episode_0063

The boisterous festival atmosphere was still present, but this space felt as if it were cut off from it all.

Baek Muyeom’s changes were truly diverse.

Changes in expression and gaze.

Changes in gestures and focus.

He was looking at me, but strictly speaking, he was simultaneously looking at me and Baek Ayun, who was clinging to my back.

My body had been stiff ever since Baek Ayun appeared, so I couldn’t turn around, but…

‘I’m screwed.’

There was something I could feel.

Something big had probably happened.

Baek Muyeom and Baek Ayun, the grandfather and granddaughter, their gazes met in the middle. Even if I couldn’t see it exactly, I was sure it was happening.

“…Uh, hmm.”

It was Baek Ayun who first broke the unbearable silence with her voice.

Was she just as flustered? Her tone was noticeably cautious.

At that point, I snapped out of it and poked Baek Ayun in the side. A ‘poke’ at an angle that Gwon Hwang Baek Muyeom couldn’t see.

‘Hey, get down.’

Though it seemed it was already too late.

Still, I had to do what needed to be done.

At the very least, in front of Gwon Hwang, who was famously doting on his granddaughter, I, clearly categorized as an outside man, shouldn’t have Baek Ayun clinging to me.

Baek Ayun wouldn’t be unaware of that either.

She hesitated for a moment, then, with timid movements, slid down from my back and quietly landed on the floor.

Of course, that didn’t mean this awkward and uncomfortable silence would dissipate instantly.

Anyway, the flying squirrel Baek Ayun stopped trying to climb me like a tree. For once, I wanted to praise her for her wise decision.

Baek Ayun stood beside me, maintaining a suitably close distance.

And then, scratching her cheek awkwardly, she spoke to her Grandfather-nim.

“…You’re already here? Grandfather-nim.”

“…”

Baek Muyeom was enveloped in heavy silence.

There was no reply to her greeting.

He merely looked down at his granddaughter, then at me, then checked his granddaughter’s expression again, and then looked back at me with a complex gaze.

With each tilt of his head, his confused emotions were clearly conveyed.

It was only natural. I understood his feelings. His granddaughter, whom he cherished so much, had initiated such close physical contact with a male student her own age.

What’s more, she had practically hung on him and rubbed her cheek against his. Rub rub.

How must that have looked in Baek Muyeom’s eyes?

I couldn’t even begin to guess what he must be feeling right now…

But any silence, no matter how profound, is bound to break eventually.

Baek Muyeom struggled to part his lips.

“…Th…”

“…”

“…”

It was a single word, a short syllable that wasn’t even a proper sentence, yet both Baek Ayun and I flinched.

The old man’s voice, thick with suppressed emotion, was incredibly menacing.

Baek Muyeom’s hollow, dead eyes fixed on me from straight ahead.

“You…”

Once again, that terrifyingly gloomy voice emerged, and I instinctively straightened into an attentive posture, waiting for him to speak.

Baek Muyeom stammered his question.

“My granddaughter and… you’ve met before, I see.”

“…”

“…I was just about to ask, actually. Well, you’re in the same year. Is that it? Yes, is that it? Hmm.”

It was painfully clear that he was suppressing his emotions with every word he spoke.

He was clearly maintaining composure as an intellectual, yet despite that, I couldn’t shake off an inexplicable fear.

Was it bloodlust? No. If I had to describe it, it was probably ‘something’ that could reasonably be considered unconsciously flowing murderous intent.

I suddenly resented Baek Ayun.

“…I’ll ask just one thing.”

As if to prove his straightforward personality, akin to his close-quarters combat specialty, Baek Muyeom cut straight to the chase, piercing me with his core question.

“Are you currently dating my granddaughter?”

It was, of course, a question about my relationship with Baek Ayun.

…Even if I had ten mouths, I’d have nothing to say.

What on earth was I supposed to answer? Should I tell the truth and say no? Yet, considering that, I felt like I had done several things for which I should take responsibility for Baek Ayun.

If I were to follow that logic, wouldn’t I be responsible for nearly five women?

But even so, nodding yes in this situation… that itself presented several difficulties.

I had no choice but to squeeze my eyes shut and desperately mumbled to myself.

‘Save me, damn it.’

