Vivian’s Awakening & Don’t Wish for It ------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Vivian dashed out, the door seemed to close but then immediately swung open again. The person who entered was Go Yeon-ju. She must have been waiting near the door, ready to come in as soon as Vivian left.
“Come in. No, actually, don’t come any further. Just take a seat on the sofa over there.”
I gestured a greeting to Go Yeon-ju as she closed the door behind her, but quickly pointed to the sofa with my index finger. Her steps seemed unusually quick as she approached me. As if confirming my suspicion, Go Yeon-ju clicked her tongue in disappointment.
“Just when I thought we could have some quality time together! Isn’t that a bit much?”
“Let’s keep work and personal matters separate. It’s still working hours.”
“Alright, alright. I get it. You’re saying I’ve already been caught, huh?”
“Now, shall we get to the point?”
Even after she sat down, her playful complaints continued, but I could handle them with ease. Go Yeon-ju gave me a mock glare, then sighed deeply before speaking.
“Before we get into it, I have a question. Su-hyeon, how do you plan to recruit new clan members?”
“I’m still considering it. I have some ideas, but nothing concrete to share just yet. If you’re asking about specifics, there are things I need to look into first.”
“Alright. A small, elite group. But don’t you think it’s time to consider the class balance? The Mercenaries have too many mages right now.”
“Having a lot of mages isn’t necessarily a bad thing for the future. But you’re right, we do have some class gaps.”
We both nodded in agreement. Her point was valid. If we could mix in the classes we currently lack, our combat strength could significantly increase.
“Personally, I think we need an archer. It’s not a sudden thought; I’ve always believed this. And after our recent expedition, I’m convinced. Having someone who can provide support fire from a distance would be invaluable.”
“That would indeed be beneficial. And since you specifically mentioned an archer, I have someone in mind.”
“Oh, did I give it away?”
“Im Madam. Or rather, user Im Han-na.”
Go Yeon-ju stuck out her tongue playfully and shrugged. I interlocked my fingers tightly, recalling the user status window of Im Han-na that I had seen before.
Name: Im Han-na (3rd Year)
Class: Normal Archer (Expert)
True Name · Nationality: Unyielding Delicate Flower · South Korea
Alignment: Lawful · Belief
[Strength 72] [Endurance 84] [Agility 92] [Stamina 68] [Magic 88] [Luck 90]
(Remaining ability points: 0)
Her strength and stamina are a bit lacking. But considering her high agility and magic, her value as an archer skyrockets. To be precise, Im Han-na is at a level that would make any clan drool. I also think she’s more than qualified to join the Mercenaries. Her alignment doesn’t show any red flags either.
Noticing my positive reaction, Go Yeon-ju began to explain in detail.
To summarize the situation, Im Han-na was in a rather precarious position. The original purpose of the Love House was to provide a haven for night workers struggling to make ends meet. However, as with any building, there was an owner. The owner had maintained the original purpose despite opposition, but recently, due to an incident, the owner passed away. The incident involved the first rescue team sent to aid the Yeoulgan Clan, and the owner was part of that team.
“Even though the owner passed away, the clan they belonged to is still intact. But the owner died during the rescue mission, so all rights reverted to the clan. It seems they’re trying to recover from the loss by turning the Love House into a tavern.”
“So the owner is gone, and the purpose has changed, leaving Im Han-na with no reason to stay. You’re suggesting we take her in?”
“That’s the easiest solution, but it’s not that simple. Honestly, Han-na is a really talented girl, not just because I know her. She’s already received offers from a couple of clans, so she could choose whichever she likes. But she can’t bring herself to leave. She’s always been responsible, but it seems the former owner said something to her. She can’t abandon the night workers she’s been looking after.”
“So to bring Im Han-na over, we need to solve the issue with the night workers… Hold on a moment.”
I asked for a moment, and Go Yeon-ju nodded. I closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair. A conversation from a recent meal flashed through my mind.
‘Do you have any plans for this afternoon?’
‘Oh, nothing much. Now that we have a clan house, we need to organize the interior, right? Like hiring staff…’
Could she have been referring to this? After pondering for a moment, I came to a conclusion.
“So, Go Yeon-ju, you want the Mercenaries to hire the night workers as staff.”
When I opened my eyes again, Go Yeon-ju was looking at me intently.
“Why are you so perceptive about these things, Su-hyeon?”
“Who knows. Anyway, about the night workers.”
As I stroked my chin in thought, Go Yeon-ju quickly interjected.
