“You’re meeting me right now.”
“…You know what I mean.”
Sowol let out a small sigh as she looked at Lee Hyun’s gentle smile. It’s always like this.
Her Master always tries to slink away with a mischievous appearance when it matters most.
‘Not this time.’
“Look at that.”
“Yeah.”
“Isn’t she pretty?”
“Sure is.”
“Her chest is big, right?”
“Of course.”
“And her waist? It’s so slim.”
“Very smooth indeed.”
“What about her backside? Can’t you say she’s perfect for childbirth?”
“True that.”
“She’s loaded too. Do you know how big the Eastern Trading Company has gotten? I’m the heir of that company. Plus, as a Saint, I’ve gathered quite a bit of money.”
“Aren’t Saints supposed to be humble about money?”
“Oh? Didn’t the church say anything about not accumulating wealth? Legitimately gained riches are seen as a result of hard work.”
“Right. Right.”
“Her personality? As soft as silk. They say the Sword Saint is also known as the Benevolent Saint.”
“Ah, I’ve heard that. She runs an orphanage, right? And when there’s no war, she even runs free meal programs to help people.”
“You’ve done your homework. She’s not exaggerating when they say she’s the best priestess on the continent.”
“Impressive. As expected of my student.”
“That’s why I’m here to meet you. Consider it an honor.”
“I’m so honored that it’s burdensome. Hey.”
“Hehehe. Don’t worry. I’m also known as the Benevolent Saint. So, you don’t have to feel burdened, Master.”
As she scratched the back of her hand, her fingers slowly moved.
Like a snake, Sowol intertwined her fingers with Lee Hyun’s and said without blinking.
“Just one word will do. Master.”
“……”
“I like you. So, how about we date with marriage as a condition? That’ll do. You can have the honor of being the Sword Saint’s husband, plus all the riches of the Eastern Trading Company. And me, a beautiful woman with a great figure. You can have it all.”
“Ha. Sounds like the Dark Lord luring me in. Why not offer half the world while you’re at it?”
“Oh? You wanted half the world? Should we give world domination a shot?”
“No, that’s not necessary.”
“Hehe. I thought so. So, Master.”
She squeezed her intertwined hands tightly.
As if trying to prevent him from escaping, Sowol gripped tightly and said earnestly.
“Just say the word.”
Lee Hyun relaxed the grip of their intertwined hands. Then, gently holding her hand, he replied in a kind tone.
“I’m really grateful that you like me. But you’re someone who can meet better people.”
“I just don’t want to miss the good person right in front of me.”
“You’re still young. What you’re feeling for me is probably just a memory from the past.”
“That memory is more precious to me than anything else.”
“I’m not the right person for you.”
“That’s why I’m saying it’s an honor. I’m reaching out to you. I can elevate you to a level suited for me. Well, I probably don’t need to elevate you that much.”
It was a will of steel.
Staring at the unwavering Sowol, Lee Hyun made a troubled expression and sighed.
Then, in a voice different from before, he said seriously.
“I can only say one thing to you, Sowol.”
“…..”
“Why do you like a guy like me?”
Sowol’s delicate eyebrows twitched. She wasn’t a fool.
She understood what Lee Hyun was subtly refusing.
Rejection.
He was trying to say no indirectly.
“Sigh… Seems like that’s it for today, huh?”
“No way! Why end it today, Master?”
“…You underestimate me way too much.”
With a light flick of her hair, Sowol smiled sweetly.
Then slowly getting up, she looked directly at Lee Hyun and said.
“I’m not the kind of woman who cries and throws a fit just because I’ve been rejected once.”
“That’s impressive.”
“Of course. Who’s my Master?”
“My student.”
As Sowol stepped away from Lee Hyun, Lumina and Charlotte, who had been watching her, displayed concerned expressions.
Being too far away, they couldn’t hear their conversation.
But looking at Lee Hyun and Sowol, they could guess the outcome.
“Saint…”
“I’m fine.”
Sowol seemed unwavering in her stance.
What a remarkable person. Impressed, Lumina and Charlotte lightly clapped their hands.
“Anyway, I’ve achieved my first goal—getting my Master to see me as a woman.”
“That’s impressive…”
“Nothing special. I never thought it would work in one go.”
She couldn’t help but feel proud of her appearance as a woman.
This woman of steel would never falter, no matter what.
Then she wouldn’t need consolation. Charlotte looked around and smiled.