Perhaps this might be my tomb. Such a foolish thought crossed my mind for a moment, but still, I, Lee Hyunjin, would live by my convictions.

Even if I witnessed Baek Ayun’s embarrassing moments, took her purity, and called her whenever I was bored to enjoy sexual relations with her.

Even so, I was not Baek Ayun’s lover.

If she were a true lover, that might be different…

Anyway, I braved my fear and looked Baek Muyeom straight in the eye. He was still waiting for my answer. Patiently.

I puffed out my chest proudly and answered.

“We are not in such a relationship.”

It was a conscientious confession. I felt a strange sense of satisfaction, thinking I had given the correct answer without succumbing to external pressure (?).

Of course, in response to my answer, Baek Muyeom’s expression became truly inscrutable, but there was nothing I could do about that.

The deed was already done. Baek Ayun had openly clung to me, acting cute.

How could Gwon Hwang not notice the strange atmosphere between her and me?

“…You’re really not in such a relationship?”

Baek Muyeom asked me again.

I nodded.

“Yes.”

And a brief silence.

Five seconds of quiet passing.

Baek Muyeom let out a sigh, ‘Haaah.’ He clung to me persistently, as if two confirmations weren’t enough.

“Is that truly the truth? You don’t have to hide anything. I have absolutely no intention, not even the slightest bit, of interfering with my granddaughter’s boyfriend. Truly.”

That declaration of ‘no intention of interfering,’ delivered in halting phrases, would be recognizable as a lie even to a passing third party.

It was even accompanied by the blatant sound of grinding teeth. A clear trap.

This was the moment where it became crucial to assert myself clearly.

With a short deep breath, I confidently met Baek Muyeom’s piercing gaze.

“We’re just very close friends, that’s why. I know we might have given off the wrong impression, but… your granddaughter is just a very friendly person, yes, that’s all. There’s nothing you’d call a special relationship.”

In truth, Baek Ayun wasn’t quite the friendly, highly sociable capybara I made her out to be, but did it matter? I just went with that.

Anyway, saying she’s friendly is a compliment, isn’t it? A grandfather who gets upset hearing praise for his grandchild was a non-existent creature.

“Hmm… Is that so?”

Indeed, the wrinkled parts of Baek Muyeom’s face, which had seemed suspicious, softened considerably.

‘Done.’

I was sure I had reached the point of escaping the situation. Now, a few more reassuring words should suffice.

The variable emerged from my side.

“…”

A chill ran down my spine. I felt a persistent, prickling glare from a low position, one that clearly disapproved of me.

Of course, the source was Baek Ayun.

She tilted her head sideways and gave me a similarly crooked look. What could my little sister-nim find so displeasing?

‘What, why?’

Puzzled, I tilted my head and returned a questioning glance.

Baek Ayun, puffing up her cheeks like a pufferfish, then grabbed my arm.

“?”

My body was sharply pulled towards her.

I staggered for a moment.

“Grandfather-nim.”

Baek Ayun gently leaned her head on my shoulder. A light thud, but in every way, like she would to a loving partner.

She secretly glared at me, as if displeased with my response, and then declared to her Grandfather-nim.

“I want to marry this person.”

“…”

“…”

Baek Ayun had thoroughly thrown a wrench in the works.

Gwon Hwang’s expression twisted like an evil spirit.

*****

‘Unpacking the story of almost dying at Gwon Hwang’s hands.’

If I were to post what happened today on an internet community, it would probably have a title like that.

Even with exaggeration, it wasn’t entirely a lie.

Gwon Hwang Baek Muyeom was a more rational elder than I’d expected, but… the fundamental truth that he was a doting grandfather couldn’t change.

Baek Muyeom, his eyes half-rolled back, tried to drag me to his quarters.

The justification was ‘I need to have a more in-depth conversation.’ In some ways, it was rational, but the crucial part was his gaze.

A glare so fiery it made me think I might not walk out of there in one piece today.

It was fortunate that Sword Saint, who was passing by with Kim Yijun, noticed Gwon Hwang and, oblivious, struck up a conversation. Otherwise, what would have become of me right now?

Again, I didn’t even want to think about it.

‘I’m going crazy, seriously…’

So many things had happened. I was already exhausted. The Cheongsongje this year hadn’t even truly begun yet.

