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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Silverriver
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When Kwon Tae-ho left the hospital room and headed for the underground parking lot, Yoo Seol was waiting by his car for some reason.
Yoo Seol had visited the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency separately from Kwon Tae-ho that morning. While this hospital was also in Incheon, it was quite a distance away. Kwon Tae-ho asked, puzzled,
“What are you doing here? When did you arrive?”
“Just now. I was about to head back after finishing up at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, but I remembered you were here.”
“Really? Why?”
“My legs are tired from taking the subway all the way from Seoul to Incheon. Could you give me a ride?”
Before Kwon Tae-ho could respond, Yoo Seol snatched the car keys from his hand and got into the passenger seat. Kwon Tae-ho silently got into the driver’s seat.
“Did you finish everything up?”
“Yes, I handed over all the relevant documents to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. And this time, there weren’t any damage reports filed. We got lucky. Since Chinatown is extraterritorial, no one files complaints even if you destroy things, Enforcer Kwon.”
“That’s convenient. It would be nice if criminals always fled to Chinatown.”
“Are you suggesting I should make a business trip to Incheon every time that happens because of the paperwork? If that’s the case, I want travel expenses. And a company car.”
“Hmm, I’ll think about it.”
“……?? Really?”
Yoo Seol stared at him, as if wondering if he had eaten something wrong. Kwon Tae-ho looked away, grinning.
“I said I’d think about it.”
-Thwack!!
Yoo Seol punched him in the shoulder, but her attack, lacking any martial arts training, had no effect on the peak master. Yoo Seol sighed and turned away.
“That aside, this is unexpected.”
“What is?”
“You rarely show this much concern for a perpetrator. You could have left the plea bargain to someone else. Did you feel sympathetic towards him after hearing his story?”
After the case was closed, they had learned about Baek Seong-cheol’s life through Feifei.
Feifei herself had only learned about it the previous night, but even that was enough for them to understand how difficult his life had been.
“It was a sad story, yes.”
“It’s a common story these days. Which makes it even more problematic. But I didn’t feel any sympathy for him because of it.”
“Oh, come on, don’t hide it. Even the great Kwon Tae-ho can be moved by such a heartbreaking story.”
“That’s not it.”
Kwon Tae-ho drew a clear line. He hadn’t felt any sympathy. He didn’t care.
“Then why did you come all the way to Incheon to see Baek Seong-cheol yourself?”
“…….”
“You’re not being honest.”
“What was that?”
“You must have heard me from this distance. Do you really need to ask me to repeat myself?”
Pouting, Yoo Seol rested her chin on her hand and continued.
“Sometimes, Enforcer Kwon, you seem overly eager to distance yourself from criminals. You’re human too. It’s not shameful to feel sympathy for a criminal. Why are you so insistent on maintaining such a cold attitude?”
Kwon Tae-ho often joked and laughed, but when it came to criminals, he drew a hard line. To Yoo Seol, it almost seemed like an obsession.
Was there a reason for this obsession?
Yoo Seol asked, but Kwon Tae-ho didn’t answer. She had asked similar questions before, but the result was always the same.
He never revealed the reason for his deep-seated hatred of criminals.
“Honestly, it’s a little hurtful. We’ve been together for so long. Can’t we be more open with each other?”
“There are some things I can’t talk about. Don’t pry too much, Assistant Director.”
At Kwon Tae-ho’s response, Yoo Seol pouted.
“Fine. But can you at least stop calling me ‘Assistant Director’? It’s too formal. At least when it’s just the two of us, can’t you call me Seol?”
“Is there a reason I should?”
“‘Seol’ is much more efficient than ‘Assistant Director.’ Or are you saying the great Kwon Tae-ho is too shy to say a woman’s name?”
“Shy? If anyone should be shy, it’s you, Assistant Director.”
“What? Why me?”
At Yoo Seol’s question, Kwon Tae-ho smirked. Sensing danger, Yoo Seol tried to stop him, but Kwon Tae-ho was faster.
“Who was it that tried to enchant their superior with magic eyes and failed because of magic resistance? If it were me, I’d be too embarrassed to face them.”
“Why are you bringing that up now?! We promised never to speak of it again!”
Yoo Seol exclaimed in embarrassment, but Kwon Tae-ho wasn’t about to stop. His grin widened.
“What did you say to me while using your magic eyes back then? ‘Don’t complain and work like a dog. I’ll reward you handsomely, woof woof.’ Or something like that? Honestly, how could you say something so embarrassing with a straight face-”
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!! Stop it! Please!!”
