Chapter 582

〈 Chapter 582: Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 12 〉

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The café named “Farmer Juan” was established by a Spanish barista named Juan in New Seoul.

Once renowned worldwide as a top-tier barista, Juan eventually settled in Korea after traveling globally for some reason. The vacant office on the second floor of this café became the base of operations—a workshop and office—for the protagonist’s activities.

“Coming from America, huh? That’s quite the journey. Finding foreigners in New Seoul is no easy task. Nice to meet you. Would you like to chat with me if you have time?”

Of course! First-time players learn about New Seoul’s situation from Juan and gain awareness of the discrimination faced by foreigners. However, I approached Juan with three distinct objectives.

“Hmph… so you’re looking for an office?”

“Yes. Oracle Studio is scouting Eastern actors to join Hollywood. I plan to recruit people here in Korea.”

“Did you find an office?”

“Nope. Every place I checked was owned by <Yu-Sung Group>. With exorbitant rights fees and rent, it seemed destined for instant losses.”

“Hmm…?”

Juan’s eyes sparkled. I hid my grin while sipping strawberry ade. We both wanted to laugh.

[Farmer Juan is a barista, café owner, and landlord.]

– God-level landlord!


– Seriously, without Juan, romance would be impossible.


– Mr. Counselor 😭

As his commentary unfolded, viewers chimed in with their own stories about Juan. My first reason for approaching him: he owns this building.

“Would you mind taking a look at the office upstairs?”

“Is the office vacant?”

“Yeah. It’s been empty for a while now, though it needs tidying up. For an office setup, you won’t need much equipment. The previous tenant fled due to unpaid rent, leaving everything behind.”

“Hmm… sounds good. Do you know the owner by any chance?”

“Know him? I *am* the owner.”

The owner of the two-story café building, Juan left a favorable impression on the protagonist and readily rented out his vacant office at a relatively low price.

“Still, nothing’s free…”

“Can I take a look at the contract? If the price is reasonable, I’d like to move in.”

“Hmm… feels weird asking since we’re talking about signing a contract, but do you have a specific reason?”

“Reasons? There are many, but…”

The main advantage was that the monthly rent was 30% cheaper than elsewhere, and there were no <Yu-Sung> CCTV cameras inside the building—vital because exposing the protagonist’s <Commander> ability could cause trouble.

Thus, an appropriate excuse was needed. I winked while lifting my strawberry ade.

“Because your coffee is delicious. Wouldn’t it be great to buy one every day on my way to work? Hehe.”

“…Perfect reasoning. Alright.”

Juan and I exchanged contracts effortlessly, as if we’d rehearsed it. After cleaning up the second-floor office, the tutorial would essentially be over.

“Anyway, you must’ve suffered coming all this way. Any love interests?”

“Well… I’m also here to look for one.”

“Meeting Korean women will be tough, you know?”

“I’ve already formed a good relationship with a beautiful woman I met at the airport. She might even visit tonight, or definitely tomorrow. I’ll introduce her then.”

Juan chuckled while raising his cup. Though gray-haired, his youthful charm hinted at past conquests.

“You’re a Casanova.”

“Not denying it.”

“If you ever face difficulties, feel free to talk. I’ll always listen.”

This leads to Juan’s second purpose—and my second reason for approaching him. In the romantic simulation (miyeonsim), Juan acts as a helper guiding the protagonist through courting heroines.

“Korean women will differ greatly from those you’ve met abroad. When else will you get to enjoy such experiences? Hoho.”

“Much appreciated.”

Juan serves as a counseling device for players new to romance simulations. Additionally, each heroine has a favorite drink listed on the café menu, making the first-floor café a supportive space for romantic elements.

“It’s getting late. How about another round? This one’s on the house.”

“In that case…”

I ordered something special.

“With custard cream cheese and strawberries.”

“…Ho ho, not on the menu, but it sounds like an interesting recipe.”

My final reason for entering Juan’s building:

“These strawberry drinks surpass anything in reality.”

Even though it’s just a virtual game, Juan’s beverages are world-class. He’ll surely craft my favorite drinks endlessly.

“Not really. Since it’s rare, how about baking a cake too?”

“A shortcake with halved strawberries scattered throughout, please.”

“…Your preferences are so clear!”

Juan quickly rushed to the door, flipped the sign to “Closed,” and headed to the kitchen. His financial independence allows such unrestricted business practices.

“Landlords truly reign supreme.”

I leisurely sipped my strawberry drink, enjoying the moment.

* * *

[Sorry, I probably can’t make it today 😢 I’ll definitely come tomorrow morning!]

Unfortunately, Yuna couldn’t visit the office. Despite her intentions, Yuna isn’t one to lie easily.

“Ah, well. Since I’m alone, I’ll stream live.”

Typically, everyone heads to Gaon Nori next.

– Using honorifics makes it awkward lol


– Yeah, using them unlocks Nuri’s route, right?


