Chapter 161
“Wow.”
“What a twist.”
Seen from the outside, the Kang family estate was a monstrosity, a stain on the surrounding property value.
However, stepping through the outer gate was like stepping into a new world. The main path was wide and clean—and flanked by vibrant trees and colorful, sprawling gardens that were no less manicured for their size.
As the students went, they noticed empty plinths along the main- and side paths, spots where sculptures had no doubt once stood. Nonetheless, the natural scenery behind and around the plinths was still a wonder of its own.
Lee Jin-Seong said, “It’s so nice in here.” Then he continued more softly, “Who knows how Kang Jae-Hyeok would’ve turned out if it wasn’t... ”
“Yes. It is fortunate.”
Do-Jin and Du Bae-Su nodded in agreement. If Jae-Hyeok had grown up seeing only the bleak, desolate world outside the mansion, perhaps his personality would’ve turned out far worse.
In that case, the two of them would’ve been tortured... No, trained even more intensely.
“You...?”
“Senior?”
Do-Jin and Du Bae-Su met each other’s eyes, and, seeing the fear in them, felt a sudden sense of kinship. One from Jae-Hyeok’s class and the other from his team—without words, they understood each other perfectly. It was like two allied soldiers behind enemy lines meeting for the first time.
Sudden realization struck Do-Jin and Du Bae-Su, and they slowly rolled their eyes to Hae-Rin, who was dozing off in front of the fountain.
If we’re both like this, then what about her? She’s both Jae-Hyeok’s classmate and a member of his team. How on earth does Hae-Rin endure it?
“Is her mental strength and physical endurance far beyond ours?”
“No wonder she’s always dazed and blank-faced. She is abused day and night. Of course she suffers from chronic fatigue.”
The boys whispered and gulped as they stared at Hae-Rin, only for Hye-Ji to appear from behind and push their heads apart. “She was dozing off even before Kang Jae-Hyeok entered the school!”
“I-Is that so?”
“Yes, she isn’t anything special. I am superior to her in looks, mental state, body, and physical strength! I should’ve been in the Seed team!”
Yoo-Jin, who was talking with Da-Hee, looked over at the commotion and commented, “They’re really loud.”
It had seemed like peace had come after dealing with the protesters, but it didn’t last long.
Yoo-Jin was worried about Da-Hee staying here.
Da-Hee dreamed of becoming an aristocrat and fulfilling an aristocrat’s duties. She had noble intentions and was serious and hardworking in everything she did. Yoo-Jin worried that being around Jae-Hyeok and his team was noisy for her.
Contrary to Yoo-Jin’s worries, Da-Hee smiled.
“Isn’t it interesting? Being with them is fun. Every time I feel like I’m going to collapse from exhaustion during training, my body suddenly regains its vitality.”
Yoo-Jin blinked. Then, a warm smile spread across her face.
“I’m glad.”
She was happy to know her friend was happy and making more friends.
Just then—
“Welcome. I welcome our distinguished guests to the Kang family.”
Everyone looked up. A white-haired old man stood at the top of the stairs leading to the entrance of the huge blue-stone mansion.
Even though he was an old man, his back was straight and he had a strong body. Yoo-Jin studied him with interest and whispered to Da-Hee, “It seems that the butler of a ducal mansion is a player too.”
Butler Hwang laughed when he heard it. “I’m just an ordinary person who likes to exercise. Five years ago, I used to hit 900 across the big three of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.”
“Huh? That doesn’t sound like an ordinary person at all... In any case, your hearing is very sharp.”
“Haha, it is thanks to training my hearing while working as a spy when I was young.”
“Spy?”
Everyone tilted their heads in unison.
Do-Jin’s eyes shone as he raised his hand to ask a question.
“Can you really train your hearing?”
“That’s right. If you sharpen your senses enough, your hearing will naturally be trained as well. As a player, you probably understand what I mean more easily.”
Indeed, one of the first things a player noticed when their Insight stat went up was that their vision and hearing became clearer.
As the students nodded, Butler Hwang pushed open the door of the mansion and bowed. “Please come in, Honored Guests.”
“Thanks!”
Do-Jin zoomed past the old man, followed slowly by the others.
The interior of the Kang family’s mansion was different from what the students had expected. It was full of Korean elements that reminded them of a traditional hanok.
The students removed their shoes and were guided to the main hosting area, passing by old vases and grand paintings. Everyone’s heads were on swivels as they went, oohing and awwing. Meanwhile, Butler Hwang used the opportunity to secretly observe the students.
Hm... I don’t see any recent injuries.No, I mustn’t let down my guard.He could’ve hit them in places that can’t be seen...
Butler Hwang continued doubting the supposed “friends” that Jae-Hyeok had brought with him. In his experience, there was a high probability that these “friends” were simply victims pressured into playing along.
It wasn’t that Butler Hwang distrusted Jae-Hyeok specifically. But he had served both the Yaksha and Kang Dae-Seong, after all... He knew well that what the men of the Kang family considered friendship was far from common sense. So Butler Hwang couldn’t help but worry. What if Jae-Hyeok had unknowingly become like them?
No, I don’t want the young master to be hated... Butler Hwang had this desperate thought, tightened his fists under his sleeves, and redoubled his smile.
It’s fine. It’s fine. Even if Young Master bullied them, today, this old one will flip the heavens and turn resentment into love.
......
