Chapter 82: Chapter 82

The Dawn Guild’s Conference Room

In the conference room of the Dawn Guild, the head and deputy of the administration department were leisurely sipping coffee.

After a short while, Hunter Kim, freshly showered and dressed in clean clothes, entered the room. The three exchanged brief greetings before Hunter Kim took a seat.

“Hunter Kim, thank you for your hard work today.”

“The visitors all left with smiles. You went through a lot to accommodate them; we truly appreciate it.”

“…No, I was just doing my best with the role assigned to me.”

Hunter Kim replied courteously to the office workers’ remarks. The department head, interpreting his response as modesty, smiled and asked:

“How did it go today? Do you think the visitors developed an interest in the Dawn Guild?”

“Hmm… I’m not so sure.”

Hunter Kim paused to think before shaking his head. His unexpected response left the head and deputy bewildered.

“But judging by the results, it seems like you performed excellently, Hunter Kim.”

“The students were spotless when they came out, weren’t they? Doesn’t that show how much effort you put in?”

“It’s actually quite the opposite.”

“Pardon?”

The office workers’ faces were marked with confusion. Hunter Kim gave a wry smile as he explained.

“What was the name of that part-time instructor again?”

“Jeong Si-Hyun.”

“Ah, right. First of all, I must apologize. I failed to achieve the goal of persuading Si-Hyun to join the Dawn Guild.”

“Wait, what? You failed?”

“She looked completely satisfied, though.”

The department head and deputy still couldn’t grasp what had happened. Kim offered further clarification.

“She’s truly an exceptional talent. From her ability to assess the situation, her flawless combat execution, and even her unconventional dagger techniques that introduced variables—honestly, I think I was the one who ended up captivated by her.”

“She’s that extraordinary?”

“Yes, absolutely. Deputy, did you notice the expressions on the students’ faces when they came out of the gate?”

“Of course. They all looked so excited, their eyes sparkling.”

“That wasn’t directed at the Dawn Guild—it was all directed at Si-Hyun. She’s dazzling.”

“…”

The office workers’ expressions grew more perplexed. Kim, unfazed, continued.

“The reason the visitors remained spotless wasn’t because of my efforts. She had already set up a protective barrier. That means she likely had prior knowledge of the boss beforehand.”

“Good heavens…”

“She’s currently working as a part-time instructor at the academy, isn’t she? I’m not sure what subject she teaches, but whoever spotted her deserves a reward. And I think the guild should offer her extraordinary terms to bring her in.”

The department head and deputy instinctively nodded at his words.

Who was Hunter Kim? Not only was he an exceptional hunter, but his ability to discern people’s true value was also second to none. That’s why he had been entrusted with training newcomers and had earned such a strong reputation within the Dawn Guild.

For someone like him to suggest extraordinary terms, his words carried significant weight. The atmosphere in the room grew serious.

“Head, who was the employee that found her?”

The deputy pondered over Kim’s statement and asked the question. The department head, wearing a peculiar expression, responded.

“…It was Hunter Yeo Dohyung.”

The conference room fell into a brief silence.

***

Meanwhile, Si-Hyun and the Students

After leaving the gate, Si-Hyun and the students walked to a nearby subway station. While glancing at her smartphone screen, Si-Hyun spoke up.

“...Does anyone have some free time?”

“Me! Me!”

“What’s the matter?”

“Can I help with something?”

The students eagerly responded one after another. Si-Hyun blinked, momentarily surprised by their enthusiasm. Then, with a gentle smile, she explained.

“I was thinking of going to a large supermarket to stock up on food and drinks for the weekend. I’d like some recommendations.”

“I’m pretty confident when it comes to snacks!”

“Do you drink alcohol, Professor?”

“Uh, I’m decent at cooking.”

The students each offered their input, and before long, all eyes turned to Jae-Woo.

Eun-Byeol looked at him with curious surprise.

“Jae-Woo, are you good at cooking?”

“Well, yeah. I’m the one in charge of cooking at home.”

“Oh...”

With the girls’ gazes fixed on him, Jae-Woo scratched his cheek awkwardly. Clearing his throat, he quickly tried to change the subject.

“Ahem. Professor, do you have any favorite dishes?”

“Hmm, not really. I’m not picky, but I’ve been eating the same kinds of meals, so it’s getting boring. I’ll buy something delicious—want to come to the market with me?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Me too!”

Eun-Byeol and Areum enthusiastically volunteered before Jae-Woo could respond. The students had recently finished their exams and were ready to enjoy their weekend.@@novelbin@@

‘What does the professor like?’

‘She drinks alcohol, huh?’

‘Cooking...’

