Episode 85 Festival: Encounter (3)
The crowds that filled the grounds were breathtaking.
The academy has a larger area than most small cities. However, today, there was no space even in that vast area. The parade line and the crowd spread out to the corners of the eye.
‘There are so many… … .’
Numerous events were packed into a short three-day period. Each festival had a huge scale and capital invested. The grand finale was the parade.
But as is often the case with parades, there was nothing special about the Joaquin Academy, it was just like any other amusement park.
Of course, the scale and quality are several times greater here, but at least to my eyes, it looks the same. I originally had no interest in such a complicated event, and it had been a long time since I had lost my childlike innocence to cheer for a puppet show.
‘I didn’t like it even when I was little.’
I watched the march from a little distance away from the crowd.
The members, led by Weapon, kept nagging me to squeeze into that gap, but I didn’t want to sweat in the hot weather. And I, Ganggeomma, was tall and had good eyesight, so I didn’t have much trouble even from a distance.
As I held on like a stone, the members eventually jumped into the water, leaving me out. The sight of Weapon running away like a monkey was particularly impressive.
‘It’s quite fancy.’
The women dancing the samba while wearing gold ornaments. The magnificent structures carrying them are truly majestic. They say they were made of both gold and pure gold, and I thought that even if they sold that alone, they would be able to secure enough funds for retirement.
While I was watching my sisters’ passionate dance moves without any reason.
Jerk- Jerk-
I turned my gaze to the sound of footsteps. Ryozo was approaching with a nauseated expression. She grumbled with a pale face.
“Sigh- I really hate crowds.”
Ryozoh was standing next to me, munching on yokan. I just turned my eyes slightly and looked at her.
‘Why did you send text messages to your teammates using my number?’
He said he was going to rest in the dorm because he was tired, and he was already a sleepy kid. I thought he would be the most exhausted from mental labor during this festival…
‘I really have no idea what this guy is thinking.’
I’ve already shared two months with the members except for Senior Hana. Chloe, a yandere with a baby bird-like impression, and Speed Weapon, a punk-like character. These two people had no role in the game, but now they’re the ones I’m most deeply connected to.
But even though she has the air quality, I feel like I don’t know Ryozo, one of the main heroines, very well. It’s like she’s intentionally hiding her true feelings.
In addition to that, the frequent arguments with weapons also feel like Ryozo is appropriately suited to it… … .
If we just look at the title of Daughter of the Palace, I don’t know much about Ryozo. Her personality can change depending on the situation.
‘This time too, I don’t know what you mean.’
What is the intention behind gathering the members by pretending to have my number? I am suspicious, though… … .
‘There must be a reason.’
Despite the rough method, I trust Ryozo’s brain. He plays the role of a sweet potato prevention character very well in any situation. I decided not to pass it on.
I stared intently at Ryozo’s side profile. He had already finished eating the yokan and was rinsing his mouth with water.
‘Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve ever been alone with her.’
Then, Ryozoh seemed to sense my gaze and made a strange expression. She glanced up at me and wiggled her fingers. Then she moved her lips in a sarcastic manner.
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
Ryozo pouted and tried to avoid my gaze. Her face turned red and she stuck out her lips. It seemed like she herself was not up to the task.
‘This is my first time seeing something like this.’
It was the most age-appropriate behavior she had ever shown. I snickered and shook my head. Ryozo looked at me with eyes filled with subtle emotion and then quickly turned his head away.
“You’re so fucking clueless.”
Ryozo muttered softly amidst the noisy background noise. Normally I wouldn’t have heard it, but my heightened senses didn’t miss it.
‘sense?’
When I think back on his actions so far, Ryozo doesn’t speak carelessly. There must be an ulterior motive behind his words. Especially when he borrowed my number to gather his crew. I pretended to harden my expression and asked back.
“Why? What’s going on?”
When I asked that, Ryozoh shrugged his shoulders. It seemed like he didn’t know I had heard it.
“… Did you hear that?”
She looked up at me with a bewildered face. I grabbed her shoulder tightly and asked again. A handprint appeared on the shoulder of her top.
“What’s going on? Did you notice anything strange?”
“Uh, uh, uh?”
Ryozo stuttered with a look of embarrassment. Her pupils were spinning like a whirlwind. It was such an unnatural attitude.
I put a little more strength into the hand that was holding my shoulder. Then Ryozo spoke in a barely audible voice.
“it hurts.”
“Oh, what? I didn’t hear you this time.”
Ryozo pushed me hard with both hands. The force was so strong that I almost lost my balance for a moment. She grumbled once and then glared at me.
“Then, if you were me, wouldn’t it hurt when you grabbed my shoulder so tightly?! And if you’re so clueless, why are your ears so perceptive?”
I looked at Ryojo on the unfamiliar flagship. Her eyes were fierce, dispelling my worries. I frowned and stopped talking.
“Even if you worry about it, it’ll be a mess.”
“… … .”
Ryozo blinked. The next moment, her face turned red. Then she lowered her head.
‘What do you want to do?’
I clicked my tongue. Ryozo’s lips trembled at my reaction.
“…Are you angry?”
A cautious voice. It felt very unfamiliar to me since I usually only heard his sharp, broken speech.
‘Am I being too serious?’
I scratched my cheek and shook my head in denial. Only then did Ryozo’s troubled expression begin to relax.
