Chapter 88

On the way back to Seoul, it rained.

The somewhat large raindrops hit the car’s windshield, making a *plop!* sound.

Looking at the gloomy sky, it felt like it was blessing my bright future, so my mood was good.

Yuria was fast asleep in the passenger seat.

She had been infused with malice all day yesterday, so it was understandable.

But still, it’s unfair, right? You were just sitting there.

I was the one who moved.

“Ung… Jihye… It hurts…”

She rolled to her side, mumbling in her sleep, which was both funny and cute.

It also made me happy that my name, not Aaron’s, came out of her mouth.

As I silently drove, I switched the system to autopilot and reclined the seat.

Then I got lost in thought.

Dr. Jennifer Cash said she was almost done with Yuria’s bow.

Once the bow is complete, maybe it’s time to start releasing demons… What kind of demon should I release?

An A-grade like Astaroth? Or should I send out an S-grade right away and have Sehwa and Yuria fight it together?

No, with Aiter missing, it might be a waste to release high-grade demons now.

Let’s flood them with D-grade and below demons, enough to trip over.

Mix in some C-grades here and there.

While I was lost in these thoughts, Yuria woke up.

She slowly turned her head, looked at me, startled, and then turned her gaze back to the window.

I chuckled and asked, “You’re awake?”

“Yes…”

“Are you hungry?”

“A little… I’m hungry…”

“Should we stop at a rest area and grab something to eat?”

“Can we?”

I didn’t mean for you to follow me this much, you brat.

You should be more assertive in everyday matters.

Next, you’ll be asking, “Can I breathe?” No, actually, that’s not bad either.

“Of course.”

I changed the destination to the nearest rest area and lay back down.

“How’s your stomach?”

“It hurts…”

“A lot?”

“……”

She rolled her eyes and looked at me.

It seemed like she couldn’t speak because of the pain.

“Don’t mind me, just be honest.”

“It hurts… a lot…”

That’s understandable.

She took it more than ten times.

I nodded and reached out to gently rub Yuria’s lower abdomen.

I used to do this for Sehwa, but I’ll do it for you too, specially.

Yuria let out a long sigh and closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying my touch.

“How is it? Feeling better?”

“Yes… It feels good…”

It’s satisfying to see her act all dignified in front of others, but in front of me, she stutters and acts cute.

Yuria turned her body completely toward me and relaxed.

As I was massaging her lower abdomen, Sehwa called.

What perfect timing.

I answered the phone and deliberately turned up the volume.

So Yuria could hear.

-“Joo… Jihyuk! It’s me.”

Huh, she’s at it again.

-“Where are you? Are you done with work?”

“I’m done. I’m on my way back from Incheon.”

-“Come quickly. I miss you.”

“Got it.”

-“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

After hanging up, I tossed the phone into the cup holder and checked Yuria’s expression in the rearview mirror.

She was clearly sending jealous glances at the phone.

“…. Now… with… me…”

Yuria muttered something in a very small voice.

‘Now you’re with me.’

She definitely said that.

It seems she’s trying to comfort herself with that.

Seeing her burning gaze, it looks like a catfight might break out soon? This’ll be fun.

“Um… Jihyuk.”

“What.”

“Can you give me a kiss?”

She’s really mustering up courage.

“Why are you being so forward?”

“……”

Yuria pouted.

As her lips puckered, I leaned in and gave her a loud *smack* of a kiss.

Yuria’s expression brightened instantly.

She smiled happily and twisted her body.

“Thank you…”

“You worked hard yesterday.”

So this is a special reward.

If you want more, satisfy me.

With that kind of vibe, Yuria’s eyes filled with determination.

“Act normal in front of Dr. Jennifer or Sehwa.”

“Okay…”

She answered in a less confident tone now, but Yuria will do well.

Why? Because she wants the reward I’m giving her.

The car soon arrived at the rest area.

The autopilot parked the car, and I immediately opened the door. As Yuria was getting out, I slightly spread my right arm.

Yuria quickly ran over with a bright face and linked arms with me.

I looked at her kindly and asked, “What do you want to eat?”

“Can I look around? I want to see the menu first.”

“Go ahead.”

**

Now, I’m a tired businessman.

Disguised as Kim Taegon, I hypnotized myself and entered the door lock password.

*Beep-!*

I opened the front door and entered the house to find Yuria in comfortable clothes, carefully examining various accessories spread out in the living room.

From earrings to bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings, and more…

Except for the earrings, the rest were items the original Yuria would never have worn.

“Are you home?”

Yuria didn’t even turn to look at me, still staring intently at the accessories.

How sad. Not even a welcome from my daughter.

No matter how much you take care of her, it’s useless. Such a brat.

“What are you doing? Not even looking at your dad?”

“Just… accessories. I’ll make dinner in a bit. Oh, right. Dad.”

Yuria suddenly turned her head.

Her sparkling eyes suggested she had something to say.

“Yeah?”

“You said you’re going fishing with Jihyuk soon. I want to go too. I’m bored alone.”

