The incident that took place during the midterm exams of the first semester of our first year was publicly known as an act of tyranny committed by Do Seungwoo’s faction, driven by their greed for high scores, or as a power struggle among the first-year students in the swordsmanship track led by him.
From the academy’s perspective, it had been necessary to conceal the truth beneath the surface in order to protect its honor and avoid public criticism.
‘How could they announce that Do Seungwoo and several instructors had colluded to commit corruption? That would be like spitting in their own faces.’
It would amount to the academy admitting that it had been inadequate in selecting instructors and lax in maintaining security, despite being responsible for managing and educating its students.
It could not avoid leaving an impression of incompetence.
The matter would directly affect the reputation of the academy, regarded as the finest in the Academy City, and deal it a severe blow.
The Divine Sword Do family, which had become embroiled in the incident because of Do Seungwoo, was in much the same situation.
A family that could not disregard its public reputation had no choice but to coordinate its story with the academy in order to conceal his misconduct.
They might not be able to escape the stigma of having dragged competition between family members into the students’ exams, but they had judged that it was preferable to being condemned for committing fraud.
Of course, according to what I heard from my family, the household had been turned upside down.
‘Grandfather was furious, wasn’t he….’
The Divine Sword Do family, which wielded the sword to save people and upheld benevolence and fidelity as its virtues.
There was no way Grandfather, known as the Beast King in his capacity as the family head, could have heard the news without becoming enraged.
The conversation I had with my family a few days ago went as follows.
[Dad]: I think I’ll be having dinner at the main house today
[Dad]: Though I’m not sure whether I’ll actually be able to eat....
[Dad]: So you and Ye-eun eat first
[Mom]: Did they call you to the main house? What’s going on?
[Dad]: Because of Seungwoo
[Dad]: The family head called all your uncles and aunts too, not just me
[Dad]: Looks like things are in an uproar right now
[Dad]: I asked someone at the main house, and apparently the family head shouted so loudly that the whole house shook
[Dad]: Apparently they even heard something breaking inside the room
[Mom]: He sounds very angry
[Ye-eun]: Wow! Then what’s going to happen to Seungwoo oppa? Is he going to be expelled?
[Ye-eun]: Good! I’m so excited!
[Dad]: Of course he is, after what he did
[Mom]: At least it’s a relief that you weren’t summoned because you did something wrong
[Mom]: Ye-eun? You shouldn’t say things like that
[Mom]: He’s still your cousin
[Dad]: Well, we don’t know that for sure...
[Ye-eun]: But you’re happy too, Mom, aren’t you?
[Mom]: I’m not. I’m not. I’m not. Hahahaha
[Dad]: How do I know this little rascal Gyeonwoo isn’t hiding something else from me?
[Dad]: Son, you’re looking at this right now, aren’t you? The read receipt disappeared ^^
[Dad]: You really haven’t done anything wrong, have you? You haven’t, right?
[Me]: I really didn’t do anything wrong this time
[Me]: I was just sitting there and got dragged into it, didn’t I?
[Me]: Trust your son, Dad...
[Dad]: Swear it to the heavens?
[Dad]: No, swear it to Haneul?
[Me]: I swear it to Haneul
[Me]: (serious rabbit emoticon)
[Dad]: I believe you, son
[Mom]: By the way, I’m worried about Haneul. How is she? Is she all right now?
[Ye-eun]: That’s right! Oppa! How is Haneul unni!?
[Ye-eun]: She told me she was fine, but you never know unless you see her yourself!
[Ye-eun]: Haneul unni always says she’s fine
[Me]: She seems to have some lingering aftereffects, but they say she’ll return to normal with time
[Me]: Other than that, she’s improved a lot
[Dad]: That’s a relief, but... still, take good care of Haneul
[Dad]: Not that you wouldn’t do your best even if I said this
[Mom]: I’ll send some food that’s good for her health, so make sure you give it to Haneul
[Mom]: Even if Haneul gets fussy because she’s sick, be patient with her
[Me]: Yes, of course I will :)
That day, according to what my father told me afterward—
Grandfather, who had summoned my father and his siblings, had delivered a furious reprimand.
He had especially berated my third uncle.
“How did you raise your son for him to cause a disaster like this!?”, “And you still call yourself a member of the Divine Sword Do family!?”, “I must have given birth to a dog, a dog!”, “Tell Do Seungwoo to get here at once!”, “Get out! I can’t stand the sight of someone like you!” and so on.
