episode_0039

A strange atmosphere flowed inside the calm cafe filled with gentle classics.

I blinked absentmindedly and asked Hanryeowon across from me.

“Uh… So, you and I… are going alone?”

In response, she answered in a firm tone.

“That’s right. If Mayeonseo isn’t coming with us.”

Why is that?

For some reason, it sounded like Hanryeowon was emphasizing “if Mayeonseo isn’t there.”

It was as if she was saying she wanted to go alone with me.

“…This is an opportunity.”

Regardless of her intentions, it was undoubtedly an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

If it takes at least two hours for a round trip from Seoul to Busan, naturally, we would have plenty of time together.

It was a perfect opportunity to have the sincere conversation we hadn’t had before.

“…Alright. If it’s necessary, then we should do it.”

After coordinating a few explanations and schedules, we finished the meeting.

When I returned to my accommodation, I subtly hinted to Mayeonseo, who would be busy with her schedule.

“It seems like you need to undergo additional tests from the association?”

And that evening.

When Mayeonseo returned to the hotel, she brought up the topic of the test.

“I did receive a call from the association earlier. What exactly did they say?”

“I don’t know the details. They said my constitution seems a bit unique and that I should get a detailed examination in Busan.”

“Busan? You’re going all the way there?”

“They said the facilities are only there. They said it would take about two days.”

“…What?”

As she listened to the story, Mayeonseo furrowed her brow slightly.

It seemed that the idea of sleeping in Busan didn’t sit well with her.

“So, I’m going alone.”

Not missing a beat, I naturally excluded Mayeonseo from accompanying me.

“It would be difficult for you to come along.”

“……”

She didn’t protest despite her displeased expression.

Understandably, she is currently one of the busiest people in the country.

Even if she wanted to come, the reality is that it would be difficult for her to do so.

If she’s ‘the changed Mayeonseo,’ it’s even more so.

“When are you leaving?”

“The day after tomorrow. I’ll come back the evening of the next day.”

Sure enough, with conflicting schedules, Mayeonseo let out an irritated sigh.

“…Alright. Take care.”

Nevertheless, she obediently allowed my schedule.

‘Just as I expected.’ Everything went according to my plan.

Business trip to Busan.

On the day of departure, I left the hotel early in the morning and headed to Seoul Station.

This business trip was planned to take a train to Busan.

“I arrived a little early.”

Excited at the thought of going on a business trip with Hanyerwon, I arrived about 30 minutes earlier than the appointment time.

“I’ve arrived.”

I immediately informed her of my arrival through our business contact.

“Come to the café on the 2nd floor.”

For some reason, Hanyerwon had arrived much earlier than me.

“Could she also have secretly been looking forward to this?”

With subtle anticipation, I pulled my hat down and quickly made my way to the 2nd floor café.

“You’re here early. When did you arrive?”

“……”

“Did you miss me that much?”

She, who usually dressed formally, quietly glanced at me and sent me a harsh look.

…It seems like I expected too much.

“Hmm. Should I get something to drink too?”

Unintentionally joining earlier than planned, I intended to order a drink following her lead.

However.

“I’ve already ordered, so why don’t you go and pick it up.”

She swiftly handed me a vibrating pager.

She had already ordered a drink upon hearing of my arrival.

“Oh. Thank you. What did you order?”

“…It’s something you used to often have here.”

Although Hanyerwon didn’t mention the menu, I could guess what she had ordered.

“Mint chocolate, right.”

As expected, she knew me too well.

“4F… Here we are. Would you like to sit by the window?”

“…Do as you please.”

Eventually, we quickly filled our stomachs and boarded the train side by side.

Perhaps because it was a pricey first-class cabin on a weekday, there were many empty seats, allowing us to comfortably sit without being noticed.

“Come to think of it, it’s the first time we’re going to Busan together.”

“……”

Glancing subtly at Hanyerwon sitting by the window, I spoke in a hushed voice.

“If we finish our inspection early today, shall we go see the sea in the evening?”

Upon hearing this, she closed her eyes tightly and firmly told me in a low voice.

“Please refrain from personal conversations outside.”

Now, I couldn’t even speak.

“Tsk….”

Helplessly giving in, I closed my eyes tightly following her lead.

“……”

After glancing around, he quietly moved his hand and firmly grabbed her hand.

She flinched. The tremor was fully conveyed from her soft hand.

“Excuse me.”

“Just a little longer.”

“Can you release it quickly?”

“I’ll let go when we depart. Just until then.”

I felt a piercing gaze from the adjacent seat.

Ignoring the stare shamelessly with closed eyes, I fiddled with her hand that I held for the first time in a while.

“Sigh…”

Soon, she seemed to give up and quietly handed over her hand.

We were holding hands like that until we left Seoul.

*

Upon arriving in Busan, we took the car prepared by the association and headed straight to the research institute.

It felt like that from the name, but upon arrival, it also felt like a huge factory.

“Oh, Mr. Kang Yoo-chan! Nice to meet you.”

“Hello.”

Upon arriving at the research institute, the director of the institute welcomed us.

He looked like he was in his 30s, but as it turned out, he had already crossed over into his 40s.

“Wow… You’ve been around for quite a while.”

“Haha. I hear that a lot. Anyway, let’s talk inside.”

