I was just pondering whether I should head back. Now that I’ve realized the magic in the laboratory is broken, there’s no reason to hesitate further.
“Then I’ll head in now. Please be careful on your way back.”
[Yes, thank you for today as well.]
First, I took Maxwell, who had accompanied me, back to the guild.
A spacious park near the guild’s headquarters. As someone suddenly popped into existence, people strolling through the park jumped in surprise.
“Uh, who is that…?”
But once they confirmed it was me, their eyes widened in amazement, whispering my name.
Having gained quite a bit of fame lately and with such a unique appearance, I guess it makes sense.
Since I was in a rush, I couldn’t engage with everyone. I replied casually to Maxwell and used space leap.
The familiar vibrations of the space enveloped my body. Moments later, my legs felt weightless, and my surroundings abruptly changed.
– Thud
I stepped onto a vibrantly lively lawn. Surrounding me were fields of blooming flowers and scattered trees creating cool shade.
It was just one of the common gardens in the mansion.
“Ah! Your Majesty! You’re back?”
Nearby, a small fairy named Rudy, who had been watering flowers, fluttered over with a big smile, then suddenly seemed to remember something and made a lightbulb gesture above her head.
“Right! Your Majesty! Just now, the Queen Hong Yeon-hwa seemed off.”
A warning signal popped up over my head.
[Oh really? What happened?]
“That is… it felt like I was seeing dead flowers. It’s unpleasant, and I didn’t want to get close…”
[Hmm.]
Seeing my slightly pale face made clear concern appear on Rudy’s face. She’d been playfully trailing after the Queen, so it seems she’s grown fond of Yeon-hwa.
I composed myself and gently ruffled Rudy’s hair with my finger.
[It’ll be fine. You just focus on what you need to do, Rudy.]
“…Yes!”
Without a hint of doubt in my words, Rudy replied energetically, her worry visibly lifted. I gave her a soft smile and turned away.
Using my observational powers, I confirmed everyone’s locations and statuses. I also checked the condition of the vanished magic.
Analyzing the remnants of the magic, it was indeed destroyed by Gop-hwa. It had been quite a considerable spell, but it wasn’t strong enough to withstand Gop-hwa.
‘What could have caused that?’
I didn’t know. What reason would there be for someone to barge into the laboratory, breaking the magic and downing some mysterious potion?
Side effects of Gop-hwa? After years of managing it, it wouldn’t be easy for Yeon-hwa to fall victim to side effects now…
– Kyiing… Woof!
[Okay, okay, it’s alright…]
I decided to set aside my questions for now and comforted the spirits gathering around me as I entered the mansion.
The living room, filled with sofas, was crowded with several people.
Elia, Baek Ahrin, my mentor, Professor Riana, and Choi Ji-yeon.
Those sitting on the sofas or standing nearby turned to me at the sound of my presence.
“Ha-yul!”
“Pbbt.”
Elia called out to me with a bright smile. As I approached, she urgently pinched my cheek.
“The Queen seemed strange after eating something she shouldn’t have! Is that because of it?”
“Yeah, I’ve checked on it too.”
I knew what spell had been broken and had already heard the situation through the messages that quickly reached me.
“Is it something that could have side effects? No, what exactly was that potion? It made me feel strange about people and made my stomach uneasy…”
“Bububup… Don’t worry, there are no side effects. The effects won’t last for more than a few hours; I can go take care of it and minimize it further.”
“Oh, that’s a relief…”
As Elia’s grip relaxed from pinching my cheek, I felt her worry dissipate.
The potion Yeon-hwa drank was tentatively called ‘The Hated Potion,’ which I had prepared for later concentration.
After it had been tested on the fifth batch in the tower, it had returned to normal once outside.
The concentrated amount is still stored safely in my pocket dimension.
‘Good thing it was pre-concentration…’
I realized the identity of the potion Yeon-hwa took and panicked but didn’t rush after Maxwell in a frenzy.
The dosage was small, and I could easily undo it, plus I already knew the effects prior to concentration. It wasn’t something that could deliver a dramatic effect like a knife stab.
