Joker 1 (Side story) Ch 5

Although they were scheduled to take a flight two hours after their early lunch, Joo Hawon ended up getting indigestion, and they had to stay in Jeju Island.

By evening, his stomach had finally settled. As soon as he felt better, he insisted they go to Seoul, but Kwon Taeha firmly refused. Having emptied his stomach after vomiting the galbitang, Joo Hawon said he wanted goguksu, but dinner ended up being abalone porridge instead.

The butlers at Tex Resort were well aware that Joo Hawon’s health was fragile. They attributed it to his naturally weak constitution rather than the aftereffects of his gunshot wound. Because Kwon Taeha doted on him, they were always on edge whenever Joo Hawon stayed at the hotel.

“I heard the VIP had indigestion again.”

“Yes, a doctor came by this afternoon. I was a little worried when he asked for galbitang for his first meal…”

Jisoo and Daewon, the butlers assigned to Joo Hawon’s room, chatted while smoking in the designated area.

“More importantly, Daewon-ssi, did you hear the news yesterday?”

“What news?”

Although they had different start dates and positions, the two were close because they were of similar age. Making sure no one else was around, Jisoo lowered his voice.

“Yesterday, CEO Aeil’s relatives gathered. The manager in charge of the hall said a huge bomb went off.”

“A bomb?”

Daewon looked startled. At the mention of “CEO,” he immediately thought of Kwon Taeha.

The VIP always referred to Kwon Taeha as “CEO,” but STA’s CEO was supposed to be Kwon Jaehee. The inconsistency had puzzled Daewon more than once, though he’d never dared to ask Joo Hawon directly. He simply assumed Kwon Taeha was being called that because he was the CEO of STA Fussen in Macau.

“They say CEO Aeil is adopting his younger brother—and there’s a rumor that it’s Kwon Yijae’s son.”

“Kwon Yijae?”

Daewon blinked, hearing the name for the first time.

“You don’t know? The former CEO of STA Corporation—the one who supposedly died of a chronic illness.”

Daewon froze mid-smoke, eyes widening.

“Huh? If you mean STA’s former CEO… isn’t that Kwon’s father?” They referred to COO Taeha Kwon simply as “Kwon” in private.

“That’s right – Kwon Taeha’s father. So yeah, it’s a huge bomb.”

“So CEO Aeil is adopting his cousin as his own brother?”

Nodding vigorously, Jisoo the butler quickly turned his head toward Daewon, who had guessed correctly.

“My goodness, I thought they were from another world, but this is completely Andromeda. Do they not have family registries in Germany?”

“Right? It’s strange, they’re a complete mess.” Jisoo chuckled.

“Why, there was also a rumor that Kwon killed his own father to marry the VIP, wasn’t there?”

Daewon squinted his eyes, irritated by the cigarette smoke.

“Ah, I doubt it.”

“But doesn’t this make a strange kind of sense? The older brother killed his father to marry a man and took all the inheritance. Knowing this, ‘the son,’ unable to stand it, gets adopted as his cousin’s brother for revenge.”

Daewon felt uncomfortable under Jisoo’s gleaming eyes.

“Isn’t that going a bit too far?”

“It’s publicly known that STA and Tex aren’t on good terms. Just the fact that Killer Whale is a major shareholder of Kwon Jaehee, the CEO, says enough. From Tex’s perspective, Killer Whale must be a thorn in their side. I looked into it because it was so interesting, so listen. The Elizabeth, built by Killer Whale — if Jeju is a port of call, it should naturally be linked with our Tex Resort. But instead, it’s linked with that Redford Hotel over there.”

Jisoo gestured with her chin toward the diagonal direction — the cove where the Redford Hotel stood.

“Perhaps there was a business reason for it?”

“Sigh, Daewon-ssi, this is why you’re like this.” Jisoo, looking frustrated, lit another cigarette.

“Think about it. Let’s say you and I are cousins. And you’re a shipbuilder, and I also build ships. How would you feel?”

“Just that we’re in the same line of work?”

“What if I took away all your work?”

“Ah, that would be a bit much.”

“But you have a hotel at the port where my ship docks. And I didn’t partner with your hotel, but with your rival hotel. How would you feel then?”

“Ah… I guess I’d think you were trying to mess with me, right?”

“So, in other words, STA messed with Tex. I’m STA, you’re Tex.”

She pointed to herself and Daewon, using them as examples.

“Still, they don’t seem to gather much with their relatives, judging by yesterday.”

“Why do you think they call it a mess? Pfft.” Jisoo flicked the ash from her sleeve as if dusting off flour.

“Even if they seem united on the outside, their relationships fall apart with just a puff of air. Oh? The VIP is calling.”

The butlers extinguished their cigarettes upon hearing the call from their earpieces.

Jisoo took out mouthwash from her hotel uniform pocket and sprayed it into her throat. Daewon did the same, spraying and then clearing his throat with a hum.

