The Sacred Manager Life - Chapter 78

“Any progress on investigating the cult leader?”

A new leader has emerged in Jinsaenggyo’s Deokso Heavenly Palace.

They communicate only with a few close aides, never revealing their face to the outside, and internal security is airtight.

Yang Seok-dae, under Geum Tae-sang’s orders, disguised himself as a believer and sent in a few people, but it yielded little results.

“At this rate, it’d be faster to just bring an offering and go meet them directly.”

“Meeting the cult leader isn’t cheap. You want to throw money at someone without even knowing who they are?”

“Judging by how they’ve restarted the old factories, it seems they’ve got their internal affairs in order. They must have some skill in handling people, so it might be worth meeting them.”

“And the money? You paying for it?”

“After we take over the agency we discussed earlier, if you back me, I’ll arrange the funds.”

“Oh?”

Geum Tae-sang taps the edge of the desk with his finger.

“So if Assemblyman Kim sponsors it, we’ll have to prop up that group?”

“We’ll have to at least do that much to keep that perverted bastard on our side.”

“Pfft, true. Fine, just make sure there’s no backlash.”

“Understood, Vice President.”

Fine Entertainment’s Artist Team 5 Office —

Our team of four and Red Blossom’s five members are gathered, listening to the tracks for the upcoming mini-album.

We’d heard the title track once before, but this is the first time we’re hearing the full tracklist.

“The title track is last, so the track order will be reversed.”

“Have you decided on the title track’s name?”

“Yes, it’s ‘Butterfly.’”

“A butterfly, huh.”

“The album title will follow that theme too.”

“So it’s like a larva spreading its wings and flying—Mangdol soaring, something like that?”

“Interpretations vary, but that’s the safest one.”

Up until the second album, the concept was a larva, but now it’s about breaking free and taking flight.

Learning from the overly avant-garde and needlessly convoluted concept of the second album, Team Leader Baek’s strategy is to keep things as straightforward as possible.

“With Haram’s songwriting, anything would work, but it’d be nice if it fits the spring comeback vibe. When people think of spring, they think of flowers and butterflies. The promotions can focus on the larva stage, and then from the comeback stage onward, they’ll spread their wings—it’ll fit perfectly.”

Team Leader Baek explained the vision to the team and the girls.

“The concept of taking flight on stage is really great. We’ve been holding back for over a year now.”

Yeoreum’s eyes sparkle brightly.

“As long as it’s not waking up in a coffin like the second album, I’m fine with anything.”

Rina grimaces, as if trying to erase the memory.

“The title track suits the composer-nim’s style well.”

Sera says she likes all the tracks.

She even correctly guessed the title track just from listening, which confirmed her instincts.

The future she saw through her prophetic gift is drawing near.

“Three years on a stone.”

Chie pulls another proverb from her pocket.

Even the coldest stone warms up after three years of sitting—meaning this comeback will succeed.

Come to think of it, this is indeed their third-year comeback.

“The AR team is holding concept meetings daily. Once the visual and choreography teams join, it’ll get even busier. From now on, avoid going out on weekends unless necessary. If you have to go out, clear it with me first.”

““Understood.””

Cha So-yeon and Min A-young came to visit the rooftop.

“We heard the vibe here was amazing, so we came. You and Yeoreum stayed overnight, right? It’s unfair if I don’t get to sleep over too.”

“You can’t sleep unless it’s on a soft bed. You think you’d manage here?”

Cha So-yeon immediately counters.

“If it’s with Juwon, I’d sleep anywhere. His arms are softer than any bed.”

“She’s right. Nothing compares to how cozy he is.”

“When have you ever slept in my arms?”

“At the pool party. You fell asleep first, and when I lay next to you, you pulled me right in. Don’t you remember?”

Me?

Min A-young glares at Cha So-yeon with narrowed eyes.

“Liar. Yeoreum said she slept next to you too. How could you hug both of us at once?”

“Juwon has two sides. What’s the problem? Though, looking at it now, there’s no spot for me.”

“I’ll just climb on top. That’s the prime spot anyway. I’ll have a full view of Juwon’s face.”

She doesn’t back down.

Against my will, I’ve lost all three sides.

“Since Yeoreum isn’t here today, we can each take a side.”

“If you’re sleeping here, So-yeon and A-young, you’ll have to use the room. House rules—follow them.”

““Tch.””

For the first time since arriving, the two are in agreement.

I grilled shrimp and squid for Min A-young, who loves seafood.

I’d bought them to eat with sausages, and the timing worked out perfectly.

