episode_0093

*****

I gained a lot from this experiential learning experience. Detailed information about my current condition, or the failure of one of Genesis’ goals, etc. In particular, it is significant that one of Hwain’s main talents, Mind’s Eye, was awakened during this period.

However, the goal of establishing Hwain and Raon’s flags did not progress at all. Rather, a distress event that would have been perfect if I had done it with Raon happened to me.

I have no regrets as it was a force majeure situation, but from a flag perspective, the situation may have worsened.

Fortunately, there was no heroine with a contract in the original work. It doesn’t seem bad to aim for the position of Hwain’s contract partner like this. It will be of some help in increasing Hwain’s power.

“Hello ARMY~!”

“It’s Raon. Did you rest well?”

“Yes!”

I ran into Raon while going to school while pondering a problem for which I couldn’t find a solution. Even though he only had a day off after experiential learning, Raon seemed full of energy as usual.

Actually, that was also a matter of semantics. Raon is a child whose true nature is revealed, whether in a good or bad way. In other words, Raon’s favor towards me did not waver at all.

And that also meant that there was a high probability that Raon did not have a rational crush on Hwain.

It’s hard to imagine Ra-on fighting in a muddy, muddy fight, but there’s no way the relationship will move forward without any appeal. Raon’s innocent attitude was one of the reasons that bothered me the most right now.

“That’s why! Bobbin was at that time──”

However, it was difficult to force myself to do something. Raon already seemed happy enough as she smiled brightly and talked about what happened with her friend.

Just because Raon in the ‘original work’ liked Hwain, there is no law that says Raon in real life must also like Hwain unconditionally. The problems that Raon has are not the kind that only Hwain can solve.

Hwain and Raon maintain a good relationship. If you try too hard to connect and the relationship becomes distorted, there is no real reason to change the situation.

Ah, really! Is there any better way?

“Fortunately, nothing much happened to you either──Oh.”

Raon, who was slightly ahead, stopped in front of the classroom door. What, what’s going on?

“Um, Amiya? Would you like to go to the bathroom together for a moment?”

“I don’t go to the women’s restroom.”

“Then, at least a store or even a vending machine! Because I’ll shoot!”

“What’s going on?”

“Aaaah~!”

Raon opened his arms to defend, but it was meaningless in front of his job. Using my small height, I quickly passed under Raon’s arm and looked inside the classroom.

Certainly, there was one thing that was significantly different from usual.

“So, it’s a bit too sticky… .”

“Umhuhu, you don’t have to decline. I will make you laugh as much as you have never seen before.”

A beautiful girl with an overwhelming mass comparable to Bobbin was talking at a short distance across from the painter. Red hair with abundant waves flows down as the girl moves.

Of course, this is my first time seeing this face. But the moment I saw that girl, inspiration flowed through my head like an electric current.

Yes, there was that number!

“Well, Hwain must have something going on as well. So don’t be too shocked, ARMY.”

“Shocked, what do you mean?”

“… what? Are you okay?”

Raon approached me with a serious expression, looked at my complexion, and began to wonder. Maybe it was because of my mood, but I guess I was expecting his expression to be different.

“Doesn’t your chest feel throbbing?”

“Not at all.”

“With dead eyes, ‘Hey…’ .’ Same thing?”

“Have you watched too many dramas?”

The light of interest disappeared from Raon’s eyes in an instant. Although he didn’t say it out loud, it was clear that he was thinking, ‘It’s boring.’

Raon wasn’t the only one to blame. The feeling of anticipation that had been garnering attention when I came in quickly withered into disappointment. Especially women.

I said no, but it looks like the rumor didn’t completely disappear in the end. Well, if you keep showing a calm attitude like you are now, it will soon disappear.

Right now, talking to the new girl was more important than that. She is the new hope that will solve Hwain’s heroine problem.

So Baek-hyang, one of the original sub-heroines!

“Oh.”

The artist’s complexion brightened when he saw me approaching. This would be quite an uncomfortable situation for Hwa-in, who is not used to women. Even if you don’t use potential, you can feel the earnest look in Hwain’s eyes asking for help.

Of course, I have no intention of helping.

If we go back to the original story for a moment, the main heroine of the original story is Ra-on. However, it does not mean that there are no other heroine routes at all. Some sub-heroines, including Eonryeongsa, had separate endings after the series was completed.

