episode_0012

Secretary Park is a capable individual.

Yujin, the sole successor of Heukcheon.

Just by seeing him being exclusively attended to, it’s evident.

What enables this is the trust the organization has in Secretary Park.

However, that trust was different from the usual kind.

A long time ago, Yujin’s mother commanded him.

– Make sure to observe whether Yujin truly is fit to inherit our organization.

– Isn’t the young master the sole successor appointed by the ancestors? Why the need for confirmation?

– I genuinely love my organization. Even if he’s my son, I can’t entrust it to an inadequate individual.

– Is that so?

– If Yujin shows any inadequacy, we must strip him of all rights he possesses.

Following the ancestors, the queen who rules over Heukcheon.

Yujin’s mother is renowned for multiplying the organization’s influence several times over.

Her ability to achieve such feats stemmed from her unique sharpness and ruthlessness.

Even if it were her own son, she would discard him without hesitation if deemed unnecessary.

“If I make a wrong judgment here, I too will be punished.”

Of course, Secretary Park’s loyalty to Heukcheon was higher than anyone else’s.

If it benefited the organization, she was prepared to discard Yujin, whom she had nurtured for years.

However, going against the ancestors’ wishes was a bitter task.

If necessary sacrifices were required, shedding blood with one’s own hands would be appropriate.

But recently, Yujin had no need to worry about such things.

No, on the contrary, he displayed the image of an outstanding successor more than anyone else.

“He has changed significantly recently.”

The original Yujin was somewhat intoxicated by his own power.

Arrogance and confidence are qualities necessary for a leader.

Only when backed by strength and capability.

Yujin still exhibited many areas of inadequacy.

Therefore, Secretary Park’s feelings were gradually leaning towards abandonment.

“The current appearance is not just the heir of Heukcheon, but the very embodiment of a leader.”

Heukcheon must be more ruthless and powerful than anyone else.

For the sake of objectives, no means should be spared.

If there is something desired, it must be seized, no matter what.

That’s how Heukcheon has grown, and that is the path of Heukcheon.

“Recently, the young master has been following those teachings well.”

He is no longer the Yujin who used to enjoy playing around.

Lately, he doesn’t visit entertainment venues or roam outside at all.

When he returns from school, he locks himself in his room solely for training!

He doesn’t even touch the alcohol he used to enjoy so much.

Is it because of that?

Yujin’s skills have suddenly improved.

When she heard that he had defeated an Ogre in one blow, even Secretary Park was taken aback.

Of course, it took some effort to silence the Academy and the nosy birds, but considering the increased reputation of Heukcheon, it was a small price to pay.

Having boldly proclaimed the name of Heukcheon’s successor to society.

Simultaneously, pride in Heukcheon surged.

She wanted to proudly declare, “This person is our successor!”

“To think someone works so diligently for him.”

Secretary Park monitored Yeonghee through the CCTV installed in the theater.

Of course, a woman without such power wouldn’t dare harm even a single hair on the young master’s head.

Still, there’s always the possibility.

“Even though you could crush them with your power at any moment, there must be a reason why you don’t.”

With the power Yujin holds, he could easily obtain almost any celebrity.

Let alone a girl who merely looks pretty and comes from an orphanage.

Whether through money or coercion, using Heukcheon’s authority makes it effortless.

Yet, Yujin chose to go through this cumbersome process.

Watching the meticulous steps, Secretary Park felt chills run down her spine.

She displays her power to the opponent and slowly tightens the noose.

Like a seasoned hunter cooking animals with skill.

“Perhaps she wishes for the woman to cling to her own will.”

Not long ago, it seemed like a surrender at the hospital,

but Secretary Park knows it was just a momentary emotion.

Yujin hopes that Yeonghee’s heart will be completely broken,

even if her ex-boyfriend, Cheolsu, were to come back, she wouldn’t waver.

“She truly is remarkable.”

Honestly, it’s doubtful whether Yeonghee is worth such effort.

But if it’s something the master has done, there must be a reason.

As the one who serves, one must provide the utmost care.

Renting out the entire movie theater and releasing provocative videos as advertisements were all for this purpose.

Well, even though it was somewhat frustrating when she didn’t respond even after going to such lengths.

“Hmm, what’s that?”

She was dealing with other tasks for a moment.

Yeonghee, who had gone outside the theater, exhibited strange behavior.

Her movements were somewhat peculiar, as if fleeing from something.

When the master followed her, she stopped in her tracks.

