Chapter 43
Chapter 43
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 043
Chapter Title: Kang Ha-neul (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thinking about it, there were more than a few odd things about the mission Min Chae-ryeong had assigned me.
Logically speaking, there was no reason for the head of the Academy Security Force to get involved in preventing a single student from dropping out. I'd found that strange myself and asked her about it, but she only mentioned making up for a mistake and refused to give me any real explanation.
At first, I'd just shrugged it off. Whatever the reason, it was an order, so I just had to follow it. That was my passive mindset.
But then Kang Ha-neul's personality had drastically changed from the original story, there was that suspicious extra quest, and now this mysterious scholarship officer.
As these pieces kept coming to light, I instinctively realized this wasn't something I could approach passively.
No, it wasn't just this incident—going forward, that kind of passive attitude would be poison in my life. The Blissful Heavenly Demon was manipulating things around me with malicious intent. If I just reacted passively, I'd eventually get cornered.
'Don't get swept along. Take control and set the board yourself.'
Think about all those possession story protagonists I'd seen. Isn't that how possessors are supposed to act?
Yeah. That's exactly how I'd planned to behave at first. But after joining the Special Countermeasures Division and becoming Min Chae-ryeong's subordinate, I'd gotten complacent without realizing it. I'd settled into the stability I'd somehow achieved.
That wouldn't do. It was true that I'd received plenty of help from Min Chae-ryeong and that my life had stabilized because of her. But even though she was my superior, she wasn't my unconditional ally. I couldn't read her true intentions, and more importantly, she was a character from the novel—someone the Blissful Heavenly Demon could manipulate maliciously at any time.
Once my thoughts reached that point, a belated sense of alarm flooded my mind. If the Blissful Heavenly Demon was using Min Chae-ryeong to screw me over, I'd be helplessly dancing to his tune.
'I need to redefine my relationship with Min Chae-ryeong. At the very least, it can't be this one-sided where I'm just along for the ride. I might not be her equal, but I need at least one card to protect myself.'
In that context, this mission would be the first step in reestablishing our relationship.
As I'd mentioned before, Min Chae-ryeong, as head of the security force, had no reason to care about whether Kang Ha-neul dropped out. Yet she'd assigned me this task, which meant preventing his dropout must somehow benefit her according to some logic.
The fact that she hadn't told me about it suggested it probably wasn't anything above board. The suspicious scholarship officer pointed to that too—there had to be some massive backstory I didn't know about lurking behind all this.
Plus, hadn't the extra quest explicitly said Kang Ha-neul would be a big help to me?
'No matter what, this is worth investigating.'
With that in mind, I'd headed to the Mystery Novel Research Club—one of the clubs formed by Green House's current students.
With around 3,500 students, Green House had about a hundred clubs. The Mystery Novel Research Club was one of them.
Mystery Novel Research Club. On the surface, it was about analyzing narratives and tricks from mystery stories to apply them to real crime investigations or whatever, but in reality, it was just a hangout for mystery otakus.
However, the club's true nature was something else entirely. More precisely, the identity of its president.
And so, just as I arrived at the clubroom door and was about to step inside...
-Bang.
"Huh?"
"Oh?"
The door suddenly flew open, and a woman burst out from inside.
She was wearing glasses I'd never seen her in before, but I couldn't miss that red hair and those eyes. It was a face I knew well, and I'd just seen her a little earlier today, after all.
"Han Gyeo-ul?"
"You're that guy from earlier..."
"Yes. Ahn Su-ho from the Academy Security Force."
Han Gyeo-ul nodded slightly upon hearing my name.
"What brings you here? Isn't it class time right now?"
"The professor canceled due to personal reasons. My schedule freed up, and since it's club recruitment season, I've been checking out the ones that interest me."
"You must like mystery novels, then."
As I said that, I glanced warmly at the hardcover she was holding. The title was in some unfamiliar foreign language I couldn't read, but since she'd come out of the clubroom with it, it was probably a mystery novel.
At my question, Han Gyeo-ul pointed to the title on the book, her face flushing slightly.
