Chapter 51
Chapter 51
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: A Light Stroll (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
* * *
But when Seonal looked at the police officer as if he knew nothing, the man spoke up.
“You’re from the Mage Association. It seems a mage is involved in this incident, so unlike other cases, we’re required to contact the Mage Association as a matter of protocol.”
“Ah, I see.”
Seonal gave a light reply, and the officer lowered his voice.
“You can step out if you need to.”
“Thank you.”
“Then I’ll be outside. Let me know when you’re done.”
The officer gave a slight nod and stepped out.
“Dodo.”
Before sitting down, Seonal crouched in place to look at Dodo for a moment.
“Yeah?”
“Could you come a little closer for a sec?”
“Like this?”
As Dodo approached Seonal’s face, he whispered softly.
“I might get a bit rough since I don’t like the Mage Association. I hope you won’t be startled.”
“…Really?”
Dodo’s eyes went wide, and her head tilted. Wasn’t Seonal a mage himself?
“Yes, really.”
“Got it! Dodo won’t be startled.”
“Thanks.”
Only then did Seonal leisurely take his seat and turn to the mage.
“Finished whispering now?”
The man, who had shot up from his chair like a blade, gazed at Seonal with a somewhat impassive expression.
Seonal wondered if he might be of the vampire race, given the pallid, bloodless complexion and strangely sharp eyes.
“Yes. For the Mage Association to send someone in person like this. Quite surprising.”
Seonal felt a spark of delight, wiping away any fatigue at the sight of the mage’s already twisted expression.
Finally, he’d met someone dispatched by the Mage Association—the very organization that had crushed and discarded him—at the police station.
It was just one small step. And yet, it felt profoundly gratifying.
He couldn’t help thinking how much better it would have been if they’d met like this from the start.
“I’m a mage affiliated with the Mage Association and an employee of the Merhen Division, which oversees the Merhen District.”
‘…An employee, huh.’
Even after calling a reporter, this was what they sent.
‘Already looking down on us.’
Had they just sent some random staffer? Did they see this incident as that insignificant?
Or was the Mage Association simply being the Mage Association?
“Nice to meet you. I’m Seonal from the Special Division for Resolving Inter-Species Complaints. This is Dodo.”
“I’m Dodo. Nice to meet you.”
Dodo wagged her hips and wriggled her body.
‘No need to go that far.’
Seonal felt something off about how welcoming she seemed toward the Mage Association.
But he could already guess how that innocent face would soon change.
“The Complaints Division…?”
Either he hadn’t heard, or the mage looked a bit flustered.
“Didn’t you catch that?”
Seonal made a regretful face.
“I didn’t. I was just told that there’d be no settlement from the victim’s side unless I spoke with you, so here I am.”
“You’re awfully straightforward.”
Seonal showed some leisure.
He’d asked Abion to let him talk with the mage from the association.
Abion had readily agreed, no matter what it was for—and back then Seonal hadn’t known why he was so relaxed, but now he did.
He was the chairman. A being who could pressure the Mage Association with power and money.
“…Ugh.”
From the side came the sound of straining effort, and Seonal glanced down.
Dodo was struggling to pull out the regular chair.
There might be chairs for spirit beast races if they looked, but with so few of them around, such considerations were absent.
Bzzz.
Just then, his phone vibrated.
A quick glance revealed it was a message from Cusman’s chat app, and joy flickered in Seonal’s eyes.
[Cusman Lal (Reporter): Just arrived. Heading in.]
“Excuse me a moment, Officer.”
Seonal stood, opened the door, and called the officer outside. Even Dodo, who’d been about to climb onto the chair, paused.
“Yes?”
The officer glanced up.
“Could you bring some cushions, or better yet, a chair for the spirit beast race?”
Cusman had been summoned under the pretext of being essential for the investigation, so it was better if the officer stepped out briefly.
It might be occupational habit, but aside from that excuse, these little things grated on him.
“Yes, I’ll get some.”
The officer looked mildly annoyed, but his expression shifted slightly at Seonal’s follow-up.
“Take your time.”
“Well… alright then.”
As the officer shuffled out, Dodo turned to the returning Seonal, wagging her hips lightly.
“Thanks for speaking up for Dodo.”
