This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 276

Baeksulhwa’s Perspective

“Hahm… what are you two up to?”

I already knew that Chae-rim was awake this morning, which was unlike her usual self.

How could I not notice?

The sounds of her fidgeting in bed were so loud that I didn’t even need to use my talent to realize it.

Despite Dogun being sound asleep, likely to the point where he could be carried off without anyone realizing, I refrained from doing anything but waking him up.

If I even hinted at something suspicious, I knew Chae-rim would jump in as if she had been waiting in the next room.

Anyway, I was already aware that today was an unusual day for Chae-rim, who typically takes until 11 a.m. to roll out of bed. So I anticipated that there might be some interruption.

How was I so sure?

Well… I would naturally act the same way.

What kind of woman would quietly watch as the man she has her eyes on heads out alone with another girl?

What more can I say?

The reason I had been subtly urging Dogun was that I was worried about that very point.

If I could just get him out of Chae-rim’s reach at home?

I thought that no matter how determined Chae-rim was, she wouldn’t be able to interfere.

But what do you know?

Contrary to my expectations, Chae-rim showed no signs of movement whatsoever.

Perhaps being so far ahead of the game, she felt no need to intervene at all.

Or maybe she wanted to cause a disturbance but lacked a suitable reason to do so.

Whatever the case, it was a good situation for me, so I was eager to slip out of the house.

Yet who would’ve thought she’d push in at a time like this?

It was an ambush executed at the most unexpected moment, and I couldn’t help but feel flustered.

“Are you perhaps… on a date?”

It made me realize something once again.

Among the three special-class heroes, I now understood why Chae-rim was treated like the top one.

She definitely had a knack for catching her opponents off-guard like this.

“Oh, no! This is just… I’m helping with my senior’s training…”

“Hmm, I see?”

“I thought I mentioned it last night…”

“Really? Did you?”

Goodness gracious, “Did you?” she asks.

Just earlier, I distinctly saw Dogun nodding after saying he might be out for the day— and now she’s asking that?

Is it that someone with her level of status can manage their expressions so effortlessly?

“Oh… right. That’s true.”

And yes, she surely remembered.

If not, there would be no reason for Dogun to throw a glance my way while he briefly distracted himself.

‘I thought she was a respectable person…’

Until now, I had certainly believed that.

But I just learned something new.

No matter how strong someone’s sense of justice is, when it comes to the person they like, they’re just another woman.

“But… you two are doing this alone?”

“Huh? Yes, well… I guess so?”

“Hmmm… Did you say Dogun prepared the training menu?”

“Yes.”

“I’m curious about how you train, so would it be okay if I tag along to watch?”

And of course, it was just as expected.

While it was fine if we were all together, she clearly wasn’t keen on letting us be alone.

“Uh? Watch?”

“Yeah, I told you. I’m curious. And… maybe I can help with something?”

“Oh, certainly…”

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, the fact that a special-class hero was saying that made it incredibly convincing.

Perhaps that’s why, even though Dogun initially showed slight reluctance, he soon seemed to be persuaded.

But this meant I had to shake off Chae-rim without Dogun’s help.

What should I do?

How can I get rid of Chae-rim?

After thinking for a moment, I immediately spoke what came to mind.

“Surely… it would be helpful if my sister observed the training. After all, she might see things that either Dogun or I can’t.”

“…Right?”

Perhaps she couldn’t have predicted that I would agree so readily.

Unlike before, the speed of her response was sluggish this time.

So I didn’t miss that opening and continued.

“Then, how about next week? Is that convenient for you?”

“…Huh? Next week?”

“Yes, next week.”

“Next week, you say?”

“Oh… I thought we should focus on regaining our rhythm this week. Since my sister is kindly offering her time to train us, I can’t show her a clumsy side, right?”

To cut a long story short, it seemed impossible to completely block Chae-rim’s interference.

There just wasn’t a solid justification for it.

But… postponing by a week did seem entirely possible, so I cautiously attempted it; looking at Chae-rim’s response, the effect didn’t seem too bad.

I was saying I’d prepare as best as I could for her sake; it would be a bit rude to suggest otherwise.

“Uh, hmmm… that makes sense…”

“Then I’ll remember that you’ll come to help next week.”

“…Alright.”

She must have decided that resisting me further wouldn’t be worthwhile, as her expression seemed rather reluctant now as her gaze quickly shifted to Dogun.

“By the way… what time are you leaving and when will you be back?”

“Uh… I guess…? After training…?”

Of course, there was nothing Chae-rim could particularly gain from this.

That was only natural.

After all, I was the only one who knew the training location and time.

Was she planning to glean information from Dogun and use it for something else?

But as soon as she attempted to act, it ended in failure, and even Chae-rim couldn’t hide her puzzled expression.

“Well then… while you’re out training, make the most of it.”

“Yes.”

“And… if something happens, you know what to do, right? Don’t hesitate; just call immediately.”

“Hey, I’m not going alone; my senior will be with me.”

“Even so.”

With that, Chae-rim glanced at me and then added,

“If for some reason it’s hard to call, just send a vague text. I’ll understand and come find you.”

“Sure.”

“And don’t give vague answers!”

“Yes.”

Watching them converse while facing each other, it was clear something felt a bit different.

Well… it would probably all end today anyway.

“Baeksulhwa, take good care of Dogun.”

“Yes.”

Even without her reminding me, I would’ve done that, but I suppressed those words inside and nodded instead.

“Okay… then, take care.”

With that, we left the house with Dogun, leaving Chae-rim behind.

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Dogun’s Perspective

At that very moment, Baeksulhwa sighed with relief, successfully slipping away from Chae-rim’s grasp.

In a different sense, I too had my own relief, for I had sensed there was something oddly tense in the air between Chae-rim and Baeksulhwa.

Honestly, how could I not notice?

Just moments ago, I had been standing precisely between the two.

‘What just happened…?’

What was that about?

Was there some sort of disagreement I didn’t know about?

As such thoughts crossed my mind, I hurried to keep pace with my senior, who was walking slightly ahead.

“I saw you and my sister getting pretty close, huh?”

That sudden comment flowed into my ear.

I panicked.

“Y-Yeah…?”

“No, it just looked more natural than before when you two were talking.”

Really? Did it?

“Is that so…?”

“Yeah, so I wanted to ask…”

Why was she hesitating to say something?

“Did something happen between you and my sister?”

In an instant, the question struck me like thunder, tightening my nerves.

“Uh…”

I ended up dumbfounded.

“W-Well, we’ve been living together for a while now, so maybe it just became more natural?”

“Hmm, is that so? Well… if you say so, then I guess it is.”

Was it because I was flustered?

We hadn’t walked for long, but my heart began racing loudly.

I felt an urgent need to change the subject because that strange sensation was something I wasn’t accustomed to.

“By the way, where’s the training location?”

So, I prioritized that question, skipping over every other thought.

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

Just as I finished my question, my senior turned towards me, replying swiftly.

“Maybe… you’ll like it too.”

That smile seemed deeply meaningful.