The Second Coming of Gluttony - Chapter 150

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 150. Two Gold Coins

Nine days after returning to Haramag. Morning.
Seol Jihoo rubbed his eyes as he stepped out of the Lodging, then froze at the sight of the old man’s back.
Jang Maldong sat on the sofa reading Paper, and though Seol Jihoo couldn’t tell what he was reading, the bitter expression etched across his face was unmistakable. He spoke carefully.
“You’re up?”
Jang Maldong glanced back and quietly set the Paper down.
“I opened them first and read through. They kept piling up while you were gone, so reading them became a habit.”
“Ah, intelligence reports on the assassins. It’s fine. If anything, I wish my teammates would read them too.”
“Big dreams. Be grateful you don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
Seol Jihoo laughed, thinking it was a joke, but Jang Maldong’s expression remained grave.
Walking slowly, Seol Jihoo picked up the Paper lying on the desk.

— A headwind has begun to blow.

The concise subtitle. The moment he saw the opening, his eyes sharpened.

— Strong resistance has come against the flames of controversy reignited by Pisora’s return to Korea.

‘Already?’
Not even a few days had passed since he’d made contact. Seol Jihoo clicked his tongue at Kim Hanna’s speed and continued reading.

— The Sheherazade Royal Family announced that the trader at the center of the controversy had voluntarily reported his own crime and come seeking punishment. Investigation confirmed that the Earthian who turned himself in was identical to Charlie Haber, who sold information to two organizations.
Charlie Haber admitted to all charges of breaking Paradise’s taboos, and during interrogation he made a bombshell statement regarding Bok Jeongsik, the commander of White Rose, which has been confirmed….
…The Sheherazade Royal Family announced its intention to closely examine Charlie Haber’s testimony and the materials he submitted, adopt them as evidence, and summon Bok Jeongsik for questioning.
Currently, Charlie Haber has entered prison at his own request and remains in custody under strict guard by the Sheherazade Royal Family.

“Don’t take it at face value.”
Jang Maldong spoke in a heavy voice.
“So-called intelligence is little more than newspaper articles. It merely restates what’s been announced to the public, with a bit of filler added.”
His calm tone sounded as though he was certain the trader would never turn himself in, and Seol Jihoo, who knew the general outline of what had happened, was somewhat taken aback.
‘True enough.’
Still, it would be strange if someone who’d deliberately hidden themselves suddenly surrendered. Seol Jihoo’s head bobbed slightly in agreement.
Whoever understood Paradise’s nature would find it difficult not to suspect some kind of intervention.
Though he couldn’t pin it on Kim Hanna outright.
“He wasn’t rotten from the start.”
Jang Maldong released a deep sigh.
“Even when he heard harsh words, he’d only laugh foolishly. His talent was lacking, but he had passion, and he worked steadily without ceasing… at least he had some conviction.”
Seol Jihoo instinctively understood that Jang Maldong was speaking of Bok Jeongsik.
“…He had conviction.”
Muttering once more, the old man reached for his cane and rose from the sofa.
As he shuffled toward the door, his shoulders looked unusually forlorn.
‘Not everyone’s as virtuous as this old man, are they?’
‘The disciples he raised with all his heart and effort to benefit Paradise… tearing each other apart over profit….’
Seol Jihoo caught himself,
‘If you were him, how would you feel? Think about it carefully.’
and found himself speaking without thinking.
“Pisora—”
He regretted it the moment it left his mouth, but he’d already started.
“Pisora has been cleared of charges.”
The old man’s steps halted. Jang Maldong’s lips curved up ever so slightly.
“Yes… that’s right.”
Then he pulled his bowler hat down so far it nearly hid his eyes.
“You’ve done well. Get some rest.”
Seol Jihoo watched silently as Jang Maldong opened the door and left, his gaze vacant.
‘Done well…?’