It would be best to end up with Raon, which can be said to be the true ending, but the current situation doesn’t seem very promising. In that case, it would be a good idea to connect with another sub-heroine. Fortunately, there is no bad ending among the endings.

Actually, this method didn’t just come to mind. Eonryeongsa──Because Seol-ah was also one of the sub-heroines. However, since there is almost no contact between Hwa-in and Seol-ah, there is no difference between them and Ra-on, so I did not choose it.

Then isn’t So Baek-hyang similar? You might think: However, So Baek-hyang as a heroine had great strengths that set her apart from other heroines.

That is the fact that So Baek-hyang and Lee Hwa-in are childhood friends. In other words, So Baek-hyang already has feelings for Hwa-in!

Of course, this time too there may be differences between the original and reality. However, looking at So Baek-hyang’s attitude towards Hwa-in, it seemed unlikely that she had any romantic feelings at all.

Let’s just go ahead and praise the two people for looking like they’re getting along well. If I become close to So Baek-hyang and support her like that, I will be able to comfortably settle into the position of a colleague.

The perfect plan, however, went drastically wrong from the start.

“You are that kid.”

The hand raised to say hello stopped in an awkward position. Before I could even speak, So Baek-hyang spoke to me first. With cold eyes, as if looking at an enemy.

… Oh, what? Haven’t I said anything yet?

I wondered if he could see someone else but me, but there was no one behind me. In the first place, everyone else except me was eating popcorn from a distance.

“Well, have we met before? If so, I’m sorry.”

“I am So Baek-hyang, the plum blossom swordsman of the Hwasan faction. If I say this, do you understand?”

No, I have no idea. Although the setting, including its appearance, is the same as what I knew, this is my first time seeing it in person. At least in the time of Gwonseong, when there was bad relations with the Chinese clans, there was no way there would have been any contact between me and So Baekhyang now.

So Baek-hyang must have taken my confused reaction as an answer as she sighed and stood up.

“You will find out soon. Hwain too, see you later~.”

The expression on his face when he greets Hwain and the expression on his face are completely different. Rather than that, I’ll see you later. Didn’t you transfer to this class? what?

While we were wondering about the unexpected development, So Baek-hyang left the class. As I was staring blankly at the back, I was barely able to come to my senses when I heard the painter sigh in relief.

“Ha. Thank you, I barely survived thanks to you.”

I didn’t do anything. As So Baek-hyang left, the usual member who was watching also came back.

“That person was glaring at you so hard.”

“Who is that, that person?”

“This is a child who stayed in the same orphanage as a child and then went to study in China. It’s called So Baek-hyang. I heard that I was transferred to the next class this time.”

Oh, you transferred to a different class instead of class A. I’m glad I transferred to a different school like in the original, but I don’t know how to accept the difference of being in a different class.

No, I think it would be better to change the atmosphere first. Perhaps because of her attitude toward me, So Baek-hyang’s image among the kids was becoming more and more negative.

From the children’s perspective, it would have seemed like a transfer student they had never met was arguing with a friend, so this reaction is not unreasonable. But for me, I needed to maintain a good image of So Baek-hyang. Especially for Hwain.

“Just looking at it, it looks like Hwain likes it. From the looks of it, I’m a woman, so I guess I was concerned about that.”

“Not only that, they even mentioned the recluse. Isn’t that very important in China?”

“Then maybe there was something going on. He said he would find out soon, so there must have been a reason.”

Even though I, the main victim, keep saying things like I’m okay, it’s probably okay. I felt a little unconvinced, but I was able to sort out the atmosphere.

“So, Hwain has a girlfriend?”

“No, we just stayed together for a short time when we were young. I didn’t even recognize you when I spoke to you in the morning.”

“Eh, for something like that, it looks good, right?”

“Absolutely not!”

Everyone around me was surprised by the sudden strong denial. Even Hwain himself seemed surprised, but did not change his statement.

“I guess they were just happy to see each other after a long time. Anyway, it’s not like that. I really didn’t think much of it.”

“Uh, uh… .”

No, you died like a bug in the original. It remains in my memory because it is a fairly old-fashioned scene.

To be honest, any man would have a hard time suppressing a smile in front of that overwhelming chest. There is no need to deny it this strongly. It almost makes me feel a little sorry for So Baek-hyang.

