The gentle rustling sound filled the air.
A hot summer breeze swirled around the garden, brushing past two men.
Jeong Yusin opened his mouth.
“Uh… good afternoon.”
“I ain’t feelin’ too good.”
Cain brushed his flowing golden hair aside as he replied.
Judging by his casual shirt, it seemed he was on vacation.
His expensive-looking longsword was casually leaned against the table.
Cain gave Jeong Yusin a once-over.
“Why are you here?”
“I’ve come for my mark verification.”
“If you’re here for verification, why did you come all the way out to the garden?”
“Normally, Officer Mion takes care of it. I also have another favor to ask today.”
At Jeong Yusin’s response, Cain shook his head.
“Not possible today.”
“Why not?”
“I’m on vacation. Mion and I have plans to dine at a nice restaurant for dinner.”
“It’s not even lunchtime yet. Don’t you have plenty of time before dinner?”
“Couple’s gotta date before dinner too. Recently, merchants from Lyonel Kingdom have brought in some great goods. Lot to see.”
‘That brother complex guy.’
Jeong Yusin nodded and turned around.
“To where?”
“I was going somewhere else since I thought I’d be in the way.”
“Me? You’ve got an ego problem.”
“Understood.”
Jeong Yusin sat facing Cain.
“…”
Neither of them had anything to say and they just stared at each other.
Jeong Yusin felt awkward in this situation.
Was it like meeting your girlfriend’s older brother for the first time? Strictly speaking, this wasn’t their first meeting.
Cain spoke up.
“Hans’ barrier you broke, was that you?”
“…”
“Yes.”
At Jeong Yusin’s response, Cain clicked his tongue.
“Tsk. This is the only time I’ll verify your mark. Mion’s busy, you hear?”
“Understood.”
“…”
Another awkward silence passed between the two men.
Jeong Yusin turned his head to look at the flowers in the garden.
Cain folded his arms.
“…Thanks.”
“Huh?”
“Thanks to you breaking Hans’ barrier, the city didn’t take much damage.”
“It was already cracked. A light touch and it would’ve shattered anyway.”
“Good job turning down a compliment. I take it back.”
‘This guy, does he have some tsundere tendencies?’
Jeong Yusin scratched his head.
“Yes. Actually, there’s one thing I’m curious about.”
“What is it?”
“Does Officer Mion know? That you collect her underwear?”
“Are you crazy? When did I ever collect underwear? You’re the crazy one.”
“Nope.”
“She doesn’t know.”
“Ahh, right.”
“Listen, don’t tell Mion about this.”
“Wouldn’t have said anything in the first place if you hadn’t brought it up.”
“You must’ve had too much to drink that day. Your mind was off. Forget about it.”
“Understood.”
“But… now that I think about it, it’s strange. Lately, Mion’s underwear…”
Jeong Yusin perked up.
“Yes?”
What about Mion’s underwear?
Jeong Yusin leaned in closer toward Cain.
“Uh… should I say they’ve gotten thinner? Or the coverage has decreased? They used to have cute animal prints – you know, bears, rabbits, cats. Recently, though… tsk. Anyway. Plus…”
‘Bears, rabbits, cats? Check.’
Plus?
Cain’s face darkened.
Grrrr.
The sound of grinding teeth echoed in the quiet garden.
“Some random guy’s underwear was in Mion’s closet. Makes no sense. How dare someone put their underwear in my little sister’s closet? When I find this psycho, I’ll chop him into pieces!”
Jeong Yusin’s expression became equally serious.
What kind of psychotic guy would do that?
Sure enough, in the Labyrinth City.
There were too many crazy people.
“Shouldn’t we call the guards and put him in jail?”
“You’re right. That’s why I brought evidence.”
‘This guy’s impressive.’
No clue when he sneaked into his little sister’s room.
No idea how he managed to take it.
Yeah.
You have to do that much if you’re going to be called a “little sister lover.”
Jeong Yusin understood and nodded his head inside.
Cain pulled out a cloth bundle from his chest and unfolded it on the table.
“Look. That’s the guy’s underwear.”
“WHAT?!”
Jeong Yusin’s eyes widened to the size of lanterns.
Black square spandex underwear. The shape was very familiar.
