Chapter Text
‘This…’
To think that even today I managed to finish guildwork before lunchtime. I was still in my female form, and because my clothes are tailored for a man, I had to get Han Sora to do some adjustments to some of my clothes. Because surprisingly, she's quite good at sewing. Maybe she just has a talent for arts.
Now I'm once again sitting in my office, wearing my newly adjusted outfit, and my hair tied up to a ponytail. I looked at the time, and there was still a quarter of an hour left before lunch, and while I thought I'll just eat my lunch here like always, I feel like there needs to be a change of pace. Since the guild isn't really busy, maybe having lunch together would be a good idea.
‘Yes, let's do that. Maybe if I told Deokgu he would tell everyone in just a few minutes. He might even set up the lunch himself if I consider how eager he'd be.’
I nodded to myself and took out my Hand Mirror and sent a quick message to Deokgu. Seconds later, I received a very happy reply.
— RESLLY?????? ILL GATHER EVRYONE RIGHT AWY N PLAN THE PICNIC
‘Look at this pig making his own plans already. What picnic? I only said we're going to have lunch together. He's way too excited. Just look at this grammar and punctuation errors.’
Nevertheless, it was a success. I am very sure that everyone will agree. A picnic might be better than just having lunch together in the guild. Since everything will be handled by Deokgu, I'll just have to get ready.
I stood up from my desk and exited my office. I headed directly to my room, which is just nearby and took a quick shower. Since my clothing options are limited, I chose a dress that fitted a picnic setting. That is, a flowy dress with sunflower designs. I styled my hair to a half-bun and nodded to myself that's reflected on the mirror.
When I left my room, I went to the main hall. The more I got closer, the more I could hear guild members moving about, especially the eager voice of that pig. When I finally arrived at the main hall, the second floor that is, I could see Deokgu carrying a large bag while telling other guild members where to put and prepare things.
‘Why… Why is there so much luggage..?’
I looked at the neatly placed luggages piled near the entrance, then back at Deokgu.
‘This pig bastard… It's just a picnic. Are you planning to relocate with this much luggage?’
I frowned a little. I could tell that the guild members looked like shit. No, they do look like shit and ready to complain. I sighed. I had to reprimand Deokgu before the guild members collapsed from exhaustion.
“Woah! Hyung-nim really turned to a woman!! Hyung-nim over here! You're already ready? Wait, do I call you noona now?”
‘I can see you, you pig bastard. And stop yelling.’
I furrowed my brows at Deokgu as I began to descend the stairs.
“Deokgu, what is all this? Why are there so much luggage when we're only going for a picnic?” I questioned, my arms crossed.
Deokgu noticed my expression and posture and started to look nervous.
“Because.. When I told Hyung-ssi, he said to prepare a lot to make the journey comfortable for you…” Deokgu avoided my gaze, as my expression crumpled further.
I decided to ask, “And where's Hyunsung?”
“Hyung-ssi? Well, uhmmm… He's uhm.. “
“Park Deokgu-ssi! Where should I put the kitchenware?”
‘Kitchen what?’
“Oh! I'll handle it! Oh man, I guess I gotta go noona, lots to do!” Just as Park Deokgu was about to walk away, I spoke up.
“No. Please put all the unnecessary things back. It's just a picnic anyway. Sorry for the inconvenience it caused all of you.” I spoke to the guild member who asked Deokgu just now.
“But.. these were direct orders from the Guild Master, Vice Guild Master…” The guild member had a troubled expression on their face. I sighed for what seems to be the umpteenth time now.
“I'll talk to him. In the meantime, please stop transporting luggages and rest.” I ordered. The guild member looked rather relieved and thanked me. After they walked off, I turned my head to Deokgu again, who was now scratching his nape with a sheepish expression.
“Kitchen ware? Seriously? You're planning to bring an entire kitchen to a picnic?”
“Hyung-ssi requested it!”
“Hyung-ssi this, Hyung-ssi that. Just tell me where Hyunsung is.”
“To be honest noona–”
“Just call me the usual.”
“To be honest hyung-nim, I don't really know where Hyung-ssi is, but I think I heard him mutter something about flowers. I think he went to a floral shop!” Deokgu guessed with so much confidence.
I inwardly facepalmed at his words. I just dismissed him and watched him walk away, sulking. In the end, I used my telescope to find Hyunsung.
