Chapter 263. To Lead (3)

Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Something shrieked and leaped out of the cracked egg like a flash of light. It was a frightening speed comparable to that of a bullet and caused everyone to draw away reflexively.

Ah!

Its target was at the head of the table.

Greatly startled, Seol Jihu twisted his body away, causing the thing to shoot past him by a hairs breadth. Seol Jihus face went blank as he turned his head around.

Fast!

He couldnt even make out its silhouette. If he hadnt avoided it intuitively, he would have been hit. However, the surprise wasnt over yet.

The thing that shot past Seol Jihu bounced upwards as soon as it hit the wall behind him. It then made several somersaults in the air before lightly landing back on the table.

Seol Jihu stared down at the table in a daze.

Something short and chubby was staring up at him.

Injeolmi?'[1]

That was the first thought that came to his mind the moment he saw it. That was because its entire body was covered in fluff that looked extremely soft. If he tossed it into his mouth and chewed, he was certain it would be chewy like rice cakes.

No, no.

Seol Jihu vigorously shook his head before carefully looking at it again.

First off, it was extremely tiny. Leaving out all exaggerations, it really was the size of a childs fist.

It had two legs. The fluff that covered its entire body was yellow with a tinge of red except for the white patch around its belly.

On the sides of its torso were tiny wings, and on its round face was a pair of ruby-like eyes that sparkled beautifully.

And on its mouth was a small, light-pink beak. If one had to point out its defining feature, it would be the single, light-green feather growing on its forehead.

Instead of an Injeolmi, it now looked closer to a chick and a freshly hatched one at that.

Suddenly, it parted its tiny little beak and

Pyak!

It chirped.

What the It was a chick?

Pyak pyak!

The chick snapped its head around at Chohong words. It let out a very angry chirp.

Seol Jihu spoke with a speechless face.

No, wait. Why did you attack?

Pyak pyak pyak pyak!

It chirped even louder.

Pyak pyak pyak pyak pyak pyak pyak pyak!

It flapped its adorable little wings without pause and angrily chirped. He didnt know why, but it looked extremely indignant.

Oh my! How cute!!

Seo Yuhui made a dreamy expression with a hand on her cheek.

Hyaa.

Hugo could not stop exclaiming either. Looking at the little chicken, he licked his lips and gulped.

It really hatched at an unexpected time.

The little chick kept staring up only at Seol Jihu while the rest just stared at it speechlessly. As if it was extremely aggrieved and vexed, it shot him an angry glare with its tiny eyes and chirped.

Uh.Orabeo-nim.

Yi Seol-Ah, who had been standing to the side with a stunned face cautiously called out to Seol Jihu.

Have you ever played a game where you rolled the egg? Something similar to bowling.

Seol Jihus face instantly became stiff. It was a secret that only Flone knew about. How did she know?

Or did you boil the egg, saying you wanted to eat boiled eggs.

Or did you toss the egg in the air and juggle? Wow! You even juggled with the egg?

The secrets that only Seol Jihu knew about were revealed in public.

Y-You knew all along?

No. Thats not it

Yi Seol-Ah trailed off and tilted her head. She looked at the little chick with an uncertain face.

Whats going on?

Jang Maldong regained his senses and asked him at that moment.

Ah. Actually

Seol Jihu also came back to his senses and explained everything, beginning from the expedition to the PaG.o.da of Dreams to what he heard from Luxuria. It took a while for him to explain how he got the egg and tell them its ident.i.ty.

So this is the guardian spirit that Cast.i.tas, one of the Seven Virtues, bestowed to the Rothschear House?

Yes. Thats right. Its name is

[Arcus, the Rainbow Spirit.]

Ah right. Arcus. Its the spirit, Arcus.

Seol Jihu, fortunately was able to recall the name after Flone reminded him in a timely manner. As he said that, the chicks expression somewhat eased. Its piercing glare slightly softened and its burning indignation gradually started to subside.

Jang Maldong who had been observing the chick from various angles tilted his head.

But why did it hatch now of all times?

That was something even Seol Jihu didnt know. The egg was supposed to observe its partners every move before making a decision. It hadnt even responded in the slightest when he had begged it to, so why did it choose to break out of its sh.e.l.l now? He couldnt make heads or tails of the situation.

And why did it attack you as soon as it came out?

I have no clue.

Seol Jihu looked down at the little chick with a complicated expression.

