Chapter 116
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 116
Chapter Title: Seol Yu-wol, Graduation
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"Graduation ceremony today, right?"
"Yeah."
Mary asked me that.
"Want me to come along? I could say hi..."
Hmm...
I thought it over.
Truth be told, it wasn't a place she couldn't go.
She was about to become Seol Yu-wol's master and advisor, after all.
Exchanging greetings there might even feel the most natural.
But on the other hand, the master-employee dynamic at work could come off as stiff and awkward.
Today was Seol Yu-wol's big day. I wanted it to be comfortable and fun for her.
And Mary and Seol Yu-wol had never met...
I hesitated for a moment before carefully suggesting an alternative.
"Her mom might be there today too, so it could get hectic. How about we set up a separate get-together? The three of us could grab a meal."
Mary stared at me blankly for a second...
"Well, if family's coming, no helping it."
Then she smiled brightly and accepted.
"Thanks. I appreciate you understanding."
Her just coming here today was already a huge favor.
Tap tap.
Mary patted near my waist in response.
"No problem at all."
She flashed another bright smile.
I felt grateful for her thoughtfulness once more and stood up.
"Guess I'll head out first then."
"Okay. Have fun."
I waved to her and stepped out of the reception room.
Now it was really time to go see Seol Yu-wol.
I left my brief meeting with Mary behind and headed to the auditorium inside the isolation facility.
According to the team leader, the Otherworlders graduating today were gathered in the waiting room next to the auditorium.
Even walking down the hallway, the air buzzed with unusual excitement. Lively voices leaked through the door cracks.
"Great job!"
"Let's keep in touch once we're out."
"Which guild you joining? Decided yet?"
"That's a secret..."
You could feel the thrill of Otherworlders on the cusp of stepping out into the world.
It reminded me of that eager anticipation right before basic training ended and you shipped out to your unit.
Not a perfect match, though.
Isolation was way comfier than basic.
And guilds and society beat the hell out of unit life.
I opened the door to the waiting room and stepped inside.
It was noisy. People clustered in groups, chattering excitedly.
But Seol Yu-wol sat quietly in the left corner seat.
Completely undisturbed.
I approached her carefully, muffling my footsteps.
No intention of startling her like last time. Just quietly.
Swish.
But you can't ignore a martial artist's senses.
The moment I got right behind her, Seol Yu-wol whipped her head around—unlike before.
Her big, clear rabbit-like eyes fixed on me.
"Counselor? How'd you...?"
The other guardians were probably waiting outside.
She seemed surprised I was the only one here.
"I'm her coworker."
I smiled and moved to sit in the seat next to her.
As I circled to the outer seat, she jumped up and offered me the inner one.
I nodded thanks and sat down.
"Sleep okay?"
"No... Not really."
Figured as much.
"Happens. Too excited to sleep. I was the same way."
But Seol Yu-wol tilted her head.
"No... Not excited..."
"?"
"Studying... security..."
Her face flushed as she averted her gaze.
"Whoa."
Studying on the eve of her first day at work...
Wonder if Mary would even find anything to nitpick later?
"Thanks."
It was for my sake, after all.
I expressed my gratitude.
"Hee hee."
She giggled like a kid, pleased by the praise.
Ten minutes till the ceremony started.
"Mom coming, right?"
"Yeah. She said she would."
"Talked to her too. Azure Heaven Alliance will provide direct support in emergencies."
"Really?"
She nodded, visibly relieved.
"Yeah. And did you see about the Azure Heaven Alliance and Demonic Cult merger today?"
At that, Seol Yu-wol's eyes narrowed slightly before relaxing.
It was quick, but I caught the subtle shift.
"...Yeah, I heard... about it."
Hold up.
I still didn't know the exact history between her and Jahwa-yeon.
If their first meeting—the one I saw—was a knife fight, who knows.
"...You know Jahwa-yeon?"
I asked carefully, and Seol Yu-wol's eyebrows twitched more than before.
She was trying to play it cool, but it showed.
"Yes."
Even so, she answered calmly.
Orthodox sects and Demonic Cults don't mix well, naturally.
Yi Seo-ryeong was sharp and had softened over years adapting to modern life, but Seol Yu-wol was still new here.
Time to check her inner thoughts first.
[Seol Yu-wol][Main Stance]
[Aware of the relationship between Jahwa-yeon and Counselor. What Jahwa-yeon said during their previous meeting at the isolation facility lingers in her mind.]
They must've met before. No rumors of a big fight at the facility, so probably not that bad.
My relationship with Jahwa-yeon?
Nothing special...
Just counselor and client.
Ah, maybe she's worried Jahwa-yeon might harm me.
Not an issue at their first encounter, but definitely not now.
"You two get along... okay?"
I asked directly to gauge her feelings.
"We were friends once. Not anymore."
Firm.
If she's just saying no longer friends... no deeper grudge?
"But why ask about her all of a sudden?"
Seol Yu-wol turned the question back on me.
Her blue eyes sparkled clearly.
"Well..."
I started explaining my talk with Yi Seo-ryeong yesterday.
