Rachel is nervous. It is the first time she has been asked to do something, and she has to do well. She has been swept by the concurrent vents, and one day, she becomes so involved that she can no longer stay a bystander.
“Where to, princess?” An official from England has come to Cube on the Cruise Ship. He is Kyle Elliot. Learning that Her Highness wishes to tour the SS Anne Cruise Ship, he has no choice but to allow her.
He is Rachel's effective subordinate, and while he can reject the princess’s request to his discretion, he’d rather be in her good graces. England is a declining nation. Watching the Combat Exams, Kyle feels more pessimistic about the future of England. “How are you doing, princess?”
The geniuses the likes of Kim Suho and Chae Nayun must be a terrible presence for the princess who has so many responsibilities on her shoulders. The last time Kyle hears is that the princess is beaten in one theoretical subject by Kim Hajin.
“…” Rachel understands her vassal’s worries. She admonishes herself of what she should prioritize first— responsibility to her country, or responsibility to the world. What the Sinful is doing is meaningful, and its weight is possibly heavier and grander than she can imagine. But what if this is all a delusion?
“I am fine, Kyle. Thank you for worrying about me.” She comforts her vassal of his worries. For now, she needs to be on standby as a backup.
She sits on a comfortable reclining chair on the deck with a sweet orange juice on her left.
***
Chae Joochul gazes at his granddaughter. “Sure,” He lands his gaze on the two, Suho and Hajin, and imperiously tells them. “The both of you will become my granddaughter’s fiancée.”
This is becoming more and more ridiculous.
“Excuse me, sir…” Hajin walks a step forward and pleads. “Can you please give the three of us time to talk?”
Chae Joochul hums positively giving them permission.
Hajin grabs Nayun and Suho by their neck and drags them a few more meters from Chae Joochul. While at it, Hajin transforms his Stigma into a barrier that can block sound. Even Chae Joochul will not be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Chae Joochul frowns realizing there is more to giving Hajin time to talk with the others. He patiently waits for them to finish their conversation.
Hajin calmly breathes a sigh of relief when Chae Joochul does not pursue him summoning a barrier. “We can talk freely as we want here regardless of our secrets… So…”
Directing a stern gaze to Nayun, Hajin gives her a harsh scolding. “What in the world are you thinking to suggest something like that?”
“I… I didn’t think that he would seriously consider it.” Nayun shrinks at Hajin’s threatening glare.
“Consider? Your grandfather is THE Chae Joochul! If he wants it to happen, it will happen!”
“Why are you like this? Isn’t it you who told me to become your girlfriend!?”
“To be a fiancée is different. And what? To be tied into your clan?”
“What is wrong with that?”
“Lots.”
Kim Suho watches the 'lovers spat' in silence. He prays they stop fighting, and for them to have a more amenable talk. When the two cannot come to an understanding for 15 long minutes of exchange of dialogues, Suho cannot take it anymore and intervenes.
“Hey, guys…”
However, he is ignored.
“You unreasonable bastard! What got into you?” Nayun.
“Can you please stop being gung-ho? Choose your words carefully!” Hajin.
“You are not any better! If you have a problem, say it, and not just do things on your own!” Nayun.
“What?” Hajin.
Suho is slowly losing patience. Finally, he really cannot take it anymore. “SHUT UP!” The other two freeze and look at Suho. Chae Joochul hears none of this, so he doesn’t know what is happening inside Hajin’s barrier.
“THE PROBLEM WITH YOU NAYUN IS THAT YOU ARE AN IDIOT! YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING UNLESS COMMUNICATED PROPERLY!”
“Huh? W-what?” Nayun flinches at Suho’s admonishment.
“THE PROBLEM WITH YOU HAJIN IS THAT YOU ARE TOO SMART! YOU CANNOT MAKE NAYUN UNDERSTAND ANYTHING IF YOU DON’T FULLY EXPLAIN IT!”
“I understand. I am sorry.” Hajin blankly apologizes while he fiddles with his smartwatch. Nayun feels more hurt than she realizes, but they aren’t really wrong. Still, being scolded for what she lacks, hurt to hear. "I... I don't like being called an idiot..." She weakly protests.
"I... I am s-sorry." Suho guiltily apologizes.
Hajin summons a projection from his watch. It is Hyon Hyung’s mini projection standing atop Hajin’s watch.
***
I look at the three in my giant-ass monitor screen from the [Control Room]. Hajin is contacting me via a video call, and now, I have to serve as a mediator between the three of them. “So what is the problem?”
“Explain to Nayun the ramifications of having me and Suho as her fiancée.” Hajin shortly explains to me what is happening. Apparently, Chae Joochul is scheming something to the point he is even going as far as to agree to Nayun’s irresponsible words of having two fiancées.
