Correcting the Villainess of the Academy – Chapter 201

After Lee Hyun left.

Yeon Minha, left alone, buried herself in the bed.

“Sigh…”

Yeon Minha let out a sigh, her expression clearly showing her excitement. She was enjoying the afterglow of the intense kiss just now.

Her eyes were blurry, the top button of her shirt was casually undone, and her skirt was a mess.

Each one was an element that she, who pursued neatness, would detest, but for now, she didn’t want to care about such trivial things.

Yeon Minha turned her head to the side while lying down.

“Should I change to a bigger bed… I think it will be too narrow for two people…”

And she muttered as if recalling something.

“Or maybe… it would be better because we could be closer…”

Then she smiled faintly, as if she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

“Hehe…”

An uncontrollable feeling of happiness overflowed throughout her body.

Now, there was nothing to be rough about.

Not only had they confirmed each other’s feelings, but they had also received the willing approval of the head of Heukryeon and his wife, who were practically Lee Hyun’s parents.

Baek Seoyeon, who had been a thorn in her side, was now gone. The presence that woman had occupied within Lee Hyun would soon be entirely replaced by herself.

She had already made up her mind.

“Stupid bitch…”

A triumphant sneer appeared on Yeon Minha’s lips. Mockery was, after all, the rightful privilege of the victor.

Of course, the process had not been entirely smooth.

That night.

Knowing it was not a respectable thing to do, she ultimately couldn’t resist and attached a spirit to the man again.

And when she found out that the one enjoying social gathering with him was Baek Seoyeon, she fell into a deep pit of despair.

The happy smile Baek Seoyeon wore twisted her insides into a mess. Yeon Minha felt the urge to rush over and break that woman’s neck right then and there.

However, she barely managed to regain her composure in the end.

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What made her endure was the single promise she had made with Lee Hyun. She barely managed to quell her overflowing anger by breaking the bones of the attackers.

It was a war between the two of them. A desperate war where only the winner could take everything.

And in the end, the one who seized that sweet fruit was not Baek Seoyeon, but herself.

“…I will never betray him.”

Yeon Minha murmured as if making a pledge.

She could guess to some extent the circumstances, but hearing the words exchanged between the two allowed her to be even more certain of the past.

She had no intention of repeating the mistake Baek Seoyeon had made.

Yeon Minha did not want to create any more wounds for that poor man.

Healing the scar left by some stupid woman was also her rightful duty.

‘That family… what Jeokhwa did…! If you knew…!’

Then, Baek Seoyeon’s shout suddenly came to mind, and she frowned.

“…What did she mean by that?”

A strange sense of unease seeped in for a moment, but Yeon Minha soon shook her head, dismissing it.

It was just the last struggle of an ugly woman. Giving it any significant meaning would only be a waste of her energy.

He was already well aware of the full story of the Jeokhwa incident. And Lee Hyun had boldly declared that he would embrace her, rather than cast her aside.

On top of that, he had calmly embraced her despite knowing her bad personality.

In other words, there was no room left for Baek Seoyeon to intervene.

“I really… need to fix it… but those idiots don’t help…”

Who wouldn’t want to be a pretty and innocent noble lady? It wasn’t her who was bad, but those clumsy and lowly people who kept provoking her.

“Sigh, whatever… it will be fixed someday… haah?!”

Yeon Minha was about to fall back into a languid fantasy after letting out a sigh.

She suddenly flinched as if she had dipped her hand in cold water.

Then, she crossed her legs slightly, buried her reddened face in the blanket, and muttered.

“I need to change again…”

***

“Next, please pay attention to page 178. On the left is our magician, and on the right is the anatomical chart of a demon’s internal organs. This is the result of mankind exposed to high-density particles undergoing two different mutations. You can immediately see that a significant portion of the two anatomical charts are identical.”

In the still disorderly lecture hall, the middle-aged professor continued his lecture.

“Just by looking at this, you can immediately see how absurd the false words of the religious fanatics are. That the cursed God’s offspring are demons, or that they are beasts crawling up from hell…”

He was doing his best to fulfill his duty as an educator.

It is said that such a will played a significant role in the resumption of the suspended curriculum. I heard that there were heated debates in the education committee, with people even raising their voices at each other.

Moreover, the situation had escalated politically due to the accident, making a quick resolution even more distant…

“The principle by which they use salinization and metastasis is not yet known. However, what is certain is that the origin of the dark magic used by dark sorcerers is…”

“Isn’t it a bit hot?”

“It’s not just a bit hot…”

During the lecture.

