Chapter 68

Director Jang started opening the guitar case.

I watched with interest, wondering what was inside.

Why a guitar case? Is there really a guitar in there? It can’t possibly have a rocket launcher inside like in the movies, right?

My curiosity spiked for a moment as Director Jang fully unzipped and opened the case.

What was revealed…

Was a long staff with an ornate design.

It’s the weapon that bitch necromancer used.

…I don’t need something like this.

For some reason, I instinctively furrowed my brow – it was just an unpleasant sight, regardless of its value.

“Uh…”

“Hurry up and take it!”

“…Okay.”

Since Director Jang urged me on, I had no choice but to put the staff into my bracelet. My skill with manipulating the status window has become quite smooth now. Director Jang closed the case without suspicion.

We should probably hear the story before deciding what to do with it.

I swallowed my sigh and looked at Director Jang.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

I followed behind Director Jang as he grabbed his bag from the trunk and briskly walked off.

We entered a private room at the reserved café.

It wasn’t like a lounge café, more like a study room kind of place.

“Help yourself. I come here often, it’s pretty good.”

“Aha, okay.”

Since I don’t usually come to cafés, there were many unfamiliar menu items. But if he says to help myself, no reason not to, right?

I picked out things that looked appealing from the pictures – madeleines, financiers, pound cakes, etc.

After ordering our respective coffees, Director Jang began speaking.

“The dungeon you recently excelled in, though the aftermath hasn’t been fully sorted yet, the most valuable item has been confirmed to be that staff you just took.”

“Hm, okay.”

“No one could deny that the nun was the most active participant! Thanks to that, everything went smoothly. Lucky us, huh, hahaha!”

Director Jang let out an exaggerated laugh.

How should I respond to that? It felt like a tense kind of excitement.

I tilted my head and asked.

“How much is the staff worth?”

“Hmm…”

It seemed like he’d been waiting for this question.

Director Jang covered his mouth with his fist and cleared his throat once before answering.

“The appraisal hunter from the creation division said it’s worth at least 300 billion.”

“……Eh?”

“He said if priced well, it could fetch up to 500 billion.”

“……”

As I fell silent, Director Jang smiled satisfactorily.

But seriously, is this staff really that expensive?

Then again…

“It’s fortunate the item found such a good owner. Actually, that’s why we were delayed.”

“Ah, got it.”

So all these concerns were about that.

Still…

If this necromancer’s staff is worth that much…

…then how much is my nun outfit worth?

The price is unimaginable. Without realizing it, my eyebrows furrowed.

Even in this world, enchanted items are incredibly expensive.

However, the prices between this world and Earth differ in various ways.

Take potions for example.

While they weren’t cheap in this world either, their prices on Earth were absurdly high by comparison.

In such a situation, if the defeated heroine’s weapon is worth at least 300 billion…

Then what about my specially ordered nun outfit made for the hero?

Though its appearance focuses on covering the body, it’s battle gear with numerous functions. The price would be in a completely different magnitude.

…Should I just sell it?

I momentarily felt a strong temptation.

Just then.

Weeeeng— Weeeeng—

The vibration bell rang.

I was about to get up first, but Director Jang was faster.

“I’ll be right back.”

In the blink of an eye, Director Jang reached out, grabbed the vibration bell, and left the room.

He moved extremely swiftly and efficiently, almost rivaling hunters.

‘…’

Once left alone, I regained some composure.

Now that I think about it, I’m not in immediate need of money.

There’s no telling what might happen in the future, so there’s no need to sell it right away.

Once sold, it can’t be retrieved.

Besides, this is a great item to hide my identity.

I must have been overwhelmed by the large number earlier.

If I start serious activities, I should be able to live without worrying about money.

I shouldn’t let money sway me.

Honestly, the necromancer’s staff is visually unpleasant, but it’s useful.

Let’s keep it for now and decide later. After all, it can always be sold whenever needed.

“Hmph…”

I sighed lightly.

If only that woman hadn’t shown up at all, I would’ve been mentally at peace.

“Did you wait long?”

