Chapter 82: The Knight Gives a Counseling (1)

“Dammit! How come there’s no empty seat today as well?! Hey, Matt! Make room for me!”

“If you want a seat, bring your own damn chair and desk! I’m busy, stop talking nonsense!”

“Hey, I’m your customer, you know?! How could you talk like that to me?!”

“You’re a beggar, not a customer! Get lost!”

“You bastard—!”

Even though one of the customers and the store owner were arguing loudly like that, no one paid attention to them. After all, this was a common occurrence. Well, there were actually some people who paid attention to them; those who enjoyed watching such arguments.

Public House.

Or ‘pub’ for short, was a popular space among the common folks, just like a bar or an inn.

Pubs like this one were always bustling. Even late at night, drunken customers would flock to the place, so the place would always be noisy as people would start fights here and there, but fortunately, accidents were few and far between.

It was understandable, after all…

“Hey, I don’t care if you want to fight, but don’t do shit that’ll alert the guild. Once those guys are involved, I’ll be the only one who suffers here.”

“…”

Places like pubs were usually affiliated with the guilds. That was why most fights would end quietly.

“Tch, I’ll let you off the hook. Enjoy your shitty food, you bastard!”

“…You’re really begging to be punched, you shithead.”

Even though the food wasn’t guaranteed to be good, people could still get a filling meal for a cheap price. The alcohol and coffee they served were cheap as well, so unnecessarily antagonizing the owner of the pub was a bad idea. That was why the carpenter relented pretty quickly and tipped the owner as an apology. Meanwhile, the people around started to drink their cheap and flat lager, disappointed that their entertainment ended so quickly.

While that commotion was happening, two people were sharing a drink inside a lounge on the pub’s third floor. This was a cozy space where one could drink some booze as long as they were willing to spend some money.

Well, to be exact…

“Trying to drink? In front of me? How dare you…”

“B-But, I’m already an adult…”

“Yes, but Academy cadets are prohibited from drinking, singing, and dancing until they graduate. I’m still an instructor, you punk. How dare you try to break the school rules in front of me.”

“…Instructor, you are too much.”

The only one who ordered alcohol was the man while the boy had to sip his orange juice with a sad face.

There’s alcohol in front of me, but I’m stuck with juice instead, how sa—

“Huh? Wait, this juice is…actually tasty…?”

However, the boy’s sad face lasted only for a moment. The moment that he found how refreshing and cool the orange juice tasted, his expression instantly changed.

I thought they only sell cheap stuff here…?

Seeing the boy’s surprised expression, the man, Lee Han, opened his mouth.

“The reason why this pub is popular is because they’ll give you pretty good stuff as long as you could pay for it. That orange juice is made from ingredients that they imported from the south. It’s quite different from the normal juice you could find around here. Even though you can’t drink alcohol, it’ll be enough to console your regret.”

“This is amazing…”

“Right? This kingdom’s food culture is quite good. The alcohol, especially, is good. You should try it out after you graduate.”

“…Gulp.”

“I can see you’re a good drinker.”

Contrary to his appearance, the boy seemed to be aware of the taste of alcohol. Although, it wasn’t exactly a surprising revelation. After all, it wasn’t a strange thing for someone who couldn’t properly express his feelings like him to relieve his stress with alcohol.

Maybe I should’ve let him drink a little…

…Nah, this should be okay.

Both him and the boy were in different positions, so it would be better for him to not do anything that could easily be criticized by others, just to be safe. As he thought so, Lee Han tried to calm his mind and drank his ale.

The ale was rich with a strong barley aroma, a testament that the barley used for the ale was of the highest quality. It wasn’t diluted, so the flavor was incredibly rich. In fact, the ale tasted five times tastier than the beer Lee Han used to drink in his previous life.

If anything, this kingdom made some really good beers. Tsk, tsk.

Ales that were properly aged in an oak barrel are just on a whole different level.

“As expected, ales really taste better than lager.”

Even though it was less refreshing than lager, Lee Han preferred ale more because of the subtle fruity flavor it had.

Although, Lee Han’s tongue wasn’t exactly something hard to please. As long as the food or drinks were worth the money, he had nothing to complain about.

“A-Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard, Instructor? Reserving this lounge is expensive isn’t it…? There is also the food we ordered…”

“It’s worth the price though. The place’s quiet, and the food’s tasty.”

Just like the boy had said, unlike the first and the second floor, things on the third floor were a little more expensive. And just as the man had said, the price was worth the quality. If they went to the first or the second floor, they’d be wasting their time on some lukewarm and watery beer. Compared to that, it was better for them to pay a little more and eat something good.

