Correcting the Villainess of the Academy

“Don’t worry. I’ve got enough sense for that.”

The contract was merely a means to control Yeon Minha, who was as unpredictable as a wild card. There was no thought of using it to intimidate anyone or gain unfair advantage.

And considering the way Yeon Minha has been treating me lately, the meaning of that initial contract seems to have faded quite a bit.

“That’s a relief. Right now, we are as close as can be, but if someone who doesn’t know the details found out, they could make a huge misunderstanding.”

“Senior. But can we please stop fiddling with the tie? How many times is this now? I told you it’s tied well. And honestly, what’s the point of covering my face with this thing…”

“J-just stay still…! Of course, it serves a purpose…! If I can keep it neat, our parents might think of you a little more favorably…!”

Unable to hold back any longer, I asked, but surprisingly, Yeon Minha retorted as if I was the wrongdoer.

It felt like the focus of our conversation was getting totally off track.

After tying and untying the knot two or three times, Yeon Minha finally set me free.

She still wore a somewhat dissatisfied expression, but I could no longer hold it in and refused to continue.

And Yeon Minha’s questions kept coming until the very end.

“But, about your in-laws… I mean, what kind of people are your parents?”

“Wh-what did you say? I didn’t catch that.”

“Oh, it’s nothing!! I just meant, what are your parents like…”

She was just asking, but she was fidgeting around like someone who had been humiliated.

“Why would you want to know…”

“I-I don’t really have a reason… I thought it’d be good to be prepared early…”

“…”

My once sunny heart felt a bit gloomy as if it was raining.

I wasn’t sure what kind of preparation she was talking about, but it was clear that Yeon Minha was not going to meet my parents anytime soon.

Of course, this sadness was entirely mine. I had no reason to burden Yeon Minha with it.

Her question stemmed from innocent curiosity, not malice.

But even so, I felt it was necessary to let her know the truth. I couldn’t guarantee that if I brushed it off, the same topic wouldn’t come up again later…

I opened my mouth, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“You don’t need to worry about such things.”

“W-why…? Is it possible you don’t like me…?”

“It’s not that. Both of them have been gone for a long time.”

“W-what…?”

“My father passed away when I was very young, so I don’t remember him, and my mother was attacked and killed by a demon during the invasion two years ago.”

After I finished speaking, her crimson eyes went wide. Yeon Minha seemed to recall something and muttered something under her breath.

“So, does that mean… you owe your life to Sa Jaehyeok…”

“That’s right. I almost lost my life due to the aftermath of that incident too. The ones who took me in were the commander and the sisters from the unit.”

“Oh, I-I see… I’m… sorry…”

Yeon Minha suddenly became shy and couldn’t seem to speak properly. She was trembling as if she had committed a grave mistake, constantly glancing at me.

“It’s fine.”

“I-I didn’t mean to make things awkward…”

Though I appreciated her remorse, I wished she would just acknowledge the facts mechanically.

Not wanting to continue in this somber atmosphere, I steered the conversation in another direction.

“Really, you don’t need to worry about it. But what about your parents, Senior?”

“…My father is brusque but has a lot of depth and a strong passion for learning. My mother is strict, but she has a grace that fits that role.”

Yeon Minha answered after a moment of hesitation. I felt as though a slight shadow had passed over her expression.

I had heard from the principal that the Yeon family’s lineage was notoriously dysfunctional, a result of their inherent arrogance mixed with mental pollution.

Yeon Minha seemed particularly odd among them. I had a worry that her parent’s temperament might not be much different, but from what she says, maybe it wasn’t that severe…

“I see. They sound like good people.”

“Yeah. So there’s really no need to worry. They will definitely appreciate what you’ve done for me. Oh, I think we’re almost there…”

I turned my head to the window, following Yeon Minha’s lead.

After leaving the city a bit and winding through mountain roads, an expansive view unfolded before us. In the distance, a massive mansion revealed itself.

The main building of the mansion was a blend of traditional and modern styles, harmoniously integrated. Surrounding it were a few smaller buildings that seemed to serve as warehouses and various living facilities, arranged around the main entrance.

When the vehicle stopped in front of the large iron gates, the driver opened the door, and along the hallway, servants lined up, bowing their heads in a grand welcome for the young lady.

“…”

I was left speechless by the unfolding scenery. Had I not been wearing a mask, I would surely have been embarrassed in front of everyone.

