Before departure, Yena’s worries seemed unfounded as we were greeted by a surprisingly peaceful landscape that was hard to believe as the front lines bordering the no-man’s land.
Structures were sparsely scattered around the walls, with a few people up top diligently working on something.
“What are those?”
“They’re towers used for writing weather magic to supply moisture for the crops. They’re currently engaged in a large-scale magical formation that’s been going on for days. If luck isn’t on your side, you might get rained on when you leave.”
In response to a student’s question, the headmaster Chun replied with a friendly smile.
As we passed the shadows of the city’s walls and the massive gate, a wide avenue unfolded before our eyes, revealing the open scenery of the city.
The buildings and facilities looked a bit worn, but they exuded a sense of tradition and character different from the capital.
What stood out the most were the bakeries nestled in the alleyways—each house seemed to be a bakery.
The intoxicating aroma of butter and freshly baked bread sparked curiosity in the weary travelers, their eyes sparkling as they glanced around.
“Wow…”
“Not bad…”
“Jinryeong has been famous for its bread since the ancient civilization. It’s jokingly said that the most powerful person in Jinryeong was the owner of a bakery. If you’re interested, I recommend you take a related tour.”
Following the headmaster’s explanation, the freshmen’s excitement grew even more, while the second-years made shushing sounds to quiet them down.
In the square ahead, a group of people was lined up, ready to welcome us.
An elderly man standing at the front bowed respectfully to Minha and me.
“Welcome. I’m Yang Jeongchul, the governor of the South. It’s truly an honor to meet the noble lady of the Jeokhwa family.”
Minha received the courteous greeting as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Given that the governor was likely the highest authority in this city, it had to mean something.
Wasn’t Jeokhwa losing influence due to the onslaught of Paecheon? Yet, being treated with such respect showed just how powerful her status as one of the five noble houses really was.
Thinking back on how I had treated her, I felt a sudden dullness in my sense of reality…
“Please do not worry, Lady of Jeokhwa. I have dealt with all the rebel scum, so you can relax with your party. Once the last supply shipments are ready, you’ll just need to head back.”
The old man thumped his chest as he boasted. Despite being well past retirement age, he still had a magic array on his wrist, suggesting he was quite confident in his abilities as a magician.
That certainly explained why he held a position like governor in a place like this.
As the twilight descended, we finished the grand welcoming ceremony and moved straight to the quarters arranged for us.
Children played with balloons, and the straight, wide streets and traditional houses seemed to stretch on endlessly.
Except for the twin walls set up toward the no-man’s land and the intense watchfulness above, it was hard to believe we were indeed in a frontline area.
But gradually, I began to feel a faint discomfort in the gaze upon us.
Fear, terror, hatred. Or perhaps all of them.
I wasn’t the only one sensing this, as a female student ahead cautiously addressed Headmaster Chun guiding us.
“Um…”
“What is it… ah.”
As he asked, he glanced around and quickly noticed the atmosphere, smiling awkwardly.
“…They’re probably the original inhabitants of this place. They don’t have a fondness for those from the capital. Your outfits also stand out quite a bit, which might make it worse.”
Our party had come down south not in standard gear from the cradle but in dazzling outfits sponsored by various corporate entities, leaving no doubt we were outsiders.
“Why is that…?”
“The locals suffered greatly in the suppression of the rebels a few years ago. There are households where people were executed by the central army for collaboration, with every other house having their share. While the administrative council has been established and security has somewhat improved, it will take time to quell those resentments.”
One of the male students followed up with another question.
“From what I know, many were actively involved with the rebels, so it’s understandable? I also believe a significant number became warlocks on their own.”
“Of course, we can’t deny their treason. But you’ll come to realize this later: it’s incredibly tough for an ordinary person to make a living in the outskirts. All the various benefits and policies are centralized in the capital, leading to a sense of alienation. When you think about it, the development of agricultural zones benefits the central region and isn’t necessarily viewed positively by the locals. The rebels exploited that discontent to incite people.”
The man wore an increasingly strained expression.