After a short while, Director Jang returned with a tray and neatly set out the drinks and food on the table.

Sitting back down, he spoke.

“You can listen while enjoying your drink.”

“Okay.”

Nodding, I took a sip of coffee.

“Um… by any chance, does the staff not suit you?”

“…No, it’s not that.”

“In that case, it’s a relief…but…”

I hesitated for a moment. Should I give it back and ask for cash instead?

But it was brought hidden in a guitar case.

And Director Jang keeps checking if I like it.

Deciding to hold onto it and decide later seems like the best option.

Lately, I’ve been repeating the same thoughts, but there’s absolutely no reason to rush.

Noticing my hesitation, Director Jang wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and spoke.

“The remaining items aren’t as precious as the staff, but they’re what was promised.”

Director Jang started taking things out and handing them to me one by one.

“First, this is an introduction letter. Please distribute it among the academy students.”

“…There are quite a few?”

“Haha! We prepared plenty.”

There are only 15 students attending my lectures, yet I received 30 introduction letters – twice the number needed.

While looking at the introduction letters, Director Jang continued explaining.

“It’s an introduction letter from a C-rank creation hunter affiliated with the Management Bureau who only takes requests from referred individuals.”

“Okay.”

“Not too rare or common – something that would be useful for Si-hyun. You’re acquainted with Da-young, who’s B-rank in creations, right? This will naturally connect you and further increase Si-hyun’s value.”

“Ah…”

This was about the professor network included in the academy’s academic information system.

I could sense Director Jang had given it a lot of thought.

…Of course, my connections section is blank for now.

I should ask people like Da-young or Ji-a later to add them.

Taking a bite of the financier I cut, I organized my thoughts.

Seeing Director Jang’s efforts made me feel happy.

Smiling at Director Jang, I saw his stiff expression soften. He started pulling out new items.

This time it was a small box wrapped in fancy cloth.

“This isn’t something I prepared, but rather something I was asked to deliver.”

“Asked?”

“Yes, Master of the Knight Guild kindly requested it. Do you remember participating together in the raid?”

“Yes, the old man wielding a sword at the front, right?”

“Haha! That’s correct. His hobby is making homemade pastries, and he specifically asked me to deliver these to the nun.”

I took the box handed to me.

The fabric was clearly high quality, with elegant patterns that naturally formed a beautiful picture even in the knot.

“They say his lower back condition improved thanks to the nun’s skills during the boss room.”

“Eh, um…”

“He was so delighted, I couldn’t refuse.”

“Ah… I’ll make sure to tell him I enjoyed it.”

“Alright, I’ll pass that along.”

Director Jang nodded earnestly.

He reached toward his bag again.

The last item to appear was…

“And this!”

“Ooooh!”

Goodness gracious!

“Though I wanted to gather all kinds, I apologize – the available quantity was too limited. Let’s start with this.”

“No, no! I love it!”

I received the item with trembling hands.

It was the paper box containing the Momobin goods I wanted most!

The very Momobin goods mug cup is now in my hands!

Ah… I’m so glad I’m alive!

I gently caressed the paper box.

When I nervously opened the lid, there was a white cup with Momo drawn on it.

“Wow, how did you manage to get this?!”

“Hmm, hmm! It took quite some effort.”

Director Jang’s shoulders proudly straightened.

I can almost see a glow emanating from him!

“Currently, that’s all, but rest assured! I promise to get you everything else eventually.”

“Woohoo… Director Jang is the best!”

I clapped my hands enthusiastically.

I tried looking for it every chance I got and eventually gave up, but how on earth did you manage? You’re truly talented.

“Ho, have you watched Momobin’s broadcasts by any chance…?”

“Haha, of course! Her voice is so cute.”

“Right?!”

Someone who understands Momobin’s charm!

My affection for Director Jang skyrocketed, even noticeable to myself.

Absolutely amazing!

With sparkling eyes, I listened to Director Jang’s stories while occasionally savoring the coffee and desserts.

Around the time the conversation was winding down, Director Jang broached the topic.

