Chapter 402

〈 Chapter 402: Part 1, Chapter 17, Section 10 〉

Original Protagonist.

Right now, he goes by the name Xian, but this Baek Cheonghwa fellow was good-looking and had an innocent, pushover vibe. No matter how much he furrowed his brow or tried to look stern, his limit was that of a kind-hearted adult trying—and failing—to look intimidating in front of a child.

“Hmph hmpf~ This is great. I told you, my eye for people is spot-on~”

As soon as Ceres entered the hotel room, she sprawled out on the bed. Her dress was crushed, but she didn’t seem to care one bit. I sat down at the chair in front of the table.

“Ceres, keep this up and it’s going to be troublesome.”

“Why?”

“You know why. I’m taken.”

“But you’re here alone right now, aren’t you? I saw you book a twin room earlier.”

“You’re relentless, really.”

It was clear she was dead-set on extracting money from me.

“Ceres, do I *look* like I have that much cash?”

“Yes. A ton. You must be rolling in it! Just look at your clothes—nothing but high-end brands. Don’t insult me with that act. How about a date? Or…”

Ceres rose from the bed and opened the cabinet. Even though it was a five-star hotel, since I’d booked only for one male guest, they’d added services that weren’t strictly necessary. Ceres held up a gold-foil-wrapped condom between her fingers.

“Are you getting worked up already? Let me freshen up!”

“Way too blatant, Ceres. Sorry, but I’m busy today. I need to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting. And Ceres, let me make something clear—I’ve got money, but I stick to principles.”

I stood up from where I was sitting. Ceres looked bewildered by my lack of action—my coat still on.

“Thinking of chasing other women just because I’ve got money? With someone as pretty and sassy as a spirit like you around? Or are you the type who avoids anything messy? Or maybe sympathy?”

“Neither sympathy nor picky. I’m just principled.”

I tapped my card key against the doorframe as I stepped out.

“I’ll get you your own room at this hotel, Ceres. Let’s call it even for a week. Anything longer won’t work.”

“… …”

“Life doesn’t always go according to plan, does it?”

Ceres collapsed onto the bed in apparent resignation. As I stepped into the elevator heading down to the lobby, I couldn’t suppress the upward curl of my lips. The impeccably uniformed hotel manager looked awkward for some reason.

“Excuse me, but could I reserve another room? Is there any available?”

“Ah…”

The manager shook their head apologetically.

“Excuse me, customer. Unfortunately, all rooms were booked ten minutes ago.”

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

“Even spare rooms kept aside?”

“That’s correct. They’ve all been taken.”

It was baffling—had they emptied out every temporary vacancy just for this? The manager explained the situation with a deeply apologetic face.

“Please understand. The British Royal Family is visiting starting tomorrow, and they’ve rented out entire floors… even the staff quarters.”

“Huh.”

Why now, of all times? The manager whispered quietly, then typed a message into their smart gear.

[VVIP, 3.]

“… …Understood.”

With no results, I returned to the room. To make matters worse, I hadn’t even pulled the card key out before descending, so I had to ask Ceres to open the door for me.

[Give me about twenty minutes~]

Relaxed as ever, Ceres left me waiting outside for precisely twenty minutes. When the door finally opened…

“I’m sorry! Took me a while to shower.”

Ceres greeted me wearing nothing but a white bathrobe. The scent of grain-like body wash wafted from her.

“So, Ceres… seems we’re in an awkward situation here.”

“????”

“…They said all the rooms are gone. Just as I was about to head down.”

“……Ahahahaha!!”

Ceres clutched her stomach and burst into uncontrollable laughter. Mortified and flustered, I struggled to maintain composure.

***

A little later.

We ordered two servings of food via room service—the manager understanding the situation decided against additional charges. Ceres ordered creamy risotto, while I opted for strawberry jam toast and coffee.

“Taking care of yourself? That’s not gonna cut it if you’re expecting to put in effort tonight.”

“This is enough. Besides, stop assuming we’re doing anything tonight.”

“Even if I do?”

Ceres brazenly untied her robe, revealing a perfectly toned abdomen with defined abs. For a moment, I wanted to spill my coffee all over her but managed to restrain myself.

“I’m taken, remember?”

