Why Only to Me (5)
"Scarlett. You've been in Korea because of Ellis, right?"
"Yes. For a personal investigation..."
"Ah, I remember now. Sebas Chan personally brought you in, specialized in stealth, to investigate Lee Ho-yeon. And now that the job's done, you're helping out as Ellis's secretary. Right?"
"That's correct."
Isaac nodded, dropping his cigarette and grinding it out under his heel.
"Leave Sebas Chan to handle that, and you go back to surveilling Lee Ho-yeon. That's an order from your guild master. I'll talk to Sebas Chan myself, so don't worry."
"...Understood."
Scarlett kept her expression neutral as she nodded.
"Use the honey trap if you have to... Ah, you're not the type for that, are you? Anyway."
For the record, most female infiltration agents relied on seduction. There was no reason not to use what they had. And most of those honey-trap agents aimed to seduce Isaac himself.
"The way he keeps looking at you means he's interested. I have a good eye for people."
"...Yes."
"Even if you can't seduce him outright, try to charm him and scout him for Iris Guild. Ah, best case, separate him from Ellis entirely."
"I'll do my best."
Isaac was deeply misunderstanding the situation. Even if Scarlett succeeded in seducing Lee Ho-yeon, she wouldn't leave Ellis. Lee Ho-yeon was obsessed with women.
"But I won't put too much pressure on you. Just extract some info, or build a rapport—that's fine too. He's bound for greatness, no question."
"Understood."
Isaac grinned, clearly pleased. Honestly, his pride had been wounded at first when the kid didn't go down immediately and put up a real fight. But when that first minute stretched to five, he was surprised, and by ten minutes, he was impressed. Naturally, he hadn't gone all out. True to his moniker Night Emperor, Isaac's stats doubled under the moon. Even in daylight, though, he was firmly among the elite. Night just elevated him to true emperor status.
Ten years...? No, five. Maybe even less.
Almost no one met Isaac's standards—and they were absurd. They had to be younger than him but stronger than he had been at that age. Most earned his recognition by excelling in one specific field, but Lee Ho-yeon was different. Compared to Isaac at twenty, he was overwhelmingly superior. It was the first time in his life he'd encountered talent beyond measure.
If he maintains that growth curve...
He'd be perfect to inherit Iris Guild. He didn't seem versed in stealth or infiltration magic yet, but that ridiculous barrier alone was enough. His offensive power was solid, and his creativity and flexibility with spells were top-notch. Facing someone like Isaac for the first time, he'd unleashed practical magic on the fly.
Still, I can't hand over my daughter yet.
Isaac had his own rules. The man worthy of taking his daughter had to meet strict criteria. First, Ellis had to truly love him. As long as she was his daughter, no one in the world deserved her more than he did—she had to be happier than anyone. But love alone wasn't enough to survive. The man had to protect Ellis even after Isaac was gone. Thus: someone who could defeat Isaac at full strength.
"...".
He'd never seen that potential before. He'd thought he'd have her by his side forever. But today, he'd glimpsed it.
You're all grown up now, Ellis.
Thinking of his daughter, who had shot up overnight, left Isaac a touch melancholic. Especially since she'd run off with that Lee Ho-yeon punk right now.
...And Scarlett just wanted to get home ASAP.
*
"...Come in."
Ellis had called me to her house for a personal apology. I'd already gotten one from Isaac directly, so it wasn't a big deal, but I followed her anyway. It had only been a few days since the massage visit, but stepping into a heroine's home still made me tense.
Ellis's room was tidy overall, but her desk was a mess. Papers scattered everywhere—she must've bolted mid-work—and her laptop was open to some document.
She picked up her half-finished wine glass, swirled it a few times, then sat down.
"Sorry. My dad's not right in the head... You went through hell because of me."
"Nah, it was a decent experience."
Fighting a powerhouse was always valuable. And since it was Isaac, he probably had no intent to kill—bonus.
"...".
But Ellis puffed her cheeks slightly, clearly dissatisfied with my response.
"You can't do that."
"Huh?"
"If something apology-worthy happens, you accept the apology. Brushing it off like a pushover isn't okay."
"...".
"Right? You let me dig into your background without complaint. And now my dad—who you've barely met—shows up threatening your life, and it's 'fine'? Are you playing the nice guy? Or just a sucker?"
What the hell? Ellis suddenly launched into a lecture.
"Hm..."
I thought I had some firmness to me. But yeah, thinking about it...
Since I had to conquer the heroines, I often had to yield. And... I wasn't really mad anyway. Not sure if transmigrating as the protagonist messed with my personality. But what could I do if I just wasn't pissed?
"Can't get mad if I'm not mad."
"...Why? Like with the student council trash-talking you, or fighting the VP—you get angry then."
Ellis seemed genuinely baffled by me. Was this her vetting if I was worthy of her affection?