Before the inspection, the director briefly introduced us to the inside of the research institute.

“Our research institute is one of the largest in East Asia. Our equipment and security facilities are solid, and we have many smart colleagues.”

Proudly, the director said that their research institute does not fall far behind other leading countries.

“If only we had the Philosopher’s Stone… There is some regret.”

So, he was much more pleased with Mayen’s return than any support or policy.

With her return, the entire domestic top business began to thrive.

“Someday, can’t our country become a leading country in the top industry?”

He was truly a passionate person in many ways…

“Anyway! Today, only simple things like blood tests and magic level measurements will be conducted. We have plenty of time, so starting next week, step by step…”

“Hmm?”

While quietly listening to his explanation, I noticed that something was off.

“Um… I’m sorry to interrupt your speech.”

“It’s okay. Please go ahead.”

“Wasn’t the examination supposed to be finished today…?”

“Oh. Didn’t you hear the explanation?”

The director of the research institute looked at Han Ryowon, who was following behind with a slightly puzzled expression.

“We only received information about this examination from the headquarters.”

“Oh. It seems there was a misunderstanding. Mr. Kang Yoochan’s examination is scheduled to take a total of 2 months.”

“T-Two months…?”

He nodded as if it were obvious and continued his explanation.

“As you may already know, Mr. Kang Yoochan is a very unique case. He became a summoner while being human, and he possesses the qualities of an Awakened Being without being one.”

In conclusion, it was a story about conducting detailed examinations every week due to its research value.

‘Is it that serious…?’

Honestly, as someone who couldn’t feel anything about myself, it was difficult to understand.

If I were such an extraordinary person, I wouldn’t have had to suffer like this.

I could firmly grasp Ma Yeonseo and confidently confront Han Ryowon…!

…It was truly a dreamlike story.

“I will administer the injection.”

“Please be gentle.”

“I’ll place it as gently as possible so it won’t hurt.”

While Han Ryowon was communicating with the headquarters about the examination schedule, I began to undergo the examination in earnest.

‘Wait, how much are they taking?

They proceeded with blood collection for the blood test.

“You can come over here for this.”

After taking a short break, they also conducted a urine test.

And then…

“W-What are you doing?”

“The type of fluid contains different magical energy depending on its kind.”

I unexpectedly encountered a male potency test.

“Have you engaged in any sexual activity in the past 4 days?”

“Do I have to say that too…?”

“Yes. It could affect the test results.”

“Well… I did.”

“How many times?”

“…26 times.”

“….Excuse me?”

The female researcher, who had been jotting down the questions and answers, looked at me with a face that indicated she had misheard.

“You need to specify the exact number…”

She awkwardly smiled and asked for a correction.

“…26 times, that’s correct.”

“…Oh.”

As if realizing something belatedly, she blushed slightly and started entering the information quietly.

“…Wow…”

Feeling embarrassed, I pretended not to see her expressing admiration.

“Ahem. Since all the instructions are in that room, don’t worry about the time and just bring as many as you can.”

The researcher nonchalantly handed over a cup.

Perhaps it was my mood. It felt like he was glancing at my lower body.

‘In my entire life…’

Muttering to myself like that, I was about to enter the “Male Special Examination Room”.

“Mr. Kang Yoo-chan.”

Just then, Hanyerwon returned from headquarters and met me.

“How far have you progressed?”

“…Almost done.”

…?

Hanyerwon looked at me strangely, then glanced at the cup in his hand and the half-open “Male Special Examination Room” in turn.

!

Then, as if understanding the situation, he looked surprised.

Seeing her go from being cold to being shaken, something felt different.

I felt like playing a prank.

“…Can I help you?”

“Are you crazy?”

“Hehe.”

Satisfied with her cute reaction, I went into the examination room.

*

After finishing the examination and returning to the lodging, the sun had already set.

Hanyerwon and I decided to spend the night at a hotel arranged by the association.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the same room, but right next door.

“No sense of tact.”

Disappointed inwardly, I planned to go see the sea with Hanyerwon as mentioned earlier.

“Let’s go see the sea.”

“…I’ll go alone.”

But I was gracefully rejected.

‘…Is there no way…’

As I pondered, I unfolded the “Hanyerwon User Manual” that I had written by hand for a long time.

Knock knock.

After purchasing a lot of “bait” nearby, I went to her room.

“Open the door for a moment.”

A quiet stillness filled the hotel corridor.

I listened carefully beyond the door, but no matter how long I waited, there was no answer.

“Is she taking a shower?”

Right then.

Click. Finally, the door opened slightly, and Hanyerwon peeked out.

Had she taken a shower? Her makeup was faintly changed on her face.

“Why.”

I showed her hands full of alcohol and snacks.

“Shall we have a drink together after a long time?”

“…….”

There was a heavy silence for a moment.

Creak-.

Then the door began to close.

“Just a moment!”

Barely managing to wedge my foot in to prevent the door from closing, I reopened it and earnestly appealed to her.

“I just wanted to talk. That’s why I came all the way here!”

“……”

“Can’t you at least listen…?”

With a meaningful look on her face, she silently stared at me…

Sighing briefly, she turned her body.

“Come in.”

It was the first hurdle cleared.