The Returner

Chapter 266: If the demon king is scarier than mom (1)

Choi Jeong-Hoon resorted to a bout of awkward laughter to blow away his nervousness, sneaked towards the couch on the opposite of Yi Ji-Hyuk, and settled down on an empty spot.

‘Okay, so. How should I bring this crisis to a close?’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

First of all, the initial goal of rescuing the American President was a success. Whether the dude suffered from PTSD or some side effects, or even dying while being taken to a hospital — all of that was out of Choi Jeong-Hoon’s hands now.

The most important thing would start from now.

“So, then....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

He began unpacking this situation.

“You say that you’re Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk’s wife?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“That I did~.” (Erukana)

“So, like.... Really his wife?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Erukana’s long, slender brows arched up.

“You don’t believe me? Even though you’ve seen this much? Are humans this distrusting? Should I take it as you believe everything I said as a bunch of lies, then?” (Erukana)

“There’s no way! I believe you! Of course I do!” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Right away, Jeong Hae-Min’s and Seo Ah-Young’s criticising glares coldly stabbed into his back.

Stop looking at me with those eyes!

You also haven’t seen a demon king you can converse with before, have you?!

If I say a wrong thing here, forget about losing my head, my entire body will be smashed into its tiniest molecules, so how should I even hold out in this situation? (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

“Even still, we should hear what the man in question has to say first, don’t you agree?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“The man in question? You mean, my darling?” (Erukana)

“Y-yes, that’s correct. Regardless of what, we do have a bit of relationship with Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, you see. So, we should hear him out and arrive to some kind of a conclusion next.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“H-ng, humans are really distrusting. What reason do I have to lie to you? What will I even gain by lying to measly humans, anyway? Alright, fine. If you want to hear it straight from my darling’s lips, then so be it.” (Erukana)

Erukana grinned brightly and clung onto Yi Ji-Hyuk.

“Dar~ling, please tell them.” (Erukana)

“Hah-ahhh....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk simply spat out a lengthy, powerless sigh.

Why...?

Why am I sympathising with Yi Ji-Hyuk’s current appearance? (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

What a bizarre thing this was.

Even if she was a demon king, Erukana was still a stunning beauty that would make your eyes spin just by looking at her. So, making a rotten expression with such a beauty by your side was an action only reserved for a fool who was under the influence of tremendous luck.

If it was me, I’d carry her around on my back if she was even half as pretty! No, hang on, not even half! (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Even then, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s expression came off so ‘real’ that Choi Jeong-Hoon couldn’t help but feel compassion for the former. What a bizarre situation this was.

“Darling?” (Erukana)

“I...” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Ng? Darling?” (Erukana)

“Why! Am I! Your darliiiiiing?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk grabbed Erukana clinging onto him and threw her away. She spun around once in the air before lightly landing back on the floor.

“Oh, my. Darling, even if you’re playing, you shouldn’t throw a woman around like that. Even though I’m a demon king, I might get hurt if something goes wrong.” (Erukana)

“Hurt?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk shot a glare at her out of sheer dumbfoundedness.

A demon king who might or might not get a single scratch from a nuclear bomb going off, getting injured by being thrown around?!

If you get hurt by something like that, then a regular woman’s head would explode if I try to pat her! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Besides, you call darling a darling, what else is there?” (Erukana)

“We are divorced!! Divorced!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Who divorced? Because I sure didn’t?” (Erukana)

“Keuh-heuk!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk plopped down on the floor.

“Just let me go, will ya? You’re sucking me dry to death here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Choi Jeong-Hoon saw Yi Ji-Hyuk’s shoulders tremble and even without realising it, placed his hand there.

“That’s how marriages are like.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Kuwaaaahk!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk suddenly had an outburst, causing Seo Ah-Young who had been quietly observing the situation until then, to step in, grab his shoulders, and push him back down.

“Okay, okay. Stop being like that, and....” (Seo Ah-Young)

“N-ng?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Why don’t you tell us what really is going on here? I just can’t wrap my head around what’s up with this situation.” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Tell you what exactly?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“How did you two meet?” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Ng?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk stared at Seo Ah-Young as if he couldn’t believe this. They were stuck in a critical situation, yet she wanted him to start telling them a story?

Choi Jeong-Hoon quickly tried to dissuade both of them.

