Ch.43The Time He Was There

# 43. When That Man Was There

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex rapidly blinked their eyes to adjust to the violently twisting view.

Even though this was Cutjugyeora’s second time seeing someone else’s memories, and Saeaex’s first, both found it surreally realistic to peer into another person’s memories—but this reality-like unreality was just the beginning.

“Guild Leader, you son of a—ouch.”

In reality, her unrealistically burning dark red long straight hair would be impossible. Her height was probably in the upper 160cm range. Her figure wasn’t muscular like Saeaex’s, but she was slim and toned enough that anyone could tell she took excellent care of herself.

And her face?

If they hadn’t seen her memories, they might have mistaken her for a sharp-featured, haughty actress, or if she wore glasses, she could pass for a young female professor with her intellectual appearance.

But from the memory fragments, she seemed like neither—instead giving off the impression of a wealthy young lady… So was she a woman who had it all—a pretty face, a beautiful figure, money, and a good family background?

The “Yebeop Nojeong” who had been gaming with them was such a person, no, such a woman?

Not knowing that others might see them the same way, Cutjugyeora and Saeaex felt an immediate sense of danger when Yebeop Nojeong appeared out of thin air.

“…Yebeop was a ‘sister,’ wasn’t she?”

Saeaex bit her lip upon realizing that Yebeop Nojeong was also a woman, unlike “Physical Therapist” or “Steadfast Back Door” whom she had sensed were definitely female.

“Right. Yebeop was also a ‘sister.'”

Cutjugyeora’s eyes trembled at the very existence of Yebeop Nojeong, who was directly recruited “first” by the leader himself, served as a capable “vice guild leader,” and was also a “woman.”

Of course, both quickly returned to normal when they saw Yebeop Nojeong vigilantly scanning her surroundings.

‘After actively bringing her here, what ugly thoughts are these? This isn’t right.’

‘Tsk. I decided to welcome her warmly like Sister Seyeon, but here I am having these thoughts. Sigh. Love is a sin, a sin indeed.’

After quickly sorting through their complicated feelings, the two tried to approach and greet her first. But before they could get close, the red-haired woman—beautiful enough to make even other women envious—spoke in a voice as cold as ice before they could say anything.

“Veritas.”

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex realized their mistake. Even hearing just one word from Yebeop Nojeong, her voice matched her haughty impression, making them feel intimidated about approaching her.

But they couldn’t back down. Whether they’d be cursed at or have their hair pulled, they needed to at least exchange greetings and learn each other’s names. Whatever the reason, whatever they were thinking, that was the right thing to do.

“I’m Cutjugyeora.”

“Saeaex.”

But contrary to their intentions, the words that came out were extremely brief and dry. They definitely hadn’t meant to be so curt. They had just realized how stupid and pathetic it would be to act sharp and confrontational toward someone they’d just kidnapped, someone they were meeting for the first time.

That’s how sharp and intimidating Yebeop Nojeong’s aura was. It had nothing to do with levels or skills. It was just who she was as a person. She looked furious, which amplified the effect.

The two swallowed hard after speaking. Words once spoken couldn’t be taken back. Their terrible self-introductions, delivered almost like announcements, felt like they’d thrown a heavy boulder onto the guild leader’s shoulders.

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex had no idea how to handle this situation. Neither textbooks nor school teachers had prepared them for this. They weren’t stupid by any means, but they lacked all kinds of experience.

While the two stood frozen, Yebeop Nojeong approached them instead. They tensed up, half-expecting to get slapped.

But instead…

“…Ah.”

Yebeop Nojeong looked directly into Cutjugyeora’s and Saeaex’s eyes in turn, then silently extended her hand.

It was unmistakably a handshake—the universal symbol of disarmament and peace.

They noticed Yebeop Nojeong’s white, slender fingers. Cutjugyeora and Saeaex reflexively compared them to their own hands.

Though it had only been a few weeks, they immediately thought how beautiful her hands were compared to their own, which had been gripping and swinging swords, shields, or axes. But simultaneously, they clearly realized something.

Those hands, which looked like they had never touched water, were about to be marked with blood and calluses because of them—the perpetrators and accomplices.

All because of something that couldn’t be fully captured by the word “selfishness.”

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex discreetly gritted their teeth. Acknowledging Yebeop Nojeong’s self-control and courage in offering the handshake first, they mentally awarded her an ambiguously defined “point,” and took turns shaking her hand.

Unlike her cold impression and voice, her hand was warm and soft.

And then…

SMACK!

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex were shocked. The same person who had given them a cold but warm handshake was now suddenly grabbing the guild leader’s cheek hard enough to make a slapping sound?