Moreover, I continued to observe their locations and statuses in real-time, so if anything unusual were to happen, I could rush over immediately.
“Hey, is that potion… was it the one from the dungeon back then?”
[Yes, that’s right.]
When I briefly explained the situation, Ji-yeon, who was sitting quietly listening, raised her hand with a question.
I remember we obtained the Hated Potion in the dungeon ‘Han-sae-dong-san’ and she seemed to recall some of the effects back then.
“My apprentice, what were you doing experimenting with such a potion in the laboratory?”
It was at that moment when my mentor, who had been quietly standing with arms crossed, suddenly spoke up. Consequently, everyone’s gazes shifted to me.
Caught off guard by the unexpected topic, I momentarily paused.
“Uh… well, while studying alchemy and herbalism, I happened to… I’ll head straight to Yeon-hwa and sort this out.”
I glanced around nervously under my mentor’s calm gaze, then slowly turned away.
*
“Ugh, ahhh… Ahhh…”
Screams filled with despair echoed from the pillow. With her face buried in the pillow, Hong Yeon-hwa thrashed in pain, shaking her legs.
– Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bed groaned under the sudden pressure from her legs. Along with it, her heart quaked.
“Ahhhh…”
“Miss, even if these are Shio-ram supplies, wouldn’t it be better not to break things out of anger?”
At the voice from beside her, Yeon-hwa’s kicking subsided.
A brief silence ensued, and she turned her head slightly.
Near the door, standing at a distance was Ariel, dressed in modern maid attire.
Ariel shrugged her shoulders at the attention directed her way.
“How could you eat something like that? You still haven’t kicked the habit of picking up snacks from the floor?”
“Ugh, when did I even do that!?”
Recalling some nearly forgotten past made her irritated. Yeon-hwa’s legs pounded the bed once more.
However, she soon shifted her gaze back to Ariel.
Ariel tilted her head in confusion.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…Do you even feel any effect?”
Yeon-hwa asked, her face buried in the pillow. Though she hadn’t received a detailed explanation, she had gathered a general sense of the potion’s efficacy.
It was some sort of curse… or maybe an identity manipulation.
While running away from Ha-yul and sprinting down the street, she could feel the uncomfortable, disdainful gaze directed at her.
Such looks existed even typically.
Though Yeon-hwa has many strengths, she also carried residual karma from the past. It was inevitable there’d be people with negative memories and feelings toward her.
But up to the point where everyone gathered because of the birth celebration, those eyes were rampant, making it impossible for her not to notice the effects.
“Hmm, you tend to underestimate me too much.”
“What?”
“I was once a top-tier hunter. I ventured through perilous dungeons that many wouldn’t dare. Do you think I would be unable to control a mere negative emotion and appear foolish?”
In response to Yeon-hwa’s inquiry, Ariel proudly puffed her chest out.
“Of course it has an effect, but it’s not something I would be swept away by, that’s for sure.”
“Then why are your eyes closed?”
Ariel wasn’t looking directly at Yeon-hwa, keeping her eyes closed while holding her breath.
“Lately, my eyes have been a bit tired. Even using eye drops hasn’t improved much.”
“Oh? But I feel like we’re quite a distance apart. Want to come a bit closer?”
“I must politely decline for personal reasons. By the way, I didn’t know the young master was researching such a potion.”
Ariel skillfully twisted the conversation to avoid a bad turn of events.
“Are there any specific people you would like to target? Because if so, I’d be more than happy to help.”
“Guess you were a hitman in a past life, huh?”
“Oh, I’m not a hitman, just a romantic hunter and adventurer.”
“How many daggers do you have at your waist?”
“About eighty are the ones I’m currently carrying, and there’re probably around four hundred left in my pocket dimension.”
“Are you insane?”
Yeon-hwa couldn’t help but chuckle. Ariel successfully shifted the subject and subtly glanced at the closed door.
“It seems my time serving you wasn’t wasted at all. I feel like I can read the mischievous thoughts swirling in your mind.”
“Mischievous thoughts? Nonsense.”
“Well then, hear my deduction and judge for yourself. The reason you’re here, not outside Shio-ram, but specifically in the creaky old dormitory…”
“Don’t say another word! Shut it!”