Tell me, this time with your own mouth.

When he asked with a tinge of expectation, the little chick suddenly made a solemn expression. And it opened its beak.

Pyang.

What came out were only incomprehensible chirps. It looked like it had understood him and was about to say something, but

Seol Jihu was about to sigh before suddenly blinking his eyes. Yi Seol-Ah was squatting next to the little chick, nodding her head, almost as if she understood what it was saying.

Ah. So thats why

Yi Seol-Ah glanced at Seol Jihu. With all the gazes in the room concentrated on her, she made a stern expression, imitating the little chick.

Then she spoke.

You humiliated me.[2]

Phi Sora burst into laughter. She jerked back her head and crazily laughed before hurriedly fixing her expression.

No, wait! It wasnt because it was funny! It was just too absurd!

Seol Jihu frowned.

Seol-Ah. You cant joke around right now. Things are already complicated as it is.

No! Im not joking!

Yi Seol-Ah jumped up.

Youre not?

Yes! Didnt you hear it?

He had no clue what she was talking about. But seeing her protest like that made it likely that she wasnt lying. In fact, he already had a few suspicions.

Miss Seol-Ah. Excuse me.

Seo Yuhui interrupted them at that moment. With a face of extreme shock and skepticism, she asked in a low voice.

Were you translating what this adorable chick said just now?

No, I wasnt translating.

Yi Seol-Ah rolled her eyes before continuing in a quiet voice.

Of course, I can only hear it chirping with my ears, too. But it felt like it was transmitting its thoughts to my mind at the same time Ah, thats right. It was just like how Ghost Unni transmits her voice.

Seo Yuhui involuntarily sucked in her breath. She then immediately turned to look at Seol Jihu.

Jihu. You said this mythical creature was the spirit, Arcus, right?

Huh? Yes.

Seol Jihu replied without thinking. She suddenly asked him again after whispering to herself.

Are you sure its a spirit?

Im certain. It said so in the records and Flone also guaranteed that it was.

Seo Yuhuis expression grew serious. She had a nervous expression and looked at Yi Seol-Ah with eyes of disbelief.

Theres no way. Even if someone had a genius apt.i.tude, unless the direction matches exactly Without having a diverse apt.i.tude like the Renaissance Man or a Jack-of-All-Trades, the probability is almost

She mumbled incomprehensible things to herself.

Miss Seol-Ah? Can we talk a little?

She then dragged Yi Seol-Ah out of the meeting room. Seol Jihu could only lick his dry lips as the two of them left.

In any case, the egg had hatched, so what should he do now?

Seol Jihu pondered for a while before subtly reaching out his hand. Actually, the chicks fluffy feathers looked so soft that he had wanted to try touching it from the moment he saw it.

The little chick hunched its neck back when his palm touched the top of its head.

Seol Jihu carefully stroked it like he was touching a ball of cotton. The little chick turned its neck and twisted its body around, not staying still, but it did not cold-heartedly refuse his touch.

Whoa

H-How is it?

When Seol Jihu let out an exclamation, Phi Sora who had been absent-mindedly gazing from the side quickly asked.

Its really soft It feels like Im touching silk And its really warm, almost as if Im holding embers.

Phi Sora let out a small moan at the unrestrained review.

I-I want to try touching it too.

As if she was surprisingly weak to cute things, she quickly extended her arm. But as she did so, the little chick got startled and started glaring at her.

Pyrrrrrrrrrr.

It unfolded its tiny wings and growled. It told her to not touch it.

Oh my. Look at this kid. It stayed still when Dear was touching it. Is it discriminating against people? Funny.

Phi Sora paused for a moment before mumbling to herself and extending her hand to catch it in the end. Her att.i.tude was, What can you do to me, even if you have your guard up?

Pyak!

The little chick swiftly pecked her palm with its beak.

Ow, that stung!

Phi Sora yelled and quickly retreated.

This b.i.t.c.h?

Her face suddenly grew chilly and she swiped with her hand again, but the little chick easily avoided her.

Huh? Ara? This b.a.s.t.a.r.d? f.u.c.k!

A game of whack-a-mole unfolded.

The speed of Phi Soras swings was substantial, but the little chicks nimbleness exceeded her.

Whiiik, whiik, whiik, whiik.

It showed off amazing footwork accompanied by the sound of air whis.h.i.+ng and avoided all her attempts.

