Ch.77Espresso Martini 3

Even in a strange office, there’s always a coffee machine.

I asked Representative Park for permission and pulled an espresso shot.

“Feel free to use it as much as you like.”

The representative’s sharp, slender eyes crinkled into a smile.

She stood with her hands behind her back, looking down at me intently as if I were a child.

Soon, the rich aroma of coffee wafted throughout the office.

But even amidst that, the peculiar fragrance emanating from the representative remained undimmed.

It felt completely different from Jaehee’s pheromones.

Since it had no aphrodisiac or stimulating effect, I tried not to pay attention to it.

I simply focused on making the best of the drink before me.

One ounce (30ml) of clear, pure vodka.

Half an ounce (15ml) of coffee vanilla-flavored Kahlúa.

One shot (30ml) of Colombian Supremo espresso.

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously for 10 seconds, enough to make a ponytail dance.

Then double strain using a strainer and sieve.

Finally, gently place three coffee beans on top of the foam…

<Espresso Martini>

Rank: ★★★★★ (Legendary)

Effect: All stats increase by 20 for 1 hour.

Information: The meeting of coffee and alcohol. The rich, full flavor of coffee blends with the clean, strong taste of alcohol to stimulate all five senses. However, since caffeine and alcohol are mixed, it’s probably not that good for your body, right?

“I’ll serve you an Espresso Martini.”

I elegantly held the completed glass.

Then I smoothly placed it on the representative’s table.

Brown foam rose above the coffee-black liquor.

The representative tilted her head at the visual, reminiscent of a dark beer.

“It’s alcohol with coffee in it.”

She carefully picked up the glass with two fingers.

The fact that she didn’t hold the side containing the drink showed she knew how to drink cocktails.

(Holding the side with the drink would quickly warm the alcohol.)

“Yes, it will make your mind ‘snap’ awake.”

I maintained my posture with my nose held high.

She must have been watching me closely all this time, but this would be her first taste of my cocktail.

“I’ll enjoy it.”

She brought the glass to her lips.

Coffee foam clung to her smooth lips.

After calmly taking about two sips, she gently placed the glass back on the table.

“…”

I silently waited for her evaluation.

This was a 5-star cocktail, after all.

It was the first legendary-grade cocktail I’d deliberately made since Blue Sky, so my expectations were high.

I had no doubt the representative’s reaction would be similarly impressive.

However, she first made an unexpected comment I couldn’t have anticipated.

“How fascinating…”

Her first words made me tilt my head involuntarily.

Not ‘delicious’ or ‘terrible,’ but ‘fascinating’?

“It’s clearly an ordinary cocktail, but my body feels lighter, as if I’ve received a buff.”

The representative mentioned the effect first, rather than the taste or details of the cocktail.

I was a bit disappointed, but I carefully composed my expression.

“Any drink touched by my hands gains a buff.”

She rose from her seat once more.

In the quiet office, only the sound of her chair scraping filled the air.

“It’s very interesting that buffs can apply to objects, not just humans.”

Representative Park approached the human model displayed in the corner with ghost-like quiet steps.

Then she fiddled with the model’s fingers as if playing with a toy.

“So with Siho’s arm alone, you could create any buff?”

I turned her words over in my mind.

It was true, but somehow unpleasant.

“Well, I suppose so?”

“One of my disciples also has such a fascinating arm. I’d like to compare their effects someday.”

The representative manipulated the model arm to open its palm.

It was a pose as if demanding something.

“Compare…?”

“Yes, I had guaranteed that such an arm would be unique in this world. I never dreamed I’d encounter another one like this.”

The woman approached me with a slight smile.

Then she gently took hold of my arm.

“Would you come to my laboratory?”

“Why would I…”

Representative Park’s hair tickled my shoulder.

She whispered to me in a small voice.

“I’ll hire you.”

A strand of her hair stuck out like an antenna.

Feeling goosebumps, I stroked my neck and gradually stepped back.

“Since you’re trying to become a Potion Master, you must need money. If you work under me, I’ll pay you handsomely.”

“What kind of work would I do there?”

