Back at the Academy (1)
"…A double agent?"
"Yes. It just sort of happened that way."
On the way back to the dorm, Scarlett gave me the full rundown. Isaac, who took a liking to me, had ordered her to investigate.
"Luckily, they don't know about our relationship."
"Probably because it involves Ellis. Even Isaac doesn't know about the personal tasks Ellis assigns."
"Oh…."
That really is a relief.
"Oh, and if you ever meet the guild master again, absolutely don't act like you know me. He notices even the slightest eye contact. If I'd acknowledged you there, we'd have been busted."
"Sorry. I'll be careful."
He must have spotted me glancing at Scarlett while bowing to Ellis. This guy is no joke.
"But as a double agent, don't you have to keep feeding them my info?"
"Sure, but it's fine. I can just give them vague stuff."
Scarlett shrugged it off casually, raising both hands in a no-big-deal gesture.
"What if you get caught?"
"Then I'll fully switch sides to you, Ho-yeon. Looking forward to it."
I let out a dry chuckle as she bowed her head politely.
"…You're something else."
She's got it handled—she's competent enough to stay under the radar.
"Oh, and I'll pass on that centaur info too. It might not be immediate, but you'll get a reply from the guild master soon."
"Yeah, thanks."
Liliana's gonna love hearing this from me.
As we chatted idly, the dorm came into view.
Ding-
As soon as we entered the dorm, Liliana was lounging on the bed. Nam Da-eun and Nam Da-hee were munching on snacks at the table.
"…It really is cramped."
Scarlett eyed the packed room with a hint of dismay. Five people in here. The single room was spacious enough, and we'd added a bed in the living area, but it was still unimaginable. The body heat alone made it stifling.
"Right? That's why you need to find us a nice house."
"Huh? Scout's here?!"
"Scarlett unnie!"
Hearing us, Liliana bolted up from scrolling on her smartwatch. Da-hee dropped her snacks and rushed over too, like they were reuniting with family after ages.
"What've you been up to?"
"Sorry, I've been busy."
"Unnie, why'd you take so long? I wanna eat tasty food now…."
"…Pardon?"
They seem thrilled she's back. I felt a pang as I shrugged off my jacket—the room's owner had arrived, and I wasn't even worth a glance.
Then someone approached me.
"How was house hunting?"
"You're the only one for me, Da-eun."
"Heehee, they're just excited to see her after so long. Bet you're happy too."
Nam Da-eun smiled, taking my jacket.
"Something came up today… didn't get to look. Scarlett's checking later, so tell her what you want."
Liliana perked up and grabbed Scarlett's arm.
"Scout, I want a big room."
"Unnie, I need lots of toys."
Da-eun gets the best room when we move.
"Da-hee, say hi to oppa too."
"Oh? Oppa’s here?"
"…Yeah. I am."
"Scout, check this out. I made it while you were gone."
"Impressive, Liliana."
Nice to have everyone together again. The vibe's livelier.
"Scarlett, make sure to check out houses later. And Liliana? Come here a sec."
"Huh? Why?"
So thrilled she was clinging to Scarlett's arm without a care, I pulled Liliana into the room. Not a conversation for others' ears, so I shut the door. She immediately squirmed excitedly.
"It's not even night yet… Master, already? How much did you hold back outside…."
"Not that. Sit—we need to talk."
"Aww, what a tease."
Giggling, she plopped down. I spoke slowly.
"Remember that centaur from hell?"
"Yeah, duh. The horse guy."
Mentioning her fellow hellspawn sharpened her focus.
"Looks like we'll meet soon. Prep whatever you wanna say."
"Whoa… for real?"
"Yeah. Don't freeze up in front of him—get ready."
"…Got it. Thanks."
Meeting my eyes gratefully, she nodded and started scribbling at the desk.
Current Status: Does the horse-man know about our mom too? Probably not…?
She looked deep in thought. Good. Can't waste this chance I set up. I wanted to gloat a bit more, but she seemed serious, so I slipped out quietly.
★
Monday morning. I got ready to head out. Back to academy life.
Or not? Meeting the centaur might mean a trip to France. Wonder if I'll have time.
"I'm off."
"Take care, Liliana."
"Unnie, guard the house well!"
"Bai bai. I'll be playing with Scout~."
