Exchange Meet Representatives (2)
Seong Hyun-jin tilted his head at Eleonora's mention that he had to represent them at the exchange meet.
"Why me? I don't remember being selected as a rep..."
There hadn't been any prior notice.
"You won the Martial Exhibition, didn't you? I was planning to tell you after the experiential training period ended."
"......"
Seong Hyun-jin narrowed his eyes slightly. No wonder the prize money had been so generous—it came with extra duties attached.
"...Is the Gold Star the one leading this exchange meet by any chance?"
"Oh? How did you know?"
Just as he suspected. Seong Hyun-jin let out a sigh. There was no refusing now. He had to earn his keep after pocketing that prize money. It wasn't mandatory, of course, but skipping out would be poor etiquette, and he knew it.
"But what's this exchange meet anyway?"
"Exactly what it sounds like—sharing what we've learned with other academies, showing off our skills to flatten their noses... er, I mean, to boast about how much we've accomplished at our respective schools."
"I caught a glimpse of your true feelings there..."
"No, no. Anyway, that makes you—the Martial Exhibition winner—along with Serena and Clarice, who both put on impressive shows, the first-year representatives. My disciple is one of the second-year reps too."
"Why me?"
This time, it was Yeonhui asking. She looked puzzled as to why she, who hadn't even participated in the exhibition, had been chosen.
Eleonora turned to Yeonhui and explained.
"Because this year's exchange meet is at Celestial Academy. It'd be great if you could guide the reps around the campus."
"Ah..."
"Even setting that aside, you're skilled enough to be a third-year rep, aren't you?"
Yeonhui blinked in surprise and glanced at Eleonora. She hadn't demonstrated her abilities since arriving at Terastial Academy, so it was shocking that Eleonora knew of her prowess.
"...You knew?"
"Of course! I'm the dean here—do you think I'd be clueless about my students?"
"Shania must have told you..."
Eleonora gave a light laugh in affirmation.
"All the first-year reps are here. The second- and third-year reps are three each, just like your group. Aside from my disciple and Yeonhui, there are two more per year, so get along well out there."
"Who's in charge of leading us? We need a supervisor..."
"We were going to leave it to Karin, but..."
Karin had stayed behind to handle matters in Levatein Duchy. If she wrapped everything up and returned within three days, no problem—but if not, they'd need a replacement leader.
"Karin will be leading for now. If the Levatein business isn't sorted by then, we'll switch and let you know."
Seong Hyun-jin frowned slightly at Eleonora's response. Then he declared boldly.
"I want Master."
"...I know."
"It'd be great if Master took charge."
"I know your wishes well, Seong Hyun-jin, so you can stop now."
"Master..."
Whack!
"Gah!"
"I said stop it, you idiot disciple."
Only after Serena's sharp fist slammed into the top of Seong Hyun-jin's head again did he finally drop the master talk. Eleonora gave Serena and Seong Hyun-jin an awkward glance each before excusing herself.
"...Anyway, that's the plan. Once more, thank you all for returning safely. I've marked you present for the classes you missed, so rest easy this weekend."
"Ah, thank you."
After Eleonora left, Clarice led the way back to the dorms, the others following suit.
"I'll head out first."
"I'm gonna crash ASAP. I'm exhausted~."
"Rest well, junior."
Seong Hyun-jin turned to Serena and pointed at his sore scalp, making a pitiful face.
"Hitting the same spot twice is too much, isn't it...?"
Serena huffed in mild annoyance, scolding him instead.
"You're the one who's too much—always chasing after other women when your girlfriend's right here."
"Women? Nah."
Seong Hyun-jin denied it outright.
"Master's a goddess!"
"That still includes her being a woman..."
"Goddess!!"
"...I'll stop since I was wrong. Please just drop it."
Serena waved her hand in exasperation and grumbled.
"Maybe I should tell your father everything and make you feel bad..."
"...That's cheating."
"Then treat me better."
As Serena sulked, Seong Hyun-jin cocked his head. Then he grinned with a hint of mischief.
"What, are you jealous right now?"
"......!"
Serena's face flushed crimson. Jealousy from Serena Eldark, who lacked for nothing? She was flustered, her cheeks burning.
It had been like this lately. Ever since their relationship deepened, she hated seeing his attention drift elsewhere. She wanted it all directed at her—a thought that slipped out unbidden. It wasn't like her. This wasn't the real Serena Eldark... but.
"...S-So what if I am?"
She had no reason to feel guilty, so she didn't hide her heart.
"......"
Seong Hyun-jin's eyes widened at her honest admission. Without thinking, he blurted out his genuine feeling.
"...You're adorable."
"P-Pardon? ...Uh, wha?"
Serena short-circuited at his words. Her face beet red, she flailed, unsure where to look.
