episode_0018

I simply tried to live unscathed and return.

The supplier of alcohol was the largest organization in Korea, and even the team leader turned out to be a former enemy…

It’s fortunate that Angelic Hand’s level has risen.

If I had been at level 1 like when I wrote to Anna, they would have immediately accused me of being a small fry.

I descended the stairs, rubbing my cool throat.

On the way down, I suddenly recalled the expression of the former enemy holding a cocktail.

It wasn’t the appearance of a killer or an organization member, but that of a girl longing for her father.

Of course, she was probably older than a girl, but she was pure and pitiful to that extent.

That atmosphere even made me, who was tense, calm and serious.

Thanks to that, I was able to perfectly embody Red Eye…

Could I have chosen power back then instead of a new face?

I can’t say for sure.

I can only comfort her, regretting her choice.

That comfort was sincere.

Still, it’s fortunate that things were resolved well.

In times when luxuries like alcohol are hard to come by, having such a reliable supplier is a relief.

Calculating that, as I walked out of the building, I felt someone’s gaze.

I immediately looked outside at the eerie feeling.

“Have you arrived.”

Four organization members stand in a row right in front of headquarters.

They bow their heads respectfully when they see me.

I also see Sangmun, who guided me to the former enemy.

What… What is this?

Am I really being sent to the factory to be squeezed dry?

I passed by them slowly, holding my crossbag with both hands.

But their greeting was not just a misunderstanding.

The members turn their bodies towards me as I pass, staring intently.

“Do you have anything else to say…”

“The team leader asked us to escort you home.”

“Home?”

“Yes, since you are a ‘valuable’ guest, he asked us to accompany you comfortably.”

Sangmun chuckles.

I couldn’t tell if his smile was a kind gesture or the smile of a loan shark finding a debtor.

A valuable guest…?

Although I had doubts, I had no choice.

I ended up boarding the black Starex because I felt that refusing might lead to something unpleasant.

Large men on either side of me involuntarily hunch their shoulders.

“We’re going home, right?”

I asked them deliberately.

“Yes, we will escort you ‘comfortably.’”

Sangmun says, looking at the rearview mirror.

The car starts moving.

The men, each holding a sword or a club, glance down briefly.

Then Sangmun, sitting in the passenger seat, scolds them.

“Hey, stop staring like that. You’re scaring the guest.”

As if his words were law, the members all respond loudly, “Yes, boss.”

Listening to his words right next to me feels like my ears are ringing.

“I’m sorry. Our guys grew up rough… They get shy around girls their age.”

Girls their age?

So, are these rugged middle-aged men sitting next to me all in their early twenties?

These faces…?

Shaved heads, foreheads creased like drought-ridden land.

Clearly weathered veterans in their late thirties…

“Our guys are so focused on exercise… they don’t know how to dress up.”

Sangmun laughs as if trying to lighten the mood.

Did they only exercise with their faces…?

“You’re Siho, right? It’s an honor to escort you. I’m Junseo.”

“I’m Seyoon.”

From a face that looks like it’s in its late thirties comes the voice of a young boy.

Even their names are pretty like kids these days.

“It’s truly an honor to be escorted by such reliable people.”

The young members blush as they meet my eyes.

I force a smile at them.

Yeah, in a world where you never know when you’ll die.

Your face could end up like that.

“To be honest, I was a little surprised.”

“Oh?”

“It’s not common for someone to dominate the team leader and even make a contract. Especially when he’s sensitive like today…”

It suddenly occurred to me to be careful when we meet today.

I’ve been lost in thought even at the office.

“What happened with Jeksah?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Sangmun hesitated for a moment before responding.

He took a short breath and turned to face me sharply.

“Today is my father’s memorial day.”

His response left me speechless.

Was that why he seemed so sensitive?

I suddenly felt sorry for glimpsing her sad memory.

But if I hadn’t seen it, I might have ended up in a drum. I hope she understands.

“Thank you. It’s been a while since I saw Team Leader smiling like that.”

He bowed his head slightly, hands resting on his thighs.

Other subordinates also nodded like shadows.

“Thank you!”

I clapped my hands.

Every action of these people feels exaggerated.

But one thing is certain.

They genuinely care for the lady they serve.

They truly wish for her well-being.

Like colleagues from a past life waiting for me to grow.

Thanks to them, I realized that Jeksah is not just a simple killer who enjoys murder.

Quite different from ‘Nugurang.’

“Um… Will you wait for me here?”

Suddenly, a familiar view outside the window.

“No, I’ll drive you up to your place. There are things I need to give you.”

Things to give…?

A black SUV entered the one-room apartment parking lot.

The car parked blatantly in front of the apartment entrance, blocking all the residents’ cars trying to leave.

People trapped in the parking lot started honking their horns incessantly.

The noisy honking made me tense too.

Because every time the horn sounded, the faces of the organization members grew more fearful.

