Is It Strange For A Succubus To Be Wearing Clothes?

Chapter 59

—–CROW—– 

*Knock knock*

“Yoo-jin-ssi, Yoo-jin-ssi?”

*Knock knock knock*

“…”

“Haa… Yoo-jin-ssi. I know you’re in there. You have a meeting scheduled with the 3rd Corps Special Forces at the Gaeseong Wall this afternoon…”

“…”

“Should I cancel that too?”

“…Yes.”

“Alright. I’ll cancel it.”

Han Si-woo, Lee Yoo-jin’s personal secretary at Hoyeon Guild, had been racking his brain for days, trying to understand Yoo-jin’s sudden change in behavior.

*‘Why did he suddenly change overnight?’*  It was beyond baffling; it was absurd.  Just a few days ago, Yoo-jin had been perfectly fine, even planning to appear on a Hunter TV show.  Now, he was canceling all his appointments, paying exorbitant cancellation fees out of pocket, and holing himself up in his room.

They were currently at the Gaeseong forward operating base.  The government had requested S-rank Hunters for an off-the-books mission, and Yoo-jin had been chosen.  But during the entire trip, he had remained hidden under his blankets, refusing to show his face, even to Si-woo.

*‘Damn it, Yoo-jin-ssi!  I’m going to get fired because of you…!’*  While Hoyeon Guild had covered the cancellation fees, claiming that “Hunter Yoo-jin needed some rest,” Si-woo, who had seen Yoo-jin’s state firsthand, knew something was seriously wrong.

*‘An S-rank Hunter wouldn’t suddenly succumb to mental contamination or brainwashing…’*  It had to be something personal.  Perhaps a death in the family, a loved one captured by monsters…

But as someone who knew Yoo-jin’s schedule better than Yoo-jin himself, Si-woo couldn’t think of anything out of the ordinary.

*‘His schedule was completely normal.  The only unusual thing was that meeting with an unknown high-ranking Hunter named Lee Jae-hee…  But Yoo-jin wouldn’t be like *this* just from meeting someone…’*

He was back to square one.  With no clue as to the cause, Si-woo’s frustration grew.

*‘The cause… I need to find the cause…’*  This wasn’t just a change in mood or a minor setback.  If he were a civilian, taking a break would be fine.  But Yoo-jin was an S-rank Hunter.

As a Returnee S-rank Hunter, he received special treatment from Hoyeon Guild.  He was consistently ranked among the top Hunters, a valuable asset, showered with support and resources.

*‘But that support came with a price…’*  He had to maintain his S-rank performance, boosting Hoyeon Guild’s reputation, upholding his model Hunter image.  Fortunately, his ability, [Admiration], aligned perfectly with these expectations.  Like an idol or celebrity, he actively cultivated his public image, basking in the adoration of the citizens.  He participated in highly publicized charity events, inspiring articles about “the responsibility and duty of the powerful.”  He never missed a government-sanctioned mission, further elevating Hoyeon Guild’s prestige.  And his personal life was spotless, no scandals or messy relationships.

But now, everything had changed.  He was holed up in his room, refusing to see anyone, not even the Guild executives, let alone his own secretary.

“Haa… Yoo-jin-ssi, what happened?  Taking a break is fine, but can’t you at least tell your secretary what’s going on?”

“I-it’s… it’s nothing…”

“Nothing?  You’ve locked yourself in your quarters and refuse to see anyone.  You even canceled the executive meeting before we left for the base.”

“…Ugh…”

And his voice… it had changed.  Si-woo wasn’t sure if it was a medical condition or something else, but the distinctly feminine voice coming from behind the door made his head spin.

*‘At first, I thought he’d called in a succubus prostitute or something, but… what is going on?’*  It was a relief that Yoo-jin had accepted the government’s mission, but now that they were at the base, he was still refusing to leave his quarters.

Si-woo sighed, slumping to the ground outside the door.  His job was to assist Yoo-jin, but if Yoo-jin refused to do anything, then Si-woo had nothing to do.

*‘No, wait.  Even if he’s suddenly ill and can’t work, he’s still an S-rank Hunter. Even with reduced abilities, he’ll be fine.  But me?  I’m just a D-rank nobody…’*  Si-woo’s comfortable lifestyle, his healthy bank account, it all depended on Yoo-jin.

He had diligently managed Yoo-jin’s schedule, protected his reputation, cultivated positive public opinion online, especially on Hunter forums.  He was the one who posted the photos of Yoo-jin’s charity work, coordinated his dungeon raids, and publicized his achievements.  Thanks to Si-woo’s efforts, Yoo-jin’s [Admiration] ability had flourished, leading to increased investment and expectations from Hoyeon Guild.

*‘But if Yoo-jin suddenly quits being a Hunter… I’m definitely fired…!’*  While S-rank Hunters were immune to ordinary illnesses, mental health issues and ability degradation weren’t uncommon.  If Yoo-jin couldn’t use his ability or work in the field, it was most likely a psychological problem.  And if Yoo-jin’s mental state was compromised, Si-woo, as his secretary and caretaker, would be held responsible.

