Of course, I might run into Ryu Hyerin in this time period. After all, the Red Lotus was intact, and she was Seo Dawons fiance.

However, I was shocked by a different aspect than when Bae Jaemin had appeared. In particular, I hadnt expected to see the Mage and her standing together. So, I hurriedly bowed my head. I didnt want anyone else to notice my expression. Imsorry. I didnt realizethat the two of you were together. I retreated a few steps to further avoid being in this situation.

Whats going on? Seo Dawon askedhis tone sounded odd.

I tried to press down on my agitation by applying pressure to my voice box, trying to strengthen my voice. Later. Ill tell you later.

Hmm? Because of me? Dont mind meIm fine, Ryu Hyerin said in a friendly voice, trying to dissuade me and grabbing onto me. I saw a diamond ringsuitable for marriage proposalson the ring finger of her left hand that she used to hold onto me.

Did Seo Dawon give that to her?

Even though I knew this wasnt the time to be having those thoughts, these thoughts unstoppably forced themselves into my mind. Lest my distorted expression be perceived, I bowed my head even more.

Hyerin-ah, Ill pick you up in the evening. Seo Dawon was the one who ended this ambiguous situation.

I raised my head at Seo Dawons words; he was smiling at Ryu Hyerin with a face that seemed to ask her for her understanding. Ryu Hyerin looked disappointed, but soon chicly smiled and picked up her handbag. Tch So youre asking me to leave now? I was going to stay with you until evening.

I cant concentrate on work with you here.

I guess if you cant speak with me here Ryu Hyerin smiled brightly, as if she was in a good mood, and turned towards me. See you next time, Garam-ah.

Seo Dawon left the room with her to see her off. It was until his presence felt distant that I flopped down in an empty chair with a deep sigh.

Haah I wiped my face with my hands. When I remembered how Seo Dawon had smiled at her with his eyesthe first time Id ever seen thatannoyance suddenly rose within me. Hed never smiled like that to me And, what? He couldnt focus on work with her there?

Thats so cheesy? I said, voicing my childish envy. If Seo Dawon were in front of me right now, I would have wanted to slap him on the back.

Click

It was then.

As soon as I said that, the door suddenly burst open; startled, I jumped out of my seat. Contrary to my expectations, Seo Dawon wasnt the one to enter the room.

UhH-How did you come here

Wheres guild master-nim? An unsmiling face, lowered eyes Bae Jaemin asked perfunctorily.

* * *

Was Hyerin-ssi here?

I meant to reflexively answer him, but Bae Jaemin was quicker, blinking and murmuring to himself. It was surprising how quickly he deduced that. I clamped my lips tightly shut; Bae Jaemin glanced at me before striding inside.

I was incredibly uncomfortable, but I couldnt kick him out since this wasnt my room; I simply stepped back, creating distance between us. Jung Garam was infamous for his hatred of the Priest, so I didnt think hed pay any mind to my vigilance.

As expected, Bae Jaemin quietly sat in an empty chair without blinking an eye at me. As I pretended to not notice Bae Jaemin, I became certain of one thing.

Bae Jaemin also really hates Jung Garam.

At a surface glance, others may think that Jung Garam was the only one fastidious in his dislike, but, looking at the Priests attitude now that the two of us are alone, I could see that Bae Jaemin didnt care for Jung Garam either. However, he was clever enough to reign in his rudeness towards Jung Garam in front of others. That was why Jung Garam, every day, seemed like someone creating a mountain out of a molehill.

While glaring at the back of Bae Jaemins head, I inwardly clicked my tongue. Now that I had become Jung Garam, I thought his double-faced personality was even more despicable.

Ah, but I wanted to report how suspicious Bae Jaemin is when Seo Dawon returns, but what should I say if this bastard is still here?

Looking at him, I was at a loss for what to do. Even if I were to speak vaguely, Bae Jaemin may perceive that we were talking about him.

However, I could not think about this issue further.

Mm? Whats up with you, Jaemin-ie? Seo Dawon had opened the door and entered.

Though the Priest maintained an expressionless face right before, he adopted a smile as soon as he saw Seo Dawon entering the room.

I couldnt believe how dynamic his change in expression was. Previously, he sat with his eyes wide open, exuding a gloomy aura; now, he became a bright, prosperous young master. He could probably pass any snags in any interviews or meetings. Garam definitely didnt call him a disgusting abomination for no reason.

Ive found the assassination client and am reporting in, Bae Jaemin said.

Really? Youve found him sooner than expected.

Everyone trembled just by the mention of Guild Master-nims name. It was easy to gain their cooperation.

The Priest had even stealthily slipped in some flattery within his words.

Seo Dawon didnt confirm nor deny Bae Jaemins claim, but considering how carefully he read the documents the Priest handed over, the report didnt seem too bad.

The Mage was so savage to the other when they had last talked; perhaps their conversation ended well, the aura surrounding them was bright and refreshing. I, of course, was disconcerted by that conversational flow.

So in your opinion, you think the Assassin was commissioned by Virtuoso Workshop?

Yes. The data Ive given you is from the accounting office. The accounting office has long dealt with the Virtuoso Workshop. We believe they had hired a freelancer with pre-laundered slush funds 1.

The Assassin has no affiliations?

Not to my knowledge.

Alright. Good Job.

Bae Jaemin reported his work sincerely; I stared between the two, mouth dry. In this scenario, I didnt think it would go over very well if I were to shout that Bae Jaemin was suspicious.

Then, Ill be on my way. Please contact me if theres something else that needs to be confirmed. Feel free to speak with me comfortably, Bae Jaemin said.

See you tomorrow.

Surprisingly, Bae Jaemin didnt linger and was the one to retreat from the conversation first. After finishing his report, he left the room without looking backwardsjust like a faithful office worker.

Even after Bae Jaemin left, Seo Dawon read various reports as if he were absorbed in his work Though I was still inside the room, I thought the Mage had immersed himself until he had forgotten my presence.

Garam-ah. Did you just come here to play?

N-no

Of course, I had thought wronga brief illusory moment of calm. Seo Dawon stealthily glanced at the clock before turning back to me.

I didnt know how far I could push my luck, so I chewed at my lips as I returned his gaze. On the other hand, Seo Dawon seemed relaxed and leisurely.

Does hyung also think Im making a big deal about Bae Jaemin? After a deep sigh, the words I uttered were so patheticone could mistake it for mere whining. I had wanted to say something more professional and objective, but As expected, that was beyond me at the moment.

However, Seo Dawon looked calmly at me without smiling or frowning. You have a good intuition.

As he spoke, the Mage set aside Bae Jaemins reportthe one he had been reading just seconds ago. It was an unspoken promise to listen to me till the very end, just as he had done for the Priest.

I was on one hand graceful but, on the other, I felt pressure in the pit of my stomach as I recalled how the Mage had been checking the clock. If I continue to stutter, Seo Dawon would probably rise from his seat and say we should continue to talk another time

No. This isnt the time to think like that. I erased my thoughts before I could get off topic. 2

I steeled my expression and said, I think Bae Jaeminis lying about something.

But you dont have evidence yetis that it? Seo Dawon smiled jokingly; he seemed to have already understood all my inward conclusions. I nodded my heavy head.

Seo Dawon closed his eyes brieflyas if he were contemplating somethingthen opened his mouth. Ill craft an excuse for you, so go ahead and follow him until youre satisfied.