Chapter 188:
They had witnessed Seo Jae-yi and Baek Joo-won engaging in intense PDA(Public display of affection)) after becoming a Pair, but this was… different, and it made them curious.
“Ah, just leave him be. He’s protesting.”
Seo Jae-yi shrugged, as if it was nothing, unlike Kim Yoo-sung, who looked bewildered.
“Protesting? What’s he protesting about…?”
“Want to know?”
Seo Jae-yi smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Kim Yoo-sung, seeing her expression, immediately lost interest.
“No, I’m good. I’m sure it’s something… you two did. I don’t want to know. You don’t have to tell me.”
He quickly backpedaled, shaking his head and his hands raised in a warding gesture.
Seo Won-yeong, who hadn’t been particularly interested in Baek Joo-won’s behavior in the first place, took out the equipment designs she had been working on and handed them to Seo Jae-yi.
“I’m planning to upgrade your and Baek Joo-won’s equipment first. Especially your combat uniform, Unnie. I’m changing it to long sleeves.”
Seo Jae-yi was an active fighter, directly engaging in combat, not just standing back and using her ability from afar.
Therefore, she had been using a short-sleeved combat uniform for greater mobility.
“Processed dragon hide is lightweight and incredibly durable, so the long sleeves might actually be more comfortable.”
“If you say so. I’ll trust your judgment.”
The designs were perfect, tailored specifically for Seo Jae-yi, so they were immediately approved. Baek Joo-won’s were also approved without any changes.
“And I’ll also upgrade Mom’s and my equipment, as you requested.”
Seo Won-yeong and her mother, Seo Hye-ryeong, her Guide, rarely participated in direct combat, but Seo Jae-yi had wanted them to have dragon hide equipment as well, just in case.
Seo Won-yeong, knowing her intentions, readily agreed.
“There’s still a lot of material left, even after making equipment for the four of us. What do you want to do with the rest?”
The dragons were massive; there was plenty of material left over, even after making equipment for all four of them, even with generous estimates.
Seo Jae-yi, looking at the list of remaining materials, thought for a moment.
Normally, she would sell them, but she already had more than enough money; she wasn’t particularly interested in more.
And there was a better use for them.
“Well, I was thinking…”
“Don’t hesitate. I’ll use it for whatever you want. You earned it.”
“Really?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“…Can you make equipment for our Guild members?”
Seo Won-yeong’s eyebrow twitched at Seo Jae-yi’s request, and Kim Yoo-sung, who had been listening, was also surprised.
“What? Our Guild members?”
“Yes. Everyone, including you, Guild Leader. I know you all have good equipment, but it’s nothing compared to Won-yeong’s dragon hide creations.”
“…”
Kim Yoo-sung was touched.
He wouldn’t have minded if she had sold the materials or used them for something else. It was her right.
But he hadn’t expected her to use them to upgrade the equipment of all the Guild members, including himself.
She truly cared about Haeil, perhaps even more than he did, the one who founded the Guild.
“…I appreciate the thought.”
He smiled, patting her shoulder.
The Guild members would be overjoyed.
That was enough. Her intentions were what truly mattered.
“But you risked your life for these materials, so you should use them for something that benefits…”
“What could be more beneficial to Unnie than having a stronger Haeil?”
Seo Won-yeong interrupted him, and both Kim Yoo-sung and Seo Jae-yi stared at her, surprised.
“Just shut up and accept it. This is a one-time offer.”
“…You’re really going to make them?”
“Of course. You risked your life for these materials, and you want me to use them to make equipment for your Guild members. Would I refuse, just because I’m… jealous? As I said, I’ll respect your wishes, Unnie, when it comes to this.”
Seo Won-yeong had been jealous of Haeil, who had taken her sister away, and had refused to make anything for them besides the heat-resistant suits, designed for when Seo Jae-yi overloaded.
And yet, she was now willing to put aside her jealousy – though it seemed to be still simmering beneath the surface – and craft equipment for everyone.
“Thank you, Won-yeong!”
Seo Jae-yi, overjoyed, hugged her tightly.
Seo Won-yeong’s sullen expression softened as she returned the embrace. She couldn’t stay angry at her sister.
“The Guild members’ equipment won’t be as durable as yours or Baek Joo-won’s, as I’ll have to divide the remaining materials.”
“It’s fine. They’ll still be much better than what we have now.”
“Of course! I’m the one making them! Make sure they all thank you properly. I wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for you.”
“They will, even without me telling them to.”
Kim Yoo-sung nodded. He could already picture the Guild members showering Seo Jae-yi and Seo Won-yeong with gratitude.
Seo Won-yeong decided to stay at the Guild members’ dormitory at Haeil Guild headquarters while she worked on the equipment, as it was a large project.
She had frozen the dragon corpses with her ice ability, but it was still best to process them quickly before the cells deteriorated further.
They also brought her mother, Seo Hye-ryeong, her Guide, from their home in Pangyo to the dormitory.
After settling everything, Seo Jae-yi and Baek Joo-won headed to the Guiding Center. She had something to report to Center Head Kwon Yi-soo.
Leaving Baek Joo-won outside, she entered the Center Head’s office alone.
Kwon Yi-soo, his appearance as impeccably neat as always, looked up from his computer.
“You came all the way here unannounced. You must have something important to say.”
“You know me too well.”
Seo Jae-yi grinned and sat down on the sofa. Kwon Yi-soo also stood up and sat across from her.