“Two of the things I won’t skimp on are equipment and food. So, just eat. Don’t hold back. I’m paying for everything today.”

“…I’ll eat gratefully.”

“Oh, c’mon. Did you forget already? I’m treating you because I’m grateful to you.”

“Haha…”

Derrick let out an awkward smile. He felt awkward due to Lee Han treating him extremely well. Though, he knew that this was the knight’s way of expressing his gratitude since he had helped him to attain a breakthrough. With that in mind, the boy couldn’t really refuse it. If it was up to him, he’d rather go home and sleep right away.

But, this is fine as well…

He found both the food and the atmosphere pleasant. His life had been so busy, he rarely had this moment of leisure at all.

“Alright, order whatever you want. My wallet is open for you today.”

“…T-Then, can I order a few more…?”

“Of course.”

Derrick sensed the instructor’s pleased gaze fell on him at the moment. It was the kind of pleased gaze that suggested he was happy just by seeing him eating. Looking at the man’s gaze which was dripping with honey, Derrick realized how deep the man’s gratitude was.

T-That breakthrough really made him this happy…?

I-It feels a little bothersome…

As the person who made him went through the breakthrough, Derrick was satisfied but at the same time, he also felt embarrassed. After all, in his mind, he was just trying to repay his debt, nothing more.

“Haha.”

Flinch-!

At that moment, a chill ran through Derrick’s spine.

W-What was that?

It happened the moment the instructor’s satisfied smile entered his vision.

His thief skill, [Crisis Detection], sent out a warning signal like crazy.

The instructor’s eyes looked like a beast hunting for its prey. He was reminded of a certain sensation that he once felt a long time ago.

Where did I feel this kind of sensation again…?

It felt like the instructor wasn’t doing this just to express his gratitude, but he also had a darker, hidden motive.

In such an uncomfortable state, a memory that had been lying dormant in a corner of his mind resurfaced.

Ah…

He was reminded of the last time he had felt this way.

Back in his previous life, when he was still living as a miserable private…

T-This is the same feeling I felt back when the chief sergeant took me to a rib restaurant to ask if I wanted to become an actual sergeant…!

Gulp…!

At some point, Derrick broke out in a cold sweat.

For some reason, right now, he felt like he had volunteered to be swindled by a swindler.

T-Thank goodness he didn’t allow me to drink…

Indeed, it was a good thing that he hadn’t drunk any alcohol. If he did, his escape route would’ve been sealed, and the swindler could easily gobble him up.

Meanwhile, the instructor who had been scheming to turn the poor boy into his assistant…

This timid guy is planning to run away… Fuck, he noticed about my plan…

Ugh, this is why a perceptive rascal is no good!

Was disappointed by this development.

Even though there was a sinister undercurrent going on, the food was still tasty. From the gambas, high-quality octopus dishes, to even meat dishes like roast beef, all of them were high-quality meals and side dishes that didn’t fit the image of a pub at all.

Also, even though Lee Han praised the ale so much, he only drank two glasses, never three.

When Derrick asked why he, who looked like he could empty an entire oak barrel by himself, only drank two glasses, the answer he got was…

“You can’t indulge yourself too much on alcohol. Besides, since there’s no one to drink with, two glasses are enough.”

“…I see.”

A surprisingly reasonable answer.

The boy, who was accustomed to the culture of counting the alcohol they drank by the bottle, had a mixed expression.

Seeing his appearance, which was more wholesome than he had thought, made him think that he was not someone from Earth. Or at least, someone not from Korea.

He isn’t actually a martial artist from Murim, right…?

Thinking that his delusion had gone a little crazy, Derrick swallowed his own saliva.

“Why did you stop? Eat more, c’mon.”

“…Ah, yes.”

Then he saw the instructor urging him to eat more like this. It made him think that he really was from Earth…

…What are you on about? Stop being stupid…

In the end, he deemed that he was just overreacting.

Perhaps the possibility that he was meeting someone who was in the same ‘situation’ as him for the first time got the better of him. He kept overreacting to every trivial action the knight did over his excitement.

This was a disease. A disease called [Being Excessive].

I need to stop doing this…

Even if he’s from the same place as me, our positions won’t change…

If I had told him about it first, it might have been different, but I didn’t…

Because I…didn’t have the courage to…

At times like this, he couldn’t help but find his personality detestable.

Seriously, why am I so—?!

A frown appeared on his face.

“…Your expression changes are interesting to look at.”

