Reversed Relationship (1)
The trial, despite its many twists and turns, concluded on a highly satisfactory note without any execution for Eunhyeon.
The first outcome was the restoration of the Hersha family's title, Erin's family.
This symbolized Erin's first step toward praying for her brother Elvin's peace and washing away the false accusations pinned on him.
The second was an extension of the first: Erin's improved standing within the Pernias Kingdom.
Even with help from Iliana and Alex, the feat of slaying the demon that had attacked the kingdom's nobles was, to the students at Aiter at least, an awe-inspiring accomplishment beyond their reach. Thus, Erin's position had strengthened not only across the kingdom but especially within Aiter.
"So...? What brings you here this time."
Aiter's principal, Oliver Baotman, asked with a sullen expression as he eyed Eunhyeon, who had visited his office.
Eunhyeon smirked and opened his mouth in response.
"Does my face really displease you that much?"
"You've caused no small number of messes. Frankly, sitting here alone with the man at the center of that courtroom chaos makes me deeply uncomfortable. Every time you come to me, it's never for anything normal, is it?"
After all the major upheavals, Oliver eyed Eunhyeon warily, unsure what outrageous demand he might make this time.
Oliver had also witnessed Eunhyeon's trial. Despite facing imminent execution, Eunhyeon hadn't flinched; he'd toyed verbally with Count Orba, the trial's conductor, and dominated the courtroom atmosphere. His composure and cunning made it impossible to see him as a mere young commoner.
And now, not long after the trial, this man had sought him out again. How could Oliver not be on guard?
"The reason I visited you today, Principal, is because of Erin."
"Has... something happened to that girl again...?"
Was it possible that students bullying her like before had reappeared? If so, Eunhyeon coming here meant he was already prepared and ready to threaten him once more. Oliver broke into a cold sweat.
"A portion of the divine beast's power buried beneath Pernias's Divine Tree has taken root in Erin's body."
"What... did you say?"
He couldn't grasp it at first, but Oliver abruptly shot up from the sofa and demanded clarification.
"What do you mean by that!"
"Exactly what I said: the power of the divine beast, a gumiho, has dwelled within Erin's body."
"That... how could that possibly... no."
Oliver took deep breaths to steady his shaken emotions.
Having seen, heard, and experienced impossibilities become reality through Eunhyeon, Oliver no longer doubted his words. He'd learned there was nothing in this world that couldn't happen. All his prior denials stemmed from his own limited knowledge and arrogant self-delusion.
Thus, he couldn't deny Eunhyeon anymore. He simply couldn't.
"Explain in detail how this came to be."
Eunhyeon nodded and meticulously described to Oliver the process by which the divine beast's power had entered Erin's body.
As Eunhyeon spoke, Oliver nodded along, interjecting with sounds of interest or admiration, listening intently.
"I see... During the disappearance incident, when she was trapped in that barrier for several days, the power from the Divine Tree must have entered her body through it...."
It sounded absurd, but the details and Eunhyeon's credibility made it overflow with plausibility. In just under three months, Erin had shown astonishing growth and top grades at Aiter—not to mention slaying the demon that attacked Fernin's nobles.
Her unbelievable growth rate and feats for such a young girl made sense if rooted in inherited divine beast power.
"But... this is troubling because it's her of all people."
Erin wasn't just anyone; this created complications that couldn't be taken lightly.
Already, many students viewed her with envy. From periodic reports by her homeroom teacher, Cecilia, Oliver knew Cecilia's class—Erin's class—appeared fine on the surface but had a toxic internal atmosphere.
Her excessive growth surpassing theirs and her demon-slaying success had spread her fame school-wide, which was far from good news for the noble children who used to bully and mock her.
"Why her, of all students...."
"I'm telling you this, Principal, because of what lies ahead."
"What lies ahead?"
"Erin will likely face a tough road, drawing jealousy and envy from many students. Just like the path her brother Elvin walked."
Highlighting her commoner status against a superior supernova, spreading false rumors to slander her, fearing she'd steal their place and crushing her down.
"Erin's situation now mirrors Elvin's—perhaps even more intensely. Graduation is far off, but her demon-slaying feat and fame have already drawn widespread attention. Like it or not, many will watch her, and she'll have to overcome it all."
"...What do you want from me?"
"Punish wrongdoing, of course. But if she's unjustly treated despite innocence—due to unfair circumstances—judge her as fairly as possible."