“Many clans hire users as staff. If you’re worried about security…”
“I’m confident about security. It’s more about their expertise. Among the residents, there are many who are well-suited for staff roles. But modern people, especially users who were night workers, might not have the necessary skills.”
“True, but it’s not that difficult, right? A month of training should be enough.”
“That’s a bit odd. It would have been better if they had been trained beforehand.”
“It seems the former owner did provide some training. Once they were somewhat skilled, they were introduced to other jobs and left the Love House. But new night workers arrived around the same time the owner went on the rescue mission.”
What a coincidence. The role of staff isn’t limited to cleaning or cooking. Maintaining the clan house’s facilities, which rely on magic stones and formations, requires a certain level of knowledge. Although we’ve made some adjustments since users arrived, the knowledge is based on what was in Hall Plain. Finding residents with the necessary knowledge for staff roles isn’t difficult. But for night workers…
“It’s complicated.”
“Su-hyeon, don’t overthink it. It’s just that Han-na is too good to pass up. I can vouch for her skills. Think of it as doing a good deed for the night workers in exchange for gaining Han-na.”
”…Have you already discussed this with Im Han-na?”
“Of course. I’ve already brought it up. Remember the incident when we laid out the equipment on the first floor? She may always seem cheerful, but she has her own story. Seeing that probably motivated her. If you approve, we can definitely win the recruitment battle for Han-na.”
Go Yeon-ju lightly tapped her left chest, exuding confidence. I suddenly wondered how she and Im Han-na met. Before meeting me, she was a user shrouded in mystery. Not that it means she couldn’t have acquaintances.
“When I visited the Love House, there seemed to be about twenty night workers living there. Just to be clear, we can’t hire them all.”
“Don’t worry. That’s why I showed you those records during today’s meeting.”
As if she expected me to say that, Go Yeon-ju replied with a bright smile. Seeing that, an “Ah” escaped my lips. She had anticipated my response.
After tapping my fingers on the table for a while, I finally made up my mind.
“Arrange a meeting with Im Han-na.”
“It’s been a while, unni.”
“Oh my, our Im Madam is here!”
As Im Han-na bowed politely, Go Yeon-ju greeted her with a bright smile.
“Your Madam nameplate will be gone by tomorrow anyway.”
“Has it been that long already? Well, you do seem busy these days.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve had some pre-scheduled commitments, so I’ve been running around…”
“How’s it going? Any progress?”
At Go Yeon-ju’s question, Im Han-na gave a bitter smile and shook her head. Go Yeon-ju nodded a couple of times before taking Im Han-na’s hand and pulling her along.
“Anyway, it’s good you came. We scheduled it for today, so don’t worry too much. Let’s go in.”
“Yes, unni. Excuse me, then.”
Following Go Yeon-ju’s lead, Im Han-na entered the clan house and gasped at the sight before her.
“Oh my!”
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it’s so lovely. It’s like a Western garden…”
“Hoho. Don’t just stand there admiring it, let’s go in. Su-hyeon is waiting.”
Im Han-na finally snapped out of her daze, her cheeks slightly flushed. But even as she followed, she kept glancing around, clearly enamored with the garden.
The two strolled through the garden, chatting quietly. As they neared the main building, faint sounds of exertion reached their ears. Just as they were close enough to take in the entire building, something suddenly blocked their path. The movement was so graceful, it was almost cat-like.
“Oh? Madam Unnie?”
“Yujeong, hello. It’s been a while.”
The person who had stopped them was Lee Yujeong. She seemed to have been training, as a warm aura surrounded her despite the cool day. Annoyed by the silver headband on her head, she yanked it off, sending glistening beads of sweat splattering onto the ground.
Wiping the sweat from her cheek with a dagger that gleamed ominously, Yujeong tilted her head in curiosity.
“But what’s going on? Why is Hanna Unnie…?”
“Yujeong, what did I tell you this morning?”
“Huh…? Oh, right! Oppa went into the underground training hall!”
“I can’t believe this. You were personally assigned by Suhyeon, and yet you…?”
Yujeong paused for a moment, deep in thought, before suddenly leaping up as if she remembered something. As Go Yeonju clicked her tongue in mild reproach, Yujeong scratched her head with an awkward smile. Go Yeonju sighed softly.
“I had a feeling this might happen. I should have just told you directly.”
“Hehe. Sorry, Unnie. I’ll go tell him right now, so wait in the office.”
With that, Yujeong dashed into the main building. Halfway there, she stopped abruptly, turned around, and shouted back.
“Don’t worry, Madam Unnie! I’ll explain everything!”
