Chapter 434. Past, Present, and Future 3

After waking up, Seo Yuhui blankly gazed into the air for a long time.

Her mind was in too much chaos.

Todays dream was different than usual. It was extremely long and realistic. She felt like shed just gotten off a shoot as a movies main lead.

Eh?

Seo Yuhui casually rubbed her eyes. Tears were flowing down her face.

Just because of a dream?

Todays dream, like most dreams, became hazy once she woke up. However, there were also parts that were firmly etched into her brain.

The face of a man she had never seen before, his words, and his actions were all pulling at her heartstrings. Whenever she recalled him, the feeling of regret and affection welled up, making her tear up.

After calming down, Seo Yuhui carefully organized her thoughts.

Just what happened? Did she have a dream? Or did she really go back in time?

Seo Yuhui pondered for a long time before concluding that this was not something to decide rashly.

She was currently an Executor who retired from Paradise due to Luxurias influence being too overbearing. Going back just because of an inexplicable dream would be too hasty. That said, the emotions overflowing inside her were too intense to be the outcome of a mere dream.

Seo Yuhui got up and sat down in front of her desk. She opened a notepad and picked up a pen.

Lets see.

Though her memory was already hazy, she began to write whatever she remembered one by one.

She started with names. Seol Jihu, rabbit, pipster A chuckle escaped her lips as she jotted down the names.

What am I doing in the middle of the night? She found it ridiculous, no matter how she thought about it.

But no matter how small the chance was, if she actually returned to the past or had a premonition in the form of a dream, she believed the note would come in handy one day.

*

One month pa.s.sed since then. During this time, Seo Yuhui thought about calling Yoo Seonhwa multiple times but ultimately held back.

She needed more time to collect her thoughts and think about things rationally. She especially wanted to avoid causing an unwanted b.u.t.terfly effect by making a rash move. If she did, there was a chance that even the small portion of the future she remembered would go astray.

Furthermore, there was no guarantee that the future would pan out according to the content of the dream. And so, she planned to act with utmost caution.

That was until she received a sudden phone call in the middle of April 2017.

I-Is this Miss Seonhwa?

Yes, its me.

Miss Seonhwa? Is it really you?

Yoo Seonhwa had called her.

Seo Yuhui had retired from Paradise after sealing the stele in the aftermath of the Imperial Oath Expedition, and Yoo Seonhwa had never called her about it.

Of course, this wasnt anything strange. In 2014, Yoo Seonhwa went off the radar in Paradise at the height of her activity after returning to Korea from studying abroad. It wasnt until ten months later in Earths time that she reappeared in Paradise.

Seo Yuhui had not heard from her during that time either.

Moreover, Yoo Seonhwa was an Earthling who worked alone, and the reason they exchanged phone numbers in the first place was to come together only when it was an absolute necessity.

And so, other than times when she was acting as part of a team, Seo Yuhui did not know about Yoo Seonhwas whereabouts.

Yes, I have something to say.

A calm voice rang out. What followed afterward was not something Seo Yuhui could overlook.

Did you hear? That son of a b.i.t.c.h went missing.

Seo Yuhui doubted his ears.

He disappeared from both places. Its been a while since hes gone missing.

Ah.

Seo Yuhui felt a little lightheaded. She would not be so worried if it were anyone else, but Sung s.h.i.+hyun was a ticking time bomb that was as unpredictable as a loose cannon.

There was simply no way she could not be worried.

Dont worry about it for now. I will look into it myself.

Seo Yuhui blinked in confusion as she thought Yoo Seonhwa was calling to ask her to investigate.

Instead, can you do me a favor?

A favor?

Yes. Id like you to look into a newbie from March of 2017.

You want information on this person?

Rather than information if this person is confirmed to have entered that place, Id like you to protect him even if its just for a short time.

Yoo Seonhwa sounded hesitant.

And if possible, can you create an opportunity for me to approach him?

Seo Yuhuis eyes widened.

