game chapter 9

A rather intriguing rumor has been circulating within Absinthe lately. 

“Kal, is it true one of the executives is a runaway viscount’s son? No way. That’s huge, isn’t it?” 

It was a rare, peaceful Sunday afternoon. Raphelt was thankfully quiet, Scior was mercifully absent, and everyone else was away on assignment. The sprawling mansion held only myself, Kal Martin, Muscalt, Yansi, a handful of subordinates, and the house staff. Such tranquility was a welcome change. I decided to soak up some sun on the terrace and enjoy this precious time with Kal. 

“Is that so?” I asked. “A viscount is a nobleman, right? He must have grown up wanting for nothing. Why would he join the organization?” 

“Everyone has their reasons,” Kal replied, seemingly unfazed by the rumor. His lack of surprise suggested it wasn’t mere gossip; it was likely true. 

“Wow,” I breathed. A nobleman among Absinthe’s executives? In this den of unorthodox individuals? I was certain this was a hidden storyline I’d missed while playing the original game. I recalled the game having quite a few hidden settings. Perhaps this was one of them. Feigning deep thought, I casually inquired, “Kal, do you know who it is?” 

Given his position, he was bound to know. Personnel matters within the organization were entirely his responsibility. He glanced at me over his paperwork, a gentle smile gracing his lips. 

“Well, I’m not sure. Are you that curious?” 

“Of course! It’s fascinating that a viscount’s son is mixed up with our…incident-prone executives. I haven’t the slightest clue who it could be.” 

Naturally, I excluded myself from the “incident-prone” category. The rumor painted him as the illegitimate son of the powerful Duke Roben. Due to his complicated birth, he’d supposedly abandoned his name and family, choosing a life of exile. Who could this man be? I mentally reviewed Absinthe’s current executives. 

Could it be Scior? His rigid demeanor, meticulous nature, and intelligent aura made him a possibility. Or perhaps Muscalt? His perpetually masked face hinted at a hidden past. Then again, could it be Raphelt, as an unexpected twist? His arrogant and unrestrained behavior wasn’t entirely out of character for someone accustomed to privilege. He often reminded me of a spoiled youngest son of a nouveau riche family. 

Or… My gaze settled on the man across from me, diligently reviewing documents. Kal Martin. His appearance was the epitome of nobility and grace. His gentlemanly demeanor, courteous speech, impeccable features, and refined movements made him a strong contender. His neatly styled platinum blonde hair and violet eyes perfectly matched the image of an aristocrat. I couldn’t help but admire him. 

“Still pondering?” he asked, catching my gaze and returning my stare with a smile. His charming smile nearly undid me. 

“Well, I’ve considered everyone, but I still can’t figure it out,” I admitted. “In the end, they’re all just members of the organization,” he replied. His smile was as bright as a summer sunflower, but I noticed a weariness in his complexion. He’d been busy with official documents since dawn, so his fatigue was understandable. 

“Ah, finally finished. I can finally breathe,” he sighed, setting down his pen with a decisive click. He placed his black-rimmed glasses on the table and began massaging his brow. 

“Take it easy,” I said, genuinely concerned. He was one of the few people I truly cared about. Knowing his workaholic tendencies, I worried he might collapse from overwork. It wasn’t just paperwork he handled. What if he collapsed in the field? While I doubted Kal was that fragile, I couldn’t shake my concern. 

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” I confessed. I knew it was a naive and selfish wish. Risking their lives was their daily reality, an unavoidable fate for members of Absinthe. Any one of them could die at any moment. They all knew this, which was why they allowed themselves only a measured amount of affection for each other. I remembered Raphelt once saying, “The thought of losing you too, someday…it’s terrifying.” 

He’d spoken with unusual seriousness, then added with a forced smile, “But I can’t help it! It’s a real problem.” Raphelt, too, knew they couldn’t afford to become too attached. They always had to draw a line with their emotions. Perhaps they were the most unfortunate people in the world. He knew that, yet he still let me in. Why did I have to remember that now? A wave of melancholy washed over me. I should give Raphelt a hug when he gets back. I sighed and turned my attention back to Kal, realizing his amethyst eyes had been studying my every move. 