Two female students sitting in the front row whispered to each other, flapping their collars.

They were indeed sweating, so it didn’t seem like they were just goofing off.

Moreover, they weren’t the only ones feeling the abnormality. Quite a few students were similarly trying to cool themselves down.

“It was fine when I went out… I wonder if a hot spring burst nearby…”

“The weather is going crazy now too…”

I definitely feel it too. So, for some reason, the female student’s words seem to make sense.

“‘A Diachronic Study of the Faith of the Demon’s Parent General (Neuter).’ This is the topic of this report. The submission deadline is next Wednesday. Then, today’s lecture is over…”

The tight deadline caused a small voice of complaint to ripple through the students.

After the lecture ended, I sensed someone approaching as I was packing up.

And soon, a familiar male student’s voice greeted me.

“Team Leader.”

“Muyoung?”

I turned my head in welcome. It’s Muyoung, whom I haven’t been able to see since the Shadow Banquet. I was just wondering about his recent news.

“Have you been well?”

“Well, just the usual. As you know, things are pretty chaotic these days…”

Muyoung, sitting next to me, answered in his usual cynical tone. The anguish visible on his face makes me a little curious about the reason.

Didn’t Kwon Yuri say that the senior who took Muyoung was someone she had specially scouted? Did something bad happen to him…?

Even though he’s a bit difficult to deal with, I didn’t think Kwon Yuri would lie about something like that.

“Did something happen? You don’t look so good.”

The answer that returned to my concerned question was something I had never expected.

“…Yes. I think I’ve found true love.”

Muyoung muttered blankly. I was so flustered that I couldn’t even speak properly.

“…?”

“I finally realized. How futile the anger and resentment I had been harboring were… In reality, even a single blade of grass is beautiful…”

Muyoung, who had been spouting nonsense, smiled bitterly as if he had realized something.

“But it’s painful. This pathetic state of conflict between reason and love… It’s like I’m not myself anymore. It’s like I’m lost in a storm…”

“…”

Is he… okay?

He seems to have some troubles, but it doesn’t seem like he suffered the kind of hardship I was thinking of.

It’s just a bit flustering because it was such an unexpected reaction. In any case, it’s a relief.

With such a serious expression, Muyoung went on and on about his life philosophy for a while.

“…Anyway, becoming an adult involves such pain. You should keep that in mind, Team Leader. Then…”

After talking for about ten minutes, Muyoung finally stood up with a satisfied look.

“…”

What was that? Did he really just come to me to brag about getting a girlfriend…?

Muyoung waved his hand with a bright expression and walked past me.

And as I was watching him leave, still in doubt.

‘The professor is looking for you. By noon tomorrow. Not the usual office, but the gym storage.’

Suddenly, at the scattered whispers, the movement came to a halt.

***

-Young Lady. The restoration of the Jeokhwa Main House residence has reached 90 percent completion. We ask that you personally check the Progress Status and instruct us on the Revisions and Finishing Direction.

After receiving the Servant’s Summon, Yeon Minha received an Outing Permit and headed towards the Main Gate.

“Hmm~hmm~”

A pleasant Humming naturally resounded. It was only natural since good things were happening day after day.

Then, she soon spotted a familiar man’s Back View.

“Hmph…”

Perhaps he had some Business, but seeing Lee Hyun heading towards the Main Gate, Yeon Minha made a – Playful Smile.

She walked stealthily behind him, killing her Presence.

Soon, she was within range, and just as she finally raised her Hand to cover the man’s Eyes –

“Kyaak!”

Yeon Minha was pushed against the Wall, her Wrist grabbed in return.

“…Do you also play such pranks, Senior?”

“…If you knew, can’t you just let it happen once?”

Yeon Minha, in a Shameful Posture as if shouting “Hurrah,” struggled with her arms raised and retorted.

At this, the man slightly released her.

“I apologize. It’s a Habit, so Unknowingly…”

“Tch…”

Muttering, Yeon Minha glared at him as if she had remembered something.

“But… ‘also’?”

“…”

Realizing his Slip of the Tongue, the man immediately shut his mouth, but the words had already been spoken.

“…Who is it?”

“…It’s Senior Kwon Yuri.”

At Lee Hyun’s words, Yeon Minha gritted her teeth.

It’s natural for a Butterfly to be attracted to a flower, but even so, there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

He was already Clearly His Own.

‘…No doubt, that woman Kwon Yuri must have come onto him while he was just standing there.’

Didn’t she say she wanted to appear as a decent woman? At least in front of him, she wanted to give that impression.