He was mercilessly digging up and dissecting her mortifying memories. Yoo Seol writhed in her seat, as if having a seizure.
“You were twenty-four back then, right? I thought it was a cute attempt, personally.”
“I wasn’t actually trying to enchant you. I’d heard you were a difficult Enforcer, so I was just trying to plant a light suggestion so I could have an easier time working with you. I didn’t expect it to be completely ineffective…”
Until then, even if the effect of her magic eyes was weak, they had never been completely ineffective. It couldn’t be helped, since people with magic resistance like Kwon Tae-ho were so rare.
“There are no easy paths in life. Think of it as a valuable lesson learned.”
“You seem well aware that working under you is a difficult path. You slack off, you tease me constantly like this… and you don’t even pay me on time.”
“Hey, I might be late sometimes, but I always pay you in the end, right?”
Kwon Tae-ho, grinning, suddenly asked,
“Speaking of which, what about the payment for this case?”
“We already received the down payment. The rest will be deposited by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency within three business days. Exactly Fifty million won, no more, no less. Congratulations. You earned Fifty million in a week. That’s like a 2.5 billion won annual salary.”
“2.5 billion, my foot. You won’t even let me spend it as I please.”
“Of course not. That money is emergency funds, for unexpected situations.”
Saying this, Yoo Seol paused, then added quietly,
“But… I suppose we could splurge a little today.”
“Were you serious about wanting a car?”
“No, I just meant… we solved a big case, so shouldn’t we have a celebratory dinner? And it could double as a welcome party for Ha-yeon.”
Indeed, they hadn’t had time for a welcome party for Ha-yeon, as she had been thrown into a joint investigation immediately after joining. Kwon Tae-ho nodded in agreement.
“What’s the rookie doing now?”
“I told her to stay home since we weren’t going to the office today.”
“Then tell her to come to the office by five. Like you said, we solved a big case. Let’s treat ourselves to a nice meal.”
“Since you’re spending money, I’d appreciate it if we could go somewhere expensive, a place I couldn’t normally afford on my salary.”
“Leave it to me. I know a great restaurant.”
“Oh?”
She had just said it casually, but he was actually agreeing?
Anticipation bloomed in Yoo Seol’s heart. A luxurious dinner was a rare treat for Yoo Seol, whose finances had been tight recently. She had eaten nothing but four-day-old toast with jam for breakfast that morning.
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And so, that evening.
Yoo Seol, filled with anticipation, followed Kwon Tae-ho out of the office, but…
-Sizzle…!
“Enforcer Kwon. How is this a great restaurant?”
“What? It’s perfectly great.”
“This is just a neighborhood samgyeopsal place!”
Yoo Seol exclaimed, looking at the samgyeopsal sizzling on the grill.
Indeed, despite raising her expectations, Kwon Tae-ho had brought her to an ordinary Korean BBQ restaurant, the kind you could find in any neighborhood. Whether it was “great” or not was debatable, but it certainly wasn’t what most people would consider a “restaurant.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Assistant Director. This is the most famous restaurant in the neighborhood. Look, it’s ranked number one based on customer reviews.”
“Most of those reviews praise the value and service, not the actual food! I was thinking of something more… you know, atmospheric and upscale-”
“You’re complaining about a free meal? Just eat. I’ll do the grilling.”
At Kwon Tae-ho’s shameless attitude, Yoo Seol looked at Ha-yeon, as if seeking help.
“Hee hee, this is so good.”
But Ha-yeon was already happily munching on a lettuce wrap, a satisfied expression on her face. Yoo Seol’s eye twitched, and she sighed in resignation.
“Fine. I’m the idiot for expecting anything else.”
“Honestly, upscale restaurants might be ten times more expensive, but they’re not ten times more delicious. Besides, it’s weird to have a welcome party for a new recruit at a place like that. On days like this, it’s best to eat and drink your fill at a place with good service and generous portions.”
“Exactly! And I love samgyeopsal. Oh, Enforcer Kwon! Can we order drinks too?”
“Order as much as you want.”
“Assistant Director, do you drink?”
“Moderately.”
“Hey, owner! Three bottles each of soju and beer! And three glasses!”
Soon, the drinks arrived, and Ha-yeon skillfully mixed soju and beer for the three of them. It was clear she was no stranger to this.
“Enforcer Kwon! Before we cheers, we need a toast!”
“Why do we need a toast? Just… um… Welcome to the Kwon Tae-ho Enforcer Office, rookie. And you both did a great job on this case.”
“Yes! You worked hard too, Enforcer Kwon! Cheers!”
