The S-Classes That I Raised - Chapter 465: Good People (1)

We even rented the entire hotel and truly invited an orchestra. But officially, it was a banquet to thank the Beonkeibeu Guild for coming all this way. Naturally, nobody in attendance was unaware that this fuss was arranged by Director Han of the Kisung-su Breeding Farm to ingratiate himself with Chloe Alger… Embarrassing as hell.

At least we avoided any scandalous tabloid headlines. Before my return, Haeyeon’s guild master brother would’ve seized on “foreign top hunters” and brought disgrace to the nation. Now, only insiders whispered—it was quiet outside. The image-management system for high-Rank hunters really works. Well, I’m not high-Rank, but still.

“Gyeol, absolutely don’t say a word—just pretend you’re an ordinary hatchling monster.”

The fairy dragon on my shoulder nodded. Seong Hyun-je and Moon Hyun-ah knew about Chloe, so they’d be ready if anything went wrong. Even so, the thought of being alone with Chloe, however briefly, made me uneasy.

‘Park Ha-yul might have noticed Grace,’ I thought. I’d stripped Grace away in front of him once—it seemed he hadn’t realized, but you never know. And even if Grace was there, she couldn’t stop a kidnapping or asphyxiation.

‘But if I have my Changeling, I can at least buy some time.’ I could boost my stats briefly—but the fairy dragon had to seem harmless. She’s registered, like Ppiyak, as an F-Rank monster; I just had to hide that she understood speech.

I met Myung-woo and Noah—who’d arrived separately—and entered the hotel. The lobby was quiet with only staff on duty. Before heading to the banquet hall, we went up to the suite. Suk Sim-myung, already there, handed me the prepared outfit.

“I’m worried—Director Han seems deeply in love,” she whispered as she helped me into my clothes. Her soft, sweet voice made my ears tingle.

“Some people, once they fall, ignore fire and water,” she continued.

“I know it’s not the time for romance. Even if I fall for someone, Yu-hyun and Ye-rim come first. So I have no intention of pursuing anything—it’d be improper.”

“Precisely why I worry. You’re not someone to date lightly.”

Her hand tightened my tie neatly. If I ever posed a threat to Yu-hyun or Ha-yeon, she’d deal with me coldly—yet that only inspired more trust.

“You’ll get flak if you say that openly.”

“I’d gladly endure criticism to keep her by my side. But Director Han cherishes his siblings—surely a mere request suffices.”

She smiled kindly, her eyes behind the glasses cool and steady. I forced a smile back.

“Thank you for your loyalty to Ha-yeon. I’ll count on you going forward.”

She stepped back after straightening my collar.

“My end may not spell Ha-yeon’s end, but Ha-yeon’s end would be mine,” she added, solemnly.

Though the Ha-yeon Guild would survive if Ha-yeon fell, Suk Sim-myung would share that fate. Grand, for an employee—but not untrue. If Ha-yeon couldn’t hold on, the world would crumble—she believed that.

“Thank you, Manager Suk,” I said.

In the living room, Yu-hyun and Ye-rim waited.

“Hyung, here.”

Yu-hyun placed a handkerchief in my breast pocket. Ye-rim fluttered a second one.

“Use these if you cry. Want another?”

Why would I cry?

“They’re waterproof—won’t smear your makeup.”

“…I won’t cry.”

“That’s okay. If you’re hurting, tell us anytime. A breakup is still a breakup—some go on heartbreak trips. Need a few days off? I’ve cleared my backlog from China.”

“Jeju? Busan? You need a seaside.”

What had happened while I changed clothes that they was planning for my heartbreak? Yu-hyun still didn’t expect I’d be rejected. Gyeol hovered excitedly on the table.

“For a while, eat whatever you want.”

“Let’s explore cafés! Sugar lifts your mood.”

I appreciated their concern, but this wasn’t that sort of thing. I nodded awkwardly.

“Add it to your inventory.”

Myung-woo offered a small glass jar of golden floss-like snack.

“It’s like honey thread—from that dungeon with bees. Fresh honey’s selling now. Busy as I am, he still made this.”

“Thanks.”

“Stay strong.”

Why that look before I’d even confessed?

“When Hamin hyung gets rejected, Geumdong gets to see him,” Noah said sympathetically. I didn’t need that.

“Min-ui offered to set me up on a blind date too.”

What? On the banquet floor, I spotted Moon Hyun-ah and Director Song talking in the hallway. Moon Hyun-ah greeted me warmly.

“Why empty-handed? At least bring flowers.”

So natural, knowing the backstory. Director Song looked at me and my entourage, expression stern.

“If Han Yujin dates Hunter Chloe and her safety’s threatened, Ha-yeon Guild will be first investigated.”

“…Excuse me? That’s unfair! I haven’t even dated her yet. Presumption of innocence?”

“Preventing disputes among top hunters is best. This could become an international incident—exercise caution.”