… I’m sure it’s not the denial you told me to hear, right?

ha ha ha. Me too. I wonder if my excessive self-consciousness has become too severe recently.

Fortunately, the conversation turned to other transfer students. From what I heard, it seemed that other than So Baek-hyang, there were several students who had transferred from China. This is also true to the original.

It feels like it was put in incorrectly from the start, but as of now, the So Baek-hyang coin has the highest chance of winning. As I heard about what happened while we were on the experiential learning trip, I continued to look for ways to win So Baek-hyang Coin.

***

‘Ami Kim, a student in class 1 A. Please come to the principal’s office immediately. I’ll say it again. 1st year class A──’

It was right after lunch that that broadcast came on. I’ve never had an accident that warranted being called to the principal’s office.

Sure enough, Soyeon Jeong was standing in front of the principal’s office door, dressed in a full suit. The fact that Jeong So-yeon, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Information, is here probably means that Chang-hyuk is inside.

“What happened──”

[I don’t have time to talk at length. Reject the first offer. Take good care of your facial expressions. And, accept the second offer. Appropriately suited to the mood.]

Before I could even open my mouth, Jeong So-yeon sent me a magic message. He was probably wary of me speaking informally. It was a little careless.

Thanks to this, I was able to find out two facts. What’s inside now is someone who needs acting. And, he is skilled enough to hear the conversation between me and Jeong So-yeon inside.

Fortunately, I have guessed this kind of instantaneous sum several times. I probably won’t open my mouth very often. I entered the door of the principal’s office that Soyeon Jeong opened.

It’s called the principal’s office, but the principal’s seat is empty. Instead, there were three people sitting at the table in front of them. Changhyuk, who I expected, a stranger I met for the first time, and even Junseok.

“You’re here. Army student. You can sit here.”

“Yes.”

“Since you are here too, let’s start talking again.”

The man I met for the first time spoke fluent Korean. However, a feeling of tone remains in every corner of the accent. Since there were transfer students from China, the probability that they were from China was high.

That’s why I couldn’t understand the current situation even more. If it were Kwon Seong, there is no way I would have anything to do with China now. Hero Fafnir is 3 months old.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Ami. My name is Zhang Min, and I am the lead teacher for Chinese transfer students. The reason I asked you two to call Ami this time is because I hope that Ami will also participate in this exchange.”

There’s no way a simple teacher could face Changhyuk. He’s probably a Chinese contact agent, but I don’t know what his intention is. In the first place, this is the first time I have heard of this being an exchange war.

Of course, Changhyuk probably knows that I don’t know anything. For now, let’s do as we’re told. So, was it denial the first time?

“Sorry. I have no intention of participating in the exchange exhibition.”

“Is that so? Why?”

Even though he had a regretful expression, an emotion of anticipation for something came out of his eyes. They seem intent on catching me if I say anything.

There is no need to do what the other person wants. All you have to do is make an embarrassed expression and slightly lower your head. Silence is golden.

“I have confirmed my intention as you wish, so I think this discussion is over.”

“Haha, aren’t you in a hurry? I heard you are an excellent student. Please let me talk a little more.”

Jang Min calmly accepted Jun-seok, who showed his displeasure. Talk about it. The only instructions I received after this were to agree to the proposal in a plausible way. Is that okay?

“It will be a fairly large event. It will also be helpful for the student’s future.”

“… .”

“It may be a vulgar statement, but the financial compensation is also significant. If you want, I can recommend it to a Chinese company.”

“… … .”

“Even after this, you won’t let go. Hmm.”

Jang Min put his hand to his mouth as if he was troubled, but it was obvious that it was acting. Maybe the bait I take out next time will be real.

And the bait was far beyond my expectations.

“Then what is your father’s reputation?”

When people go too far beyond expectations, they are not surprised, but rather perplexed. That was exactly my case right now. Father, who is my father?

There was no way I could talk about my father in my past life, and my father in my current life was not someone worth mentioning. Of course, we are talking about Kim A-mi, but the setting is that Kim A-mi is an orphan. There is no way there is such a thing as a father.

Although I had unintentionally made a poker face, the reaction came from the side. Fazizik. The magical power that seemed to fill the room overwhelmed the surroundings once and then disappeared. It was Junseok’s magic power.

Why is he like this again?

“Haha. The student didn’t really react, but I never thought the Emperor would make such a mistake. I guess fate is fate after all?”

