Chapter 912

EP.912 [Light Novel Side Story] Chronicles of the Death Dinastia Vol.2 Side Story 03

<Incident 5> But there was no helping the discount…

“So, shall we go with the Yoo-Sung brand bed?”

“Yeah. Surprisingly, their beds are pretty good.”

“Mr. Yun Yuhwa, this isn’t one of your subsidiaries.”

“Hmph. Indeed.”

Xian and Raon had jumped around on the mattress so vigorously after eating that it felt like they could invite Nuri to use it without any issues. Only when it reached an acceptable level did they get up from the bed.

“Excuse us.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for making so much noise.”

“Ho ho, it’s alright.”

Xian and Raon bowed in apology to the waiting staff member outside the soundproof room, which was decorated like a model home. The staff member glanced at their disheveled clothing and the clock, which showed ten minutes had passed, then smiled knowingly.

“Wow, you two must be newlyweds! You’re quite energetic!”

“No…we’re not married…”

“Ah! Then you’re cohabiting?! Are you preparing for married life together?!”

“That…it’s not exactly…not that we aren’t…”

Xian scratched his head. Though they weren’t cohabiting, the idea of setting up a new household wasn’t entirely wrong. Raon pointed at the bed and asked the staff member.

“This one seems good. However, there’s no price tag…”

“Catalog!”

The staff member cheerfully transmitted the catalog data containing the bed information. When Xian and Raon checked the price through the holographic digital showroom, their eyes widened in shock.

“What is this…a bed or…?”

“Nine…how many…?”

“It’s a premium product custom-made through core processes, from the headboard to the frame and mattress!”

The staff member grinned as she blocked their path. Her expression clearly said, “You didn’t seriously think you could do that and not buy it, did you?”

“Wait a moment. This exceeds the value of one of my bullets!”

“Xian…apparently, the one we picked is the most expensive bed…”

Raon trembled all over upon seeing the bed’s price. To Raon, even a 200 won cup noodle was a luxury; this high-end bed costing several million won might as well have been from another world.

“Raon.”

“Yes.”

“Stop worrying about money. Did it feel comfortable when you laid down?”

“…It felt extremely comfortable. But Xian, even so, it’s too-”

“May I add something?”

The staff member leaned close to Xian with a sly smile. Having quickly figured out who would be paying, she forcefully tapped the numbers floating in mid-air.

“Currently, we’re running a back-to-school sale, offering a flat 10% discount on all furniture!”

“…”

“And oh my! If you join the Yoo-Sung membership, you get a 7% billing discount, plus interest-free installment payments for 12 months! And here’s the really important part…”

She lowered her voice conspiratorially.

“We’re also running a special wedding preparation discount for couples getting married in May. It’s a 40% special discount! We only have room for 50 couples…”

She adjusted the numbers. The first digit changed.

“There are still 14 couples who haven’t taken advantage of this offer. By any chance…?”

“Just a moment.”

When the first digit turned into a 2, Xian’s eyes lit up.

“Can we go inside and take another nap?”

“Oh my…”

The staff member covered her cheek with one hand while smiling awkwardly. Though she appeared embarrassed, her hand was already opening the soundproof room door.

“Xi…Xian?”

“Come on.”

Xian pushed Raon from behind into the room. Being shoved by Xian’s single arm, Raon re-entered the soundproof chamber, while the waiting staff member closed the door with a laugh.

Creak, click. As the automatic door closed and locked, it became a truly isolated chamber where no one from outside could enter.

“Raon.”

Xian cleared his throat and sat astride the bed.

“How about we rest here for a bit?”

* * *

After a honey-sweet rest, the two left the soundproof room about an hour later, taking the employee’s business card and practically fleeing the mattress store. They solved their hunger with some snacks at the food court, then Xian grabbed Raon’s sleeve to move to a new location as they were heading back to the office.

“Xian, where are we going?”

“Young master Jun will find us housing, so now we need clothes.”

In front of the clothing store, Xian tried to take off his coat to give it to Raon. Raon frantically waved his hands in refusal.

“Xian! If you do that, your arm will be exposed!”

“There’s something more important than showing off my scarred arm.”

Xian struggled to take off his coat with his remaining strength but failed miserably, so eventually Raon helped him remove it.

“Put it on.”

“But…”

“There’s no ‘but.'”

Xian blushed while pointing at the full-length mirror. Raon looked at his reflection in the mirror, holding the coat draped over his arm.

A white long-sleeve shirt tightly clung to his body. Due to his chest, the shirt was lifted slightly, exposing just below his belly button. His jeans fit so snugly they were closer to leggings than regular pants.

“…Ah!”

Realizing something, Raon covered his stomach with Xian’s coat. Raon’s face turned beet red, and his lips trembled.

“…I should have covered my lower dantian.”

“…”

“Carelessness. Kuuuugh!”