Please. Hes like family to me. If something goes wrong.

But she quickly understood after thinking about Yoo Seonhwas circ.u.mstance. Like with most famous people, Yoo Seonhwa had many enemies. And due to the incident where she killed every partic.i.p.ating member except one, in Stage 3 of the Banquet, many organizations had a grudge against her.

If Baek Haeju, who was known to work alone, suddenly showed interest in a newbie and approached him, many people would be suspicious of their relations.h.i.+p and investigate the newbie.

That could easily lead them to find out about Yoo Seonhwa entering Paradise. And if they managed to catch wind of Baek Haejus past being fabricated then not just Yoo Seonhwa but also her family would be put in danger.

On the other hand, Seo Yuhui would have a comparatively easier time approaching the newbie. After all, it wasnt just once or twice that she helped a talented Earthling grow.

Can you do this for me?

Sure. It doesnt sound all that difficult.

Thank you. Ill make sure to return the favor.

Right, it wasnt as if Seo Yuhui didnt understand. Its just

So, whats this persons name?

Seo Yuhui suppressed her rising curiosity and asked.

Seol Jihu.

And as soon as she heard Yoo Seonhwas reply, she jumped out of her seat in shock. She almost shouted but barely managed to cover her mouth in time.

W-What was that?

Its Seol Jihu. Seol. Ji. Hu.

Seo Yuhui turned her gaze to the notepad in her bookshelf.

Anyway, while Miss Yuhui is working on helping us meet, I will investigate that b.a.s.t.a.r.ds whereabouts, as I said before

Yoo Seonhwa was saying something, but none of it entered Seo Yuhuis head. Seo Yuhui hurriedly pulled out her notepad.

I hope thats fine with you.

Wa-Wait. Miss Seonhwa?

Im not in a good place right now for a long talk. We can talk about the details when we meet up.

Yoo Seonhwas voice was grave.

Seo Yuhui quickly scanned her notes and organized her thoughts.

Yoo Seonhwa, who did everything by herself and was more protective of her personal information than anyone else, was taking a huge risk for someone else.

This could only mean that this man was related to Yoo Seonhwa on a very personal level.

Seo Yuhui had been doubtful, but with this, she confirmed that the contents of the notes were true.

It wasnt a dream.

But even with evidence, she couldnt help harbor doubts.

Seo Yuhui asked again to be sure.

The things you said, are they coming from your heart?

*

Future Vision.

After returning to Paradise, Seo Yuhui fell into deep thought upon seeing her status window. Seeing an Innate Ability that wasnt there before, she was convinced that her emotions had been sent back in time, but the matter had become much more complicated than she expected.

Gula, gold mark, Irregular, Sinyoung, Carpe Diem.

Seol Jihu had a rather complicated status for someone who just left the Neutral Zone.

I made a mistake.

The future was already changing. From the moment she had that dream.

Although she didnt remember everything, the future Seo Yuhui had sent her feelings back by making the same wish as that man.

This meant there was a good chance that Seol Jihu was in the same situation as her.

I didnt expect him to get a gold mark. How am I supposed to approach him now?

Seo Yuhui pressed her forehead and then frowned. A faint smell of burning cigarette brushed past her nose.

I thought I made this a prohibited area.

When she got up and went outside, sure enough, a man was grumbling while smoking.

My apologies, but it is forbidden to smoke here.

Startled, the man turned his head left and right.

This is private property, but at the same time, the flowers in the garden are especially sensitive towards cigarette smoke.

I, I'm sorry. I didn't know.

The man took out his cigarette right away and turned to apologize. By the looks of it, it seemed he genuinely made a mistake.

Oh, no, it's fine. There's no need for you to kill the cigarette. If you walk a little away from here, you can find a pla.!?

It was then. Seo Yuhuis eyes widened as she pointed toward the plaza.

Ah!!

