“For that reason, I think you should come out.”
“Hmm? What did you say? Business talk?”
Mishearing, Dok Jong-pal tilted his head in disbelief at the staff’s words. Nevertheless, his stirring didn’t stop.
“I usually try to handle things within my capacity, but it seems like it won’t work this time. They even gave me their business cards. They want it delivered to the owner. As you can see, they’re not ordinary people. So, I couldn’t speak up more strongly.”
From Taehwa, Seongsin, Runner, Myowon, to Ewha Guild.
Although they are minor guilds, they are also well-known guilds.
The staff, Park Chang-mo, handed Dok Jong-pal the business cards he had received.
But Dok Jong-pal shook his head as if to say it’s enough. After all, he still had the ladle in his hand.
“I get what you mean. So, does everyone wait in the hall now?”
“Yes.”
“Have they all finished their meals?”
“Yes, everyone finished their meals without exception.”
“So, are the people waiting outside unable to come in because of them? Five tables?”
“Yes.”
Even though it’s not his fault, his voice inexplicably softened. Park Chang-mo discreetly glanced at Dok Jong-pal. The expression on the owner’s face, who was cooking, was utterly stern.
“Alright, I got it. Since the food for table 4 is almost ready, I’ll just make this and take it out.”
“Okay. Then I’ll leave the business cards here!”
With that, Park Chang-mo left the kitchen.
A few minutes passed.
Dok Jong-pal transferred the freshly cooked rice into a bowl, making it look appetizing. Finally, the food for table 4 was completed. Then, he silently stared at the business cards left by the staff.
Taehwa, Seongsin, Runner, Myowon, and Ewha.
“Ewha Guild?”
All five guilds are well-known.
No wonder, Dok Jong-pal’s previous occupation was a hunter.
Moreover, ‘Ewha’ Guild is not just a guild he knows about; it’s a guild he spent some time with. Of course, there are no good memories.
Dok Jong-pal chuckled dryly and left the kitchen.
***
“Here’s your order.”
“Oh my, how come the owner himself is serving us when he must be busy?”
‘I can’t bring myself to say that I came out because of table turnover rate.’ Dok Jong-pal chuckled and redirected the conversation.
“That’s right. By the way, did you come alone today? Where’s Jaewoo?”
The guest at table 4 was Jaewoo’s father, who lived nearby. He had become a regular customer who never missed a day, always bringing his son along. But for some reason, he was alone today.
“He went on an experiential learning trip and said he’d be a bit late. So, I came to eat first. But, sir, could you pack it when I leave?”
“Of course. However, we don’t have plenty of ingredients prepared, so we can only pack for one person.”
Nevertheless, even though he came alone, he was a true father who didn’t forget his son.
“Since Jaewoo will probably eat, one portion will be enough.”
“Then, if you could tell me about 10 minutes before you leave, I’ll start preparing at that time. If I make it now, it’ll cool down and won’t taste good.”
“Alright, I appreciate it. I’ll order then. And thank you for this meal.”
That was when Dok Jong-pal finished serving the food.
Ding!
Five men in suits rose simultaneously as if they had planned it, as if they had rehearsed getting up. They quickly approached Dok Jong-pal without waiting for someone to go first.
“Hello.”
“Hey, long time no see. Hunter Dok Jong-pal?”
“Nice to meet you. I’m from the Runner Guild.”
“I’m Gongcheol from the Myowon Guild.”
The attention of the guests who were dining was focused on them. Even Jaewoo’s father, who had just poured himself a drink, glanced at them. No wonder, they had surrounded the table where Jaewoo’s father was seated.
“Um, well!”
With a firm expression, Dok Jong-pal replied.
“You mentioned you had something to say. Let’s all come over here first. Mr. Chang-mo, please clean up the tables for the guests who left.”
“Yes, sir!”
In any relationship, first impressions are crucial.
From that perspective, their first impression was unfavorable.
Because they showed no consideration for the other party’s feelings, solely focused on achieving their own goals.
If they really wanted to have a serious conversation with Jong-pal, they should have come at a time when it wasn’t peak hours, or after business hours.
Or they could have just given their business cards to Park Chang-mo and left, along with a request for a more convenient time to contact.
However, they didn’t do that, and as a result, Dok Jong-pal decided not to consider them either.
At the cashier, Dok Jong-pal faced the men and said, meeting their eyes.
“You mentioned you wanted to talk about business matters.”
“Yes. That’s correct. Sir, it’s about…”
“No, I’m sorry, but I don’t have any intention to do that. As you can see, it’s a busy time, and there’s no time to talk. So, let me help you with the bill.”
It means, “If you’ve finished eating, calculate quickly and leave.”
It’s a clear sign of impatience.
For a moment, the guild representatives’ expressions darkened. Nevertheless, there were those among them who were quick-witted. The representatives of the Runner, Seongsin, and Myowon Guilds stepped back and seized the opportunity.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I was too hasty because I was in a hurry. I apologize for the intrusion, but may I contact you at the number on the business card when it’s convenient for you?”
“I’d like to say the same thing.”
“Likewise. I apologize for interrupting during a busy time.”
Yeah, it should have been like this from the beginning. Jong-pal glanced at the three for a moment, then opened his mouth. “Alright, then.”
He then completed the bills for the three.
On the other hand, there were those who took a different approach. One of them was from the Ewha Guild. The two interpreted Jong-pal’s seriousness differently.
For example, as a nerve-wracking confrontation to dominate the situation.
Or completely ignoring Jong-pal.
If the guild representative from the Taehwa Guild represented the former, the one from the Ewha Guild represented the latter.
