Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 175

Chapter 175

***

It took a moment of awkward silence before I could finally hear the whole story from Kwon Yuri.

“So…you want me to attend a social gathering that Senior will be hosting?”

“That’s right.”

Kwon Yuri nodded, but she still shot me a sly look.

“Hmph.”

The theatrical line she had just delivered was apparently a scene from a famous movie from the old civilization.

Judging from her reaction, she probably wanted me to play along with her lines.

But I never expected that the favor she mentioned would be a request to attend a social gathering.

“I think I heard Senior Choi Ireh mention something about an official social gathering earlier…”

“No, my gathering is a bit different from that.”

Kwon Yuri shook her head.

“Ireh probably doesn’t even know about it.”

Then, a mischievous smile spread across her lips.

“…”

My head is getting hot. A small gathering that the head of the Disciplinary Committee doesn’t know about. That just means it’s unauthorized.

“…Didn’t you just say that any unauthorized gatherings would result in the expulsion of all participants upon discovery…?”

“Oh, it’s fine, it’s fine!”

“…”

“It’s just talk. Why are you so scared? Is it because you’re a chick?”

But Kwon Yuri casually waved her hand as if it were no big deal.

“Do you know how many kids have said they’ll come to our gathering? If they all get expelled, Cradle will collapse that very day. How will they handle the protests from all those families?”

…In any case, the conclusion is that she intends to boldly engage in illegal activities.

“You don’t have to worry about expulsion at all. Of course, there will be some punishment if we get caught. Okay? So, I’ll assume you’re coming…”

“…Is there a reason why I must attend this gathering?”

I hurriedly stopped her as she tried to casually brush it off again. Kwon Yuri’s face filled with disappointment.

Suddenly, something I had forgotten popped into my head.

“Could it be that the reason you gave me such a high-grade vitality potion as a get-well gift was…”

“What about the get-well gift?”

But Kwon Yuri looked at me with wide, innocent eyes, as if she had no idea what I was talking about. I thought she had laid the groundwork for this request in advance…was I wrong?

“What do you take me for…”

Hearing my question, Kwon Yuri glared at me with a genuinely hurt expression. There were even small tears welling up in her eyes. Is this a tactic to make me feel guilty?

“I apologize. Anyway, I’d like to hear the reason.”

“…First, it’s because our junior is one of the most sought-after…I mean, talented individuals in the first year.”

“Sought-after…what did you say? I didn’t hear you properly.”

“You heard me right. I said you’re a good chick who’s good at both studying and sports. The rest is a secret. I can’t tell you until you come.”

That definitely wasn’t what she was going to say. But Kwon Yuri shook her head as if she had no intention of answering.

“…Then what’s the second reason?”

“The second reason is…”

Kwon Yuri once again made a sly smile that didn’t suit her innocent appearance.

“Because I’m planning to help…Minha during this social gathering.”

***

During the three days of the social event, all academic schedules are suspended, except for those taking supplementary classes. Cradle’s massive building and vast grounds are also transformed into spaces for socializing and entertainment.

Official events like the opening and closing ceremonies are held at Hwayangkwan, but dozens of smaller gatherings of various sizes also take place throughout the three days.

As Choi Ireh mentioned earlier, these are legitimate spaces approved by both the Cradle Student Council and the Education Committee, functioning as “a place for healthy and rational interaction.”

The hosts of these gatherings are selected through a rigorous screening process from among students who are “popular among their peers, have promising futures, and maintain proper conduct and appearance.”

It is said that the role of the host is practically monopolized by the second-year students. The new first-year students are busy adapting to the academy, and the third-year students, who are practically active professionals, spend more time outside of Cradle.

“You know, right? Minha was also chosen as a host for this social gathering.”

I didn’t know. I haven’t seen her in the mornings lately, so maybe that’s why. She must be incredibly busy preparing for both the student council and the gathering. Maybe she was too busy to bring it up herself.

“But Minha…it will probably be a bit difficult for her this time.”

“Difficult?”

“Yes.”

Kwon Yuri replied with a finger on her lips.

“When you hear the word ‘gathering,’ it probably sounds like no big deal, right? Like it’s just kids playing house.”

“Honestly, that’s what I thought…”

“Hehe, I knew it.”

Kwon Yuri nodded as if she expected that.

“You look like you wouldn’t know much about that stuff. No interest in socializing…just an innocent chick…right?”

“…”

I quickly dodged her finger that was aiming for my nose, and Kwon Yuri pouted.

“…Hmph. Anyway, if you take socializing lightly, you’ll really regret it later.”

Even if they are superior to ordinary people, the physical bodies of mages still have clear limitations. A mage who can single-handedly overwhelm the power of a large group is mostly a fictional concept.

“Well, there are people like the principal, and there’s also Seoyeon and Minha, but that’s generally the case.”

Therefore, mages chose the path of alliances for survival. There are no mage families today who stand alone, solely pursuing the truth of magic.