I knew there were people living in a completely different world than mine, but the reality I felt when witnessing it firsthand was shockingly different.

The demeanor of the commander and the sisters was much like that of any ordinary people, and the uniformity and meritocracy cultivated at the cradle made it inevitable for the students’ backgrounds to be diluted.

Suddenly, I was reminded of the fairy tales I read as a child. The scene before my eyes resembled the lives of Western princes and princesses living lavishly in a palace.

So I’m connected to this person. I think I can understand why the commander was so adamant about sending me to the cradle…

In contrast to me, Yeon Minha strides confidently through the scene. She walks forward amidst those who bow their heads.

However, her expression maintained a sense of subtle discomfort.

Yeon Minha observed the surroundings with a questioning gaze, tilting her head slightly. Upon seeing a servant that was meant to welcome her, her suspicion deepened.

“Welcome back, Young Lady. We’re glad to have you home after so long.”

“…I don’t recognize you. Has there been a staff reshuffle while I was gone?”

“Yes. The previous person retired due to old age, and I’ve been in charge of the household since two years ago. By the head of the family’s orders, many of the staff members have been replaced as well. I’ll pledge my humble self to Jeokhwa to the best of my abilities.”

“And what are those buildings around? They weren’t arranged like this last time I visited. A few new ones seem to have been added as well.”

“We made some structural improvements to very old facilities, so there’s been a slight change in layout. I’ll provide a detailed explanation later, but for now, please come inside with your guest.”

“…I see. Alright, let’s go.”

Though still suspicious, Yeon Minha nodded. I followed her inside the grand mansion.

“Senior, it seems you haven’t been back home in quite a while.”

“This area has a high particle density due to the terrain, so many wild spirits live here. But that also speeds up mental pollution, they say… So after enrolling at the cradle, I haven’t come back even once and lived in a mansion in the capital instead…”

“Really? Did it help?”

“…Not at all. Had it not been for you, I probably wouldn’t have thought of coming back this time. Actually, I wonder if I’d even be alive right now…”

Upon hearing my question, Yeon Minha also shook her head, whispering softly.

“But even so, I didn’t think it would change this much… suddenly large-scale renovations and a staff reshuffle…”

Initially, I didn’t think much about it, but seeing Yeon Minha’s attitude, I too felt something odd in the air.

Her glances seemed to attempt to assess those around her, as if they were hiding something.

Of course, I had no experience with the sternness and exclusive atmosphere typical of noble families, so I had no legitimate argument there… But if that were true, there’d be no need for Yeon Minha to be subjected to such scrutiny, would there?

After all, she’s a member of the same family and someone we’ll have to serve in the future.

As I walked, pondering this, we soon reached the tall stairs at the entrance. From above, an icy voice that did not match a welcome rang out.

“It’s been a long time.”

“I’m back, Mother. I hope you’ve been well.”

Yeon Minha bowed her head gracefully as she addressed the upper level.

At the staircase’s end stood a woman in a refined indoor outfit.

She looked to be of a decent age, but thanks to good maintenance, she still retained considerable beauty.

But perhaps it was just my imagination, but her attitude seemed overly sharp and indifferent for a mother welcoming her long-absent daughter.

There was no sense of the stability usually associated with a noble wife.

Her gaze was nervy, and the shadows of fatigue and tension were clearly evident on her face.

“Nothing special has happened, I suppose. You seem to be doing well.”

“Um… but what about Father…?”

“He’s in the research lab. Just like always. You should know that by now.”

“I… I see…”

As her sharp voice pierced through to my ears, Yeon Minha couldn’t hide her disappointment and muttered.

“By the way, I heard we were having a guest… but this is quite unexpected.”

However, the lady didn’t stop there and began to direct her irritation toward me as well.

“I distinctly told you to be careful about your behavior while I’m out, didn’t I? And yet, you’ve gone and brought an outsider into our home. Not to mention that mask on your face… where in the world is your sense of decorum…”

“Mother, I mentioned in the letter. He is not an outsider, but my junior. The mask is for circumstances, and he is a recommended student from Heukryeon.”

As Yeon Minha stepped in front of me to defend her, the lady finally looked at me with surprised eyes and muttered.

“…Heukryeon? Then that rumor about…”

“That’s right. If it weren’t for this junior, I wouldn’t have obtained the Golden Corps Medal…”

The lady, who had been standing above, finally descended the stairs to meet my gaze.

