How surprising.

To be honest, I had always thought that Choi Kyung-sik didnt trust me. As a result, I always felt awkward around him since I wanted to respect his choice to not become closer.

Who knows, though; perhaps my perspective was colored by my inferiority complex. Now a bit more relaxed, I said, I thought I thought you considered me stupid.

I see youre not completely oblivious.

A straightforward, blunt replyyet his tone held no heat. I no longer felt thorns hidden in his words. So, slowly, I began to approach him.

What Choi Kyung-sik tried to step backwards instinctively, but he couldnt resist once I grabbed his arm.

At that moment, I reached out to Choi Kyung-siks face. Then I covered his lips with my palm. This was the first time I had seen him so flustered.

Even for me, the way I had acted took quite a bit of courage. My heart beat like crazy. But, as I conversed with the young Alchemist, I felt that there was only one way to bring Choi Kyung-sik to his knees.

Choi Kyung-sik wasnt the type of person to bow his head to someone unless the other could overpower him. I imagined that when he was alive, Choi Kyung-sik would have been a smart and perhaps arrogant individual that refused to acquiesce to anyone not named Seo Dawon or Kim Olim.

He was apparently sued by his former guild?

I wonder what it took to enter a guild that could sue an outstanding Alchemist like Choi Kyung-sik? The lawsuit must not have originated from a lack of ability on his end; rather, it must have started as a communication problem. After all, in a company one does not work alone.

Eventually, Choi Kyung-sik joined the [Red Lotus] after burning bridges with [Virtuoso]. Fortunately, he met a leader he could respect in Seo Dawon at [Red Lotus] and adapted to guild life.

Theres no way such a person would give in to me.

The only reason he kept this distance from me wasnt just because he was afraid of losing his own ego

Perhaps his pride couldnt handle bending to someone like me?

I felt like I could now understand a small percentage of Choi Kyung-siks mind. If I were him, I wouldnt be able to leave my future in the hands of a guy like me.

However, as I grew to understand the relationship between the Necromancer and Servant, I realized that it was painful for a Servant to maintain that distance.

Thats why I shut his mouth; Im not so confident about beating Choi Kyung-sik in a verbal war. However, since Choi Kyung-sik was being weirdly stubborn like Seo Dawon, I decided that it would be best to block his main specialty: his speech skills.

As expected, Choi Kyung-sik faltered and couldnt react to my unexpected behavior. Hes a very intelligent man, but he couldnt do anything if his opponent engaged with him physically.

Once I overpowered him in such a manner, I observed Choi Kyung-sik for a short while. As I had predicted, once the young Alchemist had pushed past his discomfort at our direct contact, his emotions stabilized and he found an unwilling sense of safety. I looked calmly into his half-dazed eyes and whispered quietly, From now ondont speak so discourteously, Choi Kyung-sik-ssi.

Youre better off keeping your mouth shut.

Choi Kyung-sik looked at me with a stunned expression. When he tried to say something, I brushed his lips with my fingertips. He flinched and stopped in his tracks.

I said, dont speak. Thats right Stay still. I continued.

If you dont want to feel too sensitive about my blood, then its better to have skinship with me often. Seo Dawon and Kim Olim adapted and overcame their thirst in that manner.

You wont become more greedy if you drink my blood or touch me directly. I reached this conclusion after observing Seo Dawon.

Though Choi Kyung-siks lips trembled, he didnt try to contradict me anymore.

Now that I had sealed off his mouthy, cheeky maw, I slowly pulled my hand away. The young Alchemist unwittingly chewed on his lips.

I knew why he was so nervous.

Therefore, I asked him calmly, It felt good when we touched, right?

When I saw Choi Kyung-siks expressionsomething vague flickered over his face for a momentI became a little scared, but, since I had come this far, I shouldnt be discouraged.

As I stood there, fists clenched, Choi Kyung-sik eventually closed his eyes tightly. What is it? What do you want me to do?

Dont try to force yourself to push me away.

Its not only Seo Dawon; Kim Olim sometimes pats my head or holds my hands for no reason. Garam-ie always wants my hugs.

I know this feels all instinctual, and I know you want to keep your dignity. Therefore, if you just speak with me, I can help you.

At this rate, if I get hurt in battleThe scent of my blood will drive you crazy, like a slobbering dog Wouldnt that make you look more ridiculous?

Choi Kyung-sik merely looked at the ground with a deeply agonized expression. However, he soon strode close to my side. Though his face was pale and looked irritated, I wasnt as repulsed compared to his usual mask-like smile.

After furrowing his brows, the young Alchemist hugged me tightly. He stuck his nose onto the back of my neck, and I could vividly feel every time he took a deep breath.

After hugging me like that for a few minutes, Choi Kyung-sik asked me in a tearful voice, Choi Lee-kyung-ssi.

.Yes?

Are you truly not weirded out by this? That I want to touch you like this?

Yes. Choi Kyung-sik has been stubborn for a long time; thats why its all burst out like this.

Im more worried about Woo Ragi.

When he heard me, the Alchemist smiled bitterly before dragging me into an even stronger embrace. Haah I feel awful.

Can you not breathe on my neck?

Please bear with me. Im trying to hold myself back from sucking on your neck.

I flinched a little at those words, but Choi Kyung-sik simply closed his eyes and stayed in that position for a short while. I stroked his head a few times, hoping to calm him down.

In a weak voice, he said, I feel like Im sinning.

Because of Dawon-ie?

Of course. Actually, is it even okay to act upon my impulses in the first place? Haah I know we have no other methods available, but still

As he spoke, he gently tugged me even tighter, close to his body. He went on, mumbling one-sidedly into the air, Haah You know, youre truly not my type 1 .

What kind of pervert bastard made this condition?

I held back my laughter and stayed stillhis grumbling was similar to mine when I had complained to the Mage.

And, when Choi Kyung-sik felt calm enough, I pushed him away slightly. He obediently retreated a few steps.

Now, try to hold and be near my blood again. See how it is.

With a nervous expression, Choi Kyung-sik took out his alchemical toolbox according to my wishes. Then, he opened its closed lid. He put the open lid up to his nose and inhaled.

How is it?

Im salivating.

But, it seems youre correct. Its much more bearable than before. With that said, Choi Kyung-sik closed the lid of the box. His body now felt much more relaxed.

[Servant, Choi Kyung-siks friendship level has risen by +100]

A congratulatory message from the systeminvisible to the Alchemisthad popped up.

I was almost certain by this point, but the message was another confirmation that my theory held water. So, I let all the tension in my shoulders go and sighed.

Choi Kyung-sik closed the box, looked at me quietly, and asked, About Woo Ragi-ssi. What will you do about him?

Im contemplating putting him to sleep with a skill and swooping down on him.

But, I dont know if thatll work.

You talk about doing something so frightening as if its nothing, he said.

I smiled bitterly. At that moment, Choi Kyung-sik suddenly opened his inventory and handed me a potion in a heart-shaped rounded bottle.

What is that?

Its a miracle drug that raises affection. It lasts forabout 20 hours.

What?

It works by external application. Ah, its not something strange, understood? As Ive said, this simply raises someones affection for you.

Stunned, I stared at him with bugged-out eyes. You want me to use this on Woo Ragi?

I dont know if itll work on him, but, its better to try it than to not, yes?

Become a Patron!

TL: Oh wow, is this the advent of Dom Choi Lee-kyung?