Chapter 234. Magic with Professor Im Sol!
After finishing our conversation, I left Elise's mansion and headed for the dormitory.
Talking to a beautiful woman is always enjoyable no matter how long it lasts, but Elise had things to do, and I couldn't stay out too late either, so we wrapped it up and parted ways.
"Damn, that was exhausting."
These days, every single day is so packed, it's a problem.
I really wish incidents would stop happening.
I miss the days when I could just hang out with Liliana and fall asleep peacefully.
Tch.
As I walked slowly, I remembered the purpose of today's outing.
"Damn it. I never got to see the house."
I had gone out to check a new place, but ended up drinking wine and chatting with Elise instead.
Of course, the talk with Elise was nice… but I still needed to see the house.
"Should I go now, even if it's late?"
At that moment, a familiar voice spoke beside me.
"What are you referring to?"
"The house."
"You really aren't surprised."
"Of course I knew you were following me."
I had spoken out loud because I sensed Scarlett behind me—otherwise, I'd have just kept it to myself.
A quick glance confirmed my hunch. Scarlett, clearly irritated at being discovered, stood there, her stealth broken.
"What about Isaac, I mean, Mr. Isaac?"
"He went to meet the Korean branch chief. He said that was the only place he could think of. He's probably flying out immediately. He's not the kind of person with much free time…"
"Hmm. Good."
I didn't know why the Korean branch chief was involved, but they'd handle it themselves.
It's an internal guild matter.
If Isaac's leaving, maybe Scarlett can return home.
"Now we can see Liliana and Dahee more often. Though, it won't be like the old days, right?"
"No. Things have settled now. I'll be able to spend time with them like before."
"Oh, that's great."
Scarlett coming back gives me another reason to move.
"But before that…"
Scarlett stopped walking, turned to me, and bowed 90 degrees.
"I'm sorry, Hoyeon."
"Hm?"
"I should've handled things better…"
What's up with her all of a sudden?
"Is this about Mr. Isaac trying to jump me?"
"… Yes. I actually leaked some information about you. I had my reasons, but wrong is wrong."
Bowing even lower, Scarlett apologized with a remorseful tone.
"It's fine, stand up. It didn't really…"
Wait a sec.
I cut myself off and thought for a moment.
I shouldn't just let everything slide like this.
Like Elise said, sometimes I need to show a bit of anger.
Maybe I should use this moment to practice.
"If you're sorry, do me one favor."
"… A favor?"
Scarlett looked at me, slightly shielding her chest.
"Not like that. Just help me find a new place. I was supposed to check one today, but Mr. Isaac got in the way."
"Ah… that's unexpected. But sure, I can do that."
Unexpected? That's harsh.
"It's not like I always ask for your body."
"No, that's not what I meant… understood."
"…?"
Scarlett nodded, leaving behind a strangely awkward remark.
What was going through her head to make her look like that?
Was it because I always seem sex-driven?
Ding—
Then something appeared in front of my eyes.
★ Heroine Status Window
[Scarlett]
- [ Affection: 55 ]
- [ Lust: 30 ]
- [ Appetite: 30 ]
- [ Fatigue: 40 ]
Current Status: Thought a pretty woman's apology would be enough, but it wasn't. Should I try a different approach?
"Oh…"
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Scarlett now had a status window.
Maybe it's because her involvement with me, Isaac, and Elise has grown deeper, affecting the world more?
'But damn, her thoughts are kinda indecent.'
Someone might think I pounce on every girl I see.
"That's unfair."
"Huh?"
Scarlett tilted her head, clueless.
"Tch. Never mind. It's nothing."
That side of her is charming too, I guess.
She's usually calculating, but comes through when it counts.
She was a huge help when I was working on Nam Daeun. Helped with all kinds of errands too.
I never imagined the scam contract we signed would lead to this kind of bond.
Anyway, I'm already very grateful to Scarlett.
"Thanks for everything, Scarlett. Please find me a good house."
I expressed my gratitude, and Scarlett responded with her usual smile.
"Yes, Hoyeon. I'll enjoy working on it."
It's a bit late to say this now, but…
All the blonde women around me really are pretty.
"… A double agent, huh?"
"Yes. It just kind of happened."
On the way back to the dorm, Scarlett filled me in.
