Reincarnated as a Housekeeper in a 19+ Gangster Romance Novel - Chapter 17
"45 seconds..."
"P-please... cough."
"44 seconds."
"Aaaah!"
"43 seconds."
"Ugh!"
"S-save me... Aaaah!"
"42 seconds."
With each countdown, the pained moans gradually faded away. In its place, only a unrecognizable bloody pulp remained before my eyes.
Yet the relentless pressure of my feet, grinding them into the ground, never faltered.
They tried to do something unspeakable to that child. This is the least I can do.
When you set out to kill someone, you must be prepared to die yourself.
It seems they're starting to grow numb to the pain. I was controlling my strength just enough to keep them from losing consciousness, but hearing their occasional groans, he must be barely holding on.
They should be suffering more...
Just then, the knife that I flung away earlier caught my eye.
Ah, right, that was there.
It's been a while since I last wielded a blade.
Despite my current appearance, my skill with a blade was unparalleled during my youth.
I stopped beating them and approached the knife, picking it up. Satisfied with its razor-sharp edge, I slowly advanced toward the criminals.
Their pain-glazed eyes, barely clinging to consciousness, widened in terror as they saw the knife in my hand.
"Jeong Hwanyeong!"
It was at that moment, just as I was about to strike, that Jeong Hwangyu burst through the door with a thunderous shout. Jeong Hwanyeong, still counting, was oblivious to his brother's voice.
Jeong Hwankyu and I locked eyes.
"You, you...!"
I glanced down at the knife in my hand and the bloodied criminals sprawled on the ground.
This looks like it could be a major misunderstanding...
"Just so you know, they're the criminals, not me."
"Ha, I know. Do you think I'm stupid? I just... I just wanted to kill them myself."
"Then how about I lend you this?"
I offered the knife to Jeong Hwangyu.
"...After you've already taken care of everything yourself? What's the point... Seeing this, my anger's already fading. Ha."
Jeong Hwangyu's words made me tilt my head in confusion.
Just this much?
For someone who looks so tough, he's surprisingly soft-hearted...
"It's not over yet."
"What?"
"It's just getting started."
I tightened my grip on the knife.
After committing such an act, to end it here like this would be far too easy.
"I should at least cut off a finger and take it with me...!"
"Jeong Hwanyeong!"
"Hwanyeong-ah!"
At that moment, Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee's voices rang out in quick succession. It seemed Jeong Hwangyu had contacted them immediately after our call.
I swiftly handed the knife to Jeong Hwangyu and hid behind him.
"W-what? What's going on?"
Jeong Hwangyu's eyes darted between the knife in his hand and me, his expression panicked.
"...You did this. Understand?"
"What?"
"Just do me this one favor."
Ignoring Jeong Hwangyu's bewildered reaction, I clamped my mouth shut. It was time to revert to my role as the timid, introverted housekeeper—an extra in this novel.
Moments later, Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee came rushing in.
"...Waaah!"
Jeong Hwanyeong turned around after his counting reached 100. Jeong Hwanhee rushed over and embraced him. I couldn’t help but admire his incredible speed, his injuries likely not being fully healed yet.
"Youngest, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"H-hyung... I-it was scary."
Nestled in Jeong Hwanhee's warm embrace, Jeong Hwanyeong finally spoke, his voice surprisingly childlike.
Seeing the tearful, frightened boy clinging to his brother, I felt my own eyes well up. They say you become more sentimental as you age, and I was certainly living proof of that.
How terrified he must have been? That little boy...
"...Our youngest. Who did this? Which bastards hurt our youngest?"
Seeing Jeong Hwanyeong's tears, Jeong Hwanseo surveyed the surroundings with a murderous aura. Only then did he notice the criminals collapsed before Jeong Hwangyu and the knife in his hand, his eyes widening in shock.
Approaching cautiously, Jeong Hwanseo crouched slightly and pressed his fingers to the criminals' noses. Confirming they were still breathing, he let out a relieved sigh and said, "...Hwangyu... you've grown so much?"
"...It wasn't me... Ah, damn it, I don't know! Fine, I did it! These bastards are the criminals! They're the ones who hurt Hwanyeong! This isn't enough!"
"Well, you're not wrong."
At those words, Jeong Hwanseo slowly rose to his feet.
"P-please... cough."
"44 seconds."
