“You have to be careful outdoors.”

That was true. Seong Hyunjae scooped up the lamb with one arm and used his other hand to lift me. They’re all filming this. Still, I must smile. With such good cameras, they’ll catch every expression clearly at this distance.

“Let’s pretend to be less close for a while.”

“Are you going to throw me away as soon as you get what you want? You’re cold, Partner.”

“I’m not throwing anything away. There are rumors flying around. I thought we should pretend to be closer with Haeyeon and Yuhyun.”

As we walked into the building, Seong Hyunjae tilted his head.

“You want to act closer to Master Han than you are now? Is that even possible?”

“I mean media exposure—exposure. The Peace plush release event is coming up; we can stick to them and show a friendly image.”

“That’ll look more like a staged event than a genuine relationship.”

Maybe he was right. Then naturally… effectively… there’s nothing we can do. Brothers acting close usually happens at home. Outside, it’s mostly business. Surveillance is so strict that paparazzi can’t attach to the breeding center. You can’t openly show, “Look how well my little brother does,” while working.

“Welcome, Director Han Yujin.”

The moment we opened the door, Choi Youngjun, head of the Association’s PR department, greeted me with a big smile. We’re not here for the Association, but we’ll inevitably get dragged into it. Director Song Taewon also stood from his seat and gave me a light bow. I returned the greeting and sat on the sofa.

Seong Hyunjae set the lamb down on the table. A soft tap of hooves on the glass surface echoed.

“You said the taming-beast breeding center would cover the costs for the Volcano Black Lamb’s upkeep, but you may transfer that to us.”

“Song Yi remains Director Song’s personal taming beast. Public institutions shouldn’t cover costs for personal beasts.”

The contract for the Volcano Black Lamb was arranged differently. First, Song Yi stayed officially affiliated with the breeding center. But Song Taewon became the lamb’s partner.

It’s roughly like an artist from agency A signing a lifetime contract with program B, or an athlete’s agent signing a deal with a club.

“Of course, for incidents arising from dungeon raids, dungeon breaks, activity in individual chambers, or PR duties, the Association must assume responsibility.”

Basic upkeep costs I’d pay to the breeding center. But work-related costs were the Association’s responsibility—compensation if the lamb was overexerted, for example.

“You’ve reviewed the conditions, yes? Observe working hours, don’t have her face monsters too dangerous for her rank. If we procure taming-beast equipment, Volcano Black Lamb has priority. Remember there’s no reallocation right for Director Song.”

I wanted to transfer all rights to Director Song, but he’d feel burdened, and he alone couldn’t protect Volcano Black Lamb. Not that he lacked the power—if he blocked firmly, who would dare touch Song Yi? The problem is he wouldn’t.

He lets go too easily. Claiming it’s for more people, for the country, he’d just give up.

So for now, she remains with the breeding center, and they will protect her.

“Director Song’s home is a regular residential building. Pets aren’t prohibited, but it’s hard to get immediate permission for a Volcano Black Lamb to live there.”

“With an S-Rank hunter living there, what’s the problem? She’s still a baby and is well-behaved. The breeding center will take responsibility for any issues outside of work. And anyway…”

I glanced at Director Song, who sat silently, his gaze fixed on the lamb on the table. His expression was heavy and calm, hard to read.

“You won’t stay there long anyway.”

“That’s… right.”

Choi Youngjun agreed regretfully. It would likely just serve as a place to sleep. Luckily, Song Yi sleeps early and stays still until sunrise. Being a baby, she sleeps a lot.

“The Association has prepared space for taming beasts. Until she’s in phasic form, she may roam freely. Activity in the Awakener Management Room within the department is also unrestricted.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“It’s our duty.”

As the others coordinated additional details, Director Song remained quiet, his eyes never leaving the lamb. When Choi Youngjun briefly stepped away to handle paperwork, the lamb let out a small bleat.

“Would you like to hold her?”

At my suggestion, the corners of Director Song’s mouth tightened faintly. Seong Hyunjae, who’d been lounging like a spectator, smiled at that.

“Is he scared?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Director Song isn’t as easy to love as Han Yujin.”

“…I’m not that easy either.”

Does he think I like just anyone? Even Seok Simyeong is extremely nice to me now, yet I still feel awkward.

“That’s true—Han Yujin is good at giving. Meanwhile Director Song, aside from his heart, isn’t good at receiving or giving. That’s the problem.”

I agreed with the “gives everything” part. He should look after himself a bit. Director Song sighed softly without protest and extended his hand to the lamb. The lamb glanced at the large hand approaching, then suddenly stood and butted him with her head.

She managed to keep her footing on the slippery glass and rammed his hand again. Director Song was slightly taken aback, and Seong Hyunjae chuckled softly.

“She still seems pouty.”

“Pouty?”

“Or maybe she’s just fussing because it’s been a while.”

What is he talking about? Director Song extended his hand again. This time, the lamb didn’t butt him but placed her head on his palm.

“…I’m sorry.”

“For now, please take care of her. But I doubt my heart will settle.”

“If you’re uncomfortable, you may return her anytime.”

…Um, Director Song, she won’t understand what you’re saying. Are those serious words to yourself, too? Song Yi simply wagged her short tail and nibbled his thumb. Director Song looked at me.

“Is she hungry?”

“Oh, no. She does that when playing with Sorok; she bites or licks his ear and it ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ annoys him.”

“I see. Please tell me any other precautions.”

“I’ve organized them into a file. I’ll email it. They’re not too complicated.”

Since she needs training, she’ll stay at the breeding center three days a week. Director Song awkwardly held the lamb again; in response, she nestled into his arms and began chewing on his tie.

I’ll have to gift him a few more ties. He’ll accept them since it’s an expense.

“Oh, and this is Song Yi’s special leash.”

I took out an S-Rank wire and placed it on the table.

“As an A-Rank taming beast, I prepared something especially sturdy. Please take it.”

“…It doesn’t look like a leash.”

“It is one. There’s even a collar here.”

It was a C-Rank collar I urgently requested from Myeongwoo.

“She doesn’t like leashes much, so ordinarily you can wear it.”

“I have a sturdy lead of my own. I’ll just take the collar.”

“For an A-Rank taming beast, she needs an S-Rank leash. Really.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie.

“Imagine Song Yi fully grown. If I raise her, she might become a sub-S-Rank taming beast. Then a lead below A-Rank would feel unsafe! It’s essential—for safety, you need an S-Rank lead!”

“…Very well, I’ll accept it for now.”

In the end, Director Song took the S-Rank wire. Thank you, Song Yi—you’re a filial beast!

“And to hold the lead properly, you need sturdy gloves─”

“No.”

Tch. That was too much to ask.