“One night stand with a college girl during a business trip? It could stay under wraps.”

We agreed to speak casually without formalities—it felt more natural for both of us.

“Encouraging infidelity now, are you? Not happening. And stop walking around half-naked; get dressed.”

“…”

Ceres pointed lazily at the dress and underwear she’d tossed carelessly on the shelf. She only had a small handbag besides that—no other luggage.

“Buy me clothes.”

“Do you even have shame? I was trying to avoid harsh words, but seriously?”

“What’s harsh about that? Someone I know went full-on swearing calling people bald bitches and whatnot.”

Though internally, I wanted to unleash far worse curses, they somehow filtered themselves out automatically. Unaware—or perhaps aware—of my inner turmoil, Ceres smeared her lips generously with creamy risotto and licked it off dramatically.

“Don’t play with food.”

“First time someone complains about this instead of calling it disgusting.”

“Did you order the risotto on purpose?”

“Yeah. Why not? While we’re at it, can I also get a cream pie?”

Should I really throw the coffee cup at her? Instead, I shoved the toast into my mouth, stood up, and headed to the small sink near the vanity to wash my hands. After slipping back into my coat, I turned to her.

“Where to?”

“Clothes shopping.”

“Do you even know your size?”

“Ballpark figures should suffice.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to try them on first?”

“92.”

I adjusted the hat hanging on the hanger.

“58, 75.”

“…What exactly are you?”

“A producer?”

I fished out a business card from my wallet.

“My job is traveling the world recruiting models and actors. Just saying.”

I left Ceres alone in the room and walked out the door. Behind me, I heard frantic rustling as she hurriedly dressed.

“…. …”

Two choices: Should I go with her or separately? Either way carried risks. Perhaps keeping her close would be safer. I shrugged off my coat and stepped aside. With a loud thud, the door swung open.

“Wait—”

“Waaack!”

Startled by my sudden appearance, Ceres stumbled backward and landed on her butt in the doorway. I tossed my hat onto its hook and extended a hand toward her.

“Just a reminder not to rush so much.”

“…Is this some twisted form of teasing?”

“Just telling you to take your time since you’re not going alone.”

Carefully, I helped Ceres to her feet despite her being a capable special ability user.

“Tch, my clothes are wrinkled now.”

“Sorry about that. It’s chilly out, so here.”

I draped my coat over her shoulders. Ceres accepted it without complaint, clearing her throat.

“It’s warm and nice. Hmm. Alright, where are we going?”

“As you wish?”

“Huh. Are we hitting the department store to go wild?”

“Yeah, whatever you want. But there’s a condition.”

I fiddled with the tag on her borrowed coat.

“Any specific designer in mind? Yu-Sung. US.”

“Wha…t?”

Ceres’s expression contorted.

“Isn’t that place known for awful clothes?”

“Yeah, the clothes are bad. But the non-clothing items they sell are top-notch.”

“?????”

I placed my hand on her side and gently pulled her closer.

“Hmph. Acting all proper until now, huh? Hmph hmpf.”

“You’re pushing it. Back in the day, I used to—”

“Nope. Let’s not go there.”

“Heard you used to fly around a lot?”

“I still do. If it weren’t for work…”

“Yeah? So, Ceres, let’s call it quits here.”

“…You’re such a strange person.”

Ceres seductively smiled and pressed herself against my side again.

“Well, as long as you’re buying, I’m game.”

Ceres sensually licked her lips like a snake.

***

We claimed we were going clothes shopping, but the taxi dropped us off somewhere far from any department store or clothing outlet.

On the outskirts of Rome stood a massive electronics market. Among the stores, one prominently labeled [US STORE] caught our attention—a four-story behemoth lit brightly despite the late hour. Inside, the staff bustled about in formal attire, though there were no customers in sight.

“I didn’t even know this place existed.”

“Fair enough. On the surface, it’s just an electronics store.”

Ceres glanced skeptically at me. I nudged her waist lightly with the hand resting on her hip and ushered her inside.

“Just follow me.”

Whoosh.

The automatic doors slid open, and a blond man bowed gracefully with a welcoming smile.

“Welcome to the US Store. Is there something specific you’re looking for?”

“We’re here to buy some clothes for this young lady.”