-Clink!
Their glasses met with a cheerful sound. Ha-yeon and Kwon Tae-ho emptied their glasses in one gulp.
“Huh? Assistant Director? You barely drank any. Can’t you handle alcohol?”
“I’ll just drink a little slower-”
“Even if you drink slowly, you should empty your first glass. Or is it that you don’t welcome trainee Enforcer Lee Ha-yeon?”
“That’s not true! Honestly-”
-Gulp, gulp, gulp!
Yoo Seol quickly emptied her glass and let out a satisfied groan. Ha-yeon clapped and cheered, her eyes sparkling.
“Enforcer Kwon, forcing people to drink isn’t a good look. Do you realize it’s the 2020s?”
“Forcing? I never forced anyone. I’m just concerned. The rookie poured you a drink, and if you don’t empty your glass, she might think you dislike her.”
“Ha-yeon would never think that.”
“No? I overthink things all the time.”
Ha-yeon grinned cheekily and poured another round. Yoo Seol stared at her, dumbfounded.
“What is this-”
Until now, celebratory dinners at the Kwon Tae-ho Enforcer Office (which usually just meant Yoo Seol and Kwon Tae-ho drinking together) had consisted of Kwon Tae-ho trying to get drunk and Yoo Seol trying to stop him, maintaining a certain balance.
But now, with the arrival of Ha-yeon, a third party, that balance was about to collapse. Looking at the golden liquid filling her glass, Yoo Seol had a feeling things were about to go very wrong.
“Well, I gave a welcome toast, so how about you give one now, Assistant Director?”
“Wait a minute, I just need to drink a little slower-”
“I want to hear it! I want to hear it! Please give a welcome toast!”
Ha-yeon’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. There wasn’t a trace of malice in them.
And Yoo Seol was weak to the whims of those younger than her. Resigned, she raised her glass and gave a short toast.
“Welcome, Ha-yeon. Let’s work well together from now on.”
“Thank you!”
“I’ll just have this much and take a break. Excuse me, owner? Could I get a soft drink-”
“Now that we’ve exchanged greetings, how about we hear the rookie’s aspirations?”
“Wait! Why are you pouring already?”
“Just fill your glass and drink slowly. I’m not forcing you.”
I’m not forcing you.
He said that, but it was essentially coercion, using Ha-yeon as a proxy. As Ha-yeon shared her aspirations and emptied her glass, Yoo Seol, unable to refuse Ha-yeon’s puppy-dog eyes, had no choice but to empty hers as well.
“Hehehe…”
Kwon Tae-ho watched with amusement.
Having been constantly nagged and reprimanded by Yoo Seol, he was convinced that today was the day he would finally get his revenge. Under the combined assault of Kwon Tae-ho and Ha-yeon, Yoo Seol’s defenses began to crumble.
“Ugh, this is… this is unfair…”
It wasn’t that Yoo Seol was the only one drinking. However, Kwon Tae-ho and Ha-yeon, both trained in martial arts, could control their alcohol intake. Yoo Seol, on the other hand, had no such advantage. Aside from her magic eyes, she was an ordinary person.
As a result…
“Hey, Kwon Tae-ho…!”
About an hour into the dinner, the Yoo Seol they knew had vanished.
“You…! You better treat me well! If it weren’t for me, you’d have a criminal record a mile long! You know that… right?!”
“Of course, of course. I owe everything to your resourcefulness, Assistant Director. I’m always grateful.”
“Don’t just say it, hic, show me…!”
“As a token of my gratitude, allow me to pour you another drink.”
“That’s right-! See, my little puppy, why can’t you be this obedient all the time? Here’s your reward. Good boy, good boy…”
Yoo Seol reached out to pat Kwon Tae-ho’s head. Of course, Kwon Tae-ho wasn’t going to allow that. After a few failed attempts, Yoo Seol gave up, laughing to herself before emptying her glass.
“Um, Assistant Director… aren’t you a little too drunk? I think we should stop…”
Even Ha-yeon, who had been encouraging Yoo Seol to drink, was starting to feel uneasy at her current state, which was a far cry from her usual composed self.
“Why should we stop? I’m having fun. Are you not having fun, rookie?”
“I am, but…! I’m worried you’ll be furious when we come to work tomorrow……”
“Don’t worry. She’ll be too drunk to remember anything tomorrow.”
“I remember everything! I’m very smart-!”
“Just ignore her. Even if she remembers, she won’t say anything. She’ll be too embarrassed. Now, let’s drink.”