Standing among his siblings, my third uncle had been thoroughly cursed out.
Apparently, he had been so humiliated that his face turned red and his body trembled.
‘It’s a shame I didn’t get to see it in person.’
As someone who disliked Do Seungwoo, I naturally couldn’t bring myself to like my third uncle either.
It wasn’t as if my third uncle had ever thought highly of me in the first place.
Regardless, intervention at the family level had been unavoidable if they wanted to settle the matter, which could bring disgrace upon the household, without further trouble.
And so, the family’s troubleshooters in charge of handling such matters had entered the Academy City.
‘I wonder if they’re talking things over with So Hyeyul by now.’
Having been a veteran of the game in my previous life, I knew what would happen to Do Seungwoo.
The family representatives and So Hyeyul would reach an agreement during negotiations to transfer him to another academy.
The reason his treatment differed from Min Arin’s was that he had completely fallen out of Grandfather’s favor.
‘With his personality, he probably won’t even be able to hold his head up because he’s so ashamed….’
What I was curious about, then, was not Do Seungwoo, but the fate of the students who had followed him.
The game had never mentioned what became of them.
If things ended with suspension and they were allowed to remain enrolled….
‘Then I’ll have to take separate measures.’
I would not let them off.
I might have been able to generously forgive those who had merely participated, but I had no intention of being lenient toward the bastards who had laid a hand on Yeon Haneul.
I would make them deeply regret not leaving the academy.
Whether Yeon Haneul wanted me to or not.
‘How dare they lay a hand on Haneul?’
Even now, merely thinking about it made my blood boil.
In particular, my feelings toward Do Seungwoo remained unchanged.
Since he had plotted Yeon Haneul’s death, I intended to make him pay the price without fail.
‘For now, he’s enrolled in the academy, and the eyes of his family are upon him….’
Once time passed and the situation quieted down, I would have more freedom to act.
As I waited for the right time, I began making plans to take my revenge on him.
Meanwhile, there was no way the academy’s students had accepted the official explanation at face value.
Ever since the midterms, an unsettled atmosphere had hung over the academy.
“Could that really be all there was to it?”
“Doesn’t it seem a little suspicious?”
“It does feel pretty shady….”
“…”
Seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen were not particularly young ages.
Academy students, considered semi-adults under the Constitution, were not children.
Those from prestigious families, who had likely spent their entire lives competing from an early age, knew how to see the bigger picture and read the flow of events.
There was no way they had failed to notice the changes that had recently taken place at the academy.
They must have sensed, however faintly, that schemes had been unfolding beneath the surface.
Even so, they had their reasons for keeping this matter to themselves instead of bringing it into the open.
“Could there have been something about the midterms that we don’t know—”
“Shh! Just keep your mouth shut.”
“No, why? It’s strange, so it’s—”
“Do you really think you can handle the consequences?”
“What do you mean, handle the consequences?”
“Can you take responsibility for what you just said?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This involves one of the Ten Great Families. Do you think you can survive in this world after making enemies of them? If you don’t have any concrete proof, don’t utter a word from the outset. No—even if you do have proof, just stay quiet.”
“But….”
“You seem not to understand how prestigious families work. This doesn’t just strike at them. It strikes at every family under their banner that swears loyalty to them. If they set their minds to it, they could make it impossible for you to live not just in this world, but in this country. That’s the power of the Ten Great Families. Though, realistically, you’d probably get stabbed to death on the street in the middle of the night before that happened.”
“…”
“Who’s the student council president right now?”
“Senior Byeorakkkot….”
“Which family is she from?”
“…The Divine Sword Do family.”
“If this matter became public and blew up, do you really think she wouldn’t take action?”
“You know Senior Byeorakkkot is an upright and incorruptible person.”
“But blood is thicker than water. And there’s something you’re mistaken about.”
“What?”
“She rose to that position because her family stands firmly behind her. If you were her, would you let the family that serves as your support be torn apart?”
“…”
“Listen to me as someone from a prestigious family. I’m telling you this because we’re friends: just close your eyes, shut your ears, keep your mouth shut, and pretend you know nothing. If you don’t have the power to oppose that family, don’t get involved.”
It was an issue that could easily become troublesome and draw the ire of the Divine Sword Do family.
That was why the students, particularly those from prestigious families, had chosen silence.
Of course, the power of the Ten Great Families was not absolute.
Without the support of the families under their banner, they could not exercise the will of the whole.
