The S-Classes That I Raised

Chapter 465: Even Good People (1)

We rented out the whole hotel and actually invited an orchestra. Officially, it was a banquet for Burn Cave, who’d come a long way. Of course, after all that fuss, there wasn’t a single attendee who didn’t know this was arranged so the Director of the Monster Mounts Breeding Facility could make a good impression on Chloe Alger. …How embarrassing.

At least it didn’t explode into a wave of gossip pieces. Before regression, the Haeyeon guildmaster would’ve run his mouth about “some nobody courting a foreign high–rank Hunter, national disgrace,” and so on. But now only those in the know were chattering; outside, it was quiet. The high–rank Hunter PR system really is slick. Not that I’m high–rank.

“Hangyeol, you absolutely mustn’t speak, and you have to act like an ordinary baby monster.”

The fairy dragon perched on my shoulder bobbed her head. I’d already told Seong Hyunjae and Moon Hyunah about Chloe, so the two of them would be making preparations in case something happened. Even so, I was uneasy about me and Chloe being alone, even briefly.

‘Park Hayul might have guessed something about Grace.’

I’d taken Grace off in front of him. He looked clueless at the time, but who knows. Besides, even with Grace, I can’t stop a kidnapping or asphyxiation.

‘But if I have the Changeling, I can at least buy some time.’

Boost my stats for a little while. For that, the fairy dragon had to look harmless. Like Chirp, she’s registered as an F–rank monster, so I just need to hide that she can understand and talk.

I linked up with Myungwoo and Mr. Noah, who came in another car, and entered the hotel. In the quiet lobby, only hotel staff were waiting. Before heading to the banquet hall, we went up to a suite. Seok Gimyeong, who’d arrived first, handed me the prepared clothes.

“Director Han, I worry because you seem a man of deep love.”

As he personally helped me dress, Seok Gimyeong spoke in a low voice. With that pleasant tone right in my ear, even my earlobes felt itchy.

“There are people who, once they fall, will brave fire and water.”

“I know it’s not my time to date. Even if I did come to love someone, Yuhyun and Yerim come first. So I have no intention of it. It wouldn’t be proper.”

“Hearing you say that only worries me more. You’re not someone who would date lightly.”

He lifted a tie and set it around my neck. I have hands, you know.

“Selfishly, I’d like Director Han to keep putting the Guildmaster first, always.”

Contrary to his honey–soft voice, the eyes behind his lenses were coolly calm. If, by any chance, I became someone who harmed Yuhyun or Haeyeon, Seok Gimyeong would move to dispose of me without a shred of hesitation. Which, oddly, makes him more trustworthy.

“Say that to anyone else and you’ll get cursed out.”

It’s basically, ‘please spend your whole life supporting your little brother.’

“Worth it, if a few curses keep you here. But since Director Han cherishes your brother so much, simply asking like this should suffice, no?”

His lips curved, a gentle smile settling in. The tie drew snug—just right. If it was only censure, he’d endure it; if needed, he could easily cross into crimes. Well, in his place I wouldn’t let go either. Just what we’ve gained so far—if someone else were to take you…

‘Better to break things than lose you.’

If I did for another guild, another Hunter, what I’ve done for Yuhyun and Haeyeon… it’d be nothing but a threat.

‘Thinking about it that way, the environment really is set up well.’

Normally, other big guilds would’ve hated my bond with Haeyeon and tried to split us up. I even said early on, “The Monster Mounts Breeding Facility is neutral~,” and now I openly side with my brother. And still, nobody’s making a fuss because Sesung intended to go overseas anyway, and Breaker is more trouble as an independent. Hanshin tended to hunker down before regression and they’re quiet now too. MKC and Sudam—who would’ve been the most aggressive—collapsed early. The Association grumbles now and then, but it’s ignorable.

“As long as Team Leader Seok stays loyal to Haeyeon and its Guildmaster, I won’t even need to ask.”

He finished straightening my lapels and stepped back.

“My end may not be Haeyeon’s end, but Haeyeon’s end is mine.”

If he falls, the Haeyeon Guild remains; if Haeyeon falls, he falls with it. It’s just a company he works at, technically—grand words. But not wrong either. If Haeyeon can’t hold the line, the world ends, more or less. Not that Seok Gimyeong knows that much.

