Chapter 62: The Demon’s Lament and a Difficult Conversation

#62

[‘Orias,’ the demon of ‘Lemegeton,’ laments, asking if Han Dokyeom can seriously swallow that right now!]

“Alright, alright. I’ll keep my eyes wide open and wait for you next time, so just stop. Do you think I did it on purpose? No, what am I supposed to do when sleep just overwhelms me?”

‘Well, who told them to come in at three in the morning?’

Despite earnestly promising to be back soon, Orias only shambled in well past three in the morning. Of course, even that time wasn’t precise, as Han Dokyeom had only seen it when he woke up parched in his sleep.

It seemed Orias had tried to shake him awake, but Han Dokyeom had no chance of stirring from such an incorporeal touch. That’s how things had been ever since.

Nevertheless, Orias diligently brought back the information Han Dokyeom desired.

[‘Orias,’ the demon of ‘Lemegeton,’ growls that they are hurt by your actions, after someone went through such trouble to find information, only for you to heartlessly ignore them, as if swatting away a fly.]

In short, Orias was clearly miffed by Han Dokyeom’s actions of ignoring them to sleep. This was the first thing Han Dokyeom heard upon waking that morning.

Orias had been nagging him so relentlessly, it was nothing short of a tantrum.

“Who told you to growl at a person, you brat?”

[‘Orias,’ the demon of ‘Lemegeton,’ slightly lowers their wrinkled snout.]

Then, Orias turned their back again, sat down, licked their paws, and grumbled. Han Dokyeom gulped down his coffee, reading the message.

Just then, the clamor filling the hallway grew louder and more boisterous, and the conference room door burst open. The people spilling out from the doorway were all sharply dressed in suits.

They were the association president, executives, key figures from other collaborating guilds, and the Saheon Guild. Behind them, officials from the Saheon Guild, including Taeseongyeon, also appeared.

“Hahaha, then I’ll be counting on your cooperation, CEO Tae.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

Judging by the somber expressions of the association officials who emerged with forced laughter, it seemed no clear solution had been presented. But then again, was there even a solution to be found?

It was likely a briefing on cooperation regarding the Red Gate incident. The association’s decision to deploy such a large number of executives indicated they understood the gravity of the situation was unlike anything they had faced before.

Han Dokyeom observed the crowd before subtly moving towards the emergency exit. However, someone blocked his path midway. He glanced up, meeting a pair of eyes that curved into a gentle smile. It was Taeseongyeon.

Han Dokyeom took a step back to avoid Taeseongyeon.

“Do you need something from me? Why are you blocking my way first thing in the morning? Seriously, can’t you move aside?”

He scanned Taeseongyeon from head to toe, taking another step back. A clatter echoed behind him. The vending machine rattled slightly, emitting a low hum.

“It seems our Han Dokyeom caused quite a stir with the Hwang Geunwoo Hunter incident.”

‘What incident?’ Han Dokyeom replied indifferently.

“It’s actually fortunate, as I had something to discuss with you, Han Dokyeom, regarding that matter.”

“Yes, but I’m still not leaving the hotel.”

Han Dokyeom quickly retorted before Taeseongyeon could even state his business. A low, muffled voice, as if rolling in his mouth, reached him from above. He subtly lifted his head, their gazes meeting in the narrow space. The refreshing scent that pricked his nose only made the proximity feel more distinct.

“Well, just know that your ins and outs are being transmitted to us. That way, we can prepare for any unforeseen incidents, can’t we?”

‘Ins and outs? So, right now… all records of my hotel entry and exit are being reported to Taeseongyeon…?’

“I’m still not leaving, though?”

Han Dokyeom tilted his head, responding. The convenience of his current living situation was simply too good to leave the hotel just because of some surveillance records.

No rent, a bathtub as spacious as a swimming pool, a great night view, close to the guild, free drinks, occasional late-night snacks as a service – with each passing day, his reasons for leaving the hotel grew fainter.

Of course, he could only say such things because he was unaware of the hotel’s daily rate. If he knew that three months’ worth of his rent amounted to a single night’s stay there — he would, of course, be even more reluctant to leave.

“Then stay longer. It’s not bad for me; I’ve found an excuse to keep you here, Han Dokyeom.”

“I’ll leave when the time comes, I will. But, is that all you wanted to talk about?”

He planned to save up some money and buy a house with a pool in the yard. Of course, the drawback was that it would take time, but that was Han Dokyeom’s plan: to find a place where Agon could swim to their heart’s content.

The sunlight falling on Taeseongyeon’s cheek created shadows, making his smile appear unusually deep. Taeseongyeon tilted his head to avoid the sun, whispering like a secret.