“…Sir, I must apologize, but we don’t sell clothing here.”

The employee chuckled awkwardly, and Ceres jabbed me in the ribs. But indeed, they did sell clothing—clothing worn by certain products.

“To see the stars.”

“…? Ah, ah! My apologies! It’s been so long since we’ve had visitors looking for that. Hehe, forgive my mistake, esteemed VIP.”

“It’s fine.”

The employee’s demeanor shifted instantly. Ceres blinked in surprise at the VIP title, and I guided her downstairs as instructed by the employee. Through a hidden underground passage accessible only to authorized personnel, we traveled for quite a while.

And we arrived. A clothing section.

“…Isn’t this kinda creepy?”

“You asked for clothes, didn’t you? Least you could do is consider the giver’s preferences.”

“They say these days heroes pretend to be proper but secretly indulge in raunchy escapades with Azidahaka. Sounds like you fit the mold, Xian.”

“If I were a special ability user, I might’ve ended up the same. Ceres, wasn’t this what you expected when you approached me? Compared to that, I’m being pretty tame.”

I gestured toward the Xroids displayed along the walls, each dressed in various outfits and waiting in standby mode.

“Racy lingerie and swimsuits are basic, but there’s also nurse, flight attendant, secretary… wow, they’ve got everything.”

“Sure. Pick whatever you like. There’s casual wear too if you prefer that.”

“But the sizes don’t match mine.”

“These are all hero suits. Designed to repair themselves if torn. Just input your measurements, and adjustments will be made automatically.”

“Whoa…”

Ceres gingerly touched the glass wall, visibly overwhelmed. While she browsed through the “clothes”—more accurately, suits—I called over the employee who’d led us down.

“Looking for anything specific?”

“Still no bio-androids in stock, I assume?”

“…We’ve placed orders, but even the main office has limited supply. Apologies.”

“No problem. But I do have a favor to ask.”

I leaned in closer so Ceres wouldn’t overhear, whispering softly.

“The young lady plans to purchase an Xroid. Could you please strip the outfit and deliver it here by morning? Dispose of the purchased units accordingly.”

“…Customer?”

Confusion and apprehension flickered in the employee’s eyes. Hero suits were expensive, but Xroids were premium European goods costing as much as luxury cars. Requesting only the suits understandably startled him—but I knew the magic phrase to resolve his doubts instantly.

“She’s a special ability user.”

“…Wow. Lucky guy. They say it’s amazing working with special ability users.”

“Yes. Hmm. By the way—”

I subtly flashed my magical gear watch.

“Let me handle this. Thirty credits, yours.”

“…Twenty would suffice. Yes. We’ll ensure delivery by tonight.”

Tock.

I transferred the funds directly from my magical gear to the employee’s smartwatch. Now, everything was set.

“…Customer?”

“Hehe, just wait and see.”

“Xian! I’ve decided!”

Ceres stretched her arms wide and shouted.

“I’m buying everything here!”

“… …”

The employee gaped, alternating his gaze between Ceres and me. Ceres proudly lifted her chin.

“What’s wrong? Scared now? You said you had money, didn’t you?”

“Just pick a set of lingerie and something to wear when we leave.”

“Hmph, alright. I’ll be generous and limit myself to two.”

“No, I meant pick something to wear when we leave. The rest will be delivered by the staff.”

“…But I count nearly thirty sets with my eyes alone?”

“Will you handle it?”

“Of course. Once you’ve selected, we’ll process the rest immediately.”

“… …”

In the end, Ceres settled on a plain secretary suit.

***

“Really not gonna do anything?”

“Yeah, I’ve got an important appointment tomorrow.”

Ceres seemed genuinely perplexed as I gently patted her head and tucked her in. Despite lying together without engaging in physical intimacy, she appeared oddly satisfied.

“…Am I really going to sleep? You’re sure you’re not gonna regret this? You’re not planning anything sneaky while I’m asleep, right?”

“Nope.”

After repeatedly reassuring Ceres, I finally managed to drift off.

Indeed, the protagonist buff.

Never expected to reel in such a big fish from the start.

And coming here as Baek Cheonghwa has been a stroke of luck.

‘Nice to meet you.’

Hydra.