NOVPUBGirl's Revenge (4)
At Iron Blood Hospital.
"An interview the very next day? That's quick."
"You're a reliable source. He has no reason to be suspicious."
From my hospital room, I watched Park Mingyu's interview unfold with Scarlett by my side. Once my own interview became public, Scarlett had promptly leaked that I was associated with Nam Daeun.
[I was recently browsing online and was quite impressed with Lee Hoyeon. I'd like to meet him if the opportunity arises.]
On the screen, Park Mingyu carried on with the interview, wearing an awkward expression. The reporter's questions seemed to favor him entirely.
"Can they actually broadcast such a biased interview?"
"People surprisingly accept such things without skepticism. Plus, his current image only adds to that."
Ping—
Amidst the monotonous interview, my smartwatch buzzed.
[Park Mingyu: Hello, is this Lee Hoyeon? I'd like to revisit our previous conversation.]
Evidently, Park Mingyu had also gotten hold of my contact information. His mention of "our previous conversation" likely referred to the earlier discussion about recruitment.
[Me: Certainly. Where shall we meet?]
[Park Mingyu: I'll send you the address.]
"Time to make a move."
I exited the hospital and made my way to the location Park Mingyu had specified. Unsurprisingly, it was a hub teeming with entertainment venues.
This bastard doesn't change even as he becomes more famous.
"Are we set, camera girl?"
"Yes, everything's in place."
Scarlett concealed herself within my shadow, her ear adorned with a recording artifact.
Let's start small.
Attention, everyone! The madman who called for a hostess to entertain a student is here! Listen up, fellow townspeople!
***
Mage Hall, 2nd floor. Professor Im Sol's research lab.
Im Sol's pivotal magic formula research was approaching its conclusion. The necessity for a flawless finish intensified her focus. However, an elusive obstacle seemed to prevent its finalization.
"Just a bit more. It's on the verge of completion."
Frustrated by the lingering imperfections, Im Sol mused, "If only Hoyeon were here…"
Given that the foundational concept had originated from Lee Hoyeon, his assistance would have expedited the research. But constant interruptions had hindered this.
"I'm doing all the research, but he gets his name on the paper too. Where's a mentor like me?"
Praising his own integrity as a mentor, Im Sol left the lab. Her smartwatch, set aside to focus on research, was filled with messages. She deleted all the unimportant messages and focused on those from familiar contacts.
[Lee Hoyeon: Professor, I'll be discharged soon. Have you cleared your schedule for the magic fair?]
[Min Yeji: Amazing, check it out… Have you catched Hoyeon's interview? Your disciple did well~]
"An interview?"
Lee Hoyeon's interview. I haven't seen it yet, but it caught my attention for some reason. I should definitely respond to him first.
[Me: Yeah, once you're discharged, come on over. I'll check my schedule.]
A magic fair… It's a hassle, but I'll have to put in the effort. A date with my disciple wouldn't be so bad.
After sending a message to Lee Hoyeon, Im Sol watched the interview video that Min Yeji had sent. The reporter in the video was a well-known journalist named Hayoung.
[Victoria Academy has many professors. Who stands out the most in your memory?]
[All the professors are talented and kind, but Professor Im Sol stands out the most. She has helped me tremendously with my personal research, and I've learned a lot from her.]
[Is there some special connection among genius mages?]
[Professor Im Sol is the true genius mage here. I've grown with her guidance, but she has achieved everything on her own.]
[A wonderful relationship between mentor and disciple…]
Watching the interview, Im Sol smiled subtly.
"Help… but I was the one who received help."
Their first encounter was due to a mistake on Im Sol's part. After that, she discovered his brilliant magical talent. Naturally, captivated by that talent, she wanted him to work for her no matter what.
However, if Lee Hoyeon hadn't gotten involved due to Im Sol's mistake, she wouldn't have allowed such a scandal. It's a relationship forged with a sense of guilt.
Now, she's genuinely grateful. Thanks to that relationship, Im Sol has also benefited greatly.
The day she met Lee Hoyeon was a turning point in her life. She researched new magical techniques and even co-authored a paper on Lee Hoyeon's new discovery. She discovered chocolates sweeter than any she had known before, to relieve her stress from research, and now her disciple's fame has followed her.
Throughout her life, Im Sol had never had anyone to discuss magic with. She was too exceptional for her peers, and older mages who understood her magic rejected young Im Sol. In that sense, Lee Hoyeon was a blessing, or something akin to it, for her.
She needed someone younger who could discuss magic with her. Even if she became close to Baek Ahyeong or Min Yeji, her desire for magic never diminished. That's why he's an even more precious disciple.
"I should probably look into the magic fair…"
Magic fair.
