—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Kim Ji-young wasn’t concerned about her own safety.
“I heard you fought another powerful villain… Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
Her genuine concern shook Lee Seong-jun to his core.
‘…She’s worried about me, even now.’
It wasn’t just now. Ever since he was a child, his parents had always prioritized him, always worried about him. Their love was unconditional and boundless.
‘And I…’
He’d been so caught up in his own thoughts, trying to lighten the mood, that he’d forgotten their feelings.
‘How foolish of me.’
He was overwhelmed with gratitude and guilt, and a sense of warmth spread through his chest.
‘I’m glad… I came back to Earth.’
Perhaps it was because he’d experienced the manipulative humans of the Thousand Continents and the self-serving immortals of the Celestial Realm. Their genuine concern and love resonated deeply within him. A smile spread across his face.
“Don’t worry, I’m perfectly healthy, see?”
He flexed his arm playfully. Kim Ji-young nodded slowly.
“I’m glad you look healthy… but if you’re ever struggling, remember you can always rest in your family’s embrace. Do you understand?”
“I’m not struggling at all. You saw I don’t have a scratch on me.”
Kim Ji-young smiled warmly at her son’s reassuring words.
“I appreciate your concern for your family… but remember, your happiness is our top priority.”
She meant every word. Lee Seong-jun smiled brightly at her sincerity.
“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Always be happy, my son.”
“…You too, Mom.”
“I’m always happy, thanks to my wonderful son.”
They smiled at each other, their eyes filled with warmth. Lee Su-hyeok and Lee Seo-yun exchanged amused glances.
“Don’t be selfish, Mom and big brother. Don’t hog all the happiness.”
“Don’t worry, you have your dad.”
“…”
Lee Seo-yun didn’t answer, glancing at her mother and brother.
“Honey, don’t tell me…”
Lee Su-hyeok’s voice trembled nervously. Lee Seo-yun grinned mischievously.
“You’ll accept me, right?”
“Of course, my beautiful daughter. Come here.”
Lee Seo-yun promptly embraced her mother. Lee Su-hyeok’s eyes widened.
“But… then…”
Kim Ji-young laughed and playfully scolded him, “Why are you being divisive? We’re all family.” Lee Su-hyeok slumped his shoulders, dejected.
“Then I’ll switch to Dad’s side.”
Lee Seong-jun declared, siding with his father. The two women stared at him in surprise.
“Son…?”
“He’s really changed.”
It was a natural reaction. This kind of father-son bonding was unheard of in the past.
“What? It’s natural for a son to side with his father.”
“Yes, if the women team up, then we men have to do the same.”
Lee Su-hyeok straightened his shoulders, a wide smile appearing on his face. The two women exchanged sheepish glances.
“Honey, I think we lost this round.”
“I was being a bit too much, I guess. Dad’s family too…”
Lee Seo-yun smiled and hugged her father.
“Let’s all be happy together.”
The family laughed, a warm, harmonious atmosphere filling the room.
“Haha!”
“Ho ho.” The laughter subsided, and their eyes met, filled with affection and trust.
“Thank you for including your dad. I’m feeling generous! Let’s go out as a family. How about it? Dinner’s on me.”
“Then I’ll pay for the movie!”
“It’s been a while since we went out as a family. I’m looking forward to it.” Lee Seong-jun nodded in agreement with his mother’s words.
“Me too.”
A happy family outing was decided.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
They spent a relaxing afternoon at the Han River Park before lunch. They hadn’t had a break like this in a while. The view of the Han River and the leisurely time spent on a silver picnic mat filled them with contentment.
It was a simple, yet enjoyable time.
The ramyeon and snacks they had for lunch were delicious, albeit a bit pricey. But Lee Seong-jun, having accumulated a decent amount of wealth as a Hunter, didn’t mind. After lunch, they enjoyed instant coffee and ice cream from a convenience store, chatting and people-watching.
As evening approached, they went to see the movie Lee Seo-yun had booked. It was a typical superhero flick, lighthearted and entertaining, and everyone enjoyed it.