Ah seriously! Let me touch you just once!

Enraged, Phi Sora unleashed her mana.

As soon as she did so, the little chick quickly jumped underneath the table. It ran with its tiny legs and hid behind Seol Jihus leg. Seeing it peek out its head to glance at her made Phi Sora speechless and gape her mouth.

When he felt it peck his leg with his beak, Seol Jihu carefully picked up the chick with both hands.

Pyak!

The little chick leaped up and landed on top of Seol Jihus head. As if his head was its nest, it folded its two legs contentedly and curled down. And letting out a wide yawn, it dozed its head.

What a carefree little guy!

Jang Maldong let out a laugh.

That punk, isnt it thinking Seol is its father?

Chohong also commented.

Seo Jihu raised his eyes as far as he could before giving up and smacking his lips.

To take a nap after throwing a fit as soon as it hatched It was beyond his understanding. After muttering to himself, Seol Jihu looked around and spoke.

In any case, lets wrap up the meeting here for today.

With the tiny chick still sitting on his head.

*

When the meeting was over, Seol Jihu called Hao Win with the little chick still resting on his head. He wanted to express his thanks for cooperating with Carpe Diem and apologize once again for his selfish actions.

Its all good.

Hao Win, however, didnt seem to mind.

Ive said it before, but theres no need for you to apologize. I didnt do the right thing either. So lets call it even.

He let out a hearty laugh.

In any case, weve completely crossed the line with this, so dont let your guard down until the end.

Of course. And I promise there wont be a second time.

Im thankful you think that way. That Fox should find this worthwhile, too.

Ive learned a lot this time and found a lot of things I have to keep learning.

Seol Jihu candidly spoke. Hao Win peered at him from across the crystal.

Thats your scariest trait.

It was an unexpected remark.

Youre a terrifying man if you said that intentionally. But if you said that sincerely, then youre an even more terrifying person.

Huh?

People change as their accomplishments stack and their position grows higher. They begin to think, Ive earned this much. Ive achieved all these things. What would you know? They naturally begin to get full of themselves.

He crossed his arms and continued in a tired voice.

Its not easy to keep your initial resolve. Im no exception to this.

Seol Jihu only smiled in response.

Anyway, lets have a drink together once this is all over. Im down whether its in Paradise or on Earth.

Sure.

Then Oh right.

Hao Win asked something just before he was about to hang up.

Ive wanted to ask for a while, but why do you have a rice cake on your head?

Its not a rice cake.

Seol Jihu smiled bitterly.

Its a mythical creature. It only looks like a chick for now.

The chick angrily pecked his head when he said that. Seol Jihu winced and corrected his words.

Its my partner.

A partner A companion animal? A pet? Is it something like that?

Kwak! The little chick flew down and strongly pecked the crystal. Hao Win chuckled.

Look at that. It has quite a temper.

It does, doesnt it Ill introduce you to it next time.

Ill look forward to that.

The call ended.

Seol Jihu helplessly shook his head before doubting his eyes.

The little chick was gone.

He suddenly felt a weird feeling on the top of his head. When did it get up there again

Hey! Will you

Seol Jihu tried to get it off his head with his hand, but

Pyak!

It immediately pecked his palm, causing him to lower his arm back down. It seemed that even he was no exception to this. The little chick must have found his head to its liking as it showed no intention of coming down.

Hey! Youve hatched now.

There was no answer.

Shouldnt you do something now that youve woken up? At least talk or just show me your abilities or something.

Still no answer.

When he grew suspicious and looked at the reflection in the crystal ball, he saw the little chick, sound asleep.

This guy?

He felt like whacking it off his head but

Ehew.

Seol Jihu let out a sigh and got up from his seat.

*

Seol Jihu left the building with Kim Hannah in the evening. Earlier, the two had promised to eat dinner together.

There was a restaurant within the building, but thinking that Kim Hannah wouldnt suggest eating out for no reason, Seol Jihu left with her without saying anything.

After entering a decent restaurant in the street and ordering food and alcohol, Kim Hannah spoke.

I have something to tell you. I dont want you to misunderstand so just listen.

Already?

Hearing her speak in a low voice, Seol Jihu prepared his heart. He hadnt expected her to begin talking as soon as they sat down, but he was still ready.

Fine, but I know you feel like its unfair from your point of view. Your punishment

That.

