Chapter 459

“Though it’s a shabby place, please come in.”

In the heart of that Bizarre Space, a man welcomed them.

He resembled a rabbit in a ruined city, a man whose vibe was oddly fitting amidst the scenery, despite feeling out of place.

With a surprisingly tall stature for someone who looked so cute, it was Park Jinseong.

Jinseong greeted them with a bright smile and warmly led them towards a table, gesturing for them to sit in the pre-set chairs.

One, two, three, four.

Odilia, Agnes, Ella, and Anastasia settled into their seats, and once they were all seated, Jinseong began to prepare beverages.

Clink.

The flame of a portable burner lit up on the table, and the small pot of water resting on top started to boil. The water, which seemed to have been boiled just moments ago, quickly bubbled up again.

As soon as the water began to heat, Jinseong plopped a small cloth pouch into the pot, followed by a generous amount of sliced ginger. After adding granulated white sugar, he gave it a good stir.

Bubbling.

The sound of boiling water.

The aroma of cooking ginger.

And the rich scent of coffee transforming into something darker.

The top floor of the building, which had previously harbored no scent of human presence, was now filled with a delightful culinary aroma.

“Wow, it smells good!”

Anastasia sparkled her eyes at the combined fragrance of coffee and ginger, alternating her gaze between the pot and Jinseong as if asking when she could taste it, or perhaps urging him to let her taste it quickly.

Jinseong smiled at Anastasia’s reaction and held up his hand as if to say, “Just a moment, please.”

Clink.

After a little while, Jinseong extinguished the flame of the portable burner and grabbed the handle of the pot.

Then, he crafted a makeshift strainer using tightly woven cloth and poured the same amount of the beverage into four mugs, placing each in front of them.

“This is ginger coffee. I hope it suits your taste.”

The rich aroma of ginger mixed with the familiar scent of coffee.

And amidst it wafted a subtle sweetness.

Beverages for the four were ready to be served.

“Oh my, I’ll enjoy this.”

“Cough, cough.”

“Hair Park, I’ll enjoy this.”

“Wow!”

The four displayed different reactions as they slowly lifted their cups of the unfamiliar ginger and coffee concoction.

Anastasia was the first to take a sip.

Eagerly glancing between the pot and Jinseong, she grabbed her mug without hesitation and gulped down the potion.

It was steaming hot, straight off the boil, but Anastasia utilized her overflowing Life Force to withstand the heat.

With that first sip, Anastasia beamed and declared, “It’s delicious!”

As Anastasia marveled at the taste, Ella blinked a couple of times before delicately lifting her mug. Elegantly, as if at a tea time, she brought it to her lips, gently blowing on the bubbling coffee to cool it down.

Carefully, she sipped it, making sure it was silent.

It was a display of sheer grace.

The taste of the coffee that danced on her tongue was….

“Oh my.”

Perfectly aligned with Ella’s palate.

Not too strong, but aromatically spreading the scent of coffee, intensifying with the flavors of ginger clinging to her tongue, and the lingering sweetness that wrapped around the initially pleasant flavor to prevent it from turning unpleasant.

“How curious…”

Though it was a combination she was tasting for the first time, it surprisingly suited Ella’s taste.

From the amount of ginger to the slight sweetness, topped off by coffee beans that piqued Ella’s curiosity, every element seemed crafted just for her.

“Hmm… if only there were a little more ginger…”

Of course, it couldn’t be to everyone’s liking.

Sipping her coffee with her legs crossed, Odilia thought the ginger should have been a bit stronger, with an invigorating spicy kick.

But she didn’t voice her opinion.

Unlike others, it felt a bit… inappropriate to express such a complaint to Park Jinseong.

Swallowing her discontent, she took another sip of coffee.

Next to her, Agnes…

“…This.”

Was slightly taken aback by the memory-evoking scent and flavor.

“Is this… a commonly enjoyed beverage in Korea?”

Jinseong smiled brightly at Agnes’s question.

“No. It’s still a rare drink in Korea.”

Jinseong replied.

“It’s a beverage commonly enjoyed in Tanzania.”

