Chapter 50 – Role-playing

While the sisters were busy fawning over and fretting about the children inside, the Guild Master and Monk Jamyeong focused on more practical matters in the courtyard.

“I think it’s time we took more drastic action,” the Guild Master said.

Gyeonwoo’s impulsive behavior today had made them realize something. The Guild Master, Monk Jamyeong, and the Han sisters – none of these supposed guardians knew anything about raising children. They’d failed to follow even the basic rule of not leaving a child alone, leading to this mess.

Waiting to thoroughly prepare before taking down the cult was now the lesser priority. Leaving such dangers unchecked could lead to similar incidents anytime.

“Don’t be too hasty,” Monk Jamyeong cautioned, unable to hide his concern despite approving of the Guild Master’s proactive stance. “Moving too quickly could cause problems.”

Unlike what Gyeonwoo believed, this wasn’t such a happy world. Rather, it was a world full of despair where countless people had lost loved ones since the Gates appeared. Just like the Han sisters had lost their parents. The Guild Master too was once just an ordinary young man who’d lost his parents without warning.

While it was wonderful to see him finding happiness after living like he’d lost all emotion, “We wouldn’t want the child to end up avoiding you.”

The monk worried the Guild Master might cross a line and lose this sanctuary he’d finally found – that he might end up pushing Gyeonwoo away.

Startled by this unexpected concern, the Guild Master’s eyes widened before he smiled and replied lightly, “I’m thinking of adopting Gyeonwoo.”

“What?”

The monk had thought “taking drastic action” meant attacking the cult with all three major guilds. Adoption? Though of course, adoption by someone of the Guild Master’s status would be quite significant. The other guild masters and probably every politician would take notice.

“She’s a striking child. If we increase public awareness, even the cult wouldn’t dare touch her carelessly.”

He’d realized it today – Gyeonwoo’s appearance drew attention. At times like these, having people nearby was more effective protection than countless CCTV cameras. Above all, Gyeonwoo was fundamentally good; he was certain she’d quickly win everyone’s hearts just by being herself.

A beloved child in the public eye – neither the cult nor even the government would dare touch her carelessly.

“Our society lacks warmth, as I well know.”

Until recently, he’d had no interest in children. No interest in dating women who only wanted his power and status. He’d even avoided meeting noisy, willful children.

But Gyeonwoo was different – she made even someone like him care and love her. How much better would it have been if such a lovable child hadn’t experienced such an unfortunate past and grown up happily instead?

“Given her personality, she’ll always be connecting with others, so it should work well.”

If she needed to face villains or reveal her true nature, she could use the Persona. He’d already thought through several approaches for that.

“How do you plan to do it? The child won’t accept it…” Monk Jamyeong’s voice was worried. She wouldn’t even speak her own name freely due to the trauma of losing her parents.

The Guild Master answered confidently, “The guardianship system allows temporary registration without the child’s consent.”

In other words, he planned to do it without telling Gyeonwoo.

“…”

The monk was speechless. Could someone change this much? How would they handle the aftermath?

But the Guild Master wasn’t done. Nearly losing Gyeonwoo had sent him charging forward like a train with broken brakes.

“We’ll protect her by raising public awareness, then eliminate the cult as planned.”

Thanks to Pureumi today, they’d gained an unexpected lead. From what they’d learned, cult members had infiltrated all levels of society – police, prosecutors, even judges and corporate CEOs were suspected members.

The problem was that they were civilians, not Awakened. Taking them down wouldn’t help track and eliminate the cult, even if they were its financial backers.

“I found out there’s a guild that’s been hiding and ignoring spirits and vengeful ghosts in the middle of the city.”

Was it mere coincidence that Pureumi had been abandoned in the city center? Most likely there had been attempts to cover up the incident. Only an organization as powerful as the cult could manage that.

There had to be some reason behind it.

“I plan to start tracking them by investigating the guild responsible for that area’s Gates.”

