Episode 418. Iris Guild Korean Branch (2)

“I’ll get going first. See you next time. And please take care of what I mentioned.”

“…… Yeah.”

I finished my conversation with Irene and left the cafe.

Irene, with an expression that suggested something was missing, asked about other conditions until the very end, but I didn’t answer.

For now, I’ll think about it if they accept my conditions.

Probably, if it’s Irene, she’ll persuade Dr. Kang Hyorin, the Korea Branch Manager, well.

‘If she’s the Guild Master’s daughter, she’s invincible.’

Even though Dr. Kang Hyorin’s personality is strange, surely she wouldn’t ignore Irene’s words.

Feeling reassured, I returned home.

• Wow! This is it!

Liliana’s voice, already hyped up, could be heard from the entrance.

When I entered the house, I saw Liliana and Scarlet chatting animatedly in the living room.

“Scout. Look at this. Isn’t it amazing? They’re succubus horns.”

“Indeed. It’s amazing.”

Clap clap clap.

What are those two up to now?

I approached Scarlet, who was clapping.

“Huh? Lee Hoyeon’s already here!”

“Welcome back.”

“So, you two were hanging out today.”

“Yeah. Rebecca’s in her room, and Daeun is training.”

That explains why I only saw the two of them.

I sat down next to them and looked at the succubus horns Liliana was showing off.

It was a performance where the horns vibrated slightly whenever Liliana emitted magic power.

Honestly, I don’t really know what the point was… but since they both looked happy, it’s probably fine.

‘Come to think of it, Scarlet is working under Dr. Kang Hyorin.’

It would be better to tell Scarlet beforehand.

You need to mention things like this in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

“Scarlet. Are you still working under Dr. Kang Hyorin these days?”

“Of course. It’s a workplace where I don’t have to worry about getting fired.”

“That’s good. I heard the Iris Guild Korea Branch is investigating the Hwadong Dungeon this time, and I plan to get involved.”

“…Yes? That’s probably not something that can be arranged so easily.”

“I asked Ms. Irene to persuade Dr. Kang Hyorin.”

“Hmm…”

Scarlet frowned after hearing my words.

What’s bothering you?

I said to Scarlet.

“Did I spring this on you too suddenly?”

“No. It’s not like that. But I can’t predict what Dr. Kang Hyorin will think…”

“Hey, surely she wouldn’t refuse when Ms. Irene asks?”

“Dr. Kang Hyorin’s personality is famous even within the Iris Guild. A crazy bitch, or rather, she’s very assertive.”

“…”

If Scarlet says that much, she must really be a crazy bitch.

Of course, even when I saw her briefly, I thought she was a strange woman.

Still, a beautiful crazy bitch isn’t so bad.

“We might get rejected, perhaps.”

“That bad? Irene is going in person?”

“Yes. And even if we get permission, there are procedures, so it will take quite some time.”

“That’s true.”

The Iris Guild isn’t just some neighborhood mart; the procedures must be quite complicated.

An investigation team isn’t created overnight, after all.

“It’s not a problem that can be solved solely by the Korea Branch Manager’s judgment.”

“Mm-hmm. That’s right.”

Just as Scarlet was speaking, nodding her head…

Ttiring-

My smart watch beeped, and I checked the screen.

• Dr. Kang Hyorin: Cadet Lee Hoyeon. I’m contacting you regarding joining the Hwadong Dungeon investigation team. Please come to my lab.

Seeing the message, I doubted my eyes.

I had received Dr. Kang Hyorin’s number before, but why is this so fast?

I just came from meeting Irene?

“Scarlet.”

“Yes?”

“Look at this.”

Seeing my smart watch, Scarlet looked confused.

“This can’t be happening. The Kang Hyorin I know would never…”

“Scarlet, weren’t you fired from the Iris Guild too?”

“I already told you I wasn’t fired.”

Since she seemed quite flustered, I played a little prank, and her reaction was amusing.

Scarlet wore an indignant expression, and Liliana, who had been listening to our conversation, patted Scarlet’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, Scout. You’re talented, so you’ll do well at whatever you do.”

“That’s why I wasn’t… Haaa…”

I eventually burst out laughing, unable to hold back, and Scarlet clenched her fist tightly, looking at my face.

