Dae Soo straightened up, bowing slightly with a hint of embarrassment. "Forgive me, I haven't introduced myself properly. My name is Dae Soo, and I am the chief's most trusted aide. I assist him in all matters of the village."
Seo Joon returned the gesture politely. "I am Seo Joon."
Dae Soo's eyes shifted to Woo Bin, who was rubbing his eyes sleepily, still weighed down by exhaustion. "And who is this with you?" he asked.
Woo Bin opened his mouth to speak. "I'm his assistant—"
Before he could continue, Seo Joon gently grasped his hand from behind, stopping him. "This is Woo Bin," he said firmly. "He's my friend, and we both work for the same company."
Woo Bin froze. The calm, precise introduction surprised him, but he allowed it. As Seo Joon released his hand, he felt the subtle hum of his Alpha power stir. It was a sensation he had learned to control carefully, especially in the presence of outsiders. He did not want to reveal his power here.
Dae Soo, smiling faintly, said, "Sir, I can show you your accommodations. You can stay there while your work in our village continues."
He turned sharply to the man standing behind him, his voice commanding. "Go inform the chief that these guests from the agricultural company have arrived from the city. Make it quick." The man bowed and hurried away, leaving Dae Soo to lead Seo Joon and Woo Bin.
Woo Bin's eyelids were heavy. He could barely keep himself upright. Seo Joon noticed his friend's fatigue and gently held his hand, guiding him forward. Despite the long journey and the horrors of the previous night, Woo Bin remained silent, letting Seo Joon take the lead. A faint smile crossed Seo Joon's lips as he looked down at him, a mixture of concern and quiet affection.
But when Seo Joon's gaze lifted, he caught Dae Soo staring intently at them, a sharp, scrutinizing look that made Seo Joon's smile fade. He realized that Dae Soo might misunderstand Woo Bin's sleepy behavior. Thinking quickly, Seo Joon explained, "Actually, Woo Bin has traveled a long distance and has been walking since last night. He's still very tired, which is why I'm holding his hand—to prevent him from stumbling while asleep."
Dae Soo's lips curved into a gentle, understanding smile. "I see. You two seem like very close friends, truly bonded."
Seo Joon chuckled softly. "Indeed. We've worked together for many years." He steered the conversation back to logistics. "How far is the house where we will stay?"
"Just a little further—about five minutes," Dae Soo replied. "We'll reach it shortly."
As they walked, a grand house came into view, far larger than any other in the village. Its architecture echoed an ancient Korean style, majestic and imposing. Seo Joon's eyes widened. "This house… it's massive. Will anyone else stay here besides us?"
Dae Soo shook his head. "No, sir. This is the village's guest house. Any visitor coming from outside for work or important matters stays here. A few years ago, it belonged to our former chief, but after his death, the house was converted for guest use. You will stay here as long as your work continues."
Seo Joon nodded. "Thank you. Truly, thank you for helping us."
Dae Soo handed Seo Joon the keys. "Tomorrow morning, I will introduce you to our current chief. You must be tired after such a long journey. Rest today. Everything you need is inside the house. If you require anything, call me using the landline. A diary beside the phone lists the important numbers of our villagers."
With a polite bow, Dae Soo turned and left, leaving Seo Joon and Woo Bin alone.