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Kim Shinrok knew well how he was viewed and treated by the Tiger Clan.
He thought he’s gotten used to it, but today was like a prick in his chest.
Perhaps it’s because Jeokho was beside him.
‘In the presence of Jeokho out of all times…’
Jeokho was imprisoned for a long time, and ever since his release, he hasn’t encountered a lot of tigers with his son.
He had never seen in person how Kim Shinrok was treated among the Tiger Clan.
Kim Shinrok knows now how precious his father treats him as a son.
Until all the fog was gone, Jeokho didn’t show any reaction.
On the other hand, Kim Shinrok was suffocating, unsure of what to say and what expression to make.
In the end, Kim Shinrok couldn’t stand staying anymore, so he excused himself, saying that he has some academic work to do.
He was almost running away.
It was clear to him that the attention would continue to be on him as long as he stayed there, and he didn’t want Hwangho or Jo Euishin to do that.
‘They must be very upset… Maybe if I had done my job better, they would agree regardless of my origin…?’
Kim Shinrok blamed himself for making a meaningless assumption.
Even if Kim Shinrok was the best in the world, it wouldn’t change what the couple thinks of him — a man born with bear’s blood.
He felt pathetic for thinking of those “what-ifs”
As soon as Kim Shinrok left the forest, he headed to the school’s west gate.
When he saw the scene of Eungwang High, he felt somewhat calm.
‘…I’ve been behind in my overtime work. I should go back to work.’
Meetings with Sung Gukeon as he’s disguised as Hwang Yuho’s guardian, his frequent visitations to the dragons’ territory to torture Cadmus, checking up on Gye Idam in the hospital…
Those were all on Kim Shinrok’s plate, and he has been neglecting schoolwork because of them.
Since his schedule for today was canceled, Kim Shinrok thought it was just right that he’d catch up with his work.
He was unsure if he could concentrate on administrative work, but he couldn’t help it.
He didn’t want to sit around and do nothing.
“Where’d you go, Shinrok-ah?”
On his way to the teacher’s office, he ran into Yong Jegun.
It’s been quite a while since after-school activities should be over, but seeing Yong Jegun was still on campus, it seems Yeom Junyeol will be leaving school late again.
Hearing the dragon call him “Shinrok-ah” instead of “Professor Shinrok,” there must be no one else around them.
Kim Shinrok answered roughly and quickened his steps.
“Work.”
“You don’t look good. Don’t let those tigers’ words get to you too much.”
“…!”
Kim Shinrok was surprised, but he couldn’t say anything.
He realized that he was caught in Yong Jegun’s bluff, but it was too late.
From his reaction, Yong Jegun already guessed what was going on.
“So the tigers did say something again.”
“…No.”
“There must be something.”
“…”
Kim Shinrok shut his mouth and ignored Yong Jegun.
It was true that the tigers didn’t say much.
The couple’s reaction was quite mild, considering the fact that they lost their descendant.
Kim Shinrok felt that he should be thankful for it.
“I want some tea, can I go with you?”
“Yeom Junyeol’s leaving the school soon. Go with him.”
Kim Shinrok reminded him of Yeom Junyeol.
That mischievous dragon is also someone who cares about their clan’s descendant, so he thought Yong Jegun would step down quickly at the mention of his name.
However, Yong Jegun shook his head.
“Junyeol’s teacher is back in Korea. He can go with him on the way home.”
“…Weren’t you gonna wait with him?”
“Yeah, but now I want some tea.”
Kim Shinrok didn’t say okay, but Yong Jegun smiled and followed him to the residential area.
They were headed to the faculty house where Kim Shinrok’s room was located.
Yong Jegun acts in such a fickle manner, unclear if he cared about Kim Shinrok or not.
‘…Yeah, I’ll work after a cup of tea.’
Kim Shinrok, who had never overcome Yong Jegun’s stubbornness, finally gave in.
He sincerely wanted to pry away from the grasp of this “frenemy,” but he was weak to him.
The man stayed next to him as a friend, regardless of Kim Shinrok’s birth origin.
Instead of shaking off Yong Jegun, Kim Shinrok thought about what tea he should make.
“You can’t show your gaps, Shinrok-ah.”
“Huh?”
Yong Jegun suddenly said something unintelligible.
Yong Jegun stopped and looked in the direction of the school gate.
“There’s an Eye persistently looking at Eungwang High right now, that’s why.”
***
Kim Shinrok excused himself as if he wanted to run away.
Hwang Jiho tried to gently invite Kim Shinrok to dinner, but he couldn’t hold onto him in the end.
Hwang Jiho, Jukheo, and of course, Jeokho — the tigers looked devastated.
It was only after a long silence did Jeokho speak.
“…Has it always been like this?”
Jeokho’s expressionless face broke down.
“While I was gone, that child…”
“…”
Jeokho couldn’t finish his words, but Hwang Jiho didn’t answer.
He didn’t deny it, nor did he say anything to wrap things up.
To be honest, the tiger couple’s reaction today wasn’t that bad.
They blamed themselves, but they didn’t say anything to blame Jeokho and Kim Shinrok.
Jeokho looked at the silent Hwang Jiho, his face distorted.
“…I will take my leave first.”
Jeokho left in the end.
