Parisian Artisans (1)
“It’s discrimination.”
“It’s a distinction.”
“Is it really right to discriminate against students like this?”
“Aren’t we students of a superhuman training school? Rather, this is a good opportunity to learn about the rigors of superhuman society.”
“By humiliating students in such an explicit way? Are you really saying that’s right? Really, Shinyuk?!”
“Of course it’s right, and don’t call me Shinyuk.” Kang Shin-hyuk grabbed the curtain separating the business and economy classes, scoffing at Karen. Originally, all of Shinyoung’s students attending the conference were to be in business, but somehow, due to a missed reservation, some of them had to move to the economy class. As a result, three students of relatively low importance who were the finalists in the rookie games (excluding Kang Shin-hyuk, who won) were transferred to the economy class. Indeed, it could be said that it was cruel.
“Wow, what good luck.”
“You’re surprisingly close to Karen…”
“I just treat her how she treats me.” Kang Shin-hyuk laughed as he tried to sit down next to Baek in-ha (who also had secured his seat in business class), but someone grabbed onto his sleeve. It was none other than Eleanor.
“Shinyuk is here.”
“No, no way.”
“Really.” Kang Shin-hyuk confirmed his ticket at Eleanor’s prompting. She was right; he was sitting next to her.
“Why not?”
“We’re both Wyvern Knights.”
“If you say that, then Douglas… no, never mind.” The moment he tried to say the name, Eleanor’s expression became too scary for him to continue. He quietly shut his mouth. Douglas Payne was nearby, looking for an excuse to approach Eleanor.
“The vice-captain should be with the captain.”
“Yes, I suppose.” Eleanor tapped the seat beside her happily. Lee Na-hee, who sat by the window on her other side, looked back with a bright expression.
“Well, I’m just watching the conversation, and it’s hurting me…”
“Baek’s by himself…”
“What am I?”
“Never mind.”
“Huh…!” Kang Shin-hyuk sat down next to Eleanor, who quietly held out a bag of Pepero for him.
“…Senior, we’re not on the bus for a school trip.”
“You don’t want it?”
“I didn’t say that.”
-Fox…
He opened the bag from Eleanor, who smiled happily, and he took one out to chew on. Lee Na-hee reached out a hand to her from across the aisle, and he grabbed it. Lee Na-hee quickly released his hand.
“Not your hand, the Pepero!”
“We’re not on a bus. You’ll get in the way of the crew.” Despite his admonishment, he handed her the Pepero. The stewardess, watching it, asked him if he would like peanuts. Kang Shin-hyuk smiled at her, causing the stewardess to laugh shyly and hand him way too many bags of airplane peanuts.
“…Did this airline originally give out this many?”
“Well…” He handed some to Eleanor. Lee Na-hee was staring at the stewardess on the other side.
“She’ll hit on you before the plane ride is over, I guarantee it.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Don’t insult those who work professionally, Na-hee.” Not only Kang Shin-hyuk but Eleanor as well called out Lee Na-hee. It was a rare glimpse at Eleanor’s stubborn side. Handing her the bag of Pepero, Lee Na-hee seemed appeased. However, two hours later, Lee Na-hee’s words became a reality. The stewardess, who brought the meal, secretly hid her contact information in his meal tray.
“…”
“…!”
-Execution!
Of course, he tried to hide the paper and remain quiet in consideration of her, but he couldn’t escape the eyes of Eleanor. She had a look of astonishment on her face.
“…Na-hee was right…” She sounded like she had been betrayed. Kang Shin-hyuk felt sorry, though he wasn’t sure why, and Lee Na-hee picked up on it.
“Already? She’s fast. Shall I report her for hitting on a minor?”
“Shh, not so loudly, please.” How did he end up between these two seniors? Kang Shin-hyuk let out a desperate sigh, not noticing the others sitting in business class (superhumans with sharp eyes and ears) were staring at him like he had killed their parents.
“A dirty world where only one gets so lucky…”
“I should have awoken a curse trait.”
“I’d take some peanuts too…”
“Eleanor…”
‘No, if you want some, I could give you a bunch.’ Douglas’s unpleasant self-talk was politely ignored.