– You need housing to complete the tutorial.

“That’s correct. The mission clearly states to secure both an office and a place to live.”

The multi-family residence <Gaon Nori>. This small building, designed to fit eight units per floor, is owned by the parents of one heroine, Kim Nori.

“Here, you meet Nuri while heading to the real estate office, advancing the storyline.”

The story begins when the protagonist stumbles upon young Kim Nori playing alone in the park. Conveniently located within a ten-minute walk from the café, it offers easy commuting.

“But we won’t do that.”

– ?????

“Why rent another place when I already have somewhere to stay? Pfft.”

– ?????

I pointed to the office. A few desks facing each other, along with a table and sofa for receiving clients, completed the setup. Adding just one item would transform this into my living quarters.

“The sole reason players need a home is to have a bed where they can relax privately. Meals can be handled via dining out.”

Since the game starts after minor preparations and commencing work, there’s no need for bathing or grooming.

Though shower facilities are necessary for hygiene, swiftly securing Juan’s approval to install one on the second floor solves everything.

“Isn’t it fine to adjust squads, train recruits, enhance abilities, and even practice magic-enhancing sex in the office? Besides, in the later stages, I’ll spend more time here than at home anyway, given the harem direction.”

In the heroine routes, the player ends up sharing space with the 17 main heroines. While others handle training or personal tasks, the protagonist can freely engage with different heroines without issue.

“And there’s another reason to live here.”

Choosing the original protagonist route meant selecting ‘her’ as the second heroine for the squad. Although skipping the airport encounter, <Chungun> Park Ra-on will still join our office.

“For heroines without homes, sharing daily life here… pfft.”

Again, the commander resides in the office. Let me reiterate—the <Commander> is rarer than winning the lottery, a 1 in 6 billion occurrence.

Such a person sleeping defenselessly in the office at night?

“Some players dislike forced scenarios, but this makes managing the harem easier later.”

It’s not because the protagonist desires it; rather, heroines willingly initiate encounters based on instinct and desire. Thus, I bear no fault—it’s the heroines who lose control.

“So, no need for separate housing. Right? But how does the system resolve this? Without housing, the tutorial stalls, right? Simple.”

I tapped my magical gear to dial a number. There’s a service that resolves anything for money.

“Yes, <Yu-Sung Furniture>? Could you urgently arrange a king-sized bed? Delivery location is…”

Foreigners’ spare cash buys swift solutions, doesn’t it?

* * *

<Meanwhile, at the Yu-Sung Family Mansion in New Seoul.>

“Chairman, this is the VIP request you mentioned.”

A sharp-looking man reported to an elderly man savoring coffee in his study. The elder sat comfortably in a rocking chair, relishing its rich aroma.

“Go on, what is it?”

“They’ve ordered a king-sized bed for the office. Likely planning to live and work there.”

“…Hmm, so that explains their sensitivity to CCTV.”

The chairman understood why the visitor had rejected other offices so hastily.

“Delay appropriately and observe the situation. If possible, guide them toward renting one of our apartments.”

“Apologies for the late hour, but they intend to hire retired heroes as evening staff. Including various expenses, it’ll cost around 2.5 million won.”

“If that’s the case, proceed. Prepare immediate delivery.”

“Installation of listening devices will be done accordingly.”

“Send it off once everything’s ready.”

The chairman showed no qualms about illegal activities, nor did his secretary question his orders.

“At the airport, this man shook hands casually with an Oracle. He’s likely connected to the Round Table or possibly part of American intelligence. Always ensure Xroids are stationed nearby.”

“Chairman, may I suggest placing someone in the café downstairs?”

“What?”

The chairman’s voice darkened. The secretary bowed deeply.

“My apologies.”

“…No. Your suggestion holds merit, yet long-term surveillance at the café risks exposure. Therefore…”

The chairman grinned cunningly, his eyes glinting like stars.

“I’ll send Yuha instead.”

“Wha… Cough. Are you suggesting sending Miss Yuha directly?”

“Why not? She loves coffee, doesn’t she? As far as I know, she frequents that place often.”

“Ugh…”

The secretary sighed inwardly. ‘En Yuha,’ the youngest child born before the chairman lost his wife, and the only female heir to the Yu-Sung Group, was notoriously problematic. Some joked she’d end up in jail if not tied to the group.

“I’ll contact Yuha personally. Dismissed… Oh, speaking of which…”

The chairman paused thoughtfully.

“Has ‘that item’ been secured?”

“It’s still at auction. Two parties are stubbornly bidding, showing no signs of backing down. It’s reached 1.5 billion so far.”

“…Secure it at all costs. At this point, it’s less about authenticity and more about pride. Up to 3 billion is acceptable.”

“Understood. It shall be secured.”

The secretary departed. The chairman smirked while sipping his coffee.

“Which woman dares interfere with my possessions…?”

His unusually irritable tone unmistakably belonged to a young woman.