If this matter continued to fester, those families would not continue to overlook it.
They should not be dismissed as foolish or cowardly.
“…”
Some time passed after that, and later, Yoo Noeul told me that—
All the instructors who had committed corruption had been expelled, while those directly involved had received legal punishment.
Furthermore, So Hyeyul had succeeded in weakening the board members who had been preparing to rebel.
* * *
The week after the midterms.
After finishing my morning classes, Min Arin and I decided to go have lunch.
Our other friends planned to join us at the cafeteria as their schedules allowed.
Yeon Haneul was among them.
I packed up my things and rose from my seat before speaking to Min Arin.
“You go to the cafeteria first. I’ll bring Haneul.”
“What? Why don’t we just wait here and leave together? Do we really need to split up?”
“Apparently, today’s class is being held at the training hall instead of here.”
“Ah….”
Even though several days had already passed, Yeon Haneul still had not fully recovered from the poison’s effects.
The antidote had certainly healed her, but it had been unable to do anything about the aftereffects caused by the poison spreading throughout her body.
Perhaps because she had such an enormous amount of mana in her system, they seemed to be lasting a long time.
According to an instructor skilled in healing magic, it would be best for her to rest as much as possible this week without handling mana.
So she was attending some classes only as an observer.
Naturally, I was worried about her.
“It’s not like she can’t use mana at all, and she’s physically healthy. You’re not going to carry her back, so do you really need to go all the way there to meet her?”
Min Arin looked dumbfounded.
She clicked her tongue as if she couldn’t understand me.
I shrugged.
“She’s a magic-track student who can’t use mana. Of course I’m worried.”
“Nooo… She’s walking here, isn’t she? What does mana have to do with that? You’re always telling me not to rely on magic and to work on my stamina, aren’t you? Consider it stamina training for her and let her walk here on her own.”
“You and Haneul aren’t the same.”
“Urgh….”
“Come to think of it, carrying Haneul here….”
It wasn’t such a bad idea.
Although Yeon Haneul herself kept saying she was fine now, she was still in need of stability.
Like a veteran soldier cautious even of falling leaves, she needed to be careful with every step she took.
‘The world is a terrifying place.’
It was a world where you could be stabbed to death while walking down the street in broad daylight.
I couldn’t let my guard down.
At least until Yeon Haneul could use magic as comfortably as before, I had to keep a close eye on her.
And since the path from the training hall to the cafeteria was fairly long, perhaps it would actually be better for me to carry her.
That was when I felt someone’s gaze.
“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
“No, forget it. Yes, you and I are different. Some people have it nice, don’t they? Having a childhood friend who takes such meticulous care of them!”
Min Arin furrowed her brow, apparently displeased by something.
I tilted my head as I watched her snort.
Then she changed the subject.
“And you do know that you and Yeon Haneul owe me for what happened this time, right? Don’t forget it. When I ask you for a favor someday, you have to do it. It’s a one-time favor voucher. Got it?”
“Of course I remember. If you ever need my help, just tell me. I’ll listen.”
If Min Arin hadn’t fought the monsters alone to protect Yeon Haneul, I didn’t know what would have happened to her.
That was why I couldn’t help but be grateful to her.
Just then, one of her eyebrows shot up.
“…You really mean it?”
“I mean it. Ah, but only do something I’m capable of handling.”
“I know that much, you know?”
Was she planning to ask me for some sort of favor?
I found it strange that Min Arin seemed to have something tempting on her mind.
Meanwhile, she watched my expression and stammered.
“Th-then….”
“Yeah? If you have something to say, go ahead.”
“D-do you have time this weekend? On Sa-Saturday… Ah, that’s club day. Then how about Sunday? If you have time, you could buy me a meal or something. Something expensive and delicious…. Y-you don’t know much about that kind of thing, right? It wouldn’t be too much of a burden on you. I’m only suggesting it because, for once, I’m taking your circumstances into consideration.”
Min Arin couldn’t properly meet my gaze and twisted a strand of her red hair around her finger.
I replied to her, seeing this side of her that was so different from usual.
“We’re going to Heartland with everyone that day.”
“Ah… Right.”
For Min Arin, who loved making plans and was meticulous about managing her time, this was strange indeed.
I spoke to her as she stood there, looking as if her mind had gone blank.
“Then should I buy dinner that evening? I was planning to treat everyone anyway, to thank them for helping this time. I’d be happy if we could call it even this way.”
