WeTried Translations

Translator: Yasi

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Precious Demon King

Chapter 23: What Counts as a Simple Life

Kim Junyong had a great night's sleep.

"Hup!"

When he woke up, his sister had already left for work and the children had left for school.

"I don't even get to see my niece these days."

She was a high school senior, after all. She got home late at night and left for school earlier than anyone else.

He wandered lazily to the dining table, but there was nothing there. Just a note was stuck to the fridge.

I'm off to work. Make sure you eat breakfast.

Keep tomorrow free.

I get off at 1 since it's Saturday.

- Noona

"Hmm."

Was it true what they said, that people were creatures of habit? The affection and attention that had once been given to the brother who returned after twenty years had been swept away by the demands of daily life.

Managing a clinic, having a son in middle school and a daughter in her senior year of high school...It would be out of line for a forty-year-old younger brother to complain to such a busy head of household.

Thus began the era of making his own meals. Kim Junyong's welcome-back period was officially over.

"Does this mean I've been accepted?"

Was he now a proper Seoul citizen, too? Sheepishly, he scratched the back of his head for no reason.

After rummaging through the fridge, he gave up and made a call.

[ Yes, this is Cheon Yubeom. ]

"Let's grab a meal."

[ What? Right now? ]

"Yeah, my treat."

[ I-I'll be right there! ]

"Okay."

He hung up, took out some ice cream, sat on the couch, and turned on the TV.

[ The world is in turmoil due to the recent phenomenon of dungeon time shortening. ]

[ Exactly. The problem is that there are no warnings, and it's unpredictable. Since time-shortening can occur at any moment, we need to be more conservative when setting dungeon clear deadlines. ]

[ What do you think is a safe margin? ]

[ It's best to clear the dungeon at least three days before the deadline. ]

It was a broadcast with three men discussing the issue as if in a debate.

"They're talking about me."

God Earth threw a party with power that could have stopped dungeons and this was what happened. His eyes drifted to the name of the program in the top corner of the screen.

"Live Demon Realm Reports?"

There really was a show for everything. As he flipped through channels, his phone rang.

Ring, ring–

[ I'm downstairs at your apartment. ]

"All right, I'm coming down."

When he went downstairs, the same van he had ridden in the day before was waiting.

Clack.

Cheon Yubeom quickly got out and opened the door.

"Did Special Advisor sleep well?"

"Yeah."

As he got into the car, Lee Mina turned her head from the driver's seat and greeted him.

"Hello."

"Oh, hey."

"Where would you like to go?"

"You know best. Just take us somewhere good."

"Oh! Got it."

As Cheon Yubeom hesitated, the sharp-minded Lee Mina stepped in.

"There's a place in Namyangju with amazing dakgalbi and makguksu. How about it?"

"Sounds good. Let's go."

"Yes."

Lee Mina entered the address into the GPS and started driving. Meanwhile, Kim Junyong took out the golden orb and rolled it around in his hand as he examined it again.

He had recently become very curious about the "Divine Fragment."

How should I use this?

It held the divine power of Belhaim. Not wanting to interrupt Kim Junyong, Cheon Yubeom asked as if in passing.

"Special Advisor. Do you have plans for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? Ah, I've got plans."

"Ah!"

"What is it?"

"Uh, well, the home remodeling might be slightly delayed, so I wanted to check."

"Oh yeah? Take your time."

Dungeons were resting spaces for his summons anyway. They also served as physical storage in subspace. The exterior's appearance didn't matter.

"S-So, um, by any chance..."

"Now what?"

"H-Have Special Advisor ever thought about appearing on a broadcast?"

"Hm? Why are you asking about a broadcast?"

"You're not interested in fame or anything like that?"

"Ha, come on."

Kim Junyong chuckled.

"That hunger for recognition? Only the young care about that."

"Ah."

What was that "ah" for? He had done it all in Belhaim.

He had held absolute power, and had become the strongest there was. He had been surrounded by countless beauties, and had piled up riches like mountains.

Wanting what you've never had is human nature. But for Kim Junyong, that desire was for a normal life.

A life where his very existence inspired fear, where he was worshipped by everything?

I can't let myself fall any further.