‘Uh… is this mine?’
The back of his head felt like it had been hit with a mace, and his head spun.
He was sure now. There was no denying it.
The parts that had stretched and torn from rolling around were familiar.
He was sure he had put it in the laundry basket.
‘Why is it here?’
Could it be…
Mion?
No way. Mion wouldn’t have done it.
Would a priestess of Dejimoseon sneak in and take underwear from the laundry basket?
‘Is this right?’
The devil whispered.
‘If this isn’t green light, then what is? Rumble! Just do it already!!!’
‘No. There might be a special mark on Mion that can’t be talked about. Though it’s clear she’s interested, you don’t know what kind of interest it is, do you? Are you really sure? What if you make Mion cry again?’
The angel contradicted.
The devil proposed a compromise.
‘Let’s hold hands first. We’ll limit the kids to three.’
‘No. I need to get stronger and deal with Cain first. That’s the proper order.’
Now it was unclear who was the angel and who was the devil.
Is this what they call “Zhuo Hua Ru Mo” (demon possession) in martial arts novels?
Jeong Yusin closed his eyes and subdued his inner conflict.
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
At Cain’s question, Jeong Yusin opened his eyes.
“Nothing much. Just thinking about how to get rid of the owner of this underwear. Are you going to tell Officer Mion about this underwear?”
“No. Can’t. How can I tell innocent Mion about such dirty and lewd schemes?”
“Understood.”
Squeak. Squeak.
Someone was approaching where Jeong Yusin and Cain were standing. Cain quickly retrieved the underwear.
It was the temple receptionist.
“Scath sir, you may come in.”
Jeong Yusin stood up.
“Me?”
“Scath sir is asked to wait a bit.”
“I don’t like that. I’m going too.”
“Ugh, fine then.”
The temple receptionist sighed and permitted Cain’s company.
Jeong Yusin and Cain walked down the corridor to the door of a room deep within the temple.
“This is a secret until the investigation is over. Got it?”
“Yes.”
Jeong Yusin nodded.
Knock knock.
“Officer Mion, Scath sir and Cain sir have arrived.”
“Please invite them in.”
“Yes. You may enter, both of you.”
Jeong Yusin and Cain opened the door and entered the room.
Flowing golden hair.
A straight nose and kind slanted eyes.
Mion in her white priestess robe stood there with a benevolent smile.
“Mion!”
Cain shoved Jeong Yusin aside and immediately approached Mion.
“Oh, Brother.”
Mion looked startled and stepped back a bit.
“Why are you so busy? I found a good restaurant and let’s go together. We can date around the central area too. Sound good?”
Jeong Yusin stared at Cain dumbfounded.
Moments ago he was acting serious, then completely changed his attitude and was already sweet-talking Mion.
“Brother, first, let’s do Scath’s mark verification.”
Mion cut off Cain’s words.
Indeed, she knew how to prioritize tasks.
Jeong Yusin approached Mion and greeted her.
“Long time no see, Officer Mion.”
“Yes. You’ve come for mark verification, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
Jeong Yusin immediately knelt before Mion and bowed his head.
What kind of mark is it?
Hopefully, it’s a good one.
No, not asking for a cheat mark.
As long as it’s not a weird one, that’s fine.
Mion’s incantation filled the room.
Jeong Yusin closed his eyes and prayed fervently.
‘Please, don’t give me a corrupt mark. O heavens.’
About 5 minutes passed.
Mion spoke.
“I’ve confirmed. Scath’s mark is ‘Venom Protection.'”
Venom Protection.
Jeong Yusin quickly raised his head.
“Is it a good one?”
The name alone sounded like a good mark.
Mion’s face showed a fleeting trace of awkwardness.
“Yes… it’s not a bad mark.”
Cain chuckled from the side.
“Sadly. Wouldn’t it have been better to just get a slug popping out of your mouth?”
Jeong Yusin ignored Cain’s words.
“What’s the effect?”
“It’s a mark that provides some defense against poison. It’s not continuous but activates when needed. The duration varies from person to person. On average, it lasts about 12 hours. Oh! And it provides some resistance to diseases.”
“Nice! Isn’t it a good mark?”
A modestly good mark. You can save on antidote costs and probably won’t catch colds easily.
