Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Cat (Mirni) is Free (3)
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That girl... uh...
Talking to the seniors like that...
She's got some real personality issues, huh...
"......"
A barrage of insults stabbed at Mirni like sharpened knives, but she didn't seem fazed in the slightest.
If anything, the sharper the barbs, the more her lips curved into a delighted smile.
'Same old story, no matter the world. People always envy the ones who shine.'
Back in her days as a member of Odin's Hero Party in the Five Kingdoms, Mirni's nickname had been [The Kingdom's First Love].
The word "kingdom" in there meant not just commoners, but even noble heirs had fallen for her—practically synonymous with defeat for the noble ladies.
For nobles who prided themselves on their bloodlines and beauty, losing to a mere commoner was utter humiliation, more than enough reason for resentment.
Alicia had drawn plenty of those noble gazes too, but as a high elf of noble lineage, it was "inevitable." That left the relatively approachable Mirni as the prime target.
But Mirni? She loved the hostility.
People who boasted of their nobility and blue blood envying and resenting her!
Some idolized her, craving her affection, dreaming of even brushing her hand.
How ridiculous was that...!
From then on, jealousy and envy weren't pains to her—they were proof of her superiority, badges of victory.
Same story now.
Girls and women brimming with confidence in their own talents and looks were spewing curses at her.
That alone proved she outshone them all.
'Ah, delicious!'
A refreshing, exhilarating thrill!
Even plain grass without a drop of dressing tasted sweet and nutty today.
"...Your nasty personality hasn't changed a bit."
"......"
"Hm? You're all tense. Loosen up, or you'll be sore tomorrow."
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Today's driver—and security guard working at Yuseong's place to pay for college—was pulling double duty as Mirni's temporary manager.
His name was Kang Gamchan.
When the cushy security gig popped up—full salary, insurance, bonuses, even vacation—over a thousand people applied.
Not even a big corp, yet Kang Gamchan beat 1,000:1 odds purely because of his name.
- Kang Gamchan? The Great Victory at Guju?
- Uh... yeah, it's a nickname, sort of.
- You're hired.
- ...Pardon?
Thanks to that "lucky name," he scored the sweet job, pulling mid-level corporate pay monthly, plus bonuses and year-end breaks. He must've been eternally grateful to Grandpa for naming him.
- Grandpa! Thank you for this name!!
- ...Uh, who are you again?
- ......
He'd even forgotten about resuming college. Maybe make this his lifelong gig...
- Gamchan. Wanna be a manager? No, be my manager.
- ...??
- Oh, and salary's double, FYI.
- I can haul loads like a porter too!
Money talks, east or west, ancient or modern.
And just like that, everything fell into place.
Now he was chauffeur and manager, escorting a stunning beauty he'd never met before.
'Who am I? Where am I...?'
A modeling academy crawling with hotties—and beside him, an absolute knockout who crushed them all.
Zero reality check!
A paradise for any guy, but Kang Gamchan couldn't relax for a second.
"...Boring."
He flinched!
With a burly foreigner next to him radiating that intimidating alpha-male vibe non-stop, who could enjoy paradise...!
Boss said he was simple-minded but not the type to swing first...!
'Boss... doesn't that still mean he will swing?!'
Being around this Valian guy felt like staring at the Defense Ministry clock.
'...Time's barely crawling...'
Generous pay always comes with strings.
'Boring.'
Valian had come here on the sudden goddess order to guard Mirni, but the tepid peace was just dull.
"Get your heads straight!"
"Think about the money we poured into you, you bitch!"
"Fall and you're dead! No, just die...!!"
"Quite peaceful."
"...Peaceful?"
Kang Gamchan finally overcame his fear to question it. Valian answered readily—probably just bored.
"All talk, no killing intent. If they meant it, their eyes would roll more. Remember that."
"......"
Like he'd ever use that advice?
As they chatted idly, a film crew entered the academy.
"Ho, they film with that?"
"I-I'm new to this too, no clue."
Kang Gamchan was just in it for the cash—a total newbie, same as Valian.
But then—
"Whoa, C-Choi Seoin...!?"
"You know her?"
"Sh-She's an actress! Born '95, does modeling too! Me, meeting her in person...!"
Kang Gamchan was thrilled—being a manager was a blessing!
He'd seen every one of her movies, owned all the merch!
Shock turning to ecstasy? Natural.
"...I see."
"Right?! She's gorgeous, huh!"
"......"
