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Exhaling deeply, she collapsed onto her bed without bothering to shower or remove her makeup.

I really should shower These moments always left her feeling sluggish and reluctant to move.

She secretly wished she could freeze time and stay in this comfortable state forever. The beds soft embrace made her feel lethargic. However, time marched on, and she reluctantly coaxed her weary body into the shower. She diligently washed herself and wiped away the makeup from her face. After completing a light skincare routine, she checked the time, realizing it was already past 11 oclock.

As she contemplated the upcoming frustrating day starting tomorrow morning, stress began to creep in.

Maybe I should send him a message Despite everything, the dinner with Lee Hoyeon, a meeting born out of work, had been surprisingly enjoyable. They engaged in lively conversation, even though it extended an hour beyond her anticipated timeframe. It had been worth it.

Without a doubt, Lee Hoyeon was a source of healing and a refuge for her soul. He was someone she couldnt afford to lose, more dependable than her father, whose whereabouts were often a mystery, or her grandfather, who might be indulging in leisure activities in the chairmans office.

Oh, he responded right away.

She had forwarded the list to him, summarizing all the items available for immediate preparation at the academy. Of course, the compensation listed there fell far short. She had intended to secure artifacts or other items in addition to the list. Since she had encouraged Hoyeon to inform her if he needed anything else, she anticipated that he would review the list and let her know what was lacking.

[Hoyeon: Well, Im a mage, so a Millennium Ginseng should suffice, Noona!]

Yeah?

Whats this all about? He thinks a Millennium Ginseng is enough?

[Me: Hoyeon, are you saying you want more Millennium Ginseng? Im truly sorry, but getting more Millennium Ginseng is quite difficult. Would you prefer a magic-related artifact instead?]

Millennium Ginseng is a potion that boosts mana. Since the method to increase it is determined from birth and can only be enhanced over time, its a highly sought-after potion. Fortunately, Soorin obtained it because shes part of the Academy. If she were in a different guild, she wouldnt have had access to it.

[Hoyeon: No, no! One root is more than enough! How could I ask for more? If I had more, Id definitely give it to you, Noona.]

Is he being sincere?

One Millennium Ginseng root. Naturally, its an item that ordinary people or hunters can only dream of. However, theres no point in comparing it to the merits of bringing the Saint to the Academy. The benefits she would gain from that far outweigh such potions.

Moon Soorin contemplated deeply. No matter how good a person might be, giving up this ginseng wouldnt come easy. In terms of value, its worth tens of billions, if not hundreds of billions. Of course, if she were to save them, her bargaining power with Lee Hoyeon in the academy would increase

Wait a moment Moon Soorin recalled the conversation they had at the restaurant earlier.

[Like I said earlier, its thanks to you that the Saint came to the Academy so Ive decided to show my gratitude.]

[Well, everything I did was for you, Noona, so some compensation would be nice.]

Could it be that? Is it really for my sake? Oh, no. It couldnt be. Moon Soorin shook her head to clear her thoughts.

No, its just a misunderstanding.

She organized her thoughts and typed her reply with trembling hands.

***

One root of Millennium Ginseng is plenty, thats pretty awesome!

A single root costs tens of billions. Sure, there were other potions I had my eye on, but what I need the most was mana. Thats why I went with Millennium Ginseng.

Ping!

I got a response from Soorin Noona.

[Soorin Noona: Wait, really? Just one root of Millennium Ginseng is okay? You dont need anything else?]

Why does she keep trying to take care of me when she said she doesnt need anything? It seems like her affection for me has increased, and she wants to give me more than necessary. But thats not right.

[Me: Of course, thats more than enough. Please dont worry and take care of yourself first, Noona. You didnt look too well, so have something good for your health.]

I replied with lots of kind words.

[Soorin Noona: Thanks Ill definitely repay your kindness.]

It seemed like she was satisfied with my sincerity too.

Heh With this, Im definitely an A-level fianc. Satisfied with my strategy, I closed my eyes on the bed.

***

Haah

And at that same time, Alice was studying, holding her head. Sipping coffee, she organized the remaining parts of modern hunter studies, but she felt a headache coming on. She took a moment to stretch and loosen her body.

Haah, my head. But why isnt Father answering my messages?

He definitely said hed give me the request token after receiving my aegyo-filled text messages, but theres still no contact.

Hes always awake at night; its strange.

Given his habit of sleeping during the day and waking up at night, theres no way hed be sleeping now. Could there be some unfinished work? No way, he isnt avoiding my aegyo texts, is he?

Alice sent a message to her father.

[Me: Daddy, Daddy When will Daddy send the request token? .?]

Her hands were trembling so much it felt like her insides were turning upside down, but when it came to asking her father for a favor, this was how it had to be done. This was the way to get double the results.

[Dad: Alice?! Sorry, Dad just finished some work. Ill call you now.]

No, dont call me

Drrrring

The phone rang loudly, contrary to Alices wish. She was trembling all over at the thought of speaking these aegyo words, but she had no choice. Keeping promises was a matter of pride.