*

The Academy’s Faculty Office.

After parting with Lee Hoyeon, Irene immediately headed to Dr. Kang Hyorin’s lab.

Irene hesitated, looking at Kang Hyorin’s lab.

“…Should I just turn back now.”

The request to put Lee Hoyeon in the Hwadong Dungeon investigation team.

For Irene, who had never used her power to handle matters before, this required quite a big decision.

Of course, there was a way to lie to Lee Hoyeon by claiming she was refused without even speaking to Kang Hyorin, but her pride wouldn’t allow it.

Keeping promises is the Iris Guild’s philosophy.

‘Anyway, I’m dealing with Kang Hyorin.’

Kang Hyorin was a famous eccentric within the Iris Guild.

She might not permit it, given that Kang Hyorin was beyond her control.

“Khm. May I come in?”

“Yes~ Please come in.”

Clearing her throat, Irene opened the door.

The inside was neat.

Clean and attractive decorations. Comfortable guest chairs and a table.

In the lab, which had a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere, Kang Hyorin could be seen working with a relaxed expression.

As soon as Kang Hyorin saw Irene’s face, she stood up from her seat and bowed her head.

“Team Leader 1 is here! Welcome!”

“…Branch Manager. As I said, there’s no need to speak so formally.”

The Team Leader from headquarters and the Branch Manager of each branch held similar positions.

Moreover, since they were both the same age, there was no need to speak so formally.

“How could I speak like that to you, Irene-nim? Please sit here. I’ll serve you some tea.”

“…Okay.”

Kang Hyorin excitedly prepared the tea.

‘What on earth is she so excited about?’

Irene had gotten used to her always being like that.

Irene slowly began to speak while drinking the tea Kang Hyorin prepared.

“What brings you here?”

“Well, the Hwadong Dungeon investigation is happening this time.”

“Yes, yes. That’s right.”

“I was hoping you could include just one person I know onto the investigation team…”

“Hmm. Someone you know?”

“…Yes.”

Kang Hyorin tilted her head at Irene’s words.

She was curious why Irene, who wasn’t the type to ask for favors, would bring that up.

“Irene-nim, may I ask the reason, perhaps?”

“It’s nothing major, just if you can include them, please do. It’s okay if you don’t want to, really.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Lee Hoyeon. You know him, right? He’s one of your cadets.”

“Lee Hoyeon…?”

Irene felt very uncomfortable asking for a favor using her influence, but Kang Hyorin continued to ponder seriously.

‘Lee Hoyeon.’

The man who’s been the center of attention recently.

He’s the direct disciple of the genius mage Im Sol.

A few days ago, he announced research on magic that shook the Wizard Association, and since then, he has maintained a close relationship with its head.

Moreover, he maintains a decent relationship with the Chairman of Victoria Academy, and judging by how often he visits the student council room, he also has ties with the Student Council President.

He’s a guy that the Iris Guild’s Korea Branch Manager, who is also a professor at the Academy, couldn’t possibly not know.

‘And Scarlet’s lover.’

As it happens, Kang Hyorin was also interested in him.

I knew he was handsome, but what kind of attractive man is he that women cling to him like that?

If he managed to capture even his friend Scarlet, he must be quite a guy.

“As I said, it doesn’t matter if you don’t include him…”

“I grant permission.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. I must listen if it’s Irene-nim’s word.”

“No, no, no. You don’t necessarily have to. It’s fine…”

“If we did it as a secret addition, complaints might arise. Rather, let’s announce it officially, in a way that collaborates with the Iris Guild.”

“There’s no need to make such a big deal out of it…?”

Thump- Tadadak-

Irene tried to stop the unnecessary action, but Kang Hyorin typed on the keyboard before Irene could finish speaking.

It was the task of officially making Lee Hoyeon join the investigation team.

“May I contact Cadet Lee Hoyeon directly?”

“Uh, sure.”

“Then I will contact him directly. Irene-nim, please relax.”

“…Okay. Haaa…”

As expected, she’s a difficult person to deal with.

‘Still, it was successful. Or rather, should I call it a success…?’

Irene sighed and looked at Kang Hyorin, who had an excited expression.

*

France.

The Iris Guild Headquarters’ Training Ground.