“No, no. Think of it as occupational habit. It just bothered me.”
“Now are we done?”
The mage asked somewhat curtly. Seonal swallowed his rising irritation and replied.
“Yes, now we are. Sorry for the interruption.”
“Then let’s skip the chit-chat and get to it. Let’s discuss the settlement.”
Seonal was stunned by the bluntness, but his expression didn’t change as he asked.
“What kind of settlement are you referring to?”
“We acknowledge that a mage from the association made a mistake. But we’d prefer not to make a big deal out of this.”
“Did you just say ‘mistake’?”
“Getting tangled in messy business wouldn’t be good for your side either.”
The mage flashed a grin, revealing pointed fangs.
‘…Ah.’
A prickling sensation washed over Seonal.
Why send a vampire race member as an employee, of all things?
For starters, this vampire wasn’t pureblood. He’d recently learned what happened when a pureblood vampire became a mage.
Sucked dry by their own kind, stripped of everything, and cast into the slums.
So, would such discrimination truly spare a half-breed vampire?
Becoming a mage as a vampire race member might be far harder than he’d imagined.
‘So why send a vampire race member right now, of all times? And just a regular employee.’
The answer was simple.
‘They’re planning to use their charm ability.’
Purebloods were stronger, but half-breeds could still wield it.
That’s what made it ridiculous to Seonal.
One concern lingered, though.
He’d be fine, but what about Dodo?
‘Spirit beast races have decent innate resistance, from what I hear.’
Seonal thought for a moment, then casually asked Dodo.
“Dodo.”
“Yeah?”
“Wouldn’t it be better if you picked your own cushion since you’re the one sitting?”
“It’s fine. Dodo’s just happy to get cushions—no complaints here.”
“What are you two doing right now?”
The mage showed displeasure at their whispering, and Seonal shrugged.
“Having a conversation. What’s the problem?”
At the absurd response, the mage put more force into his voice.
“You were talking to me first. Don’t waste time.”
“No. That wasn’t a conversation.”
Tap tap.
Seonal lightly drummed his fingers on the desk.
Avoiding messy business? Calling that a conversation.
“We call that a threat in other words. Don’t you agree?”
“Seonal.”
“Even not knowing my name—how am I supposed to take that?”
“…It’s Tutan.”
The mage hesitated before spitting it out, but Seonal didn’t buy it as his real name.
He reacted innocently all the same.
“Right, Tutan. Isn’t introducing yourself basic when you first meet? What, did something scary happen?”
Knock knock.
Just then came a knock at the door.
Seonal’s lips curved up.
“Yeah, like, for example, a reporter.”
He stood right away and opened the door.
There stood Cusman, breathing heavily, his glasses fogged with steam.
“You got here fast.”
“Of course I did.”
Cusman panted, his eyes slowly scanning the room through his glasses.
Two others were inside.
Spotting the frowning vampire-like figure, Cusman quickly grasped the situation.
“…Something interesting’s going on.”
“Catch your breath first.”
No sooner had Seonal spoken than Tutan jumped from his chair.
Thud.
The chair toppled, and Dodo’s ears folded back.
“Who are you? You’re not a reporter, are you? I never permitted anyone to sit in.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Seonal let out an incredulous scoff.
Didn’t this guy know how arrogant he sounded? Why should he need a mage’s permission?
“Did I ever say I’d sit in with you, Tutan? I arranged to meet this person here.”
What was he misunderstanding?
Seonal gave him a look that made Tutan seem like a fool.
“Ignore us and do whatever—stay or go.”
Seonal’s face soured with annoyance, then he beamed at Cusman.
“Reporter. Thanks for coming. Shall we do a quick interview?”
“I never permitted any interview!”
Despite Tutan’s trembling outburst, Cusman calmly prepared for the interview.
“Ah, don’t worry. I’m here to cover my story.”
Seonal sat back down, mocking Tutan’s words.
“Will you interview Dodo too, by any chance?”
At Dodo’s wide-eyed question, Seonal pondered briefly before answering.
“If it’s too hard, we can skip it. I’ll answer for you.”
“Thanks! Dodo might just freeze up from nerves.”
As Dodo curled up on the chair, Seonal resisted the urge to pet her and changed the subject.