"Aaaah!"
"43 seconds."
"Ugh!"
"S-save me... Aaaah!"
"42 seconds."
With each countdown, the pained moans gradually faded away. In its place, only a unrecognizable bloody pulp remained before my eyes.
Yet the relentless pressure of my feet, grinding them into the ground, never faltered.
They tried to do something unspeakable to that child. This is the least I can do.
When you set out to kill someone, you must be prepared to die yourself.
It seems they're starting to grow numb to the pain. I was controlling my strength just enough to keep them from losing consciousness, but hearing their occasional groans, he must be barely holding on.
They should be suffering more...
Just then, the knife that I flung away earlier caught my eye.
Ah, right, that was there.
It's been a while since I last wielded a blade.
Despite my current appearance, my skill with a blade was unparalleled during my youth.
I stopped beating them and approached the knife, picking it up. Satisfied with its razor-sharp edge, I slowly advanced toward the criminals.
Their pain-glazed eyes, barely clinging to consciousness, widened in terror as they saw the knife in my hand.
"Jeong Hwanyeong!"
It was at that moment, just as I was about to strike, that Jeong Hwangyu burst through the door with a thunderous shout. Jeong Hwanyeong, still counting, was oblivious to his brother's voice.
Jeong Hwankyu and I locked eyes.
"You, you...!"
I glanced down at the knife in my hand and the bloodied criminals sprawled on the ground.
This looks like it could be a major misunderstanding...
"Just so you know, they're the criminals, not me."
"Ha, I know. Do you think I'm stupid? I just... I just wanted to kill them myself."
"Then how about I lend you this?"
I offered the knife to Jeong Hwangyu.
"...After you've already taken care of everything yourself? What's the point... Seeing this, my anger's already fading. Ha."
Jeong Hwangyu's words made me tilt my head in confusion.
Just this much?
For someone who looks so tough, he's surprisingly soft-hearted...
"It's not over yet."
"What?"
"It's just getting started."
I tightened my grip on the knife.
After committing such an act, to end it here like this would be far too easy.
"I should at least cut off a finger and take it with me...!"
"Jeong Hwanyeong!"
"Hwanyeong-ah!"
At that moment, Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee's voices rang out in quick succession. It seemed Jeong Hwangyu had contacted them immediately after our call.
I swiftly handed the knife to Jeong Hwangyu and hid behind him.
"W-what? What's going on?"
Jeong Hwangyu's eyes darted between the knife in his hand and me, his expression panicked.
"...You did this. Understand?"
"What?"
"Just do me this one favor."
Ignoring Jeong Hwangyu's bewildered reaction, I clamped my mouth shut. It was time to revert to my role as the timid, introverted housekeeper—an extra in this novel.
Moments later, Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee came rushing in.
"...Waaah!"
Jeong Hwanyeong turned around after his counting reached 100. Jeong Hwanhee rushed over and embraced him. I couldn’t help but admire his incredible speed, his injuries likely not being fully healed yet.
"Youngest, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"H-hyung... I-it was scary."
Nestled in Jeong Hwanhee's warm embrace, Jeong Hwanyeong finally spoke, his voice surprisingly childlike.
Seeing the tearful, frightened boy clinging to his brother, I felt my own eyes well up. They say you become more sentimental as you age, and I was certainly living proof of that.
How terrified he must have been? That little boy...
"...Our youngest. Who did this? Which bastards hurt our youngest?"
Seeing Jeong Hwanyeong's tears, Jeong Hwanseo surveyed the surroundings with a murderous aura. Only then did he notice the criminals collapsed before Jeong Hwangyu and the knife in his hand, his eyes widening in shock.
Approaching cautiously, Jeong Hwanseo crouched slightly and pressed his fingers to the criminals' noses. Confirming they were still breathing, he let out a relieved sigh and said, "...Hwangyu... you've grown so much?"
"...It wasn't me... Ah, damn it, I don't know! Fine, I did it! These bastards are the criminals! They're the ones who hurt Hwanyeong! This isn't enough!"
"Well, you're not wrong."
At those words, Jeong Hwanseo slowly rose to his feet.
A powerful pheromone erupted from Jeong Hwanseo's body, causing my face to involuntarily scrunch up. Breathing became a little difficult, but I tried not to show it.
