldn't mind for himself.

But he didn't like Han Seo-hyun being talked about by others too.

They can tell she's pretty...

Why are they looking at her?

He just didn't like it.

But he couldn't cause a commotion there for no reason.

Eunha who had come to the Grade 1 auction hall for once to look at the auctioned items got up with her.

Han Seo-hyun followed without a word.

"...?"

"What's wrong?"

"You look happy somehow..."

"I do. I just feel good."

While following the auction staff to receive the return beast egg.

Eunha looked down at her who seemed strangely happy.

Her gaze was deep.

He felt like he might get sucked in if he wasn't careful.

Eunha who barely turned his gaze away from her was guided to a room.

"—Please wait here for a moment."

Is this a benefit given to people who entered the Grade 1 auction hall?

Or is it because she's a direct descendant of Sirius Group?

The room was furnished with an interior reminiscent of a luxury hotel.

Eunha and she sat on a plush sofa and spent some time drinking coffee brought by the staff.

"—Thank you very much for using our store today. Please check the item you are receiving."

Eventually, an employee who said he was working as a manager brought the return beast egg along with subordinate staff.

Eunha looked at the wooden box they carefully placed on the table.

They stepped back.

Eunha reached for the wooden box.

"Yes... That's right."

He opened the wooden box.

The return beast egg placed on a red cushion.

No, the Phoenix egg.

Eunha carefully took out the Phoenix egg.

"It's a bit bigger than a smartphone."

"It is."

Han Seo-hyun tilted her body to the side.

She pressed her shoulder close to Eunha's shoulder and held up her smartphone to measure the height of the egg.

Soon Eunha brought the Phoenix egg onto his lap.

"Can I touch it?"

"Go ahead."

"...It's smooth. Just an egg."

"Did you think there would be something different because it's a return beast egg?"

"Then will a rat-like creature be born from this?"

Han Seo-hyun gently stroking the egg.

Soon she furrowed her brow.

Eunha burst out laughing because that look was cute.

"Why. Do you hate rats?"

"I can't stand rodents."

"Then you won't be able to come near me when this is born."

"Are you joking? You should keep me from coming to you then."

Han Seo-hyun gives a curt rebuke.

It seems there's no way she'll be shaken off.

He took her hand that was firmly stating her opinion and brought it back to the egg.

"It's okay. Something you don't like won't be born."

"How do you know that?"

"Don't you trust me?"

"...You don't seem to be lying."

"If a return beast you dislike is born, I'll keep it from coming near you. Okay?"

"Okay, I'll believe you."

"Don't worry."

"Okay."

He knows the future.

He also knew what would be born from this egg.

Eunha placed his hand over hers.

"Try infusing internal mana into the egg."

"...Like this?"

"That's right, like that. You don't need to make it so difficult."

Return beasts feed on mana. They maintain their existence by absorbing mana.

Of course, the return beast sleeping inside the egg is the same.

For a return beast to be born from an egg, it needs to absorb a sufficient amount of mana.

So Eunha infused internal mana into the egg together with Han Seo-hyun.

This process is the most important.

The return beast awakening from the egg makes the person who has infused the most mana so far its contractor.

So it was ambiguous to say you've completely become the owner just because you obtained a return beast egg.

You need to periodically infuse mana to imprint that you are the owner.

Hurry and be born.

He didn't know when the return beast egg would be born either.

He could only wait.

Eunha watched as the egg turned red in response to the mana flowing in.

☆

There was quite a bit of time left.

It was still far from night.

If he sent Han Seo-hyun home like this, he would obviously get scolded by her.

So Eunha decided to look around the Player Market with the remaining time.

"Shall we go eat dinner later?"

"Isn't that obvious? Were you thinking of just looking around and going home like this?"

"Of course I was thinking of eating dinner before going."

"Is that so? Then that's good. If you had, I was going to complain to Eun-ae."

"...Noona, isn't that too much?"

"Then treat me well."

"Yes, yes."

"Let's go over there this time."

Sure enough, as expected.

He inwardly sighed in relief seeing her narrow her eyes.

He almost would have gone home and gotten thoroughly scolded by Eun-ae.

"Is there anything you want to eat?"

"Anything is fine."

"Then should we go eat blood sausage soup? I know a place that makes it delicious around here."

"0 points."

"Huh? What?"

"Don't you think that has no mood for a date?"

While brands operated by top 10 groups like Galaxy Group or Sirius Group could be seen around.

There were also smaller shops, and booths where players directly sold items.

Han Seo-hyun looked around lightly and spoke directly to Eunha.

"We haven't gone on many dates since getting engaged."

"So?"

"Shouldn't we eat something special we don't usually eat, instead of blood sausage soup we eat normally? With mood."

"What kind of thing with mood?"

"You should think about that."

"..."

"Why are you making that face?"

"Noona, do you dislike me?"

"Would I have gotten engaged to you if I disliked you?"

"Somehow it feels like you did it because you dislike me..."

"Then think that way if you want. Anyway, try choosing well with some sense."

"Is there anything you want to eat? You can tell me this, right?"

"Something delicious."

"..."

This is awkward.

It was really awkward.

Eunha who suddenly had to decide on dinner groaned.

 Han Seo-hyun kept giggling as if something was so funny.

The blood sausage there is really delicious though.

Meanwhile, Eunha's mouth watered.

It's a shame they can't go eat it.

But Han Seo-hyun, as if reading his mind—

"—Do you want to eat that so badly?"

As if she had no choice.

She looked up at him and sighed.

To this, Eunha's answer was set.

"Yeah. It's delicious there."

Han Seo-hyun showed interest.

He didn't want to miss the opportunity.

