Chapter 404

〈 Chapter 404 〉 Part 1, Episode 17, Section 12

Hydra leaned her head against the wall, seething with anger. Sure, unpredictable and idiotic actions had happened before, but when they kept repeating, it was bound to make anyone irritated.

Thus, she needed to seriously judge Xian’s true identity and act accordingly. And the conclusion Hydra reached was only one.

-Isn’t this punk a spy sent by Phoenix?

Staying up all night, pressing their chests together while slowly scanning for magic power had paid off. Xian left Hydra in just her underwear—though even that was made of hero suit material—and let her sleep soundly without touching a single hair on her head.

During her sleep, there was no missed opportunity to pinch her cheeks, feel her muscles, or sneakily lift the covers. She put far more effort into these acts than scanning Xian’s magic power.

“……Damn, if only you were a little uglier.”

Correction. If only you looked different. While muttering under her breath, Hydra drenched herself in scalding hot water to steady her mind.

‘So, this guy is definitely a monster sent by Phoenix. Likely dispatched worldwide to search for me, Azidahaka, or Penril.’

That made sense. The reason Phoenix herself went to Mexico as Cheongnyeon must have been either related to the Cube or an incomprehensible Penril. That was the conclusion after spending the entire night sleepless, pondering over and over again.

Not long after Phoenix went to Mexico, an unknown monster appeared in Rome.

The monster exuded fire attribute magic power.

And the mysterious word Xian used at the end of a phone call.

‘Hail Rusalka.’

There aren’t many beings who would know the word ‘Rusalka.’ Furthermore, using the word ‘Hail’ deliberately suggests he was speaking German.

The voice he used during that covert conversation wasn’t something an ordinary person could hear—a monster’s magic-infused voice. If Ceres hadn’t been Hydra, she wouldn’t have heard it at all.

Why go through such lengths to ensure others couldn’t hear? Combined with confirming Hydra was asleep and carefully avoiding waking her, the most plausible answer remained ‘Phoenix’s spy.’

‘The invocation of Rusalka’s name and talk about killing cardinals are likely codes. Right?’

So, let’s confirm now. Hydra, still damp from the bathwater clinging to her body, dried herself with a towel and slipped into a gown. Feeling uncomfortable re-wearing the underwear she’d already worn once, she hoped for fresh ones. Opening the door and tying up her wet hair with a towel, she returned to the room.

“…What are you doing?”

“Waiting for the protagonist.”

Xian was standing by with a hairdryer, waiting for Hydra. Only then did Hydra realize her mistake. But pretending to be calm, she dispelled the moisture from her hair using her special ability.

“I don’t need a dryer; I’m a special ability user.”

“I wanted to help set it.”

“…”

Xian stood in front of the mirror with a comb and hairdryer.

“Ceres-san.”

Xian pointed cheerfully at the various tools laid out on the vanity.

“Can I add some curls? No, let me do it. Actually, yes, please let me. Sit down right now.”

“…”

Hydra’s hair was toyed with like a mannequin in a hair salon under Xian’s hands.

* * *

As expected, mid-length C-curls suited Hydra best. Just like Karna and Raon, despite being older sister types, her pretty face made her stunning regardless.

‘If I awaken as Ji Ryun, I’ll have the option to choose.’

Even non-commanders awakening as spirits can easily change hairstyles. Karna can switch genders at will; surely Ji Ryun could do the same.

The question remains: dark brown long hair or mid-length? A disturbance causing countless people’s decision paralysis.

Kim Nori at elementary school size, 140cm, versus SS-rank explosive growth model figure, 167cm Kim Nori.

Madam-like Baek Hee-a as captain of the Death Dinass and blood-unrelated younger sister type Baek Hee-a.

Long straight-haired Ji Ryun versus perm-style short-haired Ji Ryun.

One of the three great mysteries of the original game, and personally, I didn’t care which side it was. As long as both routes were cleared, it was fine.

‘Still, C-curls really suit Hydra.’

Shortcuts are Raon’s exclusive style. Though hers is slightly different now, having Hydra just with short hair caused me various inconveniences. So, I fully utilized the styling skills I learned for Chang-yeom to beautify Hydra. Or rather, Ceres.