Although she had never seen the mans face before, it didnt feel new. The man gave off a younger and a completely different atmosphere, but his facial features were most certainly the same.

Oh my.

Seo Yuhui covered her mouth unknowingly.

How could she forget when this face was what she remembered most clearly from her dream?

W-Why is he here?

She was taken aback as she never expected to reunite with him here. Her heart was pounding despite acting calm on the outside.

She most definitely had never met him before, but a deep sense of yearning and delight welled up in her heart.

That was when Kim Hannah appeared, and Seo Yuhui invited the two inside.

She needed information. She wanted to know exactly how the future had changed.

Thankfully, Kim Hannah asked him what he had been up to.

Seo Yuhui eavesdropped on their conversation while brewing tea on the side.

However, she almost couldnt believe her ears.

What?

As a Level 1, not only did he enter the Forest of Denial, but he also partic.i.p.ated in a war against the Parasites?

As if that wasnt enough, he had apparently volunteered as bait.

Aha, hahaha. Those chasing c.o.c.kroaches were pretty scary.

Seeing Seol Jihu grinning stupidly without knowing how she felt, anger shot up in her heart. She had to drink a few cups of cold water to calm herself down.

Im sorry for the commotion earlier.

Kim Hannah left after yelling like an angry bull, and Seo Yuhui squeezed her eyes shut as she watched Seol Jihu apologize, soaking wet.

She then picked up a clean towel and began to wipe his tea-laden face.

N-No, hang on. I can.

Stay still.

She ended up chastising him.

Im a little annoyed, for sure.

She tried to hold it back but ended up blurting out her feelings. She couldnt understand what made her so angry, but it wasnt as if she didnt have a clue.

She had a feeling she experienced similar things in the dream. She found it hard to believe that this was her natural emotion, so she a.s.sumed it was Luxurias will.

Despite not knowing how the two were related, this matter also confirmed one of her suspicions.

Seo Yuhui then took this opportunity to ask him a question.

Did you do something to Sinyoung?

No, not at all. I helped them out, if anything. I havent done anything bad to them at all.

Then, why?

Sinyoung sees me as the replacement for an Earthling named Sung s.h.i.+hyun Im not too keen on the details.

Seo Yuhui paused.

Yun Seohui.

After a brief moment, she started moving again.

Sounds like youre working in Haramark.

Oh. Yes, I am. The capital is basically Sinyoung's living room, so I was told that I shouldn't stay in this city.

I see. But I'm sure that life in Haramark isn't easy. I'm curious. Is there a reason you keep coming back to Paradise?

It's because I find this place enjoyable.

Enjoyable? Is it fun here?

Seo Yuhuis eyes narrowed.

Well, rather than fun. There's a place for me in Paradise.

A place for you?

Yes. There are people here who accept me for who I am and require my help.

Seo Yuhui furrowed her brows. Slowly taking her hands off the young man, she studied the youth carefully.

Hes different.

It wasnt until years down the road that Seo Yuhui started to accompany Seol Jihu. So perhaps, it was only natural that the Seol Jihu in her memory was different from the Seol Jihu from his early days in Paradise.

But hearing what he said, a feeling of pity and sorrow rose inside Seo Yuhui. Even if her previous feelings were from Luxurias will, it couldnt be the only reason this time.

Because the Seol Jihu that Seo Yuhui remembered

[My talent isnt that good. I need to work hard so that a certain someone doesnt worry about me.]

[Well, not that I have anyone who will worry about me anymore]

was a man who gave his all to make the person he cared about not worry about him.

By saying that, are you implying that there is no place left for you back on Earth?

Yes, well.

Seol Jihu sheepishly smiled and scratched the back of his head. Seo Yuhui shook her head, her expression heavy.

That isnt true.

She spoke as if to chide him.

Your family and your friends arent here in Paradise.

.

Please, think about how worried your family and your acquaintances will be when you suddenly disappear.

Seo Yuhui spoke pleadingly, but Seol Jihus response was less than enthusiastic.