The incident that had gripped Sheherazade with heat cooled with an almost anticlimactic swiftness.
Seol Jihoo had kept his senses sharp, waiting to see how Bok Jeongsik would respond—but when the result came, all he could manage was a hollow laugh.
When the accused failed to answer the summons, the Sheherazade Royal Family decided on forced apprehension and conducted a search of the White Rose House.
But Bok Jeongsik was nowhere to be found. He had gone to ground.
It made sense—Charlie Haber had confessed to everything, and with evidence already admitted, there was no point in protesting his innocence. It would only damage him further.
In a way, it was the quick footwork of someone who’d spent years rolling around in Paradise.
Flight amounted to an admission of guilt; whatever Bok Jeongsik claimed now was worthless.
That Pisora’s testimony would be reexamined was inevitable.
Yes, she had authorized the expedition—but anyone in White Rose who knew the true circumstances understood it had been Bok Jeongsik’s scheme all along.
With the focus shifting to Bok Jeongsik’s hasty escape, and with room now for mitigation in Pisora’s favor, it was fair to say she’d avoided bearing the entire burden herself.
The charge of indirect intent had been lifted.
And so the Sheherazade Royal Family issued a Red Wanted Order for Bok Jeongsik, and the matter was considered closed.
In all that transpired, what ran counter to Seol Jihoo’s expectations was this:
First, Pisora did not evade responsibility by claiming she’d been used herself; instead, she took up the vacant director’s post on a temporary basis.
It was only provisional leadership, but it amounted to a declaration that she would see this through to resolution however she could.
And second, White Rose had initiated contact first.
With the acting director herself making the call.