It was more work than one person could handle. Yet rather than showing fatigue, the Guild Master looked refreshed, having just heard Han Yuyeon’s telepathic message about Gyeonwoo’s punishment – being forbidden from helping others without permission.

What a perfectly fitting punishment.

“Well, I can’t just sit idle when it comes to the child,” Monk Jamyeong said, suddenly standing up. “I’ve been gathering information through my contacts too. I should organize it.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

The Guild Master had explained at length because despite his status, he was humble. He’d only been Korea’s top Guild Master for about ten years – an embarrassingly brief career compared to Monk Jamyeong, who had lived twice as long and had connections from before the Gates appeared.

Naturally, the monk’s network was impressive.

“Though I shouldn’t talk, having abandoned the child in the mountains…”

Crack-

As Monk Jamyeong clenched his fist, the prayer beads he’d been rolling shattered to dust.

“I can’t let those Mara bastards who exploited this sweet child go unpunished.”

Ah, and of course, thanks to Gyeonwoo, the monk’s reawakened power was now beyond what most Awakened could handle.

“Ho ho, excuse my unseemly display.”

“Not at all…”

The girl’s actions today had inadvertently set in motion a full-scale encirclement of the cult.

It was an outcome no one had expected.

*

The next morning, after the two children had fallen sound asleep, and with the Guild Master away at the meeting of the three major guilds, the Han sisters had taken time off and…

“Got it? From now on, we’re strangers to you.”

They launched their plan to properly educate Gyeonwoo and Pureumi.

They were going to do role-playing in case the sisters had to leave the house. However, there was something the sisters hadn’t considered.

“Am… am I being abandoned again…?”

How could a child raised in a cult and a child who’d become a spirit have any experience with role-playing!

At Han Dayeon’s sudden declaration that they’d be strangers, Gyeonwoo’s head dropped toward the ground.

If I’m kicked out of here, where should I go…?

I’d be fine alone, but now I have Pureumi too, so we can’t live on the streets.

I haven’t earned enough money yet, the monks will be disappointed if I go back…

“Mama abandoned? Can’t eat milk anymore…?”

Gyeonwoo’s anxiety seemed to infect Pureumi.

She trembled, remembering when she couldn’t eat anything after becoming a spirit.

Hiiing…

The sound of two girls crying.

And those innocent eyes looking up with tears.

“No! I’m sorry! I was just kidding! We won’t kick you out! We’ll live together forever!”

Han Dayeon immediately took back her words.

I don’t want the kids to hate me!

Forcing things they don’t like on children is abuse!

She hurriedly stretched out her arms to hug the trembling Gyeonwoo and Pureumi.

“Haah… this is crazy.”

She glared at Han Yuyeon, who was watching with crossed arms.

As always, crossing your arms doesn’t make your small chest look any bigger.

Isn’t this too much for children who are already so hurt?

“Hehe… it’s okay to kick me out anytime if I’m too much of a burden.”

Though startled by not understanding it was play, Gyeonwoo was kind as always.

Realizing Han Dayeon was flustered, she reached out her small hand to pat her back reassuringly.

“Mmm? More milk than Mama…?”

Meanwhile, Pureumi tilted her head at the enormous volume pressing against her cheek.

Since she made a contract with me, Mama should be Mama.

Why does this strange woman’s body smell like familiar milk?!

Instinctively sucking her finger, she poked Han Dayeon’s chest with her other hand.

“Eehee! P-Pureumi! A woman’s chest is sensitive, so be careful!”

Tsk tsk, she’s clearly enjoying this too much.

It was quite a sight to watch.

Finally, Han Yuyeon grabbed her foolish sister by the scruff and pushed her aside, then explained to the two innocent children.

“We’re playing pretend. We’re guests, and Pureumi and little one are the homeowners. That’s why we said we’re strangers.”

“Ah! So we’re acting out lies!”

These heretics do such strange acting?

Gyeonwoo quickly understood what Han Yuyeon meant.

“Mmm?”

Though Pureumi still seemed confused, just sucking her finger.

Either way, the role-play began as the sisters had planned.