‘What the hell is he doing there??’
In an ironic twist, I found Hyunsung inside a floral shop, examining different coloured flowers that the florist presented to him, though most of it is either white, blue, yellow or purple. He looked so serious that I was reminded at the times he would outbid the other people in the auction with a serious and determined look on his face.
‘No, but seriously, why is he leisurely picking flowers while the guild members are running around? …. Wait, could it be?’
I am so glad I never gave up on that coin.
‘He's finally seeing Hyejin as a woman! Oh man, Hyunsung, this noona is so happy to see you finally man up and take the initiative. I bet Hyejin would be so happy she'd faint if I told her about it. No, no, let's make it a surprise. This is a joyous occasion! No wait, I need to talk to him about the luggage thing. Let's not be distracted Kiyouna.’
With this in mind, I nodded to myself and took out my hand mirror.
– Hyunsung, where are you?
In the telescope, I could see Hyunsung whipping up his hand mirror at the speed of light.
— You don't need to know about it Kiyoung. Are you ready? I had Deokgu prepare our trip.
– I need to know Hyunsung, and yes, I am ready. I've been meaning to talk to you about this, but don't you think that all of this preparation is too excessive? The guild members are tired.
— I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for you. I know Kiyoung doesn't like bumpy carriages.
– We have Hayan… And warp gates. Anyways, I don't want something so excessively fancy for a mere picnic. I've also had the guild members pause to what they're doing. With your authority I'd like you to give me the permission to have the unnecessary luggage removed.
— But Kiyoung…
– Blue Guild Master ^^.
— Okay.
– Thank you Hyunsung. I'll tell them right away.
— Wait Kiyoung, can I ask what your favourite colour is?
– Hm? Well… I think blue and yellow.
— Okay, thank you Kiyoung. I'll go now, goodbye.
– Yes please return soon, see you later.
Placing down my hand mirror, I looked to the side and saw Hayan wearing a pink off-shoulder dress and Sora, who was wearing a purple shirt and black shorts.
“Unnie!”
Hayan called out before rushing for a hug, with Sora following behind.
“Unnie, look at my dress, is it pretty?” Hayan giggled as she detached herself from me and showed off her dress by doing a little spin. I nodded and patted her head.
“You look cute Hayan. And no need to call me ‘unnie’...” I gave her a compliment before muttering the last one, Hayan only smiled though. I then turned to Han Sora who was quietly watching us and greeted her, to which she politely greeted in return.
“Hayan, are you and Sora done packing your belongings?” I asked.
“Mhm! S-Since unnie said to not pack too much and only the necessary ones, we only have o-one bag! Sora packed it for me.” Hayan answered with enthusiasm, still clinging to me.
“Is that so? Thank you Sora.”
“It's nothing, Vice Guild Master.”
After that little exchange with Hayan and Sora, I saw the Park-Ki-Ri trio with their own bags approaching us, all wearing casual clothes.
“The rumours were true! You really did turn into a woman Vice Guild Master.” Ahn Kimo light-heartedly said.
“So uncle Deokgu was right.” Kim Yeri added.
“I told you, didn't I? Yet you two didn't believe me!” Deokgu shouted while pouting.
‘No don't pout. It doesn't suit you at all.’
“Uncle Deokgu has a knack for telling a convincing story but ends up as a lie most of the time.” Yeri said with an unbothered face.
Her statement caused the pig to droop down like a kicked grown bear, which doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's the only analogy I could think of.
After the Park-Ki-Ri trio arrived, the others also arrived shortly after. Heeyoung and Elena arrived together, after that was Hyejin, then Alps and her pet, and then Kim Changryul and Yoo Ahyoung. All of us exchanged greetings as we all gathered in the main hall. The mountain of luggage that piled near the entrance has been drastically reduced, leaving only the essentials and some amenities for convenience.
Though we initially planned to travel via teleportation using Hayan, everyone thought that might not be as fun as traveling by carriage, where we could have conversations while admiring our surroundings. But we don't want to make the journey too long, so we're going to use the warp gates so that not only can we converse with each other, but also make the journey short and fun.
“Has everyone gathered?” Alps asked.
I looked around. It didn't even take me long to realize that my lovely regressor isn't here.