After bidding Liliana goodbye, I left with the Nam sisters. Once we have a house, no more fixed commute times. Gotta find one fast.
Or not that either? Walking to school with a pretty girl sounds nice. But nah—the risk is too high. I've dodged trouble by luck so far, but one slip now could end it.
"Unnie! Oppa! See ya later!"
"No fighting at school, study hard, and if anyone bullies you, tell oppa right away. Got it?"
Da-eun straightened Da-hee's clothes before she entered the affiliated middle school. Why tell me about bullies?
"Yeah! Got it! Bye!"
"Hey, why me?"
"You wouldn't help if Da-hee got bullied?"
"Of course I would."
No one messes with our Da-hee.
"Right? Heehee."
Grinning at my answer, Da-eun walked ahead.
A-Class was buzzing as usual. Da-eun split off before the building, heading in first. I followed shortly after.
"Lee Ho-yeon, hey."
"Hey."
Occasional greetings from strangers—I just nodded back. No entanglements with guys, and girls spell trouble. Covering the heroines is hard enough.
"Ho-yeon. Good morning."
"Morning, Lumi."
"…."
Lumi greeted me with her usual soft smile. But Lucy was avoiding my eyes.
"Lucy, you okay?"
"N-no, just…."
What's with her?
Current Status: For real, for real? No way, no way.
I frowned at Lucy's status. Then Lumi tugged my sleeve from beside me.
"Ho-yeon."
"Yeah?"
"Club after class? It's been a while."
"Oh, the club? Sure."
Not bad—we set it up early but never used it. Not much to do there, but if she wants, why not?
"Cool. Let's hang later."
"Promise. You heard, Lucy?"
"…Yeah."
Lucy still avoided my gaze, cheeks faintly red.
★
Fireball…!
Morning class was Prof. Im Sol's practical. Mages cast spells while she critiqued. Rare chance for advice from someone of her caliber—cadets loved it.
In the shooting range lineup, I hung back. Everyone rushed forward for feedback; the rear was empty—perfect for solo practice.
"Why're you here?"
Lucy stood blankly beside me, pouting up at me.
"…Wanted to be with you. Can't I?"
"Sorry, just kidding."
Lucy was a mage too, so same class. I grinned.
"You were usually up front with them."
The queue ahead for feedback—Lucy's usual spot.
"No big difference anyway… just wanted to chat with you."
"So, magic or me—you picked me?"
"Don't say weird stuff!"
Whack whack! She punched my arm, face red. Felt good, somehow.
"Okay okay, sorry."
"Hmph. Say that again and I'm gone."
Coming over herself, now embarrassed—adorable. I checked Im Sol's progress; our turn was far off.
"Professor's ways away. I'll critique. Cast something."
"You?"
"I'm Lee Ho-yeon, genius mage. Don't you know?"
"Hmm, true. Watch this!"
Whoosh—her magic circle formed dozens of sharp fire arrows, her specialty, hovering midair.
Swoosh—thud! I observed closely as they hit the target, then nodded. Spotted the issue.
"How is it?"
"Great, but the spell's tail-end is sloppy. When drawing the circle…."
My level let me pinpoint flaws at a glance—better than most profs, probably. They can't diagnose instantly either.
Mindful of my notes, Lucy recast. Her arrows were hotter, deadlier now.
"Whoa, you're a real genius."
"Obviously."
Pretty girl hyping me—mood boost.
"Feels like you teach better than Prof. Im Sol…."
"Hey, don't say that…!"
I startled—Im Sol had been behind Lucy, listening.
"Then no need for my class, huh, Cadet Lucy?"
"Huh? P-Professor…."
Lost in her spell, Lucy hadn't noticed. Im Sol beamed at me like My disciple's flawless, then hardened at Lucy's words.
"N-no, not dissing you! Just praising Ho-yeon…."
Her voice trailed off—Im Sol's face stayed stern.
"Sigh. Go practice alone over there."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Im Sol sighed first, shaking her head. Lucy bolted—insanely fast.
Im Sol watched her flee, then smiled faintly at me.
"Stealing my cadets now?"
"Talent overflow. Wasn't planned—sorry."
"Hah, rivaling your prof already?"
She approached, flicking my forehead lightly—lips curved in a pleased smile.