“We mustn’t forget where we are currently.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“What do you mean?” (Seo Ah-Young)

“We’re still inside the White House. The area is also being surrounded as well. It’s time that we vacate from the premise, wouldn’t you agree?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Ah, I guess you’re right.” (Seo Ah-Young)

After getting Seo Ah-Young’s consent, Choi Jeong-Hoon began studying Yi Ji-Hyuk’s mood before asking him next.

“Excuse me.... Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Yes.....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I think it’s the right thing to do to leave this place and go back to our own country.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Well, do that, then.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“It’s not an issue with the others, but uh....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s dazed eyes shifted over to Choi Jeong-Hoon. The latter did his absolute best to suppress his own tears that were threatening to break out, and asked the former for a small favour.

“I think we need to take that person with us as well.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“What person?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“That person named Erukana. Your wife, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“I said, she isn’t my wiiiiiife!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk sorrowfully cried out, but Choi Jeong-Hoon let that enter one ear and slide right out the other.

“The important thing here isn’t about whether she is or not. We need to go back to Korea, so please get ready. I’ll go outside and talk to Christopher before coming back inside.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Why did you decide that on your own?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Well, do you wish to stay here, then?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“.....”

“In all honesty, I.... am not happy about taking that person with us back to Korea. I mean, which insane fool would take a demon king back home? But then, she has a relationship with you, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, and moreover, she’s supposed to be your wife as well.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“She, she isn’t.....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s voice lacked all energy as if he finally lost his will to resist. Choi Jeong-Hoon could only look on in pity before turning around.

“I’ll be back soon.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

As he walked out of the Oval Office, Yi Ji-Hyuk let out a lengthy sigh filled with despair.

*

“What happened in there?” (Christopher McLaren)

“Well, you can say that it has entered a bit of a lull.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“And the demon king?” (Christopher McLaren)

“....She’s sticking next to Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk like a piece of gum.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Christopher McLaren replied in a dumbfounded voice.

“So, she was telling the truth.” (Christopher McLaren)

“It seems that way.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“I’ll be d*mned. His wife, is it?” (Christopher McLaren)

The American clicked his tongue.

“What an extraordinary development this is. Truly extraordinary.” (Christopher McLaren)

“I think the matter will be resolved quietly at this rate, so we can only be thankful for that, at least.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Mister Choi, you haven’t been married before, yes?” (Christopher McLaren)

“Pardon?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“If you were, you wouldn’t have said something like that so easily.” (Christopher McLaren)

Choi Jeong-Hoon smiled awkwardly.

The married men’s bond of sympathy was a rather tough thing to get used to. Seriously now, marriage didn’t seem like such an impressive thing, so what gives?

“There’s no doubt that a person enjoying dominance over Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk has made her entrance. This is basically a seismic shift taking place in the power dynamics. You mustn’t take this too lightly.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Now that I hear you....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

....Things can look even worse depending on your perspective. (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

“By the way.....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon’s gaze shifted over to one side. There were a bunch of men tied up in the corner of the command centre.

“Those people are?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Oh, them? It’s nothing much. You don’t have to worry about them.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Even if you say that....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

All those medals hanging on the clothes of those people were definitely not there for decorations. Indeed, anyone wearing such a formal uniform must’ve been pretty high up in the pecking order.

“They seem to be people of some importance?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“I’m sure they are. One of them is the Chief of Staff.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Eh?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Did I hear him wrong?

The Chief of Staff?

O-okay, so, is he talking about the U.S. Army’s Chief of Staff?? (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Choi Jeong-Hoon barely managed to grab ahold of his consciousness that was trying to run away from him.

“The Chief of Staff? Is he really the Army’s top man?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“He is.” (Christopher McLaren)

“But, why is someone like that....?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“That’s already a pretty good treatment considering he’s a godd*mn traitor.” (Christopher McLaren)

Traitor?

Did a rebellious uprising or something occur while Choi Jeong-Hoon wasn’t looking?

“What do you mean by that?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Well, you don’t have to know the details.” (Christopher McLaren)

When an incident involving ability users and monsters occur, the American President would possess the authority to command the American Army; in case he was unable to carry his duties out for some reason, then the command was supposed to fall not to the Secretary of Defense but to Christopher McLaren.

Meaning, he possessed the equal amount of authority as the President himself in this situation, so refusing to accept that and performing independent actions would go well beyond the simple crime of disobeying orders.

