CH 181
As I opened my eyes–words all said and done–I saw Moon Issak’s crumpled brows. He looked like he was examining the validity of my words.
However, as soon as he made eye contact with me, a grin immediately formed on his face. “It’s already been revealed that Park Hoseok had a meeting with the [HaHae] executives that afternoon.”
“……”
“You’re so clever with your words, Choi Lee-kyung-ssi. Did you appeal to Koo Hui-seo with that tongue of yours?”
‘As expected, that wasn’t enough…’
However, though Moon Issak showed signs of not fully trusting me, he didn’t seem to readily conclude that my words were all a lie.
Perhaps he had doubts about the [HaHae] guild. Perhaps he’d gotten some sort of impression from Bae Jaemin back when the two had a meal together in Ahn Hospital.
‘Looking at his attitude, he doesn’t seem to be the type to hold a lot of affection for others…’
At first, I thought Bae Jaemin would have made a good impression on Moon Issak, given that both of them were holy-attribute classes and both were harsh on evil-attribute Users. At that time, Kim Sangyoon had said nothing special had happened.
I didn’t know if Moon Issak had actually listened to Bae Jaemin’s request, but it would have reached my ears if they had raised their voices or if the meal’s atmosphere had been feral. So, I thought Bae Jaemin and Moon Issak would have had a relatively friendly relationship, but…
Contrary to my expectations, though Moon Issak was simply harsh on evil-attributed Users, it didn’t seem like he would give unconditional favors for those that shared his class attribute. His attitude or way of speaking did not reveal in any way affection for Bae Jaemin. Nevertheless, seeing how he reacted to the keyword, [HaHae]…
‘Maybe… Moon Issak is warier of Bae Jaemin than I had thought.’
In particular, it felt meaningful that he had asked many questions about [Red Lotus’s] extermination. Someone who looked favorably upon Bae Jaemin wouldn’t say such things.
So, even though it was a gamble, I asked, “Is Investigator-nim also suspicious of Bae Jaemin?”
“We’re leaving all the possibilities open. Ah, of course. You’re the most suspicious.”
“…If so, then have you ever talked about the [Red Lotus] matter with Bae Jaemin-ssi? Have you ever asked him in detail about the ?”
“What do you mean?”
I swallowed my dry saliva once, before saying, “The bracelet Bae Jaemin-ssi wears on his arm… Ask him who Beatrice originally belonged to.”
“……?”
“I don’t know what would happen if anyone else asks, but if Moon Issak, the person that currently holds the investigation rights, were to ask… I’m sure his reaction will be worth a scoop.”
Moon Issak didn’t react much to my words, but I imagined he would soon realize the truth behind them. After all, he was someone with good senses.
As expected, Moon Issak remained silent. Soon, his lips twitched; the temperature in the reception room became so cold–incomparable to the chilliness before. The corners of his lips slowly twisted, and he strode to my seat.
Then, putting his hands on the table and tilting his torso towards mine, he whispered, “Do you know what you’ve just said right now?”
“[Saintess Beatrice’s prayer] is an item that only changes possession upon its former owner’s death. Even if you ask others who the previous owner was, you’d probably get a similar reaction.”
“So, you’re saying you know who the previous owner was.”
“I’m…not yet obligated to answer that.”
“I guess you don’t know that there’s a separate interrogation room in this building’s basement.”
His bloodthirst placed terrible pressure on my chest, but I already noted that he would never hurt me. If this man’s personality would allow him to hurt me now, his actions would have already come before his words.
Just from tales, I could tell just how violent Moon Issak was as a person. So, seeing as how he hadn’t touched one strand of hair on my head, I was certain. My explanation was already settling in.
“However, killing me could only help Bae Jaemin,” I said.
“……”
“And, won’t you always be curious about what you’ve heard from today? You won’t be able to find the answer otherwise. Moon Issak-nim knows this well, right? If you miss this moment, you won’t be able to touch Bae Jaemin, who holds [HaHae] within his hand.”
