Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Exposure (7)
“Senior, what do you mean…?”
“It hurts…so much…it hurts…”
Instead of answering the question, she only let out a voice drenched in a mournful tone.
Then she slowly lifted her head to look at me.
Her breath tickled the tip of my nose, and the pounding pulse was transmitted through the part where we touched.
This was the first time I had faced her at such a close distance.
T h i s w a s cop i e d f rom k in g m t l . or g
However, all I could feel was the sadness and pain within her empty eyes.
“I don’t know…I really don’t know what to do…”
While I was at a loss, Yeon Minha’s bewildering actions continued.
She removed her right hand, which was supporting her on my chest, and brought it to her shirt collar.
Her white, slender fingers deftly undid the top button in an instant.
T h i s w a s c o pi e d fr o m k i ngm t l . o rg
The collar that had been tightly wrapped around her neck fell off helplessly.
“Senior, first…”
“So please…I’m asking you…”
Yeon Minha continued her actions as if she couldn’t hear me at all.
“Hug me…help me forget this pain…please…”
The second button came undone in an instant, and her pale skin, almost translucent enough to see her veins, gradually expanded its exposure.
T h i s w a s c op i e d f r o m ki ng m t l. or g
When the third button was undone, her womanly curves began to show clearly.
As Yeon Minha’s fingers moved toward the fourth button, I finally came to my senses and managed to grasp her wrist.
“Senior.”
Even though she was abruptly stopped, Yeon Minha offered no resistance.
She just looked up at me with a face that seemed to desperately plead for something.
The words Yeon Minha had said, asking for a hug.
Those words…surely didn’t just mean a simple embrace.
Even without much experience in that area, I could understand that much.
After all, she was already in my arms.
I belatedly guessed her state of mind to some extent.
It was resignation.
Right now, Yeon Minha had given up on everything.
She wished to be freed from all the pain and despair that had suddenly come to crush her one day.
Just like I did two years ago.
Like when I tried to cut my throat with a shard of glass to follow my mother and friends…
Yeon Minha remained silently looking up at me.
With a beauty that would never let you escape once you saw it, the air around us was filled with her unique fragrance.
That narcissus scent was sweet enough to blur one’s mind and judgment.
And since she desired it herself, I thought there was no one in the world who could refuse such a request from her.
Of course, that was…only when you didn’t realize the true intent behind those words.
***
I am still dreaming about that day two years ago.
The gunshots that were as loud as thunder, the acrid smoke, the smell of blood, the traces of death that covered the entire village, the hairy monsters, the gravestones of my mother and friends arranged in the flowerbed in front of the house.
Everything I loved crumbled like a sandcastle in just one day, and maybe I, too, could have become a part of them.
I was only able to continue living because of the kindness of the captain and the older sisters.
They gave me a reason to keep living.
Thanks to their guidance, I was finally able to grasp some power to protect myself and those around me.
Thi s wa s c o p i e d f r om k i ng m t l . org
It was exactly what I, once so weak, had longed for.
T h is w a s c o p i e d fr o m k ing m t l . or g
They fulfilled what I was yearning for and allowed me to continue my frail and unmotivated life, eventually bringing me to this point.
So now I have only one thing to do. Just as the captain and the older sisters helped me, I must help her.
Just like they presented a new goal in life and led me.
But…then what exactly should I do?
“Please…hug me…”
Yeon Minha pleaded again.
Of course, I can’t grant her current wish. It’s just a means of escape, not what she truly desires.
Even if I were to grant her plea, it would result in the same outcome as when I tried to cut my throat with a glass shard.
What should I do to help this poor girl even a little?
What is it that Yeon Minha truly wants right now?
Time was short, and in any case, I had to make a decision.
I closed my eyes behind the mask, took a small breath to steady myself, and spoke firmly.
“No.”
Yeon Minha began to tremble.
Her already dark eyes lost even more light, and large tears welled up and fell to the floor.
Th i s w as co p ie d f r o m k i n g m t l . or g
“Why, why…”
She lowered her head.
And muttered in a small, timid voice as if she were someone who had committed a crime.
“Why, why is it…is it because I’m the result of a forbidden union…?”
T h i s w a s c o pi e d f rom k i n g m tl . o rg
Even though she seemed very concerned about it, I had no interest in that matter.
I had completely forgotten about it until her words made me remember.
I shook my head.
“I don’t care how you were born.”
“Then why…”
Now it was time to confront her.
“Because you have no charm right now.”
“Charm…?”
As if not expecting that answer, Yeon Minha looked at me again and uttered in a slightly baffled voice.
“Are you talking about my looks…?”
“No. You, senior, are the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”
I shook my head.
“I’m talking about something else.”
“Something else…?”
Yeon Minha murmured as if talking to herself. Was that a sign she was listening to me? If so, I should probably be thankful.
“I still sometimes remember when I first saw you after entering the Cradle.”
I continued speaking.
“Back then, you were the epitome of arrogance. To be frank, I really disliked you. Every time I saw you, I wanted to punch you.”
“Ugh…”
“But compared to your current state, I think you were better back then.”
“What are you saying…”
“Back then, you were arrogant, but you had pride. Your entire being was always filled with grace and dignity.”
Yeon Minha didn’t ask any questions this time.
She merely looked at me with her lips tightly sealed, but I could definitely see something rising behind her eyes.
She was nearing her breaking point.
