The Saint Wants to Rest - Chapter 74.2
“It is a religion, not a guild, is it not? Besides, who would dare to pressure me? Me, the Guild Leader of the Empire!”
Indeed, they probably could not openly persecute an awakened who was counted among the best even in America. Still, it was a worrying prospect. As Ian agonized over it, Vermouth stepped in to help.
“I believe it is not a bad idea.”
“Vermouth?”
“Though he appears ignorant and foolish, is he not sturdy? The people we have recruited right now will only become laypeople even after undergoing training. However, someone of his caliber should be able to handle Holy Knight training.”
Ah, that hellish training.
“Exactly! I have a very sturdy body!”
It would still be difficult, though. Ian had seen Vermouth training in the past, and it was a level of intensity that was truly sickening. Even if it was not quite to that extent, one had to roll around until their body screamed for mercy.
“You won’t regret it?”
“Of course!”
Alexander shouted cheerfully.
“I will also provide a donation.”
At that, Ian threw up both hands.
“Welcome aboard!”
Although his brother, Choi Jae-heon, had provided massive funding, it was still insufficient. As the saying goes, money is the lubricant that makes everything run smoothly. Consequently, Alexander joined the Order of Regnasia as of today.
He did so without knowing that it was a path leading straight to hell.
Once Alexander received permission to join, he left the Stigma headquarters. His secretary, Jessica, naturally followed behind him. As a result, only three people remained in the reception room.
Ian, Vermouth, and Choi Jae-heon.
Ian stealthily tugged at the turtleneck that was starting to feel hot. Choi Jae-heon was staring intently at that sight.
“Why did you wear a turtleneck in this summer heat?”
“It’s a summer turtleneck. They say this is the fashion these days.”
“Since when were you interested in fashion?”
“It’s not that I’m not.”
Ian rattled on desperately to avoid being caught. However, it did not seem to have much effect. The longer he spoke, the colder Choi Jae-heon’s expression became. Furthermore, a murderous aura thickened, looking as if he might kill Vermouth at any moment.
“No, it’s not like that.”
In the end, Ian even waved his hands in denial, but there was no way it would work. Choi Jae-heon was an S-rank awakened. Having mastered his own body, he had become able to easily discern the physical state of others.
“What isn’t like what?”
Ian reflexively shut his mouth and studied Choi Jae-heon’s reaction. Then, after taking a deep breath, he spoke.
“Hyung, I’m an adult now too.”
“An adult?”
Choi Jae-heon snorted.
“When you haven’t even been to the military?”
These days, awakened do not go to the military like they used to. Since Ian was registered as an awakened, he no longer had to serve.
“It’s also the age to be in a relationship.”
“With a guy like that?”
Ian’s gaze flickered over Vermouth.
“He’s handsome.”
That was an undeniable fact. But other than that? Even Ian could not bring himself to offer more praise.
“He’s quite kind to me.”
It was the best defense he could manage.
“I see.”
Choi Jae-heon answered concisely and let out a sigh. He wanted his brother, who had returned after suffering for a long time, to be happy. That was why he hated having Vermouth stuck to his side. However, he felt that he would be just as angry if he saw Ian dating someone kinder and gentler.
Perhaps Vermouth was actually better. That bastard was half-mad, so he would surely cause trouble again and be pushed away by Ian eventually. When that happens, another opportunity might return.
“You’re tired, right? Go on and rest.”
“I’m not. I’m fine.”
“Yes, you are. You’ve been very busy lately because of the Order.”
“You’ve been busier, Brother. Anyway, since I’m already out, I’m going to stop by the gym near the Order’s office.”
Since the Order’s building was not yet ready, they had rented out a nearby gym for the time being. Serious training would begin there soon.
Ian stretched drowsily and stood up from his seat. Then, Vermouth, who had been waiting by his side, stepped forward with a very natural movement and picked up Ian’s outer garment. He escorted him by lightly wrapping an arm around Ian’s waist to ensure he did not stumble. Ian leaned against Vermouth as if it were perfectly natural and familiar as they left the office.
“That son of a bitch.”
A curse escaped Choi Jae-heon’s mouth involuntarily. He sighed and sank deep into his chair.
If only that bastard would just disappear, everything would be great.
He had that thought again today.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
