“Being together was disgusting—let’s never meet again!” Do Hamin yelled, his face shadowed beneath his eyes as if he’d been rolling in the dirt for three months and ten days. In reality, it’d only been two days. “...Oh, come on—I’m joking, of course. Let’s just live one hundred years under two roofs, two buildings, keeping our social distance, please. Landlord and tenant: at least a kilometer apart. It’s written in the law.” Isn’t that the same as “let’s never see each other again”? The breeding center and the building can’t be more than five hundred meters apart—I guess he really wants to be rid of me. Still, he’d done his share of hard work. “Thanks for everything. Why not do some sightseeing before you go?” “I said I’m done! I’m going back. There’s nothing for me here!” Do Hamin backed off swiftly—smart guy. Well, I can call him again if needed, so I let him go. I gave him a kind, warm look; he shuddered and fled. “I’ll handle the center’s security. Fly first class. Treat yourself to something good.” I would have escorted him to the airport, but showing «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» my face there was still too risky. Though news of the Transient Crescent’s group chasing me had ceased once I left Africa, I didn’t know when they might strike again. After sending Do Hamin off, I asked the French Hunter Association for help. I couldn’t say, “We’re going to crash Seong Guildmaster’s wedding,” obviously. “We’ve discovered a possible terrorist stronghold. To keep it quiet, we plan a quiet raid with Korean Hunters only. Fortunately, it’s in an unpopulated area.” A convenient half-truth. The group that hunted us had targeted Isabella and Samir as well, so they were likely connected to Mari. Same fish, same bowl. Because it was near the Swiss border, I also notified the Swiss Hunter Association just in case. “If an Alpine dungeon bursts, don’t be alarmed—declare a Dungeon Break evacuation.” Always a useful excuse. Follow current novels on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✦𝓷𝓮𝓽 With that groundwork laid, next was: “A wedding calls for black and white.” Time to pick our guest attire. It’s a partner’s wedding, so we must look the part. “Will Seong Guildmaster wear white? I imagine something bright rather than black.” “I think so, too. So-young unnie agrees.” Yerim tapped away on her phone. “She asked me to deliver the gift money for her—and for Evelyn unnie. She said it’d be annoying if we didn’t.” “Hyuna asked, too. Whether it’s an arranged marriage or a kidnapping, we must give or there’ll be hard feelings.” I’d prepared the envelopes, but how much to put in? I’ve never given over fifty thousand won as a gift. Before Awakening, money was tight and I was a kid; after Awakening, I never attended weddings. Fifty thousand won felt like a fortune. At twenty, people just told me to buy them dinner and be done with it. “Come on, it’s the Guildmaster.” “Then maybe five hundred.” I peered down at Peace growling at my leg. A single meal costs ten million won... so five thousand? Actually, someone like Seong Hyun-je wouldn’t care about the amount. It’s the thought that counts, but still... “...When it comes to it: pour in a billion!” At my suggestion, Yerim clapped her hands. Of course, not actual cash—but gifts in kind. We’ll treat them properly. “All right, let’s all go pick out outfits. Dress code: black or white. Director Song, don’t be shy—come with us.” “This is business, after all. If we’re infiltrating to rescue a kidnapped Korean Hunter, we need proper attire. They say you can find extra-large suits here. Even hunter suits made with dungeon materials are readily available.” Doesn’t Europe make most suits anyway? I guess they’ll have my size. They say Britain is the land of gentlemen. “Noah knows a shop well, too.” “They do mostly custom, but top-rank Hunters often need suits in a hurry. They stock off-the-rack in various sizes. They’ll have something for you.” Since I tear through my clothes so often—“Yes, of course,” I whispered to Director Song. “If you don’t dress properly, the groom will squeal about it a hundred times after the wedding.” “He’ll think, ‘Poor Director Song came to my wedding dressed like that!’ and send a new suit every day.” “In every color! Delivered to your house. If you keep refusing, he’ll think you’re ungrateful and make your clothes himself. Oh, would you like one of Guildmaster Seong’s handcrafted suits?” Director Song said quietly. This is the chance for something sturdy and expensive! I wonder if they have any buy-one-get-one deals. “Yuhyun! Do you prefer black or white?” “I’ll wear the one you choose.” “But I want to see you, hyung.” “Then you pick for me.” Yuhyun smiled but seemed genuinely uninterested. He was better than he’d been two days ago, but his mind was elsewhere. No matter how gently I coaxed, he only said it was okay. ‘...I hope this gloom is just from the Chatterbox affair.’ I needed to fetch Seong Hyun-je quickly, then go home to comfort my brother. I missed the breeding center guys. It’s already been a month. In the car headed to Noah’s favorite shop, Yerim hesitated before speaking. “After we rescue Guildmaster Seong, I thought we could hang out with Bella for a bit.” “...What? With Isabella?” “We’ll clear a few dungeons, then slip the prince out as a bonus.” Rescuing the prince as “bonus”—so she plans to stay overseas even longer. And the distance was considerable. “Yerim, you’re only fifteen.” “I turn sixteen soon.” “That’s still too young.” “It’s no different than before. I’m not alone; I’m with an adult. And it won’t be for long.” True, but Isabella is still a stranger—and honestly, I’m not entirely confident in her... If it were Hyuna, I’d just nod and say, “Please take care of our girl,” without hesitation. “And we can’t just leave her to herself, either.” “Right. She’s already involved in our mess.” We could have used a Goodwill Item to free her easily under contract, but we decided to rescue Seong first, then talk. If we found Samir, Bella could handle the rest. Family matters—once free, he could handle them. After all, she’s S-rank. When we arrived at the three-story tailor shop, a friendly middle-aged man greeted us. “Knight Ruhir! Long time no see!” ...Knight? Mr. Gaber eyed us keenly, his eyes sparkling. “With a few alterations, these will fit perfectly. Didi, follow me!” He told us to wait a moment, then hurried upstairs. Did he take our measurements in that time? Does he have a skill for that? More importantly— Yerim looked up at Noah curiously. Noah guided us to a lounge off to the side and said casually: “In parts of Europe, Awakeners who clear dungeons are called Knights. In England, S-rank Hunters actually receive titles. A-rank and below Hunters can be granted titles for merit.” “Whoa—so I’m a Knight here, too... but the name ‘Park’ sounds weird with that.” “...That’s no better.” Yerim grumbled. A Korean surname doesn’t quite fit. But Sir Park Ye-rim has a certain ring. So Yuhyun is a knight here, too. Director Song would suit it perfectly. “Doesn’t Korea need to create something? Here they even grant royal titles.” “Korea is a democratic republic.” True—titles aren’t always desirable. Look at Samir—held under duress. Still, I’d have liked a title. Soon Gaber and his staff reappeared with suits. As requested, pure black and white garments. “I’ll wear the black. I one.” “Director Song, white! The white one!” “White! White! White!” A once-in-a-lifetime chance. I presented Director Song with a pristine white suit trimmed in gold embroidery. He flinched as if startled, but I insisted he try it on. He clutched the suit and entered the fitting room. “Noah, black suits you well, too. Yuhyun, try both of these. Mr. Gaber, do you have any child-sized suits? He’s this tall and of average child build, just a bit slim. And please, a bow tie for Peace.” We needed one for Cye, too. Cye, who sat primly on my shoulder, straightened his chest. “What do you think, Ajeeossi?” First up was Yerim, who emerged in her outfit and twirled. The trailing tails of her black tailcoat fluttered like a swallow’s tail. She looked sharp as a razor. “Perfect! It suits you so well!” She’d grown noticeably since the last Guildmaster’s birthday—taller and sturdier. Next, Director Song stepped out. “Wow—Director Song looks completely different. He was like a government official before!” The archetype of an official transformed into a groom by a single outfit. He could stand beside the bride instead of Seong Hyun-je. “Director Song... it suits you so well. You should wear this always! See how it lights up your face? Bright clothes brighten the spirit!” “Oh, but the white looks amazing! Let’s go with the white—yes! You look great! Perfect!” Mr. Gaber agreed, pinning the garment to Director Song’s shoulders. Then Yuhyun stepped out, wearing black with intricate silver embroidery. My jaw dropped. I’d seen my brother in suits before, but a lavish formal suit was on another level. “...My brother looks absolutely stunning.” “Well, it does suit him. His face does all the work.” “Of course I do! He looks like nobility—even without a title. If he walks into someone else’s wedding like that, he’ll steal the show.” He’s so handsome it’s amazing. I should have taken photos—maybe a group shot before the ceremony? I’d lurk in the back. Then, Noah emerged in a sleek all-black suit—the simplest of the lot. “Oh wow, Noah oppa looks like a real prince.” “Yeah, a prince for sure.” He glowed. Black clothes made his hair, face, and eyes sparkle. My goodness, so handsome. So-young would be tearing her hair out. I need to send Liet a photo. “That’s Ajeeossi’s suit!” While Mr. Gaber and his crew fetched more clothes, Yerim held up a bow tie. “A bow tie for Peace?” “For a black cat, only a bright red bow tie will do!” Aha! She planned to use her “not-cat” Transcendent form skill to disguise him—and only in emergencies—yet serenely insisted on red. I tried to explain that her skill was for Delloise the Transcendent, not everyday use...but she breezed past me and asked, “What about blue?” “Seong Ajeeossi will love it.” “But Ajeeossi wants to be petted.” “He said he wanted to be petted.” “Noah oppa said he really wants to be petted.” “One day a week—only one day. I’ll even buy a cat tower.” “...Yerim, Ajeeossi is a person.” Even you, Yuhyun? I mentally leaped in shock, but thankfully he held a normal suit in his hands. I had to wear one too... but it felt embarrassing. Why did I suggest dressing up? Now I have to join them... “I don’t care much about clothes. Maybe I’ll wear a mask.” “No, just a bow tie and you’ll stand out!” Yerim, please give up. And Peace looked cuter. Cye was cute, too. Three black, one white; I and Cye chose white. Peace picked a gold bow tie. The day before the wedding, after finishing Hwangrim’s request, we returned to our hotel. “I’d have liked to look around, too. So a group attends the wedding? Bold.” “What madness. More importantly, what happened to the Transient Crescent? Wasn’t it under your care?” “Pets sometimes run away from time to time. I’ll put up flyers.” This guy doesn’t even deserve to own a pet. He’s barely human, more like an item. As dusk painted the sky, we set off for the ceremony, clutching the equivalent of ten billion won in gift money.