Since [Red Lotus] was beyond Moon Issak’s interest, the investigator could stand to sit by and simply observe, but he was currently in charge of Park Hoseok’s murder case. Actually, the more he dug into this issue, the more lost he’d become. There was no way he’d kill me–the important key.
I even mentioned Bae Jaemin’s name. From Moon Issak’s perspective, the investigator probably quickly calculated that the successful resolution of this case would uncover one of the most successful ranker’s secrets. Or, perhaps, his weakness.
As expected, he didn’t refute my words and only stared at me, as if urging me to say more. Seeing that, I resolved to properly wedge this suspicion into his head. “If you don’t catch Bae Jaemin properly now, you never know when you’ll meet a fate like Park Hoseok’s. Wouldn’t his innocence be more certain after your death? After all, you have a lot of enemies.”
""
I spat out my argument almost as if I was calling down curses upon his head. Of course, I didn’t expect Moon Issak to be shaken by this threat. My role, though, wasn’t to scare him, but to light the fire of suspicion in his heart.
Could he, who already had doubts about Bae Jaemin, not respond to the connection of the murder and the mysterious item? Furthermore, the one who brought this matter to him was an incompetent User whose neck could be twisted at any moment; in his view, I was risking my life.
For a few minutes, while Moon Issak opened and closed his mouth several times, I really felt the blood draining out of me. Fortunately, Moon Issak didn’t hesitate for long; soon, the bloodthirst that had filled the reception room was reigned in.
He began using honorifics again, pretending to be polite. “I listened well to your arrogant words.”
“……”
“Choi Lee-kyung-ssi certainly has a uniquely talented tongue.” As expected, Moon Issak was strongly interested in my story; I could feel intense excitement from him. It seemed like all thoughts of jailing me had disappeared.
After overcoming that crisis, I inwardly sighed but took care not to show those emotions on the surface. Moon Issak looked at me, like a predator letting go of a prey he had caught between his teeth–his violent gaze subsided.
However, he continued to add sarcastic remarks. “Coincidentally, I have an appointment with Bae Jaemin in two days.”
“……”
“I can immediately confirm what Choi Lee-kyung-ssi has said the day after tomorrow.”
From our perspective, nothing could be better than Moon Issak directly questioning and confronting Bae Jaemin, so I merely pretended to be calm, returning his stare.
With that said, Moon Issak returned to his original position, cleaned up the scattered paperwork, and stood up. Then, winking, he raised me to my feet.
I followed him, wondering if, finally, this breath-stopping investigation was finally over; before leaving the reception room, the [system] alerted me to a sudden [friend request].
Stammering, I didn’t readily accept the request; Moon Issak stopped before the door, shamelessly looking at me as if he were saying ‘Why haven’t you already accepted it yet?’
“…If you need me, my phone number is…” I muttered.
“This is easier. We can tell each other’s locations straight away as well.”
Of course, I knew the advantages of the [Friend] function in the system. Kim Sangyoon and Koo Hui-seo were added as [friends], and this function had been used plenty. However, because of those benefits, it was difficult to accept Moon Issak’s request–to accept the fact that he’d be able to monitor my location in real-time. It ran counter to our deception.
“Do you make friends with evil-attribute Users?” I asked, grasping at straws. Moon Issak did not drop his smile, for he already guessed at my tricks.
Eventually, I was forced to press the [Accept] button. Well… I could [Unfriend] him later… Of course, I could be suspected and arrested if I was caught. In any case, thinking outside the box, I could also use this to monitor Moon Issak’s location if something were to happen.
“I don’t dislike evil-attribute Users.” Meanwhile, Moon Issak, who just stepped out of the reception room, stopped right before my nose and spoke in a dulcet tone. I looked up at him with a noncommittal though congenial expression. When his gaze met mine, he folded his eyes in a smile. “I loathe them. Therefore, Choi Lee-kyung is a very special person to me.”
“……”
“I hope that in the future your value will continue to trump my disgust. You would also hate to be tortured or live as a cripple for the rest of your life.”
Was there anyone who could stay calm after hearing something like that? Naturally, I froze and paled; Moon Issak laughed out loud at my expression and left the area first.
