「That concludes the entrance ceremony. Freshmen, please proceed to your assigned classes. The class orientation will begin at 11:30 AM. Once again, this concludes the ceremony…」
The entrance ceremony was over.
The students began to leave the central hall, heading toward their newly assigned classrooms.
Yeon-ha-neul and I, who had been watching the ceremony from below the stage, also began moving.
At that moment, a group of people walked toward us, going against the flow of students.
“Ha-neul! Gyeon-woo! You were amazing during the freshman pledge. You didn’t even look nervous! I took some pictures too!”
“Seriously. With that big crowd, I would’ve been nervous, but you handled it so well. You looked great up there.”
“Good job, both of you! I could feel your determination even from far away.”
“Hey, hey! When we told others that we’re your friends, they looked at us differently.”
“Honestly, people seemed kind of jealous. Looks like we’ll benefit from knowing you.”
“But don’t feel pressured, okay? If anyone tries to bother you because of this, we’ll take care of it!”
Go Eun-bi, Lisa, Yong Hae-rang, and the triplets—our friends—gathered around, chattering with excitement.
Go Eun-bi, full of energy as always, even lunged forward and hugged Yeon-ha-neul tightly.
“Kyaaa! Ha-neul, you were amazing! I’ll show you the photos later! Do you know how beautiful you looked when you said ‘I swear’ with that serious tone? You should make it your profile picture instead of that bunny plushie from before!”
“E-Eun-bi…! Let go while we’re talking! W-Where do you think you’re touching!?”
“Ah, it’s great being a girl.”
“G-Gyeon-woo! Help me! Eun-bi’s…!”
“…At least she’s not touching your ears or tail. She knows her limits, surprisingly.”
“Th-That’s not the point! Why are your hands inside my clothes!?”
Being slightly shorter than Yeon-ha-neul, Go Eun-bi shamelessly took advantage of their shared gender, boldly exploring.
Yeon-ha-neul’s bunny ears stood straight up in shock as she looked to me for rescue—but unfortunately, there wasn’t much I could do.
Eun-bi wasn’t acting out of malice; it was simply her odd way of showing affection. It felt wrong to forcibly pull her away.
And yet—
“Mmm….”
‘Though she acts like she hates it, she’s not exactly resisting either.’
Having known Yeon-ha-neul for five years, I could tell she wasn’t entirely opposed. If she truly wanted to, she could easily push Eun-bi away. The fact that she didn’t meant she was, in her own way, allowing it.
As someone who had been majoring in Yeon-ha-neul behavioral psychology for years, my analysis was that she was just embarrassed by the unfamiliar experience, drawing me into it as a coping mechanism.
“You two seem really close….” Lisa murmured as she watched them.
As a princess herself, she seemed envious of the playful familiarity between the two girls.
“You could always ask Eun-bi to do it for you too. She’d probably agree.”
“Hmm… No, I think that’s a bit too intense for me.”
“Then go help Ha-neul tease her instead.”
“…!”
“What? What’s wrong?”
“Gyeon-woo, you’re a genius, aren’t you?”
“…”
“Of course! That’s perfect.”
Lisa’s eyes sparkled mischievously as an idea struck her. With a playful grin, she approached the pair.
“Here I go!”
“L-Lisa, not you too…!”
“Try a little lower! Ha-neul really likes it there.”
“I-I never said that…!”
“Here? I think you’re right.”
Betrayal filled Yeon-ha-neul’s eyes as she endured the double assault.
“G-Gyeon-woo….”
She called out to me in desperation, as though I were her last hope.
Was she asking me to join in? Sadly, with Eun-bi and Lisa already occupying both sides, I had no way to intervene. I pretended not to hear.
Sorry, Ha-neul. For the sake of strengthening Eun-bi and Lisa’s friendship, your sacrifice won’t be in vain.
Even as I allowed her to suffer, I watched her carefully, never looking away from the scene I had helped create.
So that’s where she likes being touched…
I committed it to memory, ensuring that her sacrifice would not be forgotten.
After the Storm
Once Eun-bi and Lisa finally had their fill of teasing, Yeon-ha-neul managed to straighten her disheveled clothes and shot me a bitter glare.
“Why… didn’t you help me?”
“…”
“I asked you for help…”
“Are you okay?”
“Do I look okay to you?”
Though the culprits were clearly Eun-bi and Lisa, Yeon-ha-neul vented her frustrations at me, the silent bystander.
I felt wrongfully accused, but to soothe her mood, I accepted her complaints without protest.
“I’ll remember this. Just wait. Next time you need help, I won’t lift a finger.”
“Do you want some strawberry milk?”
“…”
“There’s a vending machine outside. I can go get it.”
“As if that’ll make me… Hey! Come back here!”
Before she could stop me, I dashed out.
I already knew where the vending machine was.
After a short while, I returned with the strawberry milk.
“Here, Ha-neul. I even brought a straw.”
“I told you I don’t need it…”
Though she complained, when I inserted the straw and offered it to her, she reluctantly accepted.
