Vows and Bullets
Chapter 60: Tombstone

Chapter 60: Tombstone

After that freaking event this morning, we spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping like a log. We only woke up when it was time for a meal. A few hours more, and finally, we’re at our destination—the home of kings and queens, England.

It was night when we arrived. A group of servants fetched us at the airport and drove us in a luxurious car towards Eun-Woo’s home, where we would be staying for the next few days. It was the birth home of his mother, according to him.

He didn’t explain much why he chose this place as one of our destinations since there was a hint of awkwardness between us as soon as we stepped out of the plane. But I remember he mentioned that his mother was no longer alive. Perhaps he missed her and used this honeymoon trip as a disguise to visit her grave? That’s if this was where she got buried. It could either be here or in Korea.

Soon enough, we arrived at their home, which turned out to be a palace—or at least, looked like one. It was huge and looked exactly like those mansions you see in movies involving royal families, exuding much elegance and exquisiteness.

When we stepped inside, a butler welcomed us—a real, living, moving, breathing butler! They had lots of servants back in Korea, but I didn’t see any butler, just a head maid, so it was surprising to see one in person.

The more I get to know Eun-Woo, the more I get surprised by the height of his profile. He wasn’t just a VIP, he’s a triple VIP! And to think the whole world didn’t know he existed until he got publicized by his dad, all according to our mission. He was right. During the days he trained me, he did say that...

"Do you actually think that the richest people in the world can be summed up in a simple list shared across the internet? Those on the list are only those who NEED to be on the list—for publicity, credibility, or whatever because their business needs it. But for the richest of richest, those far superior to the ones on the list, they don’t need to be there. That’s why they EXCLUDE themselves on the list."

And he also said...

"Those people who are not on the list, hiding in the dark unknown by many, are the ones who hold the truest power. They control information without anyone knowing it. And that way, they protect themselves. Should it be time for them to take action, no one would know where they came from and where they are going."

In that sense, wouldn’t that mean that he had been "excluding" himself on the list as well? But for the mission that he himself ordered, he made himself known, therefore including him on the list. Still, he was known as an heir of his father, not as an independent person. Didn’t that mean that he was still controlling information about himself?

First of all, where did he get all the money to order the eradication of Kraken? Even if his father was wealthy, I’m not sure if their wealth would be enough to cover the cost of everything. Eradicating Kraken wasn’t a single mission request—it involved lots of sub-missions ranked A or S, and the cost of each was too much for a single person to handle.

’Could it be? Was he... way richer than his own father?’

But how could that be possible? He was the same age as me. There was no way such a vast amount of wealth could be accumulated in that short time, right?

"Welcome home, master!" the butler bowed and greeted Eun-Woo with a huge smile on his face. "I am elated to see you again!" Turning to me, he also bowed and greeted, "Madam, what an honor to meet you at last."

Unfamiliar with their culture and customs, I simply smiled at him and nodded my head. On the other hand, Eun-Woo shook his hand and warmly smiled like the rare occasion he did with his father. He must have been close with the friendly butler as well.

"We have prepared your quarters for tonight. I am sure you must be feeling exhausted after the long flight. But may I dare suggest for you to dine first? We can send your meal to your room so you would not be exhausted further by traveling to the dining area. The chef has prepared a light meal for the both of you since you will be resting after."

"Such a busybody as always, Mr. Alfred," he chuckled. "We will do as you suggested and dine in our quarters. Thank you for preparing."

"It is my pleasure, master."

"We’re only staying for a few days, though, so relax. There’s no need for any formalities."

"Be that as it may, as the head butler of this proud household, I must see to it that my master and his madam’s stay would be filled with utmost comfort, relaxation, and fun."

"Alright. Whatever you say," he shrugged. "Is uncle around?"

"I’m afraid he’s not, master. But we have informed him of your arrival tonight. He should be here tomorrow morning, rushing in to see you. He misses you greatly."

"That’s just like him," he chuckled. "And about... nevermind."

A brief silence passed by. Mr. Alfred looked like he wanted to say more but thought better not to.

"Understood, master. Shall we go?"

And so, they accompanied us to our quarters. Servants helped us bathe and change and even gave me a full body massage that was so relaxing. Everyone was truly skilled and exceptional. Ahhh... I could stay here forever.

Once done, the meal was ready on the table, and I dined together with Eun-Woo. The chef indeed prepared a light meal of soup and vegetables for easier digestion. Still, the taste was absolutely delicious. When the meal finished, they took the used dishes out and left us alone to get some rest.

"For this week and the next," Eun-Woo said, as we sat on the bed ready to sleep, "we can relax and have some fun. We need to waste time in order to aggravate Mr. Choi more. The more he’s impatient to meet us to rectify the issue his daughter caused, the more he would be at a disadvantage when we negotiate. Us ignoring him is a huge sign of our disapproval, and the more we prolong it, the more weight it would bring him."

"Yeah. That way, he will think that what Ms. Choi did is not a simple matter and will offer more just to coax you."

"That’s right. It’s good that you understand."

Hmm... Weird. For some reason, his tone seemed more mellow than usual. Was he just sleepy and tired, or was there something bothering him? Curious, I asked him.

"Are you alright?"

"Hm?"

He raised his eyebrows, surprised by my question.

"Yes, I’m good. Why do you ask?"

I stared at his eyes, knowing he was lying.

"You’ve been looking a bit down since we stepped in this house. Your smile was more fake than usual, and your laughter was a little different as well."

"Ha-ha-ha. So you noticed. It seems like you’ve been observing quite closely. I wonder why? Are you charmed?"

"I’m the one asking a question here, so just answer me," I replied, unamused by his joke. He’s definitely avoiding my question. "If you didn’t like it here, we shouldn’t have come."

"It’s not that. I do like it here. It’s just that..."

He hesitated before continuing, probably deliberating within himself if he trusted me enough to share it. Sighing, he continued.

"Let’s just say I love it and hate it at the same time."

"Is that because of your mother? You said this is where she used to live. Does that mean this is also where..." I asked in a very careful manner since it was a sensitive topic.

"I guess it’s not that hard to guess, huh?"

I nodded.

"You’re right. This is also where she was buried. My mother’s family has their own cemetery a little further away from the main house. All my ancestors were buried there, so of course, my mother would be there, too."

"I see. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother."

"It’s alright. She’s been gone for a long time now. You don’t need to say sorry every time we happen to talk about her."

"I supposed I can’t ask when, why, and how she died?"

"Yeah. That’s a little private."

"What a bummer," I pouted.

Now that we were talking about it, I got a little curious. Then again, it’s Mythos policy, so I shouldn’t pry any further.

"But maybe I’ll tell more if I can get a kiss."

Hearing him say that, my eyes shot daggers at him.

"Just kidding. Let’s sleep."

"Yeah, before something unfortunate happens again," I murmured.

"I heard that."

"You should."

"It wasn’t unfortunate, though. You liked it."

"Shut up. Good night."

"Ha-ha. Good night."

With that, we laid down and slept.

Hours later, I was awakened by someone’s heavy breathing and trembling body.

It was Eun-Woo.