Isaac had taken a liking to me and ordered her to investigate.
"Luckily, he doesn't know about our relationship."
"Probably because it's something related to Elise. Anything she personally requests, even Isaac doesn't know."
"Oh ho…"
That's a relief.
"Also, if we ever meet the guild master again, pretend you don't know me. Even a slight nod will tip him off. He's a freak who notices everything. If I'd acknowledged you, I would've been exposed."
"Sorry. I'll be careful."
I did glance at Scarlett while bowing to Elise… and he noticed?
I really need to stay on guard.
"But if you're a double agent, don't you have to keep feeding him info about me?"
"Technically yes, but I can just make stuff up."
Scarlett shrugged like it was nothing.
"What if you get caught?"
"Then I'll just switch over to your side completely. I'm counting on you."
Watching Scarlett bow her head, I let out a dry laugh.
"… You're something else."
She says that, but I'm sure she'll handle it.
She might look carefree, but she's competent. She won't get caught.
"Oh, I'll also pass on info about the centaur. It won't be immediate, but the guild master should respond soon."
"Yeah. I'm counting on you."
Liliana will be thrilled to hear this.
Chatting with Scarlett, we arrived at the dorm.
Ding—
As I entered, I saw Liliana lying on the bed.
At the table, Nam Daeun and Nam Dahee were nibbling on snacks.
"… Yeah, it really is cramped."
Scarlett looked overwhelmed at the packed dorm.
Five people. That's a lot.
It's a spacious single room, and thankfully we added a bed in the living room, but still, it's hard to imagine managing this.
This isn't cozy anymore—it's just hot.
"Right? You'd better find us a good place."
"Huh? Scout's here?!"
"Scarlett unnie!"
Hearing us talk, Liliana jumped up from her bed where she'd been scrolling through her smartwatch.
Nam Dahee did the same, dashing over.
Like seeing family again after a long time.
"What've you been up to?"
"Sorry. I've been busy with work."
"Unnie, why'd you take so long? I want good food again…"
"… Huh?"
Tch.
Guess they're really happy Scarlett's back.
The actual room owner didn't even get a glance.
Feeling a bit bitter, I took off my outerwear—when someone came up to me.
"Did you check out the house?"
Someone walked up to me.
"Knew I could count on you, Daeun."
"Hehe, everyone's just excited to see each other again. You're happy too, right?"
Nam Daeun smiled and took my coat.
"Something came up today… I didn't get to see it. Scarlett will check for me later, so if you have any preferences, let her know."
Hearing that, Liliana grabbed Scarlett's arm excitedly.
"Scout! I want a room with lots of space."
"Unnie, I need a place with lots of toys!"
Hmm. I'll have to give the best room to Daeun when we move.
"Dahee. Shouldn't you say hi to your oppa too?"
"Huh? Oppa's here too?"
"... Yeah. I'm here."
"Scout, look! I made this while you were gone."
"It's wonderful, Lady Liliana."
Still, it's nice having everyone gathered again.
Brings some life back to the place.
"Scarlett, don't forget we need to check houses. And Liliana? Come with me for a sec."
"Huh? Why?"
She was clinging to Scarlett's arm like it had been forever, but I called her into the room.
Once I closed the door—this wasn't something others should hear—Liliana twisted shyly.
"It's not even nighttime yet… Master, already? You must've been holding back…"
"It's not like that. We need to talk, so sit."
"Aw, c'mon."
I chuckled at her reaction and slowly began to speak.
"Remember? That centaur from hell."
"Of course. That horse-man."
At the mention of another from hell, Liliana focused.
"We might be seeing him soon, so think of anything you want to say."
"Gasp… really?"
"Yeah. So don't freeze up—be ready."
"… Okay. Thanks."
Meeting my eyes, Liliana nodded with gratitude and started writing something at her desk.
★ Heroine Status Window
- [Liliana]
- [ Affection: 97 ] ( +1.9 )
- [ Lust: 78 ]
- [ Appetite: 42 ]
- [ Fatigue: 30 ]
Current Status: I wonder if that horse-man knows about my mom? Probably not… right?
Looks like she's deep in thought.
Good.
I worked hard to make this chance happen.
As much as I wanted to brag and demand more thanks, I quietly slipped out, seeing how serious she looked.