The Sulky Saintess
"It's disappointing."
"......"
"Yurika, what's with that face?"
"...Nothing much."
Wien, dressed in patient garb, let out a small sigh. The silver-haired girl had been like this for a while now. Whatever had her in such a foul mood, she was puffing out her cheeks like they might burst, huffing a petulant 'Hmph!'.
It was cute enough—like a pufferfish going 'Poooh!'—to draw coos at first. But an hour of it had everyone feeling a bit worn out.
"Calm down. Choi Siwoo's just busy, that's all."
"W-Why bring up that guy all of a sudden?"
"Huh? Am I wrong?"
"N-No, you're not."
"Really?"
"R-Really!"
Yurika's eyes darted around before she turned to the window, trying to soothe her flushed face. Wien thought to herself: This saintess is way more exhausting than I imagined. Wouldn't it be better to spend that energy scheming how to seduce the guy she's fallen for?
She's got every weapon in the arsenal, and yet...
Anyone would gasp in admiration at her beauty. And her bust was thicker not just than girls her age, but even most Western women. If she set her mind to it, no man could resist.
Yeah, unlike herself.
Wien fiddled with her magical pouch. It let out a pathetic 'Pffft~' like deflating, making her lips pout involuntarily.
Well, I can't exactly blame her for how she feels.
No matter how busy he was, shouldn't he at least show his face once? Wien had a few things she wanted to say to Choi Siwoo too—not as much as Yurika, but still.
It had already been seven days since the incident dubbed the ridiculously long "Mysterious Dark Barrier Mass Hallucination Event."
Right now, the two of them were hospitalized, undergoing various checkups and tests. They weren't seriously injured, but since they'd endured horrific nightmares in that special space, the academy insisted on thorough exams.
The association—those slow-moving bureaucrats—had finally stepped up to handle the aftermath. The scale was incomparable to the mana beast attack; countless civilians had witnessed it firsthand, making cover-ups impossible.
The association head himself issued a public apology, after all.
The public was already on edge from recent events, and now this massive disaster? Tempers were flaring. The silver lining was no major casualties.
Though most victims inside were still plagued by auditory hallucinations... For her part, Wien figured survival alone was a blessing.
"Ah, news is on."
"Already that time, huh."
Shutter clicks echoed from cameras as the press conference got underway.
—"President Cheonwigwang! Your thoughts on this incident—"
—"What the hell has Prunel Academy been doing for defense all this time?!"
—"How can we trust you with the future's heroes when disasters strike daily like some faulty automatic door?!"
—"Is Instructor Kang Hanseong, codename 'White Wolf,' telling the truth?!"
Cheonwigwang just wiped cold sweat amid the barrage of aggressive questions. The stress of the past few days had thinned his already sparse hair to bald patches he couldn't hide anymore.
Wien felt a twinge of pity. She'd heard even the president had passed out cold and had no clue how things unfolded.
What can you do? He's in a high position—he takes the blame.
Kang Hanseong, sharply dressed, stepped up beside Cheonwigwang. After a deep 90-degree bow, he began explaining the incident.
Wien listened quietly, recalling info from her family: Kang Hanseong was the first to escape the illusion. He'd briefed the rescue heroes on the details and singled out Cadet Choi Siwoo as the key contributor and solver.
From there, it snowballed. The three women, including Wien, testified he'd helped them, and somehow Choi Siwoo—a 17-year-old cadet—became the celebrated hero of the crisis despite his youth and inexperience.
Bonus: Rumors spread he was also the top hero of the mana beast attack, skyrocketing his fame.
Though he hated the spotlight, of course.
Wien was certain: This absurd hype was manufactured by the association and other powers. Classic hero-making to divert attention. She couldn't help a smirk.
But the truth? Nothing revealed.
Just noisy speculation. The nature of the Hwanmong realm remained a mystery. Naturally, no one but Choi Siwoo knew it was one of the Six Demonic Transcendent Powers.
That's why she had so many questions for him—he surely knew the truth.
Speaking of...