Touching a spirit beast race in animal form without permission was a grave offense.
“So, shall we chat now, Cusman?”
“Sounds good.”
Cusman activated his recorder and tapped at his laptop.
Tap.
“I heard something very intriguing happened today. I checked the station’s vibe on my way in—it felt tense.”
“You’re right. A magic incident occurred, after all.”
As Seonal openly brought it up, Tutan gaped in disbelief at them.
“What kind of magic incident?”
Cusman asked calmly.
“We’ve identified signs of illegal magic use.”
“So you witnessed an illegal magic scene.”
“Yes. A mage cast magic on an animal, and I saw the massive damage that animal caused.”
“That’s serious enough, but I hear there’s something even bigger. Could you elaborate?”
Seonal was delighted by Cusman’s smooth escalation of the incident.
“Of course. The mage even cast magic at me from the river….”
“Stop that!”
Tutan could hold back no longer and shouted. Dodo startled, while Seonal feigned surprise.
“What are you talking about?”
“Turn it off now. An interview at the station? Did you get permission?”
“Tutan, aren’t you seriously misunderstanding something? I’m the victim here. The person under investigation attacked me with magic. Frankly, I’m already annoyed that this isn’t even about apologizing.”
“Seonal.”
“No mage can use magic recklessly outside. Plus, they took my red earring—the mage identifier.”
“Seonal…!”
“Using magic on animals is illegal too. I’ve already submitted the video. What makes you so brazen?”
Tutan clenched his fists at Seonal’s unyielding expression, which screamed he’d permit nothing.
“…You shouldn’t poke that.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
Seonal smiled knowingly, and Tutan ground his teeth.
Having intervened, he’d joined the conversation—anything he said was now recorded, beyond his control.
“What does bothering you gain Seonal?”
“Gain? I’m the victim. Are you threatening me now?”
The word “threat” brought Seonal a strange thrill.
So this was why people loved throwing it around.
Ha.
Tutan exhaled deeply before speaking again.
“The Mage Association has already decided on that mage’s punishment. They’ll be expelled and bound so they can never use magic again. Considering the severe emotional distress, we’ll compensate for damages and handle the mental side carefully too.”
“Aha.”
“The Mage Association cares this much about the victim. And if you have demands, we’ll accommodate as best we can.”
“I see.”
No matter how they framed it as “enough,” Seonal just scratched his eye.
Like a parrot reciting lines—why would anyone bite?
“But you see….”
Tap tap.
Dodo interrupted, pawing the table.
“Dodo’s upset.”
She truly looked displeased, her face scrunched up.
“If you really meant to compensate, you wouldn’t have sent yourself. Even Dodo knows that much. This is just empty words. You think Dodo wouldn’t see through you glossing over it later as some employee’s slip-up?”
‘Oh….’
Seonal’s eyes widened.
He felt a surge of pride.
It was exactly what he’d planned to say.
“So right now.”
Tutan jabbed fiercely at Cusman.
“You said that while this reporter’s interviewing. The Mage Association will absolutely keep its word.”
“Anyone can make pretty promises. But you’re not in charge, are you?”
Seonal chuckled lightly.
“Cusman, let’s do the interview later. Someone keeps interfering.”
“Understood. We can do it outside anyway.”
Watching Cusman pack up, Seonal figured the entertainment was enough.
The latest exchange alone made for prime headline material.
*Mage Association Mage Rampages in Police Station Lounge.*
Something like that. Seonal smirked crookedly.
The pressure from his face alone made the mage lean back slightly.
“Tutan, go back to the Mage Association and relay this: Quit the cheap tricks and police your mages properly.”
With that, Seonal smiled softly at Dodo.
“Shall we all head out? We’ll do the interview outside, Cusman.”
“Yeah! Dodo wants to get out too! Dodo hates the police station.”
Dodo grinned wide, and Seonal stood.
Tutan, watching anxiously, shot up and roughly blocked their way.
He had to at least snag that recorder.
“Hey!”
“What?”
As Seonal turned, Tutan’s eyes blazed crimson-black, smoky wisps like eyes writhing around.
Right on cue with the charm ability. Seonal immediately scattered mana to plug Cusman and Dodo’s ears, grabbing his phone with the other hand.
Even without pureblood strength, it was dangerously potent.
