Money, isn’t it great?
Who in the world dislikes money?
Jong-sik, who transcends dimensions, is no different. If you look closely, the reason he joined the guild was all because of money.
In that context, team leader Pyeong-ari’s proposal for renegotiating Jong-sik’s salary wasn’t bad. In fact, it was good.
However, the reason Jong-sik responded awkwardly was for one reason only: “responsibility and obligation.”
His purpose for earning money is simply to live comfortably and provide for his family.
But he has already achieved that purpose. Thanks to the advance payment. With the purchased house and the store set up by Jong-sik, their bellies were full.
To give him more money in this situation and expect him to fulfill corresponding obligations? It’s unreasonable from his perspective. That’s what he meant.
But team leader Pyeong-ari wasn’t easy to deal with either.
She proposed several alternatives and ultimately reached a compromise on the contract issue with Jong-sik.
His salary was increased by more than tenfold, but the contract period was extended to three years. There were no additional obligations, but the penalty fee for terminating the contract was astronomical.
Unfortunately, there would be no public announcement. They agreed to keep the renegotiation strictly confidential.
“If that’s the case, there will undoubtedly be guilds willing to pay more. There’s no point in renegotiating.”
“No one will offer more. Isn’t it enough to just cover up today’s events? The only change is rewriting the contract.”
“It would be great if it were that simple. But Teacher Jang Mi-ae saw everything.”
“I’ll handle that.”
Although there was opposition from Pyeong-ari during the process, they reached an agreement anyway. Now Jong-sik had to uphold the words he spoke.
***
“I hope you didn’t go and tell anyone about what you saw today.”
Jong-sik said. His tone seemed indifferent, but there was an undeniable force behind it.
“What did I see today?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. It means don’t go spreading rumors to other guild officials.”
“Hmmph. Team leader Pyeong-ari is really something. Did she really tell that to Jong-sik? That this Jang Mi-ae would go around blabbering?”
As Jang Mi-ae measured Jong-sik’s shoulder size, she glanced at team leader Pyeong-ari .
As if she had just gossiped, Pyeong-ari added, “Teacher, it’s a misunderstanding.” Jong-sik shrugged.
“So, are you going to tell me or not?”
“You said you hope I didn’t. Don’t worry. I’ll take the secret of what we saw today to the grave.”
Jang Mi-ae was a quick-witted woman. Furthermore, she had excellent business acumen.
“Could I ask for a favor in return?”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Among the monster materials Jong-sik hunted, I want our workshop to specialize in purchasing the leather. Is that possible? Of course, we’ll purchase it at the highest market price.”
If it’s a request like that, I can grant it a hundred times over. Jong-sik was about to nod when Pyeong-ari urgently Interrupted.
“Teacher! Our healing guild has the right to prioritize purchasing materials hunted on guild hunts! You’re not seriously asking for that, are you?”
“Of course not. Why would I ask for that? Just receiving the materials Jong-sik hunted personally would be sufficient, so don’t worry about that. So, Jong-sik, can you grant my request?”
Jang Mi-ae looked at Jong-sik. He responded as if it were no big deal.
“It’s not like I’m going to buy it at a bargain price or anything. Well, I’m fine with it. Let’s do that. But I have a request too.”
“Hmm? Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll keep my lips sealed tight no matter who asks. I’ll make sure to zip up securely.”
With her lips tightly sealed, Jang Mi-ae made a gesture as if to thoroughly control her speech. Seeing this, Jong-sik looked at her as if asking what she was doing.
“Isn’t that already settled? And that wasn’t even a request.”
“Oh. Really? Then what’s the favor you have for me? Now I’m curious.”
Jang Mi-ae, who had been left in a daze, smiled with her eyes. There wasn’t a single wrinkle around her eyes, indicating careful management.
“I have something I want to personally create. Is that possible?”
“Oh, what am I going to say! Of course, it’s possible. But hmm. Wait a moment. Team leader Pyeong-ari, when did you say the suit needs to be ready by?”
Pyeong-ari promptly responded to Jang Mi-ae’s question.
“In two days. But after what we saw today, there doesn’t seem to be a rush.”
“Didn’t you say the hunt was successful?”
“Yes, So I grabbed someone who said they didn’t need equipment and rushed over to tailor it… I really didn’t know it wouldn’t be necessary.”
“You’re really something. Telling me to keep my lips sealed, yet trying to spill everything from your side!”
“Oh, my mistake, Teacher. The suit must be made by Monday.”
Pyeong-ari realized her blunder. Jang Mi-ae looked embarassingly at Jong-sik.
“Jong-sik, did you hear that? It seems difficult to make it by Monday. We’ll start production from the afternoon of that day. What exactly do you need?”
“I need kitchen knives and cutting boards, not for household use but for commercial purposes. How about five knives?”
Jang Mi-ae, calming her racing heart after the sudden coughing fit, replied, “I’m sorry. I’ve never even thought about making kitchen knives and cutting boards in my workshop.”
“Oh… then is it not possible?”
“Of course it is. Jong-sik, you’ve already helped me out. Isn’t life all about give and take? Besides, do you have urgent business?”
“I have a dinner appointment.”
“That’s not too urgent. Since we haven’t finished sorting things out outside, take a break for a moment. I’ll start working on the cutting boards and knives right away so you can take them with you today.”
“Well then, thank you.”
Jong-sik turned to Pyeong-ari. Pyeong-ari nodded in agreement.
“Then let’s settle the bill. How much is it?”
“Between us, what bill? As a celebration of our deal, I’ll gift it to you.”
Between us? What’s between us, anyway?
