episode_0070

As the contents coming through the speaker, Junayong was restless for a while.

1 minute, then moving on to 2 minutes.

As the breathing finally calmed down, a young woman’s voice could be heard.

―Miss, have you calmed down?

“Phew, sorry. Team leader. I was so frustrated suspecting my friend…”

―…Friend, you say?

A slightly surprised response.

At that, Junayong realized his mistake.

Blushing, he fumbled.

“Ah, no, not…f-f-friend, but…um, r-rival! Yeah, a rival! Mahana is a friend, though…”

―I see. Can I continue with the explanation?

“Yes, please.”

He listened silently to the continuing explanation.

“…So. Rumors are spreading on the academy board, right?”

―Yes, there are some skeptical voices, but the author knows. It’s just a smear campaign. It’s not really important.

“Then?”

―The real issue is that there are people trying to exploit this somehow.

“…Who are these bastards?”

―There are several journalists sticking to our guild, , but the biggest one is, of course, the [Guild].

“…Guild? Are you talking about the figures of the Association?”

―Yes. Specifically, the guild leader of [Branch 2].

‘Branch 2?’

He definitely heard of it…

Soon, a memory flashed like lightning in Junayong’s mind.

“You mean the woman talking about No Gyeong-wan in Ansan?”

―Yes.

Guild leader No Gyeong-wan.

A member of the [Four Great Clans] Junayong belonged to.

Someone in contact with Yonggeomir.

More like someone who was trying to impress Yonggeomir by sending unwanted gifts.

“I was really annoyed by the unwanted gifts she kept sending. So why is she going this far?”

―Do you remember the news that the ‘Association’ acquired a new ?

He heard about it.

Junayong, being in a certain position, couldn’t help but be involved in the news of the world turning.

“It was…the place called the ‘Garden of Toguwon,’ right? I remember. The Association’s lady president bragged to her mother about it, right? I heard it was the achievement of a woman named ‘Suokbin,’ the guild leader of [Branch 3].”

―Yes. Guild leader Suokbin of [Branch 3].

She is a hybrid of an elf and a vampire, respected even in our .

“So?”

―Surprisingly, Yuseha, Mahana. They are said to be the first discoverers and conquerors of that trial.

“……What?”

Junayong questioned in surprise.

At the same time, he understood in his own way.

‘Ah, so that’s why they were so strong.’

The confirmed reward for clearing the trial for the first time.

Considering various factors such as connections, it could somewhat explain Yuseha’s strength.

Of course, in Junayong’s view, he seemed more like a genius destined to be strong from the start.

―…However, it seems that this has become a problem threatening No Gyeong-wan’s position.

“…They were supposed to be competing with Branch 2 and Branch 3, right?”

―Yes, not just competition, but they are ready to kill each other if they show any weakness.

The team leader continued to explain.

Suokbin, who rose in prominence by acquiring the trial, was threatening No Gyeong-wan’s position.

If this continues, it’s only a matter of time before Suokbin takes over the guild leader’s position from No Gyeong-wan.

“…So, could it be?”

―Since Yuseha and Mahana, the discoverers and conquerors, don’t have the ability to acquire the trial…they might be trying to use dirty tricks. And one of them is the current situation.

If Yuseha and Mahana, as the discoverers and conquerors, were members of the clan, it could be inferred that they colluded with Suokbin, the guild leader.

Even if they weren’t, it didn’t matter much to No Gyeong-wan.

“…Team leader. Just a moment. I know it seems like I’m not saying this on purpose, but… I personally feel the need to ask.”

Joonayong felt a hot flame rising in her chest.

Her head spun, and words filled with contempt spilled from her lips.

“Why the hell is that damn woman, Yuseha, messing with Mahana… Are they both doing it because they have no backing?”

―…Unfortunately, that’s correct. Both of them are individuals without proper families. Since they don’t seem to have any strings to pull, I suppose from No Gyeongwan’s perspective as the guild leader, it’s either a good opportunity to strike and hit, or prepare for other options.

“…Damn. So why did the message come to me?”

―If it turns out to be true, it seems they plan to share the credit with the successor of . Ultimately, it seems that joining the power struggle within the successor factions of is No Gyeongwan’s guild leader goal.

“…Not even to my cousin?”

―There doesn’t seem to be any separate contact. It seems that they have judged that the lady is more advantageous in inheriting the succession.

“This is so damn messed up.”

―…Miss. If ‘Clan Master’ hears this, she will be furious.

“…Sorry, I was just so annoyed.”

Joonayong closed her eyes for a moment and calmed her anger.

Calm down.

Calm down.

Damn it. What am I supposed to calm down about?

Blood surged in reverse.

What? Betrayal? Villain?

Should I just smash their heads in?

Joonayong knew very well that they were not the type to do that.

Truth?

Investigation?

That’s not necessary.

Joonayong trusted her eyes.

And isn’t it absurd?

Where did they see them and doubt that they were so kind and righteous?

“Are my eyes seriously messed up…”

“…Ttok.”

“Huh? Moonbora?”

“Oh, no. Please continue your call.”

“Huh? Uh…”

Anyway, Joonayong was not just annoyed.

Suspecting Yuseha was infuriating enough.

But Mahana too?

Poking a child who is so kind, with soft cheeks and a cute tail?

‘If they’re both useless… might as well just leave if it’s not them?’

If No Gyeongwan and his gang were in front of her, she would have punched them right away.

“Sis. Tell the guild leader for me. Stop the nonsense and get lost…”

“Just a moment!”

“…Moonbora?”

Joonayong couldn’t finish her sentence.

Because Moonbora, who had been muttering in a pale voice, stopped her.

Only then did Joonayong realize that she had switched to speaker mode.