“Oh dear.”
Something flew through the air, cutting through the atmosphere. To Ariel, who had some experience with dagger fights, it felt all too familiar. Casually moving her head, she dodged the soft projectile that whizzed past her ear.
“Stop bugging me and get lost! My mood is terrible enough as is!”
With that high-pitched shriek that followed, Ariel covered her ears and shook her head. Thus, she limited her sight, smell, and hearing.
“Yes, yes. I, your humble servant Ariel, will follow the young mistress’s command and head outside. Ah, I now really need to explain the situation to Shio-ram, so please give me a brief rundown later.”
Ariel jested as she opened the door.
– Click
With that added, only Yeon-hwa remained in the room.
“…Sigh.”
For a moment, Yeon-hwa rubbed her face against the pillow, then flipped onto her back.
The spotless ceiling above was part of the penthouse dormitory she had entered at the beginning of the semester.
Having moved into the mansion with Ha-yul, it became empty, but since it wasn’t yet a new academic year, it remained registered under her name.
– The reason you’re here, not outside Shio-ram, but specifically in the creaky old dormitory…
“…”
Ariel’s words echoed in her ears.
That’s true. Those mischievous, devious thoughts. Yeon-hwa held onto such thoughts.
She understood the effect of the potion. It would also apply to Ha-yul.
She felt scared. She didn’t care about others, but for Ha-yul, she didn’t want to be subject to such gazes.
That’s why she ran away, not wanting to meet him.
On that note, she secretly hoped Ha-yul would come by, acting as if nothing were amiss, treating her as usual.
Honestly, with Ha-yul’s unique constitution, there wouldn’t be any effect on him anyway…
“Ugh…”
A sigh escaped her lips. Even she thought it was utterly ridiculous and childish.
Feeling completely drained, Yeon-hwa buried her face deeper into the pillow.
She had no idea how long this effect would last. It might linger until tomorrow, and if that happened, her schedule would be completely ruined.
She felt terrible.
– Yeon-hwa. Gop-hwa is a fire. We are bloodlines born from flames, yet we cannot be free from the threat of fire. Thus, we must always handle it with care and remain vigilant.
Her father’s words came flooding back.
“…I tried, though.”
To be careful, to be vigilant, to pay attention.
Who doesn’t know that? Is there anyone who understands the side effects of Gop-hwa better than her?
The stronger her output, the stronger the flames burned. Hong Yeon-hwa knew this, and the world did too.
That’s precisely why she practiced mental training as if it were part of her meals. Despite wanting to play outside, she held back countless times just to meditate and sit in silence.
How many times did she want to smash everything to pieces? How many times had she endured not crushing that guy’s obnoxious mouth?
She had worked so hard.
Yet now, a small misstep might ruin something crucial.
Thinking about it made her feel so inadequate and pathetic. It felt as though flames would suddenly jump out and engulf the ceiling.
She truly felt aggrieved, but the only one to blame was herself. Still, she thought she had put in a tremendous effort…
– Tap
“…!”
The sudden sound of footsteps invading her tumbling thoughts grabbed her attention.
The light, familiar presence approached, and Yeon-hwa’s heart raced.
She had honestly been hoping for this, but now he was really here.
Startled, she half-sat up. The sound of footsteps approached her door.
“Gulp…”
Leaning against the headboard, Yeon-hwa swallowed hard. The knocking on the door made her shoulders jump slightly.
– Yeon-hwa, may I come in?
The angelic voice from the other side made her corners of her mouth twitch. Joy, anticipation, fear… emotions swirled chaotically.
“Um… no. Wait a moment.”
The fear multiplied. Stuttering, Yeon-hwa struggled to speak.
“I… I’m sorry. I ate something from the laboratory without permission…”
– That’s not important. I’m just glad you’re okay. I can quickly undo the potion’s effects.
“Ah…!”
Yeon-hwa gasped. Her excitement surged at the news that it could be undone quickly.
“But… wait. Just a moment. The effects are still here…”
The anxiety returned. Though she currently appeared unfazed, what if everything changed once the door opened?
