Chapter 51

===================

Translated by Jinmu

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

===================

– Retainers?

– There was such a thing?

– Did they just leave William to die?

– Ah Lol I gotta save myself first.

– For real. If you try to help for no reason, you’re f*cked.

The viewers’ doubts were somewhat natural.

William’s former retainers.

They were people who worked with utmost loyalty under him, the Mayor.

Viewed through the eyes of others, it was no different from them merely spectating the execution.

“Are you talking about Uncle Henry and the others?”

Ria also knew about the existence of the retainers.

Although she had hardly met any of them, it was because William often told her stories about them.

“That is correct. Although they all stepped down from their official positions at the time, they are still working for Edlen.”

“…Was that also Dad’s command?”

“Yes. Under His Excellency William’s command, they too did not open their mouths during the incident in the past. It was his judgment that… if everyone was purged, the city’s future would be blatantly obvious.”

Cowen recalled that day when he fled the mansion with Ria.

Even though it was a command, the sense of sin embedded in his chest would not easily disappear.

That applied just the same to the former retainers as well.

“Can you trust those bastards?”

At that time, Asla, who was listening to the story, narrowed his eyes and asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Betrayal is the nature of human beings. For the sake of one’s own safety, they often discard many things. One cannot even trust family, so is it not a natural suspicion?”

“…”

– That’s a fact.

– Sniping Brooke;

– Family really is the most dangerous.

– For real. Skipped academy for 1 week and got heavily smacked on the back.

– You deserve to be smacked a bit.

Setting the viewers aside, Cowen could not easily retort.

Since right after he actually ran away with Ria, he too had no choice but to suspect the retainers.

As he was inherently a shadow knight, Cowen was only grasping the retainers through information alone.

“…I have observed them for a long period of time. I had to grasp what kind of actions they were taking since His Excellency William’s execution, and whether they were being influenced by Vares.”

“You weren’t entirely naive. So, what were the results?”

“Every one of them appeared to be intoxicated by their work. Like dolls drawn with dark expressions, they only devoted themselves to their tasks. As if saying they would struggle to endure otherwise.”

“What about the people they interact with?”

“They avoid meeting even among the retainers, and they only went back and forth between their homes and workplaces every day.”

“…A transient life.”

Asla clicked his tongue and shook his head.

However, it was also a life so distorted that one could not suspect them of betrayal.

“How is Uncle Henry doing?”

Ria, who was listening to the conversation, asked.

Henry, who worked as a financial officer under William, was a good-natured person who often played with Ria.

Because he always had a smiling face, her good memories of him were vivid.

“…Henry is the one devoting himself to work the most. After sending off his wife and daughter due to the plague, he rarely even returns home.”

“Such a…”

The gruesome situation left her at a loss for words.

Because it completely contrasted with her old memories, it was even more shocking.

“If you feel uncomfortable, it is fine even if you do not meet them. If we utilize the ring and the magic tool, we will be able to persuade them.”

Looking at Ria who dropped her gaze, Cowen spoke up worriedly.

However, Ria, who remained silent for a moment, lifted her head with a face firmly resolved.

“I, want to meet them. The only person whose face I know is Uncle Henry but… I still want to see him.”

“…Understood.”

Seeing that expression, Cowen quietly nodded his head.

Standing up, he spoke with proper etiquette.

“I will arrange a gathering immediately. It will take a little bit of time, but there will be absolutely no chance of Vares’s forces noticing.”

Ding-

A message that popped up along with Cowen’s words.

[Main Quest #7 has been completed.]

[Progress Rate increases.]

[Main Quest #8: Gathering]

With the help of Asla, you repelled the assault of the Holy State’s assassin.

In order to judge the crimes of Vares and Brooke, the power of the Sword of the King, the Royal Guard Knights, is necessary.

Let’s meet the former retainers of William, whom Cowen has gathered, and unite our wills.

Objective: Let’s formulate a plan together with William’s retainers.

Reward: 50,000 gold, 15,000 Experience Points, 2 Stat Points

*Current Progress Rate: 66 Percent

*This quest can be undertaken after 12 hours.

Han-bit, who stood up from his seat, looked at Ria and said.

“Shall we bring Plona here too? If you’re left alone, wouldn’t you feel anxious?”

“Huh? Really?”