Glancing sideways, Wien saw Yurika staring blankly at the screen, mouth slightly agape. More precisely, gazing lovingly at Choi Siwoo fending off reporters with an annoyed look.
"Yurika?"
"......"
"Saintess Yurika~?"
"Ah... Yes?"
She jolted, and Wien flashed a cheeky grin. At Wien's signature wicked smile, Yurika flinched instinctively.
"W-What? Suddenly."
"Feels good, right?"
"H-Huh...?"
Wien leaned in close, nudging Yurika's side with her shoulder.
"Your future boyfriend getting all this praise everywhere~ Oh, look, Siwoo's face is on. Damn, he's hot. Even without makeup, he shines. Check that serious press-conference face."
"W-What?! Boyfriend? D-Don't spout nonsense!"
"Hmm~? Really~?"
Giggling, Wien pulled up a photo on her phone. Yurika's face turned beet red.
It showed Choi Siwoo princess-carrying her fainted form, his downward gaze full of earnest worry.
"E gyaaah!"
Steam erupted from Yurika's head like a volcano. Wien burst out laughing, circling her teasingly.
"What a picture-perfect moment. Seen the comments? 'Saintess and knight's love romance~'"
"P-Please, don't say it!"
"Why so shy? This could cause a real scandal~"
"Ugh... Eeeeek!"
Unable to bear the embarrassment, Yurika hung her head. Midway through the teasing, Wien sensed someone approaching and turned with a 'Hm?'.
Locking eyes, her smile turned even more devilish. She shushed and whispered in Yurika's ear.
"So, Yurika. You really don't like Choi Siwoo? Don't wanna see him?"
"I-I hate him! That jerk... always making me worry... burning me up inside... won't even visit... ......But."
"But~?"
"......He always helps when I'm struggling, shows up when I'm in trouble... and ultimately becomes my strength... that guy..."
"That guy~?"
Yurika mumbled like she was dragging the words out.
"...I miss him."
"Oh my~ You miss him. Good thing he's right here then?"
"...H-Huh? Wh-What?"
Yurika whipped her head up to meet eyes with Choi Siwoo, who held a bouquet and fruit basket in one hand—unclear how long he'd been there. He gave an awkward smile.
"Uh... Hey. Yurika."
A subtle silence fell.
Soon, the room filled with Yurika's scream.
"...Um, Yurika?"
"......"
Wien and Choi Siwoo exchanged troubled glances. Yurika had burrowed under the bedcovers, peeking out with just her face, glaring daggers at them. Curled up and puffed like...
"Like a cat."
"Reminds me of those Russian matryoshka dolls. All round and bobble-headed like a roly-poly toy."
"Yeah, now that you say it..."
"Hey! You two!!!"
Unable to hold back, she snapped in fury, bursting their laughter.
Moments later, the three sat at the table chatting.
Crunch. Wien bit into a neatly sliced apple, chewing as she continued.
"No wonder you were so busy. The association gave you an award themselves?"
"Yeah, they dragged me in outta nowhere. Tried to refuse, but the president grabbed my leg and begged..."
"Eww..."
Wien grimaced in disgust, then continued with a worried look.
"...No one messed with you?"
"Well..."
Her words carried layers of meaning.
"Wasn't exactly a warm welcome, but given the circumstances, they had no choice. They glossed over it. And..."
"And?"
"If things went south, 'Prunel' might shut down. To prevent that, they need the association's help—mutual aid. Anyway, reason I'm here today is I have business."
"Business?"
"Wanna talk. And ask a favor while at it."
Wien went 'Aha' and slyly eyed Yurika. Yurika swallowed hard, looking expectant.
"...? Wien, you okay?"
"Hm? You said you wanted to talk, so I'll step out and let you handle your business."
Choi Siwoo shook his head puzzled at Wien's words.
"Came to see you."
"...Huh?"
"Me?"
He pulled a small box from his pocket. Opening it revealed a seed radiating intense heat.
Yurika tilted her head curiously, but Wien's eyes widened in realization.
"I-Is this a Pyeyul Flower seed?"
"Yep. As expected of a future archmage—you knew right away. Came to ask you to bloom it."