"Hm..."
Yeah, there were times like that. I could get mad.
Ah.
I finally got the difference. Pretty girls stay pretty no matter what they do. So Liliana could act up all she wanted—no anger. Just cute. Same with Isaac once I knew it tied to Ellis. No rage.
"Those guys just lack charm? They piss me off."
"What does that even... Sigh, fine. You do take after Dad a bit."
What? Ellis touched her slightly flushed cheek, then spoke again.
"So why the obsession with that centaur? I was gonna offer bigger rewards."
She was curious about my centaur fixation too. Looked weird to outsiders—volunteering to help her out.
Good thing I had a prepared excuse.
"The centaur? Just personal curiosity. Magic research-related."
"As expected of a genius mage."
Ellis chuckled lightly, reaching for the wine. Probably to pour me a glass. I stared blankly as she did—her hands and face had amazing color now. The massage that good?
"Oh, right. How was the mana massage effect? I put in real effort last time."
I'd caressed her thoroughly. Too bad no sex, but if we'd gone all the way then, would Ellis have come to my rescue today? Maybe, but risky.
Ellis paused mid-pour at my words, finished, then set the bottle down.
"...It was good. The effect was insane. Ahem, yeah. Since you're here, want a massage before you go? Wasn't planning to, but might as well—convenient."
"...".
So that's why she called me here? She glanced at me. Now I noticed a massage bed set up behind the bed. Fully prepped.
But not right now.
"I'm fine with it... Effects worn off already?"
"Huh?"
Ellis faltered.
"No, not really... Mana's still flowing great."
Of course. With all that extra service? No way it'd fade yet.
"Too frequent isn't good. Call when your body's settled a bit."
"Yeah... Got it."
Seeing her disappointed made me want to pounce, but... fresh off Isaac? Terrifying. What if he walked in? Not dying today. Safer later.
We sipped wine, chatting about massages briefly, then real talk for the first time in ages. I knew her tastes, so it was easy and fun.
*
After, I slipped out of Ellis's mansion toward the dorms. Great chatting with a beauty, but she had work, and I couldn't stay too late—parted amicably.
"This is exhausting as hell."
Days too packed lately. Wish incidents would chill. Miss lazy days playing with Liliana till sleep. Tch.
Walking slowly, I recalled today's goal.
"Damn. Still didn't see the house."
Meant to house-hunt, ended up wining with Ellis. Fun, but... gotta view the place.
"Go now?"
A familiar voice from beside me.
"Which one?"
"The house, the house."
"Not surprised, as expected."
"Knew you were tailing me."
I'd sensed Scarlett behind me, so I spoke aloud—otherwise, just thought it. Glancing aside, there she was, stealth broken and pouting.
"Isaac—or Mr. Isaac?"
"Off to meet the Korea branch head. Said nowhere else makes sense. Probably flying out soon. He's a busy man..."
"Phew. Good."
No clue why the branch head came up, but guild business—whatever. With Isaac gone, Scarlett could rejoin the house?
"Finally see Liliana and Da-hee more. Though not like old times?"
"No. With work lighter now, we can hang like before."
"Oh, nice."
Her return gave more reason to move.
"But first..."
Scarlett stopped, bowed 90 degrees.
"I'm sorry, Ho-yeon."
"Huh?"
"I should've done better..."
What's with her suddenly?
"Over the Isaac ambush?"
"...Yes. I leaked your info. Circumstances or not, it was wrong."
She bowed deeper, contrite.
"It's fine, stand up. Wasn't a big deal any—"
Wait. I paused, pondering. Can't always let it slide. Like Ellis said, show some spine. Practice time?
"If you're sorry, grant one request."
"...A request?"
She clutched her chest lightly, eyeing me.
"Not that. Just find my new house. Meant to today, but Isaac derailed it."
"Ah... Unexpected. I can do that."
Unexpected? Rude.
"I don't always want your body."
"No, not that... Understood."
"...?"
Scarlett nodded with an odd look. What was she thinking? Assuming I'm a horn-dog?
Ding—
Something popped up before my eyes.
"Oh..."
"Why stare so openly?"
Scarlett got a status window too. Probably from deeper ties to me, Isaac, and Ellis—bigger world impact?
But her thoughts are kinda impure.
Anyone'd think I'm a bull charging at every woman.
"Too much."
"Pardon?"
Scarlett tilted her head innocently.
"Tch. Nothing."
That look had its charm. Calculated usually, but clutch when it counts—like helping with Da-eun. Handled tons of chores too. Never dreamed our scam-contract start would evolve like this.
Anyway, I was plenty grateful to her.
"Thanks always, Scarlett. Scout a good house for me."
I thanked her sincerely; she smiled as ever.
"Yes, Ho-yeon. Happy to work for you."
Belated, but... all the blondes around me are stunners.