“In that case, I’ll be counting on you—going forward as well.”

In the living room, Yuhyun and Yerim were already out.

“Hyung, here.”

Yuhyun tucked a handkerchief—a pocket square—into my chest pocket. Yerim fluttered a hanky, too.

“If you tear up, use this. Want a spare?”

So that’s what that meant. Why would I cry.

“They’ve got waterproof makeup, you know. They said it won’t smudge even if you cry.”

“…Hyung won’t cry.”

“It’s okay. Tell us if it’s too much. Being rejected is still a breakup. People take heartbreak trips, right? Should we make a few days free? I finished all the work that piled up while I was in China.”

“Wanna go to Jeju? Or Busan—after a breakup it’s gotta be the sea.”

What happened while I was changing that you two prepped a heartbreak kit for me. And Yuhyun still doesn’t seem to think I’ll get dumped. Hangyeol spun in a little circle on the table, like she wanted to chime in, too.

“For a while, eat whatever you want.”

“Let’s go café–hopping together. They say sweets help your mood.”

I really appreciate the care, but that’s not it, kids. I couldn’t explain now, so I just nodded awkwardly.

“It goes in Inventory.”

Myungwoo held out a small glass bottle. Inside were candy–like golden strands.

“It’s like dragon’s beard—made with honey from that dungeon that spawned bees.”

It was cleared recently, so fresh honey was on the market. He must be busy, but he made this for me.

“Thanks.”

“Hang in there.”

I haven’t even confessed yet—why are you looking at me like that.

“Hamin–hyung says if you get dumped and come back, he’ll let you see Geumdong–nim up close.”

Mr. Noah sent me the same pitying look as he spoke. I don’t need that, thanks.

“Minui–hyung said he’d set you up on a blind date, too.”

That guy can mind his own three–foot–deep hole first. On the banquet floor, we spotted Moon Hyunah and Chief Song talking in the hall. Ms. Hyunah greeted me brightly.

“Why are you empty–handed? You should at least carry a bouquet.”

Knowing everything and still acting so natural. Chief Song looked at me and my people, then spoke with a stiff face.

“If Mr. Han Yujin begins dating Hunter Chloe and something happens to her, Haeyeon Guild will be the first target of our investigation.”

“…Pardon? That’s unfair! I’m already a suspect? Ever heard of presumption of innocence?”

“Preventing disputes between high–rank Hunters is best done beforehand. Particularly in this case, it could become an international issue. Please exercise restraint.”

“…That’s too much. Not that we’ll be dating anyway. Don’t worry over nothing—Chief Song, relax and enjoy the meal.”

“It is not ‘nothing.’”

He was serious—even in the car before, and now—he really seemed to think there was a high chance Chloe and I would date. Why.

“Think about it. At the first meeting, you, Yuhyun, and Seong Hyunjae were all there. Would I even register? Right?”

At my words, his brows faintly knit.

“Compared to those three, you’re the optimal choice.”

Well, obviously—wait, huh?

“Eh? Uh… me?”

“Yes.”

Listening in, Ms. Hyunah snorted, “Oh, that’s true,” and laughed.

“Right, Hyungnim. Seong Hyunjae’s great to admire from afar, but if you had to date him? A hundred out of a hundred would recoil. The young master is too young, and even ignoring age—could you have a normal relationship? If he had time to date, he’d make you train. Chief Song’s similar. He’s the best of the three, but he’d still see S–ranks more than his partner. You’d flip your lid.”

“W–well…”

“On the other hand, our Director Han is the type to date most diligently. As long as he doesn’t get kidnapped, he’d even pack you a lunch every morning.”

Yerim nodded, “That’s true.”

“Even if they were all the same age—Han Yuhyun’s obviously the worst, and the civil–servant Mister would be suuuper stifling. I still think the Sesung Mister is a bit better. But add loyalty on top and Mister is 1st place!”

“Of course hyung is the best.”

Yuhyun gave a look like, why are we even discussing this. I… didn’t have a solid rebuttal.

“But—what about Mr. Noah!”

“Me?”

“He’s handsome, young, kind, and has plenty of time to date! And there’s Myungwoo. Proper age, got really fit, his abilities are second to none, and as for lunches? I don’t even compare. He’s busy sometimes, but he’s gentle and caring.”