“…It’s annoying.”

Ceres cut her toast violently with a knife, sulking. The ankle-length long dress was perfect for going out. Made of knit material, it covered her from sleeves to ankles, yet the slim fit accentuated Ceres’ figure. People who came for the hotel breakfast were distracted by me and Ceres.

“Why?”

I bit into strawberry jam-smeared toast. Ceres enjoyed conversing during meals, as long as she finished chewing before speaking.

“Because you’re beautiful.”

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

Ceres touched her slightly curled hair with the hand reaching for the knife. I worried if I needed to redo the styling, but Ceres subtly fixed it with her magic.

“This means I can only have this hairstyle from now on. It’s annoying.”

“You look good with any hairstyle because the original is so great.”

“Flattery.”

“What would I gain by flattering you? We’ve already shared the same bed.”

Ceres said nothing. She dipped ciabatta into whipped cream irritably, while I spread strawberry jam and cheese on the leftover piece she’d nibbled on.

“Still, you’re quite aware you’re beautiful, aren’t you? Does Mr. Xian treat every woman like this?”

“Nope. Only to beautiful women. Ah, thank you. Please help clean up later. We’re eating together now.”

“Is there a server anywhere who clears dishes as soon as they’re empty? Didn’t you notice that person intentionally came to clear them just now? That’s called flirting.”

“Flirting? You’re not as good as the person in front of me.”

“…Why doesn’t this compliment feel pleasant?”

“Because it’s the truth.”

No matter how decent-looking a 5-star hotel server might be, they can’t compare to spirit-heroines. In terms of looks, only Hidra could rival Chang-yeom.

‘Still, not even Chang-yeom compares.’

The sun is always above the earth. That’s an unchanging truth.

“Mr. Xian, you seem to be thinking something extremely unpleasant about me right now.”

“Not at all. I compared you to my wife. You’re pretty too, but my wife is the most beautiful in the entire universe.”

“Really? World? Mr. Xian, until when will you chase after an illusionary existence? Has that person ever called your name?”

“…”

Having had their name taken away, they were referred to only in second person pronouns. When I couldn’t respond and stayed silent, Ceres mocked me by waving the bread knife.

“Has that person ever kissed you even once?”

“Ah, that one…”

We kissed basking in sunlight at Jungdongjin. Ceres’ expression hardened.

“…Isn’t the first kiss supposed to taste like liquid crystal or something? Yeah, I know everything. So has that person done anything else?”

“Uh-huh.”

Though I’m unsure if the main event happened, at least we progressed to certain actions. Ceres’ expression twisted in a way indescribable.

“Mr. Xian, are you really married to Qinghua?”

“Pfft. Not yet, not yet. Would be nice though.”

Synchronization is required to truly become a husband and life partner, but the relationship with Chang-yeom was still lacking one level. Ceres teased me while wiggling her fingers.

“Hmph, so it’s not confirmed yet. Mr. Xian is impressive. To have such a relationship with someone like her… Then am I still possible?”

Ceres replayed Qinghua’s morning live broadcast still raging. Wearing sunglasses, Qinghua secretly stormed each guest room early in the morning, capturing sleeping heroes and hunters on camera. Yangchunja screamed and slammed the door shut without makeup.

“That’s not the case. I’m not in that kind of relationship with him.”

“…? Didn’t you say earlier you wished to marry him?”

Ceres pointed with her bread knife at Qinghua again. Sorry to Gaeul, but Gaeul isn’t Chang-yeom.

“Yup. There’s someone else I love.”

“…Ugh, nevermind. Talking to you makes my brain hurt. Nevermind. Just tell me today’s schedule. Let’s hear why you threw me into the shower this morning.”

“My job is simple. Human observation.”

“…”

When I saw Ceres putting her knife and fork aside, I raised my hand. Following my lead, Ceres got up, and we returned to the room, prepared briefly, then left the hotel.

“Where are we going?”

“To Vatican.”

I lifted the steel case and signaled for a taxi.

“St. Peter’s Square.”

“…Why there?”

Ceres’ expression grew serious. Watching various thoughts arise in her mind made me smile involuntarily, which I turned into a gentle one. I flicked the steel case with my finger.