Two hundred long years. There weren't many lines left that Kim Junyong hadn't already crossed. But if those few were severed...

The world might one day truly call him the Demon King.

What Kim Junyong needed wasn't fame but rest–a retreat closer to self-discipline.

"I just want to live simply."

Wiping out countries he disliked, turning the Earth into a sea of fire, and slaughtering people–none of that was acceptable anymore.

The Earthling Kim Junyong had been reborn. On his home planet, he would live quietly. Of course, he wouldn't ignore anyone who picked a fight first.

"Simply...Yes, understood."

Cheon Yubeom muttered as if entranced.

"But is the restaurant far away?"

"Oh! We're almost there."

Cheon Yubeom quickly sent a message in the group chat.

[ Special Advisor Support Division Group Chat ]

Team Leader Cheon: Requesting transport to Namyangju OO Dakgalbi.

Transport: Request relayed.

Team Leader Cheon: Status on the restaurant?

Pigeon1: Table secured.

Team Leader Cheon: Special Advisor has plans tomorrow.

Team Leader Cheon: He's not rushing the home remodel.

Deputy Bureau Director: Good job.

Perfect. Everything was going smoothly. Cheon Yubeom smiled in satisfaction.

The light turned green, and they didn't hit a single red light on the way.

Vroom.

They arrived at the restaurant to find a long line already formed.

"Wow, looks like this place is popular."

"Haha, I made a reservation. This way, please."

As they followed Cheon Yubeom inside, a man stood up and left, as if handing off a baton.

"Who was that?"

"A field agent. One of our new recruits."

"Same team, then?"

The Mad Monarch. He was possessive to a fault. He was fiercely loyal to his people and scolded Cheon Yubeom.

"Hey, let him eat, too. Why chase him off?"

"Ah! Got it. I'll call him back."

"Auntie, please bring ten servings of dakgalbi and four of makguksu."

As soon as they sat down, everything was set up seamlessly. Spoons and chopsticks were laid out, and water was poured into cups.

"I don't like playing aristocrat."

"Oh, Special Advisor, this is just how we show respect to our superiors. Aristocrat? No way. It's just seniority and tradition."

"Really?"

"Serving the pillar of our team, Special Advisor, is only right for us subordinates."

"Ah! Okay, okay."

Kim Junyong was still adjusting to life on Earth. He had almost misunderstood. While he was absorbed in South Korea's Confucian traditions, the dakgalbi was ready.

Watching Pigeon1 effortlessly take up the tongs and start grilling, Kim Junyong asked.

"What's your name?"

"Yes. I'm Kim Sangsu, the new recruit hired through special recruitment. I was the one who drove last time."

"Ah! You were that guy?"

Kim Junyong thought back. He recalled stopping a soldier on his way out of the Hunter Management Bureau and forcing him to drive. That encounter seemed to have led to his special recruitment.

"Hang on. I'll pay you back for the clothes from last time."

"Ah! No, that's not necessary!"

"Hey, if an adult offers, just take it."

Kim Junyong fumbled through his pockets, but there was no way a wallet that wasn't there would show up. He looked over at Cheon Yubeom in silence.

"Lend me some money."

"M-Money?"

"Yeah."

"Uhh..."

Stay calm, Cheon Yubeom. Think about that supercar you splurged on last month. Every penny counts.

"Do you want me to get mad?"

"Ah! Here it is!"

Kim Junyong pulled a handful of bills out of Cheon Yubeom's wallet as if they were his own.

"Here. For the clothes."

"Huh?! This much?!"

Cheon Yubeom's gaze turned sentimental as he looked at the bills. Why did he stuff his wallet with so many fifty-thousand-won bills for show...

"Don't cry. Just deduct it from my salary."

"Ah! N-No, I couldn't."

"Do it."

"Th-Then...all right."

There was no need to raise chaos points over some petty "extortion." His salary was decent enough anyway.

"Wow! I swear my undying loyalty!"

Even before receiving his first paycheck, Kim Sangsu was given a bonus. His eyes were filled with company spirit and loyalty.

Sizzle.

The dakgalbi, grilled with spirit and loyalty, was delicious.

"Wow, this is good."

"Slurp."

The makguksu was amazing, too. After enjoying a pleasant breakfast and stepping outside, it was already noon.