‘I’ll deal with that woman later…’

Barely managing to Calm Down, Yeon Minha changed the Topic to quell her anger.

“Senior?”

“…It’s nothing. By the way, were you on your way out?”

“I have to go out for a moment. It won’t take long. What about you, Senior?”

“I was about to visit the Family Home. They asked me to check on the repair Progress Status.”

“I apologize. I wanted to go with you, but it’s a Military Duty…”

“It’s fine. It’s not like you’re going off to War or anything.”

At his words filled with apology, Yeon Minha waved her Hand dismissively.

“You’ll be back today, right?”

“Even if I’m late, I’ll be back before evening. We can have dinner together too.”

“…Then it’s fine.”

Yeon Minha nodded readily.

Then, as if she had remembered something, she quickly looked around her Surroundings.

She then approached the man and brought her lips to his neck.

“…Senior?”

“Stay still. Chuu…chuu…”

Yeon Minha sucked for a long time like a cicada on an old tree before finally pulling away.

The area where her lips had touched was red as if it had been bitten by something. Soon, a Brand-like Bruise would form there.

“What is this?”

“A mark that you’re mine.”

“Seriously…”

At Yeon Minha’s words, the man let out an Empty Laughter as if he couldn’t believe it.

“I didn’t know you were this Childish.”

Yeon Minha herself didn’t know either. That Love could make a person so Childish.

“…Don’t say unnecessary things.”

Yeon Minha glared at him – as if embarrassed.

“Go quickly. I’ve held you up for too long.”

“I’ll be back.”

Yeon Minha gave Lee Hyun a Farewell with a Hug.

She turned to her own Business only after Lee Hyun had moved away.

And just as she was about to turn the corner of the Passageway.

She paused – sensing someone’s Presence beyond, she muttered softly.

“…Why don’t you come out? I can see you even if you hide. A Spirit’s Presence is more sensitive than a human’s.”

A moment of silence.

Then, along with the Clattering Sound of Heels, a Female Student revealed her Appearance.

“…Ha.”

Seeing her Identity, Yeon Minha let out an Empty Laughter.

Dull, lifeless Eyes, and dry, brittle Hair.

Judging by the location where she appeared, it was clear that Baek Seoyeon had been following the man all along.

Chapter 201

After Lee Hyun left.

Yeon Minha lay alone, burying herself in the bed.

“Haah…”

Yeon Minha let out a sigh, her flushed expression evident. She was savoring the lingering sensation of a passionate kiss she had just shared.

Her hazy eyes, the undone top button of her shirt, and the disheveled hem of her skirt—each detail was unbecoming of someone who usually pursued neatness and order. Yet, at this moment, she didn’t want to care about such trivial things.

Lying there, Yeon Minha turned her head to the side.

“Should I get a bigger bed? Sharing it might feel too cramped…”

Murmuring as if recalling something, she whispered again.

“Or maybe… it might be better this way since it’ll bring us closer…”

And then, as if embarrassed, a faint smile lingered on her lips.

“Hehe…”

An uncontrollable wave of happiness overflowed her entire being.

There was nothing to hold her back anymore.

Not only had they confirmed each other’s feelings, but she had also received the wholehearted approval of the head and his wife of the Heukryeon family, who were essentially Lee Hyun’s parents.

The thorn in her side, Baek Seoyeon, had no place now. The presence that woman once held in Lee Hyun’s heart would soon be entirely replaced by her.

She had already made up her mind about that.

“Stupid woman…”

Before she realized it, a triumphant smirk appeared on Yeon Minha’s lips. Mockery was, after all, the rightful privilege of the victor.

Of course, the process hadn’t been without its challenges.

That night.

Even though she knew it was improper, unable to resist her impulses, she had once again sent her spirit to follow him.

And when she discovered he was attending a social gathering with Baek Seoyeon, she had been plunged into a pit of despair.

The happy smile Baek Seoyeon wore had twisted Yeon Minha’s insides into knots. She had to fight the overwhelming urge to run to her and snap her neck there and then.

But in the end, she barely managed to regain her composure.

What held her back was the single promise she had made with Lee Hyun. Her overflowing anger was barely soothed by breaking the bones of intruders.

It was their war. A brutal war where only the victor could have it all.

And in the end, the one who claimed the sweet prize was not Baek Seoyeon but herself.

“I will never betray him.”

Yeon Minha murmured as if swearing to herself.

While she could guess to some extent what had happened, overhearing the words exchanged between them only solidified her understanding of the past.

She had no intention of repeating the mistakes Baek Seoyeon had made.

