Chapter 19

EP.19 Three-Way Confrontation

“How has Leona been lately?”

It was Marcella’s question.

“She’s been struggling.”

From the day demons appeared worldwide until a few days later, Sehwa’s expression remained grim.

She felt immense guilt for not being able to save people despite her presence.

Unable to confide in anyone, her heart grew heavier and heavier.

There were only two people she could open up to: Yoo Seunghyun and me, who knew her true self.

So, Sehwa planned to meet with both of us to share what was in her heart.

But she couldn’t meet either of us.

Seunghyun was too busy with the Gold Perfume Hotel, to the point where even having two bodies wouldn’t be enough, making it impossible for him to see Sehwa.

Though they occasionally talked on the phone, it was brief and not as good as meeting in person…

I was also busy.

I had been called to the doctor’s lab all week to help modify equipment.

On the first day, I was called in for lunch, but from the next day onwards, I was at the lab early in the morning and returned late at night.

Knowing this, Sehwa couldn’t complain to me, who was neglecting my studies to work for her.

Sehwa wanted to go to the doctor’s lab and help in some way.

But she didn’t know about future technology, and when the doctor urged her to focus on her studies instead, she could only pace around.

“A sense of justice has caused emotional problems.”

“Similar. It’s understandable since she hasn’t fully assimilated Leona’s strength yet.”

“Was releasing the demons also part of the plan to create psychological instability in Leona? Indeed…”

She’s good at everything but sometimes misinterprets my intentions.

Even now. I had no intention of creating psychological instability in Sehwa or using it, but her words made me laugh weakly.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. It happened because Dr. Cash called me. You can think of it as a coincidence.”

“But wasn’t the doctor’s action also induced by you, Demon King?”

I didn’t expect you to entrust me with equipment modification so quickly, girl.

Let’s act solemn. When she stares at me with those sparkling eyes, I get goosebumps.

“That’s right.”

“As expected… Marcella will forever be loyal to the Demon King…”

“Enough. How’s the modification of the tracking demon going?”

“It might take a little longer. But soon, we’ll be able to check the video in real-time. I’ll make it quickly!”

Marcella answered like an energetic Girl Scout.

I chuckled.

“Alright, got it.”

“But Demon King, how do you plan to approach Yuria? I know you disguised yourself as a man similar to her father, but… I’m curious.”

I looked down at Marcella.

Indeed, as a non-player, she only assisted me until she was killed by Celine, unaware of Seunghyun and the Beast Slayers’ promiscuous sex lives.

Yuria had an interesting sexual preference.

She enjoyed soft sadism play.

It’s more accurate to call it dominant.

And over time, she became increasingly obsessive.

She treated Seunghyun with a queenly demeanor, and he happily served her, acting as a device charger.

I plan to amplify her sexual preference and then bring her down.

Of course, I’ll have to create a situation where she can engage in sexual activities first.

“I have a plan, so don’t worry.”

“Yes! Marcella believes in the Demon King!”

“Enough with the flattery. Focus on delivering the doctor’s portal technology to my brain.”

Originally, this was something Dr. Cash struggled with after contacting the government and created midway through the first act.

Portals are set up in the centers of various countries, allowing Beast Slayers to deploy immediately when demons appear.

In the early stages, it was unstable, with weapons being left behind or equipment disappearing, but it became perfect over time.

I planned to contribute significantly by accelerating Dr. Cash’s portal invention.

I needed to become an indispensable presence among the Beast Slayers.

“Understood, I’ll start right away.”

“And… today’s Friday, right? Give Seunghyun a day off. One day is enough.”

“Huh? A day off…? To check how much Leona’s heart has wavered?”

“There’s no need to know too much.”

“Hiiing… Yes… Then I’ll inform the manager and transfer the technology.”

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“What!? A day off?”

Seunghyun’s shout, almost falling over in surprise.

The female manager of the Gold Perfume Hotel’s entertainment lounge smiled.

“The boss said you’ve been working hard, so take a day off. Today’s tips are all yours, and your daily wage will be tripled.”

“Really? Why are you being so nice to me…?”

“You haven’t been guaranteed holidays and haven’t reported to the labor board. This industry tends to be like that… Anyway, the boss seems to like you. Don’t come in today, come back tomorrow at 4 PM.”

Seunghyun felt immense gratitude towards the boss.

He was paid well for his work, given a day off, triple wages, and even today’s tips.

Even if he was afraid of reporting, he was still grateful.

He had no intention of reporting.

“I should call the boss…”

“Don’t, he’s busy. What are you going to do today?”

The answer came immediately.

Seunghyun answered without hesitation.

“I’m going to see my girlfriend.”

“Alright. Rest well.”

“Yes! See you tomorrow!”

As soon as Seunghyun went up to his hotel room, he called Sehwa.

The ringtone was very long.

As he paced around the room, growing anxious, the ringing stopped, and Sehwa’s voice came through the phone.

-Yeah, Seunghyun.

Her voice was subdued.

Last time, she had mentioned feeling guilty for not being able to save people, and it seemed she still hadn’t forgotten.

Seunghyun’s heart ached.