“A-ah, no. Let’s put it off until next time! Next time!”
“Sure, then. Tell me whenever it’s convenient for you. I’ll buy you whatever you want to eat.”
“Phew…. Really? You promised. Don’t you dare say something different later.”
“Got it. If possible, we could all go together….”
“It’s my right, so why are the other kids being brought into this?”
“Hm?”
“W-we’re eating just the two of us! Leave Yeon Haneul out of it, too…. But don’t get any weird ideas, okay? I only want to claim my rights in full! It doesn’t mean anything more than that, you know?”
“…Fine. I’ll do as you say.”
Min Arin sure was particular.
No wonder I was the only friend she had.
There probably weren’t many people who could put up with her personality like I did.
I decided not to think too much of her strangely bright expression.
“Oops, it’s getting late. Anyway, I’m going to pick up Haneul. I’m leaving, okay? Go on ahead.”
“Wait!”
“What now?”
“You’re planning to make me wait there? I hate waiting for people, you know? If that’s the case, I’d rather just go with you. Hmph, be grateful. I’m going with you especially.”
“…Sure. Thanks. Thank you so much.”
It seemed that Min Arin had also been worried about Yeon Haneul deep down.
She really was the quintessential aloof, bashful girl.
I couldn’t help but smile at her as she tried to hide her feelings and follow me.
We went to meet Yeon Haneul.
Yeon Haneul and Go Eunbi were waiting for us in front of the training center.
She had been chatting away when she spotted me and waved with a bright smile.
“Ah, Gyeonwoo.”
“Sorry, I’m a little late, right?”
“No, we just finished, too. I lost track of time while talking with Eunbi. But Arin came, too? What’s the occasion?”
“Hmph! I’m normally a very expensive person, but I came especially for your sake, so keep that in mind.”
“Okay. Thanks, Arin.”
Perhaps the midterms had been the catalyst, but Yeon Haneul and Min Arin seemed to have grown somewhat closer over the past few days.
I chuckled as I watched them exchange words, then asked Go Eunbi, who was standing beside me,
“Teacher Go Eunbi.”
“Yes! Gyeonwoo’s father!”
She promptly raised a hand.
“Our kid didn’t have any problems today, right? She wasn’t hurt anywhere?”
“I kept an eye on her all morning, and she didn’t seem to be having any trouble.”
“Really? That’s a relief.”
“Hey, you two? What are you doing, leaving me out? Am I a child? A kindergartener?”
“If I asked you, Haneul, you’d just say you were fine. That’s why I’m confirming it with Eunbi.”
“Geez… I’m saying it because I really am fine.”
Yeon Haneul shook her head as if she found it absurd.
But perhaps she wasn’t displeased, because she looked up at me and giggled.
I suggested to her,
“If your legs hurt, do you want me to carry you?”
“Hm? No, I’m really fine. And it’s a little embarrassing with everyone else watching….”
Yeon Haneul’s rabbit ears shot straight up as if she were startled.
She waved her hands and declined.
I turned my back to her.
“What’s there to be embarrassed about? Get on.”
“Oh! Gyeonwoo’s got some spirit! Haneul, just get on!”
“You’re really making a spectacle of yourself…. Tch.”
“Embarrassing is embarrassing. Besides, I can walk on my own, you know? I’m really healthy.”
As Go Eunbi squealed and Min Arin grumbled about this and that,
Yeon Haneul was smiling shyly at my back.
She spoke bashfully.
“Still… thank you. Really.”
“I suppose it can’t be helped.”
I decided to respect Yeon Haneul’s wishes.
Instead, I held out my arm to her.
“Here. This is okay, right? Just in case, hold my arm and follow me.”
“…”
Blink, blink.
Yeon Haneul stared silently at my arm, her rabbit ears twitching.
Then, with a radiant smile, she nodded and said, “Okay!” before linking her arm with mine.
From there, we went to have lunch.
“Walk slowly and be careful.”
“Okay…. But, Gyeonwoo, I’m really fine….”
“You don’t look fine to me.”
“Geez.”
“You’re really rubbing it in our faces…. Hey! Is she pregnant or something?”
“Come on, I think it looks perfectly nice!? Haneul must be happy―.”
* * *
And that evening.
“I bow my head and apologize like this. Please, won’t you forgive Seungwoo?”
“…”
My third eldest uncle came to visit.
I Became the Mid-Boss’s Childhood Friend