As if she had been agonizing over it, she lifted her head abruptly.

It was a gaze pleading him to please bring her.

“Are you saying another one is coming? Do you plan to use your master as a babysitter?”

Asla, foreseeing the future, slightly frowned.

“Can’t we bring Atsbel Unni too? Unni also knows the circumstances.”

“…You’re saying two more are coming?”

– Lolololol

– Swordsman of the Wind (Shelter)

– Being alone is kinda boring to be fair.

– Wait, Atsbel knew too?;

– Today I shout once again. Julio that son of a b*tch.

When Ria added a request, the old man’s wrinkles deepened even further.

“That much is fine, right? I’ll solely trust in you, Master.”

“No…”

Han-bit, who didn’t listen to the answer, moved to the upper floor along with Cowen.

Since Cowen immediately left for the gathering, Han-bit also swiftly moved his steps.

“Oh? Adventurer-nim!”

“Black Dragon?”

A process to persuade the two people wasn’t needed.

Since they were people who would nod their heads at any time if he brought up Ria’s name.

Atsbel’s reaction, who especially knew the situation, was extraordinary.

“What? You ended up helping her with that? What about Ria? Is Ria okay?”

Hearing the events that transpired, she poured out questions as if surprised.

Other than saying she is fine, it would be best to leave the detailed explanations to the person involved.

“Uh… Would it be alright if Ruby goes together too?”

“Of course.”

One more cat was added, but there was no problem.

It just meant Asla’s work would increase by one more.

Like that, Han-bit, who hid everyone’s appearances with robes, moved to the old building.

It was a movement cautious enough to not be discovered by anyone.

“Plona! Unni!”

The sight of the three people reuniting in the basement was heartwarming no matter who looked at it.

Although the old man standing behind them was glaring at his disciple.

“Then I’ll go take care of some work and return. Master, I request this of you.”

“…”

Han-bit, who escaped outside once again, quickly moved to the streets.

Although he needed more preparation, it wasn’t something to do today.

“12 hours is quite long. You’re going to turn off the broadcast soon, right?”

As if he had also checked the time, Yeon-woo asked.

“Since it’s early morning, I should slowly turn it off. I also have to go out tomorrow.”

“Ah, please spare some time for me too.”

“Why you?”

“Because I have something to say to you.”

– Are you abandoning us?

– Let’s meet up together.

– A meet-up isn’t bad.

– I’m already departing.

– But where are we meeting?

– My house Gogogo

The viewers poured in to interject at the meeting of the two.

An offline meet-up was a dizzying scene just thinking about it.

“All of you enjoy meeting up yourselves. I’ll be going now. I’ll continue progressing the story tomorrow. Let’s contact each other separately.”

– F*ck

– Please give me a message.

– Ryong-Bye.

– Let’s meet tomorrow. Bye bye.

– Cyatmr.

Bip-

The game ended along with the final chat.

Taking off his gear, Han-bit quickly finished showering.

Perhaps because he was more tired than he thought, he fell asleep just like that sprawled out on his bed.

***

The next morning.

“You’re saying Yeon-woo asked to meet?”

His mother sitting opposite him at the dining table asked as if perplexed.

“He said he had something to tell me. Since I had plans with you, Mom, I told him to come over to where we are.”

“Really? From my perspective, it’s nice. Seeing Yeon-woo after a long time.”

The final day of the weekend, Sunday.

Today’s schedule was going to the department store with his mother.

It was also the reason he was holding onto the money he earned recently.

“But are we really going to a department store? It’s only expensive, and there’s nothing to buy.”

“We already finished that talk, right? You’re definitely changing your bag and wallet.”

“…Sigh, being so stubborn. Fine.”

The squabble that repeated a few times ultimately ended in Han-bit’s victory.

Since he couldn’t bear to watch his mother’s 20-year-old bag and worn-out wallet anymore.

Like that, the two people who finished their meal got ready and left the house.

“Please go to AG Department Store.”

Riding a taxi heading to the destination was a refreshing feeling.

Since they usually wouldn’t use it at all due to the price.

“Thank you.”

Arriving in front of the department store, Han-bit and his mother stood in front of the massive building.

A street bustling with people fitting for a Sunday.

Although there are many people who look leisurely, Han-bit’s bank account was also heavily padded.

“Let’s go.”