I wonder about that. I dont think theyd be too worried about me.

Why would you

Ah, what am I saying to someone I only just met? Haha.

Seol Jihu smiled bitterly and took a couple of steps back.

Thank you for your hospitality. Looks like me staying here any longer will unnecessarily impose on you. I should get going now.

Seol Jihu bowed lightly and turned around as if to run away.

Seo Yuhui reflexively reached out, but

Ah.

She stopped herself just before her hand touched his back. She felt like she had experienced the same thing in her dream.

Staring in the direction Seol Jihu walked off to, Seo Yuhuis eyes flashed with a certain mysteriousness.

Haramark.

*

Seo Yuhui moved busily.

What she could do for Seol Jihu, what she had to do for Seol Jihu, how Seol Jihus change would affect the future, and how Yun Seohui was eyeing Seol Jihu to be Sung s.h.i.+hyuns replacement. All these things weighed on Seo Yuhuis mind.

There were too many things she had to consider, find out, and stop. There was even news that Tigol Fortress was conquered, and she felt like having one body wasnt enough.

While she was preparing to move to Haramark, a small part of her had been relieved. Seol Jihu had joined an excellent team and was being watched over by a talented Inviter. Seo Yuhui thought there would be more than enough time for her to finish moving to Haramark.

However, it turned out to be wishful thinking.

Seol Jihu easily surpa.s.sed Seo Yuhuis expectations. She was almost frightened out of her mind when she heard how Seol Jihu joined the Delphinion Duchy Rescue Mission and ended up trapped.

She just couldnt figure out how anyone allowed him to partic.i.p.ate in such a dangerous mission.

Thankfully, he had returned alive.

I cant believe this, really.

After Seol Jihu was brought over to the intensive care unit, Seo Yuhui blamed herself for being too complacent.

Meanie. I was so worried.

Seo Yuhui fell into thought as she watched Seol Jihu sleep soundly.

Just why was he pus.h.i.+ng himself so much when he just entered Paradise?

Saying that he was reckless wasnt enough of an explanation. The man she saw in her dream was very mature and realistic. However, the Seol Jihu she was looking at was no different than an immature kid.

There was only one common point. To achieve what he wished for, he gave his all to the point people thought he was crazy.

Seo Yuhui concluded that the cause of Seol Jihus unpredictable actions was that he was in the same position as her.

He must have done it subconsciously.

No matter how the current Seol Jihu thought of Paradise, the past Seol Jihus regret must have affected him significantly. That must be why the current Seol Jihu was struggling so desperately after having only just entered Paradise.

Because he knew the same future would await him if he sat by idly.

Even the current Paradise had a bleak-looking future, so she couldnt imagine how bad things must have been the first time around. As far as she could remember, there was no hope to even speak of.

Thinking about it this way, Seol Jihus actions were understandable.

Seol Jihu was changing the future, one small part at a time.

Hmm.

Seo Yuhui carefully observed Seol Jihus sleeping face.

So this is him.

After a moment of hesitation, she quietly climbed up onto the bed, lay down next to him, and carefully hugged him.

She then entrusted her body to Luxurias will and the emotion of her first life. Seo Yuhui had mustered up quite a bit of courage to do this.

As expected, she didnt feel a sense of repulsion or awkwardness. Instead, a joyful smile bloomed on her face.

She had already confirmed her l.u.s.t subsiding when she was next to Seol Jihu.

But there was one more thing she wanted to confirm.

I see.

Seo Yuhui nodded as if she finally understood.

I loved it. A lot.

The first lifes Seo Yuhui had come to love Seol Jihu before she even noticed. Though she must have been drawn to him initially because of Luxurias influence, she must have fallen in love with him as they spent time together.

The past lifes Seo Yuhui might have denied it vehemently, but the current Seo Yuhui didnt.

Because the emotions of yearning she received that day resounded in her heart with powerful stings.

Will I come to love him too?