“Hyunsung isn't here yet.” I answered. I could see Hyejin subtly frowning. I activated my telescope to find where Hyunsung had gone. Before I could even look around, Hyunsung had entered through the entrance, sporting his casual clothes and… a bouquet?
‘Oh right, he visited the florist.’
I smiled and welcomed him back.
“You're here Hyunsung.”
I could see his ears become a bit red as he walked closer to us. I smiled knowingly, finally witnessing the day Hyunsung and Hyejin would be together.
“Hyung-ssi you're here! Oh, is that a bouquet? Gasp! Who's that for?! You have a lover?!” Deokgu asked out loud. I could see Hyejin frowning.
‘Just shut up you pig. Hyejin is worrying.’
I went to her side and subtly whispered, “I think those are for you Hyejin.” Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her frown fading, turning to a subtle smile. It quickly vanished though as she replied to me.
“Please stop saying such things Vice Guild Master.” She huffs, but I could see her trying to stop her smile, her eyes hiding excitement. I wanted to tease her, but decided against it.
I watched Hyunsung walk forward, my eyes gleamed with anticipation, waiting for him to turn to Hyejin… But that didn't seem to be the case.
‘Wait, why did you pass by her? No, why're you looking at me??’
Hyejin looked shocked, in disbelief, disappointment and then acceptance as she looked at me with a sad smile.
‘Why are you looking at me like that Hyejin? Why is everyone looking at me strangely?!’
Hyunsung stopped in front of me and presented the bouquet.
“Here you go Kiyoung. I think it matches you really well.” He said without an ounce of consideration to the other guild member's reactions around us. The bouquet contained flowers that corresponded to the colours I told Hyunsung earlier. Blue daisies and yellow daffodils. I'm not sure why he added white lilies but it looked nice.
If I looked to my side, I would see Hayan staring strangely at Hyunsung whilst tightening her hold on my arm and Sora beginning to feel nervous. Hyunsung didn't even spare them a glance and just focused on me. Before I could even reply, Hayan had beaten me to it.
“H-Hyunsung-oppa, can't you see w-we're busy? Y-You're holding back the t-trip just to give some f-flowers to Unnie!”
“...”
‘Damn it. Stop it you two.’
Suddenly, there was a heavy tension between those two. I think I could even cut it with a knife due to how they were staring at each other down. Sora was even looking at me with urgency, as if she was saying to do something about this. The other guild members were also looking at me nervously. I sighed. I took Hyunsung's bouquet and spoke up.
“Thank you Hyunsung… I appreciate it. But, Hayan is right. Our trip has gotten a bit delayed. Why don't we all get going, hm?” I tried to ease the tension building in the atmosphere, and it seems to work just a little.
Hyunsung looked very dispirited but still smiled when I accepted his flowers. Hayan meanwhile, looked upset when I took the bouquet, but smiled a little when I sided with her. Everyone agreed to my last statement and took their belongings and started to head out to the entrance. Before I could move with Hayan though, she took the bouquet from my hands using magic, leaving only a blue daisy behind, and placing the bouquet on a nearby vase. She smiled satisfyingly and her arm still hooked around mine, headed to the entrance, her other arm holding Sora.
I could've sworn I could see Hyunsung glaring at Hayan. As if payback, Hyunsung walked up on my empty right side, ignoring the clearly upset Hayan and tucked the blue daisy on my ear. His actions just fueled Hayan's jealousy as I inwardly pleaded to the two of them to just stop with their petty actions.
‘Ugh.. please stop fighting. If you fight, the continent would be done for.’
Just imagining the two of them duking it out sent shivers down my spine. Infuriated, Hayan pulled both me and Sora and walked ahead, not so subtly directing an insult to Hyunsung.
“L-Let's go Unnie! If we stay here any l-longer, the dog would d-dirty your dress with its filthy p-paws!”
I cringed inwardly. I looked back just in case, and I saw Hyunsung looking at Hayan with an empty gaze. I shivered. But when he saw me looking at him, his expression warmed, and he sent me a small shy smile.
‘That… That wasn't Doom Hyunsung just now, right? This feels like deja vu.. Ugh, let's just walk ahead Kiyouna.’
Thankfully, the atmosphere had brightened up as we traveled by carriage. We had three total carriages, which carried four people per carriage. We rode on carriages with no roof, so we could see everyone. While the others had brightened up and were talking to each other…
‘Fuck. This is so awkward.’