He led his mother and entered inside the department store.

It was truly after a long time that he visited the 1st floor filled with the scent of cosmetics and perfumes.

“You’re saying we should go in here?”

As they arrived in front of a luxury brand store, his mother showed signs of reluctance.

“Looking around is free, right?”

“That is true but…”

“Just look for now.”

Han-bit grabbed his hesitating mother’s hand and entered inside the store.

Although his mother was flustered at the employee’s kind guidance, that too didn’t last long.

“Mother, this product suits you incredibly well. The refined design and bright color are an absolute perfect fit.”

“Is that so? To me, anything is fine as long as it’s comfortable…”

“Then how about this product line? Although it’s a new product, it’s easy to match with various outfits, making it a very popular product recently so…”

The employee’s professionalism was incredible.

To the point her ability to turn around his hesitating mother’s mood was admirable.

“I will assist with the payment of 3.58 million won.”

Surprisingly, after looking around a few more stores, they returned to the first store and made the decision.

Expensive luxury brand bags and wallets they hadn’t even thought about.

There was, of course, Han-bit’s long persuasion added to it, but they ultimately succeeded in purchasing them.

“Thank you.”

The two people confidently exited the store carrying an exclusive shopping bag.

On his mother’s shoulder, the new bag was already slung.

This too was the employee’s recommendation.

“Is this really okay?”

His mother, stroking the smooth leather strap, asked worriedly.

Looking at her slightly excited expression, it seems she picked items she genuinely liked.

“Your son made a lot of money. Since we’re going to move houses soon too, keep that in mind.”

“Oh my, just hearing those words makes me happy.”

When bringing up moving houses, his mother accepted it as a joke.

Since it required money in the hundreds of millions, it was a natural reaction.

However, Han-bit was serious.

‘What’s important is after finishing the episode.’

Even while progressing the story, donations were continuously pouring in.

Especially since corporations are continuing to pour money as love calls, it gradually started to concern him.

The important thing is after the Edlen storyline ends.

Depending on his mindset, there were methods to generate massive profits.

‘Items are the cleanest, indeed.’

Information or education requires taking care of the buyers’ results as well.

In contrast to that, for items, you just have to pay attention to quality and sell them, and you’re done.

Would it not be best to aim for this direction as expected.

“Since we’re seeing Yeon-woo at lunch, let’s look around a bit more. We should buy clothes and shoes too.”

“What? You’re buying more from here?”

“Just try looking around for now.”

Han-bit led his mother’s hand again and started moving.

Walking around the stores sharing this and that squabble and conversation for about 2 hours.

His mother, exiting the department store, had completely changed from head to toe.

“Is it too excessive?”

His mother threw a worriedly mixed question at her awkward appearance.

“What’s excessive about it? It’s just perfectly right.”

There was no lie in those words.

Rather, he felt like he wanted to go shopping to the point of being excessive.

But today was merely the beginning, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future too.

“The restaurant is… here.”

Since the meetup location was near the department store, they arrived right away by walking.

Just by looking at it, it was a course meal restaurant that felt expensive.

“…Are you sure this is the right place?”

“I’m sure. Let’s go in.”

The two people took a step into the antique restaurant.

When moving guided by the employee, a separately segregated single room came into view.

“Mother!”

Yeon-woo, who was waiting, ran to them the moment he saw the two people.

Rather than to Han-bit whom he sees every day in the game, he approached his mother and conveyed an affectionate greeting.

“Have you been well? You completely changed from head to toe so I almost couldn’t recognize you. It really suits you.”

“Nothing comes out even if you compliment me. But didn’t you lose some weight? You have to make sure to eat properly.”

“As expected, I can’t fool Mother’s eyes. I’ve been a bit busy recently though… Ah, please have a seat first. You too, Hyung.”

Following his words, Han-bit and his mother sat at the prepared seats.

Yeon-woo, taking the seat opposite them, certainly showed slight signs of fatigue.

“Did you not sleep again?”

“And whose fault is that…”

At the casually thrown question, Yeon-woo answered as if he was dumbfounded.

Then, taking out a file folder from the bag next to him, he placed it on the table.

“What is this?”

Such a suddenly appearing business-like item brought about questions.

Slowly opening up the file folder, Yeon-woo said.

“This is all the recruitment offers sent to you, Hyung.”