"Bloom... with my magic?"
"Yeah."
Pyeyul Flower. A legendary spirit herb from myths, preserving ultra-high solar essence—aka "Mercy of the Sun God." Said to grant fire affinity and power to consumers. Its quirk: It only bloomed in ultra-pure, intense flames.
Choi Siwoo, feeling the need to grow stronger post-incident, had splurged points on this ace item.
Of course... too pricey for the flower itself...
Second-best: the seed. Still 150,000(P)—insanely expensive.
Problem: No way to grow it. Flame Arms ▶ wouldn't cut it. Nor a regular furnace. Only pure mana fire worked.
Hence, Wien—the strongest [Crimson] mage he knew, at the pinnacle of delicate mana control. Even inexperienced, her talent was flawless.
"Umm..."
Wien groaned troubled. Sounded simple—blast magic nonstop—but she knew better. Even she needed two sleepless days of constant fire, plus delicate checks midway.
"I-I appreciate the confidence, but... shouldn't you ask someone else? Instructor Jegalrin—"
"—You're the best fit, Wien."
In urgency, Choi Siwoo grabbed her hand. Wien—and Yurika's—eyes went wide.
Determined not to miss, he closed in uncomfortably close. Wien swallowed dryly at his sudden proximity. His dark, clear eyes gleamed like obsidian. A subtle, non-perfume scent—intoxicating, especially to women—wafted. Sweat beaded on her forehead.
Save her father, she'd never been this physically close to a man. It was overwhelmingly stimulating.
"U-Um. Mr. Choi Siwoo? Y-You're too close...?"
"You're the top mage I know. Please. Name your price."
"W-Wait... O-Okay, just let go of my hand."
Finally free, Wien cleared her throat awkwardly. Under Yurika's glaring 'Ji...', she hurried on.
"F-Fine. I owe you from before anyway... But this makes you owe me. Got it? Help me when I ask later?"
"Thanks. You saved me. Just message, and I'll come."
Finished, Choi Siwoo stood. The flustered women spoke.
"W-What? Already leaving?"
"Yeah. Not polite to linger on patients."
As he headed out, Yurika instinctively jumped up, grabbing his hem. Their eyes met; she was stunned.
Her lips trembled. An inexplicable lump rose in her throat. Him just showing face and bouncing felt so wrong.
And...
"W-What about me?"
"Huh?"
"Don't... I have no favors to ask?"
She hated herself for being baggage. Hated being useless to him.
She knew it was spoiled, but wanted to hold him back.
"......"
His silence visibly deflated her. Wien glared over his shoulder, mouthing 'Comfort her!'.
"...Hm."
Scratching his chin, Choi Siwoo placed a hand on her head instead. Yurika's eyes rounded. She closed them, savoring like a purring cat, bliss swelling.
The mood turned subtle.
Unable to take the embarrassment, Choi Siwoo turned first.
"Take care, both of you... See you at Prunel."
He slipped out like fleeing.
Moments later, Wien's yell echoed: "Ah! Forgot to ask something!"
▶Master. You've gone very soft. Can't even scold Yurika anymore.
Ugh...
He knew. She had him wrapped around her finger in so many ways. He tried not to show it, but the Hwanmong memories kept messing with his head.
Made harshness feel unnatural.
▶You used to just tease her mercilessly when you first met.
...Tch.
Wish he could go back—
Room 901 caught his eye.
Ohana's room.
Song Junho and Erina had visited ages ago... Wien and Yurika just now. Ohana was last.
Grabbing the final fruit basket—
A creaky old voice whispered in his ear. Familiar tone; suspecting, he entered.
"Good. No issues with the womb, then."
"...Yes, Grandmother."
"Thank goodness. I'd have agonized over what to do if even that final value were lost."
"......"
Announcing his presence, both turned. Ohana, bandaged but safe. And...
"...Who's that?"
A wrinkled old woman eyed Choi Siwoo.
O Je-yeon.
Head of the O Star Clan, Ohana's grandmother.
His first meeting with her since reincarnation.