I was sitting with Hayan, Sora… And Hyunsung. When we were getting on the carriage, I was the first one to go in. I sat on the left side, and Hayan, of course, wanted to sit beside me. She was about to get on the carriage when something, or someone, sped by and got to my side first. It was Hyunsung. Hayan was so dumbfounded that she went silent for a second before erupting, with mana gathering in her hand.
“Eeeekk!! H-How dare you!!”
“H-Hayan—” I had panicked, but Hyunsung was nonchalant.
Fortunately, Sora had come to the rescue and managed to pipe down Hayan's anger to the minimum, resorting to sitting across from me, sobbing and all. I also comforted her, and after a while, we were all silent. Both Hyunsung and Hayan would take turns talking to me, in a way that they'd always cut each other off. In Hayan's case, she'd talk to Sora, keeping with the not subtle, indirect insults to Hyunsung. Meanwhile, Hyunsung would just keep cutting her off or stare her down.
“U-Unnie, do you know where we're going? I heard Deokgu say—”
“Kiyoung, I heard from Deokgu we're going to the Mirror Lake once again. Did you remember the time we—”
“Unnie! Do you remember w-when we fished for items t-together? We had so m-much—”
“Kiyoung, did you remember when I gave you that ring? I hope you still have it….”
“Hyunsung…”
“Eeekkkk!!! U-Ugh.. Hic! S-Sora, don't you just hate it w-when a flithy dog tries to s-steal someone away from y-you?”
“I- ah– I… Y-Y-Yeah.. r-really hate i-it..”
“.....”
Even worse, he'd provoke her further by fiddling with the blue daisy tucked on my ear. As a counterattack, Hayan would let the ring on her left ring finger shine while caressing it with a smug smile, as if reminding him of his place, and shuts him up.
‘Stop. Please stop. This is so nerve-wracking. Are we there yet? What's taking so long??’
Finally, finally, we had arrived at our destination, the Mirror Lake. I could see the others staring at us awkwardly due to the tension in our carriage.
‘Damn it. Damn it all.’
I stared at Hyunsung, who had gotten up first and exited the carriage. I was planning to exit next when I saw him unmoving, holding out a hand to me. I secretly snuck a look at Hayan, who was tearing up with rage and jealousy. I needed to straighten Hyunsung up as quickly as possible, for the sake of world peace.
I looked at him, still had his hand held out. I exited the carriage without taking his hand, much to his disappointment. Hayan soon followed after me and immediately clung to my arm, with Sora the last to get off.
“L-Let's go quickly Unnie! Come on, q-quickly!”
Hayan pulled my arm as I stumbled after her. The other guild members followed after us, all looking awkward. At the very back, I saw Hyunsung trailing behind depressingly. He caught my gaze and looked at me pitifully. He looked like a kicked puppy, but I turned my head away.
‘Ignore him. Just ignore him. This is all for the sake of world peace.’
We arrived at a rather quaint place located underneath a tree for a nice shade, with a beautiful view of the large expanse of the Mirror Lake.
“Goodness! The view is so beautiful!”
“Indeed it is.”
“Woah! The Vice Guild Master sure did an amazing job putting Deokgu in charge! Look at this view!”
“Uncle Deokgu picked a really good spot.”
“The Mirror Lake looks so pretty, like a huge sparkling gem! Don't you agree Changryul?”
“Yes.”
“It's so p-pretty. Right, S-Sora? Unnie?”
“I agree, H-Hayan.”
“It really is.”
“Guild Master, don't you like the view?”
“.....”
‘Poor Hyejin.’
While everyone marveled at the view, I saw Hyejin trying to cheer up Hyunsung, who still looked depressed and gloomy. I feel like I really need to talk to him, because that depressive look on him really bothered me. Plus, everyone should be in a good mood, since it's been a while we had a get together.
I looked at Hayan, who's still clinging to me, and then looked at Sora. I sent her a quest to distract Hayan for me, so I could escape.
***
[Sending an Average-ranked forced quest to Han Sora.]
[Distract Hayan for me, I need to talk to Hyunsung.]
[You have not registered a reward to this quest.]
***
Sora sent me a glare, and I gestured to Hayan. I saw her sigh quietly before tapping Hayan's shoulder.