“It’s simple. You’d make cocktails for my disciples every day. We’ll provide all the ingredients and equipment. You just need to show up, Siho.”

I rubbed my chin with my finger.

It didn’t seem like a losing proposition.

With more equipment and ingredients, I could research various cocktails.

Plus, being the representative’s exclusive bartender would help my career.

But what is this…

This uneasy feeling?

“You must be hesitant. It’s a sudden offer, after all. And you probably have a current workplace.”

The woman released my hand.

Then she turned around and returned to her representative’s desk.

“But they don’t pay you enough there, do they?”

She opened a drawer.

And took out a credit card I had seen before.

A black card…

“I’ll deposit 12 million won monthly into this card for you.”

“What…?”

I was dumbfounded.

12 million won per month?

My eyes widened involuntarily at the offer of six months’ worth of my current salary.

She handed me the luxurious card, almost intimidatingly so.

“If you accept it, I’ll consider our contract sealed.”

I absently took the black card.

The woman gently stroked my shoulder in encouragement.

“Don’t feel burdened. Siho’s abilities are special enough to deserve this level of pay.”

My abilities are worth that much…?

I wonder if anyone has ever acknowledged my abilities to this extent before.

No matter how much I searched my past, nothing compared to this card now in my hand.

My first impression of Representative Park was a bit unsettling.

From the two team leaders’ warnings to her strangely seductive gaze.

But she recognized my abilities so highly and guaranteed a high income…

It seems I don’t have much choice.

I’ll accept it for now.

After all, she’s one of the representatives protecting Korea.

A Senate representative, no less.

What could possibly go wrong? She’s a public servant…

If anything seems off, I can always quit.

I swallowed hard.

Then I answered the Senate representative in a calm voice.

“Alright. Should we sign a contract?”

“No contract is necessary. My word is as good as a contract here.”

The representative raised her finger to point at the Korean flag.

Instead, she took a silver badge from her drawer and pinned it to my chest pocket.

“This is the official Hunter mark of the Association.”

I looked down at the badge on my chest.

The letter B was engraved on it.

Could it be that I’m now recognized as a B-rank Hunter…?

My cheeks trembled slightly.

Even Jisoo unnie worked countless hours to earn a B-rank Hunter badge…

And I’m getting one just for a drink?

As if sensing my feelings, she lightly patted my shoulder.

“Amazing, isn’t it? Being recognized as a B-rank Hunter from the start. Siho’s buffs are that special. The effects are so certain that I’m excited already.”

The representative’s eyes narrowed and lengthened.

With her hands behind her back, she turned around and handed me a business card.

<National Hunter Research Institute>

“Tonight, you’ll receive a call from this place. They’ll tell you about your work hours, pickup vehicle, and other details.”

“I see…”

The woman smiled and picked up the Espresso Martini I had made.

Then she made a subtle toast gesture.

“Well, shall we end the interview here? I need to get busy arranging your transfer.”

“Understood. Thank you very much for your time.”

“Bye-bye~.”

She tilted her head and greeted me like a native English speaker.

I pushed my hair to the side and bowed politely.

Just as I was about to open the main door and leave,

I stopped abruptly.

The representative had called me back momentarily.

“Oh, please come in comfortable clothes when you start work. Not formal attire like now.”

“What…? Why?”

I asked, bewildered.

In response, Representative Park pointed at my body, dragging her finger from top to bottom.

“Some of my disciples lose control when they see pretty women like Siho.”

“Especially in an outfit like that.”

The representative said something chilling with a relaxed face.

At that moment, I sensed something was not right.

“I enjoy the view, but… we can’t have Siho in danger, can we?”

“I… I understand.”

I barely managed to nod before closing the office door.

Only then could I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Haah…”

I pressed the hand holding the black card against my chest.

To think that I, like Anna, would have this card…

I wonder if this is a dream or reality.

My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might burst.

12 million won per month…

I’m rich now too!

Plus, I’ve been recognized as a B-rank Hunter and gained a stable job.

Now I can help others instead of just receiving help.

“This good news…”

My hand instinctively reaches for my phone.

Two names catch my eye in my contacts.

I contemplate who to call first.