She wasn't sure what fun there would be in attending with someone who only knew magic, like herself, but her disciple wanted to go.
Putting aside her research materials, Im Sol began to browse through information about the magic fair.
***
"It's dark…"
The address Park Mingyu provided led me deep into an alley. As I ventured further, the area was bathed in red lights, and I occasionally spotted scantily clad women.
I was watching women get off a van and enter a large building when I heard a voice from my shadow.
"Exactly."
"Shh."
"You're the only one who can hear my voice, Hoyeon."
"…"
Somehow, the voice carried a touch of mana.
I nodded slightly and moved further in. Among several buildings, the largest one was the location Park Mingyu had indicated.
Why would one be doing business here?
It was almost too bold, to the point of being shocking. Inside, a man who seemed to be the manager approached me from an ornate counter.
"Welcome. Are you a guest, or did you make a reservation?"
"I'm here with Mr. Park Mingyu. Is he inside?"
"Ah, I see. Escort him immediately," the manager said, smiling and signaling a man standing behind him.
"Yes, understood. Sir, this way, please."
I followed the guide, a burly man, into a room. Seated inside was the same old man I had encountered before—Park Mingyu, the leader of the Buyers Guild.
"Lee Hoyeon, it's been a while."
"Since we met at the party, indeed."
This was my first time in such a setting. While I wasn't nervous, I feigned tension as I took my seat. Yet, the man who had arranged this meeting to recruit me occupied the main seat as if by right.
Knock, knock—
As I exchanged pleasantries with Park Mingyu, the manager from earlier discreetly opened the door and stepped in.
"Hello."
"Ah, Manager Kim. Only bring in the best; he's a special guest of mine."
"W-What do you mean?" Mindful of Scarlett filming, I launched into my act.
"Lee Hoyeon, just stay put."
"Then we'll proceed with the usual full course."
"Sure, go ahead."
After the manager nodded and exited, I feigned confusion and glanced at my shadow. Though invisible, I subtly sensed Scarlett's mana.
It's Scarlett; she'll handle it.
I kept up the act. "Guild Leader Park Mingyu, what's happening here?"
"Huh? Your first time in a place like this?"
"I'm here to discuss a contract…" I acted jittery, shaking like a reed in the wind.
Am I appearing too gullible?
Even in my performance, I felt awkward, but it wasn't bad. People are drawn to a pure image, especially when it's a handsome man; they seem to love it even more.
Knock, knock—
"Initially, they're all like that. But you know what's amusing? Those who start off hesitant end up enjoying it the most. Director Kim, are the girls here?"
"I've brought them. Come, sit next to the bosses."
From behind the manager, women in room service attire and men in waiter uniforms appeared.
"Hello, oppa."
The women stuck close, and the men began pouring drinks, addressing me as ‘oppa' or ‘boss.' These waiters rely solely on tips, so they call even younger folks like me ‘oppa.' Naturally, I played along.
"You seem older than me."
"No, I'm not…"
"Oppa, what do you do for a living?"
Between the waiters aiming for tips and the room girls unable to recognize me due to a perception-altering spell, I maintained my act of feigned surprise.
"Uh, um…"
I made it a point never to touch any of the women to dodge any potential rumors.
"Come on, pour some drinks."
Park Mingyu must have thought alcohol would solve everything, as he told the women to pour drinks.
Isn't this enough?
If it goes any further, I might also become suspicious. The women beside me poured drinks and placed their hands on my thigh.
Disgusting.
The idea of these women, willing to do anything for money, touching me gave me chills. Just then, a finger emerged from my shadow, touching my ankle.
Scarlett's signal, undoubtedly.
"Excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom." As soon as I got the signal, I bolted out.
I heard the manager calling from behind as I exited, but I paid no attention.
After using Acceleration to put some distance between myself and the entertainment area, I addressed the shadow, "How did it go? Did it work out?"
"Yes. You convincingly looked like a first-timer in a place like that."
"Thanks…"
"As expected, Hoyeon, you're good at acting."
"Yeah, it was all an act."
Honestly, I wasn't overly nervous or tense. I just felt foolish. The women were okay, but with so many attractive ones around, the average ones didn't catch my eye.
"Should we edit the footage and release it?"
"Yes… Let's start small. Trim it down first."
Starting with minor edits won't work. It's only a matter of time before bigger things come to light.
"Understood. I'll get right on it."
"Good, do it as quickly as possible."
Scarlett disappeared into the shadow.
If only I could navigate like her using the shadow; I would have handled it myself, and wouldn't have had to witness her crawling on the ceiling.
Once Scarlett exposes the situation, I'll need to prepare for what comes next.
On my way back to the hospital, I contemplated how to maintain my innocent facade so people would believe me.