I don't know why I am not even surprised anymore.
“The consequences of being tied to Nayun’s family don’t end with Hajin and Suho having possibly to suffer the hell called Nayun’s husband.” I see Nayun shaking in indignant fury. I shouldn’t piss her more than she is now. “We have Sinful. We have responsibilities and work for this organization. Chae Joochul is strict. Suho and Hajin losing their freedom will be detrimental to our organization’s growth. There are a lot of advantages to allying with Chae Joocul. But we cannot keep our freedom that way. I am sure Nayun only wants to rattle her grandpa, so she shouldn’t be at fault. Just be reminded that Chae Joochul is not our everyday grandpa and has an ‘emotion’ dementia of some sort. I understand the panicking, after all, we don’t have the power to reject Chae Joochul. It is either Chae Joochul leaves with something he wants or leaves with something he can be appeased with.”
“Any suggestions?” Suho asks.
I smile. “Have Nayun confess her regression to Joochul. Basically, Chae Nayun uses her charms to convince her grandfather to let Nayun do as she wants.”
“Huh?” Nayun seems to be uninclined to do as I suggest. Thankfully, Suho and Hajin are supportive of my suggestion.
Suho especially seems to understand my intention quickly. “I read the character profiles that Hyon and Hajin are jointly writing. Chae Joochul has the code of ‘Family First’, something that Hyon has emphasized strongly about… him…” Suho gazes at the calmly watching old man from the side, already seated and drinking tea.
Hajin adds his input. “Chae Joochul can also become a staunch ally to us. If not to us, to Nayun at least. Of course, we shouldn’t establish contact as an organization, but let Nayun become the conduit… That should suffice.”
After a few more minutes of deliberation, Nayun has come to a decision.
***
Time to wear the big boy pants. Chae Nayun maturely accepts the decision of the group and confidently strides to Chae Joochul. “Gramps, we need to talk.”
Chae Joochul leads the way back to the room where the two of them had their talk.
It is a luxurious room, the captain’s room, which Joochul can freely use as he likes. “What is it, granddaughter?”
“Do you know Shin Myungchul?” She asks.
“Yes, he is a friend.”
“Hmmm…”
Nayun doesn’t know how to continue. “What do you think of him?”
“A friend.”
“What else?” She probes.
“A rival.”
“How?” She wants to know more. What she wants to hear is the term ‘regressor’ curious about what her predecessor is like, but it seems she will be hearing none of that.
“…” Chae Joochul grows silent, incapable of giving an answer to Nayun.
“Grandpa,” Nayun calls to him, “I am a regressor just like Shin Myungchul. I came from the future, and I need your help. Having a fiancée now… isn’t something I need, or even want… It will come to that after I save the world.”
“I see...” Chae Joochul softly whispers.
“What… do you think? About Shin Myungchul?” Nayun inquires.
“Shin Myungchul. The reason why he seems to know everything is that he is... Hmmm... I understand. So this is what he meant when I will understand one day.” A rare smirk rises from Chae Joochul’s lips, a show of emotion that is incredibly rare for him.
Alas, such a smirk doesn’t last long as his emotions are quickly suppressed. “Nayun… You asked me what I thought of Shin Myungchul. Let me reiterate my answer— he is my comrade. Nayun, from now on, I too am your comrade. Tell me more about your regression.”
Nayun is surprised, but she excitedly blabbers nonetheless. “First, no engagements and fiancées or anything, ok?”
“We will do as you like.” Chae Joochul affectionately nods and pats his granddaughter’s shoulder. He is able to replicate the actions, but not the emotions, still the gesture is enough to express his affirmation.
“I… I have a lot to share about my regression! There is the Great Devil War! It is scary and epic. Then there is the cure for the side effects of Gifts in the far future… And… and…” Chae Nayun excitedly recounts the future past like a child bragging to her parents about her adventures.
Only happy thoughts are crossing her mind and none of the sad stuff. Sharing these things with her grandfather feels comforting somehow.
“You have suffered, granddaughter… Nayun, why did you return to the past… Why did you regress?” He asks. Nayun becomes silent, afraid of her grandfather's admonishments, and additionally, she doesn’t like sharing her reasons as to why she regressed.
After all, the motivation for her regression is selfish, childish, and selfish… too selfish. She cannot imagine how hurt her grandpa would be if he learns that the reason she regressed is to win a man’s heart which is pathetic. Though she claims to have moved on, Hajin is able to see through her facade which is even able to fool herself.
“It is fine, Nayun… If you don’t wish to tell me, then don’t. I can wait.”