Seo Yuhui giggled quietly and embraced the squirming Seol Jihu.

Seol Jihu, in turn, dug into her embrace deeper.

Squishy.

Squishy?

Seo Yuhui let out a troubled chuckle as she watched Seol Jihu rub his face on her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

The more she saw him, the more she doubted that he was the same person as that man.

Even though the current Seol Jihu might be a bit childish, perhaps it wasnt bad considering how cold-hearted and iron-walled he was in the past life.

However, Seo Yuhui soon came to realize that this was a colossal misjudgment.

Seol Jihu wasnt childish. He was a child.

She couldnt believe how difficult it was to feed him medicine.

I cant believe it. This child turns into that cold, merciless man?'

Seo Yuhui smiled bitterly as she watched Seol Jihu snuggled into her arms as if it was his home.

She had to admit this was partly her fault. She was to blame for hugging him a few times to check out different things.

Since then, Seol Jihu tried to crawl into her embrace all the time. He seemed to have developed a strange habit because she couldnt bring herself to say no.

*

After the Delphinion Duchy incident, Seo Yuhui did not drop her guard. She observed Seol Jihu with strong determination. Thanks to it, she made it in time for the Banquet.

After confirming that Seol Jihu was partic.i.p.ating in the Banquet, Seo Yuhui used a Divine Wish to re-partic.i.p.ate, albeit with a restriction.

Seol Jihu almost died on multiple occasions, but he eventually managed to pull through and even clear the third stage.

With this incident, Seol Jihus fame skyrocketed.

This was a great opportunity. Since the world came to find out Seol Jihus talent as an Earthling, Seo Yuhui now had a convenient excuse to approach him.

It was also around this time that she finished moving to Haramark.

Youre so mean.

Sorry, I need them to feed my kid.

Kid? Youre married, Unni?

Im joking, obviously. Who would marry an ice queen like Unni? Well, he must really be young for you to call him a kid.

I cant say youre wrong. When I see him being mischievous, I wonder whether his mental age matches his real age.

Unable to think of ways to refute the girl helping her move, Seo Yuhui covered her mouth and laughed.

Anyway, to me, hes someone very preci

She paused just before saying the word precious.

Preci ous

It was because she genuinely thought of Seol Jihu as someone precious to her.

Not by Luxurias will or the past Seo Yuhuis influence, but by her own emotions.

I.

It wasnt as if she wasnt interested. She wanted to know Seol Jihus relations.h.i.+p with Luxuria, and she was curious about Future Vision too.

But the past life was the past life, and the current life was the current life. That was the att.i.tude Seo Yuhui had taken until now.

However, it seemed the consciousness of Future Vision had taken over her mind before she realized. She had been wary of it happening, but she almost accepted the change in her att.i.tude as if it was normal.

A sudden fear crept over her. At this rate, she felt like she would become the same person from her previous life.

Unni? Are you okay?

Yeah.

Seo Yuhui heaved out a deep sigh before continuing to clean the place more roughly. She reminded herself, Im not that woman. I am here because Im personally curious and also because of Miss Baek Haejus request.

Please try to understand. Theres someone who must never die no matter what.

Never?

Never.

Hehfor Unni to say that he must be someone whos been in Paradise for a long time. Who is he?

He hasnt been here for that long.

Then it doesnt matter if he dies, right? Ah, what I mean is, the feeling of emptiness he will feel wont be that big.

But, his memories will disappear.

As far as Seo Yuhui could tell, Future vision was a kind of subconsciousness that influenced the brain.

If her theory was right, the penalty of death could not be taken lightly, even for a Level 1 or Level 2 Seol Jihu.

It will be terrible if he loses his memories of Paradise and gets his memories of Earth tangled

After all, a terrifying obsession thats no different than a deep-seated grudge must be trying to take over his brain.

He finally if something goes wrong, and he once again returns to how he was in the past.