“Oh, this Moonbora is…-”

“-You won’t use it against me?”

Despite Joonayong’s attempt to make excuses.

The response she heard was completely different.

“…Against you?”

Moonbora looked at Joonayong in confusion and nodded.

*

I wish I could disappear into a mouse hole.

That’s how Moonbora felt right now.

Really…

It was a dizzying feeling.

The reprimands Joonayong was spewing were aimed at different targets, but in reality, they were no different for her.

But for now, she decided not to pay attention to it.

Her embarrassment, foolishness, and shame should naturally be kept in mind.

What Moonbora focused on was completely different.

“…This is actually an opportunity.”

Moonbora considered it a stroke of luck.

She had been listening to the conversation all along.

According to the person mentioned by the team leader, in case of any trouble, they plan to dispatch the inspection team of .

This means conducting a thorough investigation.

And that inspection would be reported to the and .

This would serve as a guarantee that no one could cast doubt.

‘The suspicious eyes on Yuseha will never cease.’

Even now, if you look through the academy’s community, you can see people talking about it.

It’s gotten to the point where such rumors are circulating even during the ‘mandatory training.’

When the official class opens, it will surely be a sight to see.

In the worst case scenario, a group of envious and jealous individuals might forcibly push him away.

For them, the truth doesn’t matter.

The malice of those who wish for the destruction of the target always surpasses imagination.

Moonbora was well aware of this fear.

“Therefore, we must make a clear conclusion here.”

No one should be able to doubt Yuseha anymore.

We must ensure that such an incident never happens again.

There should be no attempts to harm him and those around him.

Absolute power is needed for that, and the target is none other than Junayong.

If it’s Junayong, he can be trusted.

It’s not just because they’ve talked a few times.

The reason Moonbora trusts her is because of Yuseha’s attitude towards her.

Although he may seem light and sometimes foolish.

When it comes to dealing with people, Yuseha is like a ghost with a keen sense.

“…He was kind to Junayong from the beginning.”

Just this fact alone is trustworthy.

“Ultimately, it will be helpful to Yuseha.”

Recently, Moonbora noticed that he has an interest in Junayong’s actions.

Naturally, it’s not a romantic interest.

It was a reaction far from that.

So, when thinking rationally.

This is clearly a desire for her to be on their team.

If things continue like this, there is a high probability that the relationship between Junayong and Yuseha will progress.

This will further enhance the subtle improvement in their relationship.

“…Well, to be honest, it would have been a matter of time anyway.”

The actions Junayong has been showing Yuseha lately are clearly friendly.

Perhaps, she will eventually find herself naturally standing by Yuseha’s side.

Standing by his side and taking care of him as if he were her own.

“I would like Junayong to be a support for both of us.”

“…Me, me? No, I don’t think I can wield such power…”

“You don’t have to wield it. Just being by his side will be helpful.”

The 4th Clan, .

The daughter of the clan master, an enemy.

Most likely the successor who will lead the [Clan] forward.

Just the name ‘Junayong’ was enough.

“…Is there a specific plan?”

“Let’s make a move.”

“A move?”

“Yes, call Noh Kyung-wan, of course, and also summon Guild Master Soo Ok-bin. Bring all the inspectors… and even conduct a public demonstration using virtual reality instead of ordinary inspections to make it clear.”

Guild Master Soo Ok-bin.

Someone Moonbora has heard of before.

With her excellent skills and considering both of them as benefactors, she will surely handle the aftermath well and prevent any backtalk.

If by any chance Noh Kyung-wan tries to step back, she will definitely catch him and prevent it.

“Now no one will be able to speak such words.”

This…

For Moonbora, who will continue to live with guilt, this is the first thing she can do for Yuseha.

She had no choice but to do this.

She was fully prepared to become a clown for this.

“I will talk to both of them.”

“……”

Junayong fell silent for a moment.

At the same time, he was moved.

Could it be, for a friend…

Someone with the name ‘Seolbing’ stepping forward like this.

He nodded and grabbed her hand.

“Alright!”

Let’s do it!

“Oh, wait a minute!”

He had forgotten something important.

“I heard that I need a professor to judge the virtual test…”

Is there a professor who will listen to and cooperate with such a sensitive matter?

Junayong’s doubts were valid.

But Moonbora wasn’t too worried.

There was someone with the same guilt as her who could help.

“Don’t worry.”

I will talk to that person.

* * *

“…There is an issue. Will you cooperate? Professor Pang Jin-ah.”

“……”

Late at night, full of ambition.

Juna-yong barged into Professor Jeon’s residence without hesitation, following behind Moon Bora.

He gulped down his dry saliva.

In front of him, Pang Jin-ah stood somewhat dazed, as if she had been drinking a can of beer, with a slightly sullen expression on her face.

Juna-yong was pleased to see her in such a private moment, but he couldn’t help but worry about various things.

The Pang Jin-ah he knew was not the type to meddle in sensitive matters without a second thought.

Look at her now.

After Moon Bora finished speaking, several minutes passed without Pang Jin-ah saying a word, just standing there absentmindedly.

‘As expected, I should ask another professor for help…’

And then, something unexpected happened.

“…sigh.”

Pang Jin-ah let out a deep sigh.

Following that, Juna-yong, for the first time in his life, witnessed…

A face that seemed like it was about to cry, covering her face with both hands.

Slowly, he felt overwhelmed by a sense of melancholy.

What was even more surprising was Moon Bora approaching her as if expecting this, and patting her on the shoulder.

“…I really want to disappear if there’s a mouse hole. Moon Bora, can’t you… I don’t know, make something out of ice for me?”

“…If that were possible, I would have done it a long time ago, Professor.”

‘…What on earth is going on?’

Clueless Juna-yong could only stare blankly at the two of them.