Her bunny ears twitched as she sipped, trying to maintain a stern expression.
“I’ll forgive you just this once. Got it?”
“Thanks for forgiving me.”
With swift action and sweet strawberry milk, her anger was successfully defused.
Soon, I looked around and brought up the next task.
“They said there’s class orientation. Let’s head to our classrooms.”
By now, the central hall had emptied out. It was time to go.
The classrooms were located inside the Academic Building nearby.
As we reached it, the moment to part ways arrived.
“Teacher Go Eun-bi.”
“Yes, Mr. Do Gyeon-woo’s father, sir!”
“I’ll leave Ha-neul’s school commute in your care.”
“Don’t worry, sir! I’ll watch over Ha-neul closely!”
While we were heading to our assigned classrooms, I jokingly asked Eun-bi, who had locked arms with Ha-neul.
She played along with a mock salute.
“I’m not a kindergartener, you know…”
“See you at dinner, Gyeon-woo! Ha-neul, let’s go inside!”
“Wait, Eun-bi…! See you later!”
“Yeah, see you.”
Ha-neul, unable to hide her discontent, was dragged into her classroom by Eun-bi.
I watched her take her seat before heading toward my own classroom: Class 1-17.
So this is it.
I confirmed the sign posted beside the door and stepped inside.
The classroom was filled with rows of long desks.
The students had scattered themselves across the room, many sitting alone. Most seemed unfamiliar with each other.
“Isn’t that Do Gyeon-woo? The one who came in second.”
“Wow, we’re in the same class as him. This’ll help when we have inter-class competitions.”
“The Lion Cub of the Do Sword Clan…”
“Maybe we can become friends with him.”
“I’ll try talking to him later.”
Of course, no one failed to recognize me after my pledge at the ceremony.
As I walked into the room, whispers spread among the students, most of them carrying a friendly tone. Unlike during the entrance exam, we were no longer competitors but classmates for the year ahead.
I met their gazes directly, memorizing their faces.
Now, where should I sit?
I couldn’t stand around forever.
There were plenty of empty seats. I searched for one that suited me.
And then I saw her.
That’s…
At the very front row, a girl with striking red hair sat alone at one of the long desks.
Even from behind, I recognized her. I had seen her during the exam.
Min Ah-rin… She’s in my class too.
She was from the prestigious Min Magic Clan.
An unexpected stroke of luck.
I hadn’t intended to sit at the very front, but I changed my mind.
I walked up to her.
“Is this seat taken?”
“I’m sorry, but there are plenty of empty seats… you know?”
It was clear she didn’t want me sitting there.
Min Ah-rin rested her chin on her hand, her expression sour. She had been staring straight ahead, but when I approached, her gaze wavered for a moment.
“You’re…,” she began.
“We didn’t really get to talk after the exam, did we? Thanks again for your help back then. If you hadn’t stepped in, I might’ve had a rough time.”
“The Do Sword Clan…”
“That’s right. I’m Do Gyeon-woo, from the Do Sword Clan. You’re well-informed.”
“Who wouldn’t know? You even entered second in the rankings. It’d be strange not to know you. I’m Min Ah-rin. Looks like we’ll be classmates. Let’s get along.”
Min Ah-rin let out a small sigh. Even as we exchanged greetings, her face remained displeased.
Well, that’s expected.
In the game, during this time period, Min Ah-rin carried an intense sense of superiority. She saw herself as better than everyone else, and that included other prestigious clan members.
From her perspective, someone she deemed inferior had taken the initiative to talk to her—that alone irritated her.
That was who Min Ah-rin was: a girl with overwhelming pride.
Even after joining Kang Han-byeol’s party later on, her attitude barely changed. After all, traits ingrained since birth don’t fade easily.
『Min Ah-rin』
—“W-Who said I care about someone like you! You’re weaker, so stay out of the way and let me protect you instead!”
That was her way.
Since I already knew her personality, I took no offense.
Still, she voiced her irritation.
“But of all the open seats, why here?”
“Why not? Is it a problem if I sit here?”
“I want to study in peace. Couldn’t you pick another seat? I’m only asking politely because you’re from the Do Sword Clan. Anyone else, I would’ve just kicked out.”
“Sorry, but no.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want to study too.”
“…”
“Sitting up front gives a good view of the screen and the teacher. Perfect for studying.”
…Honestly, the more I spoke, the more I felt like sitting somewhere else.
But I couldn’t back down now.
Instead, I provoked her.
“I have no intention of moving. If anyone’s uncomfortable, they should move themselves.”
“What? I was here first—”
“The seat didn’t belong to anyone. It was empty. If it’s about discomfort, the one bothered should move. I don’t mind sitting next to you. You’re the one who wants to sit alone.”
“Ugh….”
She had no legitimate argument. The seat had been empty, and she had no authority to claim ownership of it.
But knowing her prideful nature, I was certain she wouldn’t relocate either.