“The rising number of people engaging in dark magic follows the same logic. While it’s commonly said that a magician is someone chosen by the divine, a warlock can easily be born just by undergoing ‘transference.’ Although eight out of ten end up having disabilities or mutations in the process, those struggling to survive day by day don’t consider such details. If life at the bottom doesn’t improve, warlocks will continue to emerge incessantly…”
As he spoke, I soon caught sight of our accommodation in the distance. It was a remarkably clean and modern building adorned with white marble.
“Ahem, I’ve talked too much. Once inside, our management will greet you. For today, just relax and shake off your fatigue; I’ll provide detailed reports starting tomorrow. Once again, welcome to Jinryeong.”
He bowed to Minha and the party respectfully.
Afterward, as we entered the accommodation, the manager bent low and guided us to the banquet hall.
Time was just right for a variety of warm dishes to be ready, making our weary eyes sparkle once again.
The dinner started with a seemingly warm atmosphere. The thought of having come all the way to the South melted away quickly into comfort.
Sipping on enough drinks to keep from getting drunk, Minha savored her meal elegantly with her small lips.
As the atmosphere grew more relaxed, a second-year female student stepped forward to explain various cautionary notes to the freshmen, on behalf of Minha.
“…After curfew, absolutely no wandering outside. Now, I’ll begin assigning the rooms… Boys? You better not cross over into the girls’ area. If I catch you, I’ll issue points on the spot, and you’ll be reported to the disciplinary committee as soon as we get back to the cradle.”
“That’s just unfair. Do you think girls won’t come over? Some of them can be overly dramatic…”
A small chuckle came from behind, and the female student shot a glare back before adding to her statement.
“…Of course, the opposite goes for you too. Now, let’s start assigning. First, the second floor…”
As I listened to her explanation, I realized a troublesome fact. My assigned guest room was on the third floor, while Minha’s was on the top floor.
With other people in between, I couldn’t create barriers, and we weren’t even within reach of each other.
From how Minha reacted last time, I doubted I could endure a night without creating barriers. She might react like she did then.
After a brief moment of light contemplation, I concluded there was only one thing I could do.
I followed behind Minha, who was just finishing her meal and heading toward her room. Then, without anyone else hearing, I leaned in close to her ear and whispered softly.
“I’ll avoid eyes and come up later. Keep the window open.”
“Y-yes…”
Startled by the sudden whisper, Minha shuddered, replying only with a soft gulp.
*
The area around the guest room was shrouded in darkness. It seemed everyone had gone to bed early, tired from the long journey.
I locked the door behind me and immediately opened the window, slipping out onto the ledge outside.
Glancing upward, I spotted Minha’s guest room on the top floor. Perhaps she hadn’t fallen asleep yet, as a faint light was trickling through the curtains.
I grabbed a gap in the outer wall and started climbing up it. I didn’t enjoy the feeling of being a petty thief, but I certainly didn’t want to risk walking casually into the hallway and ending up in an unforeseen scandal.
I held onto the balcony railing and jumped inside. Confirming the window latch was open, I knocked twice more just to be sure.
knock knock
– Hic…
Soon, I heard someone stir from inside, followed by a soft sound as the window slid open.
I pulled back the curtains and stepped in. The sight that greeted me was a room illuminated by dim lights.
“Y-you…”
A voice calling my name made me turn. It was Minha standing before me, frozen in place and staring at me.
She looked like she had just washed up, her fair skin faintly flushed. Her damp hair glistened with a hint of moisture.
Wearing only a thin camisole decorated with lace, the sweet scent she usually exuded was now almost overwhelming.
“G-good evening, senior.”
“…”
Minha gazed at me in silence, then suddenly leaped onto her bed. She wrapped herself in the blanket and started to tremble, tears welling up in her fearful eyes.
“…?”
Her frightened behavior puzzled me. I hadn’t treated her harshly recently… had I?
“T-this isn’t right…”
“What do you mean?”
“No matter what… I’m your senior…”
“So what…”
“My… my body can’t just be treated like that… It’s not okay for the long run… If you, you… it’ll be bad for you too… so…”
Her tears were now dangerously close to spilling over.
Only then did I begin to grasp the reason behind her worries.
Had I ever told her about the limits of my barriers?
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