“How about we grab a drink at that cocktail place over there?”
“That sounds great. But I need to freshen up first.”
“Sure! See you later then.”
Sowol lightly waved at Lumina and Charlotte as she headed to the shower.
As she stepped into the individual box and locked the door, the moment she turned on the hot water, Sowol held her mouth.
“Sob… Ugh…”
All of her hidden emotions burst forth.
No matter how strong she was, she just got rejected by the person she loved all her life.
How could that not be sad? How could that not be painful?
But she couldn’t show it.
Because she was Sowol.
Strong-willed Sowol.
Unable to reveal her weakness, she had no choice but to bear her pain alone.
“Ugh… Huh… Master… Master…”
How frustrating.
Yet that made him all the more lovable.
That’s why she wanted him even more.
As she muffled her sobs, she thought under the hot water.
‘At least… at least I’m lucky.’
Lee Hyun never said he “dislikes” her.
That means there’s still hope.
Washing her face, Sowol lightly bit her lip.
It was no different from throwing an egg at a big rock.
But that’s okay.
She could just cover it with the eggshell.
Under the hot water, Sowol steeled her resolve again.
.
.
.
After leaving the pool, Lee Hyun headed towards the library.
The library, one of the resort’s facilities, was filled with a decent number of books.
Even rare books that are hard to find elsewhere were available, and the Emerald Resort’s library had quite a number of visitors.
Among the students who came looking for those rare books, some were piling up books and reading them with content expressions.
Seeing a few students greet him, Lee Hyun made his way to a corner. In a secluded spot of the library, he spotted a beautiful woman reading a book.
It was Lena.
With her silver long hair neatly braided, she turned pages of the book, looking like a beautiful painting.
Approaching her with a smile, Lee Hyun said, “Lena.”
“Hi, eek?!”
As soon as she heard his voice, Lena quickly closed the book and hid it behind her.
Her ivory skin flushed bright red, resembling a ripe apple.
What on earth was she reading that made her so flustered?
Curious, Lee Hyun reached out.
“What’s wrong?”
“NOTHING, NO WAY…”
“What’s got you so worked up?”
“Umm… Uh, heehee. Did the Master come to find a book too?”
Her awkward attempt at deflection only raised more suspicions.
But it wasn’t like she was reading any forbidden magic texts, so Lee Hyun chuckled and shook his head.
“I just came to check if you’re having fun.”
“Ah, I see! Um, yeah. E-eh—let’s go out for a cup of tea?”
“No, I’m good. You seem to be having enough fun, so I’m just going to…”
“No way! Let’s go together!”
Lena grabbed the book she had been holding.
Stepping outside together with Lee Hyun, she swiftly hid the book in her robe, and he smiled as he said, “Isn’t it boring to come to a resort and just hang out in the library?”
“N-no, it’s fun! There are a lot of great books.”
“Oh really? What book were you reading?”
Again, Lena’s face flushed.
Her big eyes darted around as she thought before snapping her fingers.
“I was reading Understanding Magic!”
“Wow! So you started studying from the basics. That’s great.”
“Hehe.”
“Are you not uncomfortable sharing a room with someone else?”
“Umm, a little, I mean… but it’s fine.”
In that case, Lee Hyun felt reassured.
With a relaxed smile, he took a sip of his coffee.
Watching his reaction, Lena sipped her sweet apple tea and asked, “Did something happen?”
What happened, you say?
If something did, it wouldn’t be here, right? Thinking of Sowol from earlier made Lee Hyun shake his head.
“I’m fine.”
“If there’s something tough going on, just let me know. I’ll always be on your side, Master…”
“Really?”
“Yes! Oh, by the way.”
Clapping her hands lightly, she rummaged through her pocket.
After searching for a while, she pulled out a golden card.
An item that could only be bought at the Emerald Resort library.
“This card brings you luck if you have it.”
She extended the card she had been holding in both hands toward him.
“Master, please take this.”
“Thanks! I appreciate it. I’ll use it well.”
“And this card has a special ability.”
Ability?
In games, abilities like that usually didn’t exist.
As Lee Hyun looked puzzled, Lena spoke in a bashful, squeaky voice.
“If… If you return that card to me, I’ll grant any wish you have.”
Gulp. Lena swallowed hard, her usual confidence turning into tension as she looked straight at Lee Hyun.
“…Ah, well… If it’s what you want, I’ll do anything.”
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