Gone was the disdainful look, but she still threw out a gruff remark.

“…Pleasure to meet you. I’m Gang Jaekyung, the mistress of Jeokhwa.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yoo Jin-hyun.”

“Heukryeon’s recommended student, huh? Have you ever heard of Gukwang Bio? It’s a small pharmaceutical company run by my family.”

Even though I don’t recall her surname, I’ve certainly heard of Gukwang Bio. It’s not a small company, but one of the leading enterprises.

The Erithin and Rexa products I often used in the South were made by them.

“How could I not know? I regularly receive a lot of help from you.”

The lady seemed to relax a bit, nodding lightly.

“Our Gukwang Bio also maintains a good relationship with Heukryeon S&C. Enjoy your time here.”

Having said her piece, she hurried off, her steps brisk as she vanished in no time.

She didn’t even exchange another word with her daughter.

Left standing empty-handed, Yeon Minha met my gaze and forced a weak smile.

“…Sorry. Did that surprise you…?”

“It’s alright. But, Senior, you…”

“She’s not usually like this. She must be feeling a bit unwell today.”

Though she said that, disappointment was still etched all over Yeon Minha’s face.

I hadn’t expected a warm welcome, but I certainly didn’t anticipate such a bleak atmosphere.

Perhaps what Yeon Minha had said about her parents earlier wasn’t as rosy as reality.

Was it truly appropriate for a parent to show such disinterest when their child had gone through life-threatening experiences and even returned as a hero for their family?

I wasn’t sure what the research was about, but shouldn’t the head of the family, at least, come to see their daughter after two years away?

My mom would praise me even if I caught a frog.

Even now, Yeon Minha had significantly improved and was looking healthier, yet that lady didn’t even mention it.

Is this what it means to have parent-child relationships…?

“…But she’s a good person. I received mental pollution treatment through connections from her side.”

“Is that so…?”

“Yeah. Maybe she’ll welcome me with a smile a little more tomorrow. For now, let’s go. Are you hungry…?”

By the time we arrived, the sun was setting, and we were guided by the steward to the banquet hall for dinner.

However, the only participants in the meal were the two of us. I had no clue where her family was hiding.

As a result, the large table felt strikingly empty.

The military meal was far from what I had experienced at the cradle, and this lavish dinner couldn’t compare either, but due to the atmosphere, it hardly tasted extraordinary.

It tasted even worse than the protein bars I split with my sisters on the battlefield.

Yeon Minha tried her best not to show her unease, but the emotions began to leak through her eyes little by little.

“…How’s the taste?”

“It’s really delicious. This is the first time I’ve ever had something like this.”

Perhaps trying to soothe her own anxiety through me, Yeon Minha, with a bright smile, kept pushing plates towards me.

“R-really? That’s a relief. Try this too. And this as well… If it’s uncomfortable to eat, I can remove the spikes…”

“I’ll manage. You should eat too, Senior.”

“I-I’m just not feeling very hungry today… You should eat a lot…”

It was quite the torment for me as well.

Yet, seeing Yeon Minha’s bright smile due to my feigned enthusiasm made me hesitate to object.

I endured my queasiness and stuffed myself with whatever she offered.

“I think I’ll probably be able to see my father around dinner time tomorrow. They said he would probably come out of the lab then. And I’ll be heading back the day after tomorrow.”

Once dinner had finally ended, I found myself sitting with Yeon Minha momentarily.

“I see. So, what do I do about the mentoring experience documents…?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll put some materials together for you. You just need to stick with me until we leave…”

“…Understood.”

I felt a deep resonance in her earnest tone, so I had no choice but to respond.

As darkness began to settle outside the window, a servant approached Yeon Minha and gently said, “Young lady, it’s time for your bath and to head to bed.”

“Already…? Alright.”

With an expression of regret, Yeon Minha got up from her seat.

The steward who had been standing beside her approached me.

“Allow me to guide you to your guest room. Please follow me this way.”

“Understood.”

I rose from my seat in accordance with his words.

But then a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

What about Yeon Minha’s sleep?

Turning my head, I met her gaze as if she’d been thinking the same thing.

After a moment’s hesitation, she opened her mouth, managing to convey a message to me.

“I’ll come by before midnight.”

“Leave the door unlocked.”

With that, she bowed her head deeply and swiftly turned, disappearing into the hallway with the servant.

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