As Kwon Tae-ho and Ha-yeon filled and emptied their glasses, Yoo Seol pouted.
“Why are you leaving me out…? I work so hard, and I get nothing in return… honestly… Today too. I wanted to go somewhere nice, and you bring me to a samgyeopsal place!”
“You seemed to enjoy the food, though.”
“The meat is innocent! You’re the culprit, Kwon Tae-ho! Ha-yeon! Arrest him! I’ll get the warrant later……”
“Do you want more meat?”
“Huh? Ha-yeon will wrap it for me? I’m a bit full, but I can’t refuse Ha-yeon’s offer. Ah~”
Ha-yeon carefully placed a lettuce wrap into Yoo Seol’s open mouth. Kwon Tae-ho chuckled, watching Yoo Seol chew.
“You’ve already mastered the art of handling the Assistant Director. Just shut her up with food.”
“Ahahaha, it’s not like that. She’s just so cute right now, it reminds me of my younger sister, so I couldn’t help myself…”
Ha-yeon suddenly looked at Kwon Tae-ho.
“Um, Enforcer Kwon… Could you…”
Ha-yeon hesitated. Kwon Tae-ho immediately understood what she wanted to ask.
“The bonus?”
“Yes! We did finish the case successfully… right? I didn’t really contribute much, but… is there any chance…”
It was a topic she wouldn’t normally bring up, but she was emboldened by the alcohol. Kwon Tae-ho chuckled at her attempt and pulled an envelope from his pocket.
“I withdrew it before coming here. It’s a decent amount, so take it.”
“Th-thank you!”
Ha-yeon took the envelope and immediately put it in her handbag. She wanted to check the amount, but it would be rude. Besides, the thickness of the envelope was enough to tell her that Kwon Tae-ho wasn’t lying.
“Hee hee… I’m so happy…”
“You like money that much?”
“Who doesn’t like money?”
“That’s true. Do you mind if I ask what you’re going to use it for?”
A shadow flickered across Ha-yeon’s face at the question. But then she smiled brightly.
“Well… it’s for my sister’s hospital bills. She’s hospitalized right now.”
“I remember you mentioned a younger sister, four years younger than you. Her name was-”
“Eunsol. Lee Eunsol.”
“Hospitalized… is she sick?”
“Yes, leukemia. But it’s not that serious! Medical technology is so advanced these days that the prognosis is good. It’s just expensive. We’re a single-parent family, so my mom has been struggling to manage on her own.”
He didn’t ask about her father. It would be insensitive. But Ha-yeon spoke first.
“My father passed away. He was caught in the crossfire of a Returnee crime.”
“So that’s why you became an Enforcer…”
“Yes. I don’t want anyone else to suffer like I did… That’s a common reason, right? Of course, the high pay is also a factor. I want to be able to put my sister through college once she recovers. And take care of my mom. Things like that. Hee hee…”
Ha-yeon giggled, her face flushed from the alcohol. Kwon Tae-ho felt both proud and sympathetic towards her.
He was touched by her bright demeanor, despite her painful past. Of course, who didn’t have a sad story or two in this day and age?
“If we get any outside requests like this during your training, I’ll give you a share of the payment based on your contribution. So work hard.”
“Really? Thank you, Enforcer Kwon!”
“Ooh…! Me too! Me too…! I work hard too! Give me a bonus…!”
“Yes, yes, we’ll talk about that tomorrow when you’re sober-”
“Repent! Repent, you foolish sinners!!!”
Suddenly, a sharp voice pierced their ears, and all three turned their heads.
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The voice came from a table near the entrance. Three people in their twenties and thirties were sitting there, and one of the men had stood up and was yelling at the top of his lungs.
“Judgment Day is at hand!! If you don’t want to fall into the abyss of hell, heed and practice the words of the Heavenly Maiden! Sinners! Repent! Sinners! Repent!”
“Excuse me, sir, but could you please keep it down? You’re disturbing the other customers-”
“How dare you reject the words of truth bestowed upon us by the Heavenly Maiden, you ignorant fool!”
-Thwack!
“Ugh?!”
The man shoved the employee who had approached him. It seemed like a light push, but the employee went flying, tumbling across the floor.
“Enforcer Kwon…”
“Yes, I saw it too.”
The expressions of the two Enforcers changed.
“That man… he just used martial arts, didn’t he?”
“It seems so.”
Kwon Tae-ho slowly stood up.
Unauthorized use of abilities, resulting in harm to a civilian.
“I’ll be right back. I have some business to attend to.”
That meant it was time for an Enforcer to get to work.
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seol is //////////