***
The party arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France. They were gathered together, yet they had no specific schedule other than attending the conference on the fifteenth, which would be in two days, so it was alright for them to sightsee to their heart’s content. All their luggage was supposed to be sent ahead to their hotel, although they didn’t even need to stay there.
“It’s a bad game.”
“Well, it’ll be difficult to navigate foreign streets.” Karen replied to Kang Shin-hyuk’s self-talk. As expected of Eleanor’s personal escort, she was always by Eleanor’s side. Well, except on the plane.
“If you want, I can send you with an interpreter guide.” Principal Shin Yoon-hak spoke up as he approached. He had a much more pleasant smile on his face now, perhaps because he had heard of the battle with Baek.
“Ah, I can speak French.”
“You know how to speak French?” Karen, not the principal, responded with surprise. Eleanor knocked on her head to quiet her.
“Is that saying you’re already ready to work on the world stage? That’s great.”
“That’s too much of a compliment.” They bid him farewell and distanced themselves from the principal. Just then, Baek’s hand rested on his arm.
“Shinyuk, let’s go. The beauties in Paris, the city of romance, await us!”
“How can you not change even after coming this far?”
“Could you change your stance so easily? Even if I fall to hell, I’d find a pretty devil noona.”
“At least your taste is consistent.” Kang Shin-hyuk also preferred someone older, so he decided to keep quiet about it.
“So, you going or not?”
“Okay, let’s go.”
-Member?!
“I was counting on you!” Of course, Kang Shin-hyuk only had eyes for Claire, so he had no intention of playing along with that. Perhaps this could be a chance for them to talk openly, however.
“What’s that…?” He was caught by the sleeve before he could follow Baek. Turning around, Eleanor had a worried expression on her face as she grabbed onto him. Kang Shin-hyuk narrowed his eyes, and she blinked several times in hesitation.
“If you’re looking for a beauty, there’s…”
“Hm?”
“In this case, just say ‘excuse me! I’m sorry I forgot to escort the lady!’ and kiss the back of her hand.”
“Are you from the ’80s?” He looked over as he responded to Karen, noticing Lee Na-hee also had a grim expression.
“Baek, let’s hang out with our seniors. We don’t need to be in Paris to find time to talk together.”
“Huh? Algiers is welcome, but…I can’t! I want a beauty who likes me!”
“Then go alone. Our junior doesn’t need a new beauty.” Lee Na-hee tried to expel Baek with open contempt. Baek pretended like his compromise was inevitable as he grabbed onto Kang Shin-hyuk’s arm.
“Then let’s go! Where should we go, the Pont Neuf Bridge?”
“Your senses are always good.” Eventually, the five went sightseeing together. Shin-hyuk could feel Douglas Payne’s gaze on them, but unfortunately, there was nothing he could do, so he ignored it.
***
There was so much to see in Paris. First, they took pictures of Montmartre Hill then went to see the cathedral of Notre Dame, famous for being burned a long time ago by a horde of monsters. Then they crossed the river to see the Eiffel Tower. Baek raced down the road to face the Eiffel Tower, asking who would race him to the top. He was beaten by Karen.
“Where next?”
“I want to stop by the Champs-Elysees.”
“Champs-Elysees…”
“You’re excited, aren’t you?” Kang Shin-hyuk checked the tour guide map as he avoided Karen’s gaze. They crossed the river again, locating the Champs-Elysees. It was a street full of beautiful buildings and luxury shops.
“It’s a place that has nothing to do with me.”
“Isn’t it enough to have two beauties with you?”
“Senior Na-hee didn’t count me.”
“Well.”
“Apologize sincerely!” Shin-hyuk laughed as he watched Na-hee and Karen scramble after each other. Eleanor quietly approached him.
“There are all types of luxury brand shops from all over the country here…of course, artifact brands too.”
“…Ah.” He understood everything at once, but he kept his mouth shut. Eleanor had an embarrassed look on her face.
“Yes, then let’s go right away.”
“Oh, yes.” Lee Na-hee raised her head and smiled slightly at his answer.
“My dad’s store was once there too.”
“That’s kind of heavy.”
“I heard that, you idiot.” Again, Lee Na-hee laughed. Kang Shin-hyuk exchanged a bitter smile with Eleanor and then joined them. Somehow, Baek was left behind, muttering depressingly.
“What, it’s not a joke…”