✦✦✦━━━━━━✦✦✦
"Haaah... A lot happened today. It was a really tiring day, wasn't it, Joo Na?"
"Hmm... You're right, Big Brother Hao Yun."
Joo Na looked sleepy. After all, she was still a little girl. The test she had taken earlier had clearly worn her out.
But just as she was about to head back to her room, Hao Yun stopped her.
"Wait, Joo Na! There's something I need to tell you."
"Mmm? What is it, Big Brother Hao Yun?"
Hao Yun gently explained that he was going to Siberia for work and would be gone for a few days.
Joo Na's face turned gloomy. Ever since she had met him, Hao Yun had rarely been home for a full day. But this time felt different. She had just started school, and the distance between home and school was pretty far.
And she was still just a child. How would she manage cooking, cleaning, and everything else all alone?
With hesitation, she murmured, "Will I be all alone again?"
But Hao Yun had already thought of this. He had made plans ahead of time.
The next day, Joo Na seemed down. Even during breakfast, she hardly said a word.
That's when Hao Yun made a call.
"Evelyn, did you do what I asked?"
"Your request? Ah... that? Yeah, I did. I'll come over in two hours."
"Really? Thanks a lot."
Hao Yun waited.
During those two hours, Joo Na stayed in her room and didn't come out once. It was the first time she had sulked so much. But well... kids are like that. All they really want is love, attention, and someone to be with.
Exactly two hours later, Evelyn arrived, with her assistant and another young woman.
"Hao Yun, look," Evelyn said with a smile. "I found someone good for the job. She's great at everything when it comes to housework. On top of that, she's a former martial artist and a C-Rank Hunter."
Hao Yun raised his eyebrows. He was a little confused.
"If she's a C-Rank Hunter, why would she want to be a maid?"
Evelyn glanced at the young woman, hinting for her to answer.
She stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Hello, sir. I'm Yumi. As for your question... It's simple... I'm a pacifist."
Hao Yun made a puzzled face. "Then how would you protect Joo Na if there's danger?"
"That's a different matter, sir," Yumi replied calmly. "Even if I prefer peace, I won't hesitate to protect my master."
Hao Yun liked her answer. He decided to hire Yumi as his housemaid and as Joo Na's personal bodyguard.
He called Joo Na and introduced her to Yumi, telling her that from now on, Yumi would take care of her and also take her to school. There was no need to worry about anything.
Yumi smiled warmly at Joo Na, trying to be friendly. But of course, Joo Na still liked being with Hao Yun more.
Meanwhile, Hao Yun spoke to Evelyn in private. He asked her to check in on Joo Na from time to time when she was free.
"You don't have to worry," Evelyn said. "I've bought a house in this area. Starting next week, I'll be living here."
Hearing that made Hao Yun feel relieved. If Evelyn was going to live nearby, he could leave without being too anxious.
"Oh, by the way, Evelyn," he added, "I've finally decided on our guild's name. And as the vice president, you'll be in charge while I'm away."
"I hope you'll take good care of our Black Sovereign Guild."
"Black Sovereign, huh? That's a strong name. You've got good taste."
"Heh-heh, thanks."
Ring-ring-ring...
Suddenly, Hao Yun's phone rang. It was Choi Sang Min.
"Hello?"
"Hao Yun, your trip to Siberia is confirmed. Your flight leaves at 9 p.m. tonight."
"So soon?" Hao Yun was surprised. It hadn't even been two full days since he asked for help. Sang Min had already taken care of it.
A thought crossed Hao Yun's mind. What if Sang Min became his personal assistant? The man never disappointed him. No matter the task, he always respected Hao Yun's wishes.
But Hao Yun quickly shook the idea away. It felt impossible.
"Thanks, Sang Min. You're a real lifesaver. I don't know how long it would've taken if I did everything myself."
"It's nothing. You're our country's trump card. The stronger you get, the longer we'll survive."
"Wait... you know?"
"Yeah. This sudden trip to Siberia. It's for your mission, right?"
"Man! You're sharp."
"If that's all, I'll hang up now."
"Wait! One more thing. It's not Hunter's business, it's a personal favor."
"What is it?"
"I heard your son studies at Azure Sky Noble School, right?"
"Who told you that?"
"The principal. I've enrolled my little sister there. She's joined the Special Course, but I'm worried she might be alone in class."
"I was hoping your son could look after her... maybe even be her friend."
"How old is your sister? What track did she choose?"
"Her name's Joo Na. She's 10 years old and joined the Special Cooking Track."
"Well... she's a prodigy like you, then. There aren't many students in the Special Track at the elementary level. She'll probably be alone in class for a year or two. I'll ask my son to keep her company."
"Thank you, Sang Min. I really appreciate it."
Call ends...
Evelyn asked, "What was that about? What did Sang Min say?"
"He told me my flight's at 9 tonight."
"You had the chairman of the Hunters' Association book your tickets?" she asked, shocked.
"Yeah. I asked, and he just did it. What's the problem?"
Evelyn and her assistant were stunned. In the entire world, only this man could get Choi Sang Min to work for him.
Soon, it was already 7 p.m. Hao Yun was still at home, making final preparations.
He had packed his bags, including extra-warm clothes. Siberia wasn't going to be just cold. It's extremely cold.
It was time to say goodbye.
"You ready, Big Brother Hao Yun?" Joo Na asked, forcing a small smile.
"Yeah, I'm ready."
"Master, your luggage is in the car. We can leave whenever you say," said Yumi.
Hao Yun checked the time, 7:30. "Alright, Yumi, let's go."
Yumi and Joo Na came along to see him off at the airport.
Meanwhile, at the airport, two pilots were lounging around after eating too much.
"Ugh... I feel sick. It's your fault for suggesting that eating challenge, Jin Seok," one said.
"Weren't you hyped up, too, Hyun Soo?"
"Let's not argue. Let's just head to the restroom before our flight."
In the restroom, Hyun Soo was looking at his system screen.
"I think I got a new task this morning… forgot to check."
He squinted. "Where are my glasses?"
The screen was blurry, but he could make out the message. "Nice! Still four days left before the deadline."
Ring-ring...
"Oh! That must be Jin Seok. I'd better hurry."
Twenty minutes later, at Incheon International Airport.
Yumi parked the car, and the three of them entered the airport. While Yumi and Joo Na waited, Hao Yun checked in.
Once he was done, he walked over to them.
"Joo Na, be a good girl, alright? And don't watch strange dramas just because I'm not home."
"Hmm... sob sob"
"Ah, don't cry now."
"Wait, why are you crying? I'll only be gone for a few days!"
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He turned to Yumi.
"Yumi, please take care of the house and Joo Na. Don't let anything happen to her. And if you can, play with her sometimes."
Yumi looked straight into his eyes. "Don't worry, sir. I won't leave her side. I'll keep her company and protect her. She won't feel alone."
"Thank you. That puts me at ease."
✦✦✦━━━━━━✦✦✦