Not only my mother and Teacher-nim, but also Senior Seo Harin, had consistently expressed their anticipation for dates through the messenger app.

If you include the 8-person tournament, it meant there were still many busy days ahead.

But what on earth was this? How had I already gone through all sorts of things?

I had smacked a Grand Archmage in the face, made my relationship with a junior subtly complicated, and was now properly on the bad side of a female classmate’s guardian.

That crazy marriage declaration was an added bonus.

‘Actually, today and tomorrow were dates I’d set aside to spend with Jiwoo Nuna.’

With a heavy sigh, I found a seat at the pub and sat down casually. The class booth, for some reason, had a lively atmosphere.

What more was there to say? This was the Class 2-A pub where I would soon have to work.

Across from me sat Jiwoo Nuna, who looked quite exhausted, just like me.

She, too, had been plagued by various incidents with me today. Indirectly, that is.

Still, for someone who had come all the way to the academy just to see me, despite only having worked with me once as part of the festival, a considerable amount of guilt welled up inside me.

First, I ordered two 500cc draft beers and then smiled softly as I looked at Jiwoo Nuna, who was slumped weakly over the table.

“Are you alright?”

“Uh-huh…?”

I asked, and she lifted her head.

Jiwoo Nuna blinked blankly.

She then patted her cheeks, as if trying to regain her senses, and looked back at me with a gaze that had regained its sharpness.

And after a moment of eye contact, she let out a scoff, as if utterly dumbfounded by everything.

Jiwoo Nuna shook her head back and forth.

“What’s there for me to be okay about? It wasn’t me who had a lot of trouble, it was Hyunjin. I just followed along like a folding screen.”

“Even so.”

“Enough of that, just worry about yourself. Gwon Hwang Senior-nim is a gentle person, but… the temper of martial artists doesn’t just disappear, you know?”

At her words, I could only manage an awkward bitter smile.

Who would have known Baek Ayun would suddenly cause such a stir?

It seemed my excuses to Baek Muyeom had somehow felt like I was drawing a line between myself and her, and she had apparently taken it quite personally.

I shrugged and replied.

“What can I do? It’s already out. If I comfort Ayun well later and ask her to speak favorably, at least he won’t see me in a bad light.”

If she doesn’t even try to clean up the mess she made? Then Baek Ayun will have to brace herself. I’ll redefine our sibling hierarchy.

‘I want to marry this person.’

‘…Honestly, it did make my heart flutter a little, though.’

The fact that my heart pounded just a tiny bit, a very tiny bit, the moment I heard her explosive declaration right beside me, was something I would take to my grave.

Why would she say something like she liked a guy like me…

Anyway, I glanced up at Jiwoo Nuna with a tired, hollow laugh.

And then, clearing my throat, I said.

“…I know I might have shown a lot of suspicious behaviors, but I’m really not some trashy guy who messes around with a bunch of girls.”

It was a half-baked excuse, a half-baked explanation, born out of a guilty conscience.

After all, she had practically witnessed the strange dynamics between Ryu Seeun, Baek Ayun, and me from close quarters just today, hadn’t she?

And on top of that, I had even mentioned Cheon Soyul briefly in the past.

It meant I couldn’t help but feel a little concerned.

Honestly, I felt wronged. Most of the girls I’d formed significant relationships with so far were the ones who had tried to pounce on me first.

If I were seen as a playboy based only on these fragmented glimpses, the psychological blow would be quite significant.

The fortunate thing, perhaps, was that Jiwoo Nuna, right before my eyes, possessed an open mind?

She simply let out a soft laugh and waved her hand.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I kind of figured it out anyway. You’re not just a little handsome. With a face girls would cling to, your abilities, and even…”

And she trailed off her words, lowering her head diagonally towards the table, her subtle gaze fixed on my lower body.

I glared at her with a look of disgust.

“That’s sexual harassment, Nuna.”

“…Ahem, did I say something?”

She clumsily avoided my gaze and feigned innocence, and I chuckled as I turned my head.

The beer should be coming out soon. Since we ordered snacks too, I’ll eat quickly today, change on time, and then start working.