However, Kim Hannah suddenly pointed at Seol Jihu. Her index finger pointed towards his head.

Cant you get that off? Everyones staring. Its embarra.s.sing.

Seol Jihus face stiffened before his shoulders drooped.

I want to, too.

Why? It doesnt want to come down?

Its not a matter of simply refusing to get off.

Seol Jihu complained.

It goes into a mad frenzy if I try to even touch it a little. It thinks my head is its nest.

Kim Hannah laughed. With a fascinated face, she tried to touch it but unsurprisingly, the little chick noticed her like a ghost and bared its beak.

It then smacked Seol Jihus head with its wings as if it was saying, Why are you just looking and not protecting me when someones trying to touch me without my permission?

Its an interesting child.

Kim Hannah helplessly lowered her hand while shaking her head. Then she asked.

How was it?

?

The meeting. Chung Chohong was trying her hardest to crush me. Did that not hurt your pride?

Seol Jihu gave a shallow smile. She must have asked that after seeing the reactions of some of their teammates during the meeting. Having people acknowledge his authority as a leader was something he was thankful for, but there was a limit to that as well.

A representative was certainly the highest position, but it was also one that had to bear responsibilities that it entailed. Above all, apologizing for something he had done wrong was nothing to be ashamed of.

How about you?

Seol Jihu asked back.

As for the authority, I can just take it back later.

Kim Hannah plainly replied.

Im still in charge of the administration in any case.

Then again, the authority as an executive officer alone was something that couldnt be ignored.

It was something I was fully prepared to take off my uniform for in the first place. Im satisfied with this.

Uniform, huh.

Seol Jihu looked at the coat Kim Hannah had hung over her chair with lewd eyes. Sensing a sharp gaze, he averted his eyes and switched the subject.

Putting the Dongchun Merchants and the Red Hwaru aside, how is the Evangeline faring?

Theyve practically been flung off a cliff after having their relations.h.i.+p with the Eva Union revealed. Theyre barely hanging onto their last rope.

Really?

But that rope seems to be quite st.u.r.dy since theyre managing to hold on. Our great Queen of Eva seems to be shutting her eyes and ears.

I hope things wont be hushed up.

It shouldnt be. That guy, Sorg Khne, is hard at work on the case.

Kim Hannah continued.

Well receive a call from the Royal Palace soon in any case. It doesnt seem like a bad idea to wait for the time being. We can finally take a breather and resolve the things we had to push back.

Seol Jihu fully listened to Kim Hannahs words. He hadnt known before, but now he did.

By things we had to push back, you mean?

We should finish the work that we started, dont you think so? I think we should wrap up registering the organization, think about how were going to do the opening ceremony

Kim Hannah didnt use conclusive words when she talked about the direction and future plans of the organization.

Instead of a command like do it, she would say I think or we should and leave the final decision to him. She was strictly advising him as a member of the staff.

And you.

Me?

You should think about how you want to set up the new organizations system composition, positions, etc., dont you, Representative Seol?

Using the Carpe Diem system wont work, right?

Stop with the nonsense. Did Carpe Diem even have a system in the first place? Everything was up for grabs.

Kim Hannah snorted.

There will be more people the bigger the organization gets. And as a result, youll have to divide people into different teams for different roles. Then youll naturally have to have officers or managers in charge of them. You cant be thinking that you can get along with people that are way~ underneath you, right? Like youve been doing up till now?

Seol Jihu smacked his lips.

Ill have to personally experience it to find out but this is hard. Being a representative, that is.

This kid. Then did you think itd be easy?

Kim Hannah smiled.

But dont worry too much.

Why?

There are too many factors that will make this successful. This level of network, members, budget, etc. In fact, there have been very few organizations that have started with these conditions.

You didnt believe me in Scheherazade.

I was an outsider then. Now Im an insider.

After correcting him, she gave him a sideways glance.

Well, its not that there arent any worries, but

The food and alcohol that they had ordered finally arrived. In any case, eating came first.

Should we toast?

Kim Hannah said as she poured the alcohol. Seol Jihu shrugged.

A moment later.

For our new organization!

Kim Hannah raised her cup after handing him one.

For Paradise!

Seol Jihu also raised the cup that he received.

The gla.s.s cups that collided in the air made a sharp ringing noise.

1. A variety of Korean rice cake.

2. A reference to a famous line from the Korean movie, A Bittersweet Life.