Parisian Artisans (3)

-Today’s log in bonus is a luck increase buff! For 48 hours, your chances of success in everything will increase!

“Luck?” The next morning, Kang Shin-hyuk awoke in the guest bedroom on the second floor of Siara Bertrand’s house, tilting his head at the login bonus he had never received before. He had no such skill among his statuses.

“Administrator, are there people who have luck as a special ability? Is this useless?”

-Good luck isn’t a special ability, member. It’s just a part of the status that cannot be measured.

“But now it’s being amplified?”

-That is a benefit of the login bonus that only VIPs can receive.

He didn’t like that he couldn’t confirm it with his own eyes, but he decided to leave it alone. It wasn’t like it was actively hurting him, at least.

“Ah…”

“Did you sleep well?” He left the room at the same time the door to the next one over opened, revealing Lee Na-hee in pajamas.

“Huh…hiii!” When she saw him, she blinked a few times before making a weird noise of surprise, fleeing back into her room without a further word.

“What does that mean?”

-Pretending to be embarrassed like that, it’s the fox’s trick to make you excited by her pajamas.

“She doesn’t seem to be a person who would use such a high level of trickery…” With a sigh, Kang Shin-hyuk went straight to shower before descending to the first floor. There, Siara Bertrand was already waiting for him with Lee Na-hee, who had changed clothes.

“Good morning.”

“If the bed wasn’t good, I would’ve reported you for kidnapping.”

“I’m glad you liked the bedroom.” Yesterday, Kang Shin-hyuk and Lee Na-hee had been swayed by Siara Bertrand and ended up in something that suspiciously seemed like a date.

“Is it okay for a teacher to do that, really?”

“The laws that apply to superhumans are subtly different. In order to survive in superhuman society, you should also study international superhuman law in advance.”

“Thank you for the lesson.” Even with Kang Shin-hyuk’s sarcasm, Siara let out a satisfied laugh. The reason was clear. Lee Na-hee, sitting on the other side of the sofa, was still embarrassed. Siara was convinced her plan had paid off, although the trigger was technically what happened before then. Still, results were results.

“I can happily report back to Mr. Lee Manwoo.”

“You’re my enemy from now on.” Lee Na-hee responded bluntly, but Siara had a friendly expression on her face.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope you see past that. I want to be a regular at your store.”

“…” Apparently, when it had just been the two of them, Lee Na-hee had accidentally leaked what had happened on Champs-Elysees yesterday.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Well, what…I won’t disappoint anyone.” Kang Shin-hyuk was getting to see a lot of rare views of Lee Na-hee recently. She was making a point to avoid his gaze.

“Now, let’s go ahead. Actually, I prepared opera tickets for you two. Have you ever watched an opera from a box seat? It’s definitely a special taste.”

“I’ve never seen an opera, let alone from a box seat.” Was luck already working? Forgetting that he had been subjected to the same trick yesterday, Kang Shin-hyuk vacantly reached out to take the ticket while Lee Na-hee stood next to him with a conflicted look.

“That… I’m not going to do it today.”

“Do you have a date with someone else?”

“No! It’s not like that, I just feel bad for Ellie.” Lee Na-hee stood up while blustering.

“So go see it with her. I’ll head to the museum today.”

“Oh, the opera is in the evening…” Lee Na-hee quickly left, leaving Shin-hyuk with the ticket. Siara Bertrand, embarrassed for her, seemed to understand something he didn’t.

“Indeed…maybe so.”

“Tell me too.”

“It seems to have reached a critical point, I’ve been pushing too hard.”

“Critical point…?” However, she had no answer for him.

“It’s more than you can imagine, Kang Shin-hyuk. It’s amazing.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

“I’m praising you. Now, then today, as instructed, invite Miss Algiers. Oh, you can dress up if you want, but if possible, please wear your school uniform.”

“Will you be going with Lee Na-hee?”

“Hmm…” Reaching the extent of what information she would give him. Kang Shin-hyuk stood up. Siara Bertrand smiled and waved him goodbye.

“Then, have fun. Please, have a moderate relationship…”

“That’s not what someone who tried to push two students into the same room last night would say. Then, see you later.” Kang Shin-hyuk left, letting out a sigh as he prepared himself to contact Eleanor.