“!?!!”

“At first, you looked like you were worried, then suddenly you were frowning, grimacing and so on. You know, if someone were to see you, they’d suspect that you’re a schizo or something.”

“B-But, I’m not!”

“Pfft, my ass. Just look at yourself. Anyone could see that you’re in the early stages of schizophrenia. Tell me if it’s worsened. I’ll hit you hard on the back of your head, that’ll snap you out of it for sure.”

“…Won’t I just die from that? You’ll just splatter my head in one blow…”

“Don’t worry, I can control my strength. It should be just enough to fix your head.”

“…Even if I get schizophrenia for real, I’ll just go to the temple.”

Derrick was being sincere when he said that.

Rather than believing in folk remedies, he’d rather believe in the temple.

“Well, that’s fine too. Anyway, if you’re stuck with complicated thoughts, try talking to someone, who knows you might find the answer to it. You can talk to me or your girlfriend, whoever works.”

“M-My relationship with Miss Karin is not like that!”

“…Who said I was talking about that Purple Doll…?”

“!!?”

“Please don’t rub salt on the wound’s of a single man. This fist might just turn into an instrument of punishment instead of treatment, you know?”

“I-I didn’t mean to do that…”

Derrick’s words were genuine, but it was clear that the man didn’t believe him at all. Instead, the corners of the man’s mouth slightly went up.

It seemed like the man had caught one of his weaknesses, making him want to cry right there and then.

But, at that moment…

“Well, I was serious. If what you’re thinking is too complicated, try to talk with someone. Don’t hurt yourself by shouldering such thoughts on your own.”

“…”

The man gave him serious advice.

That advice sounded as if it wasn’t from someone who had lived a little longer than him, but from someone who had lived a similar life as him back in his previous life.

The heartbroken tone in that advice was extremely apparent.

Seriously…

Just what is his real identity?

Derrick blinked, wondering how he could be this curious about someone else’s past.

…Meanwhile, unaware of Derrick’s thoughts, who was quite curious about his past, Lee Han squinted his eyes while drinking his water.

Ugh, I guess I won’t be able to come here anymore.

Feeling the presence of the people on the first and second floors, Lee Han shook his head.

Some might think that the reason he wanted to change his go-to place was because there were too many people here, and he simply didn’t like crowds, but that wasn’t the case at all. It was because…

This place is full of rats.

Half of the people on the first and second floors were talking noisily. From those who deliberately picked a fight with the store owner, to those who spoke loudly in awkward tones, they all shared a common thing. All of them were focusing on his movements while listening to all the words he said.

Birds hear what’s said during the day, and rats hear what’s said during night, huh…?

Following that saying, I guess these people are the rats.

So annoying…

Today, Lee Han wanted to have a serious talk with the status window guy. Since he had some alcohol, he figured that it was about time for him to gather his courage and delve deeper into the story of ‘this world’. Maybe even talk about the matter of ‘past life’ or ‘transmigration’.

That was the reason why he splurged some money to reserve the lounge, but…

I guess I won’t be able to have a talk anywhere for the time being.

If things continued like this, it would simply be impossible for him to talk about a secret matter with someone. Even his house wouldn’t be a safe place.

After all, Lee Han had heard that among all the informants who had [Mystical Ability], there were people who were able to borrow the ears of sparrows or cats.

This is why attention is a scary thing.

As the value behind his name rose, interest in him inevitably grew. This was probably why there were more and more people trying to figure him out in such an unconventional way.

And Lee Han could guess who these guys who were trying to test their luck were.

The Information Guild…

Not only that, the [Guild Union] is also involved…

Knock-! Knock-!

Lee Han lightly tapped the table, wondering what he should do about these goddamn fuckers.

…Should I screw those fuckers over?

What he needed right now was to test his newfound power. Screwing those people over would be a good exercise for him to try his sword skills while checking how much his physical condition had changed.

Lee Han quietly focused on the feel of the hatchet he had put in his bosom, ready to pull it out at any moment.

As his spirit gradually rose…

“…Huh?”

─He sensed the presence of someone he never expected to be here, prompting him to blink in confusion.

For a moment there, he wondered if his senses were wrong, but unfortunately, his senses were as good as a drug dog that could distinguish the scent of drugs from 3 km away.

So he just stood there frozen, his mouth wide open. Dumbfounded at the appearance of the girl who didn’t fit in with the atmosphere of this pub at all.

“Female Bear?”

His pupils trembled.

Levy Fault.

He was completely taken aback by the presence of his honor student in this pub.