"...No? I don't really like them."
"Then why come to the Mystery Novel Research Club?"
"I don't have time to waste on useless mystery novels. I only came because the idea of researching mystery techniques from stories to apply to real investigations sounded interesting."
"I see."
Even as I replied, I couldn't suppress a pleased smile. She might fool others, but not me. It was a fact from the original story that Han Gyeo-ul was a hardcore mystery novel maniac.
It wasn't a hobby to be ashamed of, but for her, it was different. As the heir to the Hanseong Group, she prided herself on not wasting a single minute or second, so devouring novels was pure waste in her eyes.
That's why, even though she loved mystery novels, she was embarrassed by the hobby and tried to hide it.
Of course, according to the plot, her secret would eventually be discovered by the protagonist, who would graciously accept it—just one of those early-game events to build affection with the heroine.
But that was at least three months away.
Having her interest in the Mystery Novel Research Club exposed to me at this point was completely off-script.
Well, more precisely, she was trying to join. She hadn't signed up yet, from the looks of it.
'She wouldn't decide not to join just because I found out, would she?'
That would be a problem. The Mystery Novel Research Club was undeniably tied to the main storyline.
"...Why are you looking at me like that? Do I seem like I'm lying?"
Han Gyeo-ul chewed her lip, her face full of embarrassment. It was exactly the reaction she'd had in the original when the protagonist discovered she was in the club—a reaction like her forbidden secret had been exposed.
The differences were that she wasn't officially a member yet, and to her, I wasn't some guy she had a crush on; I was just an annoying security guard she'd met today.
"Don't misunderstand? I really just came out of mild curiosity. But now that I'm here, it seems lame. Instead of wasting time on a club like this, it'd be better to join something actually useful—"
"There's nothing weird about it, is there?"
"Pardon?"
I knew imitating the protagonist wouldn't work all that well in this situation, but to salvage things, I decided to steal his thunder anyway.
"You said clubs are a waste of time, but isn't that exactly what clubs are for? Aside from a few exceptions, most are just hobby-based."
College clubs were nine times out of ten just drinking parties disguised as socializing. Green House was no different.
"Of course, setting constructive goals even in club activities is great... but haven't you already worked hard enough, Han Gyeo-ul? A little time to breathe shouldn't hurt."
"You..."
Han Gyeo-ul looked up at me with an ambiguous gaze.
'...Did it work?'
The moment I thought that, her brow furrowed deeply.
"Who are you to lecture me like that? Some random security guard?"
"...Pardon?"
Her icy response left me stupidly blurting out a retort without thinking.
"I'm the granddaughter of the Hanseong Group chairman. Top of my class when I entered Green House, and I'll graduate top in four years. Soon, I'll be the heir to the Hanseong Group. Don't judge my life through the eyes of some ordinary nobody."
"...Ordinary nobody? Me?"
"What else would you call someone your age playing school security guard?"
An ordinary nobody meant just that—a plain, average person. Sure, I was one, but hearing it to my face rubbed me the wrong way.
"W-Well, I'm not in General Division, I'm in Special Countermeasures—"
"I know. Special Countermeasures has somewhat decent people, unlike General. But even so, it's barely on par with a top-ten hunter guild in the industry. To a Green House student, that's just average."
So, ordinary, plain, average. That's what she meant.
Han Gyeo-ul snorted derisively as she added that.
"And you think you can tell me what to do? Worry about your own path instead of giving advice! What a joke."
She whipped her head around and stormed off in the opposite direction. I stared blankly at her retreating figure.
"Ha. What the hell..."
I hadn't expected the same reaction as the protagonist would get. Ryu Tae-hyun and I were worlds apart. Still, did she have to be that harsh?
After trying to smooth things over and just getting chewed out, I let out a deep sigh and gave up.
Screw it. I'll deal with it later.
With that, I opened the clubroom door and stepped inside.
The sub-room was a modest space about 8 pyeong in size. Bookshelves lined both walls, stuffed full of books. In the center sat a plush sofa and table, while one wall held a whiteboard covered in scribbles, a dubious old CRT TV that might still work, and various other odds and ends.