Tanzania.

As that word left Jinseong’s lips, the three of them, excluding Odilia, reacted.

Agnes’s eyes darted as if recalling something, Ella’s eyes widened in surprise, and Anastasia looked intrigued, glancing between the drink and Jinseong.

“Tanzania…”

“Yes. A fascinating country. However, the unfortunate aspect is that it has poor public safety and is home to many dangerous individuals.”

Jinseong stated, looking towards Ella and Anastasia.

“Especially for those reminiscent of Frau Winter and Frau Lentz, with hair as beautiful as snow and eyes akin to ruby, it’s a place to avoid.”

Agnes’s eyes slightly widened at Jinseong’s words.

White hair.

Crimson eyes.

Characteristics often associated with individuals who suffer from Albinism or congenital genetic disorders.

“Venturing into dangerous places should be left to brave adventurers or pioneers. It would be wise for you two to steer clear of such perilous locations, wouldn’t you agree?”

Jinseong questioned, meeting the gaze of both Ella and Anastasia.

As if seeking a response, yet implying only ‘agreement.’

“Yes? Yes…”

Ella complied easily with Jinseong’s intent.

Anastasia hesitated for a moment but, after locking eyes with Jinseong for about three seconds, she seemed to realize something and nodded with a sweet smile.

“Got it!”

Hearing the affirmative responses from both, Jinseong beamed.

“For those who embark on adventures, courage is a virtue, and for those who pioneer, valor is required. However, not every virtue that is a virtue for adventurers will apply universally. Generally, it’s wise to avoid dangerous areas, especially when the motive for venturing there isn’t something like a soldier’s mission toward the battlefield, but merely for travel.”

Clatter.

“That’s why Tanzania… sadly, but surely, for Frau Winter and Frau Lentz, it could be deemed a country they’ll likely never visit. It’s far too hazardous for the both of you. Even more than jungles filled with wild beasts.”

As Jinseong closed the lid of the pot, he added.

“However, to say you can never go there does leave a bit of a yearning behind. Thus, I prepared this drink for you two, hoping to ease that disappointment of not being able to visit Tanzania, even just a little.”

A bright smile.

Eyes sparkling in a crescent shape.

An attitude reminiscent of a shrine.

Sweet words that linger pleasantly in the ears.

“Then, are you satisfied with it?”

“Yes? Yes…”

“Yep!”

“Then, I’m glad.”

Jinseong seamlessly gleaned from the responses of the two that they wouldn’t be venturing to Tanzania anytime soon, instilling in their minds the impression that it’s a nation to avoid due to its dangers. Additionally, the peculiar yet somewhat mundane beverage – not something that ignited feelings of wanting to travel to some exotic land – effectively dulled any possible curiosity they may have had.

Truly a cunning strategy.

‘Could it be…’

Having noticed Jinseong’s ploy, Agnes couldn’t help but ponder.

Could they have knowledge of the tragic events that transpired while the three were in Tanzania?

‘Hina and Ella might not know, but…’

Suspicion. Yes, suspicion.

It’s a matter of time before Anastasia and Ella discover their birth secrets.

That’s a question that will require a bit more time to delve into.

But… Park Jinseong.

That young man, whose innocent smile radiated kindness.

‘…Seems like he knows something…?’

Especially when considering that he’s a shaman…

His words conveyed deeper meanings.

Agnes stared at Jinseong with a scrutinizing gaze.

Was it the sharp glance he sensed?

As he was gazing at Ella and Anastasia, Jinseong’s head subtly turned.

And their eyes met.

Smile.

When Jinseong met Agnes’s gaze directly, he flashed a bright smile.

A naive-looking grin that could effortlessly disarm suspicion.

Yet still, Agnes’s wariness did not easily subside.

Reflecting on those poignant words from Jinseong…

Considering his innuendos regarding Ella and Anastasia’s past.

And the manner in which he sought their agreement, as if warning or foreshadowing a foreboding future.

Something seemed hidden behind that grin.

It could be something mysterious or… perhaps.

Something ominous, coiling towards the image of ancient witches.

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