They quickly entered the hotel, offering polite greetings to any guests they made eye contact with, though their pace toward the elevator remained brisk.

The two sprayed the phytoncide mist placed in the staff elevator all over their bodies. Since Kwon Taeha and Joo Hawon didn’t smoke, they had to remove even the faintest trace of scent.

“Hair, okay. No dust. Ah, spray the clothes one more time.”

Jisoo sprayed herself as if bathing in cypress water, then washed her hands twice with alcohol sanitizer. By the time the elevator doors opened, both were smiling as if their faces had been drawn.

But for some reason, both doors of the Presidential Suite were wide open. They exchanged glances, unable to hide their surprise. Thinking something might have happened, they rushed forward almost at a run.

The Presidential Suite, one of the hotel’s most exclusive rooms costing tens of millions of won per night, was not something one could simply book with money. Reserved only for VIPs, it was usually blocked from general reservations.

This room, used for less than a week each month, was always closed even when occupied — unless something had happened to the VIPs, who valued their privacy above all else.

The two butlers, out of breath, stood at the entrance.

“Hawon-nim, Taeha-nim, are you inside?”

The sofas surrounding the living room on three sides showed signs of use, with only a few cushions slightly askew. Despite Jisoo raising her voice, there was no response from within.

Daewon pressed the PPT button on his in-ear radio and spoke urgently.

“This is Kim Daewon, the butler in charge of VIP Room 1. Did the VIP call?”

“The call button was pressed, but is there a problem?”

The resort security guard responded immediately through the radio.

“The room door is currently open. I can see the living room and lounge from here, but I don’t see the VIPs. We will proceed inside.”

“The security team is also on their way.”

Fearing that the VIP might have slipped in the bathroom or encountered some other problem, the two butlers entered first. They checked the bathroom near the living room, then split up to check the ones attached to the bedrooms.

They searched the dressing room, lounge, powder room, and conference room, but Kwon Taeha and Joo Hawon were nowhere to be found. Wondering if they might be on the terrace, Daewon opened the living room window and stepped outside.

He looked around, his chest tightening with an unfounded anxiety.

Only the lights embedded in the hotel driveway shone faintly upward.

“Who is it?”

At Jisoo’s sharp voice, Daewon quickly turned. There, in the direction of the dry sauna room, stood a man drying his hair with a towel. Since the VIP, who had a weak constitution, didn’t use the sauna, they hadn’t checked that area.

“You’re here now after being called for so long?”

The young man who emerged from the dry sauna smiled teasingly and pulled down the towel.

“Sir, you cannot be here. If you tell us your room number, we’ll guide you there directly.” Daewon spoke politely but firmly.

“Ah… I can see how you might misunderstand. Taeha-hyung told me to use this room starting today.”

“……What?”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mailler Kwon.”

Mailler smiled and extended his hand. Unlike Daewon, who stood dumbfounded, Jisoo quickly realized her mistake and bowed.

“Hello, Mailler Kwon-nim. I apologize for not recognizing you. Then, where are the two VIPs…?”

“Who knows?”

Mailler tilted his head slightly.

“When I received the call and came, no one was here.”

Several footsteps echoed from outside the door. Three resort security guards, dressed in black suits, approached.

“This is the security team. Have you found the VIPs?”

Jisoo bowed again to Mailler and asked for a moment’s patience before turning to one of the security guards, who was peering into the suite.

“Mr. Taeha Kwon told Mr. Mailler Kwon to use this room.”

“We were not informed in advance,” replied one of the guards — a man who appeared to be the team leader — in a low, sharp voice.

“But… since it’s Mr. Mailler Kwon, for now, the bodyguards can withdraw, and we’ll check with the room service team.”

The bodyguards turned and left, saying they would wait for an update. When Jisoo looked back, a staff member was offering Mailler a drink, but the young man stood with his hands on his hips, staring in their direction. Jisoo quickly approached him.

“Mr. Mailler Kwon, I heard you called for a butler. Is there anything you need?”

“Ah, it’s nothing else.”

Mailler finally accepted the fruit drink from the staff member and wiped his lips.

“I have a habit of leaving the door open when I’m in my room. I’d like the door to remain open, so please make sure no other staff enter unless I call for you.”

This floor had only two rooms — VIP Room 1 and Room 2. Unlike the modern Room 1, Room 2, decorated in Rococo style, was generally used by Yale.

“Yes, I’ll relay that. Is there anything else you need?”

“No.”

Mailler smiled faintly and gestured toward the door with his eyes.

“Yes, then please have a pleasant stay.”

“Please contact us anytime if you need anything.”

Though it was a standard phrase, it was delivered with genuine politeness.

As the staff member stepped outside, he almost closed the door — then quickly remembered Mailler’s request. He silently signaled to Jisoo, who nodded in understanding. They couldn’t question someone like Mailler, who was practically a VIP himself, so their only option was to confirm through the room service team.

Jisoo pulled out her phone and immediately called the room manager.