"Han Gyo-ul? Did you leave something behi—"
In the middle of it all was the president of the Mystery Novel Research Club, Iliana Faust.
Iliana Faust was a British exchange student with strong "ginger" Irish features. Her red hair was a duller, brownish shade than Han Gyeo-ul's, paired with deep green eyes. Her skin was strikingly pale, almost sickly, but the freckles across it gave her a lively, healthy vibe.
At 175 cm, she was tall even for a Western woman, with long, slender limbs that made her look like a model. But her fashion sense was atrocious compared to her model-like looks. Her plain white boxy t-shirt sported massive Gothic lettering: "Death to Herlock Sholmes!" Clearly, she wasn't a fan of the Lupin series. Very British indeed.
"Uh, who are you?"
Iliana asked in Korean with a peculiar accent. She seemed a bit naive and innocent, but knowing her true nature, I recognized even her smallest gestures as acting.
On the surface, she was just an exchange student at a Korean academy and a hardcore mystery novel fan. But her real identity was a skilled hacker and self-proclaimed detective—a hidden powerhouse known only to those in the know.
Her clients were mostly from her home country, Britain, so Min Chae-ryeong probably didn't know who she really was.
Even if there was some connection between Iliana and Min Chae-ryeong, Iliana never interfered in client matters. Whatever I commissioned her for here wouldn't reach Min Chae-ryeong's ears.
"I asked who you are. Please answer."
"Iliana Faust. I've come to borrow your power."
"Pardon?"
Iliana's eyes widened as she pondered, then she pulled out a club application form from her desk.
"Club membership application? Good choice! If you like mystery novels, our doors are always open!"
"No. This isn't about joining the club. My business is with you personally, Iliana Faust. More precisely, with the genius hacker and capable detective."
"Eh? Genius hacker? Detective? What are you talking about?"
Iliana shrugged as if she had no idea. Then she gave an awkward smile, sat down with the form in hand.
"I have no idea what you're saying. This is the Mystery Novel Research Club, not a detective agency. Real detectives? No. Just a group for mystery fans. Got it?"
"I get it. I like mystery novels too."
"Oh! Really! Then let's chat! Favorite work! Mine is Britain's pride, the Sherlock Holmes series!"
"I like Sherlock too. Especially the movie and drama adaptations. My top one is the Richard-directed Sherlock Holmes."
At those words, Iliana's body twitched.
Naming the Richard-directed Sherlock movie as your favorite mystery—that was one of the codes shared between her and her clients. But it didn't end there; just mentioning the movie could be coincidence.
She gave me a meaningful look and asked.
"Oh, unexpected! It's a fun popcorn flick, but mystery fans are super divided on it. What did you like about it?"
"The director's a hardcore Sherlockian, so the fresh take on the original was fun. Casting a real ex-drug addict for the drug-addicted Holmes felt like black comedy. I remember the interview quote... yeah, something like—"
As Iliana focused intently, I recited the code phrase from the original story verbatim.
"'The 7% cocaine Holmes enjoys is too weak for me.' Something like that."
"Oh."
Iliana let out a small gasp and pressed a button under her desk. Click—the clubroom door locked, and the blinds over the windows automatically whirred down.
Neither setup belonged in a mere clubroom. Showing them so readily meant my code had checked out.
"...That movie divides even hardcore Sherlockians! Holmes using Tai Chi to take down the culprit? Ridiculous! No true Sherlockian claims it's their favorite!"
But, Iliana added with a grin.
"I love it! That wild setting is hilarious. Have you seen it?"
"Not yet."
"Watch it sometime. Heavy on entertainment, equal parts fun—good for beginners!"
"If I get the chance."
"Everyone says that and never does! But that's not the point right now."
Iliana shrugged and flashed a bright smile, showing her white teeth—like a cheeky country girl.
"Welcome, client! Freelance detective, hacker, and current college student Iliana Faust at your service! Nice to meet you! So, what brings you here?"
But her true identity was exactly as she said: freelance detective and expert hacker.