“Yoo-jin-ssi, are you really not going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“…”  Silence.  But he could sense Yoo-jin’s presence behind the door, still hidden under the blankets.

*‘Ugh, why do I have to deal with this guy’s personal problems?’*  The thought of having to provide emotional support to a high-profile Hunter, especially a *male* Hunter, made his head hurt.  If Yoo-jin were a beautiful female Hunter, it would be a different story.  But having to coax a grown man back into action… it was humiliating.

“Yoo-jin-ssi, I’ll leave your meal here.  I’ve canceled all your appointments as requested.  I trust you’ll at least participate in the invasion if there’s an emergency?”

“…”

“I don’t know what’s wrong, but you can talk to me.  I’m your secretary.”

“…”  Still no response.  But the lack of a “go away” meant he was at least listening.

“Well, Yoo-jin-ssi, have a good night.  I doubt there will be any need for you to sortie.  I heard from Civil Servant Dan Ah-yeon that the Transvia Gate, the one they were planning to invade, has been… subdued.  The invasion has been called off.  They’re sending in an exploration team instead…”

“A-an exploration team…?  I don’t have to… participate, right?”

“No.  You were here for the invasion.  You don’t have to join the exploration team if you don’t want to.”

“O-okay…”  While Yoo-jin seemed relieved, Si-woo gritted his teeth.  So frustrating, refusing to explain anything.  What was going on with him?

“Well then, good night, Yoo-jin-ssi.”

“…Wait.”

“Yes?” Si-woo’s frustration leaked into his voice.  Normally, he would have apologized profusely for such a curt response.

“Th-thank… you…”

“…If you’re grateful, then you should recover quickly and get back to work.”

“I-I’ll… try… Yes…”  The feminine voice sounded almost… cute.

Si-woo shook his head.  He knew what Yoo-jin looked like.  A pretty boy, handsome enough to make Si-woo feel insecure.  He was a man, dammit.  And hearing him speak in that cutesy voice was infuriating.

“Anyway, I’m leaving.  Call me if you need anything…”

“Okay…”

The moment Si-woo’s presence faded, Yoo-jin cautiously pulled back the blankets and looked in the mirror.  A beautiful woman stared back.  No, a beautiful *girl*, so lovely she could pass for a succubus.

“Ugh… sob…”  Confusion, denial, and fear warred within him.  His entire life, his identity as a man, had been shattered overnight.  This wasn’t just a change in appearance; it was a fundamental shift in his very being.  He was lost, unsure of who he was, what he was worth.

His title as an S-rank Hunter, his strength, his pride, it all felt meaningless.  He had always enjoyed the attention and respect that came with his power, but now, he felt exposed, vulnerable.

The nature of [Admiration] was influenced by his self-image and the public’s perception of him.  This transformation could lead to a catastrophic loss of power.

Every time he heard his feminine voice, he was reminded of his altered state, the undeniable reality that he was no longer the same person.  He felt alienated, disconnected from his former self.  The name “Yoo-jin” felt foreign, his identity stripped away.

The pressure of societal expectations weighed heavily on him.  His contract with Hoyeon Guild, his public image, the expectations of others, even Si-woo’s concerned gaze.  He knew that if his transformation became public, everything would change.  The thought of their disappointment, their betrayal, filled him with dread.

*‘What if… what if I lose my powers too…?’*

He needed time alone. Time to process this change, to come to terms with his new self.  But the more time he spent alone, the deeper he sank into despair.

“Ugh… sob… sob…”  He didn’t think anyone would accept this new him.  He couldn’t even accept himself.

“W-what… what am I supposed to do…? Sob… sob…”

***

***

***

“Ah, delicious~”

“What’s so delicious?”

“The anguish and despair of a transformed soul, the taste of mental breakdown… it’s as sweet as candy.”

“…Is that so?”  Dan Ah-yeon knew Jae-hee was referring to Yoo-jin.  But Jae-hee didn’t know how much Dan Ah-yeon knew.  Or perhaps she did.  The depths of the Succubus Empress’s mind were unfathomable.

“Oh, come on, Dan Unnie.  Don’t be so cold~ I apologized, didn’t I?”

“Hmph.  Whatever.  Just go back and do that broadcast the Vice Minister requested.  And do it properly this time.  I’m seriously angry.”

“Yes, yes~”  Unlike Yoo-jin, Jae-hee was in high spirits.  She felt like she could play her violin for the world right now.  Yoo-jin’s tears… they were delicious, sweet, intoxicating.

“But really, it’s not my fault.  It’s *you* who has such a dirty mind, Dan Unnie.  Those few words, and you immediately jumped to such lewd conclusions.  You have the makings of a true succubus.”

“…Well, it’s your fault for using such suggestive language!”

“Oh my, so in your mind, I’m a depraved succubus?  I’m a virgin, you know!”

“I don’t want to know!”

“But it’s important!”

“Be quiet!”

“No!”

“Ugh!”

“Heehee.”

—–CROW—– 

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