However, as soon as he made eye contact with me, a grin immediately formed on his face. “It’s already been revealed that Park Hoseok had a meeting with the [HaHae] executives that afternoon.”
“……”
“You’re so clever with your words, Choi Lee-kyung-ssi. Did you appeal to Koo Hui-seo with that tongue of yours?”
‘As expected, that wasn’t enough…’
However, though Moon Issak showed signs of not fully trusting me, he didn’t seem to readily conclude that my words were all a lie.
Perhaps he had doubts about the [HaHae] guild. Perhaps he’d gotten some sort of impression from Bae Jaemin back when the two had a meal together in Ahn Hospital.
‘Looking at his attitude, he doesn’t seem to be the type to hold a lot of affection for others…’
At first, I thought Bae Jaemin would have made a good impression on Moon Issak, given that both of them were holy-attribute classes and both were harsh on evil-attribute Users. At that time, Kim Sangyoon had said nothing special had happened.
I didn’t know if Moon Issak had actually listened to Bae Jaemin’s request, but it would have reached my ears if they had raised their voices or if the meal’s atmosphere had been feral. So, I thought Bae Jaemin and Moon Issak would have had a relatively friendly relationship, but…
Contrary to my expectations, though Moon Issak was simply harsh on evil-attributed Users, it didn’t seem like he would give unconditional favors for those that shared his class attribute. His attitude or way of speaking did not reveal in any way affection for Bae Jaemin. Nevertheless, seeing how he reacted to the keyword, [HaHae]…
‘Maybe… Moon Issak is warier of Bae Jaemin than I had thought.’
In particular, it felt meaningful that he had asked many questions about [Red Lotus’s] extermination. Someone who looked favorably upon Bae Jaemin wouldn’t say such things.
So, even though it was a gamble, I asked, “Is Investigator-nim also suspicious of Bae Jaemin?”
“We’re leaving all the possibilities open. Ah, of course. You’re the most suspicious.”
“…If so, then have you ever talked about the [Red Lotus] matter with Bae Jaemin-ssi? Have you ever asked him in detail about the ?”
“What do you mean?”
I swallowed my dry saliva once, before saying, “The bracelet Bae Jaemin-ssi wears on his arm… Ask him who Beatrice originally belonged to.”
“……?”
“I don’t know what would happen if anyone else asks, but if Moon Issak, the person that currently holds the investigation rights, were to ask… I’m sure his reaction will be worth a scoop.”
Moon Issak didn’t react much to my words, but I imagined he would soon realize the truth behind them. After all, he was someone with good senses.
As expected, Moon Issak remained silent. Soon, his lips twitched; the temperature in the reception room became so cold–incomparable to the chilliness before. The corners of his lips slowly twisted, and he strode to my seat.
Then, putting his hands on the table and tilting his torso towards mine, he whispered, “Do you know what you’ve just said right now?”
“[Saintess Beatrice’s prayer] is an item that only changes possession upon its former owner’s death. Even if you ask others who the previous owner was, you’d probably get a similar reaction.”
“So, you’re saying you know who the previous owner was.”
“I’m…not yet obligated to answer that.”
“I guess you don’t know that there’s a separate interrogation room in this building’s basement.”
His bloodthirst placed terrible pressure on my chest, but I already noted that he would never hurt me. If this man’s personality would allow him to hurt me now, his actions would have already come before his words.
Just from tales, I could tell just how violent Moon Issak was as a person. So, seeing as how he hadn’t touched one strand of hair on my head, I was certain. My explanation was already settling in.
“However, killing me could only help Bae Jaemin,” I said.
“……”
“And, won’t you always be curious about what you’ve heard from today? You won’t be able to find the answer otherwise. Moon Issak-nim knows this well, right? If you miss this moment, you won’t be able to touch Bae Jaemin, who holds [HaHae] within his hand.”