"Your mom agreed to handle security in emergencies. But with the Alliance Leader's schedule so packed... maybe Jahwa-yeon could fill in? It'd ease her burden."
A reasonable proposal, considerate of her mom too.
But.
"What????"
Seol Yu-wol let out a near-scream.
She shot up from her seat.
"Yeon-un—no, her... next to you? When I'm not there?"
"Yeah... She's officially an S-Rank Hunter too..."
Why's she reacting so strongly?
"...Did Mom approve?"
"She's considering it positively for now."
"Mom..."
Seol Yu-wol fidgeted anxiously, finger to her lips, stamping her feet.
"No need to worry that much. Yeon has talked with me a lot lately..."
"Yeon????"
"Yes. Yeon..."
The nickname I'd started using recently made her eyes waver.
"She told you to call her that?"
"Yeah, she did."
I admitted readily, and the color drained from Seol Yu-wol's face.
Her lips twitched like she wanted to ask more, but no words came.
Right then.
"Graduates, time to head out~"
The waiting room door opened, and an Association staffer announced the event's start.
"Let's... talk about this later."
I said gently and stood.
Today was Yu-wol's day. No idea why, but I didn't want to spoil her mood with awkward topics.
"...Okay."
Seol Yu-wol murmured reluctantly.
Her lips pouted a bit.
"......"
I opened the waiting room door first and stepped into the hall.
Seol Yu-wol followed. We walked silently toward the auditorium.
Then.
Slip.
Seol Yu-wol, walking beside me, naturally slid her small hand into my palm.
I was startled by the sudden warmth but gently squeezed back.
Squeeze.
As if waiting, she intertwined our fingers tightly.
I turned to look at her.
She seemed a bit better.
"Counselor... Sorry... I just got startled earlier."
Leaning slightly against my arm, she patted my palm and apologized in a cute voice.
"It's fine. No need to apologize."
I accepted gladly.
Nothing to apologize for.
We parted at the auditorium entrance for the graduation ceremony.
She headed backstage with the graduates; I went to the audience seats.
"See you soon."
She gave my hand one last tight squeeze, then scurried off.
I watched her go for a moment before finding a seat up front.
The place was filling up.
I'd just sat and caught my breath when I sensed someone beside me.
Turning, I saw Yi Seo-ryeong already seated next to me, unnoticed till now.
Spotting me, she smiled softly and bowed her head.
"You've arrived, Counselor."
I bowed back.
"Saw the article. Congratulations."
I opened with the morning news about Shin Jung-won's inauguration.
"No, no. Still a long road ahead."
She replied humbly, but her eyes were steady.
We chatted lightly until the room quieted and the ceremony began.
After the dull speeches, it was time for the valedictorian address.
Seol Yu-wol took the stage.
Top grades, top mana aptitude—top in every category. She'd been named top Otherworlder.
She spoke calmly from the podium, no script, in her own words.
"She's doing great. Wonder who she takes after."
I whispered to Yi Seo-ryeong.
She chuckled silently and playfully patted my arm with her palm.
'Thank you.'
The tapping was just like mother and daughter.
I swallowed a wry chuckle.
The speech ended, and we applauded.
Seol Yu-wol bowed deeply to the audience once more.
That's when it hit me.
"Alliance Leader, any update on Jahwa-yeon?"
About security.
Yi Seo-ryeong's clapping hands froze mid-air, her pupils shaking.
"Ah... Sorry. So much to discuss on Shin Jung-won that day, I couldn't bring it up. I'll get back to you soon..."
"No need."
I watched Seol Yu-wol descend the stage, waving brightly our way.
"Let's... put it on hold for now."
As Seol Yu-wol started her security detail, no discomfort or anxiety should mar it.
Until I clarified any lingering bad blood with Jahwa-yeon, best to shelve it.
Yi Seo-ryeong bowed deeply with a subtle expression.
"As you command."
"Shall we?"
Time to meet Seol Yu-wol. We rose and wove through the crowd toward her.
Spotting us, she ran over beaming.
"Congrats on graduating, Yu-wol."
As she reached me, I offered sincere congratulations and my hand.
"Thank you... Counselor..."
Her face flushed as she took it.
After shaking, I pulled out the small velvet box I'd carried all day.
"Graduation gift."
"A... gift?"
I opened it.
A simple necklace with a small gem pendant gleamed inside.
Seol Yu-wol's eyes widened at the unexpected present.
My first Otherworlder from start to finish.
I wanted to give her something special.
Special treatment? Sure, a bit.
She was my first; I was inexperienced. She was mine; I was hers.
"......"
I reached behind her neck and carefully clasped the necklace.
The metal clasp rested on her pale skin.
Seol Yu-wol said nothing.
Just gazed at the gem, breathing softly.
"Suits you perfectly."
I smiled and nodded.
Her eyelashes trembled.
Good original suits anything she wears or dons.
"Counseloorr..."
Tears welled in her eyes as she barely called my name in a quivering voice.
Then...
Thud.
She threw herself into my arms.
I felt the weight of her genuine gratitude and gently patted her back.
"Congrats again."
Today, I graduated one Otherworlder.
This was Seol Yu-wol's first graduation.
And maybe our last counseling session.