I heard Jiwoo Nuna would also be staying at the academy for a few more days.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly and stole a glance at Jiwoo Nuna’s face.

‘…She’ll probably do it, right? If not, that would be even stranger.’

Of course, it was a thought related to sex. Setting everything else aside, Jiwoo Nuna and I had a relationship where we were quite often intertwined in that regard.

There was no reason to refuse, so I coincidentally recalled a memory related to outdoor play that she had playfully mentioned once.

It was at that very moment.

Thud!

A sudden loud noise resounded sharply.

It was the sound of a draft beer glass hitting the table.

Primarily, it was buried by the noisy pub, but as it was heard right next to me, I couldn’t help but flinch slightly.

I turned my head with a flustered expression.

“Hmph.”

A nasal sound, somehow filled with displeasure, reached my ears.

I could only blink in bewilderment.

The first thing that caught my eye was a flowing costume. A high-quality cosplay outfit, a harmonious blend of black and white.

The adorably swaying frills of the dress and the lace headband adorning light brown hair…

It was a maid’s uniform.

But of all people, Cheon Soyul was wearing it.

“…”

“…”

Her contemptuous gaze, as if looking at rotten scum, was striking. She briefly eyed Jiwoo Nuna with a soft look, then turned her head back to glare at me as if to devour me.

“…Two 500cc draft beers. They’re here.”

Still, she dutifully said what needed to be said. The exception was that her voice was boiling.

Anyway, I had a strange experience. I suddenly felt as if I could read Cheon Soyul’s inner thoughts.

Interpreting those twitching eyebrows, sharply narrowed eyes, and slightly pouting lips, it was probably.

‘Another girl?’

‘Oh…’

I gasped inwardly. It felt like I was getting drunk on my own new ability.

In a way, wasn’t this also a testament to the bond and connection I had built with Cheon Soyul?

Of course, if I uttered that out loud, I’d obviously become an electric-fried barbecue. I was a wise wizard, so I decided to keep my mouth shut.

“Ah…!”

It was then that Jiwoo Nuna suddenly opened her eyes wide and gasped in admiration.

She covered her mouth slightly as she looked at Cheon Soyul, and Cheon Soyul, a little flustered by her reaction, blinked awkwardly.

But Jiwoo Nuna paid no mind and looked back and forth between Cheon Soyul and me.

Her gaze, somehow sly, was subtly ominous…

Jiwoo Nuna let out a mischievous grin.

She spoke to Cheon Soyul.

“Are you, perhaps, Soyul? Am I right?”

“…Uh, yes?”

“You know, Hyunjin’s rumored first love, that rival classmate—”

Crackle!

And I spread cold air, neatly freezing the two draft beers on the table.

Before Jiwoo Nuna’s words could finish, with the express intention of cutting them off.

I glared at Jiwoo Nuna with wide eyes. What ‘first love’ was she talking about?

I had never said such a thing, and fabricating things caused a lot of trouble.

After the monster subjugation in Mount Songni that day… Of course, I had briefly talked about Cheon Soyul while drinking with Jiwoo Nuna.

All I said was that I had my first experience with her, and that she was also the person I was closest to at the academy.

I had absolutely never brought up anything about romantic feelings. I looked at Jiwoo Nuna with a hint of resentment for her unnecessary comment, and at the same time, turned to Cheon Soyul with a sense of unease.

This girl must have been dumbfounded by the sudden statement, too.

And.

“…Huh?”

Right there, Cheon Soyul, fumbling, clasped her hands together and her face turned bright red.

…

…

…

“?”

I hesitated slightly, a question mark appearing above my head. Opening and closing my lips senselessly was an added bonus.

That wasn’t the reaction I had expected.

No.

Or perhaps I had expected it, but.

I hadn’t dared to believe it.

That kind of reaction.

As if she had heard something completely unexpected, her Adam’s apple bobbed significantly.

Her golden eyes, filled with warmth, trembled pitifully as they turned to me.

Reddened cheeks, heavily disturbed breathing.

Slow hand movements wiping sweat on her apron.

Cheon Soyul and I stared at each other with identical blank expressions.

Thump, thump…

In time that seemed to have inexplicably slowed, raw heartbeats echoed.

Those, too, belonged to Cheon Soyul and me.