Chapter 19. Something More Intense
A month and a week later, Eizel finally arrived in the imperial capital, Hacum. It had been nearly two years since the fairy had left this place on the day of Ji-hyuk's second exam.
The capital hadn't changed much since then. The main avenue was still bustling, the buildings packed tightly together, and carriages shuttling back and forth without pause. Cheonma, however, wore a nostalgic expression—it was his first visit in nearly a decade. Rarosa, seeing the capital for the first time, busily craned her neck this way and that, taking it all in.
"Still the same old place."
"Capitals are like that. I spent decades here, and it barely changes."
"Didn't the emperor change twice?"
"...Yeah, that did change."
The fairy let out a light chuckle. The city stays the same, but people change—something like that.
Anyway, the two chatted idly as they strolled down the avenue. Their first stop was the Hero Academy. The dean gave a knowing smile upon seeing the fairy who had come for yet another recommendation letter.
"Didn't you say last time was really the last one?"
"This time it's not my disciple."
"Then who?"
"Cheonma."
Ah—. The dean was stunned. He knew Cheonma personally and was well aware of just how formidable the man was. The disciple of such a person? Expectations were inevitable.
Drafting the recommendation letter was no trouble. Thanks to a special imperial clause recognizing Eizel's contributions, her recommendations were treated separately from the academy's.
"By the way, your disciple's grown a lot. You know that?"
"Well, he's growing just fine on his own. Whose disciple is he, after all."
"Rumor has it he might promote to B-rank within the year. ...Your eye for talent is truly exceptional. How do you even spot gems like that...."
Eizel fought back a rising smile at the corners of her mouth. It felt just like hearing praise for her own child—she was thrilled.
"Yeah, he's come a long way. Right?"
"Whatever. I've got work piling up, so head to your disciple's estate already."
Brat, always so grumpy. Eizel pulled a leather pouch from her bag and handed it over. The dean's sullen face brightened instantly.
"Here."
"What's this?"
"Something good for the body. Steep it and drink."
"You're the only real friend I've got."
"You were just pouting a second ago."
"When did I pout?"
Humans get childish with age, huh. Anyway, Eizel finished her business at the academy and stepped out. Cheonma and his disciple, waiting below, left with her.
"Recommendation letter's sorted. About a month left, so come back here then."
"Thanks."
"...Good, just remember that."
The fairy haughtily tossed her head and strode forward. ...Truth be told, this wasn't what mattered to her.
Eizel had worried they might cross paths and that her disciple had already left on a mission, but the dean mentioned he'd returned just recently. Lucky break. She felt like the heavens themselves were lending a hand. Fate... the thought kept nagging at her.
The fairy grabbed passersby, asking where Hero Kang Ji-hyuk's estate was. Practically everyone knew the famous figure, so she found her way easily.
"Your disciple's quite the celebrity."
"Of course. Super famous. ...Soon, there won't be anyone on the continent who doesn't know him."
"You like him that much?"
"...He's just smart. Kind, too. Respectful.... And his skills are top-notch."
Oddly, the boasts just spilled out.
"Knows how to honor his master. You'll be shocked when you meet him."
Cheonma had never seen Eizel this excited. ...He was getting seriously curious about this disciple of hers. His friend lit up like this whenever he came up—unusually so.
They soon neared the hero's estate. Fairy Eizel suddenly felt her body trembling uncontrollably. Her heart pounded wildly. What the hell is wrong with me... She was tense.
She desperately wanted to see her disciple, yet her body resisted moving forward. Still, she feigned nonchalance on the outside. No way she'd look pathetic in front of her friend. ...No, she wanted to show her disciple the dignified side of his master.
Forcing herself, she marched up to the estate's main gate. As expected, the guards stopped her.
"State your business."
"I'm Eizel, the hero's master."
"...Pardon?"
"Tell them inside. Your master's here."
Ah—. The guard hurriedly sent a messenger in. He managed a strained smile, asking her to wait just a moment. Eizel waited patiently, understanding the situation.
Soon, estate manager Durka came rushing to the entrance with the messenger.
"This way, please."
Eizel nodded to Cheonma—let's go. The three passed through the gate and entered.
Her heartbeat grew fiercer. Eizel wondered if she'd ever been this nervous lately. Pathetic, getting like this just to see her disciple. Shame burned inside her. It's just visiting my disciple. What's the big deal...
Suddenly, the entrance door burst open, and disciple Kang Ji-hyuk came dashing out. He beamed, running straight to his master Eizel.
"Master—!"
He enveloped her in a tight hug. For a split second, she flailed, unsure where to put her arms, then slowly wrapped them around his back, patting gently.
This was the disciple she'd longed for so desperately. Buried in his chest, she deeply inhaled his scent. Her legs nearly buckled. His embrace was so warm and comforting.
They soon parted. He scanned his master's face eagerly, joy radiating from him.
"What brings you all the way here...."
