Correcting the Villainess of the Academy - Chapter 98
Chapter 98
Exposure (8)
Time slipped by unnoticed, and as my body recovered, I naturally began to worry about the days ahead.
The promise to stay by her side no matter the difficulty was genuinely sincere, but that didn’t mean the current reality we faced would resolve itself.
In the past few days, our situation was like a cornered rat.
Countless spy crows sent by journalists were blocked by the anti-air defenses multiple times a day. The intruder detection magic constantly blared alarms, both day and night.
It was a bothersome inconvenience for the mansion’s owners, yet they showed no sign of displeasure and only reassured us instead.
Finally, a summons to attend a hearing under the name of the Supreme Council arrived at Heukryeon’s mansion.
***
“Hair… neat… tie… good…”
Yeon Minha’s busy movements sent strands of her hair fluttering before my eyes. She then took a small transparent glass bottle and sprayed the liquid it contained a couple of times on my neck and wrists.
She then buried her face in my chest for a moment, then lifted it to nod approvingly.
“The scent suits you well… it’s good…”
“What kind of perfume is this? We’re not going out to play.”
“If you don’t know, just be quiet. These kinds of gatherings require proper formality. It’s better to be thorough than to be underestimated.”
Yeon Minha snapped back as if my question wasn’t worth answering.
Today, she was personally adjusting my attire. Having gone through this numerous times already, I’ve come to just accept it.
Though I wondered if she really found me that unreliable. Did she really have to undo and retie the tie I had done myself? I thought I had done it perfectly today.
T h i s wa s c o p i e d f r o m ki n g m t l . o r g
“It’s already time. Let’s go.”
T h is w a s co p i e d f r o m k i n g mt l . o rg
Yeon Minha glanced at the clock on the wall.
Together, we stepped out of the annex and soon reached the central corridor of the mansion’s main building.
When the presence of Heukryeon’s master and mistress approached, she gracefully bowed her head in greeting.
Her movements were the epitome of elegance and refinement, like a noble lady.
“I’m counting on you.”
“Jeokhwa’s child need not worry. Just wait patiently and comfortably.”
“Indeed, indeed. There’s no need for you to come all this way. Go inside and enjoy some tea in the garden. I’ve already instructed them to prepare refreshments.”
“Yes, yes…”
They gently insisted, turning her back with a guiding hand.
Although Yeon Minha still felt a bit awkward with their warmth, she didn’t show any sign of dislike.
Today, only I and the Heukryeon couple would attend the Supreme Council’s hearing. Yeon Minha wanted to accompany us but, for safety reasons, would remain alone at the mansion.
This was due to the public’s overwhelmingly negative sentiment towards Jeokhwa. The impact of Yeon Jeongmun’s actions had been staggering.
It was only natural. The head of a prestigious family leading the nation had secretly conspired with the enemy, abducting citizens for forbidden magical experiments and dark rituals.
Yeon Minha, as his bloodline and the sole survivor of Jeokhwa, could not escape the public’s rage.
Th is w as c o p i ed f r o m k i n g m t l. o r g
Her role in preventing the complete collapse of the south and receiving the Geumseong Martial Honor Medal had become a footnote.
The north faced demonic threats, the east suffered massive setbacks from failed pioneer efforts, and the south erupted in rebellion amidst ongoing political strife.
The resulting decline in security and administration, coupled with persistent food and power shortages, and the ever-growing presence of dark mages, mutants, and now even cults, had driven public sentiment to its lowest.
In the eyes of the Supreme Council and influential figures, Yeon Minha made the perfect target to divert dissatisfaction.
Newspapers continued to churn out special reports on Jeokhwa’s corruption.
I had them all discarded in case Yeon Minha might see them, but even to me, the narratives seemed harshly orchestrated to sway public opinion.
Today’s hearing was the first step to shield Yeon Minha from such attacks, but until public opinion shifted, Heukryeon advised she remain at the mansion.
I agreed with this decision.
Ultimately, despite her dissatisfaction, Yeon Minha stayed at the mansion.
“See you soon.”
T his w a s c o pi e d f r om k in gm t l. o r g
Yielding to the mistress’s gentle urging, Yeon Minha finally stood before me.
Even in her usual blunt and impudent tone, it now felt more reassuring. It was certainly better than seeing her lifeless and despondent.
It’s strange. When I first met her at the Cradle, her arrogance annoyed me.
Now, I had come to accept it naturally…
“I’ll be back.”
“…Okay.”
Even after exchanging farewells, Yeon Minha kept her hands neatly clasped, watching us until the end.
With Heukryeon’s master and mistress, I headed for the mansion’s main gate.
There, a long, luxurious vehicle similar to the one I took when leaving for Jeokhwa’s property awaited us. Seeing it a second time, it seemed less impressive.
Standing in front of it was a woman who appeared to be an attendant, waiting for us.
Her long hair was neatly tied back, and she appeared slightly older than me. Her attire was crisp and elegant, with polished shoes.
Something about her seemed very familiar, and I widened my eyes.
T hi s w a s copie d fr o m k i n g m t l . o r g
She nodded deeply upon recognizing me.
“It’s been a long time, young master.”
“Team Leader Myo Sanga?”
***
The scenery outside zipped by quickly. The green landscape gave way to dull gray, signaling our approach to the capital’s heart.
Thi s w a s co p i e d fr o m k i n g m t l .o rg
Meanwhile, an uncomfortable gaze from the front seat persisted. No need to guess—it was Myo Sanga.