The moment Seol Jihoo received the transmission, he set out for Sheherazade at once.
Through Jang Maldong, he learned the situation at White Rose piece by piece—and Pisora’s actions were nothing short of astonishing.
She had defied expectations of rebuilding White Rose by announcing its dissolution instead. Moving fast, with decisive intent unlike anyone else’s pace, she was already underway with the formal dismantling procedures.
For Seol Jihoo, who had been watching and waiting like a hawk for the piggy bank to finally shatter against the ground, it was an unwelcome miscalculation.
On the other hand, curiosity stirred. Pisora’s actions were like watching someone snatch up a piggy bank just before it hit the floor and shatters, only to raise it high and slam it down deliberately.
‘She could’ve just stayed quiet.’
Why was she destroying it herself? It didn’t sit right to blame mere anger alone.
Seol Jihoo entered Sheherazade with questions nagging at him.
The White Rose House bore none of its usual vitality. There were barely one or two people moving through it, let alone any coming and going at the entrance.
Those few appeared to be leaving, their arms laden with packed belongings.
With no one to guide him, Seol Jihoo navigated the annex from memory.
Pisora was waiting in the conference room as expected.
After the customary greetings were exchanged, Seol Jihoo settled into the chair across from her and spoke.
“There aren’t many people around.”
“I sent them all out.”
Pisora said it flatly, matter-of-fact.
“Those who wanted to leave, I let go. Those with remaining contracts, I transferred. Dissolved all employment agreements….”
Her words trailed off as she glanced left and right.
“This building’s to be cleared out by end of day.”
Seol Jihoo could scarcely believe his ears.
“PAX and I have settled the matter. The land rights revert to the Sheherazade Royal Family either way. We agreed to cover all transfer fees and shared assets, then hand over the building—that squares everything.”
“Did it have to go that far?”
“Strictly speaking, the incident isn’t formally closed. In Paradise, whether a settlement is reached or not carries more weight than you’d think.”
Pisora hesitated a moment before continuing.
“And it’s true that I made the call to authorize the expedition of my own accord.”
“Still….”
“It’s not ‘still.’ Even if I didn’t know, it counts as negligence in my duty—bordering on culpability. I could fight like someone else does, but I don’t want to.”
Pisora folded her arms.
“If PAX had held on and pushed harder, who knows. But thanks to that roughneck bolting so fast, they were willing to accept taking the settlement and ending this cleanly. They know what they know—wallowing in mud for one person isn’t worth it compared to this. Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s unexpected, somewhat.”
“What is?”
Pisora’s eyes sharpened, newly alert.
“I didn’t expect you to announce the dissolution. And to do it yourself.”
Seol Jihoo, who’d been making light conversation, pressed the question with calculated casualness.
“Is this revenge…?”
Pisora snorted.
“Revenge? That bastard’s unlikely to set foot in Paradise again. He’ll be fortunate just to keep himself alive on Earth.”
Given PAX’s multinational reach, it was a grimly pointed remark.
“It’s not lingering resentment, really. It’s just that….”
Pisora tapped the desk rhythmically.
“Since I began my life in Paradise, I’ve walked with White Rose all along. Honestly, I have more bitter memories than good—but I have plenty of good ones too.”
…….
“Whether I liked it or not, White Rose was a place that grew alongside me. I had a hand in its rise to where it stands today, so at the very least, I think I have the right to end it with my own hands.”
Detecting a hint of affection for White Rose in her words, Seol Jihoo asked evenly.
“There could be ways to start again. With Pisora leading the way.”
“No.”
Pisora cut the thought short.
“That will never happen. Never.”
She emphasized the same thing twice over.
“This is the end.”
‘The end?’
The words sounded laden with meaning, but Seol Jihoo stayed silent, mulling it over.
“So you’ll be leaving before the day’s out.”
“Yes. I’m heading out right after this negotiation’s finished.”
Seol Jihoo’s mouth fell slightly open.
‘What kind of person is this?’
How could anyone’s temperament be this impatient? Not even a steamroller moved this fast.
Whether Pisora misread his glance or interpreted it differently, she shrugged her shoulders.
“Don’t worry. At this level, surely you’d have somewhere to land? I’ve got my destination set too. …Wait. Why am I even telling you all these tedious details?”
Muttering under her breath, she drew two sheets of paper from her pocket. With a light flick of her hand, they sailed through the air like airplanes and came to rest precisely in front of Seol Jihoo. A pen followed, rolling across the surface.
Then the pen rolled over as well.
Seol Jihoo picked up the pen and examined the papers carefully before asking.
“What do you mean by joint names?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. Bok Jeongsik was the one who scouted Lee Seol-ah and Lee Seongjin, but I received the stamp with my official deed. So the authority falls to me alone.”
However, since Bok Jeongsik had abandoned his rights and fled, all authority now rested solely with Pisora.
After hearing the explanation, Seol Jihoo privately decided this was actually for the best.
Even if wealth lay scattered on the roadside and its owner stood watching with open eyes, taking it was still theft. Put bluntly, even if he took the siblings, should the contractual owner appear later and claim their rights, Seol Jihoo would have no ground to stand on.
Better to handle it cleanly while the opportunity presented itself—easier on the conscience and sounder in every way. After all, as she’d said, proper agreement was a crucial step.
“As for the transfer fee….”
“I’m not asking for much.”
Pisora answered curtly.
“You can see I’m strapped for cash. I’ll accept most reasonable—”
She stopped mid-sentence and smacked her lips.
“…If I had the luxury, I could hand it over for free, but unfortunately I’ve become broke. Anyway, you know what sum Carpe Diem had in mind? I can probably accept that.”
“Mm… Do you need new settlement funds?”
“That’s not it.”
Pisora squeezed her eyes shut, then roughly swept back her hair.
“It’s personal business. Do you really need to know?”
“It would help me match the amount properly.”
At that, Pisora let out a sharp breath.
“It’s nothing special. Just….”
Eventually, with a look of resignation, she spoke.
“We made a promise among ourselves long ago. All eighteen of us would share the same nationality. If any one of us died, we’d look after them a little on Earth.”
This unexpected revelation made Seol Jihoo inwardly astonished.
“Even though I’ve lost the memories, we don’t need to remember each other to be able to provide support, do we?”
“That’s true, but… if you’ve been active in Paradise for so long, you shouldn’t be without funds.”
“It depends on the person. If you’re just running expeditions constantly, what good is that? You need an official deed to take anything back to Earth.”
With that, Pisora fell silent.
The more he observed, the more intrigued Seol Jihoo became, studying Pisora’s sullen, averted face from every angle.
‘What a person.’
“Impossible to pin down.”
“What did you say?”
A sharp voice came back instantly. Instead of answering, Seol Jihoo activated the Nine Eyes.

