# Chapter 64
The place Sua had indicated was a hotel hall standing tall in the middle of downtown. Fortunately, the timing worked out, and the four of them met at the entrance and could go in right away.
While it wasn’t surprising to see Sua impeccably dressed since she usually dressed well anyway, seeing D.S with her normally disheveled hair neatly combed down and wearing a sleek dress felt completely unfamiliar. As Iyeon was staring blankly at her white, soft-looking cheeks, he met the eyes of D.S, who turned her gaze with a dull expression.
“What are you looking at?”
“Nothing, really… Looking at you like this, you seem to resemble the Director a bit.”
“We’re both from the same lineage.”
This family has such strong grandmother genes. D.S grumbled quietly with a stiff face and prickly tone, but her actions were quite cooperative. While Iyeon and D.S were talking, Sua and Sano, who had naturally ended up standing together, entered first, followed by the other two.
The party was enormous in scale. The massive chandelier hanging from the high ceiling sparkled incessantly, and champagne towers and various finger foods were prepared throughout the hall. The tables and chairs typically found in banquet halls had all been removed, replaced with elegant velvet benches along the edges. The spacious hall was arranged with tall, small tables at wide intervals where people could lean their bodies lightly while standing, creating a scene reminiscent of a foreign-style party where people could freely mingle and converse.
The people inside were adorned with all kinds of fabrics and jewels. Iyeon had worried that the clothes chosen by Jongchan and Jonghee might make them stand out too much, but that was all needless concern. In this gathering of peacocks, it was impossible to attract attention with such modest attire.
Slightly overwhelmed by the magnificent atmosphere emanating from the surroundings, Iyeon asked Sua:
“What kind of party is this exactly?”
“It’s a launch party for a clothing company that my friend established. As you can see, it’s so huge that no one will grab you and question who you are.”
“The timing matches perfectly. I can’t believe the party is today.”
“There’s no day without a party. Different parties are just held every day.”
As she said this, Sua looked a bit unfamiliar, like someone from another world. Though Iyeon returned to normal after blinking a couple of times.
It was surprising that so many distinguished individuals lived in their city, but the more people there were, the better it was for them. The four naturally entered the hall and blended in among the people.
The party had begun.
They had contacted Hyegang, but goggles or communication devices would be somewhat noticeable at a formal party venue, so they couldn’t communicate freely as usual. Since they weren’t fighting mutants, there wasn’t much need for real-time information. Hyegang said he would continue various investigations in the meantime, adding a message to be careful.
According to Hyegang’s analysis, the bracelet vendor seemed to have attended quite a few parties. This meant they were either a distinguished person who could attend such parties or had connections equivalent to that. Additionally, to naturally blend in with the young target demographic, the vendor was likely young as well.
That said, they were still dealing with someone trading illegal items. Since the party host wouldn’t turn a blind eye to this, the fact that they were still in business meant they were very cautious. They were said to carefully select their buyers too.
The bracelet vendor’s targets had fairly clear conditions: ordinary people with firm purchase intent and purchasing power, who had interest and greed related to superpowers.
“They won’t try to sell to unfamiliar faces. They would only approach well-known figures to feel comfortable making a pitch.”
Based on this, Iyeon and Sano were naturally excluded.
“They wouldn’t think I have sufficient motivation. Plus, my sister collapsed. If they’re the ones who sold the bracelet, they’d know what’s going on, and it would seem suspicious for me to suddenly want to get a bracelet at this point.”
There was one person left.
“For once, my family’s contempt for non-superpower users will be helpful.”
D.S smiled crookedly.
The only ordinary person in a family that values possessing superpowers. A tragic bloodline who was despised, even had her daughter taken away, and was driven out.
It was a perfect purchasing motive.
“My unfortunate circumstances are well-known in this area.”
D.S twisted the corner of her mouth, emphasizing the word ‘unfortunate.’