At this stage, Min Ah-rin is still full of pride. To her, moving would feel like admitting defeat.
Sure enough, she furrowed her brows but made no move to get up. Instead, she gripped her chair tightly, as if declaring her resolve.
“Hmph. Do as you like. Just don’t disturb me while I’m studying, alright?”
“Same to you. Don’t disturb me.”
“You’re one to talk….”
In the end, she neither drove me away nor left herself. And so, I secured my spot beside her.
Satisfied, I refrained from pushing her further. Aggravating her now could cause unnecessary resentment.
We’d be classmates for the whole year—there was plenty of time to become friends at our own pace.
Not long after—
It should be starting soon…
The class orientation was about to begin. I waited for the homeroom teacher and the assistant teacher who would guide us for the year.
I hope we get someone decent, even if it’s not one of the instructors from the game.
Soon, the front door of the classroom opened.
Click, clack.
Two women entered.
I glanced at their faces—and froze when I recognized the one leading.
“…”
She strode confidently to the lectern, scanning the classroom before speaking. Her gaze briefly paused on me, and her lips curled slightly.
“Good morning. I’ll be your homeroom teacher this year. My name is Hong Ye-na.”
The Witch of Seven Colors — Hong Ye-na.
By sheer luck, she had become my homeroom teacher.
Earlier, before the class assignments were announced—
Hong Ye-na had been summoned by So Hye-yul.
“Good afternoon, Director.”
“Come in, Instructor Hong. I know you’ve been busy, so thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“No trouble at all, Director.”
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“So, how does it feel returning to your alma mater as an instructor? Have you settled into life here at Geumgang Academy?”
As she spoke kindly, So Hye-yul gestured for her to sit. Hong Ye-na answered politely but couldn’t shake off her suspicions.
Why am I really here?
The call had come too suddenly. So Hye-yul wouldn’t summon her just for small talk—there had to be another reason.
Covering her mouth with her teacup, Hong Ye-na tried to read the director’s intentions.
Before she realized it, the conversation had already veered into dangerous territory.
“You must be proud that one of your personal students entered as top rank this year. How did you meet someone like her? I have high expectations for Yeon-ha-neul this year.”
“Ah… I’m sure Ha-neul would be happy to hear that you’re expecting great things from her, Director. I’ll let her know—”
“And I’m also quite interested in Do Gyeon-woo.”
“…”
“In fact, I might be more interested in him than anyone else entering this year. Even more than the Disciple of Dual Spirits.”
“Is that so… Well, his abilities are certainly impressive. It’s understandable for you to have high expectations.”
“I’ve also heard that you have some prior connection to Do Gyeon-woo? That you tutored him in magic a few years ago?”
“I was briefly hired by the Do Sword Clan to give him some private lessons. It was just basic elemental theory. I wouldn’t call it teaching, really—”
“And he even asked you to appraise the Spirit Stone of the Doll Witch, didn’t he? You two seem quite close.”
“…”
Her investigation was already complete—denying anything would be pointless.
So Hye-yul simply smiled, while Hong Ye-na could only return a forced, awkward smile.
That damn kid…
She cursed Do Gyeon-woo internally, though she couldn’t quite guess why the Director had suddenly brought him up.
From the way the conversation was unfolding, it was becoming clear that this meeting was related to him.
Hong Ye-na had a sinking feeling.
Her instincts, refined over many years, told her that nothing good ever came from getting involved with Do Gyeon-woo.
And sure enough—
“After much thought, I’ve decided to assign you as Do Gyeon-woo’s homeroom teacher.”
“…Excuse me?”
“I’ve assigned him to you, Instructor Hong.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s no use pretending you didn’t hear me.”
“…”
She sincerely hoped she had misheard—but So Hye-yul was mercilessly clear.
“It was the best decision available.”
“May I ask… why?”
“Because of the Doll Witch.”
“…”
“Even though I’m controlling the information, the Doll Witch will eventually learn about Do Gyeon-woo. That’s inevitable. Which is why I want someone I trust to stay close and protect him.”
“There are many instructors more specialized in handling Magi than me, though…”
“But Do Gyeon-woo only trusts you.”
“…”
Hong Ye-na couldn’t refute that.
But she deeply resented Do Gyeon-woo at that moment.
Why does that brat keep dragging me into his mess?
Though she didn’t know the full reason, it was clear the director’s decision was tied to him.
So Hye-yul smiled faintly, as if reading her thoughts.
“Children like him tend to attract incidents and accidents—whether they intend to or not.”
“…”
And now you’re giving me the walking disaster?
She didn’t say it aloud, but inwardly, she groaned.
As if sensing her despair, So Hye-yul chuckled softly.
“That’s why such children need someone reliable by their side. That’s our role as educators, isn’t it? Someone like you, who he trusts, can help him grow freely and safely.”
“…Yes, Director.”
“Please take good care of him for the year ahead.”
And so, against her will—
Hong Ye-na became Do Gyeon-woo’s homeroom teacher.
“You troublesome little brat….”
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