Chapter 230

EP.230 Doctor’s Corruption Plan #2

“Mr. Jihyuk! Over here!”

Adel, waving her hand from a distance, calls out cheerfully.

Even though it’s past midnight, seeing her so lively makes my mood lift as well.

I walked over quickly, smiling as I approached.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s okay. I only waited for 10 minutes. But… wait a second…”

Adel sniffs around me, tilting her head in confusion.

“That’s strange…?”

Seeing her sniffing again, I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

“What’s wrong?”

“I smell perfume. It’s women’s perfume…”

Ah… I thought she sensed some evil energy. I was startled for a moment.

“There was a secretary in the meeting room. We worked together for a while after the meeting ended.”

“…Is that so?”

“You’re not suspecting me, are you…?”

I said with a genuinely hurt expression, and Adel quickly shook her head.

“Of course not! Why would you think that?”

“If not, then it’s fine. Now, give me my gift. You said you’d give it to me today.”

I held out my hand, and Adel let out a cute sigh.

“Mr. Jihyuk, I can’t give you a gift today.”

“Why not?”

“Silvia unnie is acting strange. She needs your counseling.”

Of course, she would. She probably sensed something awkward from Silvia.

But what does that have to do with the gift?

Is she trying to lighten the mood before getting into a serious conversation?

I’ll play along for now.

“Counseling? Are you sure I’m the right person?”

“Only you can do it. Even if all the believers on our planet offered counseling, I’d still choose you.”

How grateful those words are.

Love is overflowing.

“Then shall we go somewhere quiet to talk?”

“H-Hotel is out of the question… If we go there, you’ll definitely do something sneaky…”

Who said anything about going to a hotel? That’s ridiculous.

I stifled a laugh and silently dragged Adel to a quiet cocktail bar.

There, I listened to her story.

Silvia has been in a low mood since morning, exchanged awkward greetings with Adel, and then went out to exercise.

Even when she came back in the evening, she avoided conversation, and when Adel asked, she just brushed it off.

“I feel like unnie is avoiding me… It’s really sad…”

Adel, almost tearful, leaned her head on my shoulder.

I gently stroked her arm and said,

“I don’t know what’s going on, but… maybe she’s feeling lonely…”

“Lonely?”

“Yes. Lately, Adel, you’ve been spending a lot of time with me, leaving the house late. Maybe she’s feeling lonely because of that.”

In this situation, it’s better to keep Silvia and Adel together.

If Silvia has feelings for me, the awkward atmosphere will continue, and over time, their relationship will drift apart.

Also, I need time to corrupt the doctor, so let’s keep Adel at home for now.

“But Silvia unnie also stays out late because of her workouts, right?”

“That’s probably because she’s lonely and trying to do something.”

“Is that so…?”

“I’m not sure. But it’s a strong possibility.”

Adel turned her head slightly to look up at me.

Her eyes were filled with deep concern, as if seeking an answer.

I smiled softly and continued.

“How about this? Spend a few days with Silvia. Follow her around, whether she’s working out or doing something else.”

“Huh…? Won’t that be too bothersome…?”

“If she were the type to be bothered by that, you wouldn’t trust and follow her so much.”

“That’s true… But still, is it okay? I’m worried you’ll miss me…”

Look at that confidence? She’s not wrong.

It would be hard not to see her every day.

“I’ll miss you, but if I catch up on my work, time will fly. I should take this opportunity to go on a business trip overseas and catch up with some partners.”

“Then… okay. I’ll try it your way, Mr. Jihyuk.”

“Shall we make a promise? When you’re with Silvia, don’t mention me. It’s time for just the two of you.”

“No texts or calls either?”

“That’s fine. Just limit it when you’re with Silvia. Before bed or during a bath, that kind of thing.”

Adel pouted.

She didn’t like the idea of only contacting me occasionally.

But her concern for Silvia seemed greater, and she soon agreed.

“Okay… but let’s talk for a long time before bed.”

“Of course. Promise?”

I held out my pinky, and Adel smiled brightly, linking her finger with mine.

Now, Silvia will feel even more guilty every time she sees Adel’s face.

Adel, being naturally affectionate, will keep approaching her warmly, and if they end up fighting in a fit of anger, that would be perfect.

I also told her to avoid mentioning anything that might make it seem like something happened between me and Adel, but I’m not sure if that will work.

If Silvia takes this as an opportunity to get closer to me, that’s great. If not, it’s fine.

The most important thing now is the doctor’s corruption.

Just buying this much time is satisfying enough.

@@

The doctor really liked the girl named Marcella in front of him.

Despite her young age, her understanding of future science was exceptional.

A so-called genius. She was so knowledgeable that it reminded him of Jihyuk.

Honestly, she seemed even more talented than Jihyuk.

If this weren’t Tairat’s base, and if Marcella weren’t his subordinate, he would have wanted to recruit her for headquarters.

Her personality was also likable.

There was no pretense in the way she looked at him, and she maintained a warm attitude throughout.

Moreover, she seemed to deeply respect him as a scientist.

‘Why would such a good girl be with Tairat…’

He didn’t know why she ended up here, but seeing her refer to Sehwa as the queen, Marcella seemed genuinely loyal to this place.

Perhaps she had been brainwashed.

Or maybe she wasn’t even human to begin with.