“If I drop a few hints, they’ll soon make contact.”
Even the fact that she had suddenly appeared at a party after being secluded for years made sense. It was enough to make her look like a woman who had rushed over after hearing rumors about being able to acquire superpowers.
All they had to do was set the trap and wait.
“Oh my, Sua. It’s been a while.”
“Aunt. Have you been well?”
“I’ve been the same as always. But who is this…?”
The neatly wrinkled eyes moved slightly. Her gaze was directed behind Sua.
Contrary to Sua’s claim that they wouldn’t attract much attention, people kept glancing over and approaching Sua to talk if they were acquainted.—There were quite a few who glanced at D.S as well, but she seemed a bit intimidating to approach.—And they always followed up with questions about Sano.
The reason was simple. His face was too noticeable.
“Wow, I think I got used to it after seeing him a few times. I didn’t expect so many people to ask.”
Sua lightly complained during a brief gap. Iyeon stole a glance at Sano. His smooth forehead and distinct features seemed especially bright today. With his broad shoulders and chest, the vest he wore inside and the two-button jacket over it looked natural, as if they were clothes he wore every day.
Well, he attracted attention even in everyday life, so it was needless to say when he deliberately dressed up. He was good-looking. This wasn’t subjective; it was an objective truth. Iyeon muttered to himself and nodded.
“Come to think of it, I don’t even know the part-timer’s name. What’s your name?”
It was a very belated question, but not one Iyeon could readily answer. The thought of possibly answering incorrectly and receiving a call from the secretaries was exhausting just to imagine. Iyeon looked back at Sano, who briefly blurted out:
“Je Sano.”
Sua closed her mouth. She might not know the face, but she couldn’t not know that name. Her eyes rolled, and a cautious voice flowed out:
“…The one I know…?”
“That’s right.”
At Iyeon’s confirmation, both women’s eyes widened in unison. It was a name they never expected to hear in this setting.
“But, how…?”
“Owner, what do you mean?”
As Iyeon’s eyes narrowed, Sua naturally shifted her gaze to the hall. Even so, she occasionally glanced at Sano, seeming quite fascinated to see in person a figure she had only heard about in rumors.
“No, nothing… Then it’s better not to mention the name.”
“Yes, I think it’s best not to attract attention.”
I’ll give her a pass because she’s a generous owner. Iyeon grumbled and nodded.
D.S looked surprised but didn’t add anything further. Since many people came to D.S’s workshop to trade while hiding their identities, maintaining secrecy was a habit ingrained in her.
“By the way, can I eat the food? I’m hungry.”
Iyeon pointed at the finger foods placed around the hall. He had become quite hungry despite only changing clothes repeatedly all afternoon. They had passed dinner time by far… Having eaten nothing since lunch, he had honestly endured for a long time. Normally, the amount would be negligible, but since this was the only food available at the party, there was no choice.
“My goodness, Iyeon-ssi, you came without having dinner?”
Sua asked, seeming surprised. It was apparently proper etiquette to have dinner before attending a party that starts at night. Only then did he realize the tragic situation of there being no proper food at what was supposed to be a party.
Sano, who had also gone hungry, didn’t even seem hungry as he indifferently stared off into the distance. This jerk… Did he know all along? Iyeon looked at him with betrayed eyes. His face was so marked with shock that D.S waved her hand without even scolding him.
“Go ahead.”
Exciting. With D.S’s permission, the ill-mannered human walked quickly toward the table.
Watching his retreating back, Sua and D.S were again surrounded by approaching people and started exchanging greetings. From within the crowd, only the handsome face with his head peeking out turned his gaze slightly to look at the well-groomed bright head.
The catering, beautifully decorated in bite-size portions, was quite lavish. There was salmon, sea urchin roe, tuna, cake, and even pudding. What should I eat first? As Iyeon was deeply immersed in what he considered the greatest dilemma of the day, someone tapped his shoulder.