Ding.
The casual recording start tone made Tutan’s eyes widen slightly.
“Why so surprised? It’d be weirder if you didn’t expect this.”
“Stop!”
Tutan tried commanding via charm, and Dodo’s eyes wavered before she scowled deeply.
Whoosh!
Wind swirled on the spot, muffling the sound to block the spread.
But Tutan’s power intensified.
“Drop everything and come to me….”
Click.
The door opened, and Seonal urgently shouted.
“A mage is using charm ability! Don’t come in!”
“Wha…? Hold on.”
Why was he so slow normally but lightning-fast now?
The door shut, then reopened.
The officer, in a rigid mask, activated a meter.
Tutan recoiled in surprise and dropped the charm, but the meter beeped past the limit.
The officer lunged at Tutan.
Boom!
But the officer slammed into the wall.
Human races couldn’t match vampire strength.
“…Hah.”
Tutan’s eyes stayed crimson-black, glaring at Seonal, baring his fangs beyond mere hatred.
“…Urk.”
The officer clutched his gut from the floor, reaching for his baton—then a crash echoed from the opposite wall.
Boom!
The officer looked up to see Tutan pinned against the wall, subdued.
“Is it okay to use such a dangerous power?”
As if collapsing limply, Tutan slammed into the wall again following Seonal’s finger.
Boom!
The officer gawked, mask slipping down, mouth agape.
“Sorry. I reacted instinctively to a threat to my life. You know how dangerous charm ability is, Officer.”
Contrary to his words, Seonal looked beyond relaxed—almost languid.
Thanks for sinking yourself.
He’d caught two Mage Association mages today.
That alone made him thrilled.
“Too startled—mind if I go first?”
The officer half-rose at Seonal’s words and nodded dazedly.
Only with permission did Seonal urge the others.
“Then let’s go.”
“Y-Yes….”
Cusman rubbed his ring desperately, stumbling out as if entranced.
“…Huh?”
Dodo stood frozen, so Seonal crouched to meet her eyes.
“Mind if I carry you? If it’s not rude.”
“…Yeah. Dodo’s legs gave out.”
Seonal gently scooped her up and headed out.
Pointing at Tutan amid the approaching startled officers, he said.
“What are you waiting for? Arrest him. He just used charm ability.”
“Ch-Charm ability?”
They checked their meters and swiftly donned masks, moving in perfect sync. Seonal casually asked.
“And could I see the suspect mage we caught earlier?”
“Y-Yes.”
Distracted by the charm fiasco, approval came easier than expected.
He knew where the guy was—he’d glimpsed him waiting in line earlier.
“Cusman, wait outside. Got a quick stop.”
“…O-Okay.”
Leaving the still-bewildered Cusman, Seonal carried Dodo to the holding cells.
“What’s this about?”
The blocking officer got a calm reply and ID badge.
“Came to see the mage. Got permission on the way. Won’t take long.”
The officer eyed the badge dubiously.
“…Fine.”
Regardless of the look, Seonal approached the mage.
Seeing the dazed, despondent figure, Seonal grinned.
“Who gave you that spell?”
The cat incident and this duck one didn’t scream the same culprit, and the duck alone reeked of amateur.
The Mage Association obsessed over public image— they wouldn’t ignore animal magic experiments.
So someone higher up knew and let it slide—or did it themselves.
“Whoever it was, rotting alone like this feels unfair, right?”
As Seonal spoke, the man’s eyes shifted.
Pure resentment. At being the only one caught.
A perfect emotion.
* * *
Hate Mondays. Hate Tuesdays. Hate Wednesdays too. Hate going to work the most. ♬
Seonal pulled out his earbuds, lips curling as he spoke.
“Fine morning.”
Having given the Mage Association a huge middle finger over the weekend made this Monday feel refreshingly crisp—rare indeed.
“Hope you had a good week….”
The chair at Irang’s desk spun around, revealing not Irang but a familiar face.
An incubus with devil horns sharply upright, contrasting his angelic, world’s-nicest-guy face.
“Long time no see, Seonal?”
A sleazy smile ill-fitting his features spread across.
Seonal scowled the instant he saw that face.
An old colleague from the Special Division sat there.
Of all days, this Monday.