Rachel is nervous. It is the first time she has been asked to do something, and she has to do well. She has been swept by the concurrent vents, and one day, she becomes so involved that she can no longer stay a bystander.
“Where to, princess?” An official from England has come to Cube on the Cruise Ship. He is Kyle Elliot. Learning that Her Highness wishes to tour the SS Anne Cruise Ship, he has no choice but to allow her.
He is Rachel's effective subordinate, and while he can reject the princess’s request to his discretion, he’d rather be in her good graces. England is a declining nation. Watching the Combat Exams, Kyle feels more pessimistic about the future of England. “How are you doing, princess?”
The geniuses the likes of Kim Suho and Chae Nayun must be a terrible presence for the princess who has so many responsibilities on her shoulders. The last time Kyle hears is that the princess is beaten in one theoretical subject by Kim Hajin.
“…” Rachel understands her vassal’s worries. She admonishes herself of what she should prioritize first— responsibility to her country, or responsibility to the world. What the Sinful is doing is meaningful, and its weight is possibly heavier and grander than she can imagine. But what if this is all a delusion?
“I am fine, Kyle. Thank you for worrying about me.” She comforts her vassal of his worries. For now, she needs to be on standby as a backup.
She sits on a comfortable reclining chair on the deck with a sweet orange juice on her left.
***
Chae Joochul gazes at his granddaughter. “Sure,” He lands his gaze on the two, Suho and Hajin, and imperiously tells them. “The both of you will become my granddaughter’s fiancée.”
This is becoming more and more ridiculous.
“Excuse me, sir…” Hajin walks a step forward and pleads. “Can you please give the three of us time to talk?”
Chae Joochul hums positively giving them permission.
Hajin grabs Nayun and Suho by their neck and drags them a few more meters from Chae Joochul. While at it, Hajin transforms his Stigma into a barrier that can block sound. Even Chae Joochul will not be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Chae Joochul frowns realizing there is more to giving Hajin time to talk with the others. He patiently waits for them to finish their conversation.
Hajin calmly breathes a sigh of relief when Chae Joochul does not pursue him summoning a barrier. “We can talk freely as we want here regardless of our secrets… So…”
Directing a stern gaze to Nayun, Hajin gives her a harsh scolding. “What in the world are you thinking to suggest something like that?”
“I… I didn’t think that he would seriously consider it.” Nayun shrinks at Hajin’s threatening glare.
“Consider? Your grandfather is THE Chae Joochul! If he wants it to happen, it will happen!”
“Why are you like this? Isn’t it you who told me to become your girlfriend!?”
“To be a fiancée is different. And what? To be tied into your clan?”
“What is wrong with that?”
“Lots.”
Kim Suho watches the 'lovers spat' in silence. He prays they stop fighting, and for them to have a more amenable talk. When the two cannot come to an understanding for 15 long minutes of exchange of dialogues, Suho cannot take it anymore and intervenes.
“Hey, guys…”
However, he is ignored.
“You unreasonable bastard! What got into you?” Nayun.
“Can you please stop being gung-ho? Choose your words carefully!” Hajin.
“You are not any better! If you have a problem, say it, and not just do things on your own!” Nayun.
“What?” Hajin.
Suho is slowly losing patience. Finally, he really cannot take it anymore. “SHUT UP!” The other two freeze and look at Suho. Chae Joochul hears none of this, so he doesn’t know what is happening inside Hajin’s barrier.
“THE PROBLEM WITH YOU NAYUN IS THAT YOU ARE AN IDIOT! YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING UNLESS COMMUNICATED PROPERLY!”
“Huh? W-what?” Nayun flinches at Suho’s admonishment.
“THE PROBLEM WITH YOU HAJIN IS THAT YOU ARE TOO SMART! YOU CANNOT MAKE NAYUN UNDERSTAND ANYTHING IF YOU DON’T FULLY EXPLAIN IT!”
“I understand. I am sorry.” Hajin blankly apologizes while he fiddles with his smartwatch. Nayun feels more hurt than she realizes, but they aren’t really wrong. Still, being scolded for what she lacks, hurt to hear. "I... I don't like being called an idiot..." She weakly protests.
"I... I am s-sorry." Suho guiltily apologizes.
Hajin summons a projection from his watch. It is Hyon Hyung’s mini projection standing atop Hajin’s watch.
***
I look at the three in my giant-ass monitor screen from the [Control Room]. Hajin is contacting me via a video call, and now, I have to serve as a mediator between the three of them. “So what is the problem?”
“Explain to Nayun the ramifications of having me and Suho as her fiancée.” Hajin shortly explains to me what is happening. Apparently, Chae Joochul is scheming something to the point he is even going as far as to agree to Nayun’s irresponsible words of having two fiancées.