Yeon Minha didn’t want to leave any more wounds on that pitiable man.

Healing the scars carved by that foolish woman was her natural duty.

‘What their family… What Jeokhwa has done…! If you ever find out about it…!’

Baek Seoyeon’s sudden outburst came to mind, causing Yeon Minha to frown.

“What did she mean by that?”

A strange uneasiness washed over her momentarily, but Yeon Minha quickly shook her head, dismissing it.

It was nothing more than the final desperate thrashing of a pathetic woman. Giving it any more meaning would only be a waste of energy.

As for the true story of the Jeokhwa incident, she had already known about it for a while. And Lee Hyun had not only refused to abandon her but had also declared he would embrace her instead.

Moreover, he had calmly accepted her bad personality and even supported her.

In other words, there was no room left for Baek Seoyeon to interfere anymore.

“Honestly… I need to fix it… but those idiots just keep provoking me…”

Who wouldn’t want to become a refined and innocent noble lady? But the fault lay not with her, but with the crude, ignorant people who constantly irritated her.

“Ugh, whatever… I’ll fix it someday… Haah?!”

As Yeon Minha let out a sigh and was about to drift off into a pleasant daydream again, she suddenly flinched as if she had dipped her hand into cold water.

Then, crossing her legs slightly, her flushed face buried itself deeply under the blanket as she muttered to herself.

“I’ll have to change again…”

***

“Focus on page 178 next. On the left is the anatomical chart of a magician, and on the right is that of a demon. These are the results of two divergent mutations caused by exposure to high-density particles. You’ll immediately notice that a significant portion of both charts is identical.”

In the still somewhat chaotic lecture hall, a middle-aged professor continued his lecture.

“Just looking at this makes it clear how absurd the false words of religious fanatics are. Cursed God’s offspring, demons crawling up from hell…”

He appeared to be doing his best to fulfill his duty as an educator.

The resumption of the previously halted curriculum was said to have been influenced significantly by his determination. The Education Committee had reportedly engaged in heated debates, even shouting at one another.

Moreover, the fact that the accident had escalated politically made a quick resolution unlikely…

“The mechanism behind their use of salinization and metastasis remains unidentified. However, what is clear is that the origin of the dark magic used by dark sorcerers stems from them…”

“Is it just me, or is it a little hot in here?”

“It’s not just a little; it feels really hot.”

During the ongoing lecture, two female students sitting in the front row fanned themselves while whispering.

Judging by the beads of sweat forming on their foreheads, it wasn’t simply an excuse to goof off.

And they weren’t the only ones noticing the abnormality. Quite a few students were mimicking their actions, attempting to cool off.

“It felt fine when I went out earlier… Did a hot spring erupt nearby or something?”

“Has the weather gone crazy now too…?”

Even I felt it—definitely something unusual. Because of that, the female student’s comment seemed oddly convincing.

“The topic for the upcoming report is ‘A Diachronic Study of the Faith of the Demon’s Parent General.’ The submission deadline is next Wednesday. That concludes today’s lecture.”

As the professor finished, a small murmur of complaints echoed among the students over the tight deadline.

While organizing my things after the lecture, I sensed someone approaching.

Soon, a familiar male student’s voice greeted me.

“Team Leader.”

“Muyoung?”

I turned my head in delight. It was Muyoung, someone I hadn’t seen since the Shadow Banquet. I’d been wondering how he was doing.

“How have you been?”

“Eh, just so-so. As you know, things have been pretty chaotic lately…”

Sitting beside me, Muyoung replied in his characteristic cynical tone. A hint of anguish appeared on his face, piquing my curiosity about the cause.

Wasn’t the senior who took Muyoung under their wing specifically scouted by Kwon Yuri? Did something bad happen to him?

“Did something happen? You don’t look so good.”

In response to my concerned question, he uttered something I didn’t expect at all.

“There is. I think I’ve found true love.”

Muyoung spoke vacantly. I was so taken aback that I couldn’t even form words.

“…?”

“Now I realize it. How futile my past anger and resentment were… The world is truly beautiful, even a single blade of grass…”

Muttering nonsensically, Muyoung gave a bitter smile, as if he had found enlightenment.

“But it’s agonizing. This pathetic conflict between reason and love… It feels like I’m no longer myself, like I’ve lost my way in a storm…”

“…”

He’s… okay, right?

While he seemed troubled, it didn’t feel like he’d gone through something terrible like I’d initially thought.

It was just his unexpected reaction that left me somewhat bewildered. All things considered, it was a relief.

For quite some time, Muyoung rambled on about his life philosophy with a serious expression.

