Arian Liberin's Guardian
"Seo Moon-jin, thank you." A knight from the Liberin Kingdom bowed his head in gratitude. In truth, as a mere knight, he had been powerless to stop Seo Moon-hyun's interference. Arian Liberin was still a student at the National Hero Academy, and if a knight of the kingdom intervened in a student matter, it could easily escalate into a major diplomatic incident. It might even paint the image of the princess using her royal status to oppress fellow students.
'We still don't know whether Arian will leave the National Hero Academy or not.'
For a simple knight like him, getting involved would have been risky for his career, so his thanks were only natural.
"I only did what was right," I replied modestly, turning my gaze toward Arian Liberin. King Royus wanted her to quit and return to the Liberin Kingdom, but even in the original story, Arian had fiercely opposed the idea and remained at the academy. Back then, the Liberin Kingdom had dispatched additional knights to Hero Island, and Seo Moon-hyun had sworn an oath in the name of the Seo family. This time, however, I would have to handle it myself.
'The name of Yucheon Group and Levia carries more weight than the Seo family.'
Three years ago, Levia Tan had already been renowned enough to receive an invitation to the royal palace under the name Levia. With her residing on Hero Island and powerful individuals backed by Yucheon Group staying there, safety was practically guaranteed. Once the Liberin Kingdom began monitoring the area, it became nearly impossible for villains to launch another raid on the National Hero Academy.
'There will still be risks when operating outside.'
Even so, Arian Liberin would never deliberately seek danger, yet she would not shy away from it either. She sought to earn the title of hero, not to become someone who needed protection.
"Seo Moon-jin, I'm glad you rescued Arian, but were you hurt at all?" Yee Eun-chae approached and began checking me over with concern. Seeing her worry so meticulously over every inch of me, I chuckled and gently patted her head.
"Eek?! Seo Moon-jin! My hair's a mess!"
"It's fine. I didn't get hurt anywhere."
"Ugh~ That's a relief, but messing up my hair was too much."
I laughed at her sulking. Arian Liberin's turn had ended, and Seo Moon-min-hye's would come next. Once that was over, it would finally be Yee Eun-chae's turn.
'Yee Eun-chae's story will come soon enough.'
When that time arrived, she too would become my woman. For now, however, Arian Liberin needed my full attention.
"I'm glad neither of you got hurt…" Yoo Eun-chae also came over, expressing relief at seeing both Arian and me unharmed.
"Yeah."
Yoo Eun-chae and Lee Se-na's turns were still ahead, but seeing her so close made me look forward to that day already. Still, I pushed those thoughts aside. I needed to focus on Arian Liberin right now. Just as I had saved her in far better condition than in the original story, I would save the others as well.
'Time to head back inside the academy.'
Beyond Yoo Eun-chae, the main gate of the National Hero Academy came into view.
The Liberin Kingdom was in an uproar, as expected. It was no ordinary incident—the crown princess herself, Arian Liberin, had been kidnapped by villains. The news spread worldwide in real time, and the internet was in chaos.
Amid the confusion, fresh breaking news erupted.
As the flood of new reports continued, the news that Yucheon Group's heir, Seo Moon-jin, had rescued Princess Arian Liberin spread rapidly.
Inside the office provided by the National Hero Academy, I discussed support from Yucheon Group with King Royus.
"That concludes my proposal. This should give Arian a reason to stay without worry, wouldn't you agree?"
[…Does President Levia agree to this?]
King Royus spoke through the video call, his voice filled with disbelief. Levia Tan, publicly known as President Levia of Yucheon Artifact, had built considerable renown over the past three years, even in terms of combat prowess. No matter how loyal she claimed to be, it was hard to believe she would agree to serve as a mere bodyguard on Hero Island.
'He probably thinks Yucheon Group offered her the president position and special treatment to keep her around.'
Even in a lord-and-vassal relationship, the lord must provide appropriate compensation. However, Levia Tan and my other summoned demons obeyed my every command without question. If I ordered them to die, they would comply faithfully.
"Yes, she has agreed. Ah, perfect timing—she's arrived."
Levia, with her deep-blue hair and voluptuous figure, appeared in the room.
"I have come as summoned."
Her respectful bow drew gasps of admiration from the academy instructors.
"Goodness, that's President Levia…"
"She looks genuinely loyal."
Even by her publicly demonstrated abilities alone, Levia Tan ranked among the very top of the world's mana awakeners. Seeing her display such sincere loyalty stirred admiration even among the academy staff.
"Levia, stay on Hero Island for the time being and keep watch for anyone who might target Arian. Understood?"
"Yes. I will ensure no one lays a hand on the princess. I will live up to your expectations."
Levia Tan responded with clear enthusiasm. She knew Arian Liberin would soon become my woman, so my order was interpreted as "Protect your lord's wife." For her, who craved my favor and was jealous of the other summons, this was an opportunity to earn my trust.
"Good. I'll leave it to you."
"Yes! I will not betray that trust!"
"As you can see."
[…I suppose I have no choice but to believe it. Well, if President Levia herself is personally guarding Arian, I can accept it.]
"Yes. President Levia will do an excellent job."
[Then I will trust you. I won't force Arian to return to the kingdom.]
After a few more exchanges and farewells, the video call with King Royus ended. It was now confirmed that Arian Liberin would not drop out and would remain at the National Hero Academy. Relief was evident on her face.
"Thank you, Seo Moon-jin."
"Don't mention it. I'm glad you don't have to quit, Arian."
Arian Liberin smiled sincerely, clearly overjoyed. She truly had not wanted to leave the National Hero Academy.
'All classes are over for today.'
Classes had ended early. Because of the large-scale villain attack, most students had been ordered back to their dorms to wait, even though the majority of the villains had already been dealt with by my hand. Only a select few students whose abilities were recognized were allowed to join search parties under the instructors' supervision. Seo Moon-hyun, Yee Eun-chae, and Yoo Eun-chae had been able to come out early thanks to that. The fact that normal classes would resume tomorrow was very much in line with the National Hero Academy's philosophy of raising hero candidates who risked their lives against villains and monsters.
'In my case, I moved before the academy could even figure out what was happening.'
Although I hadn't received official permission, I had acted before the academy could react, so there was no punishment. On the contrary, they had offered me a reward for eliminating the villains and saving Lee Se-na and the other female students from near-rape, but I declined.
"Seo Moon-jin, thanks to you, we really survived."
Chairman Hwang Jae-seok bowed his shiny bald head in gratitude. His demeanor was far softer than the strong, energetic image he projected during speeches. After all, I was his benefactor. Thanks to me, the incident at the National Hero Academy had been resolved without major complications.
"But are you really sure you don't want any reward?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Saving Arian was something I chose to do, and I think it's better to avoid reminding the female students of the unpleasant memories they almost experienced."
"Hmm, then how about we give you an unofficial reward instead?"
"I wouldn't refuse that."
They were the ones pushing to reward me, while I maintained a reluctant attitude.
"Still, I'd like to rest for today. May I return to the dorm now?"
It was time to head back. That way, Arian Liberin would follow me to the dorm.
'I hope I succeed today.'
Monday morning, with classes canceled. Before lunch, I wanted to make Arian Liberin completely mine.