The senior of the Ewha Guild, who Jong-pal looked at with some caution, attached himself with familiarity before he could say anything.
“Hunter Dok Jong-pal. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Did you forget me? I’m Manager Go from the Raid Support Team. I heard you opened a business, but I’ve been too busy to come visit. Am I late?”
“Oh, yes. It’s been a while. Manager Go.”
“There are so many waiting customers, and even the staff is here. Hiyah. Hunter Dok Jong-pal succeeded, huh? So, I wanted to ask if the staff could leave for a moment and have a chat with me? It’s not a story suitable for others to hear. Right?”
Manager Go had encountered Dok Jong-pal before.
He was a somewhat bland person who always chased after money, despite being a Hunter. When he heard that he was raising a daughter who is not even related, he found it pathetic.
‘What’s the big deal about helping someone.’
He even chuckled at Jong-pal’s claim to stop being a Hunter and open a restaurant. That’s why Manager Go was confident. He was confident that he could buy the recipes Jong-pal had developed at a bargain.
‘He doesn’t seem to understand the value of the food he created, selling it at such a cheap price. I should buy it quickly at times like this.’
‘There must be weaknesses that can be exploited in Jong-pal.’
Manager Go was confident.
However, his plan fell apart with Jong-pal’s response. With a serious expression, Jong-pal said,
“If you saw the waiting customers, you shouldn’t have acted like this, Manager Go.”
“Hmm? What did you say?”
“You heard me. Anyway, thank you for coming.”
With a chilly response, Manager Go abruptly interrupted Jong-pal and strengthened his words with ‘personal matters’.
“Just a moment. Hunter Dok Jong-pal. I didn’t expect this from you. Is this how you’re going to treat me? Huh? I remember I helped you a lot with personal matters back then, didn’t I? Can’t we have a chat? Huh?”
“Personal matters? Ah. Are you talking about that incident?”
At that time, Jong-pal needed money and took on various jobs without discrimination. Some of them were illegal. That was the job introduced by Manager Go.
The role of a porter for illegal Hunters. When caught for activities violating Awakening laws, one could face suspension of their Hunter’s license.
“Yeah, that job. You remember it well. So, let’s go outside and talk. Huh? Don’t make it awkward for no reason.”
Manager Go intended to use this as a threat to finalize a deal. Even though he’s running a restaurant now, he could return to being a Hunter anytime.
‘After all, the scariest thing for an Awakener is a suspension of their license.’
On the other hand, the Taehwa Guild representative deflated in the atmosphere. ‘Damn, what’s going on?’
He had a foreboding feeling that he might lose his recipes. Then, Jong-pal raised his voice incredulously.
“Haha. Manager Go. What could be awkward for me? You’re the one who should feel awkward, Manager Go, being in your position. Still arranging jobs for illegal Hunters.”
“Dok Jong-pal-!”
He didn’t expect to hear it from Jong-pal himself. Moreover, to the extent of biting the hand that feeds him? Manager Go yelled abruptly. But there were already people who had heard it. The Taehwa Guild representative narrowed his eyes and looked at him.
“Arranging jobs for illegal Hunter porters? You said you’re from the Ewha Guild, right?”
‘Isn’t that worth a reward of 50 million won for reporting?’
The one in hot water was Manager Go.
“It’s none of your business, so mind your own business.”
“When you think about it, it’s not really unrelated. I’m also a citizen with a strong sense of reporting.”
The guild representative is also a working professional. While purchasing Jong-pal’s recipes is a company matter, the money obtained from reporting to the government is purely personal profit. That’s why the Taehwa Guild representative didn’t easily give up.
“What do you know about reporting and complaining! Hunter Dok Jong-pal! Can’t you speak properly? Is this how you repay kindness? Huh?”
“You’re the one who’s been threatening with personal matters, Manager Go. And you two, if you’re going to fight, go outside and fight. It’s disturbing for the customers who are dining. Can’t you see?”
As Jong-pal said, the customers’ gazes were all directed towards the two. And not just them.
They were shouting so loudly that even those waiting outside could hear them.
However, the already agitated Manager Go and the Taehwa Guild representative, who smelled money, didn’t see anything. They were immersed in the situation before them.
“Why should I leave when someone who’s been my coworker for a long time visits? Treating them like this? Treating them like criminals?”
“Did you say Manager Go? Sir. Can you please tell me your name?”
“Why do you need to know my name?! Huh?”
“Just in case I need to make a report.”
“A report? What report? Do you have any evidence? Do you?!”
“No, I don’t. But you know very well what you’re doing. Any involvement with illegal Hunters can initiate an investigation with just a tip-off. The evidence will be provided by the Hunter Bureau.”
“Insane. What’s your name? Huh? I should report you too.”
This is beyond chaotic. Despite the presence of customers, trying to calm them down quietly with words didn’t work. Jong-pal, who suddenly made up his mind, was about to grab their shoulders.
Click.
The door opened, and Jong-sik’s subordinates rushed in. And they were quite famous Hunters.
“If you’ve finished your meal, then leave. Why are you fighting and causing trouble inside? Can’t you see people waiting outside?”
“Well, let’s see who it is. yes? From what I heard, it seemed like he was from the same industry. ok?”
‘Did he gain courage from the hunters’ threats?’
“you’ve already finished your food, but you’re still holding onto the manager like that? Come in and see for yourselves, everyone!”
“We’ve been recording all the harassment and threats from earlier. Shall we post it on the guild community?”
“Let’s post it, let’s. How dare they come here and act like this!”
Even the regular customers who were dining started to raise their voices one by one. For the sake of Dok Jong-pal and his restaurant, Dok’s Restaurant.