She feared her affection would shift into something cold, her warm gaze might frost over.
Her gentle smile might fade away, leaving only a stony expression instead…
“Can’t you just wait here until the effect wears off…?”
– I want to come in.
“Ah, no! Wait a second…”
– No. I want to come in.
This time, Ha-yul stubbornly insisted.
The door swung wide open. Yeon-hwa frantically waved her hands and quickly covered herself with the blanket.
From beyond the thick blanket, she could feel a gaze directed at her. She tried to read the emotions behind it, but had no luck.
– Tap… tap…
The footsteps approached her bed. He was right in front of her. Yeon-hwa trembled, her eyes quaking.
All of a sudden, it struck her as amusing. When did she become this weak and timid?
Facing an unanticipated enemy used to be her specialty. She was never scared to face danger; she had always ignited the flames to confront it…
– Pull…
“Ah!”
The external hand pulled at the blanket. She shot up in fright, gripping it tightly.
A clumsy tug-of-war ensued between their forces.
“Yeon-hwa, I miss you.”
“Ugh…”
That mild contention melted away at Ha-yul’s words. Eventually, the blanket that enveloped Yeon-hwa slowly fell away.
Bright light hit her face. As her squinting eyes adjusted, she found herself staring directly into his gray eyes.
‘Ah.’
His gaze was mesmerizing and deep, pulling her in like a whirlpool she couldn’t escape from.
The depth of those eyes wasn’t just for show; she could see her reflection so transparently it felt satisfying.
His normally inattentive look filled with affection made her immensely happy.
But right now, all emotions seemed swallowed up in those deep eyes.
Or maybe she was just too fearful to interpret them, intentionally ignoring them.
[-]
Ha-yul tilted his head. That adorably cute gesture made Yeon-hwa’s heart drop.
Now he tilted his head, puzzled. Her heart raced at the sight of his reaction.
After blinking several times, he leaned closer.
“Sniff, sniff…”
His breath tickled her neck, causing her to instinctively cringe. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t bother her, but right now, it was incredibly nerve-wracking…
Like a puppy checking her out, Ha-yul pressed his nose onto Yeon-hwa’s body, sniffing around.
Her unease peaked, and just as his mouth finally opened…
“Yeon-hwa’s scent is nice.”
[Nice.]
“……”
“Because it’s Yeon-hwa’s smell, I like it.”
[Nice.]
With a bright smile, Ha-yul snuggled into Yeon-hwa’s embrace.
Even under the potion’s effects, the feelings didn’t change.
Yeon-hwa’s scent was still there.
So what if? The only sense of smell she could perceive was just the personal scents of a select few.
She had particular scents that she favored, but the one she adored the most was Yeon-hwa’s.
Indeed, it was because it was Yeon-hwa’s smell.
While she didn’t particularly like the color red, she was fond of Yeon-hwa’s hair and eyes.
What happened in the past was irrelevant. At least in this moment, she thought her enjoyable life was incomplete without Yeon-hwa.
Could she ever come to hate someone like Yeon-hwa? That was utterly nonsensical. Just as a pillar of a building would crumble if removed, such a preposterous premise was impossible.
“Hehehe…”
At least ‘the Hated Potion’ that was not concentrated couldn’t greatly affect her. To be precise, though it tried to distort perception, it couldn’t penetrate the strong unease.
Despite the unintentional experiment, she gained some helpful data.
Burrowing his face into her chest, he sniffed in Yeon-hwa’s soothing fragrance.
“I’ll get it sorted out soon.”
Whoosh! The bright flames of Gop-hwa emanating from Ha-yul gently brushed against Yeon-hwa.
It wouldn’t vanish instantly, but he could erase the potion’s influence with his flames.
It was reminiscent of the practice he had done on Baek Ahrin, but this was much easier. With just a bit of time, he could burn it away.
– Whoosh…
“……”
“Hmm?”
A sticky, fiery sensation began to rise near the potion’s ashes clinging to Yeon-hwa.
Simultaneously, an oddly sticky gaze seemed to fixate on her crown.
Ha-yul blinked.
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