“…Still harsh. I’m not dating anyway. Don’t worry yourself—enjoy the meal.”

“This is no needless worry.”

Director Song was serious—he truly believed I might date Chloe. Why?

“Consider: at our first meeting, Director Song, Yu-hyun, and Seong Hyun-je were all present. Would I even catch her eye?”

Director Song’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Compared to the three of us, naturally Han Yujin is the best choice.”

Well, yes… what?

“Excuse me? Me?”

“Yes.”

Moon Hyun-ah, overhearing, burst out laughing.

“See, hyung? Seong Hyun-je’s great for watching from a distance, but put him next to you and he’d freeze. The young master’s too young—even discounting age, normal dating wouldn’t work. He’d schedule your workouts. Director Song’s no different. Of the three, you’re the best—but you’ll see S-Rank hunters more often than a lover. It’s nauseating.”

“Well…”

“On the other hand, Director Han’s the sincere-dating type. If not kidnapped, he’d make you a lunchbox every morning.”

Ye-rim nodded.

“Even if ages matched, Yu-hyun’s worst, that government guy’s too strict. I think Director Han’s best—plus loyalty! He’s number one!”

“You think I’m best, of course.”

Yu-hyun rolled his eyes. Hard to argue.

“But what about Noah?”

“Huh? Me?”

“He’s handsome, young, kind, attentive, and free for dates! And Myung-woo has great physique, top skills, plus lunchboxes! No contest. Busy as he is, he’s caring.”

“I’m not that caring.”

“Me neither, Yujin-ssi.”

Both sounded absurd. Still—there are many good people in the world, and it’s not even my turn yet.

I left Gyeol with Ye-rim and found Seong Hyun-je. Beside him stood a middle-aged man in a classic black-and-white suit.

“Director Han, you’re meeting him for the first time,” Seong Hyun-je introduced.

“This is Idel Vantes. No formal title—he’s my aide.”

I’d heard of him: an F-Rank awakener who rarely appeared.

“He’s shy; even guild members seldom meet him. Only Director Song among outsiders might’ve.”

“If my rank is low, I keep a low profile. The hunter world is harsh.”

Yet he stood calmly beside Seong Hyun-je—an aide to a top hunter must manage other top hunters. Perhaps he has mental-resistance skills like mine. To stand beside the guild master with low stats, he’d need such defenses.

“Pleased to meet you, Director Han Yujin. I’ve long wished to meet you,” Vantes said with a gentle smile and offered his hand.

“I look forward to working with you.”

As I bowed, Vantes stopped me.

“Do not bow lightly.”

“…Excuse me?”

“You stand by the guild master. I stand below him.”

“I understand, but…”

“Modesty is fine. But do not step back before beasts.”

“Beasts?”

“Yes. Most top hunters respect strength. The only hierarchy is strength: the strong clear tougher dungeons faster and claim ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) more. When gathered, they size each other up—and fights ensue.”

Vantes smiled quietly, recalling Seong Hyun-je’s birthday party.

“If the host of a top-hunter gathering is underestimated, the party becomes chaos.”

“…Ha-yeon Guild Master smashed the cruise ship, though.”

“Order remained because the Guild Master is strong.”

Indeed, hunters at that party followed rules—until he rammed the ship.

“Our awakening history is short, so few records exist. But beyond your feasts, several international top-hunter gatherings have occurred. I’ll send you those records.”

“Thank you.”

Seong Hyun-je had promised to introduce an expert for hosting S-Rank gatherings—this was Idel Vantes.

“Treat tonight’s banquet as a rehearsal,” Seong Hyun-je advised, studying me slowly.

“Forget about Hunter Chloe for now.”

“Would acting too casual arouse suspicion?”

“A greater gap makes it more believable.”

I considered that.

“Stand before me—at a respectful distance, as if guiding me. Tonight, you’ll be Director Han’s ornament.”

“Quite the honor. I worry I’ll seem more like an attendant.”

“Do not mind behind you. Keep your gaze straight ahead. An attendant watches the master’s every motion; the strongest needs watch no one.”

“The guests?”

“That’s the attendant’s role—spot issues, quietly report. The master need only nod or shake his head.”

Which empire was this? Seong Hyun-je needn’t worry, but I must. Grand advice, but I’d follow it.

“This is just dinner—be cautious when entering. Once seated, dine naturally.”

With a knock, staff announced guests were seated. I gave Seong Hyun-je a look, then walked forward—formalities aren’t my forte.

As I entered the banquet hall, all eyes turned. I smiled lightly, as if this were routine, and made my way to my seat. I’d pretend Seong Hyun-je wasn’t there—anchoring him behind me made me appear unflappable, the perfect accessory. Truly a fine adornment.

I sent Chloe one composed glance, greeted the assembled guests briefly, and sat down. Good—that felt right. …Probably.

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