Mastore 84 - Dumpster

Magic Realm Convenience Store – Ch. 84

The drug that carries love (4)

I don't need to specially gather my qi or focus my breathing in my dantian for this work. It’s not like I need some grand equipment either.

Since I just casually erased the magic like I always do, the succubus didn’t seem to realize I had done anything. Or maybe she's just teasing me...

“Boss, I think there’s something wrong with this perfume. There’s no way you’re completely without charm!”

Judging by her expression, half confused and half serious, she probably wasn’t trying to tease me.

“I doubt a home shopping channel would sell defective products. That would be asking for a lawsuit.”

Seeing as she wasn’t catching on, I decided to cut to the chase. Even if my charm stat is under 1, it’s got to exist on a decimal scale at least, and the perfume would’ve worked fine originally.

“I erased it. Just the magic. Judging by your reaction, it seems to have worked.”

“Huh? How?”

"Can't tell you that. Trade secret."

Even if you ask how it's done, I don't know. Should I just say 'I just do it'?

This isn't an answer that a specialist would give. Sticking to the ‘trade secret’ line seems like it’ll save me a lot of hassle down the road, whether it’s with this succubus or anyone else I end up working with.

"Anyway, this is my specialty. I can handle pretty much anything with magic in it."

Which is just a fancy way of saying ‘I wing it’. However, the succubus still looked confused.

"...No matter how much I think about it, I really don't understand the principle..."

Of course not. Whether it was the written exam, the practical exam, or what Manager and the proctor said, they all made it clear—no one’s ever done things as ignorantly as I do. And since the succubus isn’t even a magic specialist, it’s probably even more baffling for her.

Still, it seemed like she had her own way of judging things.

"But I think Boss will do well."

“You think so?”

“Yes, you seem incredibly confident.”

I had no idea where she got that impression, but if she says so, who am I to argue?

“But, Boss, if you’re going to do things your way, what exactly should I be helping with...?”

“Oh, there’s. Can you bring the new drug out of the company? Is that allowed?”

"Oh, if you mean external transfer permit..."

“Yeah, that.”

This was a request I only half expected to work.

Why, you know how it goes—some X biotech firm leaks a billion-dollar formula, or someone tries to sell a venture company’s tech and vanishes, only to get slapped with 15 years in prison—stuff like that.

“It’ll be possible in two days. As long as you sign the contract.”

"You sure? Just sign and it works in two days?"

"Yes. Our security is super strict. And the contracts are airtight."

The security magic is solid, and the contract is reinforced with layers of magic to completely block any potential leaks. Basically, it’s level max magic-proof.

Of course, it's meaningless to someone like me who can undo all magic, but I have no intention of using this new drug improperly or selling it anywhere. If they want me to sign a contract, I’ll sign it. No big deal.

"Where would you like me to bring it, Boss?"

"This convenience store will do. I'll work here."

"Is there a special reason for working here?"

"Uh... psychological comfort?"

Who’s going to watch the counter if I work somewhere else? Instead of saying that, I went with this. But even to me, the reasoning felt a bit weak, so I added:

“Also, you mentioned you have to transfer buses at the stop right out front.”

The location of this place might drive a convenience store clerk mad, but for office workers, it’s a prime spot. With subway, bus stops, and taxi stands all here.

It’s not bad for the succubus either. I framed it as a win-win situation for both of us, but the succubus didn’t seem entirely convinced.

"I do feel comfortable here too, but..."

“If it’s because people can see inside, we can pull the curtains for a bit.”

“No, that's not it, it's because I might not be the person in charge later."

She explained that she wasn’t particularly high-ranking in her research team—second from the bottom, actually.

She doesn’t have the authority to choose her assignments, so if another researcher takes over, she won’t have a say in it. I immediately spoke my thoughts.

“I don’t like that.”

“Yes?”

I hadn’t meant to say that aloud—it just slipped out. Maybe because I blurted out ‘don't like’ without context, the succubus looked quite confused.

I was just as surprised. Now it sounded like I was badmouthing her superiors for no reason. There had to have been a softer way to put it.

"Uh, I mean..."

But really, it's true that I don't like it. I feel comfortable with this succubus.

It’s easier for me to work with someone I’ve met a few times, had a few chats with, rather than starting fresh with a stranger. That part is true.

But here's the thing. Using ‘comfortable’ about another person is definitely not the right expression.

This is because the dictionary definition of the word “comfortable” has two meanings.

1. Something that’s not awkward or unpleasant.

2. Easy and convenient.

If taken as meaning 1, the other person would be happy. But meaning 2?

Easy and convenient. I don't think that's a compliment when used about another person. ut saying ‘I enjoy working with you because it's not awkward or painful’ sounds long-winded.

I decided I needed a completely different approach—something that could only be taken positively....

"I mean... I like you. That's why."

“....”

This should work, right? How could ‘like’ be misinterpreted—

Oh, crap.

“...Sorry?”

"I mean I think it would be good to work together. Because you, yes, explain things well, and accept unreasonable requests, and, uh... come visit in person and such, right?"

I stumbled through this one sentence three times. Now what am I supposed to say next? Should I clarify that I wasn’t confessing or anything?

