The main character was obvious to everyone who looked.

The inheritance competition was nominal, but in reality, who would inherit had been almost predetermined a few years ago. Everyone knew this. Only the person himself modestly said that the result would not be known until it was decided.

That person was Richard, standing among the crowd in the grand hall.

Richard wore a honey-sweet smile on his face and wrapped his arm around the waist of his girlfriend, who stood out like a candy among the crowd.

“That girl…… looks familiar……”

Jeong Taeui whispered as he took a sip of his beer. He tasted it a few times, finding it bitter.

“Huh? Have you met her before? —Oh right, you must have seen her when we went to the bar last time. Maybe you didn’t see her clearly because you were hiding in the closet.”

Ilay raised an eyebrow and smiled as if he had just remembered something. Jeong Taeui muttered gloomily: “Yeah, that’s right……” while crushing the beer can in his hand.

Even if he hadn’t been hiding in the closet, he probably wouldn’t have seen clearly. What Richard was doing with her back then was not something one could stand upright and watch with their head held high. Anyway, it was at that moment that Taeui understood why Richard was called a covert pervert.

“Come to think of it, that guy had a girlfriend, but he still dared to mess with Chris, huh?”

Jeong Taeui muttered as he crushed the beer can with his teeth. Ilay took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray and looked at Jeong Taeui with a puzzled expression.

“What does having a girlfriend have to do with messing with Christoph?”

At the question, which seemed as if he couldn’t understand, Jeong Taeui looked at Ilay with disbelief. Then he frowned and scratched his head.

“……You also don’t have…… anyone else besides me, I mean…… someone to sleep with?”

Ilay remained silent and looked at Jeong Taeui. That indifferent look made it hard to tell whether he agreed or not. Perhaps from the beginning, he didn’t have any concept of that.

After a moment of silence, Ilay slowly nodded and muttered.

“So you were thinking that way. If I have to answer the second question first, since leaving UNHRDO, I haven’t had anyone else. As for the first question, you were wrong from the start. Richard messing with Christoph has nothing to do with him having a girlfriend. He didn’t do it because he had feelings for Christoph, nor was it just to satisfy his own desires. He simply wanted to crush Christoph.”

“No, but that method—wouldn’t it be extremely unethical for someone who has a girlfriend?”

“It would be easier to understand if you think of it as him taking down Christoph in a very effective way.”

Jeong Taeui stared at the person who was speaking so calmly, then shook his head.

No, it wasn’t right. As expected, in some aspects, he still couldn’t communicate with this man. From the beginning, their thinking concepts were too different, so even if they had a serious conversation, they wouldn’t understand each other.

But there was one thing he understood clearly.

That Richard simply wanted to torment Christoph both physically and mentally.

Jeong Taeui sighed and scratched his head in disagreement.

Anyway, in just a few hours, he wouldn’t have to witness these unpleasant scenes anymore. Taeui and Christoph would leave Dresden, a place that didn’t leave many good memories for them.

“I hope the inheritance decision or whatever it is gets made soon, and the inheritance ceremony or whatever it is ends quickly. I’m eager to return to Berlin soon.”

As Jeong Taeui lamented, a light smile flashed in Ilay’s eyes.

“It seems like you don’t like Tarten very much.”

“It’s not that I don’t like it; it’s just that I’ve seen too many sad scenes.”

Ilay slightly raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother to ask further. He could easily guess what those scenes were.

“After everything is over, we’ll go back to Berlin immediately, right? Or do you have something else to do here?”

Of course, Jeong Taeui asked to confirm, thinking they would return together, but Ilay gently rubbed his chin and shook his head.

“I might have to stop by somewhere else for a while.”

Jeong Taeui tilted his head and looked at Ilay.

“What? After three months of business trips, you still have to go somewhere else? How long will it take this time?”

“Not long. Just a few days. About three to four days will be enough.”

“Hmm…… What is it about this time?”

Usually, after working on medium to long-term projects, Ilay would rest at home for a few weeks, so it was indeed surprising that he was about to jump into another task right after completing a three-month-long job.

Thinking that perhaps he had found a good job to make money, Taeui asked without any deep intention, but he didn’t get an answer. When Jeong Taeui looked at him suspiciously, Ilay finally smiled faintly and said: “Well, it’s not much different from what I usually do.”

“Is that so…… What about Chris, where will he go……”

“If it’s that guy, you don’t have to worry. He can make a lot of money no matter what he does.”