On top of that, their irrational actions almost resulted in the death of the President, so it wouldn’t be strange to see them arrested immediately.

Choi Jeong-Hoon managed to guess that much and slowly shifted his gaze away.

“M-mm. I seem to have seen something I shouldn’t have.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“No, it’s fine, Mister Choi. Although it is an embarrassing sight for us, you’re one of our allies, after all.” (Christopher McLaren)

‘An ally, is it....’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Surely, you showing me that wasn’t a mistake?

Right. There’s no way a guy like you would make such a mistake. You must’ve arranged it so that I would end up seeing it. (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

“Although it is rather burdensome, I should still accept that role. Of course we’re allies, and we shall continue to be so moving on.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Your words sound far more reassuring than when your own President says them. Indeed, looking at everything both you and Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk have done for us, I can definitely trust you. We’ll all be in your care in the future.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Of course. You can rest easy.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

The two men shook each other’s offered hands.

Thoughts swirling in their heads were different, but at least in this moment, they seemed to be the perfect role model of friends and allies.

“By the way.... What will happen to this demon king named Erukana?” (Christopher McLaren)

“For the time being, we’ll take her back to Korea with us. Leaving her here will present a problem of its own. Since she’s involved with Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, one wrong move might end up as a huge diplomatic incident, so there’s that, as well.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Oh, no. We wouldn’t dare to raise an issue with such a thing. Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk has done so much for us already.” (Christopher McLaren)

....And, he sure wrung us dry as much as he can, too. (Christopher McLaren’s inner monologue)

Choi Jeong-Hoon quietly studied Christopher McLaren, before forming a bright smile.

The American might be talking in such a manner right now, but that was for the sake of the immediate benefits. The pride of being a citizen of America would still be alive and kicking in his heart.

It must’ve been so displeasing.

An Asian ‘kid’ not even half his age was speaking to him on equal terms, acting all buddy-buddy and allies and whatnots, so the older man wouldn’t be happy about it not one bit.

Even then, not displaying a single hint of that outwardly was surely one of Christopher McLaren’s abilities.

‘I shouldn’t get devoured, then.’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Even if Choi Jeong-Hoon failed to take the lead, he should still ensure that he was not in a disadvantageous position.

For the sake of his country, and for Yi Ji-Hyuk, too.

“Well then, we’ll be on our way now.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Already? I was thinking of treating Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk to some burgers he seems to enjoy so much....” (Christopher McLaren)

“With the situation being what it is, we just don’t have enough time to relaxedly chat away, unfortunately.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“I guess you’re right. Too bad.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Oh, and also....” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“M-mm?” (Christopher McLaren)

“It’s not that Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk likes burger-type foods, he simply likes all types of food. He prefers mostly something sweet, as well as meat dishes.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“....That’s a piece of high-value information. I’ll keep that in mind.” (Christopher McLaren)

“We shall get going now. I’ll give you one last radio call before leaving, so please ensure that no one enters the building before we are gone. I’d like to avoid any unnecessary stimulations, if you will.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“It’s us that want to avoid it more than anyone. Ah, there’s something I want to ask you.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Yes?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Christopher McLaren shuffled closer to Choi Jeong-Hoon and whispered into the latter’s ear.

“How did Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk’s relationship to that woman look to you? Is he the one wearing the pants?” (Christopher McLaren)

The tone of his voice asking that question sounded as if he was convinced of that not happening.

“....It seems that he’s a henpecked husband.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Badly?” (Christopher McLaren)

“Afraid so.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Tsk, tsk.” (Christopher McLaren)

According to Christopher McLaren’s life experience, men who were successful and talented in society were, most often than not, henpecked by their wives for some reason.

....For instance, the previous President who walked around with a black eye after his wife chucked a mobile phone at him.

“The numero uno has changed, hasn’t it.” (Christopher McLaren)

“We’ll have to wait and see first.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“What do you mean?” (Christopher McLaren)

“I can’t say for other countries, but at least in Korea, you could say that there’s a grim reaper-like existence for an aspiring wife that they must contend with first.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon smirked deeply.

The time to prove whether Yi Ji-Hyuk’s mother was indeed scarier than a demon king or not was fast approaching.

< 266. If the demon king is scarier than mom -1 > Fin.