Retired Hunter, Become Haenam - Chapter 114



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Retired Hunter, Becoming Haenam Episode 114

Criticism and praise

“I’m sorry if you seem confused. I’ll explain in more detail.”

“Yes… please explain.”

As Edward said, I was confused.

Suddenly, you want us to accept Charlotte into our world… that is, into Earth?

‘I thought it was something to do with the gate or the tower when you asked for help.’

If force is needed, I’m happy to help.

It will be difficult in a battlefield full of S-class monsters.

“I will tell you from now on. What is the situation in our elven kingdom?”

Jiiing—

At Edward’s gesture, a planet appeared in the sky.

A beautiful planet that is blue because of the ocean and because of life.

What’s different from Earth is… .

“Are those giant trees the World Trees?”

“Yes. The great baobab tree. Our world tree.”

The World Tree was so large that it was visible from outside the planet.

The three world trees were rooted in the world at precise intervals.

It was similar to the baobab tree seen in the fairy tale ‘The Little Prince’.

But when Edward gestured again, the planet’s appearance changed.

“This is… … .”

“That’s right. That’s our current situation.”

The blue planet that once held life was covered in a dark purple color.

The two world trees that once boasted fragrant leaves have lost their luster.

The remaining tree is also partially dyed purple and is not in perfect condition.

This was the current situation in the Elf Kingdom.

“… … .”

“What do you think? Is it shocking?”

“I didn’t know it was this serious.”

“But aren’t Mr. Edward and Miss Charlotte strong enough?”

The level of magic that Edwood had just displayed without a sound was by no means low.

At least it’s an A-class level.

Even Charlotte has an awakening ability called ‘Magic Arrow’.

Charlotte shook her head with a somber expression.

“Your point is valid, but the two of us cannot go to the battlefield.”

“What is the reason?”

“As the princess of the elven kingdom, I have a duty to protect the holy land. Only by performing this tedious and traditional duty can I have the legitimacy to inherit the throne.”

“I am a great elder of the elves, so I cannot go to the battlefield. It is against my dignity.”

“For just that reason… … .”

It was ridiculous.

It’s a shame that the elves can’t use these two people, who are excellent human resources, just for the sake of tradition and propriety.

Edward looked at my expression and smiled bitterly.

“I see what you mean. But elves are a boring race… … They have enough ability, but they are consumed by their own traditions. I call this the ‘curse of the long-lived race.’”

“The Curse of Jangseongjong… … .”

It’s a terrible thing.

But we have the power and sufficient ability to protect our race.

We must watch our own destruction, bound by rules we created ourselves.

‘It’s not someone else’s problem. It’s quite possible that this could happen to us too.’

The same goes for humanity.

Morality, manners, traditions, etc… … .

There was a good chance that the human culture that had been built up over hundreds and thousands of years would strangle itself.

“So… is the solution you came up with the favor you just mentioned?”

“That’s right.”

Because the elven kingdom cannot survive.

At least Charlotte, the rightful heir to the kingdom, will be spared.

The kingdom will be destroyed, but there is a way to protect the elf race.

“Of course I have no intention of asking you for a favor in a brazen manner. Charlotte, bring it out.”

What Charlotte took out was a giant seed.

The seeds, which were the size of pine cones, looked like oversized sunflower seeds.

What are these seeds?

“It is the seed of the world tree.”

“The seeds of the world tree?”

“I heard that there is no World Tree in your world. If you plant a World Tree, it can purify the magic in the air and promote the growth of surrounding plants. Even aside from its religious significance, the uses of the World Tree are endless.”

I stared blankly at the World Tree seed in Charlotte’s hand.

It looks no different from other seeds, except that it is larger.

It has such a tremendous effect.

Can you trust me with something this precious?

“What do you think? Are you interested?”

“I could be indebted to you, Bak Dal-gu. The seeds of the World Tree are simply the best gift we can offer. The Elf Kingdom will bring many gifts. Even skill books and space stones that are lying unused… … .”

Not only did we receive the seeds of the World Tree,

Are you saying that they give you a skill book that hasn’t appeared on Earth yet, or a space stone that costs money to call?

Who would turn this down?

“I feel like I’m getting paid too much.”

“What are you trying to avoid? They will naturally disappear when the kingdom falls anyway. The Demon King’s army might even use them.”

“If you say so… Okay. I will accept it.”

I nodded.

I received too much in return for just accepting Charlotte on Earth.

Rather, it’s to the point where I should bring it.

Still, Charlotte and Edward laughed happily.

“I’m not ready right now, so I’ll send Charlotte when you visit next.”

“I will prepare it too. So that Miss Charlotte can have a comfortable stay.”

“Ba, Bak Dal-gu… Please take good care of me.”

Charlotte lowered her head, her ears slightly reddened.

‘There are still plenty of rooms left.’

In my grandfather’s time, the family was large, so the house had many rooms.

Even with Oh Hye-na, there is still an endless amount of room left in our house.

It wouldn’t be a problem to bring in one more Charlotte.

However, I must fully explain the situation to my parents.

“Well then, we’ll be going now. Your food was the best today. I’ll probably remember it until the day I die.”

“… … .”

“uncle.”

“I’m sorry. I’m old and I’m being lazy… … Then I’ll give you a tax cut.”

“See you next time, Park Dal-gu.”

“Come on in.”

Edward left behind bitter words as he disappeared through the portal.

Does this mean I won’t be seeing either Edward or Peshatri in the future?

‘I wonder if that’s okay.’