[Pisora’s Status Window]
[1. Information]
Summoned Date · Month · Day: 2015. 03. 20
Mark Grade: Red
Gender · Age: Female · 26
Height · Weight: 168.6cm · 56.8kg
Condition: Stable
Class: LV 5. Royal Guard
Nationality: Republic of Korea (Area 1)
Organization: White Rose
Aliases: Roughneck, Queen, Field Commander

[2. Traits]
①Disposition
Capricious (temperament and attitude shift readily), Sharp-tongued (cutting and pointed), Conscientious (takes her duties and obligations seriously)
②Aptitude
Prodigy (possesses exceptional talent and aptitude), Passionate (brings fervent devotion and focus to any endeavor)

[3. Physical Attributes]
Strength: Mid-High
Endurance: Mid
Agility: Mid-Low
Stamina: Mid-High
Magical Power: Mid-Low
Luck: Mid-Low
Remaining attribute points: 0.

[4. Abilities]
①Innate Abilities (0)
②Class Abilities (8)
Shield Mastery (Advanced)
Close Combat (Master)
Body-Sword Unity (Advanced)
Occaceo Swordcraft (Advanced)
③Other Abilities (0)

[5. Consciousness Level]
Roughneck (crude and vulgar in speech and behavior) / Self-loathing / Black and White (all problems reduced to extremes)