It would be strange for a beta to react to pheromones. Fortunately, Jeong Hwanseo didn't seem to notice I was even there.
Jeong Hwanseo reached out to Jeong Hwangyu and said, "...Can I borrow that knife, Hwangyu? I'll take care of the cleanup."
At that moment, Jeong Hwanhee stepped forward.
"Enough. The child is watching. Let's go back for now."
"Alright, if you say so, hyung. Hyung will handle things properly, I'm sure."
Jeong Hwanseo scratched his head at Jeong Hwanhee's intervention and returned to Jeong Hwanyeong's side. Jeong Hwangyu also approached as well.
Surrounded by his brothers, Jeong Hwanyeong was sobbing, but was it just my imagination, or did he look happier than ever?
For the first time, seeing all four brothers together, I smiled softly.
Once all the brothers were together, the case was quickly resolved.
The crowd they had attracted was massive, ranging from university students and gangsters to beautiful omegas and even hotel staff. On top of that, police officers and daycare teachers were also scouring the area, searching for Jeong Hwanyeong.
"You found him? Thank goodness!"
Relieved by the news of Jeong Hwanyeong's return, everyone dispersed and went home.
Jeong Hwanhee went to the police station to finalize the case before returning home with Jeong Hwanyeong, who had finally calmed down.
A gang boss at the police station...
It seems even gangsters have to rely on the police when things get dangerous.
Throughout this ordeal, I silently followed them, observing the situation from behind.
"...Our youngest is asleep."
"He must be exhausted after being trapped all day. Those bastards."
"Shh."
Jeong Hwanseo spoke, gazing at Jeong Hwanyeong, who had fallen asleep in Jeong Hwanhee's arms. Jeong Hwangyu spoke through gritted teeth. Jeong Hwanhee hushed them both before carrying Jeong Hwanyoung back to his room.
Now, what should I do?
By the time I returned home, it was already night. It felt too late to cook dinner, but barging straight inside felt awkward too...
"Hey, housekeeper."
"...Yes?"
"What's with the sudden formality? It doesn't suit you at all..."
While standing like an invisible man, Jeong Hwangyu spoke to me. I gritted my teeth, silently signalling him to shut up. Fortunately, sensing the tension, Jeong Hwangyu clammed up on his own. But because of this, both Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee, who had just left Jeong Hwanyeong's room, noticed my presence.
I lowered my gaze modestly, once again mimicking Park Gyumin, the insignificant extra.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Park Gyumin, you said you were the first to find my brother, right? How did you know he was in there?"
To Jeong Hwanhee's question, I calmly recited the excuse I already rehearsed on the way here.
"...It was just luck. I was searching for the Young Master when I suddenly felt a strange chill. I went to check, and... I heard his whimpers coming from inside."
Jeong Hwanhee knew my voice. Mindful of this, I spoke in a barely audible whisper, careful not to let him recognize it.
Fortunately, Jeong Hwanhee seemed oblivious. He simply bowed deeply, his head bent at a ninety degree angle.
"Thanks to you, I was able to save my younger brother. I'm truly grateful."
I waved my hand dismissively, saying, "It was just luck."
"You, housekeeper."
"...Y-yes?"
Just then, Jeong Hwanseo, who had been observing the situation, called out to me.
"By the way, how did you know I was here? You came looking for me earlier, right? Was that you at the hotel?"
"Y-yes... it was."
"I didn't recognize you because you were wearing a mask while cleaning, hiding that pretty face~ So how did you know I was there? Hmm?"
"...That was... luck too. I heard from the Third Young Master that you worked at the hotel. When I asked at the lobby, they said you were there."
"Huh? Me?"
Jeong Hwangyu stared at me again, looking dumbfounded.
I shot Jeong Hwangyu another glare, as if telling him to play along. With a hollow laugh, he reluctantly agreed, "I guess so."
"Oh, really? But housekeeper. I think you swore at me earlier... Your personality seems so different now."
He still remembers that?
What a long-ass grudge.
"Earlier... I was just too, too anxious... I'm truly sorry, Second Young Master!"
I deliberately lowered my head, feigning fear.
"...No, that's not it. It was so much fun earlier. Why don't you do it again? That swear word?"
"Huh?"
What the hell is this crazy bastard saying now?
It would be strange for a beta to react to pheromones. Fortunately, Jeong Hwanseo didn't seem to notice I was even there.