“Sehwa, were you in class?”

-No, I just finished and was about to go home. Why?

“I got a day off today. I’ll come right away.”

-What? Really?

“Really. The boss told me to take the day off and rest. I was going to ask for a day off anyway, so the timing was perfect. I’ll rush over now, do you have time?”

-Hmm… Wait a sec.

Sehwa paused and fell silent for a moment.

Seunghyun heard her talking to several young voices.

Was there something important? Did she have to go on a field trip or something? Seunghyun scratched his finger nervously.

-I was going to hang out with my classmates, but I’ll cancel. You got a day off, so of course, I should.

Hearing the desired answer, Seunghyun was overjoyed.

“Thank you. I’ll shower and head straight to Korea University.”

-No, I’ll come to the hotel and wait, so shower and come out right away.

“Got it.”

After hanging up, Seunghyun hummed a tune and rushed to the bathroom to finish his shower.

He then picked out the best clothes from the messy pile and got dressed.

As he stepped outside, he saw Sehwa with a ponytail, attracting attention from people around her as she waited for him, making his shoulders shrug.

That beauty over there was his childhood friend and beloved girlfriend.

Her changed hairstyle was a bit… well, but still pretty.

As Seunghyun approached Sehwa, she noticed him and smiled brightly.

“Sehwa!”

But compared to Seunghyun’s enthusiastic reaction, Sehwa’s response was lukewarm.

“You’re here? What should we do today?”

“Hmm… It’s been a while since we properly met, aren’t you happy?”

“Of course, I’m happy. It’s just that my heart is a bit… Sorry. It’s your first day off, and I’m like this…”

Seunghyun smiled kindly.

With an expression that said he understood, he spoke.

“It’s okay. How about having a beer together after so long? Anything you want to eat?”

“There’s a pancake house ahead. You like pancakes, right? I’ll treat you.”

“Why would you treat me? I brought money today. I got a lot of tips yesterday.”

“You have debts to pay. I still have some leeway… Let me treat you until you pay off your debts. Deal?”

Feeling her considerate heart, Seunghyun couldn’t help but try to hug Sehwa.

But Sehwa stretched out her hand to stop him.

“Wait… I sweated today, so I might smell.”

“You hugged me just fine when we used to exercise together… What’s wrong?”

“Next time… I’ll hug you next time. I want to look good for you.”

Seunghyun suddenly remembered the last time they met briefly, when she was awkward about hugging in public.

But he shook his head and dismissed the thought.

They had rarely hugged in public before, and he thought it was because of the stress from the monster incident.

“Alright. Then can I hold your hand? Oh, you have an umbrella? Is it going to rain today?”

“It might rain in the evening.”

“Really? Well… let’s go.”

Seunghyun confidently held out his hand.

Sehwa, staring at his hand, looked around as if searching for someone.

Seunghyun thought she was just shy.

Eventually, Sehwa took Seunghyun’s hand.

His mouth widened into a grin, and with a bit of overacting, they headed to the pancake house together.

Inside the crowded shop, Seunghyun exclaimed in amazement.

“Wow… Why are there so many people?”

“It’s Friday… and it’s a famous place… Didn’t you know about this place even though you live nearby?”

“I hardly go out except for errands. No one orders pancakes for errands.”

“That’s true. Table for two, please.”

After informing the staff, they were seated.

Sehwa pulled out the menu from the wooden table and handed it to Seunghyun.

“Do you want to look and order?”

“Have you been here before?”

“Once… I had seafood pancakes then. They said it’s the best seller.”

“Then let’s have that. Should we order makgeolli too? Can you drink?”

“I feel like it too. Let’s have a little.”

So, the two ordered and chatted.

Seunghyun felt relieved seeing Sehwa smile and talk to him.

He thought meeting him had somewhat healed her troubled heart.

Though it was a weak smile, he vowed to make her smile brightly today.

Seunghyun listened to Sehwa and reacted accordingly.

Soon, the pancakes arrived, and Sehwa licked her lips and fiddled with her chopsticks.

Then, she was startled by someone talking to a staff member at the counter.

“The person who ordered two seafood pancakes for takeout five minutes ago? Can you tell me the last four digits of your phone number and your name?”

“4444. My name is Song Jihyuk.”

“Ah! 4444! I remember. But the food isn’t ready yet… Please wait a bit, and I’ll bring it right out.”

“Thank you.”

“But your phone number… it’s an ominous number.”

“Haha! That’s true. But I like it.”

It was none other than Jihyuk.

Chatting and laughing with the staff, he looked around the shop and locked eyes with Sehwa.

“Oh? Sehwa?”

His voice was quite loud, and Sehwa’s name was mentioned, so Seunghyun turned around.

With a curious expression, he asked Sehwa.

“Who’s that? A classmate?”

Sehwa didn’t answer.

She just stared at Jihyuk, who was approaching with a smile, her pupils trembling.

This was Jihyuk’s plan.

Having been tracking Sehwa’s every move, he approached her strategically.

Jihyuk, arriving at their table, smiled brightly.

“What are you doing here? I don’t recognize this person… Is this your boyfriend?”

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To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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