“H-Hayan, why don't we start setting up with Deokgu and the others?”
“H-Huh? Okay. U-Unnie, come with us.”
“H-How about just the two of us Hayan? The Vice Guild Master might get tired..”
“U-Uhm… Okay.. Unnie, stay here o-okay?”
‘I'm not a dog.’
“Don't worry Hayan. Just go with Sora.” I patted her head. She gave me a tight hug before going with Sora. I saw the two approaching Deokgu to start setting up the picnic. The others also joined in in setting up the picnic. I slowly slipped away and approached Hyunsung, who noticed me immediately and lit up.
“Kiyoung! Kiyoung I—”
“Hyunsung we need to talk.”
I cut him off with a serious expression. His bright expression immediately crumpled as he became nervous.
“Did.. Did I do something wrong?” He asked.
“Yes you did. Did you know what you did earlier? Back at the carriage? Back at the guild? Just what are you trying to do?”
“I-I.. I was..”
“Might I remind you that she's my fiancée?”
“That… I know that..”
“Then why did you do that?”
“...”
“Hyunsung.”
“I-I wasn't doing anything… Hayan was the one..”
“What you did back in the guild can be excusable.. but not in the carriage. Why did you keep provoking Hayan?”
“...”
“Hyunsung.”
“...”
“Hyunsung!”
“...”
“Guild Master.”
“Flinch!”
“You really won't answer?”
“...”
“Fine, don't answer. Just stop provoking Hayan okay?”
“...Okay..”
“.. Let's go. Deokgu and the others seem to have finished setting up the picnic.”
“... Yes..”
“...”
“...”
“Hyunsung.”
“Yes?”
“Cheer up, okay? This is supposed to be a get together. I'm not angry at you. Just upset. I just don't want you and Hayan fighting like this. It really upsets me.”
“I won't do it again Kiyoung..”
‘Yes, keep that up Hyunsung.’
I nodded at our lovely regressor and walked together to the others, where they had laid a large mat for all of us to sit on, with several food and drinks spread out for us to choose from.
“Hyung-nim! Hyung-ssi! Over here!”
Deokgu waved at us. The mood seemed to have been lifted, maybe because they saw me and Hyunsung talk and make up. I nodded at Deokgu as we approached closer. There were two spaces left for me and Hyunsung. I sat in the space beside Hayan, and Hyunsung sat between me and Deokgu. Hayan didn't really appreciate Hyunsung beside me but I calmed her down and paid her attention so she wouldn't explode later. Hyunsung seemed to stay true to our agreement and kept quiet, not bothering Hayan's time with me.
With the tension from earlier fading away, the atmosphere became better and everyone was in a good mood. Even I enjoyed it.
The picnic ended on a good note.
Everyone was cheerful on the way back home. Even Hayan is in a good mood, which is a good sign. Hyunsung though.. he's still quiet, but I did catch him smiling occasionally throughout the time we had picnic, so I call this picnic a success. There had been a few bumps in the start, but it ended well.
When I got back, I received a call from Raphael. He said something about discovering a new dungeon beneath the Benignore Church, which raised some concerns in me. I asked him if he was available tomorrow so we could have lunch together over this topic, and he happily agreed. I placed down my Hand Mirror and was approached by Manager Kim Miyoung, who notified me about some documents Jihye had sent me. I nodded to Manager Kim Miyoung and bade goodbye to the other guild members.
It was afternoon by the time we arrived back in the guild, and the rest of that afternoon was spent looking over the documents Jihye noona sent me, which looks to be related to the new dungeon Raphael told me about. It's rare to be able to discover new dungeons in the continent, so I was very interested. I did remember hearing about this dungeon, which was named ‘The Mole Saint's Cozy Dungeon’, and remembered overlooking it, because I had more serious matters at hand at the time.
But now, after my revival, the continent has been enjoying peace, and everyone's relaxed. Of course, I could now focus my attention on this piece of information now that everything's calmed down.
I stretched my limbs once I finished looking over the documents. It's night time by the time I was done. All that's left is to have lunch with Raphael tomorrow. Since Raphael would be my guest inside my office, my major concern would be Hyunsung. Considering the two's hostile relationship, and the way Hyunsung has been acting recently, I just wished Hyunsung won't cause a ruckus in the duration that Raphael would be here.
‘I hope nothing bad happens tomorrow.’