“True, your colleague…… I guess there’s nothing to worry about.” – Jeong Taeui sighed. What bothered him wasn’t the issue of making a living, but……

Just then, Ilay took out his vibrating phone from his pocket, checked the screen, and subtly signaled Jeong Taeui before leaving the grand hall.

Jeong Taeui just nodded slightly as Ilay left, then leaned against the wall near the entrance and slowly observed the room.

This party wasn’t as grand as he had imagined.

Seeing people busy preparing for a few days and guests starting to arrive from early morning, Jeong Taeui had imagined something extraordinary. But its scale wasn’t as large as he had thought.

However, though the scale wasn’t large, in terms of opulence, he had never seen a more lavish party. The people conversing in the hall were all individuals who would be treated as honored guests and seated in prestigious places no matter where they went.

“Though I’m standing in an unnoticed corner, I wonder if I’m really fit for this place……”

Jeong Taeui briefly thought about sneaking out for some fresh air. Then his eyes fell on someone. Standing right next to Richard, at a considerable distance, was that sweet-as-candy woman.

……Ugh.

Jeong Taeui swallowed reflexively and looked away.

But their eyes met, and it was clear that she recognized Taeui as well. If only they hadn’t seen each other, or if they hadn’t revealed their presence until the last minute. And if they had seen each other, it would have been great if she didn’t remember him.

At that time, not only did Jeong Taeui witness something so raw and shameful that he didn’t dare tell anyone, but she also saw something unseemly about Taeui.

It would have been nice to feel a connection as fellow witnesses, but unfortunately, Jeong Taeui wasn’t the type to share a sense of empathy or have a chat with someone over such matters.

He needed to get out of here. He had to pretend to sneak out as if he knew nothing.

Jeong Taeui placed the empty beer can on a nearby table and tried to leave discreetly.

However, whether it was at the right moment or not, Richard whispered something in her ear and then left. Instead of continuing to talk to those around her, she began walking toward him. Clearly heading in Taeui’s direction.

“Wait a minute, why is she coming here?…… In this case, wouldn’t pretending not to see each other be the rudest thing? Hey, don’t come here, don’t come here.”

Jeong Taeui muttered under his breath and tried to turn around to sneak out.

But just then, Johan, who had just entered the hall, grabbed Jeong Taeui and complained about the steak being overcooked and tough, preventing him from leaving immediately. By the time Jeong Taeui finally managed to push Johan away and prepared to leave the hall, she had already reached within sight.

“Mr. Kim Youngsoo?”

Caught. Damn it. Caught. No, there’s still a chance to get away.

Jeong Taeui stood still for a few seconds after hearing the voice behind him, then quickly turned around and smiled politely like a gentleman.

“Ah—long time no see, Miss……?”

“Miriam.”

After a moment of waiting, she didn’t say her last name. In the awkward waiting, Taeui tried to smile broadly and responded: “Ah, so it’s Miriam.”

It wasn’t to boast, but in recent years, the number of women Jeong Taeui had approached closely and talked to one-on-one could be counted on one hand. Unexpectedly, he suddenly missed Rita.

“Back then…… I have let you see something unpleasant.”

Miriam began speaking, her face slightly reddening. That made Jeong Taeui blush too.

“Well…… we couldn’t help it.”

Jeong Taeui slowly moved his steps towards the end of the hallway. The restroom was there. He knew it wasn’t polite, but he thought he had to slip into the restroom to find a way out of this situation.

He had no interest in sharing embarrassing memories with a strange woman—even with a close man, it wouldn’t be pleasant.

“Richard…… um, but usually, he’s very nice, isn’t he?”

“Yes. Actually, he’s a good person.”

For a moment, Jeong Taeui found it hard to continue the conversation.

He scratched his head. He understood that strange sexual preferences didn’t mean a person had a problematic personality. Just because Richard had violent tendencies in sex didn’t mean he was cruel to everyone in everyday life.

However, even completely separating from that, Jeong Taeui disagreed with the opinion that Richard was a good person. He didn’t feel the need to say this to Richard’s lover, so he decided to remain silent.

“Lately, he’s been so busy that you two probably haven’t seen each other much. Being lovers, it must be lonely not being able to see each other often, right?”

Jeong Taeui tried to show maximum friendliness, and she seemed surprised, opening her eyes wide at him. Then she lightly smiled and shook her head.