“No, that won’t do. Let’s calculate it.”
Jong-sik said firmly.
***
At that moment.
A crowd of reporters gathered in front of the Rose Workshop, creating a commotion. It was a significant event, so everyone rushed out in a hurry. HBC’s “Today’s Gate” reporter Bae Daeki was no exception.
This is a breaking news report from “Today’s Gate.” We have received a tip that a release-type gate has appeared in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. Especially since Jecheon is designated as a clean zone for gates, everyone is understandably shocked. Let’s connect with our field reporter for more details on the situation. Reporter Bae Daeki! Has the situation been sorted out?
He began his report.
“Yes. I am currently at the Rose Workshop in Jecheon. There are scattered Cockatrice corpses everywhere here. Based on this, it is estimated that the gate is at least Grade C.”
Isn’t the Rose Workshop run by Teacher Jang Mi-ae?
“Yes, that’s correct. It’s the workshop of S-class skill holder, Teacher Jang Mi-ae.”
It must be a significant national loss. Reporter Bae Daeki, what is the current situation regarding damages at the scene?
“The confirmed damages so far include the destruction of the fountain sprinkler facility by the Cockatrice corpses. Fortunately, there was a hunter visiting the workshop at that time who was able to minimize the damage. As a result, there are no casualties.”
That’s a relief. Reporter Bae Daeki, can you confirm which guild the hunter who intervened belongs to?
“There hasn’t been an official announcement, but it was apparent from the appearance of the cleanup crew at the scene and the vehicles parked in front of the Rose Workshop that they belong to the Healing Guild.”
“It’s Thor S, Ms. Pyeong-ari’s vehicle. But isn’t Ms. Pyeong-ari a healer?”
Reporter Bae Daeki calmly relayed the confirmed information. Since it came from someone dispatched by the association, the accuracy of the information was assured.
“Yes. The hunter who actually stopped the gate is confirmed to be the recently recruited hunter, Dok Jong-sik.”
At that moment, Pyeong-ari and Dok Jong-sik opened the workshop door and revealed themselves. Reporter Bae Daeki urgently pushed his microphone forward. Although a line prohibiting entry was set up, he didn’t hesitate to push his upper body forward.
“I’m sorry, but it seems interviews will be difficult.”
Team leader Pyeong-ari expressed her refusal, and Reporter Bae Daeki didn’t retract his microphone. Dok Jong-sik glanced at the reporter.
“Ugh, I really don’t like this. Don’t block the way, come out.”
“Please, just wait a moment and let me handle the situation…”
As the reporter stuttered, visibly pale, the studio quickly cut off the live connection, hastily grasping the situation from the studio. It was a common occurrence when dealing with hunters.
-We apologize for the unstable live connection. Anyway, it’s fortunate that there aren’t significant damages at the scene. Now, Mr. Madonghun, a Pathfinder, has arrived at the studio. Let’s discuss today’s events with Mr. Madonghun, including the current controversial issues.
-Actually, there have been many unusual incidents recently. Today’s appearance of a gate in a clean zone for gates, like Jecheon, is one of them, and last week’s news from Africa cannot be overlooked.
-Are you referring to the people found inside the Africa gate? I was also surprised. It’s astonishing to find people inside a gate, but claiming to have come from another dimension is truly bewildering. What is the association’s stance on this?
-Opinions are divided. However, personally, I believe that unprecedented events like major upheavals could recur within a short period. The frequency of gate appearances has been rapidly increasing recently…
The words of the prominent Pathfinder Hunter instilled fear in the onlookers watching the broadcast. However, amidst the fear, there were also those who expressed anger inappropriately.
“Am I being pushed aside by that kind of guy, Dok Jong-sik? I’ll kill them all.”
It was Bak Won, the head of the Iron Blood Guild. He held his cellphone. He couldn’t wait until the dungeon bidding day. They had provoked him first. Then they would have to bear the consequences, right?
“Hey, me. Gather all the information related to that Dok Jong-sik guy and bring it here.”
Let’s see what happens.
***
“Dad!”
Yeona, who belatedly checked her phone, rushed down the stairs urgently. She arrived on the first floor where her father was. She breathed heavily and searched for her father.
“Hoo, huff. Dad, on the news, on the news!”
“Did Uncle appear? I saw it too.”
Jong-pal had already watched the news, finished talking with Jong-sik, and hung up.
“You saw it too? Did you get in touch with Uncle? Is he okay? He didn’t get hurt, did he?”
“What’s the rush? I talked to him, and he said he’s fine. He didn’t even get a scratch, and he’s even preparing your gift and coming over.”
Jong-pal tousled Yeona’s hair and chuckled. Then Yeona sighed with relief, her hand on her chest.
“Phew, that’s a relief. But what about my gift?”
“I ordered a few plants to put in the garden. The delivery company said they left an hour ago, so they should arrive soon.”
“Wow!”
Yeona exclaimed, covering her mouth with both hands in astonishment.
“I said I’d buy it, but Uncle beat me to it.”
“…That’s so touching.”
“Do you like it that much?”
Yeona move down her head with a rabbit-like expression. Then, as if something occurred to her, she quickly turned her body. Jong-pal grabbed Yeona as she moved away.
“You’re leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay and talk with Dad for a bit?”
“They said they’re on their way! I’ll wait on the street! They might not find our house!”
“How could that happen? Don’t bother buying it yourself. Just sit here. You can see everything from here.”
“…Oh, no. I can’t. But you never know!”
Jong-pal shook his head nervously as he watched Yeona opening the store door.
And there was someone capturing this scene with a camera.
Click, click.