Iliana Faust—one of the protagonist's vital informants who stayed active even in the original story's chaotic late-game drifts—puffed out her chest and declared confidently.
"I have a case I'd like you to investigate."
"What kind?"
For a moment, I considered commissioning a full background check on Min Chae-ryeong, but I shook my head.
'...Too soon.'
Iliana was a great detective, but her skills peaked years later. She was good now, but still had rough edges. Digging into Min Chae-ryeong rashly was dangerous.
'No need to rush. I'll keep working with Iliana going forward anyway.'
I explained only this incident to her. A freshman named Kang Ha-neul suddenly vanished, then reappeared declaring he'd drop out. Min Chae-ryeong, head of Special Countermeasures, wanted to stop it. And a mysterious scholarship officer had approached him.
I asked for a full investigation of the situation and whatever was behind it. Iliana listened quietly, then asked.
"Intriguing case! But how do you know all this, client?"
"It's my job."
I wordlessly showed her my Special Countermeasures ID. She let out a soft "Oh."
"A subordinate spying on the boss! So thrilling—like a mystery novel opener! Next up, shadowy organizations lurking in the dark?!"
"That's why I'm here—to find out."
"Perfect! I love the case! But I'm not a volunteer. Give and take. Commissions require fair pay. Understood?"
"I know. I know your rates too."
"Then we're good. My fee: money fitting the job, or juicy info that piques my interest! Which is it?"
"This."
I dangled the Special Countermeasures ID in front of her. Iliana narrowed her eyes and smiled meaningfully.
"As you know, Green House's Special Countermeasures Division is unlike other academy security forces. It has investigative ties with local police and suspect extradition agreements—basically a quasi-police organization."
"So?"
"It holds tons of info ordinary folks can't access. If there's data you need, I'll use your agent privileges to get it."
"Intriguing offer!"
Iliana pumped her fist excitedly, more enthusiastic than I'd expected.
"Tried hacking Special Countermeasures database in my second year! Most was easy, but one section had insane firewalls—total fail! Security guy's too competent! Couldn't even peek, just scrambled to erase traces!"
That explained it. The heavily secured section in Special Countermeasures was probably Min Chae-ryeong's files. She'd have info warfare subordinates like hackers under her.
'But conversely, she tried hacking Min Chae-ryeong and didn't get caught—that's real skill.'
As mentioned, Iliana was still growing. With proper nurturing, she could become a hacker threatening even Min Chae-ryeong's defenses someday.
I wondered why I'd only come to her now, then realized.
'No need before. Min Chae-ryeong handled all my intel needs.'
But now that I couldn't blindly trust her, I needed my own independent source.
"So, how's the commission? You in?"
"Yes! Great case, great pay—no reason to refuse!"
If the first button was Iliana Faust—who shone in the original—perfect.
"For this and the future, I look forward to working with you."
I offered a handshake to the beaming Iliana.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Meanwhile, at that very time. In a quiet cafe on Green House grounds.
Han Gyeo-ul sat tucked away in a corner, staring down at a large hardcover in front of a warm Americano.
The book was the one Iliana had just given her from the club president. A famous German mystery novel. Knowing Han Gyeo-ul's fluency in German and other languages, Iliana had eagerly recommended this masterpiece.
There wasn't a single mystery novel in her house. Her parents and older siblings wouldn't allow such waste.
So she squeezed time from nowhere to visit the library for reading. Her interest in the Mystery Novel Research Club stemmed from the same need—a clubroom free of family eyes where she could immerse herself.
Iliana had given her the hardcover with that in mind. A German hardback wouldn't scream "mystery novel" even if family saw it.
Normally, she'd sneak to the club for translations, read originals in French or German at home. As long as no one spotted her club visits, her secret hobby was safe from family.
'Fat lot of good that does now. It's already out.'
Han Gyeo-ul recalled Ahn Su-ho from earlier. If it were a total stranger, no issue—but he knew who she was.
Logically, the odds of him telling her family were negligible. She could ignore it.