If they were complete strangers, then maybe that would be different.

We used to eat and drink together.

It is still a concern to watch death unfold.

They were content with saving Charlotte, but… .

I hope they all survive and continue the elf race.

‘I need to consult with Im Ha-rin about this.’

Is there any way to help the elves?

To consult with Im Ha-rin, the director of the Hunter Management Bureau.

I also jumped into the sea.

* * *

Meanwhile, at that time.

Song Hye-mi’s Omakase .

When news of her opening was announced, there was a flood of critical articles directed at her.

[A broadcaster, but suddenly a chef? A sudden image transformation.]

[Former Omakase Chef Park Hang-jun gives a warning to Song Hye-mi. “Omakase is not an area to be taken lightly.”]

[Suddenly leaving a program that he was doing well in. Is it a controversy over his character?]

Gossip-loving journalists churned out speculative articles.

Existing omakase chefs and food critics also did not look upon her ‘challenge’ with such kind eyes.

The chefs scoffed at the idea of ​​underestimating omakase.

Food critics have been chewing her out behind her back, saying that she’s riding on her father’s coattails and has come to be known for easy omakase.

But she was not swayed by any public opinion.

I had a faith so strong that it could not be shaken.

Trust in your own tongue, and trust in the best ingredients that your tongue has selected.

When her omakase restaurant finally opened.

The Korean food criticism world was turned upside down.

[Chef Song Hye-mi rises above doubts. Earns rave reviews for her Omakase.]

[‘Feeling like I’ve been hit with food’… A series of rave reviews.]

[Her omakase is world-class.]

[Surprisingly surpassing Oh Heung-sik, the trendiest chef of the moment! What is the secret behind the astonishing taste?]

The food critics who originally came to review her to discredit her were all left hanging their tongues.

A level of quality that cannot be brought down even with lies.

A delicate dish that makes even those with an ordinary sense of taste feel like they have ‘absolute taste.’

Her cooking became known to the world.

Broadcaster and food critic Song Hye-mi is no longer around.

There is one person who is a proper omakase chef, Song Hye-mi.

In this way, she immediately gained attention by being included in the ‘Omakase of the Month’ award that Oh Heung-sik had received in the past.

Now it’s already fully booked for months ahead.

In other words, guests who have made reservations in advance will be able to taste her food in the near future.

The old gentleman sitting in front of Song Hye-mi was such a case.

Even Song Hye-mi, who usually had an expressionless face, flinched when she saw the old gentleman.

That would be the case—

“father.”

“I’m not your father. I’m here today as a food critic.”

“……yes.”

“Focus on the food.”

It was a short and concise conversation for a mother and daughter.

But Song Hye-mi felt consideration for herself in it.

She began preparing the food calmly, trying to calm her pounding heart.

‘Maybe I’ve lived for this moment today.’

I’ve been in my father’s nest too long.

The first flap of wings with one’s own ability.

It has many shortcomings and is awkward, but… I wanted to show it.

Your daughter is living such a dignified life now.

“This is chawanmushi with ground truffle.”

“hmm.”

The course continued smoothly.

Starting with chawanmushi, then sashimi and sushi.

As it is a high-end omakase with a high price, the course was long and was lavishly filled with expensive ingredients such as Hokkaido sea urchin, truffle, and tuna belly.

But Song Chang-jun’s reaction was indifferent.

‘I wonder if it doesn’t suit your taste.’

Song Hye-mi, who was delivering food directly from the front, often glanced at her father’s expression.

The face was terrifyingly hard.

A feeling as if you are doing something wrong.

‘No, believe it.’

I almost wavered for a moment, but I managed to pull myself together.

Believe in the time you’ve put in so far.

He trusted Oh Heung-sik, a precious friend who helped him both materially and spiritually.

And I believe that the fish from Bakdalgu is the best ingredient that I can feel with my own tongue.

With that in mind, I served for about an hour.

After the dessert was served, the long omakase course came to an end.

“4.3 points.”

“…yes?”

“4.3 out of 5. Since he’s a beginner chef, he makes some mistakes when it comes to the preparation of ingredients. The way he holds the sushi is also uneven… I can tell he’s very nervous. And—”

Suddenly the review began.

4.3 points. That was a good score.

Even more so considering that most of Song Chang-jun’s reviews are in the 2 and 3 point range.

But Song Hye-mi was not happy.

‘father…….’

Not the father’s eyes, but the critic’s eyes.

Even though the words pouring out are full of praise and compliments, it seems like something is stuck in his heart.

It wasn’t cool.

I thought that if I showed my food to my father and heard his critique, it would naturally be resolved.

“… For more details, read the review I’ll be publishing in the magazine. That’s all for now.”

“ah…….”

Knock knock—

Song Chang-jun gets up, dragging his chair.

Song Hye-mi let out an exclamation that sounded like a sigh without realizing it.

Song Chang-jun quickly packed his coat and turned away.

Is this the end?

The moment when Song Hye-mi slightly lowered her head.

“It was delicious.”

“…yes?”

When she raised her head.

Song Chang-jun didn’t stop walking as if he hadn’t said anything.

I wondered if I had misheard.

Song Hye-mi was confident.

The meaning contained in that short sentence just now.

That is my review as a critic—

It was a word of praise from a father to his daughter.

“…father.”

Even after Song Chang-jun left the store.

Song Hye-mi stood there blankly, staring blankly at the spot where her father had left.

Following in the footsteps of someone who was your idol and a milestone.