"Just... passing by, thought I'd drop in."
She couldn't bring herself to say she'd come because she missed him—not if her life depended on it. She'd sooner bite her tongue off.
His gaze slowly shifted sideways. Damn—. Eizel quickly introduced Cheonma.
"Oh, remember I mentioned him once? Cheonma...."
But Cheonma and Ji-hyuk just stared at each other, saying nothing. Eizel looked back and forth between them, puzzled. What's with these two?
After a long stare-down, Cheonma rumbled heavily.
"This guy's... the real deal."
Ji-hyuk grinned and gave a slight bow.
"Pleased to meet you, Senior Cheonma. Hero Kang Ji-hyuk."
"Likewise."
They shook hands briefly.
"How old are you this year?"
"Twenty-seven."
"Twenty-seven?"
Cheonma compared him to himself at that age. It was embarrassing even to try. The kid was a monster. Where the hell did a guy like this drop from? His curiosity wouldn't quit.
"From another world?"
"Yes."
"Where? The martial realm?"
"Earth."
Earthling—! No wonder he was hard to believe. Every Earthling he'd met so far had been weaklings without exception. And this freak was from Earth? ...There went his preconceptions about Earthlings.
The fairy cut into the conversation.
"We gonna keep talking out here?"
"Ah, come in. ...And this is...?"
"My disciple, Rarosa."
"Rarosa, my lord."
"Pleased to meet you, Rarosa."
They headed to the first-floor reception room, where preparations for guests were already in place. The four sat around the table.
The fairy gazed at Ji-hyuk with the pride of a mother watching her grown child. The talk was light—greetings, well-wishes, basic backgrounds. Nothing weighty, just casual chatter.
Rarosa, usually quiet anyway, stayed especially silent, scrutinizing Ji-hyuk closely. ...In all her years under Master Cheonma, she'd never heard him speak with such genuine approval.
This guy's... the real deal.
A simple phrase, but she knew instantly it was high praise from her master. Yet no matter how she looked at Ji-hyuk, he just seemed like an ordinary hero. ...Meaning I'm still sorely lacking.
The light conversation wrapped up, and they were shown to rooms for the night. Once Cheonma and his disciple left, Ji-hyuk and Eizel had a moment alone.
The fairy suddenly felt the air heat up. Looking at her disciple's face felt oddly embarrassing. The memory of their kiss flashed in her mind, and without thinking, she licked her lips.
"Master, I hope you've been well."
"Huh? Oh, yeah, doing fine.... You?"
"I've been well too."
Another heavy silence fell, warm and thick. They climbed the stairs. The view from the hallway windows soared high, the capital sprawling out in a single glance.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Oh, uh, Cheonma needed a recommendation letter, so we came to the capital."
"I see."
"Yeah. No other reason. Just that."
"Got it."
Eizel replayed her words, worrying she'd come off too curt. ...Well, I was also curious if you were doing okay. Heard you've been busy with missions.
"Yeah. Finished without issues, thankfully."
"Good to hear. ...Still, take care of yourself. Always be cautious—you've got your whole life ahead."
As they walked the hall, Ji-hyuk suddenly rapped on a door with his palm.
"This is my room."
"Oh, really?"
"And your room for the stay... is here."
Eizel Raspiña's room was right next to Ji-hyuk's bedroom. She felt an inexplicable flush of embarrassment. Still, she nodded coolly, pretending it was nothing.
"Nice room. Thanks for thinking of me."
"Please, take a look around. Great view. You won't be uncomfortable."
It was a fine room—spacious, ornate furniture. The centerpiece bed was especially large and inviting.
"Let me know if anything's off."
"Got it."
Her disciple stared at her intently, smiling. Ah.... The fairy struggled to meet his eyes. Her gaze kept flicking away. Her chest burned, fingertips tingling.
"I'm really glad you came. Was thinking of inviting you sometime...."
"Me too. Seeing you makes me happy."
The fairy tried to maintain her stern master's facade. But deep affection welled up, threatening to melt her expression into softness. The two forces clashed fiercely inside her. For now, though, years of masterly poise held the win.
Eizel couldn't become the pathetic master who'd come craving her disciple's kiss.
"...Introduce me to your comrades?"
"Ah, sure, of course."
They left the room and walked the hall. Eizel glanced out the window again. ...A sight she'd seen for decades, yet today it struck her as unusually beautiful.
"I wanted to introduce you anyway. They're all great subordinates."
"Good to hear."
The kiss lingered in her mind, but she shook her head lightly. A kiss in broad daylight? Too indecent. The pathetic master still couldn't forget that moment, clinging to the lingering desire.
Once the guide left, Cheonma turned to his disciple alone.
"Your new goal from now on—that man."
Rarosa whipped her head toward her master. His eyes gleamed fiercely.
"Chase after him desperately. ...Understood?"
She bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master."
For the first time, her goal was set. Hero Kang Ji-hyuk. Her competitive fire ignited.