episode_0014

“Ah…”

“Yoram…?”

The members finally showed a look of understanding. However, Lee Hyun furrowed his brow lightly as if he didn’t understand.

“Right.”

“What is that?”

“Ah.”

Sajaehyeok let out a small sigh at Lee Hyun’s question. The existence of Yoram was common knowledge to the wizards.

Looks like there’s another reason to send that guy to Yoram, Sajaehyeok thought.

“In simple terms, you can think of it as just a school. More precisely, it falls under the category of an academy.”

“An academy…?”

“Yes. It’s a very exemplary educational institution that aims to educate young wizards like you properly to contribute to the prosperity of the country and social stability. At least for now.”

“Hmm…”

“At least for now…”

The members chuckled softly at Sajaehyeok’s added remarks. However, Lee Hyun still didn’t fully understand the meaning of what he had said.

“I roughly get what kind of place it is. So, what should I do there? Guard duty?”

“Guard duty? What kind of nonsense is that? If a student goes to school, they should naturally study.”

“Student…?”

Sajaehyeok continued speaking in a calm voice.

“Yes. Lee Hyun, you will be admitted to Yoram Academy this year as a recommended student of our Heukryeon clan. And…”

“What nonsense. Are you kidding me right now…”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

“… ”

As Lee Hyun continued to express his disbelief, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

But faced with Sajaehyeok’s confident attitude, he forgot what he wanted to say.

“…I guess I have to listen to the explanation until the end. Go on…”

Seeing his reaction, Sajaehyeok let out a light sigh. Then he continued speaking.

The Heukryeon clan, Sajaehyeok’s family, was one of the wizard clans deeply involved in the establishment of Yoram.

These clans were given the right to admit students recommended by them without the need for entrance exams every year, under the pretext of finding suitable talents to foster the country’s development.

However, for the past 15 years, the Heukryeon clan had never exercised the right of recommended admission.

“We’ve left the seat empty for too long. Thanks to that, our influence in Yoram is decreasing rapidly.”

“So?”

“You’ll find out soon enough, but Yoram is not just a simple educational institution. The relationships you make there can last a lifetime, and it’s the only time you can build friendly ties with the offspring of prestigious families. Not only that, if you have the skills, you can even establish friendly relationships with nobles and companies that sponsor you. It can be considered the most important time in your life.”

“That’s right. There’s a saying, ‘Three years at Yoram are more important than thirty years after.’…”

Ryusehwa, who had been listening to the conversation, interrupted Sajaehyeok.

“Well said. Anyway, that’s the gist of it. I may not care about the country’s development, but if we continue like this, our clan’s influence will completely disappear. Especially in such an important place. And you are the means to prevent that.”

Sajaehyeok nodded in agreement with Sehwa’s words and continued. Lee Hyun, with a puzzled voice, asked Sajaehyeok.

“If the leader’s words are correct, then why do I have to do it? If you don’t like me being in the unit…”

“Stop talking nonsense. I would do it myself if I could. But we are all old.”

Sajaehyeok shrugged his shoulders. But the opposition came not from Lee Hyun, but from an unexpected source.

“Old…!”

“Hey! Sajaehyeok!! You can’t take back what you said!!”

“No…no…!”

Yejin was too shocked to speak. Yoon Chaewon scolded Sajaehyeok and shook him. Ryusehwa muttered to herself, holding her head in her hands.

“Hey! Can you please be quiet! How much alcohol did you drink anyway?”

Sajaehyuk shouted at the members.

After calming down for a while, Sajaehyuk looked back at Lee Hyun and said, “Well, that’s how it is. And now it’s time for you to start paying for your meals.”

“Meal payment? What are you talking about?”

“What do you mean? I’m talking about you paying back for all the meals you’ve had so far. From the treatment fees, various examination fees, fuel costs, the custom-made Stellaite Blade you use, the high-end battle suit, and even that mask. There isn’t a single thing that hasn’t come out of my pocket…”

“What… who charges their own subordinates for that…!”

Lee Hyun vehemently protested against the sudden accusation, but Sajaehyuk continued to explain in a calm voice.

“I’ll have you know, all the money spent on you has been paid out of my own pocket. There’s no way the unit budget could cover it.”

“You said it was a fair deal. I’ve been participating in rebel and monster subjugation missions…”

“You didn’t officially enlist as a combatant in our unit. Legally, you’re just a support member. Your combat achievements weren’t even recorded. That can’t be considered a deal.”

“How unfair…!”

“I’ve fulfilled my obligations to you. I’ve fed you, housed you, trained you, equipped you, and even passed down our family’s unique magic to you. But to think you’d shut your mouth over a few pieces of trash…”

“I’m only 18. I should be able to enroll in such places at 17…”

“Physical age isn’t that important to a mage. When you matured is more crucial. You’re a special case, but a difference of one or two years won’t matter. And your legal age is 17. Did you forget?”

“Good kids will come… I don’t know anything about manners. I’ve tarnished our reputation…”

“Do you think this is some noble school? Half of the students are from your background. Just learn a few important things from your sisters and you’ll be fine.”

“I can’t even study… I don’t know anything about magic theory…”

“Places like this are made to teach people like you. And while I’m not the best, you’re quite smart, so don’t worry.”

“Sigh…”

“What nonsense… we all know about your time at the cradle…”

Unable to bear it any longer, Ryusehwa and Yejin burst into laughter. Ignoring their laughter, Sajaehyuk urged Lee Hyun again.