As I looked at her like that, a question suddenly arose. Since we don’t often have time alone together, it would be a good time to resolve my curiosity.
“But, Ryozo.”
“huh?”
“It’s a bit sudden though.”
Ryozo’s pupils fluttered at my firm tone.
She swallowed hard and waited for the next words. I cleared my throat and continued.
“Are you dating a weapon?”
“…what?”
Ryozo’s kick aimed straight at my shin.
I just slightly twisted my torso. It was a movement within the expected range.
hook.
Then, Ryozo’s foot pierced the air. Ryozo lost his balance due to the recoil of the kick and fell to the ground with a thud. He must have fallen hard on his buttocks, so he put his hand on his waist.
‘That’s right.’
There is a saying that a strong negation is a strong affirmation. Originally, young men and women fought and fought on the outside, but that was also a form of expression of affection.
Of course, I’ve never been in a relationship in my past or present life… but I know a little bit about it.
‘Damn, I wasted my time.’
In the midst of all this, Ryozo glared and spat out words.
“You, you, you-! Are you even talking about that?! You want me to date that little monkey?!”
My voice was trembling with mixed emotions. I shrugged my shoulders and turned my back on Ryozo.
“Hey, Ganggeomma! Where are you going!”
Angkaljin’s shouts pierced through the club, but he tried to ignore them. As the club president, it would also be his duty to tolerate the dating within the club.
“Hey!”
* * *
At the same time, on the outskirts of Joaquin Academy.
Two men and women walking along a noisy street. Olmute, wearing baseball caps pulled down low and casual clothes, and her manager, Kane. Only the sound of their footsteps permeated the dirt floor.
“Ellie, how long are you going to be here… … .”
Sweat started to flow down Kane’s nose from his forehead. He was hot, but more than that, he was anxious. He tapped his wristwatch to show Olmute.
“Sorry, Kane. But I just wanted to make sure before I leave.”
“Oh my.”
Kane just shook his head, thinking about the object of her interest.
‘That first-year cadet.’
A boy with black hair that you’ve rarely seen before and a sharp jawline. At first glance, he gives off an unusual vibe.
Of course, his appearance was still good compared to the performance he showed in front of the public the day before yesterday.
Kane laughed bitterly. Mao Lang, who was comparable to the All Mute he supported, was defeated by a mere cadet. And that too in just one move.
It was clearly a win-win for the US, as they were competing for the Seven Star Heroes. But paradoxically, it gave birth to a sudden and more threatening character.
‘Ganggeomma.’
The focus of attention of all hero guilds and agencies for two days.
In modern times, guilds and agencies are more interested in those with star quality than heroes with overwhelming force.
The reason is simple: the logic of capital.
These days, heroes also serve as entertainers, and the country that makes the most of this is the United States.
That’s also part of the reason why I created the unique name ‘Hero’. The same goes for the costumes and nicknames that can highlight the character.
‘It’s sashimi swordsmanship.’
A nickname mixed with jokes that started with just one article, but his identity is incomparable. He is armed with a chopstick-sized kitchen knife, rare black hair, and natural talent.
A talent with both originality and ability. At that moment, an idea suddenly flashed through Kane’s mind.
‘…no way.’
“Ellie, are you planning to do some background work on that Ganggeommaran cadet in advance?”
“No, that’s not it. I just need to check something.”
All Mute answered, lowering his head slightly. Kane just shut his mouth tightly and drooled.
‘Yes, it’s not legal, but I can’t miss out on such talent.’
Kane nodded silently. Although it would require American citizenship, one touch from this agency would suffice.
‘Keep your allies close, keep your enemies closer.’
The corners of Kane’s mouth slightly rose.
‘Still, there isn’t much time left until the flight time.’
It was his job as a manager to coordinate and manage the schedule. Even though it was a coveted resource, the most important thing right now was All Mute’s schedule.
The two eventually arrived at the booth where Kang Geum-ma was selling kimchi stew. Ol Mute lowered the brim of his hat a little further.
“Oh, what? There’s no one here?”
As Kane spoke, Olmute also opened his eyes and looked around the booth. There was no sign of human presence, only the lingering scent of kimchi stew tickling his nostrils.
“I think he went to see the parade.”
“… … .”
After making sure no one was there, Olmute took off his hat with an annoyed look on his face. His crimson hair swayed around his shoulders.
“Oh, right. Time.”
Kane checked his watch again. At the same time, he opened his mouth with an urgent look.
“Ellie, let’s go for today and come back for that guy named Ganggeomma next time. It’s really close, I told you.”
In contrast to his haste, Olmute responded nonchalantly.
“But there’s a subspace portal in the academy anyway. Can’t we use that to get to our next destination?”
“Hey! Do you know how much it costs to fly an airplane? If we use the subspace portal, we’ll just leave our private plane here in Korea?! That’s all taxpayers’ money, taxpayers’ money!”
As Kane scolded him, Olmute put his hand to his temple and thought about Kane’s words.
“… There’s nothing we can do about it since it’s the people’s taxes.”
“Okay, I thought about it. Let’s come back next time.”
Olmute, with her baseball cap pulled down low again. She took the first step.
“Let’s go, Kane.”
Kane sighed in relief and muttered to himself.
‘It’s an agency plane, how can it be operated on tax money, idiot.’
It was a lie that was possible because she was a person who was faithful to her main job and had no interest in worldly things.
But in the end, Kane felt a little less guilty because he had convinced her.