“Oh my god, is he crazy, really…”

A middle-aged man’s voice came from outside the car.

He lives below me.

He always smokes on the balcony, and the smell reaches our house.

‘Mister…’

The man banged on the tinted window vigorously.

Sangmun rolled down the window, looking puzzled.

“Are you out of your mind? Parking your car here in broad daylight…”

The man was angrier than anyone else.

But upon seeing Sangmun’s face, his expression completely froze.

“Parking… what?”

Sangmun chuckled and gestured to his subordinates sitting next to me.

“Guys, this gentleman can’t hear well… Get off and listen carefully to what he’s saying.”

“Yes, sir.”

The door of the Starex opened with a creak.

Two huge men descended heavily from the cramped door.

“Well…”

“Mister, we’re just unloading here, right? We’ll be gone soon after taking our stuff out. Why are you so impatient…”

One of the subordinates tapped the man’s shoulder lightly.

He was in his early twenties.

“Right? I was a bit hasty. Take your time.”

The man’s flushed face quickly softened.

He could control his complexion so well; I suspected he had some ability related to blood.

After soothing the man, Jeksah’s subordinates opened the trunk.

They began taking out large paper boxes one by one.

“We’ll bring them inside for you.”

“Thank you, but what is all this?”

“These are cocktail ingredients. Triple sec, Cointreau, Campari, and more sent by the team leader.”

Already?

I admired Jeksah’s efficiency.

They climbed the stairs and placed the boxes in front of the entrance.

As they prepared to leave hastily to avoid inconveniencing me:

“Wait a moment.”

I stopped the departing men for a moment.

Even though they were sweating profusely in early spring, they turned back at my call.

“While you’re here, let me make a drink for each of you. Have a drink before you go.”

“No, there’s no need to bother…”

“It’s okay. Come in.”

Ingredients must be ready; I plan to head straight to the raid camp in the evening.

To do that, I need to make a cocktail potion right now.

Let’s test them once.

With four men entering the small house, the living room suddenly feels cramped.

They kneel devoutly as they watch me prepare cocktails in the kitchen.

The sound of my subordinates wandering around the house pierces my ears.

It’s awkward to hear what they’re saying.

Comments about good smells coming from the room and it being their first time in a woman’s studio apartment fill the air.

I sighed and shook my head.

I should understand; their reactions would have been similar if I had visited Jisoo noona’s house.

After wiping my hands with a towel, I immediately started preparing the bartending.

There’s a cocktail for tired people sweating away.

I prepare the glassware at home.

Two spoons of white sugar go into the glass.

Then, three fresh mint leaves are added.

Followed by 30ml of tangy lime juice.

Muddle lightly to release the mint aroma.

Top it off with refreshing soda water.

Finish by adding cold ice cubes…

Grade: ★★★☆

Effect: Restores 30% of the consumer’s vigor.

Information: Classic Mojito made with mint and rum.

Sweet, fragrant, and refreshing.

Maximized the mint aroma for an Angelic Hand bonus ★.

“Here, enjoy.”

I handed out Mojitos to the organization members who kindly delivered alcohol to my house.

Even as they receive the drinks, they stare intently at my face.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No… It’s just cool…”

One member looks at me with sparkling eyes.

I smile and thank them.

The subordinates’ gaze definitely seems fitting for early twenties.

Their eyes sparkle like admiring young boys.

With that look, the men down the Mojitos in one go.

“How does it taste?”

“So refreshing.”

“Just drinking it makes me feel energized.”

The subordinates exclaim loudly with smiles.

At this, Sangmun warns not to shout.

He clears his throat and calmly evaluates the taste.

“Seems like the team leader is satisfied…”

Even the usually serious Sangmun nods in approval.

Most of the organization members finish their Mojitos without leaving any behind.

They start preparing to leave immediately after finishing their cocktails.

For them, I hand out pre-prepared cocktail potions in glass bottles.

Grade: ★★☆

Effect: Restores 20% of the consumer’s vigor.

Information: Mojito Potion made with mint and rum.

Sweet and refreshing.

Due to potion production, the grade and effect are lower.

Received a bonus ★ from Angelic Hand’s effect.

“Take it with you when you leave.”

The men, who were wearing crumpled shoes, look puzzled.

They appreciate the valuable drink but refuse to take this additional gift, waving their hands in refusal.

So, I forcefully place the drinks in their hands and escape back into the house.

I press against the door with both hands, peeking my face through the crack.

And say quietly,

“It’s a gift for helping today.”

As I speak, the men’s faces turn red.

They quickly avert their gazes from mine and rush down the stairs.

Certainly, the members of Ilsim seem to have a lot to do.

What’s the rush?

I return to the room.

Although the men were only here briefly, the room now smells of tobacco.

Did it smell like this even when I lived alone…?

I clean up the spilled drink and prepare to make potions.

“But wait a minute…”

Come to think of it, I never told the organization members my home address.

How on earth do they know where I live…?