I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City - Chapter 69



68 – Advice from a Life Senior

“Are you… dating Rohan?”

!?

Clara’s head, which had been tilted down, snapped up.

It seemed to be the first time they exchanged such a direct gaze.

As an instructor, I have no intention of interfering with a cadet’s romantic affairs. I am aware that it can be a good motivation.

Ugh…!

Despite Joo-yeon’s words, Clara’s agitation did not subside.

So, she hurriedly added more.

It’s just a simple curiosity. You were with Rohan at the bookstore and during the recent incident. You two seem to be particularly close.

By ‘dating,’ you mean… going out… with Rohan…?

Yes. It could be interpreted differently, but that’s what I meant.

After finishing her words, Joo-yeon walked calmly to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

When she came back with a cold juice, the girl was fiddling with her hair, her face flushed.

The juice was used more to cool her heated cheeks than to drink.

I’m not… going out… with him…

Her voice trailed off, as if something was holding her back. Her fingers fidgeted, and her body twisted like a pretzel.

Clara’s actions were so transparent that even Joo-yeon, who knew nothing about romance, could understand instantly.

A satisfied smile spread across her face.

She genuinely wanted to support the girl’s budding feelings.

I see. I hope for a good outcome and will cheer for you from afar.

…!

“Rohan seems to have a strange knack for getting involved in incidents. It wouldn’t be good for him to be alone even outside the academy.”

Of course, it’s not acceptable for boys and girls to be together in the academy dormitory.

Given the chaotic times, Juyeon felt a bit relieved knowing that there was an outstanding girl like Clara at the bookstore where Rohan worked.

In response to that.

The girl was amazed.

‘Ah!’

Juyeon thought the words of encouragement he offered were nothing special.

But to the girl, it was a huge wave that cleared away even the fears she had been harboring.

‘A, a good person…!’

In Clara’s heart, Juyeon’s hearty hit was a home run.

She held the juice she received with both hands as if in prayer.

“Clara.”

“Yes…!”

“Is there any food you can’t eat?”

“Anything too bitter… is difficult.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Clara started to follow Juyeon as he headed in a certain direction.

Juyeon, who seated Clara at the dining table, opened the refrigerator to check the ingredients.

‘There’s no meat.’

After opening the vegetable drawer below and finishing his check, Juyeon fell into deep thought.

“The ingredients are lacking. If it doesn’t work out, it might be better to order delivery.”

The price doesn’t matter. I just want to feed them well.

But Joo-yeon hesitated even in that act.

Because there was one problem hidden in the joy that Rohan and Clara would feel.

“Sigh…”

A part of Joo-yeon’s heart, the tip of her desire to feed them well.

That place was in a state where it was hard to say it was entirely desirable, as it was covered with chunks of reflection and remorse.

Joo-yeon felt sorry for the two of them.

Perhaps heavy enough to call it guilt.

Even if imagination and delusion do not seek the other’s consent, Joo-yeon could not deny that she was increasingly projecting her lost younger brother onto Rohan.

She kept shaking her head, saying no.

But today, when Rohan returned from the crisis, she could no longer ignore that fact.

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That she was receiving help from Rohan to overcome the trauma she had long been unable to shake off, penetrating her tough body that could not be affected by medicine and seeping into her mind.

She just felt sorry for Clara, who had swept her away with these emotions.

“Really… I’m unqualified as an instructor.”

Joo-yeon closed the refrigerator and managed her expression.

She informed the pale girl who was sitting and sipping juice.

“Embarrassingly, I haven’t been able to go grocery shopping recently. Would it be okay to order dinner delivery?”

“Oh, I… of course, it’s okay…!”

“Then let’s order when Rohan comes. I don’t know when he’ll be back, though.”

Clara looked at the smartphone she was holding in her hand and smiled bashfully at Juyeon’s words.

A look that clearly showed who she was exchanging messages with.

Juyeon smiled at the sight and waited for the voice to be heard.

“Oppa is leaving soon…”

“Hmm, is he reporting properly to Clara?”

The girl seemed pleased with those words. If Clara were an animal, her tail would be wagging and her ears twitching.

Somehow, it’s an understandable emotion.

Drip, drip.

Juyeon brewed coffee, filling the living room with a heavy coffee aroma.

Holding a steaming mug and a notebook, she sat across from Clara.

Now it was time to discuss weightier matters, unlike the casual chat from earlier.

“And about the immigration. I hope you’ll answer the questions honestly, even if it’s sensitive information.”

Clara nodded briskly as if she understood.

To Juyeon, the girl seemed less tense about this topic.

“Which country are you officially affiliated with?”

“Well, I haven’t told Oppa about this yet…”

“Don’t worry. I won’t disclose Clara’s private matters without consent.”

“Thank you…!”

Her face relaxed after hearing the assurance. Clara’s voice came through more clearly.

Satisfied with the stronger tone, Juyeon opened her notebook.