Could it be that she was directing all her anger at the guild leader, believing all responsibility lay with him?

They didn’t immediately intervene. They knew this was an issue the parties involved needed to resolve themselves. Still, they maintained a proper distance just in case.

“Hey.”

“Yes!”

“This is all because of you, right?”

“Well, I guess you could say that…?”

“Whoa.”

“Look at that intensity… We weren’t intimidated for nothing.”

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex stuck out their tongues watching Yebeop Nojeong handle the guild leader.

She was still scary, but somehow… now that her scariness was directed at someone else, they felt a strange satisfaction.

Was this really the same guild leader who talked back even to Hyeomseongs and spirits?

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex’s eyes met.

‘Yuri, you too?’

‘You too, unni?’

They didn’t show it. This wasn’t the atmosphere to enjoy. So they kept their mouths shut.

“No. I mean, I’m the one who brought you here, Yebeop. I brought Seyeon, Yuri, all of you.”

“Why?”

“At first, it just happened. Later, because I wanted to live.”

“You bastard.”

But when Yebeop Nojeong called the guild leader a “bastard,” the two couldn’t stay quiet.

‘I understand, but still…!’

‘If I were in the guild leader’s position, I would have done the same! So it’s unfair that only he gets cursed at!’

They felt guilty as accomplices.

And watching the man they liked being cursed at one-sidedly was unbearable for these young women who had barely been tainted by the world.

Yet their lips remained sealed.

It’s trivial.

Because their guild leader had told them not to interfere.

Saying this was trivial compared to what he deserved. That this was natural. That this was the guild leader’s business.

And knowing the Yebeop Nojeong they knew…

“We’re clearly meeting for the first time, but it doesn’t feel like it, so I apologize for my rudeness. I roughly understand the situation, but for a proper conversation, I should at least know your name.”

Did she know she wouldn’t get any angrier than that?

After Yebeop Nojeong somewhat contained her anger, proper introductions followed.

“I’m Eun Subin, twenty-seven, office worker and vice guild leader who used games as an escape. You already know my nickname, and I was only going to scold Beon Seonghyeon anyway, so you two don’t need to worry.”

And Cutjugyeora and Saeaex caught Yebeop Nojeong winking at them from an angle the guild leader couldn’t see.

Her expression didn’t change at all during the wink, making them wonder if the wink meant what they thought it did…

“I’m sorry about earlier. I was truly angry. I kept quiet and just offered a handshake because I realized you weren’t the fundamental cause, but I knew nothing good would come out if I opened my mouth.”

“Ah! No, it’s fine. We deserve to hear harsh words. I was actually surprised.”

“About what?”

“Well… everything.”

“Me too. To think you’re really Cutjugyeora and Saeaex. My goodness. I probably wouldn’t believe it even if I saw the other three in person.”

The wink did mean what they thought. Yebeop Nojeong had taken Cutjugyeora and Saeaex to a spot away from the guild leader, and there she started a conversation in a much gentler tone than before.

“And you don’t need to feel so sorry. From what I heard him say earlier, you two don’t have much attachment to your real lives either, and you’ve been trying hard to ease his guilt. I’m the same way. If you’ve seen my memories, you probably understand a bit.”

“That was just a part of it. I can’t judge something when I’m neither the person involved nor related to it. And feeling sorry is just feeling sorry.”

“That’s right. No matter how terrible real life is, being suddenly dragged to another world is a different matter. Though I personally think this place is better than there.”

Once the ice was broken, the three continued their conversation smoothly. Cutjugyeora and Saeaex were relieved that despite her scary and intense first impression, she was easy to talk to. Yebeop Nojeong was pleasantly surprised to find that the duo were such pretty, pure, and kind younger sisters, though she also felt sorry for them.

“Now that we’re here, there’s something I’m curious about. May I ask?”

“Yes. Ask away.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“You two. Do you like him? Not in a business sense.”

Cutjugyeora and Saeaex froze with smiles still on their faces.

“N-no way?!”

“N-no, not at all???”

“Pfft.”

Their denials sank under Yebeop Nojeong’s laughter. With just one question and answer, she had roughly figured out the emotional dynamics within the guild.

‘Looks like I’ll have to be the vice guild leader here too. Without proper ‘management,’ this will definitely explode someday.’

“Ah, ahh…”

“No? Nooo? No? No? I’m saying no…”

“He’s really a man with many sins, isn’t he?”

“The leader did nothing wrong… I’m the one acting inappropriately for the situation…”

“No? No? Ah, anyway, no!”

Yebeop Nojeong’s red eyes gleamed.