Chapter 5.1 (10)

“Are you alright? You suddenly looked unwell…” he said, his voice laced with concern. He reached out and gently touched my forehead and cheek. 

“I…I don’t have a fever. I’m fine,” I stammered, startled by his touch. I instinctively pulled away. I realized my reaction might have been misinterpreted. Kal’s hand froze mid-air before slowly retracting. He looked at me with a strange expression, then offered a strained smile. 

“That’s good. If you’re not feeling well, don’t hesitate to tell me, alright?” 

“Of course. If I even catch a cold, I’ll make sure you take care of me,” I teased. “I’d be happy to. How are you adjusting to life here? I was worried when you first arrived,” he asked, likely referring to when I first awoke in Absinthe. 

“I’m more adaptable than I look. Raphelt is a constant nuisance, but he’s been helpful, so I’m managing well.” 

Tap, tap, tap. The sound of small footsteps approaching the terrace drew our attention. Yansi appeared, a bright smile on her face. “Hello! I wondered why the mansion was so empty today. It seems everyone’s here. Oh, Master. I’ve completed all of my assigned morning tasks.” 

Master? I thought I’d misheard, but unfortunately, I hadn’t. Yansi had addressed Kal as “Master.” She used honorifics with Scior, Raphelt, and Muscalt, but with Kal, she used the formal title of 

“Master.” She beamed at him, like a puppy eager for praise, her invisible tail wagging excitedly. 

“Good work, Yansi,” Kal replied with a perfunctory smile. It was a clear dismissal, but Yansi lingered, as if she had more to say. “Is there something else you need to report?” Kal prompted. Yansi shook her head and mumbled, “I…I’ve finished all my work, but if it wouldn’t be a disturbance, could I join you?” 

“…Very well.” And so began Yansi’s torrent of chatter. I had no intention of joining their conversation—or rather, Yansi’s monologue—so I opted to sit quietly and listen. “The weather is lovely today. It seems many are away on assignments, judging by the quiet mansion. It would be wonderful if everyone could relax together on a day like this! It’s such a shame to think of them working so hard. I hope we have a chance to gather soon.” 

Kal seemed to have lost interest in the conversation and returned to his work. He tapped his pen thoughtfully, occasionally nodding absently at Yansi’s words. “This mansion is not only spacious but also incredibly beautiful. At first, I was worried about adjusting to such a large place, but thanks to Raphelt’s kindness, I’ve become quite comfortable. I especially love the back garden, the terrace, the walking paths, and the greenhouse.” 

“I’m glad you like your workplace,” Kal replied. 

“But of course, the four of you are the most beautiful of all,” Yansi continued, showering them with compliments. She went on about Raphelt, Scior, Kal, and Muscalt, each with a detailed description. A faint, wry smile touched Kal’s lips as he listened patiently. 

“Indeed. You have excellent taste, Ren is certainly the most beautiful.” He responded without hesitation. Silence followed. Kal casually sipped his coffee as if nothing had happened, while Yansi’s expression shifted dramatically. Her usual, disarming smile remained, but the atmosphere had become as fragile as thin ice. I felt a pang of awkwardness. 

“Ah, of course, Ren is also undeniably beautiful,” Yansi quickly added, taking a breath before continuing. 

“I’d love to get to know all of you better. Seeing Ren’s cheerful demeanor makes me want that even more. So, Ren, would you mind introducing me to each of them? I’d really like to become friends.” Yansi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, her gaze fixed on me. 

“Actually, that’s what I came to ask you.” Kal Martin, who had been engrossed in his paperwork, looked up. He set his documents aside and looked at us with a questioning expression. 

“I heard that, unlike the others, Ren keeps only one close aide. I was wondering if I could take that position?” Yansi’s red lips curved into a wide smile, and a melodious voice, seemingly designed to manipulate, flowed from between them. “I would be so happy if I could.”