People shouldn't swing weapons around carelessly. I knew that, but I forgot that my lip might as well be a deadly weapon to someone else.

“That’s what I meant, and I would like to work with you again in the future. That’s exactly what I mean. So you don't need to take it in any other context... well... that’s it."

I stopped halfway through because it felt like fanning the flames of a burning house.

If this ends up being the talk of some girls' meetup—'Oh my gosh, that guy totally likes you, doesn’t he?’—well, so be it. If she gets annoyed and decides she doesn’t want to work with me, I have nothing to say…

Why do I always talk like this? While I was scratching my head in distress, the succubus carefully spoke.

"I also think it would be good to work with Boss."

Then silence. Maybe the frustration from my unintentional ‘confession’ hadn’t completely subsided, as she was avoiding eye contact and her face was still bright red.

"I'll leave a message for the senior researcher. That your explanations were good, and I think I can trust working with you."

“Yes.”

“I’ve told you how I work, and we’ve gone over most of the details about the new drug… Aren’t you getting tired?”

I wanted to wrap things up, partly for her sake since she has to work tomorrow, and partly because I didn’t have much else to say. The remaining issues would need the actual new drug to be understood anyway.

And above all, this situation was so awkward I couldn’t take it anymore. My back was soaked in cold sweat from the verbal misstep earlier.

"I was tired... but now I'm wide awake."

“Still, you should head home. Take some coffee for the road."

While speaking, I put the perfume on the table into her bag and prepared the coffee with its lid closed. What else am I forgetting...

"...Ah. If you have a business card, could I have one? I have your contact, but for formality's sake."

"Yes."

She reopened her handbag and handed me her car. I took it and glanced at it. Aimer Pharmaceutical, Position: Associate Researcher. Name....

Elena. We're finally properly introduced.

“I don’t have a business card yet, but I’ll get you one later.”

“Oh, then, uh…”

“I’m Lee Chan. Just two syllables.”

"I think this is the first time I've heard your name, Boss."

"Same here."

Looking at the time, it had just turned 11. Late, but not too late for the last train. Back when I worked at the company, I had always escort clients to their cars after meetings.

"Should I walk you out? It’s just out front, but still.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s... hot.”

Mid-to-late May, so it's reasonable to feel hot. Or maybe Elena’s back is also drenched in cold sweat right now. She hung her handbag on her shoulder and put her hand on the front door.

“Um... Boss Lee Chan.”

"Please use either my name or title, not both. It's awkward."

"Which one?"

“Whatever you feel comfortable with.”

After some such exchange....

“See you later, Chan.”

She left. Finally, I can breathe properly.

* * *

After confirming the succubus got on her bus, I went outside for a quick breather before coming back in.

Once inside, I put my uniform back on and sent out two texts. One to Manager, one to that bundle of self-esteem vampire. Since he said to report to him first when I take on work.

Not long after, I received replies from both at nearly the same time. I responded to the vampire yangban first.

'Is this a lab collaboration project?'

'Yes. Pharmaceutical company work, I'll write down the conditions’

I'll work directly at the convenience store while seeing the actual product. Let's write it down and send it. This guy's response was something else.

'Did you smear honey on that convenience store or something?'

(Korean idiom used when someone keeps returning to or staying at a particular place frequently as if they're attracted to it like bees to honey.)

'Well, I am raising one golden calf here'

'I'm being serious'

Then give a serious response yourself. But reading his following messages, they were indeed serious.

'If you look at the relationship between you and the client, the anti-magic side has the advantage because we are fewer in number. DonDon't abuse that advantage too much, it will definitely harm you later'

I didn’t want to give the impression that I was being bossy, so I asked for understanding first, and even indicated I could adjust the time if needed. Why give me this earache...

Strictly speaking, this vampire is my industry senior. If I ignore this, I'll probably pay for it later.

'I'll keep that in mind'

'Good then. Anyway, I like that you immediately chose and accepted work'

'Didn't you say taking lab work was something you didn't like?'

‘I never said I disliked them. I only mentioned that it’s better to work independently, though believing that word and stubbornly refusing help are equally foolish.’

This guy, no matter how you look at it, is exhausting. He even twists his own words to make people feel like they’re in the wrong....

'Anything else I should know besides you just said?'

'Not yet'

'Report when there's progress. That's all.'

Always saying just what he wants to say and no more. I replied with an acknowledgment, then switched over to the text from Manager.

'Call me when you can, Chan'

I called right away.

“Manager-nim, did you get home safely?”

[Yes, and Chan? Did things work out?]

She sounded genuinely worried. I skipped asking about her evening and went straight to reporting everything. It was that succubus's pharmaceutical company, and that succubus actually came.

After explaining what the job entailed and how I would be going about it, Manager immediately asked:

[It's a drug that makes people more honest with each other, and you're going to try it yourself. Right?]

"That's how it is for now, will that be a problem?"

[There won’t be any problem with Chan’s body. Probably won’t be, but...]

She continued with a voice twice as worried.

[But to see if the drug works, someone else has to drink it too, right? Not just Chan.]

"...Ah."

[Who drinks it?]

Good question. Who do I rope into this?





|Note

"I mean... I like you. That's why."

Wow, what a direct expression without a chance for open interpretation. Except the MC, yes.

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