“Uh, okay. Thanks. But nothing’s decided yet…”
Watching Yujeong dash off again, Im Hanna mumbled awkwardly.
“She’s already gone this far, so why hesitate?”
“Still, I’m a bit nervous. It feels like I’m asking for too much…”
“After all you’ve been through, you’re nervous? Anyway, let’s go inside. He’ll be up soon.”
“Uh, Unnie? Wait, I’ll go.”
Go Yeonju gently nudged her shoulder and whispered softly. Then, pulling her sleeve firmly, she spoke in a flustered voice. Together, they slowly made their way back into the main building.
The room was dark and cold. And silent. A chilling stillness filled the space, with only two breaths breaking the quiet. The breath from the bed was faint, as if it might stop at any moment, while the breath from the man watching was calm.
The man was strikingly handsome, with sharp features that could take one’s breath away. His tightly closed lips exuded an untouchable charisma and a cynical impression. His eyes, though cold enough to freeze the bed, were filled with deep regret and seriousness.
Creak.
“Kim Yuhyeon…”
At that moment, the door creaked open, breaking the silence. The source of the noise hesitantly approached Kim Yuhyeon from behind. Yet he did not turn around, continuing to gaze at the woman lying on the bed as if no one else was there.
“The temple says there’s nothing more they can do… They can only delay it a little…”
For the first time, Kim Yuhyeon’s expression changed. He finally turned to look at the woman who had approached him. Though his overall expression remained the same, his eyes were now much sharper.
“How long has it been since Hyoeul was attacked by the Banshee?”
“Two weeks. The temple says at most, she has three weeks left…”
A quiet moment passed. As the woman answered, Kim Yuhyeon seemed lost in thought, his eyes gently closed. But then, as if something occurred to him, he turned fully and spoke.
“How much money does the clan have left?”
“Not even 10,000 gold.”
“Then I’ll have to sell my equipment.”
“Kim Yuhyeon!”
The woman shouted as Kim Yuhyeon spoke calmly. But faced with his sharp gaze, she quickly covered her mouth. He turned back to the woman on the bed. Her face was so pale it was almost blue, and she occasionally shivered as if coldness was seizing her entire body. It seemed the chill in the room was emanating from her.
Kim Yuhyeon looked down at her trembling form with pity, then clenched his fist so tightly that his veins stood out.
“I can’t lose Hyoeul like this. Go to the plaza right now and post an ad. Say we’re looking for an elixir. Not just in Princia, but across the entire northern continent. Say we’ll pay any price.”
Kim Yuhyeon’s voice was firm and unwavering, filled with a fierce determination not to lose the woman lying on the bed.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
I have a few things to explain today, so I’ll take a moment here. :)
In the world of Hol Plain, the order of building ownership is as follows: 1. Building owner 2. User specified in the contract by the owner 3. The clan the owner belongs to 4. The representative clan managing the city. So, if the building owner mentioned Im Hanna in the contract, the Love House would have belonged to her. However, since no contract was left, it defaults to the clan. Of course, there are exceptions (such as joint ownership or if the owner doesn’t belong to a clan).
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Congratulations on being first. Oh, Vivian’s personality is a bit… intriguing? Haha, just kidding. I’m a bit overwhelmed by the sudden interest from readers. -_-a
Nakkomsu: Yes, I added that subtitle just in case, but now I’m a bit… haha.
Joa Jukgetne: Please don’t expect too much. Even if SM appears, it’ll be light. ㅜ.ㅠ Hardcore is a bit much… T^T
Off2Love19: I’ve divided it into parts 1 and 2. 1000 episodes is a bit much, honestly. I’d like to finish between 600 and 700 episodes if possible. ^^7
Pineiro: Haha, 600 episodes for part 1? That’s unlikely. When I start part 2, I want to speed up the plot. Of course, some things will need to be omitted appropriately.
Kwaoa: Yes, children do happen. It’s rare, but some do start families. :)
Dream Jang: Thank you. For part 2, I’m thinking of focusing more on events rather than small stories. I’m still planning the details. :)
Angelic Knight: No, it’s okay. Endurance and stamina overlap, but the differences are greater. Endurance is like defense (Def). :) Sometimes Suhyeon thought, “You can’t break through my endurance.” Like that. Haha.
CemeteryGates: Ah, I should have explained the summoning stone in detail. Look forward to it in the next episode! (But honestly, it’s not that amazing… -_-a)
Salgu Salgu: You’re the only one who noticed that part. Thank you so much. Sob sob.
Thank you for always reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great support.
I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.