Jeong Hwanseo reached out to Jeong Hwangyu and said, "...Can I borrow that knife, Hwangyu? I'll take care of the cleanup."
At that moment, Jeong Hwanhee stepped forward.
"Enough. The child is watching. Let's go back for now."
"Alright, if you say so, hyung. Hyung will handle things properly, I'm sure."
Jeong Hwanseo scratched his head at Jeong Hwanhee's intervention and returned to Jeong Hwanyeong's side. Jeong Hwangyu also approached as well.
Surrounded by his brothers, Jeong Hwanyeong was sobbing, but was it just my imagination, or did he look happier than ever?
For the first time, seeing all four brothers together, I smiled softly.
Once all the brothers were together, the case was quickly resolved.
The crowd they had attracted was massive, ranging from university students and gangsters to beautiful omegas and even hotel staff. On top of that, police officers and daycare teachers were also scouring the area, searching for Jeong Hwanyeong.
"You found him? Thank goodness!"
Relieved by the news of Jeong Hwanyeong's return, everyone dispersed and went home.
Jeong Hwanhee went to the police station to finalize the case before returning home with Jeong Hwanyeong, who had finally calmed down.
A gang boss at the police station...
It seems even gangsters have to rely on the police when things get dangerous.
Throughout this ordeal, I silently followed them, observing the situation from behind.
"...Our youngest is asleep."
"He must be exhausted after being trapped all day. Those bastards."
"Shh."
Jeong Hwanseo spoke, gazing at Jeong Hwanyeong, who had fallen asleep in Jeong Hwanhee's arms. Jeong Hwangyu spoke through gritted teeth. Jeong Hwanhee hushed them both before carrying Jeong Hwanyoung back to his room.
Now, what should I do?
By the time I returned home, it was already night. It felt too late to cook dinner, but barging straight inside felt awkward too...
"Hey, housekeeper."
"...Yes?"
"What's with the sudden formality? It doesn't suit you at all..."
While standing like an invisible man, Jeong Hwangyu spoke to me. I gritted my teeth, silently signalling him to shut up. Fortunately, sensing the tension, Jeong Hwangyu clammed up on his own. But because of this, both Jeong Hwanseo and Jeong Hwanhee, who had just left Jeong Hwanyeong's room, noticed my presence.
I lowered my gaze modestly, once again mimicking Park Gyumin, the insignificant extra.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Park Gyumin, you said you were the first to find my brother, right? How did you know he was in there?"
To Jeong Hwanhee's question, I calmly recited the excuse I already rehearsed on the way here.
"...It was just luck. I was searching for the Young Master when I suddenly felt a strange chill. I went to check, and... I heard his whimpers coming from inside."
Jeong Hwanhee knew my voice. Mindful of this, I spoke in a barely audible whisper, careful not to let him recognize it.
Fortunately, Jeong Hwanhee seemed oblivious. He simply bowed deeply, his head bent at a ninety degree angle.
"Thanks to you, I was able to save my younger brother. I'm truly grateful."
I waved my hand dismissively, saying, "It was just luck."
"You, housekeeper."
"...Y-yes?"
Just then, Jeong Hwanseo, who had been observing the situation, called out to me.
"By the way, how did you know I was here? You came looking for me earlier, right? Was that you at the hotel?"
"Y-yes... it was."
"I didn't recognize you because you were wearing a mask while cleaning, hiding that pretty face~ So how did you know I was there? Hmm?"
"...That was... luck too. I heard from the Third Young Master that you worked at the hotel. When I asked at the lobby, they said you were there."
"Huh? Me?"
Jeong Hwangyu stared at me again, looking dumbfounded.
I shot Jeong Hwangyu another glare, as if telling him to play along. With a hollow laugh, he reluctantly agreed, "I guess so."
"Oh, really? But housekeeper. I think you swore at me earlier... Your personality seems so different now."
He still remembers that?
What a long-ass grudge.
"Earlier... I was just too, too anxious... I'm truly sorry, Second Young Master!"
I deliberately lowered my head, feigning fear.
"...No, that's not it. It was so much fun earlier. Why don't you do it again? That swear word?"
"Huh?"
What the hell is this crazy bastard saying now?
CHAPTER 16 ⬅ ♥︎ ⮕ CHAPTER 18
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