Chapter 152. Weekend? (6)
[Wow, were those guys talking about Lee Hoyeon's truth actually right?]
[No, this is too sudden? Victoria Academy has never announced disciplinary reviews in advance before.]
[↳ Maybe they're starting that policy now.]
[I knew something would blow up eventually. lol All the manipulation will be exposed.]
[Stay neutral for now, guys. It just says they're discussing the possibility.]
[↳ Even the possibility of disciplinary action is already a problem lol]
[↳ Right lol]
"What the fuck is this nonsense."
Why would I be disciplined? I should be rewarded, if anything.
I sent a message to Moon Surin through my smartwatch.
- Me: Noona. Did you see the weird post going around? I think we need to deal with it fast. [Link]
- Surin Noona: Hold on, I'll check.
"... Hmm."
She replied right away, but I still felt uneasy.
Unlike past baseless rumors, this time it came from a professor at the Academy spreading malicious bullshit.
These damn bastards stab me in the back even when I do everything for them.
"Should I contact Professor Im Sol too."
She did say to reach out if I ever needed help, so maybe it'll work.
If I don't act now, she might just ignore it as not worth the trouble.
Me: Professor. [Link] Please take a look at this... Weird rumors are spreading. What should I do?
Done.
Now I feel a little more reassured.
With help from two influential figures at the Academy, things should quiet down quickly.
I went back to the dorm hoping the situation would be resolved before it got messier.
*
Thud! Thud! Thud!
"Open the door! Now!"
"Surin? What's going on?"
Moon Surin stormed into the chairman's office, visibly furious.
Her beautiful platinum blonde hair swayed angrily.
"Chairman. No—Grandpa. What is going on with this?!"
"Calmly explain why you're so upset first."
"Look at this."
On the screen she held out was an article titled Discussion of Disciplinary Action for Lee Hoyeon.
"What the...?"
"The source is a professor from the Academy. You need to take clear action."
The chairman looked at the screen with a hardened expression and nodded.
"...Alright. I'll investigate and take care of it. Don't worry."
"Yes. Please do, Chairman. I'll excuse myself now."
Only then did Moon Surin nod in satisfaction and leave the office.
Once she was gone, Chairman Moon Jaecheol leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.
"Why is the Shinyoung Guild suddenly doing this?"
Chairman of Victoria Academy, Moon Jaecheol.
Of course, he knew everything happening in the Academy. He only pretended not to because he didn't want to fight with his granddaughter.
He already knew who raised those suspicions.
They were all puppets of the Shinyoung Guild.
"Haa... Lee Hoyeon, huh."
He had no idea why his granddaughter was so hung up on that guy.
Chairman Moon Jaecheol was getting a headache.
The Shinyoung Guild... or Lee Hoyeon, whose background remains unclear.
He had previously received a report indicating there was a powerful organization behind Lee Hoyeon.
It came from a reliable secretary, so it was credible.
What should he do?
The chairman wiped his wrinkled face with a hand, then made a decision.
For this case, no matter how he thought about it, it was right to take Lee Hoyeon's side.
Defaming a hero who stopped a terrorist attack like this made no sense.
He hadn't planned to leave it alone even if Surin hadn't visited.
But still, there was no need to resolve it immediately.
The chairman never missed a chance for political gain.
'If there really is something behind that kid, they'll act before I need to.'
Even if a few days pass, it wouldn't hurt the Academy's image.
They could always say they withheld comment to ensure a thorough investigation.
But the same couldn't be said for Lee Hoyeon.
His image would deteriorate day by day.
Once the public formed an impression, no amount of explanation could fully undo it.
Just like how celebrities can't bounce back once a major scandal hits.
The controversy alone prevents full recovery.
Hunters are no different.
If there's anyone investing in Lee Hoyeon, they won't let this slide.
This was a chance to see if Lee Hoyeon was an empty shell or had a backer rivaling the Shinyoung Guild.
"Let's see how this plays out."
Whether someone steps up to clean it up or his backers reveal themselves, either outcome worked for Chairman Moon Jaecheol.
Sunday afternoon.
Stunning women caught people's eyes as they passed through a relaxed afternoon crowd.
Inside Victoria Academy's cafe, Baek A-Young, Min Yeji, and Im Sol were sitting together.
Passersby glanced at them curiously, wondering why these three were together.
The most energetic of the trio, Min Yeji, spoke to Baek A-Young.
"What's with your face, A-Young? Hm?"
"Just... not feeling great."
Baek A-Young gave a faint smile while sipping her iced americano.
She'd come out because Min Yeji invited her to hang out over the weekend, but she still hadn't fully recovered.
"Did someone catch your eye or something?"
"I-It's not like that!"
"Really? Sounds like it is~ Is spring finally here for our A-Young? Both Sol and A-Young finding love together?~"
"Be quiet. She said it's not like that. And I told you to keep your voice down."
Im Sol glared at Min Yeji while setting down her latte.
They couldn't say it out loud, but people were clearly sneaking glances at their table.
"Sorry, sorry. A-Young looked so down, I wanted to cheer her up. What's bothering you? You can tell us."
"Ugh..."
After some hesitation, Baek A-Young finally opened her mouth.
"Actually... I don't know. I think I might have feelings for someone...."
"Oh my gosh! Sol! Our saintess is in love!"
"Really?"
Even Im Sol leaned in with interest at this juicy topic.
"Why do you think that, A-Young? Do your heart race when you're with them?"
"... Yeah. My heart races, I want to hold hands, hug them, give them everything, and it hurts when I think they might dislike me. I want to lie down and sleep next to them in the same bed..."
"Hold up, hold up. Calm down, A-Young."
"This is serious."
Sip.
Im Sol shook her head and sipped her coffee.
"No, Sol. We can't just say it's serious and move on. Who's the guy that got our A-Young like this?!"