Clang–

Ceres must have realized what was inside the case from the sound alone. Of course, inside rested the Walther PPK I procured myself.

“By the way. Do you have time today?”

“Plenty of time.”

“Then would you give me all your precious time today?”

I extended my hand toward Ceres.

“I want to buy your time for today.”

“…My time is incredibly expensive. No matter how rich Mr. Xian is, money won’t cover it.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make it worth every bit.”

“With what?”

I tapped my temple with my index finger. Ceres seemed completely clueless, so I gave her the direct answer.

“Traces, memories, recollections.”

“What?”

“I’ll make sure this time spent together becomes the happiest and most enjoyable moment in your entire life ahead.”

My hand remained extended toward Ceres, Hydra, Ji Ryun.

She silently stared at me expressionlessly, then grabbed my hand.

“Cheesy line. Do you say this to everyone?”

“Not at all.”

I leaned forward and whispered in Ceres’ ear.

“It’s because it’s you.”

Ceres tightened her grip. Hand in hand, we moved toward Vatican.

* * *

“…”

Ceres, Hydra sat dumbfounded with gelato in both hands. Her left held the rye-flavored gelato she chose, and her right held a strawberry-flavor cone. Realizing since yesterday, she genuinely loves strawberries.

“…”

Hydra chuckled involuntarily. Choosing a gelato involved joking around, leading Hydra to pick strawberry flavor for Xian. Hydra had that level of discernment.

‘I originally planned to choose mint chocolate.’

Penril of Gale had long established territory where mint chocolate landed in Vatican. Hydra thought about giving it to Xian but refrained as a fellow monster.

‘When should I reveal it?’

Missed timing repeatedly. Whether touring cathedrals, strolling through squares, or riding trams, conversations never ceased. It felt like all traces of Rome and Vatican were being replaced by Xian’s presence, leaving Hydra feeling pricked.

“Of all places, here…”

For Hydra, this was an incredibly uncomfortable location. Some inexplicable guilt made her lips twist upon realizing her state.

“You crazy woman, think you’re on a date?”

Hydra steadied her mind. The reason Xian dragged her around everywhere was actually to secure assassination sniper points. Thinking why Phoenix’s spy would target a cardinal brought the Azidahaka Gate incident into focus.

Could Phoenix have dispatched Xian as a hitman to eliminate Cardinal Adolf Wilhelm, suspected to be Azidahaka’s pawn?

‘Got the wrong end of the stick.’

The cardinal isn’t Azidahaka’s monster.

‘It’s mine.’

A loyal servant to Hydra. Thus, Hydra was unsure how to handle Xian trying to kill her own minion.

‘Monster… Can I possibly take it over?’

Even B-rank, if she focused slightly, could provide entertainment until the day of destruction. Far better than some old man bowing to death for a chance with Hydra’s eldest daughter.

“…”

When will it happen? Just as Hydra frowned under the warm sunlight, someone placed something over her head. Looking up, it was a straw hat freshly bought from a street vendor.

“To protect your skin.”

“…I’m a special ability user. Why would my skin burn?”

“Fine, correction. To shield your face from the sun. You’re too bright to look at.”

Xian pointed skyward and grinned slyly. For some reason, today’s sunlight felt particularly warm. Time approached noon.

“Alright. Mr. Xian, starting human observation now?”

“More or less. This spot…”

Xian sat on the bench, slipping his hand into his inner pocket.

“…Perfect for shooting.”

“…You mean soaking in the sunlight?”

“…”

Xian pressed his finger to his lips and winked. Hydra grew uneasy.

Romantic as it may be, if he’s truly a hitman?

“…The noon mass is starting.”

In the center of Vatican Square, Cardinal Adolf Wilhelm, half bald, appeared. His upper lip sported only a mustache.

“Ceres-san.”

Xian pulled Ceres close by the waist with one hand.

“If anything big happens in between, stay close to me. Got it?”

“…”

Hydra instinctively understood.

‘Is this kid planning to use me as a hostage?’

Amidst Hydra’s complicated feelings, the solemn noon mass began under Cardinal Adolf Wilhelm.