Chapter 567

〈 Chapter 567 〉 [Lily Side Story] Chang-yeom and Phoenix 021

After forming a provisional contract with Yun Yuhwa…

I’m currently enjoying a luxurious life at sea near Jeju Island aboard Yu-Sung’s yacht, surrounded by all kinds of strawberries.

Before I fell into this world, I had visited Jeju a few times by plane, but this is the first time staying in an ultra-luxury hotel for an extended period.

“Yuha, strawberries.”

“Yes.”

“Yuha, strawberry cake.”

“Yes.”

“Yuha, coffee.”

“Yes… Just a moment. Aren’t you asking for strawberries?”

Yun Yuhwa—well, the Xroid possessed by Yun Yuhwa—is now serving as my personal attendant. While spending most of her 24 hours functioning as a doll and AI secretary, she occasionally possesses the body to chat with me about various things.

“I need a bit of caffeine to keep my brain sharp.”

“For that, energy drinks would be better…”

Yuha handed me the coffee she had prepared. As I sipped the strong black coffee and took a bite of the strawberry cake,

[Omnom…]

Who needs forks? Using a fork feels like such a luxury. Yuha fed me pieces of cake with her fork while I was busy operating my Magical Gear.

“This is amazing… I never realized until hearing it firsthand.”

“Thanks to big data. Now, we need to exploit this country’s resources—Core materials—to the fullest.”

I spent hours pondering how to capture monsters around the hotel and collect Cores. Although Sun Icheol exists, limiting our freedom of movement, as a Hunter, I still have some leeway.

“We need a way to make lots of money without getting taxed too heavily.”

In other words, within legal boundaries, there are many constraints on making large amounts of money. While I can earn plenty through backdoor means and maintain my position of power, taxes here skyrocket if you want to operate openly.

“I accept the duty of paying taxes, but having them go directly to Sun Icheol is annoying.”

“That’s surprising. I thought you’d hate taxes altogether.”

“I don’t dislike them, but I also don’t love them. Still, I think you should pay according to what you earn.”

[Actually, conquering heroines is the goal. Hehe.]

“…”

There’s a Black Market in this game, where one can engage in illegal trades through connections like Yun Yuhwa.

Here, no taxes are levied. Since it’s illegal, the tax burden is minimal, requiring only a small fee to settle most Core transactions. Dealing with Yun Yuhwa can even slightly increase her affection level.

However, the closer you get to “illegal” activities, the more distant you become from others.

“You’re saying something someone might like, aren’t you?”

“Who? That guy?”

“…Not him.”

Yun Yuhwa deliberately held back her words, probably thinking that if I knew this person was a beautiful woman, I’d immediately start causing trouble.

Baek Hee-a.

A political heroine and a unique figure within the association, she is both Sun Icheol’s rival and simultaneously—

[A patriotic conservative heroine.]

A heroine who prioritizes national prestige and security, dedicating herself entirely to the endless development and glory of her homeland.

Thus, the more illegal actions you take, the lower Baek Hee-a’s affection drops. Especially sensitive to taxes, engaging in tax evasion could turn her from a potential romantic interest into an outright enemy.

[What a dilemma! Breasts or buttocks? They’re both empty vessels…]

On one hand, you have Yun Yuhwa, whose affection rises when you evade taxes to amass wealth.

On the other hand, there’s Baek Hee-a, whose affection increases when you pay hefty taxes for the nation.

For most players, they must choose between these two paths.

But not me.

[With overwhelming wealth!]

By paying heavy taxes and secretly amassing wealth, I can satisfy both sides. Neither will have any grounds for complaint as long as I sweep up enough money.

“Yuha, did everything we discussed earlier go well?”

“Of course. Everything has been properly laundered as per your request?”

To achieve this, I’m searching for financial sources. I want to minimize interference from others while avoiding taxes and preparing to counter the most dangerous threats in this country.

“In three days, when the ship arrives in Jeju, we’ll set off immediately.”

“Alright. Let’s depart right away.”

My Magical Gear displayed a map of a specific location.

Incheon.

More specifically, Yeongjong Island.

“Behold, the Incheon Landing Operation.”

We plan to land on the island and sweep away the monsters.

—

Late at night.

Seok Harang sat alone on a bean bag chair, sipping a drink containing blueberries.

“…So lonely.”

Recently, feelings of loneliness have grown stronger than ever before. Though she couldn’t leave Busan, her counterpart ended up being tied down in Jeju.

A hero bound to their region.

People react very sensitively when heroes leave their posts.

Even Guangjian, the guardian of New Seoul, hasn’t ventured outside the city in years, and neither has Seok Harang.

Unless it’s for official visits to the headquarters in New Seoul, leaving Busan would cause quite a stir.

Even for official reasons, people complain loudly. What if it were for personal reasons?

“…I’d get criticized.”

Seok Harang stepped out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing and muttering to herself.