Min Yeji was flustered seeing normally pure Baek A-Young acting like this.
"A-Young, if you feel all that when you're with him, then you're definitely in love. Just confess."
Im Sol offered a realistic suggestion.
No guy would reject a confession from a saintess with that much public goodwill.
"Yeah! What kind of guy wouldn't accept a confession from Saintess herself? Just go for it!"
"... We're a bit apart in age, and there are complicated things between us. Sigh..."
Of course, it couldn't be that simple.
Baek A-Young sipped her drink, smacking her lips.
Still, talking about it made her feel a little better.
It was less suffocating than silently agonizing alone.
"Age difference... Don't tell me... The reason you suddenly got hired at the Academy was..."
"...!"
Baek A-Young flinched at Min Yeji's words.
'Did she figure it out?'
She instantly regretted saying too much.
"Chairman Moon Jaecheol?"
"What the hell! How would I ever go for that old man!"
Baek A-Young felt ashamed for even worrying she'd been found out.
Smack! Smack!
"Sorry, A-Young! Just kidding! Stop hitting me! Wait!"
Min Yeji dodged Baek A-Young's punches while apologizing profusely.
Watching their playful fight, Im Sol smiled and checked her smartwatch.
- Lee Hoyeon: Professor. [Link] Please take a look at this... Weird rumors are spreading. What should I do?
A message from Lee Hoyeon.
The link led to an article spreading malicious propaganda about him.
It was too well-crafted to be something made by a random person.
"Hmm... Yeji. Check this out."
"Huh? What is it?"
Min Yeji's expression darkened as she read.
"This is some low-level shit... Obvious manipulation. What operation center is doing this? It's too sloppy for a pro setup."
"What do you mean?"
Baek A-Young also read the article Im Sol showed her.
"Hoyeon asked for help... Guys, can you help me?"
"Of course! It's a great chance to impress Cadet Lee Hoyeon."
"Ugh..."
"A-Young, how about you?"
Baek A-Young ignored Im Sol's question and suddenly tapped her smartwatch.
"I—I work at the Academy too... I could help... Why didn't he contact me...!"
Watching Baek A-Young tremble and mutter, Im Sol and Min Yeji exchanged glances.
"Sol... is the cadet A-Young's into also Lee Hoyeon?"
Min Yeji whispered into Im Sol's ear.
"... Who knows. And I never had feelings for him, okay?"
"Really? How many years older are we than him? Eight?"
"... I dunno."
"Eight years isn't that big a gap. Hmm."
Im Sol absentmindedly chewed on her straw.
Today, she was craving something even sweeter.
*
Ding—
"I'm back."
Returning to the dorm, I found Scarlett waiting on the living room bed.
"Hnng... Hah... Liliana-nim. Hoyeon-nim's back... Let's stop now...."
Liliana was teasing Scarlett's boobs beside her.
"You're back? Scout said she had something to tell you, so I was keeping her entertained."
"... Good job."
I took off my outerwear and hung it up before approaching Scarlett.
"Scarlett. Sit here."
"Yes..."
After adjusting her clothes, Scarlett sat politely.
"You already know what this is about, right? Start from the beginning."
"Uh... Actually, I don't know much either. I was just personally told by the lady to film the video when you arrived. That's all I know."
"Hmmm... If it was personal, Elise's butler doesn't know either?"
"Probably not. She wouldn't want Sebas Chan to find out she brought a man home. If the guild master hears, he might storm your place tonight."
"... That's a bit scary."
You never know what'll happen if you mess with the Emperor of the Night.
"I came to relay that message. I need to report to the lady now."
"Perfect. I left a spare smartwatch under Elise's desk chair. Pretend to find it when you go report."
"Smartwatch?"
"Yeah. It has a video of Liliana in it. Watch Elise's reaction."
"Ah... Understood."
I'd come up with the idea while wondering how to deliver the video to Elise.
Thinking back, I probably could've just handed it to Scarlett.
Elise didn't seem to have any other intentions.
But back then, I wanted to directly observe Elise's status window and act accordingly.
I left behind the spare smartwatch pretending it was the one I took off for the massage. Now it's all up to Scarlett.
"Hey. Why're you using my video without permission."
Liliana cut in, having overheard our conversation.
"Just let me use it, yeah? You're not legally protected anyway."
Since when did succubi expect human legal protection?
"Do you know how expensive my body is?"
"Let's eat lunch. I need to head out right after."
"Then I'll order from the fastest chicken place."
"You're having chicken for dinner too. Can't we have something lighter for lunch?"
Every time I reject chicken, Liliana goes on a tirade.
"Why not! It's my money! You don't even contribute to this household!"
"Knew you'd say that. I came prepared."
I handed Liliana the contract I signed with Elise.
"Huh? What's this... Gasp."
"Whaaat... You make more than me? Is that even legal?"
"They're paying more than the industry top. Of course."
Income reversal achieved.
I'm now the head of this household!
"Anyway, Liliana. I'm ordering sandwiches for lunch with my money. Don't tell me you'll order chicken for yourself."
"... Whatever."
Finally free from the chicken dictatorship.
Liliana kept grumbling about how she could've had a glorious chicken meal instead of two measly sandwiches, but it didn't matter.
After finishing lunch and resting, I contacted Nam Daeun.
- Me: When should we meet at the training center?
We'd agreed to spar today but hadn't set a time.
Ding—
- Nam Daeun: Is two hours from now okay?
- Me: Sure. See you then.
It's currently 2 PM.
That gives me two hours until 4.
"Two hours should be enough."
I used a surprising amount of mana during Elise's massage.
I'd run out if I tried sparring with Nam Daeun now, so I needed to meditate.
I sat in the living room, closed my eyes, and began absorbing mana from the air.