“Si-hyun, how about leveling up to C-rank?”

“C-rank, huh?”

Mumbling, I swallowed the dessert in my mouth and replied.

Sipping coffee, Director Jang continued.

“Yes. It would make activities easier in various ways.”

“Hmm, should I?”

Thinking for a moment, I nodded.

I had mentioned to Ah-reum that I was still C-rank despite not upgrading.

This could be a good opportunity.

“Phew… Then, after this matter concludes and at an appropriate time, I’ll level you up and contact you.”

“Okay! Thank you very much.”

“Ahigayo, please continue to take care of us.”

We shook hands.

Director Jang’s hand was sweaty and slippery.

* * *

After leaving the café,

Director Jang Han-soo watched Si-hyun’s retreating figure waving goodbye.

I offered to escort her home, but she declined, saying she wanted to enjoy a walk since the weather was nice.

Judging from her natural demeanor, it seemed she genuinely wanted to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Her innocent behavior throughout today made Director Jang chuckle.

Preferring VTuber goods over a staff worth hundreds of billions…

With that staff, mass production of goods would be possible.

Is it the unique sensibility of a VTuber fan? Or the importance of limited editions?

Maybe it’s the latter.

Understanding that sensibility is also something I need to work on.

Unknowingly, a smile crept onto Director Jang’s face.

Compared to the easily angered or overly complicated people encountered in work,

Si-hyun is truly a pure person.

This side genuinely approaches and reciprocates sincere efforts.

After working at the Management Bureau for a long time, this was the first time encountering someone like her.

Moving to the parking lot, Director Jang got into the driver’s seat and called the team leader.

The call connected immediately, as if they’d been waiting.

– How did it go?!

– Fortunately, it concluded well.

– Oh! So she liked the staff, right?

“Actually, she showed little interest in that. She loved the VTuber goods the most.”

– … …

A brief silence ensued.

– Indeed, the Great One is different! What was the name again? Mumo Bin?

“Momobin.”

– Right, Momobin! Why not contact her directly to produce goods? Appointing her as the Management Bureau’s ambassador wouldn’t be bad either!

The scale started expanding rapidly.

Director Jang thought for a moment before responding.

“Si-hyun might not necessarily like that. Let’s carefully approach and proceed gradually.”

Director Jang studied about VTubers while searching for Momobin goods.

According to his research, there are people who only like small-scale broadcasts like Hakko Bang.

Momobin falls into an ambiguous category as a borderline broadcaster.

Thus, Director Jang judged that a cautious approach would be best.

– Got it, got it! I trust you with this case. Just report properly and do your best!

Acknowledging the team leader’s promise of full support, Director Jang reported the café conversation earnestly.

That way, VTuber Momobin’s market value subtly soared.

* * *

Si-hyun strolled along leisurely, enjoying the warm sunlight.

Though not particularly outgoing, she didn’t mind enjoying the nice weather.

Admiring the new shops and diverse people passing by,

Si-hyun relaxed and appreciated her surroundings.

“Women wear such fashion too, huh? Interesting.”

Si-hyun’s steps felt lighter than ever.

Wandering aimlessly led her into alleyways.

Admiring the beautifully painted walls while walking,

she thought to herself.

“That dessert was delicious earlier. Maybe I should have gotten some to go?”

She remembered all the names. Trying different menus at other cafes would be fun too.

Following her train of thoughts, Si-hyun absentmindedly continued thinking.

“Come to think of it, the treats in the wrapping paper were also mentioned as snacks, right?”

Made by the S-rank awakened old master himself, what could be inside?

Si-hyun silently chuckled to herself.

Continuing her leisurely walk, around the time she considered checking her location on her phone and heading to the station…

A delicious smell tickled Si-hyun’s nose.

The savory yet fresh aroma of freshly baked pastries.

Curiosity piqued, Si-hyun followed the scent without much thought.

Stopping in front of a large house, the scent originated from here.

And she discovered…

An old man enjoying tea and snacks alone in the garden.

The Master of the Knight Guild.

Their gazes met through the wide gap in the gate.