[Senior Eleanor: Sorry, I have an appointment…]

[Right, it can’t be helped.]

[Senior Eleanor: I’m sorry, I can’t refuse Na-hee’s request…]

[Yes? An appointment with Na-hee?]

[Senior Eleanor: Yes, I would be willing to go if not for that…]

Kang Shin-hyuk stiffened as he looked at his phone. Lee Na-hee told him to invite her, then beat him to the punch in planning something with Eleanor?

-Limiting your options and then getting rid of them…what a brainy foe.

“In my heart, I want to treat her as an enemy, but let’s think about it first. Wait, when this happens, who remains…?” Baek In-ha or Karen. He immediately struck Baek off as an option.

“What is this…” What did he do to Lee Na-hee yesterday to suffer such humiliation? He sent her a text to confirm.

[Senior Na-hee: I called Karen, too. Go to the opera with Baek.]

[…]

[Senior Na-hee: It’s suited for you, junior.]

Her words were filled with malice. Yesterday, he had felt their relationship was pretty good! Kang Shin-hyuk made up his mind. A partnership with her? No way!

“As long as this is the case, even if it comes down to the beauties in Paris…”

-Member, calm down.

The administrator quickly calmed him down, as Kang Shin-hyuk began to formulate nonsensical plans.

“You’re right. On behalf of Shinyoung, I can’t afford a scandal.”

-8,000HP bonus for reasonable members!

[Bartender noona: Arriving in Paris!]

At the same time the administrator sent him a bonus, his stick vibrated with a message from Claire.

[Bartender noona: Are you free?]

[Bartender noona: Would you like to meet up and have fun?]

Kang Shin-hyuk looked at Claire’s message, sure that this woman was clearly an angel. An angel who arrived to save him.

[I’ll pick you up at the airport.]

[Bartender noona: Yes. Come fast; I’m hungry!]

Looking at the screen, laughter came unbidden out of him. He slapped his cheeks to calm himself down before responding.

[I’ll fly.]

***

“Hi!’ Claire was waiting in the airport waiting room, sitting on her suitcase with large sunglasses.

“Camouflage?”

“Yes. If I cover this much, I won’t be recognized. Besides, it’s France, not the US or Korea, so it should be fine.” Well, it wouldn’t normally be an issue, but currently, the conference was being held here. Claire recalled but smiled.

“Well, I declared war anyways, so there’s no issue if I’m caught.”

“You declared war…?”

“Here.” Claire put another pair of sunglasses on Kang Shin-hyuk and pushed his bangs to the side before nodding.

“The most handsome in the world.”

“My noona is also the prettiest in the world. Oh, does Na-hee know you came to Paris today?”

“No, I only messaged you. Why?”

“Okay…this way.”

“Hm?” Kang Shin-hyuk took a selfie with Claire. He had to hide his face immediately after, however, as his senses were a bit overloaded from how close she got.

“Okay, time to send it.”

“Are you sending it to Na-hee?”

“No?”

“No, send it. Let’s go.” Kang Shin-hyuk sent the picture without hesitation. Shortly after, his phone began to vibrate, but he turned it off with a refreshed smile.

“Then, let’s go eat!”

“Oh, I’ve already enjoyed myself.”

“Actually, I received some box seat tickets for the opera this evening.” Hearing that, Claire laughed and jabbed Kang Shin-hyuk.

Only

“I’ve figured it all out. You were originally going with Na-hee, you.”

“The person who gave me the tickets wanted that.”

“I bet that’s an interesting story. Explain it to me while we eat.” Claire giggled and wrapped her arm around his. Kang Shin-hyuk clearly felt the presence of his good luck buff as they headed off. Her phone began to ring, but after checking the caller, she turned it off with a hum.

“I’m looking forward to the opera.”

“Me too.”

“How should I dress up?”

“…Today, please, in the general public category.” The two left the airport, whispering to each other. Even covering half of their faces with sunglasses, the peoples’ attention was on them because of how attractive they were. Fortunately, however, no one recognized them.

One day remained until the conference.