“Anyway, becoming an adult is such a painful journey. Remember that well, Team Leader. Well then…”

After speaking for over ten minutes, Muyoung finally seemed satisfied and stood up.

“…”

What was that? Did he really come here just to brag about getting a girlfriend…?

Muyoung waved with a bright grin as he passed me.

And as I watched him leave, still puzzled, a sudden thought crossed my mind.

‘The professor is looking for you. By noon tomorrow. Not in the usual office, but in the gym storage.’

Suddenly, at the sound of scattered whispers, I abruptly stopped moving.

***

“Young Lady. The restoration of the Jeokhwa Main House residence has reached about ninety percent. Please personally check the progress status and provide instructions for revisions and the finishing direction.”

After receiving a summon from a servant, Yeon Minha, who had obtained an outing permit, was heading toward the main gate.

“Hmm~ hmm~”

A pleasant humming flowed naturally from her. It was only natural since good things were happening every day.

As she walked, she soon spotted the familiar back view of a man.

“Hmm…”

With a playful smile, Yeon Minha looked at Lee Hyun, who seemed to be heading toward the main gate with some business of his own.

She quietly suppressed her presence and stealthily approached him from behind.

Getting near enough to reach him, she finally raised her hand, intending to abruptly cover his eyes.

“Kyaa!”

Instead, Yeon Minha found herself caught by the wrist and pinned against the wall.

“…Even you, Senior, play such tricks?”

“…If you recognized it, couldn’t you just let it slide once?”

Struggling in a shameful posture, her arms raised as if surrendering, Yeon Minha shot back at him.

At this, the man released her slightly.

“My apologies. It’s a habit, so I did it unknowingly…”

“Sheesh…”

Muttering irritably, Yeon Minha glared at him as if she had just realized something.

“By the way… ‘even’ Senior?”

“…”

Realizing his slip of the tongue, the man immediately shut his mouth, but the words had already been spoken.

“…Who is it?”

“…Senior Kwon Yuri.”

At Lee Hyun’s words, Yeon Minha gritted her teeth.

While it was natural for butterflies to be attracted to flowers, there was always a limit to such things.

He was clearly her own, beyond any doubt.

‘…Surely, that Kwon Yuri woman must have made a move on him first.’

Hadn’t she said she wanted to appear to be a decent woman? At the very least, she wanted to project that image in front of him.

‘I’ll deal with her later.’

Barely calming herself, Yeon Minha diverted the topic to suppress her anger.

“Senior?”

“…Yes?”

“By the way, were you on your way out?”

“I had a small errand to run. It won’t take long. What about you, Senior?”

“I was about to visit the family home. They asked me to check on the progress of the repairs.”

“My apologies. I would have liked to accompany you, but it’s military duty…”

“It’s fine. It’s not like I’m going to war or anything.”

At his words tinged with guilt, Yeon Minha waved her hand dismissively, as if it was no big deal.

“You’ll be back today, right?”

“I’ll be back before dinner at the latest. We can have a meal together too.”

“…Alright then.”

Yeon Minha nodded readily.

Then, as if something had come to her mind, she glanced around her surroundings.

Approaching Lee Hyun, she suddenly brought her lips to his neck.

“…Senior?”

“Stay still. Chuup… Chuup…”

Only after passionately leaving her mark for a while did she pull away.

The spot where her lips touched turned bright red as if bitten, and a bruise-like mark, akin to a brand, began to form.

“What is this?”

“A mark to show you’re mine.”

“Unbelievable…”

At Yeon Minha’s words, the man let out an empty laugh, as if in disbelief.

“I never thought you’d be this childish.”

Even Yeon Minha hadn’t expected it. She hadn’t realized love could make someone act so childish.

“…Stop saying unnecessary things.”

Embarrassed, Yeon Minha glared at him lightly.

“Hurry up and go. I’ve held you up too long.”

“I’ll be back.”

After giving Lee Hyun a hug as a send-off, Yeon Minha watched him leave before turning to handle her own tasks.

But as she was about to turn the corner of the passageway.

She paused, sensing someone’s presence beyond.

“…Why don’t you come out? Even if you try to hide, I can see you. The presence of a spirit is sharper than that of a human.”

After a brief moment of silence.

The clattering sound of heels grew closer, and soon, a female student revealed herself.

“…Hah.”

Seeing her identity, Yeon Minha let out an empty laugh.

Dull, lifeless eyes and disheveled hair.

Judging by the location where she had appeared, it was clear Baek Seoyeon had been following the man all along.