“Yes, Butler Jisoo, please go ahead.”

“Manager, it’s nothing major, but has the primary VIP long-stay guest changed to Mr. Mailler Kwon today?”

“……What?”

“It seems Mr. Taeha Kwon and Mr. Joo Hawon have transferred the room to Mr. Mailler Kwon.”

“I–is that so?”

The manager sounded flustered. VIPs had never transferred rooms before, and even if they had, there was no reason they would notify the room service team directly.

“If it’s Mr. Mailler Kwon, we’ll treat him as a VIP as well.”

“Understood. Then we don’t need to look for Mr. Taeha Kwon and Mr. Joo Hawon separately, right?”

“That would seem to be the case.”

It was an unusual situation not covered by the manual, leaving both the butlers and the room manager equally perplexed.

“Ah, Butler Jisoo!”

“Yes, I’m still on the line.”

“Shouldn’t we still try to contact those two?”

“…….Me?”

As Jisoo stepped into the elevator, she gave Daewon an SOS look.

“Even if they transferred the room, it’s not something we’ve confirmed ourselves. Of course, Mr. Mailler Kwon wouldn’t lie, but…”

“Understood. The room service team has the contact information for the VIPs, right?”

Butlers only provided service when VIPs stayed at the hotel; they didn’t know their personal contact information. Some guests shared their numbers, but that was usually for private, friendly reasons.

“Yes, we don’t have Mr. Taeha Kwon’s, but we do have his secretary, Mr. Joo Hawon’s contact information.”

“Then please send me Mr. Joo Hawon’s number via message.”

“I’ll send it right away.”

After hanging up, Jisoo briefly explained the conversation with the manager to Daewon. As she spoke, Daewon’s expression grew more and more grim.

“No, why is the manager passing this to us? He should handle it himself.”

Daewon grumbled angrily, directing his frustration toward the unseen manager somewhere in the hotel.

“It can’t be helped — we’re the ones in charge of the VIPs,” Jisoo said, checking the message as soon as it arrived.

“Jisoo, I’ll do it this time.”

“You will?”

Jisoo couldn’t hide her relief at his words. Daewon took the phone, drew a deep breath, and pressed the call button. Instead of a ringtone, a cello piece began to play. After nearly a full minute of listening, the call was cut off by a recorded voice saying the customer could not answer.

“He’s not answering. Should we try again?”

“Maybe he doesn’t pick up unknown numbers?”

“That’s possible. Let’s send a text instead.”

The two leaned their heads together and began composing a message.

[Hello, Joo Hawon. This is Butler Jisoo from Tex Resort. I heard that you transferred the room to Mr. Mailler Kwon. I just wanted to confirm—]

“But what are we supposed to confirm?”

The sudden question from Jisoo made Daewon, who had been scrolling his phone with his thumb, pause mid-motion.

“Right? I mean, if he’d gone, he could’ve just said so. But the VIP had an upset stomach, and now he’s fine, right? So he must’ve left… back to Germany?”

Glancing at the clock, it was already 10 p.m.

Daewon deleted the message he had been about to send and dialed the number again. He relaxed slightly, assuming the call would go unanswered — just as the ringtone clicked, the voice on the line finally picked up.

“Hello, Joo Hawon… I’m—”

“Wait, this is Joo Hawon’s phone…?”

Daewon blinked. There was no need to ask whose voice it was; it was unmistakably familiar. It was Mailler Kwon, the same person he had been speaking to only moments ago.

“Mr. Mailler Kwon?”

Daewon’s abrupt greeting startled Jisoo beside him.

“Yes, the phone is right here.”

It was strange that someone who had supposedly left the room had left their phone behind.

“Did you meet directly with Taeha Kwon and Joo Hawon to take over the room?”

“Yes, we met earlier, around dinner. But when I was told to use this room, it was only via the room phone.”

“So you haven’t seen them since then?”

“No. Is there a problem?”

“Not at all. We’ll keep the phone safe.”

“No, it’s not for Taeha-hyung’s wife, or anything… what should I call it? Anyway, it’s Taeha-hyung’s exclusive… pffft.”

“……Excuse me?”

Daewon briefly doubted his ears.

“Considering my closeness compared to theirs, I’ll keep it safe myself.”

With that unilateral declaration, the call abruptly ended. Daewon removed the phone from his ear and handed it to Jisoo, unable to hide a lingering sense of unease.

Clearly, he thought he’d heard something improper, something meant only for private ears… but could Mailler really have said that? Daewon reassured himself that he must have misheard.

“Jisoo, Mailler says he did see the VIP tonight, but when the room was transferred, it was only via the room phone. That’s all we can do for now, right?”

Jisoo paused in thought, then nodded silently. Yes, they had done everything they reasonably could. From now on, Mailler Kwon would be treated as the new VIP, and she turned toward the office.

At that moment, a voice came through the in-ear.

“Emergency. VIPs in Room 1 are missing. Both of them.”

The tone was calm, but the content of the message was not.