She did not dare imagine what would happen if Seol Jihu died, and the lost grudge clashed with the penalty of death.

Id have to be careful too, but for Jihu

The more she thought about it, the more she became worried about Seol Jihu.

The past Seol Jihu and the current Seol Jihu were like polar opposites. This difference would naturally cause a bigger confusion.

Seo Yuhui had managed to lessen her own sense of disharmony with Luxurias will and her self-control, but she couldnt figure out how much Seol Jihu must have changed.

Come to think of it, didnt he save the Ramman Villages villagers recently?

Seo Yuhui went out to check right away.

Its just that the sins Ive committed are too much to count.

And the reply she got from Seol Jihu

I wanted to lessen the guilt I was feeling

completely wiped out Seo Yuhuis concerns.

And I hoped that if I kept living right, I just might be forgiven one day.

His reply had changed from back then.

Future Vision had certainly influenced Seol Jihu, but it was helping him change into a better self.

Gula said so.

That the man had regretted everything.

That he wanted to start over at the end of his despair.

But what could that mans emotions have done after returning to the past in an incomplete state, without any memories?

It was simple.

That man wanted to change the past.

That woman wanted to help that man.

Seol Jihu was trying to save Paradise.

Then, what about me?

Seo Yuhui obviously wanted to save Paradise as well. If she werent fond of Paradise, she wouldnt have done so much for this world, for this long.

And when her thoughts reached this point, she decided to stop thinking that Future Vision was taking over her mind.

Instead, she took it as a wish and a request and accepted it.

To achieve the future that man and woman dreamt of together.

But, in a different direction than the two of them.

She would use their memories as guideposts, but she would not follow them, only using them as supplements. What kind of seeds would sprout, whether a better future would be created, would all depend on the current Seol Jihu and Seo Yuhui.

She didnt know what Seol Jihu thought of Future Vision, but it seemed he already accepted the subconsciousness and came to an answer.

Saving Paradise and saving Baek Haeju. Saving Baek Haeju and saving Paradise. The two Seol Jihus definitely had something in common.

That night, Seo Yuhui came to a decision. To stop worrying about this problem. To help achieve the current Seol Jihus dream, just like her past self did.

Because at the end of the day, that was the path she wanted to follow as well.

*

After that day, Seo Yuhui wholly began to devote herself to supporting Seol Jihu.

But perhaps because she did so too wholeheartedly, Seol Jihu began to suspect her.

She had accepted her feelings and was trying to get closer, so she couldnt help but feel a little bitter seeing Seol Jihu be so suspicious.

Sometimes, he even made her angry.

Why, why do you think Im older than you?

Youre a year older than me! Then again, it wouldnt be strange if someone saw us as a mom and her son. If thats the case, Id rather be a noona than a mom.

Yes, okay. Since Im the noona, can I talk to you more casually?

Of course.

Then, I will. Ji Jihu.

Now that she was trying to call him by his name, she couldnt help but feel a little embarra.s.sed.

But it wasnt as if there werent good things.

Funnily enough, what she remembered most vividly after Seol Jihu was his ramen.

It was so good that she noted down. His ramen is a drug, a potion that makes you fall in love at first bite.

She had been wondering about it and finally got the chance to at Huge Stone Rocky Mountain.

I, I want some.

When she took the paper cup full of ramen, she slurped up a mouthful with near reverence.

Mmmmn!

With one bite, her hands clasped together, her shoulders hunched, and her body shook.

N-No way!

She had doubted that simple ramen could be that good. But now, this thought had disappeared completely.

Luxurias will and her past lifes emotions were rampaging, telling her to eat more before other people s.n.a.t.c.hed it away.

Ah, really, this ramen! I dont know how long Ive waited!

She shouted inadvertently, stopping before saying, to eat this!

Itits well made. Ive been wanting to eat ramen for a while.

She laughed awkwardly and played it off.

In any case, Seol Jihu was changing slowly but surely. Although he sometimes went too far, Seo Yuhui a.s.sumed it was a side-effect of Future Vision and did not stop him.