“Well. I just didn’t like what you said about the student’s father?”

“There is nothing to hide. We have already figured out that Kim A-mi’s father is Kwon Seong and Kim Ha-min.”

No no no, what on earth does this mean!?

No matter how much I did, I couldn’t keep a poker face when I said this. He immediately returned his expression, but he probably got caught. I don’t know how it would have been viewed.

What was even more absurd was the reaction of the two people on our side. Junseok was glaring at the other person, and when he got to Changhyuk, he was sighing. Even if it’s Changhyuk’s acting, I really don’t understand Junseok’s reaction.

Please someone explain!

“This was the intention of calling Junseok under the pretext of being my homeroom teacher.”

“I was hoping for a reaction from both sides of the Army. You look calm for your age. Should I say that I inherited the blood of Gwonseong?”

“May I ask how you knew?”

“It wasn’t a difficult task.”

Jang Min told me one by one the evidence that I was Kwon Seong’s daughter. Rumors going around in school, or the sudden adoption of an S-class hero like Shia. In addition, all kinds of circumstances were explained in detail.

The part about Kim Ha-min’s death insurance being paid to me made me want to slap my knee without realizing it. Now that I think about it, something like that happened. In fact, isn’t it true that I am Kwon Seong’s daughter?

“I don’t know if you wanted to pass on the price of your parents’ sacrifice to your child. You should have paid closer attention.”

“This is true. Although I was careful in my own way.”

I feel like I can’t help but laugh as I listen to Changhyuk’s words. Be careful. Forcing me to hand over money I never asked for.

With Changhyuk’s de facto admission, it was almost confirmed that I was Kwon Seong’s daughter. I had never dated, let alone married, and suddenly had a daughter. Although it is myself.

“Is the purpose also the title of Kwonseong?”

“I would appreciate it if you could do that too, but what is the point when you are already gone? To be honest, my true feelings are that I don’t want to do such a ridiculous thing if the elders in my country didn’t ask for it.”

“Then wouldn’t it be enough to defeat me? This child is not Kwon Seong’s disciple!”

“The elders gave various reasons, such as when Kwon Seong defeated them, that child was the same age as they are now, or that a confrontation with the Emperor Gero would cause uncontrollable damage to those around them. In addition, we have already figured out that the child uses Kwonseong’s martial arts skills.”

Oh, that’s the truth I was hiding from Jun-seok.

I was stabbed and looked at Junseok, but he only glanced at me and didn’t say anything else. Considering that he thought I was Kwon Seong’s child, I think he must have been caught a long time ago.

“Jeong Then, how about the Emperor guide that child until the exchange war? I heard that they are already providing special guidance. Even the elderly will be happier that way.”

“Tch, that damn old man. The long-time writers of the old group have the courage to come and deal with them in person──”

“Now, now. Junseok, don’t get too excited. So, can this incident be seen as a proxy war pitting one side’s disciples against another side’s disciples?”

“Yes, I think that will happen.”

It may seem like a mental victory, but it is impossible to actually compete against people close to the top in each country. In that sense, it was close to a realistic compromise that struck an appropriate line.

To put it in martial arts terms, it feels like a late Jisoo martial arts competition.

“There isn’t much merit for us to accept it.”

“The elders seem to be thinking about saying that Kwon Seong’s descendant avoided the match.”

“Are you planning on threatening me?”

“It can’t be so. However, since Korea also spread a lot of rumors here and there during the reign of power, it seems that the elders have accumulated something. Of course, there are also benefits such as the limits of the northern front──”

From then on, Changhyuk and Jang Min organized the general details. Junseok and I have become like sacks of barley that have been thrown together. To be honest, I wish they would let me go back because it’s really uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Jang Min ended the conversation midway, saying he would talk about the details later. Perhaps we will continue to negotiate diligently in the future. Although it has nothing to do with me.

“Now that you think about it, you didn’t ask about Ms. Ami’s opinion. Let me ask you again. Would you like to participate in the exchange exhibition where your father’s honor is at stake?”

Perhaps because he got Changhyuk’s consent, it was treated as a half bonus. As I was wondering what to say, I remembered that this was the second suggestion.

In the end, all I can say is that Changhyuk was in the palm of his hand.

Feeling a strange sense of relief at that fact, I gave Changhyuk an appropriate amount of approval in accordance with his order.

*****