“I’m not that gentle.”

“Me neither, Yujin.”

What are you two even talking about.

“Anyway, it means there are tons of good people in the world. It won’t be my turn.”

And well—Yuhyun has the species barrier, Seong Hyunjae is too dangerous—but Chief Song seems fine. Modern life is full of busy people. Even if he’s busy, seeing how he takes care of Song–i, he’d definitely make time and be good to a partner. So I hope he dates, if he wants.

Leaving Hangyeol with Yerim, I went to find Seong Hyunjae. Next to him—classic black–and–white–movie–style suit—stood a middle–aged man.

“This must be your first time meeting Director Han.”

Seong Hyunjae introduced the man at his side.

“This is Idel Vantes. No specific title, but you could call him my aide.”

I’d heard the name a few times. A D–rank Awakened who almost never stepped forward.

“He’s so shy even Sesung guild members rarely meet him face to face. Outside—maybe only Chief Song.”

“I simply keep my head down because my rank is low. The Hunter world is unusually rough.”

For that, he was very composed beside Seong Hyunjae. As an aide, he’d handle high–rank Hunters. Maybe he had a mind–resistance skill like me. With low stat grades, it’d be essential to stay near the Sesung Guildmaster. Among Hunters, sheer willpower alone won’t keep your mouth shut.

“Pleasure to meet you, Director Han Yujin. I’ve wanted to meet you for some time.”

Vantes offered a warm smile and a handshake.

“Please continue taking good care of the Guildmaster.”

“Ah, yes. And please, take care of him as well.”

When I bowed my head in return, he stopped me.

“Do not lower your head so easily.”

“…Sir?”

“Director Han stands beside the Guildmaster. I, on the other hand, am beneath him.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Humility is fine. But never yield before beasts.”

“…Beasts?”

“Yes. Most high–rank Hunters follow strength. The hierarchy in the Hunter world is solely strength. The strong clear more dangerous dungeons faster and seize more. So when several gather, they naturally size each other up. Naturally, fights break out.”

He chuckled softly, citing the Guildmaster’s birthday party as an example.

“If the host of such a gathering of high–rank Hunters is looked down on, the party can only turn into a brawl.”

“…The Sesung Guildmaster did wreck the cruise.”

“The reason there was any trace of order before that is because the Guildmaster is strong.”

True—the Hunters at that party did follow certain rules. The host sinking the ship was the problem.

“Awakened history is short, so we don’t have much data. But besides the Guildmaster’s parties, there have been several high–rank gatherings overseas. I’ll send you the relevant materials.”

“Yes, thank you.”

When I asked how to host an S–rank gathering, he said he’d introduce an expert. So this was Idel Vantes.

“Think of tonight’s banquet as a rehearsal.”

Seong Hyunjae looked me over slowly.

“Forget about Hunter Chloe for the moment.”

“If I look too unbothered, won’t that be suspicious?”

“A bigger gap can look more convincing.”

Maybe so.

“Stand in front of me. Keep a bit of distance and look like you’re leading me. Tonight, I’ll be your ornament.”

“I feel bad. Won’t I look like a mere attendant showing you the way?”

“Don’t mind the back. Eyes straight ahead. A servant always watches the master’s movements. The strongest, on the other hand, need watch no one.”

“What about guests?”

“That is the servant’s role—find problems, verify, and quietly inform. The master nods or shakes their head, and that’s that.”

What emperor is this. Seong Hyunjae can act however he likes—but not me. It felt grandiose, but I decided to take the advice.

“It’s only dinner tonight, so just mind the entrance. Once seated, it’s better to eat comfortably.”

With a knock, staff notified us all guests were seated. I glanced back at Seong Hyunjae, then moved. This kind of thing really isn’t my forte.

As we entered the banquet hall, heads turned all at once. I took it in like it was nothing—like it happened every day—with a light smile, and headed to my seat. Don’t mind the man behind me. Pretend he isn’t there. If I can walk unfazed with the Sesung Guildmaster at my back, it’ll look convincingly natural. Truly an excellent piece of jewelry.

I gave Chloe a single, as–calm–as–possible look, offered a short greeting to everyone gathered, and sat down. Good. That seemed okay. …Probably?