Because she knew why he was acting that way and knew that it was necessary.

Then one day, danger arrived.

*

Arden Valley War.

The Parasites invaded humanity.

With three Army Commanders leading the way, to boot.

Seo Yuhui expected this to happen one day. The future had changed too much due to Seol Jihus actions.

And noticing this strangeness, the Parasite Queen launched an unprecedented attack into human territory to right the twisting future.

This was one of the many hurdles they would have to overcome. Seo Yuhui did not avoid it and faced the hurdle head-on.

However, the Parasites were too strong. Just when she thought it was over, something surprising happened.

Somehow, the past lifes Seol Jihu had appeared.

That man succeeded in annihilating Undying Diligence, who, in the past life, remained alive until the bitter end and spread his infamy. Then, he managed to force the Parasites to retreat.

But that was it. Although they managed to pa.s.s the danger, the aftermath was not something Seo Yuhui could handle.

Even as a Level 8, she could not bring a dead person back to life. Also, if she were to hold a Ceremony, she needed to know the spell she wanted to cast and go through the process of preparing appropriate offerings.

This was her mistake. Because she had only just turned Level 8 and had rushed to the battlefield, she did not find out what spells were available to Level 9 Priests and what price was needed to use them.

As she was stamping her feet, falling into despair while watching Seol Jihus breath stop

[Innate ability, Future Vision, has activated.]

Future Vision, which she thought only to be a subconsciousness that influenced her brain, revealed its true worth.

The past lifes Seo Yuhui prepared an altar immediately and made offerings. She then held a Ceremony and used the Level 9 spell, Extrema.

With that, Seol Jihu was able to escape from death by a narrow margin.

Thanks to Baek Haejus lifeforce and Jang Maldongs acupuncture technique helping him hold on, he was able to endure until the Federation arrived with the Elixeer.

However, he didnt open his eyes. Despite surviving the ordeal, he had fallen into a coma.

One year and six months in Paradises time.

Baek Haeju said as she looked at Seol Jihu, who was lying in bed.

One year is short even if you consider the death penalty, but two years is too long. I will wait for just six months in Earths time. If he doesnt wake up until then.

She was saying she would kill him.

It was true that it was better to revive on Earth than live in a vegetative state in Paradise. But knowing Seol Jihus secret, Seo Yuhui could not agree to it.

What if he wakes up?

I will still send him back to Earth.

Baek Haeju spoke as if it was obvious.

It might be a different story if he was an ordinary Earthling, but hes gotten too famous. Not only influential organizations but also the Parasite Queen will start to eye him after this war. Its too dangerous.

Seo Yuhuis eyes narrowed.

Baek Haeju didnt say they should send him back. She said she will.

Seo Yuhui didnt like the way Baek Haeju spoke as if the decision was final.

Anyway, thank you for your hard work. I will take care of him from now on.

At that moment, for some reason

No.

Seo Yuhui couldnt suppress her desire to protest.

Arent you going out of line?

?

He might not want to go back.

This is a surprise.

Baek Haeju blinked a couple of times before speaking coldly.

If youre trying to make use of Jihu for Paradises matters

Im trying to use him?

If youre trying to make Jihu get involved with Paradises problems, I will have to refuse politely.

Shouldnt it be Jihu and not you, who makes that decision?

Baek Haeju stared at Seo Yuhui fixedly.

I dont understand why youre saying this all of a sudden, but

She continued with a sigh.

Lets just stop here. Regardless, it is dangerous for him to stay in Paradise. I will send him back to Earth even if he wakes up.

What if he says he doesnt want to?

He wont.

Baek Haeju said firmly.

Jihus listened to me ever since he was young

She paused and smacked her lips.

Well, not always. There are two exceptions, but thats not whats important. Im sure he will come back if I ask him to work with me.

So, you wont force him if he says no?