“Lovers? No, not at all. Lately, even when we do meet, we mostly just talk. Now that he’s about to take over the family, he’ll be even busier, and we probably won’t see each other much. Today might be the last time.”

“Really? Ah, I see……”

After a while, Taeui suddenly recalled rumors that Richard had a habit of not treating women well. Saying ‘not treating well’ might not be as accurate as saying he was easily fickle.

……In fact, with that personality, it’s indeed not easy for him to be faithful to one person.

While Jeong Taeui was trying to find a way to skillfully exit the conversation with her, suddenly she slowed down.

“Back then, after you left, I thought a lot.”

“What?”

“I was very worried. I was afraid that you might have been seriously injured. I’ve heard that when men have relations with each other, their bodies are very prone to injury…… So I kept worrying……”

Jeong Taeui didn’t know how to react, so he just smiled awkwardly and looked at her bashfully. She lowered her head in thought for a moment, then looked up and smiled gently at him.

“I’m so glad to see you safe. One of my close friends unfortunately had a night with someone quite rough and…… had a strong physique, and he had to suffer lingering aftereffects from it. But seeing that Mr. Kim Young-Soo is fine, I can finally feel at ease, even if it’s a bit late.”

Jeong Taeui looked at her with a hesitant gaze.

She genuinely seemed happy and smiled as if she had just shed a small burden from her heart. Perhaps she really had been worrying about Taeui all this time.

“……Thank you. For worrying about me.”

Jeong Taeui said softly and smiled. This time, he smiled sincerely. The fact that someone had been concerned for him, even without knowing him well, was like an unexpected gift that made him feel happy. Perhaps this was the last time he would meet her, but her simple kindness and genuine concern had lightened his heart.

She had probably come just to say those words. To see him safe and sound after worrying about him for a long time.

“Then I’ll go back to Richard. He might have returned by now.”

She smiled sweetly and stepped back. Jeong Taeui smiled and waved goodbye. He felt a bit guilty for rushing away from the crowd and heading to a secluded place like the restroom.

After she returned to the hall, Jeong Taeui sighed in relief. He thought maybe he should wash his hands and return to the party. After all, once the inheritance matter was settled, he would leave here. So perhaps he should say a few goodbyes to Johan and the others he had gotten to know.

“Yeah…… on second thought, this place isn’t so bad.”

Just like any other place.

There is no place with only bad memories. Just as there is no place with only good memories. This applies not only to locations but also to time.

Thinking that he should bring Johan a piece of perfectly grilled steak, Jeong Taeui walked toward the restroom.

“I heard you’ll be returning to Tarten, so he’s really pleased. Yeah, he’s always cared about you. No, perhaps he’s the only one who genuinely cares about you.”

There’s a saying that fits this situation, but what is it? ‘Out of the frying pan, into the fire,’ is that it?

Jeong Taeui unconsciously rubbed his forehead where wrinkles were starting to form.

He had intentionally found a restroom located in a secluded corner, where almost no unfamiliar guests would visit. However, upon arrival, he discovered someone was already there. Fortunately, it wasn’t someone he needed to avoid at all costs.

“I’ve already arranged a seat for you. I’ve also gotten permission from the older seniors, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. All you need to do is sit in the place I’ve prepared and carry out the tasks assigned to you with the intent to help Tarten from now on.”

Richard’s voice echoed.

Jeong Taeui couldn’t see who Richard was talking to from his position, but he could easily guess who it was. The usually gentle and kind voice of Richard now contained a coldness that was hard to detect unless one listened closely.

If Richard was speaking in that tone, Taeui knew it could only be Christoph.

“Is that all you’ve got?”

As expected, Christoph’s voice followed. Lower and colder than usual.

Jeong Taeui slightly raised his eyebrows and gently knocked his head against the wall.

It sounded like the usual, but was Christoph in a bad mood?

Jeong Taeui wasn’t the only one who felt that way. A brief silence passed, and then Richard’s laughter rang out again.

“You seem upset…… Don’t tell me you’re hurt by my little joke from early this morning.”

Amid the words, a faint laugh was intertwined.

“No, I don’t want to hear that. I don’t want to hear it and never will want to hear it from you. Never.”

As soon as Richard finished speaking, Christoph replied firmly. The voice was as cold as ice, leaving no room for the conversation to continue.

Jeong Taeui paused and leaned against the wall. It’s closed, a thought flashed through his mind.