“I miss you…”

“Me too.”

“Huh?! Wha—?!”

Startled, Seok Harang stumbled backward. Right before her eyes hovered a woman with shimmering blue wings—the very person she had just been missing.

“W-WHAT IS THIS?!”

“I missed you, so I came to see you.”

“H-how about Jeju?! What about your duties there?!”

“Well, if there’s an emergency, I can respond quickly. The military keeps reserve units ready within five minutes anyway. Do you really think anyone would nitpick about that? Hehe.”

Phoenix folded her wings and entered the room, carrying a neatly wrapped cake box in her hands.

“I’ll be handling some serious business tomorrow, so I won’t see you for a few days. Thought I’d visit.”

“…I’ve heard about it.”

Seok Harang fidgeted with her fingers.

“Are you sure you don’t need my help?”

“Hmph, do you want to go on a date with me in Incheon instead?”

“N-no, that’s not what I meant….”

Phoenix suddenly pulled Seok Harang into a tight embrace, standing on tiptoe on her toes and pressing her chest firmly against Seok Harang while whispering into her ear.

“Sorry, Harang, but we need to deal with nearby monsters first.”

“…What I mean is, it could be dangerous.”

“Heh. Don’t worry.”

“…”

Seok Harang seemed hesitant to speak further.

It appeared she had gained some insight into the realities of New Seoul during her years as a hero, which made her reluctant to voice her concerns openly.

“I’ve already gotten approval. Taxes might be a headache, but thanks to Yu-Sung’s help, it shouldn’t be a major issue.”

“Partnership with Yu-Sung…?”

Yu-Sung reorganized one of his guilds to form an alliance with Strawberry Guild, Phoenix’s guild in America.

Blue Wind Sect.

The hunter guild created by Yu-Sung announced externally that Phoenix serves as an advisor, though she doesn’t actively participate, focusing instead on nurturing promising young talents.

In essence, Phoenix earns her income solely through advisory fees paid by Yu-Sung.

“The public opinion isn’t bad either. They seem to like the academy-style setup. Some even asked if their hunters could be temporarily dispatched. Hehe.”

“Phoenix, among those involved, there must surely be…”

“I know. I understand your worries, Harang. But listen, human society is pretty much the same everywhere.”

Phoenix grabbed Seok Harang’s waist and led her toward the living room. Laying Seok Harang down gently, she looked deeply into her eyes while holding her shoulders.

“I faced similar situations in America too, yet I survived. My judgment of people is solid.”

“…I trust you, Phoenix. Just let me say one thing.”

Seok Harang closed her eyes tightly and wrapped her arms around Phoenix’s waist.

“Don’t trust anyone in this country. No one.”

“Motherly advice, huh?”

“…Including me.”

Harang flipped Phoenix over with a swift motion, pinning her beneath her as she stared down with a serious expression.

“Because at any moment, I could overpower you like this.”

“Oh my…”

Phoenix grinned lazily, lightly licking her finger.

“With you, Harang, even being pinned down sounds delightful.”

“…”

Seok Harang growled softly and grabbed Phoenix’s chest.

“Your… words sound ridiculous, don’t they?”

Crack.

Seok Harang grabbed Phoenix’s cheek and kissed her roughly, albeit clumsily.

—

[An hour-long kiss?!]

‘I didn’t expect her to be so proactive.’

I put Seok Harang to sleep after a deep session. Though I haven’t taken her virginity yet, once again, we ended up grinding against each other passionately.

It wasn’t that I particularly enjoy grinding—it’s just that seeing Harang tremble with pleasure made it impossible not to.

‘If only I had a penis, she’d probably enjoy it even more.’

[Hmm. Harang seems content just spending time with Phoenix.]

‘True Platonic affection mixed with eroticism creates the ultimate experience.’

[Even this morning, you two were kissing naked.]

“…”

I had nothing to say. Feeling embarrassed, I adjusted my collar to cover my neck.

While others might have simply licked and finished, spirit interactions involving grinding are extraordinary.

“Customer?”

“It’s nothing. Just reviewing the plans.”

After clearing my throat, I scanned the surroundings.

“There are quite a few.”

“They’re all looking forward to reclaiming Yeongjong Island.”

This expedition team consists of 20 members.

Though it may seem small, considering the number of Special Ability users in this country, it’s an impressive group. Especially given our destination.

However…

There are no actual humans here.

[When five people gather, one of them is…]

‘Always a monster.’

Out of the 20 Special Ability users before me, four are spies sent by Sun Icheol—so-called “monsters.”

The remaining 16 are Yu-Sung’s Xroids, tasked with monitoring and observing the spies’ movements.

‘Just wait, Tattoo Guy.’

The moment you recklessly teleport near me, I’ll grab you and spread your legs wide.

[You’re not going to grind with the tattoo guy, right?]

‘I won’t grind.’

Grind.