Their convo was hilariously off-sync.
Valian wasn't agreeing on looks.
"So this is what Mirni wants..."
Valian couldn't grasp idols or actors' hype.
Clowns in a circus, at best.
But the kid's fanatic reaction proved him wrong.
'Like gazing at nobility.'
A commoner's awe at nobles—that's how the newbie eyed her.
'Less beauty than Alicia. Than the others...'
Kang Gamchan had met the Hero Party women while guarding.
A few encounters.
He respected them but didn't fawn.
Yet here he was, gushing over a far plainer woman with adoration.
Fame and recognition.
Those two forged an irresistible force beyond mere beauty.
'Modern nobles... yeah, that tracks.'
Valian nodded, realizing Mirni's desired "power" might be even stronger.
'Another lesson learned.'
The barbarian adapting deeper to the modern world... when—
Whoosh!
"......"
Valian's satisfied smile vanished.
Replaced by stone-cold, razor-sharp eyes!
As the door slowly opened, a familiar tingle raced through him.
Academy director and ex-top model Park Jiyeong said,
"Not prime-time broadcast, just light cable—but it'll loop on YouTube and SNS. Big opportunity, got it?"
Models in the City.
Tiny show about models, embarrassing to even call small-scale. But debuts start small—that's the rule...
'Aram said so.'
Trusting Aram Wiki, Mirni glanced slyly at the broadcasters, agencies, and managers collaborating, flashing a smile.
'Mission accomplished already?'
If screen time was debut key, she was done.
Cameras and PDs fixated on her, lenses glued.
'No airtime worries.'
Confidence maxed.
Arrogant? Nah, facts only.
Born attention-magnet, she felt every gaze keenly, elegantly tossing her hair back.
"She's really a model? Not an actress?"
"...Too good for modeling. Test her?"
"Grab her profile. Now."
Agencies, planners—all eyes on Mirni alone.
As interviews and shots rolled, she dominated with poise, smarts, and instinct.
Acting aside, her silver tongue was masterful.
Halfway to her goal, she figured.
'Time to kick off Insta★ today.'
Build fame, prep light streams. She smiled just as filming wrapped.
15 hours for a barely over-one-hour clip.
Experiencing a full day of idol hell firsthand, Mirni reconfirmed: celebs had it rough.
"Not for me..."
Fine for a day, but half a year? She'd off herself.
No wonder "Steal a Catfolk's freedom to torture her."
"Hate it, hate it."
"Mirni, was it? Unique name."
"...Pardon?"
A man blocked her griping self.
Plump face, friendly smile.
He handed over a business card.
"DM Production exec, Oh Myungtae."
"...Mirni. No card yet."
"Haha, no worries—I know all about you. Say, if you're free... coffee somewhere quiet?"
"...Bit forward, aren't you?"
"Sorry if it bothered you. Just means I really want you."
"Hm..."
Flattering, but Mirni felt off.
Not lusty eyes or looks.
Just...
'...Why so gross?'
A nauseating stench from somewhere, visible repulsion.
Like a fly born from shit buzzing in her face!
'Urk!'
Valian bailed her out as she fought nausea.
"That's enough for today, buddy... Ahem, my little sis is beat. We'll call later."
"Ah, her brother. ...You don't look much like..."
"Step-siblings."
"...Oh, uh, sure..."
Oh Myungtae left dubious but noting her pallor, promising next time.
"...Who the hell's your sis."
"Gratitude first here, y'know?"
"......"
"...Learned glaring curses from Sylvia?"
"Shut it."
"Feisty brat. Anyway... you sense it?"
"...Huh?"
Mirni tilted her head blankly; Valian scowled.
"Tch! Senses dulled bad."
Disappointment and reproach hit her.
As she bared teeth again, thunderclap words rocked her.
"...Demonic energy from that guy."
"...What?"
"No mistake. That vile, sticky aura—only demonic."
"......"
"You suspect something."
Now Mirni knew the foul stench's source.
But!
"N-No way... Th-This isn't Midgard!"
Couldn't believe it.
No Midgard, no mana—why "arch-enemy's echo" here!!
"Hard to believe. But my senses scream yes."
"......"
"Yours?"
"I..."
"We or Luke might err, but not you. You'd never forget their stink."
"......"
"...So it's not just me."
"...Don't jump to conclusions."
Mirni wanted to deny.
Yell at Valian to shut his trap.
But her mouth wouldn't move.
She already knew.
"...It has to be a mistake...!"