As I said before, that wont happen.

Arent you being too sure of yourself?

Feeling that Seo Yuhuis voice was a little th.o.r.n.y, Baek Haeju raised her brows suspiciously.

Youre talking like you want Jihu to refuse.

Of course not. If Jihu doesnt say no, I have nothing to say either. I just want you not to force him.

Baek Haeju snorted.

Force him, huh. You might not know this, Miss Yuhui, but Jihu and I have been together ever since we were kids. We even lived together after we became adults.

Baek Haejus manner of speech changed slightly. She would talk this way whenever she got excited and couldnt pay attention to acting.

Theres no one who knows Jihu better than me. As I said before, Jihu might not listen to his parents, but he listens to me. With only two exceptions.

.

Of course, its the same for me. The only man I listen to and the only man who knows me well is Jihu. Weve grown accustomed to each other with how long weve been together.

Seo Yuhui snorted at Baek Haejus candid tone.

It sounds like youre his mom.

Well, maybe it looks that way. You can say were each others parents. Jihu taught me things as we grew up together, and I taught Jihu things too. The way we wanted each other to be.

The way we wanted each other to be? Baek Haeju was even talking proudly.

Though Seo Yuhui was curious about how the two dated, she shook her head.

Well find out.

Ive been wondering for a while now. Why are you so interested in Jihu?

The two womens voices went up. However, their arguing didnt last long. It was because Seol Jihu, who was in a comatose state, seemed to be pleading with them not to fight.

Thankfully, Seol Jihu woke up a month or two later. After recuperating in Paradise, he returned to Earth.

Given Baek Haejus personality, she would surely try to prevent him from returning to Paradise.

Seo Yuhui waited nervously.

The winner of the two womens battle was Seo Yuhui.

Seol Jihu had returned to Paradise with shopping bags in his hand.

Seeing his beaming smile, Seo Yuhui was even moved for some reason.

Of course

Just how did she groom him? Teach him some common sense.

When she opened the gift he brought her, she couldnt understand him a bit no, a lot.

*

After the valley war, the future most definitely changed.

There was no point in predicting anything. The only thing Seo Yuhui could do now was to prepare for certainty rather than uncertainty. Handling Roberto Servillo and the other traitors was one of them.

Because she jotted down notes when she first woke up, she had the memories on record. Of course, it wasnt that she remembered everything.

There were some parts that she couldnt remember at all, and there were many others that she was iffy about. Roe Scheherazade and the Empire Infiltration Mission were such examples.

The expedition to retrieve the stele did we succeed? Was it a trap? No, I remember the expedition being a rather easy success.

She couldnt stop Seol Jihu without certainty in a situation where something had to be done. Seol Jihu had mentioned the idea himself, and it didnt sound implausible either.

Feeling the end nearing, Seo Yuhui joined the Empire Infiltration Mission.

Then

Flas.h.!.+

The screen flickered off.

Once the screen disappeared, Seol Jihu could finally see a status window. He stared at the information at a loss for words.

[Seo Yuhuis Status Window]

Summoned Date: 2012. 09. 21

Marking Grade: Silver

s.e.x/Age: Female/26

Height/Weight: 170.2cm/56.4kg

Current Condition: Healthy

Cla.s.s: Lv 8. Ateras Saintess

Nationality: Korea (Area 1)

Affiliation: Valhalla

Alias: Flower of Paradise, Daughter of Luxuria, Star of l.u.s.t, Iron Wall, Squishy

After seeing Seo Yuhuis status window, Seol Jihus eyes trembled faintly.

No way.

Seo Yuhui wasnt lying. She really was Seo Yuhui, not anyone else.

What did I just.

He was in disbelief even after seeing the golden screen, but Seo Yuhuis status window was undeniable proof.

[4. Abilities]

1. Innate Abilities (1)

Future Vision (Grade Unknown)

Future Vision.

Seol Jihu gasped after confirming her Future Vision Innate Ability.