Killing the Possessor - Chapter 74

“That’s great that you’re familiar with Camilli too. It would be nice to go together when I visit the Public Security Bureau later!”

“What? But Illui, that place is…”

Why on earth does she want to go to that rough place? And why drag me along? I never want to go there again!

“Sir Ren explained the work of the Public Security Bureau. It sounded quite interesting, and they’re currently hiring office workers.”

“Ah…”

Now that I think about it, Kim Heemang from the original story also got closer to the male lead after visiting the Public Security Bureau. Initially an unintentional investigation target, she later frequented the bureau often in a spy-like role and developed a love line with Ren Abyss.

My feelings got complicated. Should I be rooting for this or not? If Illui becomes close with Ren, it would certainly benefit Kim Heemang later.

“By the way, Camilli, that dress really suits you. Did the Lady pick it out for you?”

Unaware of my worries, Illui smiled like sunlight and brought up a new topic. Up to this point, everything was fine.

“It really looks kimchi!”

“…What?”

That sunny smile on her face felt like fuel for my public humiliation.

I was so shocked by Illui’s use of a word that should never come from her mouth—especially not in front of Ren Abyss—that I froze like a stone.

As if not understanding my reaction, she tilted her head and innocently asked again:

“Kimchi! Isn’t that the word? Didn’t Camilli teach me?”

“…Me?”

Of course, the red dress Bali lent me was similar in color to kimchi. If anything, it was a bit darker in tone.

But there’s no way I taught her that!

“You said it back then. It was a compliment in New World language.”

The phrase ‘New World language’ suddenly brought back a memory.

When I first tried to confirm whether she was possessor, I’d blurted out “Kimchi arrayo?” out of nowhere and then scrambled to cover it up.

“It’s a compliment. Like something you say to the most beautiful lady of the day. I saw how nicely you greeted His Majesty earlier.”

“Oh, so it had that meaning. It’s a language I’ve never heard before—could it be New World language?”

“…Yes, something like that.”

Illui Hope, your memory is way too good for no reason!

“…Ahahaha, yes, it was a word like that, but it’s been so long I barely remember now.”

“Huh? I don’t think it’s been that long—”

“My memory isn’t that great.”

I cut off Illui’s reasonable objection with a loud laugh on purpose. They say the person with the louder voice wins.

Trying not to make it obvious, I glanced sideways toward Ren. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to have heard the word ‘kimchi’ before and showed no reaction.

Just as I was breathing a sigh of relief at the picturesque smile he habitually has, the man who had been quietly listening to our conversation finally broke the silence.

“A dress chosen by the Lady. I wasn’t aware you were acquainted with Lady Aidepen.”

Hearing that from a Public Security investigator carried a strangely pointed tone. Bali Aidepen was certainly a figure within the investigation’s scope, even if there was no concrete evidence yet.

Before I could even answer, someone beat me to it.

“Are you displeased that I am acquainted with a graceful young lady?”

In this situation, Bali Aidepen’s presence was an incredibly reassuring one. She was the very person our conversation revolved around.

Just hearing her familiar voice calmed my nerves and allowed me to regain composure. Wasn’t she the only one who could rival Ren Abyss in shamelessness? I thought it was safe to relax for a moment and leave things to our leader.

“Is there anyone good-looking I’m not acquainted with? Honestly, for a Public Security investigator, your intelligence network seems rather short.”

“Of course, I have heard of the Lady’s reputation, but I wasn’t aware it extended to women as well.”

“Oh, pretty women are totally my type! Especially the feisty ones. If you don’t want to become my rival this season, you’d better start acting now, Sir.”

Though Bali was facing a man taller than herself, she held her chin high, taunting him with a mocking smile. Yet even when seeing Bali’s outrageously arrogant expression that was enough to offend even the most patient, Ren maintained his relaxed smile.

“Oh dear, I’d better hurry then. In that case—”

But for some reason, at that very next moment, he looked at me. Just as I was about to frown at the sudden gaze, he unexpectedly reached out his hand and said something I hadn’t anticipated:

“Miss Camilli, would you grant me a dance?”