We proceeded with the preparations without rushing, taking our time.
The plan was to slip in, finish everything in a flash, and come back, so there was no need to hurry and attract attention.
“I’ve prepared three return stones, and all the equipment is ready.”
The equipment was made from minerals extracted from our own mine.
Admittedly, they were a bit crudely made, but for now, it couldn’t be helped.
When things settle down, I’ll ask Young-seong to upgrade them to something more refined.
Even Ara was excited, enjoying the shopping trip after a long time.
As we passed each store, Ara insisted on stopping in, making things a bit tricky for me, but luckily, all the staff were friendly, so we got through with smiles.
‘Of course, we ended up buying something at every stop, and before I knew it, my hands were full of shopping bags filled with clothes and hats for Ara.’
It was then that we unexpectedly ran into someone.
“Oh, Kyu-seong?”
“Ah! Fancy meeting you here. Nice to see you, So-yeon.”
Jeong So-yeon was also holding a bunch of shopping bags, just like me.
“So-yeon!”
“Hello, Ara~! Did you get a new hat?”
“Yup!”
Ara, eager to show off her new hat, twirled in place and danced, making So-yeon crouch down to cheer her on.
“Ara looks cute in any hat.”
“Hehe.”
“Out shopping today?”
At her question, I nodded lightly.
“I had some shopping to catch up on. There were a few things I’d been meaning to buy, but before I knew it, it piled up.”
“It’s ironic, isn’t it? When you don’t have money, there are so many things you want to buy. But once you have money, there’s no time to shop…”
I felt a twinge of guilt.
Jeong So-yeon, being the leader of Ara Hongryeon Team 1, was one of the busiest Awakeners in Korea, but I could make time if I wanted to.
‘Now that I think about it, I have been pretty busy with various things.’
Every day brings something new in the Dungeon of Gluttony.
Honestly, even though it’s hectic, I enjoy it.
“Even with your busy schedule, I find time to watch Ara’s YouTube channel. I heard there’s a drama and some commercials coming out soon?”
“That’s right. It’s only a few days away. But Ara’s episode won’t air for a while, so it’ll take some time.”
Since the show airs twice a week, it’ll take at least three weeks after the initial broadcast for Ara’s episode (episode 7) to air.
In the meantime, I planned to make a quick trip to the Dungeon of Wrath.
With the perfect plan set up with Ara and Mammon, the entire trip, including visiting Europe and returning home, would take no more than five days.
‘And those five days are assuming the Union steps in for control.’
Since I’d run into Jeong So-yeon, I decided to let her know in advance.
“By the way, I might be out of contact for about a week due to some urgent business in the dungeon.”
“Oh, really? Did you tell the guild?”
“Not yet.”
“Then I’ll let them know. Take care of your business.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, Ara tugged at the hem of So-yeon’s pants.
“How’s Hong-jun? And the others?”
“They’re all doing well. The kids all miss you, Ara. They’ve been watching you on YouTube.”
Ara’s eyes glistened with emotion, and she looked up at me, silently gazing.
It was hard to just say no and leave her like that.
“Shall we visit the orphanage?”
“R-really?!”
“Sure. I’ve left some time free today, so we’re not in a hurry.”
“Woohoo!”
Ara raised her arms in excitement, and So-yeon watched her, smiling warmly at the cute display.
“Shall we go together?”
“Oh, So-yeon, do you have time?”
“I think I can spare a bit of time.”
I quickly nodded.
It would be great if Jeong So-yeon could come with us, as she was familiar with the place.
After wrapping up the shopping, we headed straight to Dasom Orphanage. Since it had been a while, I felt a bit guilty.
Thanks to So-yeon giving them a heads-up on the way, we were warmly welcomed as we stepped out of the car.
“Wow! The car is so cool!”
“I’m jealous of Ara!”
It seemed like they were more excited about the new car than our visit. Ara, who had always wanted to show off the car, was excitedly explaining everything.
While watching the pure joy of the children, the director came out to greet us.
“I had the kids greet you first since I was a bit busy. It’s been a while, Kyu-seong.”
“It has been a while. I should’ve visited more often, I’m sorry.”
“No, no! Please don’t feel obligated. If anything, we should be the ones apologizing.”
As we chatted warmly, I couldn’t help but wonder about the busy matters she mentioned.
“I heard you’re busy. Is there something going on?”
“Oh, it’s nothing serious. We have a few kids preparing to leave the orphanage, so we’ve been busy helping them get documents ready, find a place to live, and secure jobs. Around this time every year, it’s always hectic.”
I couldn’t help but be impressed by Director Wi Ji-hye’s sense of responsibility.
“This year, it’s Seong-oh and Hye-yeon, right?”
“Yes. Thankfully, Hye-yeon has a job lined up with Cheolhyeol Foods. Seong-oh is still in the process of finding something.”
“Wow, Hye-yeon is joining Cheolhyeol Foods? She’s always been hardworking, and it paid off.”
Jeong So-yeon nodded as she spoke.
Hearing the name Cheolhyeol Foods reminded me of a commercial I recently shot. I’m not sure which department Hye-yeon will work in, but I hope she does well.