“Mmm, as expected of Juwon. How did you know I love shrimp?”

“We talked about likes and dislikes for two whole days on the island. You don’t eat much pork, hate fishy smells…”

“Sounds like you talked about everything on that island.”

Cha So-yeon seems oddly displeased.

“Of course~ My man should know these things. I’ll keep teaching you more. About your body too.”

“My body?”

“Compatibility in bed is important between men and women.”

Traditionally, compatibility (gung-hap) refers to matching birth charts for marriage, divided into surface compatibility (age) and deep compatibility (fate).

But nowadays, surface compatibility means lifestyle habits, and deep compatibility means sexual preferences.

It’s not openly discussed, but deep compatibility is crucial in relationships.

…She explains this proudly to me and Cha So-yeon.

“How do you know all this in such detail?”

“I once played a fortune-teller in a drama and got advice from an expert. But this person was… unique. They said things like, ‘Forget birth charts—what matters is matching sexual tastes, fetishes, positions, frequency, mood, tempo, moans, finishing…’”

Her cheeks flush as she lowers her head, then looks up at me with hooded eyes.

It’s meant to be shy, but it comes off as downright seductive.

“I’ve been making a list, so I’ll share it with you later. I don’t have much experience, so I’m not sure what I’ll like… but I’m working hard on it. Even a wishlist.”

My face is pure confusion, but Cha So-yeon looks utterly shocked.

“You’ve already gotten that far… I can’t let my guard down around you.”

“You’re the one who said you’d be Juwon’s woman, yet you haven’t even thought about this? Just planning to go along with whatever he wants? How boring.”

This topic is Cha So-yeon’s complete defeat.

Min A-young grins triumphantly as Cha So-yeon slumps in defeat (OTL).

“I’ll keep grilling, so eat up. There’s beer too.”

I steer the conversation away before things escalate.

Luckily, Min A-young also likes the beer I made.

“Wow, seeing the stars like this is no joke. Now I get why you and Yeoreum love it here.”

“Right? I tried recreating this at home, but it wasn’t the same.”

Cha So-yeon bought a nicer deck for her rooftop, but it didn’t capture the feeling.

“Maybe it’s because Juwon’s arm wasn’t there as a pillow. Can’t just take that part with me, sadly.”

She says terrifying things with a smile.

“Exactly. This is my first time using Juwon’s arm as a pillow, and I might get addicted. Mmm, so good.”

She nuzzles into my side.

The subtle fragrances from both sides tickle my nose.

Why do women smell so good?

Why are they so soft that I just want to press closer?

[It’s the gods’ blessing for you to thrive in this world. Just follow your instincts. These women are waiting for your touch.]

‘…….’

For the first time since gaining my gift, I feel desire.

The desire to live happily with these women who love me.

‘Not letting anyone go… is that my greed?’

[The time for honesty will come. For now, just enjoy it. When men and women meet, they start with dating, right? This is that time.]

‘Does dating multiple people at once count?’

[If the women allow it, numbers don’t matter. It’s not like you’re deceiving them.]

As I’m having this conversation with the spirit, Min A-young lets out a cute yawn.

“You can sleep if you’re tired. I’ll carry you to the room and tuck you in later.”

“Can’t I just sleep out here? Waking up under the sky sounds fun.”

She points to the sleeping bag on one side of the deck.

“There’s only one sleeping bag.”

It’s a single, so it won’t fit multiple people.

I didn’t plan for guest sleeping bags.

“No alternatives? Can’t we just roll up a blanket and sleep?”

She really wants to sleep on the deck.

[I’ll help. Sleep outside with them. This is part of the fun of dating.]

The spirit is considerate in the weirdest ways.

‘How? Turn a blanket into a sleeping bag?’

If water can become beer or wine, maybe that’s possible too?

[This time, I’ll show you something else. Tell her to hold one end of the sleeping bag.]

I unfold the sleeping bag and tell Min A-young to hold one end.

‘Now what?’

[Pull the other end.]

I grab the head part and yank—it stretches like dough before snapping apart.

Now, I’m holding a brand-new sleeping bag.

“Whoa~ You can do this too? Like a magician.”

I’m just as surprised.

It’s a copy of the sleeping bag.

[With five loaves and two fish, 5,000 were fed. Stretch it like this, and another will appear.]

I copy one more for Cha So-yeon.

“If you copy money like this, couldn’t Juwon become rich?”

[It’d turn into counterfeit, so unless you want handcuffs, go ahead.]

‘Hard pass!’