Huh, then Marcella would have to disguise herself, but she’s busy right now.

“It’s a bonding time for men. What are you going to do there? No.”

“Ah! Dad!”

She even screamed.

My middle-aged heart almost dropped.

Pretending to be startled, I let out a hollow laugh.

“You scared me… Did you have some daytime drinks?”

“No! I just want to go! It’s so boring being alone at home!”

“I said no! Go meet some friends or something. You have that lab colleague, Lee Sehwa.”

“I don’t want to.”

Yuria suddenly turned serious.

I was inwardly amused but put on a puzzled expression.

“Why?”

“Just because… Anyway, I’m going.”

“I said no.”

I dusted off my socks and roughly tossed them into the washing machine.

Yuria got angry.

“Wash the white ones! Put the black ones in the basket!”

“…. Seriously… What happened in the last two days to make her so hysterical…”

“Hurry up!”

“Okay, okay.”

Grumbling, I picked up the socks with my fingers and put them in the basket.

Then I quickly ran to the bedroom.

To anyone watching, it looked like I was running away to avoid getting scolded.

It was a somewhat childish sight.

Enough to make Yuria dumbfounded.

After taking a bath in the bedroom bathroom, I was quite surprised to find Yuria leaning against the doorframe, staring blankly like a zombie.

At least I didn’t scream.

I twitched as if having a seizure and frowned.

“What are you doing there?”

“Dad… I want to go fishing too…”

“I said no.”

“Why…”

“With you there, Jihyuk would feel awkward and wouldn’t be able to talk properly. Besides, we haven’t even set a date yet. We haven’t even brought up the fishing topic.”

“Then don’t go at all.”

“Huh…”

I put my hands behind my back and raised my head.

A unique behavior Glen shows when he’s angry.

Yuria flinched.

“…. I’m sorry…”

“Let’s hear the reason. Why are you so insistent on going fishing when you can’t even do it? Don’t give me the excuse of being bored. I know it’s a lie.”

“Well… actually…”

Actually what? Are you going to say you fell in love with me after sleeping together?

Yuria hesitated and then continued.

“You said it before. That Jihyuk seems like a good person. While you were away on business, I went to the lab often… He really is a good person… He’s thoughtful… So… I thought it would be okay to meet him more…”

Lying without even blinking.

You’ve improved a lot.

I nodded with a serious face.

“Hmm… I see.”

“Yes…”

“What about Aaron?”

“I’ll meet Aaron too…”

“Are you trying to juggle two people? And Jihyuk has a girlfriend, Lee Sehwa.”

“Then why did you tell me Jihyuk is a good person!?”

Just like before, Yuria’s tone became aggressive and loud.

It’s clear that my malice is well mixed in.

“I just said it because I felt sorry. Is that something to get angry about?”

“…. Sigh…”

“What? Sigh? I raised you wrong! Acting like a child! Go to your room and reflect immediately!”

“Do you think this is a kingdom!?”

“Can’t you just go in!?”

I shouted, spitting as I did.

Yuria trembled all over, glaring at me, then stomped into her room.

*Bang!*

She even slammed the door shut, clearly sulking.

Something must be broken. I’ll need to call someone to fix it.

I walked briskly to Yuria’s door and shouted.

“Yuria Elenard! Are you rebelling now!?”

“Ah!! It was the wind!”

“Hmph…”

I barely held back a laugh.

Ah… Why has the dignified Yuria turned into such a brat?

How pitiful, how pitiful. Whoever did this, well done.

“Come out!”

“No! I’m going to sleep! Don’t even think about opening the door! It’s locked!”

“You… you…”

Clicking my tongue, I went into the room and lay down comfortably.

As long as Song Jihyuk and Kim Taegon are me, Yuria will always be dragged along by me.

Even now, this parent-child quarrel has given me more ways to play with Yuria.

Locking the door, I picked up Song Jihyuk’s phone and saw a message from her.

[Jihyuk. Are you asleep?]

[No. Why?]

[Dad said he’s going to ask you to go fishing soon. Do you know how to fish?]

[No, but it sounds fun. I’ve always wanted to try.]

[Can you take me with you then?]

Look at this? Approaching like this?

Such a mischievous girl. I need to fix her habits!

I’ll call the head servant right now… Oh, he’s dead.

[We’ll see.]

[ㅠㅠ]

[Send me some pictures.]

Soon, a large number of photos were sent to the chat.

A photo with her tongue sticking out, a photo lifting her pajama top to reveal her cleavage, a photo puckering her lips as if for a kiss, a photo showing her thigh with her leg bent…

[Stop sending. Sehwa’s here.]

[Okay♥]

Okay? Such a cute girl.

I smirked and hid the phone, lost in thought.

Now it’s time to prepare for the next season… With the three Aiters gone, the intermission has been long.

Should I start pursuing Rose?

No, let’s focus on Yuria while slowly seducing Dr. Jennifer.

Until we find traces of Aiter, it’s best to stay quiet… and conserve as much power as possible.

You never know what might happen.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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