“Come, come. Sit. And, please, think of this place as your own home and lie wherever you like.”
......
“These are new socks. Change into them so you are more comfortable.”
......
“These are snacks imported from Jeolla-do. I especially bought them for honored guests. Please, eat as much as you like.”
......
“Are you curious about that? One moment, I’ll take it out and show it to you right away.”
......
“The restroom is this way. Here, I’ll guide you.”
Over the next hour, Bulter Hwang seemed to appear and disappear around the guest hall, perfectly catering to everyone at once.
Butler Hwang was supremely attentive. For a butler, that should’ve been a good thing, but...
In truth, most of the students just felt uncomfortable; they had come to visit a friend and hadn’t expected to be treated like kings and queens by Butler Hwang, who was old enough to be their grandfather. The students from less privileged backgrounds felt like ants on a hot plate under the old man’s radiant smile.
“As expected of a duke’s butler. He is a pro.” As a young lady from a wealthy family, Yoo-Jin praised Butler Hwang’s etiquette and enjoyed the hospitality freely.
Do-Jin, on the other hand, grunted a reply and glanced at the door with a pale face.
Seeing his reaction, even the other less-privileged students glanced weirdly at Do-Jin. Isn’t this a bit of an overreaction?
Du Bae-Su, who’d unexpectedly grown close to Do-Jin, blurted out in confusion. “Hey, if you need to poop, then why don’t you just go?”
The fact that Du Bae-Su could say such a thing in front of girls, especially the most beautiful girls representing each grade, made it clear that he wasn’t interested in the opposite sex, just like Jae-Hyeok.
“I don’t need to poo... It’s even more serious than that.”
Yoo-Jin and Hye-Ji shook their heads. Clearly, Do-Jin also wasn’t interested in the opposite sex.
Do-Jin continued, “I decided to get a job here after I graduate. Will I ever be able to act as dignified as that old man? I’m worried I won’t.”
There was silence. Then—
“You what!?”
The room erupted.
All the students—except Da-Hee and Hae-Rin, who already knew—were shocked.
“Really? You’re really going to be a vassal?”
“Of course. Would I lie about something like this?
“Wow.”
Although everyone there liked Jae-Hyeok, finding a job was a much more practical problem.
The Kang family was a sinking ship—no, a ship that had already sunk. Working for them was like giving up on the future.
Yoo-Jin didn’t beat around the bush and said, “The Kang family must’ve lost ownership of all gates, right? Senior, if you get a job in the Kang family, you won’t be able to go hunting. This means you won’t level up and you will fall further behind.”
Aristocrats gained their generational titles after making contributions to the country. But a title and stipend were not all. The government awarded its aristocrats many things, one of them being ownership over gates.
This was the reason why talented people flocked to the aristocratic families. In return for their service, players were provided with a stable environment in which to grow.
However, the situation of the Kang family wasn’t easy these days.
After the Yaksha’s eldest son and eldest daughter had been charged with treason, the country held the entire Kang family responsible and had taken a considerable amount of property.
Of course, that included ownership over their gates.
Do-Jin said, “There are gates everywhere. What’s the problem? Just rent a public gate and use it.”
Yoo-Jin said, “That won’t work. Think back to the time when Jae-Hyeok was re-examined. The Association is blatantly keeping the Kang family in check. They probably won’t even give Kang family-affiliated players access to gates. They’ll make up excuses as they see fit.
“Think carefully before joining the Kang family. It could also be burdensome for Jae-Hyeok. If he blocks your path, he will someday feel guilty about it.”
Why and how did Do-Jin want to become Jae-Hyeok’s person?
Yoo-Jin really couldn’t understand. She herself favored Jae-Hyeok—he had helped in the Leech King raid and was also Da-Hee’s friend—but objectively, serving him was a dead end.
It wasn’t nice to hear, but it was the truth.
Do-Jin also knew Yoo-Jin meant well. However, her words infuriated him all the same. How could she talk about his friend like that?
“What do you know? Do you think I can’t do anything if I’m discriminated against for joining the Kang family?”
“I didn’t mean to insult you, Senior. I am just pointing out practical problems.”
“Don’t worry.”
Jae-Hyeok returned after changing clothes and interrupted their conversation.
“The Kang family I lead will change reality.”
Jae-Hyeok’s eyes were eerily calm, like looking into the eye of a storm; they concealed a violent sea of intentions.
“I will never do anything that will make my people regret following me.”
Through the battles he’d fought after entering Lion’s Castle, Jae-Hyeok had fully understood his skills. He was almost looking forward to the day when he faced the thunder tribulation that the vast majority of players feared. Moreover, who knew what opportunities awaited when he used the Reinhardt Ticket?
“I swear on the founder of my family.”
The realm he would reach one day would surpass his dreams. The certainty in Jae-Hyeok’s voice shook everyone present. He sounded as if it weren’t a question of if but when.
“Y-Young Master... ”
Butler Hwang watched the whole situation from the other side of the door and shed emotional tears. He was proud of Jae-Hyeok for growing up to be so manly and happy to know that the children Jae-Hyeok had brought were real friends.
Butler Hwang squeezed his eyes shut and thought, No, what use are these old man’s tears? I must show my sincerity.
Since they were the young master’s good friends, they deserved the best, so how could he serve them restaurant food?
And with that, Butler Hwang rolled up his sleeves with great enthusiasm and headed to the kitchen.