"And if I refuse your request?"
"Then I can't help it. If Erin's power's true nature—derived from the school's foundational Divine Tree and divine beast—leaks out... that wouldn't be good for you either, would it?"
Oliver grimaced, as if chewing a bug, hating Eunhyeon's sly smile. He didn't answer.
Those who knew Erin's condition: Eunhyeon before him, himself, the Black Witch, and perhaps the Armitas ducal family and Olivion marquisate.
If the divine beast's existence spread from the power's source—via the royal family and beyond—Erin wouldn't be the only one in trouble; Oliver, as the school's head, would be too.
Like it or not, he and Erin were in a symbiotic relationship, bound to protect each other's secrets and aid one another.
Once again, Eunhyeon had woven him into his web, forcing acceptance.
"Understood...."
Oliver nodded weakly, acquiescing.
"Thank you. I'd like to treat you to a meal sometime."
"I want nothing more to do with you."
"Can't be helped, then."
Eunhyeon smirked, bowed politely, and left the principal's office.
"About time classes end."
He exited the building and leaned against the school gate, waiting for Erin.
"Excuse me."
"Hm?"
Eunhyeon turned toward the voice calling him. Spotting a female student staring, he immediately recognized her as the source.
And her face was familiar from his memory.
"Doesn't seem like we're close enough to chat and laugh face-to-face."
"......"
The girl's name was Marva Berman, the ringleader among the three who had bullied Erin before—and one Eunhyeon had threatened to kill.
Seeing his face must have resurfaced those memories; Marva hugged her arms, trembling slightly.
"Please look after my father."
"Baron Berman?"
"I heard you passed treatment methods to the doctors for the nobles victimized in the Fernin noble attack."
"Ah, that time."
Eunhyeon recalled meeting the fourth victim with Riod; the doctor, inspired by his advice, had reignited with fervor.
And Baron Berman was also a victim. During Lenion Hersha's embezzlement, he'd turned a blind eye to the falsified accounts and siphoned gold together. The succubus, skilled in mental manipulation, had targeted him deliberately to frame Erin as the culprit.
"Please... just examine my father once."
Marva's demeanor now bore no trace of her past bullying arrogance; she looked utterly desperate, ready to cling to his leg if needed.
"Doctors have systems in place now; they'll manage. No real need for me."
"The attack drained his vitality, leading to complications."
"Even more reason it's not something I can fix."
"Please! The doctor who treated Father said you might be able to!"
"No."
Eunhyeon firmly refused Marva's plea.
He had no desire to gloat over the victims, but neither did pity compel him to heal them.
If anything, it felt like karmic retribution returning to her full force.
Funny that I'm thinking this way.
He didn't show it outwardly, but inwardly, he let out a hollow chuckle.
Wasn't it he who had sacrificed a few comrades and innocents to save the many?
Someday, my own karma will come full circle.
He was certain then he wouldn't die easily.
Child. Don't dwell only on such sad thoughts.
Goddess.
Eunhyeon closed his eyes at Verdandi's gentle head-pat.
After brief contemplation, he faced Marva with resolve.
"Fine. On one condition."
"Con... dition?"
"If Erin consents to examining your father, I'll do it."
"......"
Marva's hopeful face crumpled instantly. She knew exactly what Erin would choose.
"She... she'd never agree for my sake."
Marva had been the foremost bully tormenting Erin after her title's revocation left her a lone commoner, family dead.
Knowing this, Marva couldn't ask Erin to introduce Eunhyeon. That awkwardness was why she'd approached him directly.
"Then nothing to be done."
Eunhyeon slowly turned to gaze at the Aiter building.
Students were emerging post-class, Erin among them.
Spotting Eunhyeon at the gate, her face lit up; she trotted toward him eagerly.
"Hyeon! Uh...?"
Late to notice Marva Berman beside him, Erin widened her eyes in bewilderment.
Her questioning glance at their proximity prompted Eunhyeon to speak.
"This student has a favor to ask me."
"A favor...?"
"I'm leaving the decision to you."
"Huh...?"
Perplexed, Erin looked at Marva.
Uncomfortable under the gaze, Marva clutched one arm, avoiding eye contact— a far cry from her haughty noble demeanor, appearing pathetically fragile.
"What do you say?"
"What is...?"
"Grant her request? Or not?"
"......"
"What do you want?"
As Eunhyeon pressed Erin, silence hung among the three.