His gaze shifted to the strawberry chocolate frappe she was enjoying. A flicker of warmth, almost imperceptible, softened his usually cold, sharp eyes.
It was so fleeting that even Seo Jae-yi didn’t notice.
“So, what is it?”
“You can stop searching for Park Jung-soo.”
His gaze snapped back to her, the warmth gone, replaced by a sharp, assessing look. He scrutinized her, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind her words. It was his signature look, sharp as a blade.
A heavy silence, suffocating for anyone else, filled the room.
And then, Kwon Yi-soo simply said,
“I see.”
It was a simple, almost indifferent answer, without even asking for an explanation.
“Huh? You’re not going to ask why?”
“Why should I?”
“Well…”
“Seo Jae-yi.”
Kwon Yi-soo interrupted her, his tone brooking no argument, and Seo Jae-yi fell silent, subdued by his aura.
He continued, speaking for her,
“I haven’t heard anything.”
Seo Jae-yi’s eyes widened.
“I haven’t seen anything, haven’t heard anything. So I don’t know anything.”
He had figured it out.
That she had found Park Jung-soo, and that she wasn’t planning on handing him over to the authorities like Park Hyung-woo or Jang Woo-seok.
That she would exact her revenge in private.
Even if it meant Park Jung-soo’s death, Kwon Yi-soo wouldn’t be able to hold her accountable, as he knew nothing.
“And I will never know.”
He wouldn’t ask.
Seo Jae-yi was speechless.
She knew he had always been kind to her, but she hadn’t expected this level of… complicity.
She hesitated and then asked, unable to contain her curiosity,
“Why are you so good to me?”
“…”
“I haven’t done anything for you.”
Kwon Yi-soo, instead of answering, just stared at her.
Did she even realize? That this was the first time in eleven years, since they had met, that she had shown any interest in his feelings?
That was the nature of their relationship, the unbridgeable distance between them.
He had once desperately wished for that distance to lessen, a desire that perhaps still lingered within him.
But she would never be his. There was someone else by her side now, someone far more suited to her than he was.
He wouldn’t be greedy.
He was content, simply content, that she had finally asked.
“…No, you’ve given me… more than you realize. You’ve even had your revenge.”
“…”
“That’s… enough.”
Seo Jae-yi’s expression was still puzzled, as if she couldn’t quite comprehend his words.
But she didn’t ask any more questions and simply nodded.
“I’m glad… it’s enough.”
Kwon Yi-soo couldn’t tell if he was truly content or if a part of him wished for more.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles white.
“I’ll keep the arrest warrant active. It would be suspicious if I suddenly withdrew it.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
Seo Jae-yi stood up as Kwon Yi-soo nodded. He watched her gather the remaining frappe, and then he spoke again,
“The President will be impeached soon.”
“Sooner than expected?”
“The evidence is overwhelming. His crimes are numerous.”
“That’s true.”
“The ruling party won’t collapse immediately. Those who managed to escape unscathed will try to cling to power. Or they’ll form a new party and pretend to have reformed.”
It was inevitable. Evil, no matter how thoroughly eradicated, always found a way to resurface.
“But they will fall eventually.”
Kwon Yi-soo’s voice was firm, his conviction absolute.
“I’ll make sure of it. I won’t let any of those involved in the incident regain power.”
Seo Jae-yi didn’t doubt his words. He always kept his promises; she trusted him implicitly.
“I’ll be counting on you. And let me know if you need my help.”
“I will.”
“Thank you for everything. And…”
Kwon Yi-soo looked at her, curious, as she trailed off.
Seo Jae-yi continued,
“I’m… happy now that I’ve had my revenge, that I’m no longer dying. It’s all thanks to you. So… I want you to be happy too, Pretty Oppa.”
Kwon Yi-soo’s eyes widened, surprised by her unexpected words, spoken in the familiar, almost childish tone she had used when they first met.
“There’s no one to torment us anymore. So… live happily. Enjoy everything you’ve missed out on. I want you to be happy, Pretty Oppa.”
“…”
Kwon Yi-soo was speechless. He didn’t know what to say, only managing a simple,
“…I see.”
But Seo Jae-yi smiled brightly, pleased by his response.
It was the vibrant, cheerful smile he had always longed to see.
“Good! It’s a promise. I’ll see you again. Next time, let’s meet under… happier circumstances.”
Bye!
She waved cheerfully and left, her smile as bright as the sun.
Kwon Yi-soo, captivated by her radiant smile, as always, smiled slightly.
But she had already turned away; she didn’t see it.
Click.
Seo Jae-yi opened the door and stepped out, unaware of the expression on Kwon Yi-soo’s face. She reached out to Baek Joo-won, who was waiting for her.
“…”
Kwon Yi-soo watched them, a smile on his face.
He watched as they held hands, as Baek Joo-won greeted her, as she leaned into his embrace.
The door closed, and the scene vanished.
Kwon Yi-soo, who had been silently watching, finally turned away from the door.
And surprisingly… his heart didn’t ache as much as usual. There were no tears, no sighs, only… a lingering smile.
‘I want Pretty Oppa to be happy.’
Her words echoed in his mind, a source of unexpected strength.
Even though he couldn’t be the one to make her happy, he was glad she wished for his happiness.
She would probably never know, but her words had made him happy.
‘It’s… not so bad.’
The smile lingered on his lips.
He could endure the loneliness of this tower now, a glimmer of warmth amidst the solitude.
And he, too, would wish for her happiness.