“Be quiet. What else do you want to know?”

“…”

Unable to speak, Lee Hyun remained silent. Seeing this, Sajaehyuk delivered the final blow.

“Now you understand. Shall we summarize?”

“…”

“Lee Hyun, enter the cradle as a recommended student of the Heukryeon Sasse family. Represent me and our family in social and networking activities. Also, acquire various knowledge as a student and actively participate in the school’s exams.”

“…”

“Be diligent in your cradle life for 3 years, achieve excellent grades, and ultimately restore the reputation and influence of the Heukryeon Sasse family. That’s all.”

“…An order?”

“Yes. An order. This is an order from your superior, and a fair demand as a party to the agreement.”

Sajaehyuk’s response was as sharp as a knife. Lee Hyun, resigned, asked, “If it’s an order, I’ll follow. When do I start?”

“There’s still plenty of time. Now that the major operation is over, for the time being, learn what your sisters need. I’ll inform you of the detailed schedule later.”

“…Understood.”

Hyun answered with a hoarse voice. Then, she put her coat back on and prepared to return to her room.

Seeing her like that, Yoon Chaewon tried to stop Hyun.

“Hyun. Are you leaving already? You haven’t even had dinner. At least eat a little…”

“…I’m sorry. I don’t have much of an appetite… I’ll go first. Good night, everyone.”

“Hey…!”

Before Chaewon’s words could reach her, Hyun quickly left the study. A moment of silence lingered in the room after she left.

“Every time I see her, it breaks my heart…”

Ryu Sehwa muttered as she looked at the spot where Hyun had left.

“Who wouldn’t. But Jaehyuk, isn’t it too harsh to speak to her like that? What’s with the ‘frozen to death over a meal’? You could have used nicer words!”

“…You’re right.”

Agreeing with Chaewon’s criticism, Yejin softly chimed in. Jaehyuk, lying on the sofa, replied.

“It’s noisy. You have to push her back like that. Otherwise, she’ll be following us forever. Do you want that?”

“That’s not it…but still…”

Perhaps sensing a hidden meaning, Chaewon trailed off at Jaehyuk’s jab.

“A smart person like her would have understood everything. So, stop arguing and turn back. Because if you keep doing that, she’ll still…”

“But Jaehyuk. She’s surprisingly good at making excuses, isn’t she? I almost fell for it when she started talking back.”

“That’s what I’m saying. If someone sees her, they might think she’s really concerned about her reputation…how can someone like that have been rolling around the border for over 10 years?”

When Yejin changed the subject, Sehwa immediately chimed in.

Including Chaewon, they all knew Jaehyuk’s intention to send Hyun back as a cradle.

The other members were also thinking along the same lines.

They didn’t really want to let her go after two years of bonding.

But she needed a different experience.

Although they called it grand social and friendship activities, it was simply a way to enjoy school life with peers.

But if they had said that straightforwardly, Hyun, with her personality, wouldn’t have accepted it easily.

That’s why Jaehyuk used the strong term ‘order’.

They had saved Hyun that day, but it wasn’t easy for a child who had lost everything to regain her life.

It was unexpected that Hyun showed interest in a different field.

After learning magic in earnest with Jaehyuk and the members, Hyun always hoped to go to the battlefield.

Initially, they were worried about her mental state and refused, but the situation on the battlefield was always unpredictable.

Moreover, the northeastern front was where demons occasionally invaded, and their allies collaborated with the enemy, making it the most dangerous front line.

Jaehyuk allowed her to go out because he thought it was safer to be together. From then on, Hyun began to use her talents generously.

She ruthlessly slaughtered demons and traitors they encountered.

They were not merciful either, but Hyun’s level of cruelty was particularly severe.

If Jaehyuk hadn’t stopped her, she would have been brought to military court several times.

It was a natural aversion considering her past, but that didn’t mean the current situation was normal.

Hyun was like a glass bottle, ready to shatter at any moment.

So, even though Jaehyuk’s methods were a bit rough, none of the members questioned his decision.

“But enrolling in the cradle is obviously a good thing…but can Hyun handle it well?”

Sehwa murmured with a voice full of concern.

“…Actually, I’m a bit worried about that too…”

“She’ll do fine. Even someone like you graduated from the cradle without any problems…”

Just as Chaewon was about to agree, Jaehyuk cut her off with a blunt voice.

“Indeed, even a loser like the class president graduated just fine, so it’s not a wrong statement…”

“Sigh…”

“Pfft…”

Ye-jin muttered upon hearing Sajaehyuk’s words. Sehwa and Chaewon desperately held back their laughter.

***

Returning to his room, Lee Hyun stood in front of the mirror.

The room, with no small lamp, was completely dark. Only the sound of the wind coming through the window crack echoed loudly.

Lee Hyun slowly brought his hand to his face. Soon, with a clack, his mask was removed.

His bare face reflected in the mirror.

“Ugh…”

It was the moment Lee Hyun faced his own face. A pain, as if his skin was being burned, spread out from the scar.

His skin felt itchy, as if bugs were crawling on it. His vision narrowed, and his heart beat heavily.

Unable to bear it any longer, Lee Hyun put on the mask again.

As if to say, ‘When did it ever change,’ all discomfort disappeared, and comfort enveloped him once again.

Still, Lee Hyun did not look at the mirror.