Thinking that, the doctor shook off his thoughts and sipped his coffee.

“Was it helpful?”

Marcella smiled brightly and replied.

“Yes, it was very helpful. Thank you, Dr. Cash.”

Honestly, he felt guilty.

There was a risk that the information he shared about future science could be misused.

He wanted to mix in some lies while answering, but Marcella was too sharp for that.

Perhaps he had just burdened humanity with a great weight.

“I see…”

Did Marcella sense the doctor’s feelings?

She spoke softly.

“Don’t worry. Until you give me permission, I will never, under any circumstances, use the new scientific knowledge I’ve gained. I only asked to learn.”

Of course, he wouldn’t give permission, but how could he trust the enemy?

The doctor sighed deeply, and Marcella continued.

“I know you don’t trust us. That’s why I won’t ask you to.”

“…..”

“Thank you so much for today. I’ll be going now… Is there anything you need? I’ll get it for you.”

Anything he needed… Communication devices like a mobile phone were out of the question.

The doctor weakly shook his head.

“Nothing.”

“No food, clothes, or underwear? Should I bring some fruit?”

Her worried expression and tone.

Marcella seemed like the type who would feel guilty if she didn’t give something in return.

Then, let’s take this opportunity to ask about Yuria.

“No… it’s fine. But I have a question. Can you answer it? I answered yours, after all.”

“Hmm…”

“I feel like I’m going crazy not knowing anything here… Please…”

“Is it that frustrating…? What should I do…”

Marcella fell into thought.

The doctor didn’t rush her, patiently waiting with composure.

After a while, Marcella spoke with a determined face.

“I’ll answer one question. I can’t promise to answer everything.”

Meaning she wouldn’t answer difficult questions.

The doctor’s expression brightened.

Even though she seemed tightly bound to Sehwa, the fact that she would consider his request gave him hope.

Hope for a breakthrough.

“Alright. I’ll ask right away. Is Yuria also held here? Her full name is Yuria Elenard.”

“That is…”

Just as Marcella was about to say something,

Bang!

The door swung open, and Sehwa entered.

The doctor was extremely nervous.

It seemed like she had overheard his conversation with Marcella.

But contrary to his worries, Sehwa approached Marcella with a calm expression, stroking the back of her head.

“Time’s up. Let’s go.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Doctor? Did you behave?”

The doctor rolled his eyes.

He could tell Sehwa’s question was related to that ‘bad thing.’

Earlier, before discussing future science, he had been evasive, and Marcella had noted it down in her notebook…

He didn’t know what the ‘bad thing’ was, but he hoped Marcella would just let it slide.

‘Please… please…’

Did his earnest prayers reach her?

Marcella answered with a calm expression.

“He answered all my questions. Not a single hesitation.”

She’s covering for me… That was unexpected and grateful.

This way, he could get closer to Marcella and use her to plan various things.

Or so he thought… But the doctor realized his assumption was a big mistake as he listened to their conversation.

“Really?”

“Yes…”

Sehwa silently bit off the tip of her pinky.

Bright red blood welled up on her finger.

Seeing that, Marcella’s face flushed, and her whole body trembled as if an earthquake had hit.

“…Haah… haah…”

Breathing heavily, Sehwa asked again.

“Really, nothing happened?”

“…H-He… He didn’t listen once…”

Thump!

The doctor’s heart skipped a beat.

Why is she confessing so easily now? It seems like she’s reacting to the blood…

Is there some addictive drug in the blood? Or is Marcella some kind of vampire-like demon?

Whatever it is, the current situation is pure despair.

“You lied?”

At the low, chilling voice, Marcella immediately knelt on the floor.

“I’m sorry… I was wrong… Please forgive me… I won’t do it again…! I swear…!”

Marcella, pleading with Sehwa, her gaze fixed on the droplet of blood about to fall from her finger.

Sehwa, seemingly considering Marcella’s punishment for a moment, decided to be lenient and flipped her finger, letting the blood drop to the floor.

Plop.

As the faint sound of the blood droplet reached his ears, Marcella, like a dog in heat, pressed her face to the floor and began licking the blood.

Without a care for dignity.

“Hek…! Hek…! Hek…”

Marcella, licking the floor with her tongue.

The doctor, watching her vulgar display, trembled like a leaf.

Sehwa approached the doctor and held her finger in front of his eyes.

Then she asked.

“What do you think when you see this?”

Another droplet of blood forming.

The doctor averted his gaze.

“Get that away from me…!”

“Want to taste it?”

“Don’t joke! Who would… gulp!”

The doctor clenched his mouth shut.

Sehwa had smeared blood on his lips.

The doctor, with a disgusted expression, quickly wiped his lips and exploded in anger.

“Sehwa! You’re really crazy!”

“Crazy, you say… That’s hurtful. First, you need to be punished. Marcella admitted to one mistake, and it’s clear you made her lie… So I’ll count it as two offenses.”

“Two…? What? What are you going to do?”

“So many questions… Marcella clearly said it, right? If you don’t listen, something bad will happen. I’ll show you now.”

Sehwa, smiling, called Marcella, who was still licking the floor.

“Marcella, begin.”

At that, Marcella, swaying, stood up and looked at Sehwa.

Then she answered in a weak voice.

“Yes… Your Majesty…”

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