'Ah, I said it out loud.'
Seong Hyun-jin realized his slip too, but the water was spilled. Deciding to capitalize, he pushed past the awkwardness. He gently cupped her cheek.
Mwah.
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. Serena's expression lit with shock, eyes bulging. Compared to before, her face turned an even deeper scarlet, like a ripe apple.
Seong Hyun-jin flashed a bright smile to soothe her lingering sulk.
"I only do this stuff with you, though. Right?"
"...Th-The Sword Star might allow it, and then you'd follow your heart."
Seong Hyun-jin paused at her retort, unable to deny it. Her eyes narrowed, but he had one killer line left for her.
He leaned in close, whispering softly.
"But our firsts were all together."
"......!"
"Even Master can never have that. First times only happen once."
"It's a title only Serena Eldark in this world can claim."
"......"
Serena knew it. This was just him sweet-talking to cheer her up, to make her feel good. It was no different from saying, 'We did everything first together, so bear with me on the master stuff.' She should hold firm. Stay resolute... to make him truly hers.
But his whisper rang like a siren's song in her ear, impossibly sweet.
"Was that not enough? If you want more, come to my room?"
"......!!"
Serena jumped at his blatant temptation, shaking her head frantically.
"Th-That's not it!?"
"So you get what I mean?"
"......"
Seong Hyun-jin took her hand lightly, squeezing it. He stared intently, leaning in with his handsome face—those silver eyes, proof of his elven blood, locking onto hers. Like a child awaiting an answer.
Serena felt poisoned with a lethal dose, her heart racing so wildly she gasped.
"Hah...!"
"What's wrong? Tough decision?"
He drew closer. It was a vicious poison—no, a curse.
"J-Just back off a bit. People are watching."
"Who cares if I wanna stick close to my girlfriend?"
"Eek...!"
A curse called love, vicious beyond measure. Already ensnared, Serena couldn't resist.
"F-Fine, I get it. Just... back off a little...!"
"Okay."
Seong Hyun-jin finally relented, satisfied, and lowered his head. He chuckled lightly.
"Glad you're feeling better."
"......"
In that moment, Serena gained a new impression of him.
'Little devil...'
She now knew for sure: Seong Hyun-jin had this impish side.
Three days later, just as Eleonora had said, Seong Hyun-jin and the group finished preparing to head out as academy representatives for the exchange meet.
"Morning, junior."
"Good morning, junior."
"Sleep well?"
Not just Seong Hyun-jin and Serena—Ciela Teraport, Yeonhui, and Clarice were all set to depart without issue.
"Everyone's already gathered."
The second- and third-year reps had assembled too. They introduced themselves to the first-years, whom they were meeting face-to-face for the first time.
"Marian Rasley, second-year rep."
"Arsen Blake, second-year rep from the Martial Arts Department."
"Levion Begart, selected as third-year rep."
Alongside Ciela Teraport, the second-year reps were top archer Marian Rasley from Archery and top martial artist Arsen Blake from Martial Arts. The third-year reps included spear expert Levion Begart from Spear Arts.
After greetings, Seong Hyun-jin tilted his head.
"But aren't we missing one third-year senior? Three per year, right...?"
"One's already at Celestial Academy."
"Pardon?... Ah."
Seong Hyun-jin recalled the third-year who'd gone as an exchange student: Elena Apocalips. Top of Swordsmanship and undisputed strongest at Terastial Academy.
'Guess I'll get to see what sword she uses.'
More interested in her blade than Elena herself, Seong Hyun-jin didn't notice Serena's rising jealousy—wondering if he fancied her.
'...Thinking about another girl?'
Serena wasn't usually this jealous. Even if she coveted something someone else had, she didn't dwell on it. Envy, maybe—but not jealousy.
Yet here she was, irked at the thought of him eyeing another woman. She sidled closer to him, fidgeting awkwardly.
Noticing, Seong Hyun-jin cocked his head, then chuckled at how cute she was.
"Everyone here?"
A woman approached the assembled reps. Her uniform matched the assistant instructors', marking her clearly.
"Instructor Amanda."
Levion, the third-year rep, greeted her first, confirming her identity.
"I'm Amanda, assistant instructor for third-year Spear Arts. I'll be leading you until the exchange meet ends, so let's get along."
Amanda greeted brightly, unfazed by unfamiliar faces. The first- and second-year reps, initially awkward, responded comfortably.
"Yes."
"Please take care of us."
"Looking forward to it."
One person, however, looked puzzled at her arrival.
"You're leading us this time? I thought the first-year Swordsmanship instructor was supposed to."
It was Seong Hyun-jin, questioning Karin's absence.
"Where's the instructor?"
"Pardon? Well..."
His expression as he pressed was somehow intimidating.
"Where is she!?"
Intensely so.