Raon struggled to pull down his shirt. While holding it down, he barely managed to cover his belly button, but even that state was embarrassing in front of others.

All Xian could do was ask him to put on the coat.

A little later.

“It’s warm.”

“Of course, it’s tailor-made.”

With Raon wearing Xian’s coat and Xian tying his empty knitted sweater around his right arm, Xian successfully sealed away the monstrous creature that had been making people uncomfortable with his coat, sighing in relief as he led Raon forward.

“Xian, so about clothes…”

“While we’re here, you should get something nice.”

Xian pulled out his terminal and operated it with his left hand, pulling up a profile. Raon half-closed his eyes and asked Xian about his intentions.

“What’s this?”

“Your three sizes from when you wore the bodysuit last time.”

“……Why? No, wait a moment.”

Raon adjusted the numbers in Xian’s database profile. Upon seeing this, Xian was shocked.

“What…”

“I’ve moved up to D-cup, haven’t I?”

Raon slightly lifted the front of Xian’s coat beside him. Clearly showing off, Xian couldn’t look away.

“It used to be C, but my waist decreased by one inch. All thanks to you, Xian.”

“When fat around my abdomen started burning as mana filled me. Thanks to that, my lines have become sharp again like before.”

Raon traced a line from his sternum to his navel with his finger. Instead of going straight down, it curved dramatically, leaving Xian entranced.

“I thought I’d let you know in advance since if we make another suit, we’ll need to adjust the measurements… Xian? Xian?”

“……Thank you.”

I’m grateful in so many ways. Though I don’t fully understand why, all I can say is thank you. As Xian sheepishly smiled, Raon placed his hand gently on his lower abdomen and raised the corners of his mouth.

“All thanks to Xian filling me completely.”

“…….”

Since it wasn’t exactly wrong, Xian couldn’t refute it. He scratched his head and pointed inward to the clothing store. Having easily passed by the men’s section, Xian stopped in front of the women’s clothing boutique with Raon and pulled out his terminal from the pocket of his pants.

“Well, let’s wait a moment. Women probably should choose women’s clothing themselves. Now-”

“Xian.”

Raon interrupted Xian.

“Are all the clothes you’re buying for me being paid for by you?”

“Huh? Yeah. What about it?”

Raon’s eyes sparkled.

“If so, then I suppose I’m borrowing clothes bought by Xian. Second question: Is this being paid for from guild funds or out of Xian’s personal money?”

“…Guess I’ll have to use my own money, huh?”

“In that case, there’s no need to call anyone else.”

Raon snatched Xian’s terminal and stuffed it into his coat. Like giving a presentation to his superior, Raon stood facing Xian directly, speaking clearly.

“If it were guild expenses for equipment, we’d ethically need to consult with others. But since this is simply Xian purchasing personal items, there’s no need to involve them. These are solely Xian’s personal items, purchased with his own money. I don’t think there’s any reason to call other team members just because of this.”

“My…items? That’s what they are?”

“Yes. They’re your items. I’m merely ‘borrowing’ them.”

Raon crossed his arms and pulled the front of the coat together. With almost identical heights, there wasn’t much difference in eye level, but Raon slightly bowed his head, curling up slightly while raising his eyes toward Xian.

“You said women’s clothing should be chosen by women. Let me clarify one thing…”

Raon approached until he was inches from Xian and whispered into his ear on tiptoe.

“I’m a woman too, you know?”

“Ah, Xian. How about a white dress shirt? Something semi-transparent?”

“We’ll need a few nightgowns too. Can I try them on?”

“Stockings? Black or white… Ah, both? As expected, Xian is wise.”

“Gyurk, Xian. The underwear you just picked feels a bit tight on the chest. Could you come in for a moment and help me with it…?”

“Xian? Xian? Yes? Young Master Ha called…Xian!”

Just before being dragged into the fitting room, he escaped with the coat.

<Incident 6> Interrogation

Hwan, who had been secretly skipping work at the café, went back to work shortly after and drove around looking for suitable guild house buildings.

While searching for guild houses, he received an urgent call from Xian and picked him up, shivering in the parking lot where he had parked at Yoo-Sung Department Store.

“Weren’t you out shopping with Raon?”

“…I gave her my card and told her to buy clothes. Ugh…”

Xian vented about his recent ordeal. Shopping for clothes with Raon had been fine until she tried on each piece of clothing he selected, changing into them one by one.

Among these were some rather revealing outfits, and before he knew it, what started as a fashion show in the fitting room escalated via escalator until he was even asked for help in the lingerie section.

“Yeah, but why did you leave?”

“When she came into the fitting room wearing only underwear and asked for help taking it off, how was I supposed to…?”

“Ah, I see.”

Ha Yu-Joon chuckled and drove toward the outskirts. Xian lied to Raon, saying he had to urgently check out a guild house with Ha Yu-Joon, who sympathized and helped create an alibi.