He clicked the ballpoint pen, showing the girl that he was ready to take notes.

I’ll ask again. Which country are you registered with?

Zeno… it’s called Zeno.

You’ve come a long way. You must have had a hard time.

Even though Zeno is a small and reclusive country, Joo-yeon knows the turmoil caused by the civil war.

He has most of the information about the state of affairs between countries.

Even if Zeno tries to hide it tightly, it cannot escape the eyes of the powerful nations.

Is there any false information in the documents submitted to the agency? If there is, you need to request a correction now.

There is none…!

As Rohan said, you’re not a criminal with a bounty on your head, right?

Yes.

Joo-yeon continued to ask questions, and Clara answered.

The girl even mentioned the foolish anecdote of selling the air machine she brought from Zeno at a low price to buy the fancy clothes she now had, reminiscing about the times when she didn’t know the value of money.

Joo-yeon listened attentively with a serious face, without mocking her.

It was when the juice Clara was sipping little by little reached the bottom.

To be honest, there are many more things I want to ask. But this is enough information needed for the immigration request, so I won’t pry further.

Joo-yeon’s gaze turned to the weapon Clara had placed.

In these chaotic times, the power to protect oneself and what is precious is important.

…Thank you.

The girl expressed her gratitude, knowing what Joo-yeon’s words and gaze meant.

“Lastly, Clara.”

Juyeon called out in a voice lower and more serious than when they were conversing.

The girl’s gaze met his eyes, which flickered as if they contained flames.

“For instance, if the purpose of creating an identity leads to a crime and causes a mishap in the academy city, not only the police department but I will also have to take action.”

The air was filled with a sense of unforgiveness.

The overwhelming presence made Clara hold her breath.

“That is my responsibility in helping with this matter. Understood?”

“Yes…!”

Clara nodded without hesitation. Juyeon smiled with satisfaction, easing the heavy atmosphere in an instant.

“I’ll give you my number. Feel free to contact me if you encounter any problems or need advice.”

“!”

Clara eagerly extended her smartphone with both hands at those words.

…

…

After the heavy topic ended.

Between Juyeon and Clara, who were waiting for Rohan, a casual conversation about the academy city continued.

The girl tapped the empty juice bottle with her fingernail and spoke the words she had been holding inside.

“Juyeon, I have a concern. Can you listen to me…?”

“If I can be of help, I’ll listen as much as you need.”

How reliable he is!

Clara felt as if Joo-yeon was about to impart some tremendous advice that would pierce through her naive consciousness.

“Well, the place I lived, Zeno, had a monogamous culture…”

“My homeland, Samhwaguk, is the same. Most countries are.”

A hope that somehow their thoughts would align.

With sparkling eyes, Clara asked Joo-yeon.

“Um, by any chance! When you were in a relationship… was your partner from a polygamous culture?”

“Hmm?”

Why was Clara asking such a question? Joo-yeon arrived at an answer even before she could chew over the question.

Because she knew where the girl’s interest lay.

‘Ah, Solarea was like that. So was Tigrova.’

Having recently read books about the southern regions while handling Rohan, it came vividly to mind.

Thus, she decided to be honest.

“I’m afraid I can’t be of much help with that. Unfortunately, I’ve never been in a relationship with a man.”

“!!!”

Clara was astonished by the fact that Joo-yeon casually revealed.

Such a beautiful woman had never been in a relationship, was it simply because no man had caught her eye?

“Then, then…! What would you do if the man you met in the future was from a polygamous culture…?”

“Hmm.”

Joo-yeon had never considered romance in her life.

Even so, she felt she had to think seriously about it now. The girl in front of her seemed desperate.

Polygamy.

From the beginning, Juyeon had never given her heart to a man. Therefore, it was not easy to even imagine.

She had received many proposals and confessions.

However, Juyeon could not understand the passionate eyes they sent her.

Polygamy is ultimately a culture.

Assuming that, certain things come to mind. For instance, aren’t the countries of origin of the academy instructors diverse?

Respecting what can be respected and stepping back where understanding is difficult.

Based on that, Juyeon’s response was formed.

The approaching side should understand the culture.

It was similar to when Instructor Carrot recommended a meal and reserved a Samhwa restaurant.

Since Juyeon had never felt the emotions lurking in romantic relationships, that was the only comparison she could make.

!

Clara froze at Juyeon’s answer, which came out as if it were obvious.

Thoughts she had when she met Noah from Tigrova at the bookstore. Those thoughts were hammered in deeper.

I will explain.

Juyeon conveyed her thoughts to Clara as if giving a lesson.

The culture of a country is both the pride of its people and a principle of behavior.

It also forms the basis of the common sense and values held by individuals.

While continuing the tiny lesson with the dining table as a podium.

Ding dong!

The doorbell rang, asking to be opened.

Rohan’s face appeared, peeking into the camera.