He didn’t wish to run into anyone, seeing that he thoroughly stifled his presence.
It seems like he wasn’t headed back to the mansion.
Meanwhile, the garden wasn’t completely stable yet, so Jukho has no choice but to stay in the forest.
“It was nice seeing you today. Please contact me if anything happens.”
Jukho gave me his device code before Hwang Jiho and I left the bamboo forest.
Perhaps he means ‘if anything happens to Kim Yuri’ when he said those words.
I also gave him my device code and walked out of the bamboo forest.
Maybe it was because the sun had already set or because the atmosphere was completely different from when we arrived, but my footsteps felt especially heavy.
‘If it was the usual, I’d tell him I’m going back to my dorm…’
But seeing the tigers like that, it was difficult for me to say those words.
I had to deal with this situation with a lot of tact.
My mind was occupied as we walked out of the bamboo forest.
When we were completely outside, I came to a conclusion.
“I want to see Eunho’s descendants today.”
Hwang Jiho, who was walking ahead, looked back at me.
Eun Seoho and Eun Iho are busy studying for the entrance exam, and considering what happened today, I thought Hwang Jiho would refuse.
“Yes, the children would like that too.”
But Hwang Jiho didn’t refuse and agreed right away.
Hwang Jiho immediately ordered Hwang Yuho, who was staying in the mansion, to prepare dinner.
“Seoho and Iho are busy studying today so they haven’t had dinner yet. It turned out well.”
…It’s incredibly important to eat on time, but those children haven’t eaten yet?!
I don’t know if it was really a good thing as Hwang Jiho said, but Hwang Jiho only laughed.
With the backdrop of his laughter, we arrived at the mansion.
I frequented Hwangmyeong mansion, but I thought it was a long time since I came to the main house.
The moment I walked through the front door…
Pop! Pop!
Party poppers went off and confetti covered my eyes.
When I looked around in surprise, Hwang Jiho stepped back as if he had predicted the situation.
Looking ahead, I saw Eunho’s descendants with cone hats on their heads, holding party poppers and a box of cake.
“Happy birthday, Euishin hyung! Although we’re a little late.”
“We prepared these last minute, so the cake was already ready-made. Next time, we’ll make sure to bake one for you!”
“…We want to take a picture with you.”
I wanted to see the descendants on my birthday, but time passed and I didn’t find the time to meet them.
I could’ve gone to see them after meeting Eunho, but somehow I was reluctant to do that.
In fact, I avoided meeting with Eunho’s descendants, but I felt sorry seeing them celebrate my birthday like this.
“Thanks, sorry I couldn’t come to see you.”
“It’s okay! There’s no problem if Euishin hyung comes more often from now on!”
“We’re gonna attend the same school starting next year so it’s okay.”
Eun Seoho and Eun Iho excitedly talked about how they were preparing to enter Eungwang HIgh, and what they would do as Class Zero students.
…Is it already confirmed that they’d be in Class Zero?
“…We prepared some talents to show off during the interview. Once they see that, they’d put us in Class Zero for sure.”
“That’s what Hwangho-nim said too! I’m sure we’ll be in Class Zero.”
“We’re gonna practice harder until then.”
What kind of talent did they prepare for Hwang Jiho to say that!
It seems like the reason why those two are busy isn’t solely for preparing for the exam.
“…I also want to go to Eungwang HIgh.”
Meanwhile, Eun Jaeho, who was still quite far away from being a high school student, couldn’t hide his disappointment.
He was taking pictures with his device, calming his loneliness as he looked at the photographs, but that seemed to be insufficient.
I want those three to enter Eungwang High at the same time if possible… but I think it’ll be too hard to make that happen considering Eun Jaeho was just 10 years old.
“Aren’t descendants able to manipulate their age?”
“Not as good as royal lineages, but yes. But it’s harder for children.”
Hwang Jiho said flatly.
Why is the crazy-for-descendants Hwang Jiho speaking like that?
Eun Jaeho was listening with a slightly anticipated face, but he was met with disappointment.
“But I have another method in mind. Don’t worry about it.”
Hwang Jiho looked at Eun Jaeho.
Eun Jaeho quickly approached him, his eyes shining brightly as he looked up at Hwang Jiho.
“A different method? So can I go to Eungwang High next year too?”
“Hahaha! Eungwang High is a little difficult. Didn’t I say it’s a different method?”
Hwang Jiho laughed excitedly, happy that he was going to pamper the young Eun Jaeho.
“You can go to Gwangil Elementary School next year. The safety issue is, well… If you act like Hwang Yuho, there won’t be any problem.”
“So… I…”
Eun Jaeho’s eyes slowly widened.
“That’s right. You will attend elementary school with me. How’s that?”
“Yes! I will do it! Thank you, Hwangho-nim!”
Eun Jaeho thanked Hwang Jiho with tears in his eyes.
I thought this old man was just talking nonsense when he said he was taking over the elementary school, but it looks like he has a plan.
Although I appreciate the paper crafts given by the descendants, the biggest gift for my birthday party was the news of Eun Jaeho’s entrance to the elementary school.
Before leaving the mansion, I talked to Hwang Jiho.
“Can you give me those people’s contact information?”
“…Those people?”
I was thinking of the couple who lost their descendants.
“The people we met today.”
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