In the end, Han Seo-hyun who heard his explanation burst out laughing.

"Okay, let's go eat."

"Great, great. Noona is the best."

"But if it's not as good as you expect, know you'll be punished."

"How will you punish me?"

"Walk me home today."

"Isn't that obvious?"

"...I'll give you 10 bonus points."

"Huh?"

"Walk me home, and have a cup of coffee at my house before leaving."

"Won't your parents be home?"

"Probably only my mother will be there. She won't come in if we're just in my room."

"Then let's do that."

"Take the cookies for Eun-ae when you go home later too."

"Ah, those from that time?"

"Yeah, those."

"Thanks. I'll eat them well."

"They're not for you to eat."

A feeling like she understands him well.

Eunha felt a warm feeling while conversing with Han Seo-hyun.

It's enjoyable talking with her.

So he held her hand and looked around the Player Market.

Then—

"—Oh, I found him there! Hey! No Eunha!"

"...Crazy."

Eunha spotted <Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul in the approaching crowd.

No, he was spotted first.

Eunha had no choice but to stop in his tracks at his pointing.

"See, I told you he'd still be somewhere around here."

"...No, so what are you going to do? The egg has already gone to student No Eunha, are you trying to take it back?"

"Hey, No Eunha! I borrowed a lot of money. I'll buy that egg for 6.1 billion!"

"..."

"No. What's 100 million for a man, 100 million. I'll buy it for 7 billion."

"Are you crazy!? Is all that money yours?"

"7 billion! If you need more money I'll try to borrow more somehow! So sell me the egg."

The crazy squid is babbling something.

In his previous life, and in this life.

Eunha had to acknowledge Kang Hyun-chul's tenacity at least.

He really doesn't think of giving up once he's fixated on something.

Kang Hyun-chul cuts through the crowd.

Then he says to sell him the egg.

It was nonsense.

Eunha's action was set.

"—Let's run away."

"...Huh?"

Seo-hyun who hadn't grasped the situation yet.

Eunha scooped up her body with both arms whether she screamed or not.

The so-called princess carry.

"...Hey, hey! Where are you going!?"

And Eunha quickly turned his body.

Using magic without permission was prohibited inside the Player Market.

Moreover, he couldn't use Wubo while carrying her.

So he ran away.

The startled Kang Hyun-chul belatedly chased after him.

"...Put me down."

"But..."

"This stands out more."

He shook him off for now.

On the other hand, everyone's gazes poured on him.

Eunha came to a crowded place and put Han Seo-hyun down.

She glared at him.

But she couldn't scold him.

Because Kang Hyun-chul was chasing.

"—Hey! Stop right there! I said stay there!?"

He who made a path by forcefully pushing people aside appeared.

Eunha clicked his tongue.

He had no choice but to pull Han Seo-hyun's hand.

"Sorry, can you run?"

"...I'll try."

Han Seo-hyun running in heels.

Eunha felt sorry for her.

He wanted to carry her and run like before.

But that would draw too much attention from people around.

"Found you!"

"Damn."

Just when he thought he had shaken him off.

Kang Hyun-chul appeared from somewhere again.

He's such a nuisance.

Eunha ran, and ran, and ran with quick steps.

"Do we have to avoid that person like this?"

"Life becomes really difficult if you get involved with him."

"...I see."

"Should I carry you?"

"I can still run. I'm not that weak. And it's a bit..."

"A bit?"

"It's a bit fun too. I haven't played hide-and-seek since I was young, so it's fun doing it after a long time."

Is this situation funny?

Han Seo-hyun kept giggling while following Eunha.

Eunha who was finding a path while avoiding Kang Hyun-chul also laughed unconsciously hearing her words.

"—Hey! I said stop running!?"

If only he would give up.

Kang Hyun-chul seemed to not know the meaning of giving up.

He really is a nemesis.

Eunha who thought he had barely caught his breath prepared to run away again.

But of all things, he ended up cornered in a dead end.

As Eunha was in a predicament—

"—What if."

"Huh? Why?"

"If there was a way to shake off that person, what would you do?"

"Is there such a thing?"

"Yeah."

"Of course I'd do it."

"You won't regret it?"

"Why would I regret shaking off that crazy squid?"

"You definitely said that."

"...Huh?"

Kang Hyun-chul closes the distance.

Eunha glared at him in a protective stance over Han Seo-hyun.

He was thinking of carrying Han Seo-hyun and jumping over Kang Hyun-chul if necessary.

"Hey! No Eunha! Let's talk!"

In the end, they were caught by Kang Hyun-chul.

Amidst people's focused gazes.

Kang Hyun-chul finally broke through the crowd and tried to approach him.

Right then—

"—...!?"

"...Huh?"

""""...!!""""

Han Seo-hyun suddenly placed her hand on Eunha's cheek.

She who turned his gaze to herself stood on her tiptoes.

Very intensely.

""""...""""

Kang Hyun-chul stopped in his tracks.

He froze with his eyes wide open.

The same went for the people watching.

"..."

How much time passed?

Eventually Han Seo-hyun who confirmed the surroundings had quieted lowered her heels.

She wipes the saliva connected like a thread and turns to look at Kang Hyun-chul.

Then she says curtly.

"—Please don't interfere with other people's dating and go away."

I don't know what happened.

The surroundings were completely caught up in Han Seo-hyun's pace.

The same went for Kang Hyun-chul who suddenly encountered the two people's display of affection.

"Uh... o-okay... S-sorry for interfering with your dating..."

Kang Hyun-chul overwhelmed by her momentum.

Han Seo-hyun didn't even answer him and pulled Eunha's hand to leave the place.

What just happened...

Eunha couldn't come to his senses.