Chwaak- Chyak-

Ppadeudeudeuk-

Blue, shining ice crystals wrapped around the sword.

Mind Demons fell one after another with every swing of the sword.

The blonde beauty holding the sword fired magic at a Mind Demon aiming for an opening.

• Ku-uhhh!

“Heup…!”

The last remaining Mind Demon approached with a roar, and Alice, taking a breath, split its head in two.

At the same time, the magic barrier surrounding the area collapsed, and the training ground’s system ended.

Chiiik-

“You worked hard. Miss Alice.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Alice took the towel Sebastian offered and wiped her sweat.

While staying in France, she increased the intensity of her training further.

The goal is Lee Hoyeon.

It will take a long time to catch up, but that’s how you set big goals.

“Remarkable growth, girl. But you’re still far off from facing me, Wild Gladiator. The waste of magic power is too severe.”

“…”

Gulp gulp.

Alice took a drink, completely ignoring the rambling centaur beside her.

After Lee Hoyeon returned to Korea.

Chiron, who had been imprisoned, cooperated with the investigation with a diligent attitude, and his attitude and amusing way of speaking began to gain favor among the guild members.

Since then, Chiron rapidly began to integrate into the Iris Guild, pleased the Guild Master, and received permission to move within the guild under the condition of wearing magic-restraining cuffs.

Chiron mostly spent his time in the training ground.

His immense strength and lenient attitude towards those weaker than himself were greatly helpful in improving the guild members’ skills.

Most Iris Guild members had adapted to Chiron, but Alice, who had only just seen him for about a week, still couldn’t adapt to this monster.

The current situation, where the centaur she last saw fighting for his life was now beside her spouting nonsense, was impossible to comprehend by her common sense.

Alice whispered to Sebastian so Chiron wouldn’t hear.

“…Sebastian. Can we really trust this monster?”

“Yes. It’s fine. You just need to call him ‘Wild Gladiator’ sometimes.”

“Wild Gladiator…?”

“Did you call me? O, maiden.”

“Ack!”

Alice swung her sword, still covered in ice, wildly and chased Chiron away.

Chiron took a step back at the fierce resistance and continued speaking.

“Fearsome girl. But not harming those weaker than me is my pride. That is precisely Wild…”

“Haaa…”

Why is that crazy monster wandering around the guild?

Really, I should tell Dad right now and ask him to handle this.

“He needs to be locked back in prison. Aagh…”

Alice grumbled as she left the training ground.

Right now, this wasn’t the time to worry about monsters like that.

“Still, it’s a good guy in its own way. It listens well too.”

“…Enough. Continue what you were saying earlier. You said Lee Hoyeon is going to work at the Korea Branch.”

Alice said to Sebastian, who was following behind her.

Lee Hoyeon was involved in something with the Iris Guild, right?

“To be precise, it’s a collaboration with the Korea Branch. It seems they’re doing image-making by working with Cadet Lee Hoyeon, who has a good image in Korea.”

“So it’s like advertising. What about the cost?”

“There is no separate cost.”

“…Really?”

Alice widened her eyes and looked at Sebastian.

‘How did she win that man over…?’

The Lee Hoyeon she knew was generally the type not to take losses.

To persuade such a man… is it the Korea Branch Manager, as expected?

“Coincidentally, they decided to investigate a dungeon in Korea, and he seems to have joined that investigation team.”

“Aha… Is my sister going along too?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm.”

The fact that he’s going with my sister bothered me a little, but since Lee Hoyeon promised he wouldn’t touch her, it should be fine.

Probably nothing will happen.

‘…Do I believe that?’

Alice unconsciously let out a hollow laugh.

Trusting Lee Hoyeon when a beautiful woman is in front of him is like leaving fish with a cat.

Alice pondered, thinking of Lee Hoyeon’s face.

Come to think of it, we had a conversation about this topic last time.

I don’t know exactly what curse was placed on Lee Hoyeon, but he clearly said he wouldn’t approach my sister first.

‘Then it should be fine.’

Even if he’s a playboy, it’s okay if he doesn’t approach first.

Surely my sister wouldn’t approach Lee Hoyeon, that doesn’t make sense.

Feeling relieved, Alice returned to her room.