Arian Liberin's Enemy 2
"Eun-chae, how was class?"
"Of course it was great! Being with Hyun-ah made it so much fun! What about you, Cheon?"
"I did fine, I guess."
Yee Eun-chae approached Seo Moon-jin without hesitation, chatting and laughing as she spoke. Beside her, Yoo Eun-chae looked slightly embarrassed, yet a hint of joy at drawing closer to Seo Moon-jin showed through.
She really wants to build a connection with Seo Moon-jin.
Arian Liberin could sense that Yoo Eun-chae had something she wanted from him. In truth, she already knew Yoo Eun-chae had approached her and Yee Eun-chae with some request in mind. Yet the girl seemed to feel guilty about it, tormenting herself and revealing a deeply introverted side. Through that, Arian had judged that Yoo Eun-chae's nature wasn't bad, which was why she allowed her to mingle and solidify her place among them as a friend.
Wanting something isn't a sin in itself. And whatever Yoo Eun-chae desires, it can't be for any malicious purpose.
Arian believed Yoo Eun-chae was different from Seo Moon-hyun. How could she lump together the self-absorbed Seo Moon-hyun with Yoo Eun-chae, who blamed herself yet desperately sought help? With that thought, Arian walked toward them with her usual gentle smile and graceful steps.
"Seo Moon-jin, Yee Eun-chae, Yoo Eun-chae."
Calling their names, Arian naturally slipped between the three of them.
Lunchtime had arrived at the National Hero Academy. The academy had always been famous for its excellent food, but several years ago, after the Yucheon Group donated an enormous sum, the cafeteria underwent a dramatic transformation.
"Ohhh!"
Yee Eun-chae's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the cafeteria. It was filled with every kind of dish imaginable, reminiscent of a hotel buffet. There were sushi and seafood dishes, plenty of meat courses, and even cuisines from various countries. There was even a halal food corner for Muslims like Abdul Hassan, and special orders could be placed separately.
"Short ribs, ribeye steak, roast beef, roast chicken, lobster!"
"Just like my brother said!"
"Wow!"
Yee Eun-chae wasn't the only one cheering at the sight. Students of every nationality were marveling, especially because all this luxurious food was completely free. Drinks and juices were unlimited refills. There were even multiple kinds of coffee and tea. Alcohol was the only exception, forbidden during lunch hours due to classes. Still, the sheer variety and quality were more than enough to satisfy everyone.
Min-hye's meal… hmm, it looks a bit plain, but she's eating well.
Seo Moon-jin focused his senses to check on Seo Moon-min-hye. He had instructed Lucifer to make sure she ate properly, so her meal was decent. Yet he could feel her disappointment at not eating with him. He would probably have to dine with her in the evening.
"We can really eat all of this?! The National Hero Academy's cafeteria is incredible!"
Yee Eun-chae was awestruck by the cafeteria's setup, but Seo Moon-jin didn't mention that he had personally funded these improvements through the Yucheon Group. Before his donations, the food had been decent and reasonably priced, just as in the original story, but it had been paid. Making it free had been his order alone. Instead of boasting, he simply smiled faintly while watching her.
"Yee Eun-chae, the cafeteria wasn't always free like this."
Arian Liberin stepped in to explain on his behalf.
"Before enrolling, I researched the academy. The cafeteria received plenty of praise, but it used to be paid."
"Was it really?"
"Yes. But a few years ago, the Yucheon Group made large-scale donations to improve welfare, including the cafeteria. The seniors at the time said they could eat delicious meals every day thanks to the Yucheon Group, and many of them swore they'd never forget that kindness. Hehe."
Arian smiled softly and looked at Seo Moon-jin. Since he showed no intention of speaking up, she had taken the initiative, true to her nature. For her, it felt right to highlight the generosity that brought happiness to so many students, even if the academy itself would receive the praise.
"Oh! So that's how it was! Then Cheon, did you spend your own money?"
"I did make the donation. Since I'd decided to attend the National Hero Academy, I had the Yucheon Group donate on a large scale."
It wasn't only Yee Eun-chae who heard this.
"Wow, so we're eating this food thanks to Seo Moon-jin?"
"Now that you mention it, my brother did say the food tastes better because of the Yucheon Group."
"The Yucheon Group really is generous!"
Most students didn't openly thank him. Yet the sudden warmth in their gazes told him they were genuinely grateful.
"Cheon, why did you make such a donation?"
"It wasn't just the cafeteria. I donated to many other facilities as well. I've also committed to continuing these donations for the next twenty years. This way, my seniors, classmates, and juniors can all be satisfied."
"Hmm, so this is all thanks to your money?"
"It is, but don't worry about it, Eun-chae. This is the National Hero Academy, a gathering place to become great heroes, right? Think of it as an investment to nurture future heroes."
"An investment?"
"Yeah. If it really bothers you, just become a great hero yourself."
Yee Eun-chae, who had seemed slightly troubled, broke into a bright smile.
"Oh! I see! Cheon, you're such a good friend! I'm so happy we became friends!"
With that, she threw her arms around him. Seo Moon-jin smiled and hugged her back. Her joy and the novelty of having a first friend had driven her into his embrace, but he couldn't ignore the healthy curves of her body or the scent that tickled his nose.
How cute.
She was straightforward and proactive, yet her convictions were clear. When he framed his donation as an investment in future heroes, she immediately resolved to become one herself, never doubting her path. She had also interpreted his intentions through the lens of a hero's mindset.
Since Yee Eun-chae walks the hero's path to make as many people happy as possible, she couldn't help but see it that way.
By donating generously to the academy for the sake of future heroes who would benefit the world, he had earned both her goodwill as a first friend and her admiration. On top of that, she had always been the forward type.
Yoo Eun-chae, once in love, would shift from shy to quietly proactive despite her embarrassment, whereas Yee Eun-chae was boldly assertive by nature. As for his relationship with Arian Liberin, it wasn't deep yet, but an opportunity to deepen it would soon arrive.
"Hey, Eun-chae, could you let go so I can eat?"
"Ah! Sorry. Your body felt so good that I got carried away."
Her words drew curious and envious glances from the surrounding students. Up close, Yee Eun-chae's beauty was flawless. Her unique way of speaking only added to her charm, and the way she clung to him without hesitation, saying things that could easily be misunderstood, naturally sparked suspicion.
Well, let them suspect all they want.
Yet Seo Moon-jin suspected that the first woman he would sleep with wouldn't be Yee Eun-chae. Not Seo Moon-min-hye, not Yoo Eun-chae, and certainly not Lee Se-na.
Arian Liberin.
Considering what lay ahead, Arian Liberin was the most likely candidate.
"What are you planning to eat, Seo Moon-jin?"
Once Yee Eun-chae stepped back, Arian approached with a smile and asked. She did feel some fondness toward him, but the bond was still shallow. Until something related to her occurred, he intended to maintain their current relationship without advancing further.
"I was thinking of ordering some galbitang."
"Galbitang? Hmm, that's unexpected. As the heir to the Yucheon Group, I thought you'd go for something expensive."
"You're ordering something simple?"
Yee Eun-chae and Arian both looked surprised, and even Yoo Eun-chae seemed taken aback. They had all formed the impression that he only ate high-end cuisine.
"I do eat expensive things often, but I don't mind simple food either. I enjoy street snacks like fish cakes and fried food too."
His tastes were surprisingly undemanding, aside from a few exceptions. Then he added casually,
"Besides, I nearly starved to death as a child, so I decided not to be picky about food."