Nam Hyun-Hwa came to Seoul shortly after, just as she had announced to Choi Hyun-Woo and Han Soo-Young in advance.
When they heard the news of her coming to Seoul, the two literally put everything aside and headed to the meeting place.As soon as they saw her standing there in an upright posture despite her old age, they ran straight to her without anyone to say first.
"Master!"
"Oh my."
Han Soo-Young threw herself as if flying and hugged her.Nam Hyun-Hwa, who skillfully accepted Han Soo-Young as if she was familiar with it, patted her on the back and head.
"What should I do if you still act spoiled like a child?"
While muttering as if troubled, Nam Hyun-Hwa was smiling softly.Han Soo-Young rubbed her face and hugged her, not detaching herself.
"Master."
"Oh, Hyun-Woo. You've gotten so manly that I almost didn't recognize you."
At her words, Choi Hyun-Woo smiled grinningly without realizing it.Then he looked at Han Soo-Young with a slightly regretful gaze and opened his mouth.
"Are you sick or uncomfortable?"
"Of course. I'm sick because I'm so healthy."
Then she slightly reached out her arm toward Choi Hyun-Woo.When Choi Hyun-Woo hesitated at the action, Nam Hyun-Hwa muttered a little regretfully.
"Oh, now that you're all grown up, you don't even want to hug this old woman?"
"…… ."
Only then did Choi Hyun-Woo give Nam Hyun-Hwa a tight hug without saying a word.Nam Hyun-Hwa just smiled and hugged Han Soo-Young and Choi Hyun-Woo silently.No matter what, Choi Hyun-Woo was also the same age as Han Soo-Young, and he was still young.
The three of them hugged like this for a long time, and then changed places to talk.The three of them talked for a while and began catching up with each other.As they were finishing their conversation, Nam Hyun-Hwa suddenly straightened her posture and looked straight at them.Naturally, Han Soo-Young and Choi Hyun-Woo also straightened their posture.
"Now then."
Nam Hyun-Hwa quietly opened her mouth, looking at her two disciples who had grown up so well before she knew it.
"I'll get to the point. As both of you already know, this time I haven't come to Seoul for light purposes."
Nam Hyun-Hwa spoke in her usual quiet, yet powerful voice.
"As you know, the director of the archives who asked you to deliver the artifact was a long-time friend of mine… . However, that friend died in a mysterious accident, and this time Deok-Pil, who had been by his side for a long time, also suffered a questionable death. … it's something that I can't sit by anymore."
She closed her eyes as if it were a pity.
"I and my close friends have decided to investigate this incident on our own. And I've called you here to let you know that. It's going to be hard to contact you for a while, let alone see your face."
From her words, Han Soo-Young and Choi Hyun-Woo could feel that she had already made up her mind.She didn't tell them that she had already found some clues to the incident.
"You guys are adults now, so I thought I should tell you. And there's something I wanted to give you."
With those words, Nam Hyun-Hwa carefully pulled out the wrapping cloth she had brought with her from in front of them.There were two books inside.
"It's my whole life."
She pushed it in front of Choi Hyun-Woo and Han Soo-Young, respectively.
"And it was my master's life, too."
Choi Hyun-Woo and Han Soo-Young each picked up the book in front of them with trembling hands.Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded as if to say, it's okay.
"If you don't mind, I want you to continue now."
"Um, master… . Something is a little strange."
Han Soo-Young muttered in a trembling voice.
"It's as if this is the last time… . You can tell me directly later, why... ."
Nam Hyun-Hwa smiled silently at her words.Han Soo-Young felt an unknown anxiety in her expression.
[Don't forget. Master is... .]
At that moment, she remembered the words of the other self she had seen in Margo's dungeon.Han Soo-Young hesitated for a moment, and then quietly opened her mouth.
"Master, this may be a really rude thing to say."
"Say it."
Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded.
"Soo-Young, if you say something like that, you must have thought about it a lot."
"… Be careful who you're around."
Han Soo-Young added quickly.She had said Nam Hyun-Hwa, in the other world, had died in vain because of the betrayal of a colleague she had trusted.She thought it might be now.
"I've heard that some new species have recently emerged that disturb the human senses, and that they are even more ambiguous than the human mind... ."
"Okay."
Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded.
"I'll be careful as you said."
Han Soo-Young nodded quietly because she had nothing more to say.Meanwhile, Nam Hyun-Hwa made a softer expression and looked at the two with a subtle expression.
"By the way, is there anything else you want to talk about?"
"Huh?"
"Aren't you and Hyun-Woo both in the prime of your age? I went to a place where there were many kids of your age besides you... ."
Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded as if she remembered.
"Yeah, how are you doing with that kid Ji-Hyuk? Are you guys dating now?"
"No, no… !"
When Han Soo-Young blushed in embarrassment, Nam Hyun-Hwa murmured, not yet, and looked at Choi Hyun-Woo.Choi Hyun-Woo smiled and shrugged.
"I don't have yet. And honestly, it's more fun to see Soo-Young and Ji-Hyuk next to me."
"Oh… ."
At Choi Hyun-Woo's words, Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded.And asked, staring at Han Soo-Young.
"Tell me. You don't know how hard it has been to hold back what I wanted to ask since last time."
Nam Hyun-Hwa smiled and brought out her words, and Choi Hyun-Woo got up from his seat with a bitter smile saying that he would go to the washroom for a while.Han Soo-Young, who confirmed that Choi Hyun-Woo was leaving, murmured in a quiet voice.
"Tha, that… . Actually, from the first time I saw him… ."
"Oh my goodness."
Nam Hyun-Hwa leaned forward more, her eyes glittering.
"So, I'm not really sure how to explain this.… ."
Han Soo-Young continued to talk while lowering her head, perhaps embarrassed.
"Strangely, there was something familiar about him when I first saw him. It felt like… . I met master who I missed and hadn't seen in a long time... . It was the first time I had felt this way for someone else, so I honestly just found him a little bit, a little bit interesting. That was my first impression. I really haven't understood it yet."
"And?"
Han Soo-young wriggled her fingers as if she was embarrassed to say this.
"But… . when Hyun-Woo and I were cornered as thieves, the way he acted without caring that he would get in trouble, the way he tried to protect me and the director, and the way he never once minded me even though he still has the scar on his face… All of those, I felt as if I was seeing the kind of figure that Master had told me about. So it was fascinating. Oh, there's another person like that … And then."
Nam Hyun-Hwa nodded as if to say, tell me more.
"So we somehow ended up going around together and… . At some point, without me even knowing it, I became curious about him and kept looking at him... . And… ."
While saying this, Han Soo-Young touched the earrings Yoo Ji-Hyuk had given her while sweeping her hair without realizing it.Of course, Nam Hyun-Hwa didn't miss it, but didn't show it.
"I, I really don't know. It's my first time doing something like this... ."
Still.
"I think I know a little bit what it is now."
Han Soo-Young smiled softly.
"Ji-Hyuk and I were born in completely different places, raised completely differently, and I think we've lived our lives seeing completely different worlds. But if he gets hurt... I would be in more pain than that. I have never felt this kind of emotion except for Hyun-Woo and Master."
After saying that, Han Soo-Young thought that she had said something really embarrassing.So she sneaked a look at Nam Hyun-Hwa, but for some reason she just kept smiling.
"… Actually, I thought Hyun-Woo would be faster than you."
Nam Hyun-Hwa muttered like that and pulled something down from around her neck.It was the necklace she always wore around her neck.
"You've already received something from the child for your ears, and your fingers have to be empty for him, so all I can give you is this one that hangs around the neck."
"Huh, uh?"
Han Soo-Young spun around in surprise.But Nam Hyun-Hwa just smiled and hung it around Han Soo-Young's neck.
"It has been protecting me since I was younger than you. It will protect you now."
Nam Hyun-Hwa said, looking at Han Soo-Young with eyes filled with concern and affection.
"I wish this is just an old woman's useless worries, but… . When I see you with that child, I can't shake the feeling that you'll walk on a thorny path."
It's going to be really hard.Nam Hyun-Hwa muttered like that and gently stroked Han Soo-Young's cheek.
"Whatever choice you make, make sure you don't regret it. Because you're a child who can do it."
Nam Hyun-Hwa's words and the advice given by her other future self strangely coincided in the same direction.Don't regret it.Don't leave things to come that you will regret.
"…… ."
Han Soo-Young carefully fiddled with the necklace she'd put on her.Then she nodded quietly.
* * *
The arrow that escaped from the string directly hit the target.
In just a few days, my archery skills have risen dramatically, to the point where I was now able to take on the role of a back row, even if it was only half a person's share.
It was the effect of Lee Ye-Eun's guidance, archery skills, and the buff of the branch of the World Tree.Of course, even taking that into account, I grew at an unusually fast pace.
‘Is it because I ate the archer in Margo's dungeon?'
This was all I could think of.In fact, the information on the branch of the World Tree that appeared in the status window had not changed, but in every respect it had grown much more than in the past.It was possible enough.
‘If I had known this would happen, I would have eaten all the other guys.'
Mumbling calmly in an eerie voice, I stopped shooting arrows.When I turned my head, Lee Ye-Eun was looking at me there as always.She nodded with a proud look.
"It looks like you don't need me to teach you anymore."
"It's all thanks to you, senior."
"You don't need to be too humble because you have followed me more than I thought, junior."
Lee Ye-Eun said so, and naturally handed me the towel she was holding.I took it with both hands as I thanked her and wiped the sweat off my face.
"Honestly, I think this is enough to advance to the finals."
"Ahaha, even if it's empty words, you're saying too much."
"… ? I meant it."
When I said that with a laugh, Lee Ye-Eun took the towel from me and handed me a container containing a sports drink this time.
"Here, it's important to stay hydrated after sweating."
"Thank you."
While I was taking it with my head down, my eyes met with Lee Ye-Eun's.She was silently looking at the towel, but when her eyes met mine, she panicked, and immediately shoved it into the collection box with a loud noise.
"More importantly, junior, the party of the finalists."
She already seemed convinced that I would make it to the finals.She looked at me as if to say, don't forget, and said.
"You can enter with the companion who came with you at that time. But don't forget that you have to match the dress code like a suit as it's an important position."
"Wait, a suit?"
"Yes."
When I looked at her in bewilderment as If I heard it for the first time, Lee Ye-Eun also looked bewildered.
"Uh… .By any chance, you don't have one... ?"
"…… ."
I nodded my head small.In the world I originally lived in, I had a few of them, though I rarely wore them.But there was no way for me in this world to have such a thing.
"… I can't go wearing the Academy uniform, right?"
"…… ."
At my words, Lee Ye-Eun lifted the bow without saying a word and put it on the shelf.Then, she carefully took the bow I was holding, put it together, grabbed my hand tightly.
"Let's go right now. If we order it right now, it'll be right on time."
"What?"
"Come on, hurry up."
Saying so, she dragged me out.And she was muttering to herself, not paying attention to the gazes of others.
"…don't have enough time to get there... . For now, let's just measure the size and style today, and then I'll get another later.... ."
"Senior."
"… Idiot, why didn't I pay attention to all this? In a way... ."
"Senior. I won't run away, so please let go of my hand."
"Ah."
At my words, Lee Ye-Eun froze, and immediately let go of my hand in surprise.
"I'm, I'm sorry."
At her apology, I waved my hand as if to say, it's okay.Because I was already used to it.
We were soon able to arrive at the boutique located inside the academy.
"Welcome."
When we opened the door, a middle-aged man with a neat impression appeared and welcomed us with a smile.
"We're here to match a suit."
"Oh, is that so? Sir, please come this way then... ."
Lee Ye-Eun skillfully led me and I began to measure my size in front of the mirror, guided by another employee.
"How would you like it styled?"
"Italian is the easiest, isn't it? Please do that."
"How many buttons should I attach?"
"Hmm… . Since junior has a sharp impression and a slim figure, I think three would be okay... . Still, I'd like something that's simple this time."
"Then I'll go with two."
Lee Ye-Eun skillfully talked to the man.While I was wondering how she knew more than I did, Lee Ye-Eun naturally picked up some shirts.
"How long will it take if I order this the fastest?"
"Are you in a hurry?"
"Yes. Very, very much."
"Then… ."
As if the conversation was over, the man bowed his head and said that he would make it in three days.Lee Ye-Eun nodded as if she understood, even though she looked bitter.And when she naturally took out her card, I stepped forward and stopped her.
"Senior, what are you doing now?"
"Yes?"
Lee Ye-Eun replied hesitantly at my sudden words.
"Uh… . I've already placed my order, so now I'm going to pay... ."
"Why are you doing that, senior?"
I replied sharply without realizing it.I first took the card out of my pocket and handed it to the man.
He hesitated for a moment, then politely accepted it, finished the payment, and handed it to me.When I secretly looked at the receipt, I saw that the price was not cheap.It was a price I would never have paid if I were in the original world.
"… Huu."
I let out a small sigh and ruffled my hair.Then, looking at Lee Ye-Eun, who crouched as if she were anxious, I spoke in a quiet voice as if I were soothing her.
"Senior, thank you for always looking at me in a good way. Thank you so much for caring about me. But this is... This isn't right."
"Th, that… . I'm just doing it out of pure favor."
"It's not right to buy something worth millions of won for a junior just out of pure favor, senior. Even if you say it's okay... ."
As I was speaking, I could feel the gazes of the people inside the boutique turning towards us.I took her out of the store first.And before I knew it, I took a depressed Lee Ye-Eun to a place where there were few people.
"Senior."
"… Yes, junior."
She nodded at my call.
"First of all, I like you very much, senior. And as a junior, I also respect you."
Lee Ye-Eun nodded helplessly.
"But, but what you just did was too much. How could you just buy me that with millions of won... . Don't you think it was something that could be taken badly by some people?"
"…I'm sorry. I didn't think much."
"Of course, I'm not saying I was angry or offended with you, senior. But you and I are just seniors and juniors, right? Even if it's not, I've been hearing some strange noises lately... ."
"… It's."
"What?"
Lee Ye-Eun muttered with her head down.
"Just a simple senior-junior relationship… it's not."
She bit her lip and struggled to spit them out.Then she looked up at me cautiously and said.
"Actually… !"