"Team Cheon."

"Yes?"

"Where should we go for lunch?"

"Hmm."

What a life, having to worry about lunch right after breakfast! Director of the Special Advisor Support Division! It wasn't easy.

Maybe we should recruit a food blogger as an agent?

His time with Kim Junyong hadn't been long, but he had already learned that it was better to tell the truth than to bluff.

"I-I can't think of anything in particular."

"What about Deputy Director Lee?"

"Let's go get dessert! There are plenty of cafés nearby."

"Oh, that sounds good! I'll call Remi, too."

He summoned Remi, who had awakened to Earth's sugary drinks and desserts.

"Ah!"

Pigeon1, Kim Sangsu, gasped when he saw Remi. So this was how they met again.

Remi met Kim Sangsu's sentimental gaze and opened her mouth.

"Shall I cut him down?"

"He's on our team."

"Tch."

"Let's go eat something sweet."

"Not a bad plan."

With Remi, who was probably addicted to fructose by now, they headed to a café.

Tap, tap, tap.

Team Leader Cheon: Heading to a café.

Team Leader Cheon: Gourmet tour all day today.

* * *

[ A-2 dungeon in Daejeon cleared. ]

[ Villain Osong Station Necromancer eliminated. ]

Yesterday, South Korea received two major gifts.

And today. Deputy Bureau Director Choi Hyunju could think of nothing but "Kim Junyong." He was the Mad Monarch of Belhaim and an Earthling.

I have to separate them in my mind.

The Mad Monarch's brutal, destructive image was imprinted too deeply on her mind. The death she suffered at his hands left a lasting scar. Whenever she faced him, her body trembled and she could barely speak.

In that sense, the roles of the unknowing Cheon Yubeom and Lee Mina were critical. By staying close to Kim Junyong and building rapport with him, they gathered valuable information.

Exchange. Neighbor.

Choi Hyunju reviewed the Special Advisor Support Division's current operations once again.

"How's the home remodel coming along?"

"The bureau director has been on site himself since last night. He brought in interior designer Oh Myeongsu and is personally overseeing the project."

This was Kim Junyong's request in exchange for clearing the A-rank dungeon in Daejeon. The country's top designer, Oh Myeongsu, as well as elite technicians and workers had all been mobilized.

"Deputy Bureau Director. They're working hard, but finishing today is nearly impossible."

"Sigh."

Construction started last night. Meanwhile, Cheon Yubeom and Lee Mina were stalling for time by going on a gourmet tour all day...

"It must be done today...Oh!"

While checking the Special Advisor Support Division group chat, Choi Hyunju changed her tune. Thankfully, the special advisor had plans with his sister tomorrow. He said they could take their time, but taking that at face value was risky.

"You must have it done by lunch tomorrow, no matter what."

"Understood. I'll pass it on."

Choi Hyunju reviewed the Special Advisor Support Division group chat again. The immediate reports from the two were proving extremely helpful.

She repeated to herself.

"Neighbor. As a neighbor..."

Living next to the Mad Monarch wasn't so bad.

No one could put a leash on him. Trying to restrain him by tying him down with ideas like "affiliation" or "relationships" was not only foolish but a recipe for destruction.

A loose, neighborly relationship with occasional exchanges was ideal.

"The media is the problem."

They had done their best to keep his identity hidden. But a few persistent reporters had latched on.

Major outlets were proceeding with caution, but individual broadcasters and internet forums were rife with wild theories and conspiracies.

Some claimed that a new G-rank hunter had appeared in South Korea. Others said that the government had developed a new weapon, or that the Daesan Guild was responsible...

Fueled by curiosity and expectation, such attention flowed like a powerful tide. Like waiting for a storm to pass, all they could do was hope the interest would die down and fade away.

Still, they couldn't tolerate rude reporters.

"All field agents who have withdrawn are now tasked with managing reporters. Don't allow a single story to get out."

"Yes!"

They knew that no matter what precautions they took, the information would eventually leak. Nevertheless, they needed to delay it as much as possible.

A simple life...

What if Kim Junyong, feeling that his life was being invaded, went on a rampage?

Shiver.

Choi Hyunju shuddered at the mere thought.

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