Though he felt bad for Raon, he needed to eat too.

“It’s better than causing a sexual harassment incident at the department store. Good call.”

“Was it really the right decision…?”

Ping. Xian’s terminal rang. It was a message from Raon. Xian brought up the message on the screen and answered, worried.

“Is something wrong… Hik.”

[Does it suit me?]

Upon seeing the photo in the message, Xian immediately wiped the screen with his hand. Ha Yu-Joon kept his eyes forward but sneakily glanced at the photo that hadn’t disappeared yet.

“What kind of photo is that-”

Squeal! Ha Yu-Joon slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, there were no cars following, but Ha Yu-Joon seemed ready to grab Xian by the collar.

“You and your sister-in-law are in THIS kind of relationship?!”

“…I’m confused too, so please calm down.”

Xian fiddled with his terminal, equally bewildered. Did he see it wrong? He swallowed hard and flipped the terminal over.

Whirr-

Another message arrived. It was Raon again, and both of them swallowed nervously.

“I’m not looking.”

Ha Yu-Joon gripped the steering wheel firmly and kept his eyes forward, determined not to glance sideways. Relieved by his resolute attitude, Xian sighed internally.

‘Relieved?’

Why am I relieved? Xian briefly pondered this but quickly rationalized it, convincing himself.

‘Since she asked for my opinion… it shouldn’t be shown to others.’

Raon must believe that I wouldn’t show these to anyone else. Otherwise, this casualness wouldn’t make sense or…

Gulp.

Xian swallowed and opened the message,

[Does this design look bad?]

‘Violet!’

Xian immediately swatted the screen after seeing it. Ha Yu-Joon tilted his head back toward the sky.

“Geez, what IS it? Even though it’s none of my business regarding your relationship with Sister Raon…”

Ha Yu-Joon looked at Xian with pity.

“As my personal advice, I think you should reply to each message.”

“Brother, are you crazy?”

“…That’s why meddling is no good.”

Ha Yu-Joon sneered at Xian and pointed to the back seat.

“Hey, move to the back seat. And stop worrying about me; focus on commenting on Sister Raon’s photos.”

“Should I really do this in the back?”

Ha Yu-Joon reached out and opened the passenger door. With the threat of being kicked out looming, Xian unbuckled his seatbelt like his butt was on fire and moved to the back seat.

“Should I really reply to this?”

“Of course.”

Ha Yu-Joon restarted the car engine. His voice sounded slightly sharper than usual.

“At minimum, say it’s pretty and suits her. Add some soul to each comment. Got it?”

“……?”

“Do you understand?!”

Why is this guy getting angry? Before sparks flew, Xian ducked his head and cautiously turned on the terminal.

“……Hmm.”

Gradually, photos taken from different angles began bombarding Xian’s terminal.

“……Jealous.”

So absorbed was he that Xian didn’t notice or hear Ha Yu-Joon gripping the steering wheel tightly, trembling, and gritting his teeth.

A little later.

When Xian said he wanted to use the restroom, Ha Yu-Joon parked nearby at a park and immediately called Raon.

“[…] ? Since you took Xian…”

“Umm, Sister. I sincerely apologize, but…”

Ha Yu-Joon made excuses. That he didn’t intentionally look, that he accidentally saw once while driving with Xian in the passenger seat. Despite his fervent apologies, Raon’s voice softened slightly.

[Even if you’re that sorry, I don’t understand why. It’s fine. But does it suit me?]

“Yes…to the point of envy…”

[What? So you’re saying I suit Xian to the point of envy? No! Not yet!]

Aaaah. Ha Yu-Joon clenched the steering wheel tightly so Raon wouldn’t notice. The blood drained from his fingertips.

“…Well, it’s fine. But Sister, in my personal opinion…”

[What, what is it? Don’t tell me you misunderstood…]

“Even so, sending such photos could lead to leaks, couldn’t they? Shouldn’t you be more careful?”

Ha Yu-Joon’s concern was perfectly reasonable. If Xian ever had ill intentions, Raon might not be able to walk with her head held high anymore.

[Hmph, it’s fine. I trust Xian.]

“Is it really okay to trust him just because of that…”

[I’ve decided to dedicate my body and heart to serving Xian. If Xian shows these to someone else, there must be a reason for it.]

Ha Yu-Joon fell silent. Raon’s unwavering trust in Xian was frighteningly strong.

[Don’t you do the same? For Yoo-Sung.]

“Ah. Well, I…”

Ha Yu-Joon laughed bitterly.

“I’m loyal to money.”

“Still, Sister. Even so, sending pictures…”

[Hmph, Mr. Ha. Isn’t he the type immune to physical attacks?]

“That’s true.”

[If I send pictures, won’t he save them and cherish them for a long time?]

“……Wow.”

Ha Yu-Joon was impressed.