I should probably call the person who gave me the recommendation letter first, right?

My hand hovered over the call button.

But I couldn’t bring myself to press it right away.

It seemed a bit disappointing to just call and tell them.

The corners of my mouth curled up.

Thinking of playing a little prank, I put my phone back in my bag.

Then I headed straight for the elevator.

Leaving the Association headquarters, I hailed a taxi without hesitation.

I can afford taxis now.

After all, I’m a ‘black card’ holder.

I leisurely told the driver my destination.

Afterward, I stopped at a café and bought four coffees.

Carrying a paper carrier with ice clinking inside, I calmly headed toward the building entrance.

A place I was more nervous than anyone else the first time I went.

A dangerous place where I was almost mistaken for a reporter and had my bag nearly taken.

In front of Ilshim headquarters.

I make eye contact with two intimidating men standing guard.

The two approach me calmly upon seeing me in my interview attire.

They smile as they recognize who I am.

“Isn’t that Siho?”

It’s Sangmun and his subordinate.

The two men smile brightly while scratching their heads.

Quite different from the rough treatment during our first meeting.

“I have good news, and I wanted to see your faces too.”

I looked up at the two men with a bright smile.

My tear mole also seemed to smile as it greeted the men.

“Good news?”

“Yes. I got a job!”

I proudly exclaimed with my finger raised.

“Wow, congratulations.”

He congratulated me sincerely.

The subordinate standing beside him joined in with applause.

“It must be hot out here. Have some coffee while you wait.”

I handed two coffees to them.

Sangmun scratched the back of his head as he thanked me.

“You didn’t have to do this… Are you feeling better?”

“M-my health…?”

His sudden concern about my health snapped me to attention.

Surely he’s not talking about that time?

“Boss, was Siho sick?”

The subordinate who wasn’t present at that time asked.

Sangmun chuckled, but seeing my troubled expression, he stopped laughing.

“Ah… something like that. Anyway, the lady is currently in the conference room. If you wait in the hallway, you should be able to see her.”

“Yes… thank you.”

I awkwardly bowed my head and entered the Ilshim building.

Various organization members were bustling about in the lobby.

Entertainment division, administrative division, field division(?), and so on.

Each moving to do their best in their respective positions.

Whenever I made eye contact with them, they greeted me with “Long time no see, Siho.”

Perhaps rumors had spread that I was a friend of Jeoksa, as they warmly welcomed me first.

I got a job at the Association… is this okay?

My hand instinctively rose to my chest.

I hurriedly hid the Association badge in my pocket and climbed the stairs.

But with each step, I felt a strange gaze.

I glanced back.

The organization members who had been staring at me all blushed and went their separate ways.

What’s going on?

It seemed like their gazes were directed toward my pants.

Wondering if something was on them, I lightly dusted off my slacks.

Then I calmly climbed the stairs and waited in the second-floor corridor.

To meet someone.

Soon, the sound of clicking heels broke the quiet corridor.

It was Ilshim’s executives.

One by one, men with fierce faces emerged from the conference room.

And among them, a woman’s face stood out, beautiful as a flower and seemingly out of place.

I waved at her with a bright smile.

“Jeoksa!”

All the intimidating executives reacted to my voice.

Jeoksa, who was among the group, ran toward me with a flushed face.

“How did you get here…!”

“I just thought of you and came by.”

I smiled mischievously.

Jeoksa glanced nervously at the executives who had come out with her.

“Do you know where you are?!”

The organization bosses looked at Jeoksa with wide eyes.

They seemed to be seeing the usually charismatic female executive flustered for the first time.

“Um… your workplace?”

“Haah…”

Jeoksa rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand.

I handed her a coffee.

“Here, coffee. Your favorite Americano.”

The red-eyed woman bit her lip.

Then, as if resigned, she took the coffee and took a long sip.

“Ah… you really…”

The red-eyed woman shook her head as if troubled.

But seeing my beaming face, she couldn’t help but soften her expression.

“What am I going to do with someone so careless…”

Her hand touched my crown.

Noticing a hairpin she hadn’t seen before, Jeoksa grabbed it and fixed it neatly.