Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 360

Suzuki Endo.

She had begun as a mage, but with a fascination for poisons greater than anyone else’s, she became the world’s foremost poison mage.

Once she was called Japan’s “Poison Demon,” but in the end, the word that came to define her was “witch”—thanks to her distinctive cruelty.

Endo was currently ranked number three in Japan.

And not just anywhere, but directly under the Yamaguchi Guild’s chairman.

'But so what?'

At present, she was in Okinawa.

She hadn’t gone there from Tokyo for something as simple as a vacation.

It was because of the recent home invasion incident.

That incident, of course, was when Su-ho had entered her house and stolen her poisons.

Endo had told no one about it.

Because of pride.

She, who treated others with contempt as a matter of habit, had immense pride.

If word spread that someone had broken into her home without her even noticing, there could be nothing more humiliating to her. That was why she kept silent.

So, after much thought, she fled to Okinawa.

She couldn’t stand remaining in a crowded city, where, like a paranoid, everyone seemed suspicious.

From that perspective, Okinawa was quiet.

After the Great Cataclysm, its population had drastically declined, to the point that even if a few people were killed, as long as it was covered up properly, no one cared.

Endo preferred such a place.

Because she often felt it would be easier to simply kill someone who offended her.

“How very Endo-like.”

Arriving near her residence, Su-ho clicked his tongue as he looked at her mansion-like home.

Naturally, she earned plenty of money, and in Okinawa she could live nearly like royalty.

Accordingly, her Okinawan house was fortified almost to the level of a bank vault.

But what use was that?

Was Troy defeated by lacking defenses?

No, Troy fell to a mere wooden horse.

Su-ho disguised himself as Yamaguchi’s chairman, Takeda Musashi, then used Musashi’s phone to make a call.

—Why?

That was her immediate response when she picked up.

What an incredible woman.

Even if Musashi was her employer, she had the audacity to open with “Why?” instead of any courtesy.

But Su-ho didn’t mind and continued the conversation.

“There’s something urgent to discuss. I’ve just arrived in Okinawa and I’m on my way to your home. Where are you now?”

—You’re coming here right now?

“That’s right.”

—And what could possibly be so important that you show up without notice? You know I hate that.

“It’s critical.”

—Your manners, honestly... Fine. I’m home. But come alone. No attendants.

“Understood.”

He had thought of bringing a driver at least, but her demand that he come alone suited him just fine.

It meant she didn’t even trust the Yamaguchi chairman.

Pocketing Musashi’s phone, Su-ho waited the appropriate interval, then made his way to her home.

The entrance resembled that of an affluent Cheongdam residence: a stereotypical wealthy person’s detached home.

CCTV cameras covered every angle of the entrance. When he pressed the bell, the gate clicked open.

The yard was fairly spacious.

Contrary to her cruel nature, the garden was immaculate.

But something curious caught his eye.

'A doll?'

On the lawn, something was mowing the grass.

It was a doll.

More precisely, a “servant doll” made by a dollmaker—a product designed for household chores.

'In the early days after the Cataclysm, those dolls weren’t cheap... Well, still better than hiring people, I suppose.'

Suppressing a laugh, Su-ho approached the front door.

Before he could reach it, Endo appeared, dressed neatly.

“Let’s talk outside.”

“Very well.”

So she didn’t want him inside.

She had never liked letting people in, but after the home invasion, her aversion had grown worse.

They sat at a table prepared outside. Her voice was sharp as she asked:

“So, what business brings you here, Chairman, of all people?”

“A lot has happened. But isn’t it poor hospitality to offer no drink to your guest?”

“...Right.”

At his prompting, she snapped her fingers.

A servant doll appeared carrying a canned beverage. Su-ho clicked his tongue at the sight of the store-bought product.

Shaking his head, he spoke.

“Before anything else, there’s something I want to confirm. I heard you came down to Okinawa because someone trespassed into your home. Is that true?”

At once, her eyebrows twitched violently.

“What are you talking about?”

“Exactly what I said. Someone broke into your house and took your belongings. You fled to Okinawa out of fear. That’s the story I’ve heard.”

“Who the hell is spouting that nonsense?”

“Just answer. Is it true or not?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify