Chapter 106
Exposure (16)
Yeon Minha responded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Why are you so surprised? I just told you, when students from the Five Families enroll, they’re automatically allocated a seat.”
“…Ah.”
T h i s w a s c opi e d f r om k i n g m t l . o r g
“Up until now, you were just a recommended student, but now you’re the official second son of Heukryeon. You need to start embracing that.”
The second son of Heukryeon.
Even though I’m not actually related by blood…
“There’s only one spot available for first-years, but considering Heukryeon’s influence, it should be enough to get you into the student council…”
“It’s fine. I’m not interested in the student council. I don’t like positions like that.”
“…If not you, then Jin Yeseo, the daughter of Baekgwang, will take that spot.”
The daughter of Baekgwang… Jin Yeseo, huh?
A certain nasty-tempered blonde with green eyes popped into my head.
“It’s really fine. I’m genuinely not interested. Besides, I’m not even a real bloodline of Heukryeon…”
Since Yeon Minha already knew this, I didn’t feel any particular discomfort in saying it.
Moreover, the student council is a place that doesn’t suit me at all.
If anything, I’d just be relieved not to embarrass myself due to my lack of social skills and knowledge.
“…Hmph.”
But Yeon Minha pouted slightly, her lips curling into a displeased expression.
Regardless, I finished brushing her hair and placed the brush on the vanity.
“All done.”
“…You’re actually pretty good at this…”
Yeon Minha muttered as she looked into the mirror.
Although she still wore a somewhat sullen expression, the slight curve of her eyes into a half-moon shape betrayed her satisfaction.
She tidied up the collar and sleeves of her shirt before speaking again.
“…Alright. Let’s leave the student council decision for now and think about it a bit more…”
Why does she always conclude things on her own in such a strange direction?
Before I could counter, she swiftly changed the subject again.
“So, which club are you planning to join?”
A club? Now that she mentioned it, that was something to consider.
Th i s w a s c op i e d f r o m k in gm t l . o r g
I vaguely remember it being mentioned during the entrance orientation, and I’d occasionally see seniors handing out strange brochures, trying to recruit new members.
Something about how self-improvement is this and that…
As I was lost in thought, Yeon Minha, as if she had expected it, retorted sharply.
“So, you hadn’t thought about that either? This is different from the student council. First-years are required to join at least one club by the end of the first semester.”
“Why is that?”
T h i s w a s c o pi e d fr o m ki n g m t l. o rg
“Because club activities also count towards your overall ranking score. It’s not as significant as the ranking matches, but it does add up. There are students who bomb their exams and then put their all into club achievements to make up for it.”
“Hmm…”
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Although I still had a comfortable lead over Jin Yeseo, I didn’t want to give her any chance to catch up.
Especially since my strengths don’t lie in theoretical and written subjects… If I mess up even a couple of exams, I could be caught up quickly.
T h i s w as c o p ie d fr o m k i n g mtl .o rg
But when I think of clubs, I think of hobbies.
And I don’t really have any particular hobbies right now.
I can’t just join any random club either…
“Ugh. Let’s talk about clubs later. If you really can’t decide, I’ll help you find one.”
Seeing me fall into deep thought again, Yeon Minha let out a small sigh.
“…Thanks. I’ll take you up on that.”
“…Honestly. What would you do without me…”
I genuinely needed help, so I didn’t refuse.
Yeon Minha adjusted her appearance and stood up as if she was ready to leave.
But then she suddenly turned back to me, as if she had remembered something.
She fidgeted with her fingers, sneaking glances at me.
It was the unmistakable posture of someone with a request.
“Is there something you want to say?”
“Um… Can I ask you a favor?”
“A favor?”
“…Yes.”
“What is it…?”
After hesitating for a while, Yeon Minha finally spoke up.
“…It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but the prestige of my family is probably at rock bottom right now. It’ll take a long time to regain our former dignity. Just look at the graffiti from last night…”
She hung her head low and murmured in a voice as small as an ant’s.
“There will probably be plenty of people trying to take me down. My student council application could even be rejected because of that. So… if that happens… would it be okay if I borrowed your name and Heukryeon’s influence…?”
“Borrow my name?”
Her voice grew even quieter.
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“Just… boast about our close relationship… You’re in the opposite situation from me… If people believe that Heukryeon is backing me firmly… it might reduce some of the trouble…”
I understood why her voice was fading.
Given her high pride and confident personality, it must have been a blow to her ego to ask for such a favor.
After all, she’s in a situation where she needs to rely on someone else’s power instead of her own family’s.
However, from my perspective, it’s not a difficult request at all.
I suddenly recalled the last conversation I had with the Heukryeon couple before leaving their mansion.
‘You are already like our child.’
‘Heukryeon will vouch for every decision you make in the Cradle. Never lose your confidence.’
Even now, I could feel the Heukryeon insignia given to me by the commander in my pocket.
He said it was just a measure to ensure my safety, so I shouldn’t feel too burdened… but it’s such an overwhelmingly generous gesture.
I still have no idea why they’re being so kind.
But regardless, it’s only right to repay the favor as much as possible.
The Jeokhwa that could have supported Heukryeon has self-destructed. Meanwhile, Paechun’s influence remains strong.
Mok Jinwoo did mention that while Heukryeon has rejoined the Supreme Council, things won’t proceed smoothly.
So, if there’s something I can do to help, I should do it.
Supporting Yeon Minha is part of that.
Even if it weren’t, I had already promised long ago that I’d stick with her no matter what.
Even if she had asked boldly, I would have gladly agreed.
“Do as you see fit, Senior.”
I nodded at Yeon Minha.
“Whether it’s my name or Heukryeon’s, use it whenever you need. And if anything becomes too overwhelming, let me know.”
“…Alright.”
Though her voice was still small, after spending so much time together, I could tell.
She seemed to be in a pretty good mood.
“What? Why…”
“…Nothing.”
Yeon Minha responded in a brusque tone.
It seemed that I wasn’t the only one who had become more perceptive about subtle cues.
With that, she hurriedly left the dorm.
***
Yeon Minha’s steps towards the Cradle’s main building were light.
She had never felt so reassured.
Though it seemed like she was all alone in the midst of a storm, Yeon Minha wasn’t worried at all.
After all, she had a solid, unyielding wall behind her.
Moreover, there was no chance her student council application would be rejected. What she had told him was just a bit of exaggerated fuss to spice things up.
She’d slowly coax him into joining the student council, but for now, Yeon Minha’s mind drifted to another idea, her eyes sparkling.
“Maybe I should just start a new club…?”
It was such a good idea that her lips curved into a satisfied smile.
“That might be perfect… I’ll make the entry requirements so strict that no riffraff can even get close…”
Excited at the thought of creating their own little paradise, Yeon Minha continued her lively stride.
***
The morning classroom was nothing short of a nightmare for me.
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As usual, I took a seat in an unremarkable corner, hoping to get through the day without incident.
But as soon as I sat down, students swarmed me like bees from all directions.
“Hey… We met before… Do you remember?”
“You know me, right? We’re both in the Circulation System major…”
“Remember that time…”
“…!”
People I couldn’t even remember were desperately trying to flaunt our supposed friendship.
I had somewhat expected this, but experiencing it firsthand was much worse than I’d imagined.
I was so startled to see several students lingering in front of my dorm when I came to school this morning.
I might have to consider leaving the beech dormitory and returning to my own.
The fact that more eyes are on me now means there’s a higher chance someone will discover my secret visits to Yeon Minha’s dorm.
While I don’t care much for my own reputation, it could irreparably damage hers…
Fortunately, Yeon Minha’s periods without using her powers are getting longer.
It seems we’ll need to have a talk about this soon.
Th i s w as co p i e d f r o m ki ng m t l. o r g
“You lot! What’s all this commotion on a Monday morning?”
The chaos, which seemed to be spiraling out of control, was finally reined in when Professor Kwon Chanyul appeared at the podium, looking exhausted.
“Get to your seats for roll call. Anyone still standing after thirty seconds will get a demerit.”
As he banged his hand on the podium, the students scattered and quickly took their seats.
The professor began calling attendance one by one.
“Next… Hmm. I’m not sure what I should call you. Sa…? Or Yu…”
“Just call me as you’ve always done.”
I didn’t expect him to add another word to that.
For some reason, it felt wrong to change my surname again here.
After all, everyone calls me Hyun anyway.
Even though it’s an alias, changing my surname three times… doesn’t feel right to me.
***
The entire morning was spent under the scrutiny of dozens of eyes, making it impossible to concentrate on the lecture.
The discomfort practically clung to me, wrapping itself around me all morning.
Even now.
“Hey, what are you doing after class? If you’re free, maybe we could…”
Two or three female students chattered incessantly behind me as I walked down the corridor.
I was starting to get a headache.
The prestige of the Five Families is truly overwhelming, I thought to myself.
But rather than being impressed, it only made me more averse to the whole situation.
I understand that it’s their way of surviving… but that doesn’t mean I have to endure this discomfort.
Some of these people had openly directed hostile stares at me until recently.
I have no desire to form friendships with those who change their faces based on the background of others.
Th i s w a s co p i e d f r o m k i n gm t l . o r g
“…Hey.”
“Huh, what?”
I stopped in my tracks and turned around.
They seemed flustered, probably taken aback by my sudden words.
There was a trace of hope in their eyes, likely because I had ignored them until now and finally spoke.
But there was only one thing I had to say to them.
“Get lost.”
“Heek…”
As I forced out the words with barely concealed hostility, their faces went pale.
Uttering a strange whimper, they hurriedly turned and disappeared down the hallway.
Only then did I feel some semblance of relief.
“…Hoo.”
I let out a deep sigh and was about to head to my next class.
“…Leader. You must be having a hard time.”
Th i s w a s c o p i e d from ki n g m tl . o r g
This time, a familiar voice reached me.
A bespectacled male student appeared, descending the stairs.
He wore a stern expression that didn’t quite match the awkward smile on his face.
“…Muyoung?”
***
“I’m sorry, Leader. I didn’t mean to hide it from you…”
“It’s fine. It’s only natural.”
Shin Muyoung kept apologizing to me.
But the more he did, the more uncomfortable I felt.
I was a bit surprised, but he hadn’t done anything wrong. In fact, it was the reasonable thing to do.
After all, I hadn’t shared any personal matters with him either.
I didn’t harbor any resentment or ill will towards him.
In fact, Muyoung’s very presence was significant.
As long as he was around, I realized, the bothersome girls kept their distance.
They’d recognize my mask from afar and approach, only to turn away as soon as they got close.
Some of them included Yena, Sera, and Yeoreum… but I could greet them separately later.
He’s truly a good friend…
“But…”
“I said it’s fine. Besides, I could use your help with something.”
To stop him from continuing to apologize, I decided to change the subject.
An issue I’d been pondering came to mind.
Muyoung clenched his fist and nodded vigorously.
“What is it? Just say the word. The Chief also said I should cooperate fully…”
“Is it possible for you to access the military’s personnel database?”
“That’s not too difficult. Why? Is there someone you want to find?”
Muyoung nodded, seemingly unfazed.
“The thing is…”
The dream I had after returning from the south was still vivid in my memory.
The strange unease continued to gnaw at me, and I couldn’t just leave it be any longer.
So, I decided to act on it, but I hadn’t figured out how until now.
I told Muyoung about the details of someone I had seen in the dream.
A woman. A member of the Wall Guard. Rank: Chamryeong. I wanted to know if anyone matching that description had gone missing or left the military three years ago.
“The Wall Guard might be a bit tricky, but don’t worry. It shouldn’t take too long.”
Muyoung nodded with fiery determination.
But deep down, I was hoping the result would show that no such person existed.
I really hope it was just a meaningless dream.
“Thanks. I’ll definitely repay this favor. And by the way, about the witch you mentioned last time…”
I brought up the topic we didn’t get to finish when I ran into Muyoung in the infirmary.
“Oh, right. We were talking about that in the infirmary. But a filthy woman came after me…”
“…”
Feeling somewhat guilty, I looked away.
After all, I was the one who had told the nurses about his whereabouts.
But he needed treatment right away, and there was no other way.
It’s better than dying… I guess?
“Well, it’s nothing much. So, 15 years ago… Huh?”
But just as Muyoung was about to start his story, he suddenly glanced to the side, frowning.
There, a female student was indeed walking toward us.
A girl of mixed Western descent. Jin Yeseo swiftly approached and stood in front of me.
Her peridot-like eyes still burned with hostility.
Today really isn’t my lucky day…
End of Chapter