Her sideways glances gave the impression she was hiding something. I pondered why, but there was indeed a reason.
I had met her before heading south for an external mission.
As the VIP manager for S&C, Heukryeon’s defense industry, I had approached her for various supplies needed for the mission.
She was fine with providing the particle armor and blade, but when I asked for the high-capacity stimulants and accelerants, she vehemently opposed.
Yet she eventually relented, unable to resist my insistence.
In truth, I owed my survival to her.
T hi s w a s c o p ie d fr o m k i n gm tl. o rg
In the precarious battlefield, I was equipped with top-tier gear and fully doped with drugs. Without them, I might not have survived.
But from her perspective, it could be a different story.
After all, she discreetly provided the drugs at my request.
No need to confess that I used them all. Her reaction suggests it would only add unnecessary burden.
“Team Leader Myo. You seem awfully tense today. Is something the matter?”
“N-No!”
Her habit of biting her tongue was still there. Sweating profusely, she shook her head vigorously at Sa Daeryong’s question.
Th is w a s co p i e d fr o m ki n g mt l . or g
“Oh, hahaha! No, sir. I’ve been a bit low on energy lately…”
“A young person already talking like that. Let’s have a smoke together. It might help.”
Sa Daeryong fumbled through his pockets. He found something resembling a long paper stick and put it in his mouth.
Myo Sanga quickly brought her fingers to it, igniting the end with a brief, bright flame.
Soon, the interior filled with a colorful, fragrant smoke, its sweet scent wafting into my nose.
“Team Leader. You’re a mage?”
“Ah, yes. You probably haven’t seen me use magic before.”
She turned her head, puffing on the paper stick, and spoke.
“Are you also from Cradle, Team Leader?”
“Oh, I’m a Yukhwa graduate. Circumstances weren’t right for me to enter Cradle, so I chose my second option.”
Myo Sanga shook her head.
“If it weren’t for the master and mistress, I wouldn’t have gotten into a big company like S&C. Other academy graduates tend to be overshadowed by those from Cradle…”
The mistress beside me chimed in.
T h i s was c o p i e d f r om king m t l . o r g
“Sanga is an exceptionally talented individual. Didn’t you recently achieve the highest rank in particle manipulation technology? It’s remarkable at such a young age. We’re so fortunate she came to Heukryeon.”
“Oh, madam, you’re always too generous with your praise, hehe…”
“Nonsense. It’s a fair assessment. I heard she helped our Hyun before he went south. Keep looking after him.”
“What? Oh, haha… don’t worry…”
T h is w as c o p ie d fr o m kin g mt l . or g
Despite her confident words, a hint of anxiety flashed across her face.
Her glance towards me seemed to be seeking aid. It was clear that the fact she procured those harmful drugs would stay with her until her last breath.
Even if it’s not the absolute highest, a top-tier particle manipulation technician is still impressive. Her skills were more remarkable than I thought.
“Oh, young master, you’re much more impressive than someone like me… excelling in both academics and combat, ranking first at Cradle…”
“…”
Hearing her flattery, I wished for a hole to hide in. I felt as if my face under the mask might turn red.
Excelling in both academics and combat? I barely achieved the knight’s secondary rank while in the military. It was only possible due to my overwhelming practical scores compensating for my dismal written ones.
In Cradle, I realized using my body and studying theory were entirely different domains. The thought of upcoming midterms and finals was daunting.
Though I was lucky to maintain first place, a poor written score could plummet my grades, bringing disgrace to the commander and the Heukryeon couple.
“Don’t worry, dear.”
As if reading my thoughts, the mistress suddenly placed her palm on the back of my hand.
The warmth was more reassuring than uncomfortable.
“We only wish for your health. There’s no need to worry about anything else. Right, dear?”
“Exactly. As long as a man takes care of himself.”
The head of the family nodded as he puffed on the paper stick.
Questions still swirled in my mind.
Why are they treating someone like me, a stranger, with such care?
Despite having overwhelming power to ignore external pressures, why don’t they exert any influence in politics?
And what happened between them and the commander?
I wanted to ask, but remembering the mistress’s sorrowful eyes at the mention of the commander, I hesitated.
Maybe I should ask Myo Sanga later…
“But how are the others doing… it must be hard for them…”
The mistress sighed, looking out the window.
Considering her tone, the “others” she mentioned were likely the older sisters accompanying the commander.
Her words brought a question to mind.
Surely this much was okay, so I carefully asked.
“By any chance… what’s your relationship with Jin?”
She answered casually.
“Jin is my niece. My younger sister’s daughter. Is she okay? She’s quite an unusual character…”
“Yes? Yes. The last time I saw her, she was fine. No particular health issues…”
The mistress nodded with a slight smile, relieved.
But my mind grew more tangled.
Their surnames matched, so I had asked just in case.
If she’s her niece, Jin and the commander are cousins.
Yet judging by Jin’s behavior, she clearly…
No, never mind.
I decided to stop thinking about it.
I’d already realized there were many kinds of love I didn’t understand.
Worrying over others’ affairs was pointless.
I should just focus on what I need to do…
“Elder, madam, young master. We’re about to arrive. Please prepare.”
At Myo Sanga’s words, I looked outside to see a massive bronze dome appearing in the distance.
End of Chapter
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AlcoholicMan420
Who TF is Jin???????