Chapter 96: Masked Man (7)
[Secretary of the Corneus family?]
Yes, something about fostering goodwill or something. I dont know the meaning, but one must go when a noble family calls a human. I dont have any power anyway.
[Handle it yourself Its unlikely youll lose in a battle of wits. Just make sure to check their intentions. But prepare for tonight in advance.]
Cheondos quiet forewarning of a hellish training.
I hung up the phone, resigning myself to my fate.
Tonight was going to be tough.
Why are they suddenly calling me?
The secretary of the eldest daughter of the Corneus family. If that also included being a bodyguard, it was certainly not a lowly position.
Was it a problem to talk with Sansuyu?
But it was that secretary, Miho or Shiho, who suggested that Sansuyu make a friend. And personally, I thought of Sansuyu as a really cute friend.
Ulterior motives? Could there be such a thing?
Sure, Sansuyu was pretty and had a big heart, enough to turn other mens heads But honestly, it was hard to see Sansuyu in that light.
Sometimes, Sansuyu seemed more like a puppy than the dog-like tree, Guseul.
Just then, a black sedan appeared and stopped in front of the academys main gate.
Sansuyu, who got out of the luxurious foreign car, showed off her elegant grace as she stepped out.
But to me, she just looked like a moving teddy bear.
Siwon~
Look at her, waving her hand and running over.
She wore a white ribbon blouse and a skirt that went down to her knees. She dressed lightly for early summer and jogged out of the car cheerfully.
To others, her face might not seem cheerful, but to me, it was clear Sansuyu was excited.
I wanted to pinch her cheeks.
Did you wait long?
I just arrived.
She was wearing a simple cardigan and a cross bag slung over her side.
Inside were only the writing materials and textbooks I brought to the academy.
Sansuyu grabbed my arm and led me.
Lets go.
Go where?
To my house.
Wasnt I just supposed to meet the secretary?
I looked at Sansuyu with wide eyes, and she just tilted her head with an expressionless face.
The black sedan I was led into was spacious enough to stretch my legs.
-Thump.
The door closed.
There was no turning back.
The secretary in the drivers seat checked my face through the rearview mirror with a stern look.
I brought him. Oh right. The secretary, Shiho.
Im Seong Jiho.
This is Sion. The friend Miho told you to make.
Im Lee Shiheon.
How could she not get a name right?
Seeing Seong Jihos bitter smile, I felt a sense of camaraderie.
Thinking of Sansuyu being assisted by such a person, in a way, he was a victim, too.
Wait wasnt that person recommended by Tree Inside?
I decided to cut off our connection.
How did you and Miss become friends?
On the way to the Corneus familys private residence set up in the academy.
As he turned the steering wheel and asked, Sansuyu answered.
Shiheon stole my swordsmanship- Ack!
Stole.
I covered Sansuyus mouth, anticipating she would say that.
It was a secret that I glimpsed and learned her familys swordsmanship.
We just got close while training together. Suddenly, the secretary told me to make a friend and called me.
Oh Is that so?
Jiho looked at me suspiciously and then turned his head forward again.
Siwon?
Your mouth was your enemy.
I playfully poked Sansuyus thigh, and she blinked, not understanding the meaning.
After a few minutes, we arrived at the mansion. The secretary got out first and opened the car door, and Sansuyu slowly stepped outside, leaning her body out.
Her elegant movements, always unfamiliar compared to the Sansuyu I knew, caught my attention. As I followed her out, Jiho quietly asked me,
Mr. Shiheon, may I have a word?
I stopped following Sansuyu, who turned her head as she led the way.
Miss, please go to your room first. I have something to discuss with your friend.
There was no merit or intention to lie.
When I look at Sansuyu I always think she seems emotionally parched. There must have been some incident.
Thats why she caught my eye. Im not in a position to help, but honestly, I couldnt refuse when she asked to be friends, saying I was her only option.
In fact, it was Sansuyu who approached me.
What kind of friend asks like that? Its not a comic Hey, lets be friends It was absurd.
Ah
Jihos face turned slightly red upon hearing that.
He seemed embarrassed.
In his mind, he probably envisioned Sansuyu saying those words.
She was indeed a unique character.
But you know better than anyone what kind of person Sansuyu is, being her secretary.
Thats right.
Jiho nodded in agreement.
Shes innocent and kind.
So, I developed a human fondness for her. Nothing more than that.
Is that so?
Yes.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Understood. I apologize for the unnecessary talk.
No, I understand.
Its getting late. Shall we get up?
On the way back, led by Jiho, he tested me with a few more words and conversations.
Of course, I had nothing to be guilty about and spoke honestly.
Seong Jiho, realizing this, even made a light-hearted joke towards the end.
Spicy and chewy tteokbokki
I flinched.
Miss became fond of it. Do you know why?
I broke into a sweat, then changed the subject.
She suddenly started looking into Tree Inside.
Ah.
Ha ha. We both laughed.
Probably thinking the same thing internally.
This crazy guy.
As I went to meet Sansuyu, I recalled the additional words Jiho had shared with me.
Miss Sansuyu has been the center of much attention since her childhood.
She was greatly loved by her relatives and father for her talents in swordsmanship and statesmanship, among other areas.
But its said that it wasnt just her talents that led to her current state.
The problem was also the strong presence of the World Trees blood in her.
Do you know the meaning of the Sansuyu flower?
Eternal immortality.
And that was the long-standing wish of the Corneus family.
The dream of eternity, pursued by the Corneus family since the 9th century, was a goal and dream for all its members.
As there were several processes to achieve this, Sansuyu, being the most talented, had undergone these procedures since childhood.
I dont know what those processes are. Im just a secretary.
Apparently, Sansuyu gradually lost her emotions at some point.
Saying this, Jiho gave a bitter smile and made a request.
Lately, it seems shes getting better. Please take good care of her.
He added the following:
I welcome anyone who becomes an ally of the lady.
There was so much going on around me.
As I arrived and knocked on the door, Sansuyu soon opened it.
Did you come?
Inside the tidy room, a bright yellow chick-like bed caught my eye.
Sansuyu, in her supremely elegant indoor clothing, greeted me.
I ordered spicy and chewy tteokbokki!
The corners of her mouth were filled with anticipation and looked so delightful.
Lets eat and study.
Without realizing it, I found myself patting Sansuyu on the head.
Why are you smiling?
Being with her seemed to naturally bring out my laughter.
It felt like being at a healing camp.
Not bad at all.