But for Han Gyeo-ul, who pursued perfection obsessively, it was unacceptable. Her mind already spun dozens of scenarios where Ahn Su-ho leaked it to her family.
'Maybe I should skip joining the club.'
The thought crossed her mind. Caught by someone she knew—family discovery was just a matter of time.
Yeah. Joining was risky enough by her standards. Better not to tempt fate than join and get scolded later.
'Right. Not joining is best. That's the smart choice.'
She wanted a space to read mysteries carefree. Friends to gush about her favorites. That's why she'd considered the club—but heir to Hanseong Group outweighed her shameful hobby.
'There's nothing weird about it, is there?'
Ahn Su-ho's words flashed through her mind.
'You said clubs are a waste of time, but isn't that exactly what clubs are for? Aside from a few exceptions, most are just hobby-based.'
'Of course, setting constructive goals even in club activities is great... but haven't you already worked hard enough? A little time to breathe shouldn't hurt.'
She'd been furious hearing it. He didn't know her situation. Fine for normals, but not for Hanseong Group's second daughter.
But conversely, his words rang true on a basic level.
Even the hardest workers took breaks. It was natural. Humans weren't 24/7 machines.
Han Gyeo-ul strived to be that machine—perfect, meeting expectations, claiming heirship.
Yet even she deserved a brief rest, a tiny hobby?
Maybe that's what Ahn Su-ho meant.
Her chest warmed at the sudden thought, but she shook her head weakly.
'Why would some guy I just met think that deeply about me?'
Just idle advice. With that, she gazed back at the hardcover.
But her eyes held deeper conflict than before.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Likewise, at that time.
Special Countermeasures Division Team 2 office.
After parting with Ahn Su-ho and returning to the office, Chae So-yeon headed straight for the team leader's room.
But.
"Huh? Why won't it open?"
The firmly locked door. She could force it with her strength, but even Chae So-yeon knew better than to break into a locked superior's office.
"Yuri senior? Where's the team leader?"
"Hm?"
Jo Yu-ri, who was working at her desk, looked up. Understanding immediately, she nodded with an "Aha."
"Yeah, she left a bit ago. Said it was an external dispatch."
"Dispatch? To another country again?"
Chae So-yeon recalled Min Chae-ryeong's February trip abroad.
One might think what dispatches did an academy security force need, but not quite.
Green House Security Force stood out from others as the investigative arm of the nation's sole national hunter academy.
A prime example: their quasi-police investigative authority. Limited to academy incidents, but equal to police within Green House—at least inside.
And "academy" didn't just mean Green House.
"No. To another academy. In Incheon, she said..."
Green House, as the national academy, had partnerships with others—including dispatching security, especially Special Countermeasures agents.
Min Chae-ryeong's trip was part of that. Oddly, though, she'd volunteered for it herself, rather than being requested.
"Another academy?"
Chae So-yeon tilted her head at Jo Yu-ri's words. Min Chae-ryeong had given her a personal mission—not official Special Countermeasures work. To Chae So-yeon, that meant it was hugely important.
Yet she'd ditched it for a dispatch to another academy—without a word to her.
Not like Min Chae-ryeong. During the Ji Ye-won incident, she'd already been away, unavoidable. Aside from that once, she'd never left after assigning Chae So-yeon a mission.
Yet she'd left. What was her intent?
Unfortunately, Chae So-yeon lacked the deductive insight. More straightforward than anyone, she opted for the easy path over headache-inducing puzzles.
"Why would the team leader do that? Know what the dispatch was for?"
Jo Yu-ri shrugged at the question. She didn't know either.
"Dunno. Something about a scholarship foundation..."
At "scholarship foundation," light sparked in Chae So-yeon's eyes.
If Ahn Su-ho were here, he'd instantly connect it to Kang Ha-neul's dropout and the scholarship officer approaching him.
Unfortunately—truly unfortunately—Chae So-yeon lacked that associative thinking.
"Scholarship foundation?"
She mumbled the word that stuck hazily in her memory.
"Sudden scholarship foundation? Donating or something?"
That was the limit of Chae So-yeon's capabilities.
Truly regrettable.