He didn’t understand why he felt that way. But suddenly, it seemed as if he was standing before a door that had completely closed. A gentle and calm voice. Yet it carried the feeling that it would never open again.

Another brief silence passed. This feeling wasn’t something only Jeong Taeui sensed.

“Christoph.”

Richard’s voice, calling out Christoph’s name, no longer contained laughter. But there was no response.

“Christoph!”

Richard’s voice lowered a bit more.

“………….I can hear you, so there’s no need to shout.”

“……Alright then. We’ll discuss the tasks you’ll be doing in Tarten later. Right now, neither the time nor the situation is suitable for a comfortable conversation.”

“Oh, it’s late.” – Richard mumbled, and it seemed he was turning to leave. The sound of heavy footsteps on the floor overlapped slightly in rhythm.

“……Richard. I already told you. I don’t want to stay in Tarten……”

“Oh, right. My little aunt is also very happy. I told her that you’ll be staying in Tarten to help me in the future, and she’s very pleased. You’re lucky, Christoph. Being able to make your dear mother so happy.”

As soon as Richard finished speaking, the footsteps behind him abruptly stopped. Just as Taeui’s shoulders tensed up.

Richard’s voice carried a hint of sarcasm as he asked: “What’s wrong?” but he probably didn’t know. He didn’t know why Christoph had stopped.

Jeong Taeui remembered her.

Bianca. Christoph’s mother. The woman who loved Tarten – and only loved Tarten.

The calm tones of her voice, telling her son never to return, seemed to echo in Taeui’s mind. The blue eyes of Christoph as he looked at her also appeared in his thoughts.

“……When?”

“What?”

“When did you talk to my mother…… about those things?”

“This morning. Right after I left your room, I went to see her. Of course, any news about you must be reported to her first.”

Richard knew well the easiest and most effective way to bind Christoph. So as soon as he woke up, he had prepared the rope to tie Christoph by informing his mother of the news.

But there was one thing Richard didn’t know and probably would never know. He would never see the pale face of Christoph when he faced his mother that late morning.

Jeong Taeui quietly sighed. He gently pressed his hand to his eyes and exhaled a long breath, as if lamenting. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see Christoph’s pale face.

“This morning……, …….I see……, …….I understand now……”

Christoph murmured slowly, as if his mind was drifting elsewhere. Then, as if to conclude his thoughts, he whispered.

“I guess I’ll have to do as my mother wishes.”

“This could be the last time.” – Christoph whispered.

“Christoph?” – Richard called out suspiciously, but it seemed Christoph didn’t hear. The sound of footsteps continued steadily towards the exit and then stopped right beside Jeong Taeui, who was leaning against the wall outside.

Taeui leaned his head against the wall and stared at the ceiling before finally turning his head to the side.

“This party is lonely because there’s no one I know, so I’ve been waiting for you to go together, Christoph.”

Jeong Taeui mumbled like a child left alone in a strange place.

Christoph blinked once, then twice, looking at Jeong Taeui in surprise. For a moment, a strange expression crossed his face, as if he had finally met a familiar person after being lost for a long time.

Ah. The door had opened. He had thought it had completely closed, but now it was creaking and slightly ajar.

“Taei, you――.”

Christoph was about to speak when Richard appeared. He seemed to want to say something to Christoph, but upon seeing Jeong Taeui, he fell silent.

“Mr. Jeong Tay? ……The banquet hall must be boring. Is that why you’re here?”

Richard spoke naturally, and Jeong Taeui just lightly shrugged.

“When the main character is absent, the party becomes boring.”

“Ha ha…… but there are plenty of others who could brighten up the party. I was just about to head back now…… That suit really suits you.”

Richard said as he looked Jeong Taeui up and down. The person who gave the suit stood beside him silently, saying nothing. Jeong Taeui lightly smiled.

“Thank you for the compliment. I really like this suit.”

“Is that so……” – Richard nodded in agreement. But he didn’t say anything more.

Instead, he glanced at his wristwatch and muttered: “Oh, it’s late. I have to go. What about you two?”

“Ah, we should go too. I’m determined not to miss the crucial moment and to applaud louder than anyone else when the inheritance decision is announced. After tonight, we’ll leave here after enjoying the hospitality for weeks, so at the very least, I should clap more enthusiastically than others.”

Jeong Taeui smiled.

Richard stared at Jeong Taeui for a moment, then smiled gently. He said: “Thank you for congratulating Tarten on this significant event.”