I don't know why I am not even surprised anymore.
“The consequences of being tied to Nayun’s family don’t end with Hajin and Suho having possibly to suffer the hell called Nayun’s husband.” I see Nayun shaking in indignant fury. I shouldn’t piss her more than she is now. “We have Sinful. We have responsibilities and work for this organization. Chae Joochul is strict. Suho and Hajin losing their freedom will be detrimental to our organization’s growth. There are a lot of advantages to allying with Chae Joocul. But we cannot keep our freedom that way. I am sure Nayun only wants to rattle her grandpa, so she shouldn’t be at fault. Just be reminded that Chae Joochul is not our everyday grandpa and has an ‘emotion’ dementia of some sort. I understand the panicking, after all, we don’t have the power to reject Chae Joochul. It is either Chae Joochul leaves with something he wants or leaves with something he can be appeased with.”
“Any suggestions?” Suho asks.
I smile. “Have Nayun confess her regression to Joochul. Basically, Chae Nayun uses her charms to convince her grandfather to let Nayun do as she wants.”
“Huh?” Nayun seems to be uninclined to do as I suggest. Thankfully, Suho and Hajin are supportive of my suggestion.
Suho especially seems to understand my intention quickly. “I read the character profiles that Hyon and Hajin are jointly writing. Chae Joochul has the code of ‘Family First’, something that Hyon has emphasized strongly about… him…” Suho gazes at the calmly watching old man from the side, already seated and drinking tea.
Hajin adds his input. “Chae Joochul can also become a staunch ally to us. If not to us, to Nayun at least. Of course, we shouldn’t establish contact as an organization, but let Nayun become the conduit… That should suffice.”
After a few more minutes of deliberation, Nayun has come to a decision.
***
Time to wear the big boy pants. Chae Nayun maturely accepts the decision of the group and confidently strides to Chae Joochul. “Gramps, we need to talk.”
Chae Joochul leads the way back to the room where the two of them had their talk.
It is a luxurious room, the captain’s room, which Joochul can freely use as he likes. “What is it, granddaughter?”
“Do you know Shin Myungchul?” She asks.
“Yes, he is a friend.”
“Hmmm…”
Nayun doesn’t know how to continue. “What do you think of him?”
“A friend.”
“What else?” She probes.
“A rival.”
“How?” She wants to know more. What she wants to hear is the term ‘regressor’ curious about what her predecessor is like, but it seems she will be hearing none of that.
“…” Chae Joochul grows silent, incapable of giving an answer to Nayun.
“Grandpa,” Nayun calls to him, “I am a regressor just like Shin Myungchul. I came from the future, and I need your help. Having a fiancée now… isn’t something I need, or even want… It will come to that after I save the world.”
“I see...” Chae Joochul softly whispers.
“What… do you think? About Shin Myungchul?” Nayun inquires.
“Shin Myungchul. The reason why he seems to know everything is that he is... Hmmm... I understand. So this is what he meant when I will understand one day.” A rare smirk rises from Chae Joochul’s lips, a show of emotion that is incredibly rare for him.
Alas, such a smirk doesn’t last long as his emotions are quickly suppressed. “Nayun… You asked me what I thought of Shin Myungchul. Let me reiterate my answer— he is my comrade. Nayun, from now on, I too am your comrade. Tell me more about your regression.”
Nayun is surprised, but she excitedly blabbers nonetheless. “First, no engagements and fiancées or anything, ok?”
“We will do as you like.” Chae Joochul affectionately nods and pats his granddaughter’s shoulder. He is able to replicate the actions, but not the emotions, still the gesture is enough to express his affirmation.
“I… I have a lot to share about my regression! There is the Great Devil War! It is scary and epic. Then there is the cure for the side effects of Gifts in the far future… And… and…” Chae Nayun excitedly recounts the future past like a child bragging to her parents about her adventures.
Only happy thoughts are crossing her mind and none of the sad stuff. Sharing these things with her grandfather feels comforting somehow.
“You have suffered, granddaughter… Nayun, why did you return to the past… Why did you regress?” He asks. Nayun becomes silent, afraid of her grandfather's admonishments, and additionally, she doesn’t like sharing her reasons as to why she regressed.
After all, the motivation for her regression is selfish, childish, and selfish… too selfish. She cannot imagine how hurt her grandpa would be if he learns that the reason she regressed is to win a man’s heart which is pathetic. Though she claims to have moved on, Hajin is able to see through her facade which is even able to fool herself.
“It is fine, Nayun… If you don’t wish to tell me, then don’t. I can wait.”