“We’ll hang out for a bit and head out later. We’ll visit again when things settle down.”
“Come by anytime! Don’t worry about it.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Just then, someone walked out from the building. He was noticeably taller than the other children, so I guessed he might be Seong-oh.
“Sister So-yeon is here?”
“Hello, Seong-oh. Where’s Hye-yeon?”
“She went to submit documents at the community center. Oh, hello, sir.”
His polite greeting made a good impression. He reminded me of my younger brother, Jae-seong.
“Oh, Ara’s here too. Hello!”
“Greetings, Park Seong-oh.”
Ara already knew his name.
I vaguely remembered greeting him before, but I hadn’t recalled his name. As Seong-oh gently patted Ara’s new hat, So-yeon struck up a conversation.
“Seong-oh, have you found anything you’re preparing for?”
“Well, I’m planning to get a part-time job for now.”
“A part-time job? Where? What kind?”
“Just at a restaurant, something like that.”
“A restaurant?”
Hearing their conversation made me think even more about my brother Jae-seong. He also worked in restaurants, saying it was practical experience instead of going to college.
It wasn’t just any regular restaurant either; through some cooking connections, he landed a job at a high-end restaurant.
“I plan to save up some money and get a loan to open a small restaurant.”
“Really…?”
“Oh, are you aspiring to be a chef?”
I suddenly jumped into the conversation, and Seong-oh nodded with wide eyes.
“Yes. It’s nothing grand, just a small local restaurant.”
“Hmm! Then, how about working at my restaurant?”
“At your restaurant, sir?”
While Seong-oh was surprised, the one who seemed even more shocked was none other than Jeong So-yeon.
“Kyu-seong, a restaurant?”
“Not right now, but it’s in the plans. Technically, it’s not my restaurant but my brother Jae-seong’s.”
I then gave a brief explanation of the restaurant my brother plans to open.
“He’s thinking of opening a restaurant in the dungeon where I stay. I’ll provide the ingredients, and it’ll be a small place where only friends are invited.”
“Your brother, who’s studying in Japan, will be the chef, right?”
“Yes. He plans to start small here and later open a bigger restaurant in Seoul to run both simultaneously.”
Jeong So-yeon’s eyes were already filled with excitement as she imagined it. I hadn’t planned to keep it a secret, but I hadn’t mentioned it earlier since it was still some time away.
“I actually decided to become a chef after eating at your place, Uncle Kyu-seong,” said Park Seong-oh.
“Oh, really?”
But, Seong-oh, why do you call me ‘uncle’ when I’m only 28? Shouldn’t it be ‘brother’?
Let’s just let it go for now.
“Recently, I noticed that none of my peers seem to have dreams. I was the same. But after eating the food you brought the first time, I found my dream.”
Seong-oh’s eyes sparkled. They resembled stars.
“My goal is to cook delicious food and make people happy. Of course, I’m not confident it’ll be as good as the food you brought, but seeing the kids happy made me want to share that same happiness.”
“Our Seong-oh, I’m so proud of you. I had no idea you were thinking about that,” So-yeon said.
“I was too embarrassed to tell anyone. I’m only saying this because Kyu-seong is here.”
Blushing, Seong-oh turned his head to the side, clearly shy. That was a different side from Jae-seong.
Listening to Seong-oh, I realized a lot myself. I also understood deeply what he felt and aimed for. After all, I too live with the goal of making the people around me happy, so we weren’t all that different.
“It looks like it will take some time before the restaurant is built. But if you’re still interested by then, would you like to work with us?”
“I’d rather ask you for that favor! I’ll train hard and practice cooking until your restaurant is ready.”
Seeing the bright determination in Seong-oh’s eyes, I was pleased. Helping passionate people is always a rewarding experience.
“Make lots of delicious food, Seong-oh!” Ara chimed in.
“Oh, I will! I’ll make tons of yummy food for Ara!” he responded.
At that moment, the orphanage director, who had been quietly listening, suddenly bowed deeply to me. Startled, I waved my hands frantically, not knowing what to say.
“Oh, ma’am, please…”
“I feel guilty for always receiving so much help. Kyu-seong, you have no obligation to help us like this, but when I think of all you’ve done, even if my back breaks, I would have no regrets.”
“No, no! Thanks to this, Ara has made many friends, and I’ve enjoyed myself too.”
“Thank you, always. And we look forward to your continued support.”
“Please, I should be the one thanking you.”
I awkwardly smiled as I accepted the director’s gratitude. What had I really done to deserve such thanks?
The director gave me a warm smile and then turned to Seong-oh.
“Hye-yeon has been wanting to join you at Cheolhyeol Foods, but I wondered why you kept holding back. So, that’s why. You should have told me. Do you know how much Hye-yeon and I have been worrying?”
“I’m sorry…”
Hmm, he deserved that scolding.
As I looked at Seong-oh, who seemed like a new family member, I decided to show him Bokkeum, our family pet. As I began to fidget with Bokkeum, So-yeon and Ara, who had already noticed something, looked at me with anticipation.
I chuckled as I looked at them and asked, “Has anyone had a meal yet?”
Cliche Novel 