“I have something else to discuss, so make some time. It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper conversation with you, Han Dokyeom.”

“I have time right now; how about now? I’d like to finish quickly and go back down.”

Suddenly, a hand rose silently and gently touched Han Dokyeom’s cheek. Han Dokyeom immediately pushed the hand away with the back of his own. The smile deepened, and after a moment, a soft voice emerged from it.

“This isn’t the place for our conversation, so shall we go inside and talk? Hmm? Dokyeom.”

After the whispered words, Taeseongyeon turned without hesitation. The clicking sound of his shoes echoed as he strode towards the conference room he had just exited. Amidst the bewildered onlookers, Han Dokyeom glared at Taeseongyeon’s back before chugging the remaining coffee. He grabbed another, downed that too, and then marched determinedly.

To the conference room.

The conference room door closed silently. Inside, documents used during the briefing lay scattered, like traces of a struggle. Taeseongyeon sat near the door, waiting for Han Dokyeom.

Han Dokyeom pulled out a chair and sat opposite him.

“So, what did you want to say?”

Starting with Han Dokyeom’s question, the conversation progressed quickly. The snake-like demeanor he’d shown outside was gone.

“You must be aware of the Red Gate incident, Han Dokyeom. Reports are constantly being released that the gate’s energy levels are rapidly increasing and showing signs of imminent eruption, so you couldn’t possibly be unaware.”

This Red Gate was like a ticking time bomb, poised to explode at any moment.

Taeseongyeon rested his chin on his hand, observing Han Dokyeom without a smile. His eyes narrowed, deep in thought.

“I’m struggling with a decision. Whether to deploy you there, Han Dokyeom, or not… I’m a bit conflicted.”

The guild’s deployment roster included ‘all’ available hunters, meaning every single one had to be sent into that disaster. Here, Taeseongyeon must have been contemplating whether to specifically deploy an E-rank like Han Dokyeom.

Of course, if only considering Agon, an AA-rank, deployment would be correct. The problem was that Agon would not follow anyone’s orders if Han Dokyeom wasn’t present.

“So, I’ve decided to leave the judgment to you, Han Dokyeom. If you wish to go, I’ll send you. If not… well, you can just hide away like a rat.”

“If I go, will you put me on the front lines?”

“If that’s what you wish, why wouldn’t I?”

Even his sarcastic face was perfectly endearing. Han Dokyeom subtly smiled, looking into Taeseongyeon’s silver eyes, shaded by the light.

“Please, absolutely send me. And please, please place me on the front lines. I can’t stand the sight of you, Taeseongyeon, so let’s have you stay in the rear, not the front. For my peace of mind, you understand.”

“I’ll have to think about that one.”

The gentle smile he offered was irritating. The thought of whether he truly needed to save this man subtly crossed Han Dokyeom’s mind, when suddenly Taeseongyeon rose from his seat. His clicking footsteps passed the table and approached Han Dokyeom.

Taeseongyeon’s fingertips trailed along the tabletop, as if leaving a mark. Han Dokyeom’s gaze followed them. When the movement stopped, a shadow fell over his head, and a faint warmth touched his nape.

It was Taeseongyeon’s hand that rested on his nape. Without any further movement, merely keeping his fingertips gently pressed against the skin, Taeseongyeon leaned in.

“It seems you lack a sense of caution, so allow me to say something.”

The low whisper hovered near his earlobe. Han Dokyeom only shifted his gaze to look at Taeseongyeon. The hand on his nape felt like a subtle warning.

“Let’s ensure you don’t end up in a pitiful situation, Han Dokyeom. Let’s make sure I don’t have to think such thoughts.”

The words sounded almost mocking, making Han Dokyeom subtly frown. A faint memory suddenly flashed through his mind.

‘If you get hurt again next time… then I’ll be the one to scold you.’

Those words Taeseongyeon had said before. What Taeseongyeon had given was an undisguised threat.

Han Dokyeom fixed his gaze on the ceiling. He didn’t know why everyone was acting this way, but one thing was clear: neither Geon Ita nor Taeseongyeon were acting normally right now.

The prospect of having to deal with these bastards made his vision go dark.

What’s more, while the other guys seemed like his children, Taeseongyeon and Geon Ita now looked like nothing short of traitors.

“No, sigh… Taeseongyeon, let’s talk after you get your own affairs in order, alright?”

‘My back is breaking trying to save your life.’

The hand that had lingered on his nape gently stroked the back of Han Dokyeom’s head, then slid down his skin. But that was all; Taeseongyeon soon withdrew his hand and turned away.

“The guild will contact you by tomorrow. If you change your mind midway, let me know. You can even contact me personally.”