Driven by curiosity, the group accompanied Si-Hyun to the supermarket. Jae-Woo pushed the cart, while the female students flanked Si-Hyun, chatting animatedly. Though slightly awkward, Si-Hyun listened attentively to their chatter.

Each student had different interests, leading to a variety of suggestions.

“This, this is simple and delicious! I eat it often, too!”

“Ah, I see.”

In addition to snacks, Si-Hyun also received Areum’s knowledgeable recommendations for frozen foods, steadily filling the cart. Then, at the liquor section—

“I tried this with my dad and brother once—it’s pretty good!”

Eun-Byeol pointed to a bottle of whiskey as Si-Hyun browsed the shelves. Si-Hyun paused, lost in thought.

“Your brother... Yeo Dohyung Hunter?”

“Yes, that’s him!”

“Hmm...”

Si-Hyun fell into deep contemplation, her expression unusually serious.

Eun-Byeol subtly stepped back, nudging Jae-Woo with her elbow.

“Do you think the professor’s interested in my brother?”

“...Who knows?”

“You’re acting weirdly quiet all of a sudden.”

“What? I’ve always been like this.”

Jae-Woo frowned, causing Eun-Byeol to giggle as she backed off. She returned to Si-Hyun’s side, resuming her chatter.

After some deliberation, Si-Hyun placed the whiskey Eun-Byeol had suggested into the cart. She wanted to see just how refined his tastes were. Of course, Eun-Byeol had no idea about her professor’s hidden motives.

“What snack pairs well with this?”

“Oh, that would be...!”

Their lively conversation continued as they completed their shopping.

When they left the supermarket, each student held a hamburger that Si-Hyun had bought for them. They exchanged friendly farewells before Si-Hyun departed.

The three students sat on a nearby bench, enjoying their burgers and sodas while chatting.

“How should I put it... Professor Jeong Si-Hyun looks like a goddess, but the more you get to know her, the more down-to-earth she feels.”

“Right? I think so too.”

“Don’t you think her hair color and eye color are really unique? And her hair doesn’t seem dyed.”

“Yeah... What country is she from, I wonder?”

Even after Si-Hyun had left, the students’ conversation continued to revolve around their intriguing professor.

***

Back at home, Si-Hyun spent time with her younger sibling. They began sampling the whiskey she had bought earlier that day.

“Hmm, whiskey is definitely a bit strong.”

“Isn’t it supposed to be? Oh, but the aroma is nice. Try smelling it, sis.”

“…Yeah, the scent is good.”

“I’m going to have mine on the rocks, let it mellow out a bit.”

Si-Hyun watched as her sibling went to fetch some ice, noting the satisfied expression on their face.

…So, even that guy has some normal tastes after all.

For someone who’s otherwise an annoyance, their taste in alcohol wasn’t bad. The snack Eun-Byeol had recommended paired well too.

They say teachers learn from their students. Asking for recommendations turned out to be a good idea after all.

…Wait, is that how the saying goes?

Oh, who cares. As long as it tastes good, that’s what matters.

“Want some ice too?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Si-Hyun savored the drink at a leisurely pace, enjoying a pleasant conversation with her sibling. Her hand moved gracefully as she raised her glass, and her cheeks, slightly flushed from the alcohol, glowed warmly.

***

Saturday, Lunchtime

After finishing a light meal, Si-Hyun sank into the sofa with a relaxed, lazy motion.

She had taken care of all her busy tasks. Now, she could spend her time on the things she wanted to do, punctuating her days with leisure.

…Come to think of it, wasn’t there an academy festival next week?

Si-Hyun picked up her phone and checked her schedule.

Yep, I remembered correctly.

Though the academy and universities were different institutions, they shared many similarities in their systems. That included holding festivals around the same time. Since the festival coincided with her lecture day, she thought it might be nice to take a look around while she was there.

Satisfied with her decision, Si-Hyun placed her phone back on the sofa’s armrest. Just then, the device vibrated.

Bzzzz— Bzzzz—

…Who could it be?

She picked up her phone again and checked the caller ID. It was Ji-Ah.

“Hello?”

“Si-Hyun! I did it!”

A cheerful voice, practically bursting with excitement, came through the line.

What did she do?

Si-Hyun felt her mood lifting as she sat up straighter from where she had been lounging on the sofa.

“My status window! It says I’m S-Rank now! I finally did it!”

“Wooooow! Congratulations, Ji-Ah!”

Si-Hyun’s shout of surprise echoed through the room.

It was fantastic news. Monumental news!

“I just achieved it! And I wanted to tell you first!”

“R-Really…?”

She wanted me to know first…?

Si-Hyun scratched her now-blushing cheek, feeling slightly bashful.