‘Black and white,’ Seol Jihoo thought.
He thrust his hand into his pocket, fingers toying with what lay within. Pisora’s jaw tightened, as if she’d read some other meaning into his stare.
“I’m grateful you saved us, obviously. And I’d like to handle this myself. But I’m flat broke right now—spent everything, even sold off my gear just to keep PAX’s mouth shut.”
Now that she mentioned it, Pisora wore ordinary clothes instead of her usual elaborate Light Armor. No blade, no shield in sight.
“I hate saying this, but the second we announced the breakup, recruitment offers for Lee Seol-ah flooded in. Shin Young alone put four Gold Coins on the table—with a condition that the contract reset and included Lee Seongjin.”
Which meant she’d turned them all down and called him instead.
“Four Gold Coins is… two billion, two hundred million won.”
A verified prospect goes for roughly that much. Paradise ranks talented Earthians as their highest asset.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m not lying. For what it’s worth, my market value’s gone up tenfold since then.”
“I understand.”
With his resolve finally set, Seol Jihoo nodded without hesitation.
“Like I said—I’m not asking for much.”
He pulled his hand from his pocket and set it on the table, then swept it across with a flick.
“Still, I could give you maybe a hundred or two hundred Silver Coins, couldn’t I?”
A sphere rolled audibly across the tabletop, and Pisora caught it by reflex.
She opened her palm slowly, and her face drained of color in shock.
“Huh?”
Her breath caught—because what lay in her hand was a golden sphere the size of a grape.
“What…?”
“Not currency. An egg.”
Seol Jihoo emphasized the word, then hesitated before fishing out another sphere.
Another one skipped across the table with a clear chime, and Pisora’s eyes went wide as saucers, her face a mask of disbelief.
“Another one? Are you—are you serious?”
“Don’t want it, I’ll take it back.”
“No! I was just hoping for a few hundred Silver Coins, and you—”
“You said you wouldn’t use it yourself anyway.”
“…Right.”
“Two hundred Silver Coins split seventeen ways? What are you going to do, stuff it up everyone’s nose?”
Seol Jihoo spoke flatly.
“Each egg will easily fetch over a billion won. Two eggs, so two billion. You should be able to get at least a hundred million each.”
At this, Pisora’s face—which had remained impassive throughout—shifted into something subtle and curious.
“You have no objections?”
Pisora blinked rapidly, then spoke in a voice grown slightly hoarse.
“But… why are you doing this?”
“?”
“I know your situation perfectly well. If you spend money like this, won’t your grandfather have something to say about it?”
Seol Jihoo let out a scoffing laugh.
“I gave them fair market value, so I’m not squandering anything. Besides, it’s my money—who’s going to tell me how to use it?”
“That’s not what I’m asking. I want to know why you’d give this much at all.”
“That’s because….”
Seol Jihoo paused for a moment before continuing.
“I owe those people a debt. Call it repayment.”
“Repayment?”
Pisora’s brows furrowed.
“Not that again. Listen—So Hyun lives next door to me. I was worried after hearing what you said, so I went to check on her, and I confirmed she’d returned to Earth. I even took her to the hospital myself, what with her screaming and rolling around with her head in her hands.”
“Pisora.”
Seol Jihoo sighed inwardly at how much she talked, his irritation evident.
“I’ve said this several times. I wasn’t lying to comfort you, and I didn’t do it for your sake. I saw it with my own two eyes. Something unspeakable came chasing after me, trying to drag me down, and roughly a dozen corpses fought with everything they had to block it. Because of them, I was able to escape safely too.”
“But that’s….”
“If she returned to Earth, she wasn’t forcibly trapped—she chose to stay behind for a moment of her own will. Because she was worried about you. And I have no way of knowing all those details anyway.”
Seol Jihoo fired back, claiming he’d only spoken what he’d seen, then picked up a pen and gestured with his eyes.
When Pisora inadvertently agreed, he quietly reviewed the paper.
“…Am I really allowed to take this?”
“Really.”
As the other man raised his head, Pisora flinched and drew herself back slightly.
Seol Jihoo clicked his tongue and lowered his gaze once more.
“I suppose I did grant that Priest’s request… but in the end, my life was saved, so there’s a sense it’s not quite enough. In any case, let’s consider this square.”
“Square…?”
“Treat others the way you want to be treated. Matthew 7:12.”
Seol Jihoo ran through the contract, gripped his pen, and signed with quick, sure strokes. Then he looked at Pisora and spoke.
“That’s the way I’ve chosen to live in Paradise.”
Pisora stared blankly up at the young man as he rose from his seat and gathered the contract.
“What about the children?”
“In the quarters on the second floor of the main building….”
“Understood. I’ll go check on them.”
Seol Jihoo said nothing further and left the room.
Having spent longer there than expected, leaving the conference room felt remarkably light.
‘One down, finally.’
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.
The truth was, what Seol Jihoo had been worried about was Pisora spreading word of her visit to the Ancient Ruins. She’d kept silent so far, but you never know what people might do.
As he pondered how to ensure her discretion, it occurred to him that placing her in his debt—in some form—was the answer.
It seemed Pisora carried considerable guilt toward all her colleagues who had died because of her. By taking care of them, he had indirectly placed her in his debt.
It was a rare opportunity, and he’d made the decision boldly.
If his Nine Eyes hadn’t lied, his actions qualified as those of an ally.
In other words, his calculation was that Pisora, armed with Black and White logic, would remember this and keep the secret.
“Lu-lu, lu-lu-lu-lu.”
With that thought, Seol Jihoo hummed to himself, his footsteps noticeably lighter as he walked down the corridor.
Unaware that Pisora remained in the room, her face hollow, staring at nothing in particular.
And,
“…Square….”
His calculation fell slightly short, and he had no idea what consequences his choice today would bring in the future.

(Continued in the next episode)

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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