And shortly after,

she nestled into the master’s arms as she walked forward.

Her affectionate gaze was believable enough to pass for that of a loving couple.

“……..”

Secretary Park, who was silently watching the CCTV footage, pressed the record button without a word.

Indeed, was this what he was aiming for?

Finally, the master’s true plan was beginning in earnest.

(Or not)

*****

“What’s going on here?”

Yujin blinked, looking at the scene before her.

Her friend, who had come to the movies with her, had a slime creature attached to her face.

Provide an appropriate reaction in this situation.

“How am I supposed to know about that!”

Even she, an otaku, could tell.

This was not a normal situation.

But then again, what was normal in a world full of monsters and ability users?

There’s a saying that in a world where everyone loves chaos, pure love is abnormal.

“In that case, could that slime be an accessory or a pet?”

To anyone else, this would sound nonsensical, but Yujin seriously considered that possibility.

A seasoned otaku doesn’t make the same mistake twice.

Not knowing the trends well enough to make the atmosphere awkward is enough to last a lifetime.

“Is that your pet?”

So she asked to confirm.

Before the sentence ended, the slime disappeared.

Yeonghee, who had been bowing her head for a moment, looked up.

However, the atmosphere was strange.

Her pupils had a peculiar gleam.

To be specific, they were heart-shaped (♥).

With that expression, she smiled broadly.

“Yujinaaa~”

As if gazing at a beloved lover.

Unable to resist the loveliness of the person in front of her,

she walked over, snuggling into Yujin’s arms.

She wrapped her waist tightly with both arms.

Yujin widened her eyes at the sudden gesture.

‘…Am I going to die today?’

Or maybe this is a dream? Is this Inception?

Maybe this whole otherworldly thing isn’t entirely fake.

I might actually be lying in a hospital bed, and a nurse might be saying, “Doctor, why is this patient smiling?”

‘Otherwise, why would Yeonghee hug me?’

Does this girl, who seems to like nerds, like me?

The probability of a girl approaching you on the street not being a cult member is as slim as it gets.

Yeonghee and I are just friends, right?

Definitely…….right?

“Just a moment! Could Yeonghee possibly like me? Is there even a 0.0001% chance of that happening?”

Here, Yujin’s characteristic ‘optimistic thinking’ kicked in.

Come to think of it, wasn’t I the one who saved Yeonghee from debt?

Moreover, we’ve dealt with ogres together during class.

Crucially, it was Yeonghee who suggested hanging out first on the weekend!

“Could this be a green light?”

Surely, it’s unlikely that a similar girl would start liking me.

Of course, I know the chances are slim.

But what if it’s really happening?

“Hmm, but I just think of Yeonghee as a friend.”

Of course, Yeonghee is pretty, listens well, and is kind.

But if you ask if that’s romantic feelings, I hesitate a bit.

It’s not that I dislike her, but she doesn’t particularly seem like a woman to me.

If this were an adult game and I were the protagonist, maybe I wouldn’t feel any hesitation.

Anyway, isn’t this reality?

You might get a harsh reaction if you touch a woman recklessly.

“Um~ If I think about something else without looking at you~”

At that moment, Yeonghee leaned her face against my chest.

Maybe it’s because of our significant height difference.

Even when Yeonghee stands straight, she only reaches my chest.

“Hey, Yeonghee?”

“Hehe, Yujin is tall~”

She says with a bright smile, lifting her head in that state.

Suddenly, my heart started pounding.

Yeonghee is truly beautiful.

But isn’t this too sudden?

It feels like her personality has completely changed.

Well, it’s obvious that she’s being controlled by a slime, but as the stubborn Yujin, I have no idea.

“Yeonghee, let’s step back for a moment.”

“No~ Can we stay closer together~”

As I tried to gently pull away, Yeonghee seemed unwilling to let go, clinging even tighter.

Her adorable pouting and head shaking are too cute.

It reminded me of a cute female idol from an old military entertainment show.

‘Wow, she looks even prettier when I look down like this.’

Yeonghee stared at me intently.

Suddenly, she stretched out her arms and wrapped them around my neck.

“Huh?”

Due to Yujin’s strength, she wasn’t pulled downward.

Instead, using that as support, Yeonghee bounced up.

She leaned in, and our lips met.

Softness touched my lips, and they overlapped.

Something soft entered my mouth.

“That’s it! That’s exactly it!”

Beyond the screen, Park Secretary, who was watching, threw a punch in a fighting pose.

Indeed, that’s how our master should be!