Since [Red Lotus] was beyond Moon Issak’s interest, the investigator could stand to sit by and simply observe, but he was currently in charge of Park Hoseok’s murder case. Actually, the more he dug into this issue, the more lost he’d become. There was no way he’d kill me–the important key.
I even mentioned Bae Jaemin’s name. From Moon Issak’s perspective, the investigator probably quickly calculated that the successful resolution of this case would uncover one of the most successful ranker’s secrets. Or, perhaps, his weakness.
As expected, he didn’t refute my words and only stared at me, as if urging me to say more. Seeing that, I resolved to properly wedge this suspicion into his head. “If you don’t catch Bae Jaemin properly now, you never know when you’ll meet a fate like Park Hoseok’s. Wouldn’t his innocence be more certain after your death? After all, you have a lot of enemies.”
""
I spat out my argument almost as if I was calling down curses upon his head. Of course, I didn’t expect Moon Issak to be shaken by this threat. My role, though, wasn’t to scare him, but to light the fire of suspicion in his heart.
Could he, who already had doubts about Bae Jaemin, not respond to the connection of the murder and the mysterious item? Furthermore, the one who brought this matter to him was an incompetent User whose neck could be twisted at any moment; in his view, I was risking my life.
For a few minutes, while Moon Issak opened and closed his mouth several times, I really felt the blood draining out of me. Fortunately, Moon Issak didn’t hesitate for long; soon, the bloodthirst that had filled the reception room was reigned in.
He began using honorifics again, pretending to be polite. “I listened well to your arrogant words.”
“……”
“Choi Lee-kyung-ssi certainly has a uniquely talented tongue.” As expected, Moon Issak was strongly interested in my story; I could feel intense excitement from him. It seemed like all thoughts of jailing me had disappeared.
After overcoming that crisis, I inwardly sighed but took care not to show those emotions on the surface. Moon Issak looked at me, like a predator letting go of a prey he had caught between his teeth–his violent gaze subsided.
However, he continued to add sarcastic remarks. “Coincidentally, I have an appointment with Bae Jaemin in two days.”
“……”
“I can immediately confirm what Choi Lee-kyung-ssi has said the day after tomorrow.”
From our perspective, nothing could be better than Moon Issak directly questioning and confronting Bae Jaemin, so I merely pretended to be calm, returning his stare.
With that said, Moon Issak returned to his original position, cleaned up the scattered paperwork, and stood up. Then, winking, he raised me to my feet.
I followed him, wondering if, finally, this breath-stopping investigation was finally over; before leaving the reception room, the [system] alerted me to a sudden [friend request].
Stammering, I didn’t readily accept the request; Moon Issak stopped before the door, shamelessly looking at me as if he were saying ‘Why haven’t you already accepted it yet?’
“…If you need me, my phone number is…” I muttered.
“This is easier. We can tell each other’s locations straight away as well.”
Of course, I knew the advantages of the [Friend] function in the system. Kim Sangyoon and Koo Hui-seo were added as [friends], and this function had been used plenty. However, because of those benefits, it was difficult to accept Moon Issak’s request–to accept the fact that he’d be able to monitor my location in real-time. It ran counter to our deception.
“Do you make friends with evil-attribute Users?” I asked, grasping at straws. Moon Issak did not drop his smile, for he already guessed at my tricks.
Eventually, I was forced to press the [Accept] button. Well… I could [Unfriend] him later… Of course, I could be suspected and arrested if I was caught. In any case, thinking outside the box, I could also use this to monitor Moon Issak’s location if something were to happen.
“I don’t dislike evil-attribute Users.” Meanwhile, Moon Issak, who just stepped out of the reception room, stopped right before my nose and spoke in a dulcet tone. I looked up at him with a noncommittal though congenial expression. When his gaze met mine, he folded his eyes in a smile. “I loathe them. Therefore, Choi Lee-kyung is a very special person to me.”
“……”
“I hope that in the future your value will continue to trump my disgust. You would also hate to be tortured or live as a cripple for the rest of your life.”
Was there anyone who could stay calm after hearing something like that? Naturally, I froze and paled; Moon Issak laughed out loud at my expression and left the area first.
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