“Reclaiming our lost land… I wish it were that easy in real life” Lee Su-hyeok sighed wistfully.
“I miss the old days when we could travel to different cities together as a family,” Kim Ji-young said.
“I saw videos on YouTube. Gangwon-do looks beautiful… I want to visit it after we push back the monsters.”
Even Lee Seo-yun, the youngest, chimed in, but Lee Seong-jun remained silent.
‘It doesn’t seem that special…’
Having seen countless breathtaking landscapes in the Thousand Continents, he couldn’t quite relate, but he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to spoil the mood. He also shared their sentiment about the monsters who had taken over their land.
‘They could be dangerous to my family… I should take care of them when I have the chance.’
It was too early for that, though. He knew how powerful territorial monsters could be. He wasn’t going to take unnecessary risks. He’d add it to his to-do list. As they were heading to a new upscale Korean restaurant in the movie theater building…
“Oh, Team Leader Lee?”
Lee Su-hyeok turned at the sudden call.
“President Hwang…?”
Despite Lee Su-hyeok’s hesitant demeanor, President Hwang, Hwang Jeong-jin, approached them without hesitation.
“I thought it was you. Good to see you, Team Leader Lee.”
Lee Seong-jun and his family turned their attention to the newcomer.
‘Hmm…’
He didn’t have a good first impression of Hwang Jeong-jin. His obese figure, sharp, snake-like eyes, and greedy expression reminded him of the unscrupulous merchants he’d encountered in the Thousand Continents.
‘…His relationship with that woman doesn’t seem appropriate either.’
The young woman in her twenties on his arm seemed far too young to be the wife of a man in his late fifties. And they didn’t resemble each other at all. Having seen similar relationships in the Thousand Continents, Lee Seong-jun easily deduced her identity.
‘His mistress.’
He didn’t approve, valuing family above all else, but he wasn’t going to judge. Everyone had their own way of life.
‘Besides, it’s none of my business.’
He decided to observe quietly, suppressing his presence. Just then,
“Are those your family members, Team Leader Lee?”
Hwang Jeong-jin’s eyes swept over his family, a predatory glint appearing in his eyes as he looked at Lee Seo-yun.
“It’s a coincidence running into you here. Why don’t we have dinner together?”
“I appreciate the offer, but… we’re having a family outing today” Lee Su-hyeok said, his expression strained. But Hwang Jeong-jin didn’t back down.
“That’s why we should eat together. It’s a good opportunity to get to know each other. It’s on me.”
“We’d like to have a quiet family dinner today. I’m sorry.”
Lee Su-hyeok’s tone was firm, but Hwang Jeong-jin wasn’t interested in what he wanted. He was only interested in fulfilling his own desires.
“Don’t be so quick to refuse. You never know, we might form a beneficial relationship.”
“…Beneficial relationship? What do you mean?”
“Nothing definite, but you know how these things go…”
His gaze fixed on Lee Seo-yun, filled with a lecherous intent. While he hadn’t said anything explicitly, Lee Su-hyeok, a man of experience, understood his intentions.
“…!”
Lee Su-hyeok’s face reddened with anger, but Hwang Jeong-jin remained unfazed, even smirking slightly.
“I understand how you feel, but be realistic. I heard your wife has mana syndrome. Can you afford her medical bills if you lose your job? Let’s make this mutually beneficial.”
Lee Su-hyeok clenched his fists, his eyes burning with rage.
“Look at his face. Is he going to hit me? Hey, Team Leader Choi!”
At his call, Team Leader Choi, Choi Seung-hoon, approached from behind.
“You heard, right?”
“Yes. I’ll put him in his place.”
“Don’t overdo it like last time. Just give him a taste of a C+-rank Hunter’s power.”
As soon as Hwang Jeong-jin finished speaking, Choi Seung-hoon walked towards Lee Su-hyeok, a chilling aura emanating from him. That’s when…
“…You’ve crossed the line.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
