Chapter 39

Incheon International Airport. 3:11 AM

Catherine, with her neat updo and angular glasses, looked around.

This was a special security entrance for private jet owners and those entering the country in secret. Journalists and regular passengers were not allowed to enter here.

After confirming that no one was around, Catherine glanced at her wristwatch.

‘It’s about time for him to arrive.’

As soon as she thought this, the entrance door opened as if on cue. The sound of the automatic door opening echoed loudly in the eerily silent lobby.

"Have you arrived?"

The sound of steady footsteps approached, and a pair of neatly polished black shoes came into view.

He lightly rotated his shoulders, which had stiffened from the long flight, and replied.

"The world has really improved. It only takes 10 hours to fly from New York to Incheon."

"I'm glad you had a comfortable trip."

Catherine smiled and looked up.

Her hair, almost beige in color due to its light pigmentation, was cut neatly, giving her an urban and sophisticated look. However, her eyes, which appeared silver or ash, seemed a bit tired and sunken.

"It was fine. A bit warm, though."

As he took off his black suit jacket, the white shirt that clung to his muscular frame was revealed. Catherine skillfully took the jacket he had removed.

He loosened his black tie and glanced around.

"The Incheon Airport has changed a lot."

"Well... a lot of time has passed."

"Yes."

He turned his head, nodding in agreement. His gaze inadvertently met his own reflection in the glass window, and he was drawn to it. Perhaps what had changed was not just the scenery.

The two of them walked through the empty lobby.

As they stepped onto the empty escalator, it began to move with a creaking sound.

Through the large glass window that covered the entire wall, the bustling airport was clearly visible. His ash-colored eyes remained fixed on one spot until the escalator reached the bottom.

〈Gate 21〉

"..."

Meanwhile, Catherine, who had been looking straight ahead, suddenly turned her head. She smiled as she looked at his profile.

"How is your first visit to Korea in a long time? Are you glad to be back?"

"Happy?"

He let out a low laugh.

"No way."

In front of him, Catherine closed her mouth. She immediately understood. The sunken ash-colored eyes did not hold any joy or nostalgia.

Catherine thought that his sudden trip to Korea was undoubtedly closely related to the Princess of Black Flame.

Although she hadn't heard it from him directly, she was certain of it. Otherwise, there would be no reason for him, who hadn't set foot in Korea for 30 years, to suddenly decide to come here.

"What about the wolf? How did it go?"

As he put on the leather gloves he had kept in his pocket, he asked.

It was as expected.

Catherine, who had adjusted her glasses that had slipped down her nose, spoke heavily.

"I'm sorry. I failed."

"Is that so?"

He clenched and unclenched his fist. The wrinkles on the black leather gloves smoothed out.

From his profile, it was impossible to read any emotion. He didn't look happy, but there was no sign of disappointment either. It was fortunate that he didn't scold her.

After receiving his orders, Catherine had entered Korea first and gathered as much information as possible about the Princess of Black Flame.

As a result, Catherine concluded that the Princess of Black Flame was not just an F-grade concept hunter.

In fact, many people who had seen the Princess of Black Flame on TV assumed it was just edited footage.

However, Catherine didn't think so.

The fact that the wolf was protecting her and that her superior was paying attention to her was proof that she was not ordinary.

Actually, the best way to get to the bottom of this would be to ask her superior directly. Her eyes, filled with concern behind her transparent glasses, glanced sideways.

"Why?"

"......No, it's nothing."

Catherine closed her mouth. He wouldn't give her a proper answer anyway.

After that, there was no further conversation between the two.

While leaving the airport, a few gazes followed them, but thanks to the security personnel who had been briefed in advance, they arrived at the car without any issues.

The sleek black sedan was tinted so dark that it completely blocked out the outside view.

"Nice car."

"I had it prepared in advance."

"Indeed, you are efficient."

"Thank you."

Catherine loaded the luggage into the trunk and got into the driver's seat.

"Shall we go now?"

Catherine, who had taken the steering wheel, looked at the back seat through the rearview mirror.

Perhaps he hadn't heard her, as he was lost in thought, staring out the window. Catherine started the engine and launched the navigation on her phone.

"What would you like to do? It shouldn't take more than an hour to get to Gangnam at this time."

He, who had been so eager to come to Korea, would undoubtedly want to knock on the wolf's door right away, despite the late hour.

However, he answered in a muttering tone, resting his chin in his hand.

"No, let's go to the hotel today. It wouldn't be polite to visit the guild headquarters at this hour."

"Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"Yeah. I'm also tired."

He leaned back deeply into the soft seat. His voice, unusually low and muffled, echoed softly in the silent car.

"Then... I'll head straight to the hotel."

Catherine didn't say anything more and pressed the accelerator. The bright headlights illuminated the dark street.

The car vibrated slightly as the scenery outside the window began to move slowly. Inadvertently turning her head, she noticed a brightly lit sign.

〈Incheon International Airport〉

〈Welcome to KOREA!〉