Jeong Yusin smiled happily.
It wasn’t some mark that would kill you within 3 weeks if you didn’t touch your chest.
Nor was it an erectile dysfunction mark.
Definitely not a child-love mark.
Considering all this, you could say he was extremely lucky.
Cain mocked Jeong Yusin’s expression.
“It might work on lower floors, but when you go deeper, it’s useless. Monsters down there use bizarre compound poisons. This mark won’t cut it.”
‘Look at his attitude.’
Jeong Yusin’s face furrowed.
There’s always that guy who has to knock you down.
Why can’t you just give a genuine congratulation?
Mion frowned.
“Brother, Scath is still a novice explorer.”
“Tsk. Understood.”
Jeong Yusin stood up and faced Mion.
“Officer Mion, I have one favor.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“Hey! I said I have plans!”
“Let me explain just once. It’s urgent, someone’s life is at stake.”
Seeing Jeong Yusin’s serious expression, Cain closed his mouth.
Jeong Yusin began his story.
The fox water spirit family.
He explained Edel’s current situation and Luna’s efforts.
He added that he genuinely wanted to help.
The story lasted about 30 minutes.
“…”
Silence fell in the room.
Suddenly, Cain spoke up.
“…I understand the situation, but let’s talk about one thing.”
“Yes.”
“Exactly why are you helping so much? Setting aside the source of those magic stones, even the money you’ve spent could have bought dozens of gold coins. You could have bought good equipment, magical items, and lived comfortably. Why are you giving it all up for someone you barely know?”
Cain pointed his finger at Jeong Yusin and continued.
“Are you out of your mind? Unless you’re blinded by the beauty of that Edel widow and are half-insane with desire trying to have a go at her?”
‘You bastard.’
Jeong Yusin glared at Cain and opened his mouth.
“Cain Randycier, don’t cross the line.”
“…What did you say?”
The sudden casual speech startled Cain.
“You may be the captain of the labyrinth knights, but there are things to say and things not to say. Don’t insult me.”
“You want to know why I’m helping? The good equipment, expensive magical items, comfortable living conditions you mention – those naturally come when I get stronger. And I do like money. But I value the peace of those close to me more. If you can’t accept that, don’t. It’s my feeling.”
It was Dalmong’s feeling too.
It was Einhofer’s stubbornness too.
Not an adult yet.
Everything was…
‘For protecting my heart.’
“…”
Cain and Jeong Yusin had an intense staring contest.
Cain eventually admitted defeat, dangling his hands and shaking his head.
“…Hmph. Understood. And stop addressing me casually. You impolite guy. I’ll overlook it just this once. Tsk.”
“Sorry.”
“I’ll help! I’ll definitely help!”
Mion spoke up loudly.
“R-really? I can’t offer much…”
“No, Scath has already given enough.”
Jeong Yusin tilted his head.
What did I give her again?
Cain frowned.
“Then what about our date?”
“Brother, I don’t think this will take too long. Please wait a bit.”
“Huh? In that case, I’m going too.”
“It’s not necessary to come together.”
Jeong Yusin subtly declined.
The vein on Cain’s forehead popped out.
“On what basis do you expect me to trust you with my little sister? You might drag her off to a dark alley and do something bad!”
“O, Brother!”
Mion’s face turned bright red.
Jeong Yusin scratched his head.
There was a lot to say, but he held back.
“Let’s go.”
Jeong Yusin and the Mion siblings left the temple.
In the front yard of the temple stood Delnaco.
He had a small backpack on, but his complexion was not good.
“Who is this?”
Cain asked.
“He’s my subordinate.”
‘Yet to be a real subordinate.’
Unaware of Jeong Yusin’s thoughts, Cain chuckled.
“Ho ho. You had a subordinate as well?”
“Yes. A friend whose heart aligns with mine.”
Jeong Yusin approached Delnaco.
“You don’t look well. Is anything wrong?”
“Sc…Scath sir.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the magic stones… ”
Delnaco hesitated.
“Speak your mind.”
Encouraged by Jeong Yusin, Delnaco finally spoke.
“I think we’ve been scammed.”
“What?!”
Jeong Yusin’s mouth dropped open.