They weigh and measure their opponents, adjusting their scales accordingly. Despite engaging in intense hatred and animosity, they eventually become as tightly intertwined as tree roots, as if they were one from the beginning.

The first place where such judgments occur is usually the academy. A place where only the most spirited and beautiful individuals, those whose magical talents have reached their peak, gather.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the social gathering is a direct reflection of such desires. The various small gatherings are also places where people gather, seeking the host’s connections and influence rather than just laughing and chatting.

“Moreover, this year it coincides with the national foundation day, right? There will be a huge influx of outside guests. Members of the Supreme Council, representatives from various large corporations, and even Experts from the National Guard…”

The small gatherings are places where one is both evaluated and evaluates others. If the host is deemed unworthy, the gathering will be thoroughly ignored and ostracized.

Considering this background, Yeon Minha’s current situation can be seen as extremely precarious.

“Her personality seems to have softened a bit lately thanks to someone…but last year was really something…”

Kwon Yuri said, glancing at my eyes. I could immediately understand what she was trying to say.

Aristocratic arrogance, a fierce and brazen personality, and excessive cruelty. Those were the first impressions I had of Yeon Minha.

Last year, when Yeon Minha first entered the academy, the followers who had gathered like clouds, drawn by her outstanding appearance and her status as a member of one of the Five Families, engaging in power struggles, are now mostly gone.

Then came the massive disaster of the Jeokhwa incident. Her family was nearly destroyed, and she herself almost lost her life to the subjugation force.

With her family’s power gone, her already unfavorable reputation plummeted even further.

Fortunately, thanks to the protection of Heukryeon and myself, she was able to take a position in the student council at Cradle and aim for a comeback. The ‘Spiritmage’s Curse’ that had been plaguing her is now almost completely cured thanks to my power.

But the past cannot be undone.

Even from my perspective, as someone who personally values Yeon Minha, the word ‘popularity’ has absolutely nothing to do with her.

The reason why Yeon Minha was chosen as a host is likely…not because she met the qualifications, but rather because of the greater awareness of Heukryeon’s influence.

If so, the opposite interpretation is also possible. If Yeon Minha’s gathering performs poorly at this social event, the negative impact could flow back towards Heukryeon.

“She’ll probably be pushed aside by Seoyeon a lot…? I heard that the Paechun side is putting a lot of effort into this year’s social gathering…”

Kwon Yuri trailed off, trying to subtly provoke me.

“Hmm…I heard they rented a hall that can easily accommodate two hundred people…Seoyeon is popular with so many people…but I don’t know what will happen with Minha’s side…”

“…”

“There are still a lot of kids who are scared of Minha…I wonder if it will be okay…what if no one shows up…”

“…”

“Someone should help her…but our chick doesn’t know anything…hmm…I have quite a few friends too…but not as many as Seoyeon…”

She’s pretending to be naive while trying to lead me to the answer she wants…or am I just imagining it?

One thing is certain. The only person who can lend a hand right now is this woman.

“So, when you said you were planning to help Senior Minha, you meant…”

“Ahem. Well, it’s a possibility. It’s not certain…”

The look in Kwon Yuri’s eyes as she looked at me was undoubtedly that of a fisherman looking at a fish that had taken the bait.

“But if I bring all my friends and connections…it might help a little, right? And maybe say some good things to the visitors…”

Kwon Yuri glanced at me sideways.

“People are supposed to help each other, right…?”

“…If I go to Senior’s gathering, what do I have to do?”

“What do you mean? Just have fun and go home. Get some life advice from pretty senior girls…chat with each other…”

If that were the case, there would be no need to organize an illegal gathering while avoiding the eyes of the Disciplinary Committee head. It must be for some kind of deviation that’s not possible in an official setting.

“…I’ll go.”

“Oh, that’s a great decision!”

But my 고민 wasn’t long. Hearing my answer, Kwon Yuri jumped up and down like a rabbit, expressing her joy.

What does she want from me with that innocent face? Does she want me to be a male prostitute or something?

I don’t think it’s that, but even if it is, I’m willing to endure it.

It’s just a few hours of suffering. If that small sacrifice can help Yeon Minha and the leader’s family…

“When is Senior’s gathering being held?”

“The second day. Hehe, it’s going to be really fun. You can look forward to it…!”

“Keep your promise.”

“Of course, I will. Should I write a slave contract? ‘If I break this promise, I, Kwon Yuri, will permanently forfeit all my rights as a human being, including my right to sexual self-determination, and my treatment will be…'”

Kwon Yuri nodded and recited a very suspicious and uncomfortable contract. It was a bizarre agreement, but I had no choice but to agree. It’s not like it will actually happen anyway.

“Oh, right.”

Finally reaching an agreement, she looked at me and smiled.

“Our conversation. Keep it a secret from Minha…okay?”

End of Chapter