“Do you know what state you’re in right now? You yourself said that your body isn’t one you can just handle carelessly. And yet…”
“Then what am I supposed to do…!”
As if she couldn’t stand it any longer, Yeon Minha suddenly shouted, interrupting my words.
“My father lost his mind and conspired with demons…the person I thought was my mother was a stranger…!”
She screamed like a madwoman.
“Our family’s estate was trampled and destroyed by intruders…! Our loyal employees have scattered! Our businesses and foundations will all be seized and torn apart!”
Her outburst seemed fierce, like venting her frustration, but I listened silently.
This was definitely a good sign.
“And do you think that’s everything…? The Cradle will forcefully proceed with my expulsion! Those who laughed and envied me will seize the opportunity to throw stones…! Eventually, I’ll end up on the execution platform and die! Even if I’m lucky, I’ll rot in a prison where I’ll never see the light again…!”
“And so…what should I do in this situation…how am I supposed to…”
Finally, after pouring out all her grievances, Yeon Minha wore an expression full of exhaustion.
But behind that, there was certainly a touch of relief.
That meant…it was now time for me to add my words.
T h i s w a s co p i e d f ro m k i n g mt l .o rg
“Isn’t it obvious that you should take it all back?”
“What…?”
Sniffing away her tears, Yeon Minha questioned. Her eyes slightly widened as she met my gaze again.
“You are the last remaining bloodline of Jeokhwa. Then isn’t it only right to take back what is rightfully yours?”
“That’s impossible. How can I do it alone…”
“You won’t be alone.”
“What…?”
“I will help you.”
At that moment.
I finally saw it.
The fleeting spark in Yeon Minha’s eyes, catching the faint moonlight.
“I will stand by you, senior. No matter what difficulties arise, I will not leave your side. If anyone tries to harm you, I will crush them, even if it costs me my life.”
Yeon Minha shook her head, looking confused.
Th i s w as c opi e d f r om k i n g m t l . o r g
“Why, why would you go so far…why would you have any reason to…”
“Because we have a contract. To protect you no matter what.”
“Are you really stupid…? Why do you keep harping on about that contract…”
“And of course, that’s not the only reason.”
I took a step forward.
I could feel that my persuasion was reaching its final stage.
Now, what was important was an excuse.
I once heard that humans are creatures of doubt. Blind trust and goodwill towards someone often end up becoming poison.
This is a natural instinct that occurs in the subconscious realm.
So I had to give her an excuse.
Something that appears to be a transaction, something that allows her to comfortably accept my proposal.
Just like the captain did for me.
It would be the final piece to perfectly lift her up.
“I told you, didn’t I? That you were once the most charming person.”
“What…?”
Yeon Minha took a step back.
As her heel caught with a thud, she reflexively looked back.
T h is w a s c o p i e d f r om k i n gmtl . o r g
With the door closed, there was nowhere left to run.
Yeon Minha turned her head back to meet my gaze.
I placed my arm beside her head with a thump.
Then approached her, exuding as much imposing presence as possible.
This was a typical, basic technique to create the desired atmosphere before interrogation.
“Wait…”
Yeon Minha let out a mingled plea.
It was time to press forward while she was disoriented. I had to engrain my assertion in her mind without giving her room to think rationally.
“Did you ask for a hug? I will hug you. But I will do it when you regain that charm, when you bloom the most beautifully.”
Yeon Minha couldn’t withstand the pressure and lowered her head.
I lifted her delicate chin with my finger to make eye contact again.
“Even if you refuse, I will hug you. If you cry and resist, I will break you by force. This isn’t a suggestion or advice. It’s an already decided matter.”
“Hicc…”
She couldn’t dare to face me, and her eyes spun around.
“So it’s an order. Find yourself again. The senior you used to be. The one who was more beautiful than anyone else.”
Having said all I needed to, I released her chin.
Yeon Minha couldn’t endure any longer and lowered her head.
She stayed still for a long time.
And after a long time passed, when she finally lifted her head again.
I could clearly see it.
The vivid life shining like a red jewel had returned to her once-empty eyes.
Yeon Minha directed those eyes straight at me and slowly opened her lips.
Even if it was just a little, there was definitely something she had lost that had come back in her voice.
“You said it yourself.”
“I won’t take it back.”
Hearing my answer, she gave a small nod.
“I will. And I will get it back. My rights. The beauty you spoke of. No matter what happens, I will definitely take them back.”
Then, with a slightly disheveled expression, she looked up at me like a child hoping for something.
“Instead…can you grant me one request…? Just a small one…”
“What is it?”
Yeon Minha hesitated for quite a while before finally speaking again.
“Even so, sometimes…allow me to show you my weak side.”
I had no way of knowing what she meant by her weak side, but whatever it was, there was no reason not to agree at this point.
I nodded.
“Of course.”
“Okay.”
Yeon Minha finally answered with a voice filled with satisfaction.
She then picked up her fallen gown from the floor, put it on, and without another word, opened the door and headed toward the dark hallway.
By the time her shadow, flickering in the nightlight, disappeared into the adjacent room, I was finally able to exhale deeply and sit down on the chair.
Having been so engrossed, I, too, had expended a considerable amount of emotional energy.
Yet I could clearly feel a sense of relief and accomplishment rising up to my chest.
Because my mind wouldn’t easily calm down, I ended up staying up all night that day.
End of Chapter
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Bakunawa
Owsheath, thought they’re really going to do it cause. Nice save by the author