Hello, Daddy?

[Alice! Whats going on?! Is there an incident at the academy?]

A booming voice echoed through the phone as if there were a fire. Alice furrowed her brow and rolled her eyes as she replied, Um, Daddy, why havent Daddy sent Alice the request token we agreed on last time?

[Oh, that Ill send it right away. The guild executives were nagging because they couldnt fit it into their schedules.]

Ah, no No need to rush. Take your time, Daddy ___

Alice didnt specify a deadline, so taking it slow was fine. Of course, her pride wouldnt allow her father to completely dodge this with such an excuse.

[Of course, I can give it to you But why do you need it?]

Umm I really need it, Daddy. Just once, pwetty please

[Th-then! If Alice needs it, I should give it! But who are you giving it to?]

Daddy, thank you! I love you sooo much!

[Oh, Daddy loves you too! Alice! Ill send the commission request through Sebastian! Love you, Alice!]

Yes, byee. Daddy. Bye-bye.

[Sure! Daddy always thinks of you, always for you]

Click!

That should do it. Phew Alice shivered, rubbing her goosebumps on her arms before taking another sip of her coffee. Her father had persistently asked who she was giving the commission rights to, but thankfully, she could pass it off with aegyo.

Lee Hoyeon I must absolutely ace this exam. With the aegyo she just pulled off as her fuel, Alice continued to study with renewed determination.

***

Not waking up yet? Today is the exam, you know.

I woke up, glancing at Liliana, who playfully kicked me in bed.

What time is it now?

Even though I hadnt stayed up too late the previous night, my body felt unusually tired.

Its 7:50.

Oh, fuck! As soon as I heard the time, my grogginess vanished. I kicked off the blanket and hastily reached for my student uniform.

Going straight to class? Liliana, who had just woken up too, yawned and waved me off.

I still have until 8:00, so Ive got to make a run for it!

Make sure to wash your face; youve got sleep in your eyes.

Yeah, bye! I quickly freshened up and left the dorm with messy hair.

It was 7:52. I concentrated my mana into my body. Who would have thought Id use Acceleration just to get to school? Turns out, learning various skills can be surprisingly handy. I dashed toward the academy, feeling the wind against my face. It seemed like I was running late since there was hardly anyone else heading to school.

The first-year classroom building appeared in sight. It was 7:58.

Tap, tap, tap.

I rushed to the A-classroom and swung the door open. The students eyes in the room turned toward me, and Professor Kim Jinhyuk shot me a stern look.

You made it.

Phew, sorry I gasped for breath.

I wont mark you late, so take a seat quickly. I was just explaining about the exam.

Thank you. I quickly grabbed a seat next to Lucy and Lumi. After yesterdays eight rounds of sparring, I felt like Id been through the wringer. My mana was running on empty, and I needed some Millennium Ginseng as soon as possible to boost it.

Hey, overslept? Your hair looks like it had a party without you.

Hey, Lucy. Yeah, I woke up at 7:50.

Wow, thats impressive, Hoyeon. Were you studying until last night? Lumi chimed in, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

No, its not like that

Right, of course. You pulled an all-nighter studying, didnt you?

I didnt

Why dont they believe me?

The others behind me shot me suspicious glances. I couldnt read their minds, but I didnt care.

Hoyeon, enough chit-chat, lets focus, Professor Kim Jinhyuk said, seemingly singling me out.

Why does it feel like hes only targeting me? I didnt ask for this spotlight. Being the protagonist isnt all its cracked up to be.

Everyone probably already received the schedule; its midterm exams all week.

Ugh

The sound of collective sighs echoed through the classroom. Professor Kim Jinhyuk kept going, unfazed. Today will be a written exam, and tomorrow will include group exams and practical monster exams. On Friday, there will be one-on-one duels held as a tournament. Today and tomorrow, during the remaining time, we will have preliminary matches.

So today is the written exam

The written exams covered various subjects, from memorization-heavy Modern Hunter Studies to brain-busting code-breaking and reverse engineering. Since its a written exam today, I guess well be testing our brains all morning and afternoon.

Some students who focused too much on practical exams and neglected the written ones ended up struggling and shedding tears. I know practical exams are fun, but dont forget to study for the written ones. Of course, its probably too late to advise you since today is the exam.

Yes~

Well, Im not sweating the written exams, so Sorry, Alice, but Im gunning for first place to make you jealous.

Ill announce the schedule for next week again next week. Now, move to your respective exam rooms.

Professor Kim Jinhyuk gave the marching orders and left. Looks like were heading to our respective exam rooms. Probably field-specific exams in the morning and a common one in the afternoon.

Lucy, know where the exam room is?

You didnt even check beforehand? How urgently did you rush here?

Sorry, sorry. Since were going to the same place anyway, lets go together. Lumi, you in?

Yes. Ill be taking the mage written exam.

Lets go.

I trailed behind Lucy and Lumi as we made our way to the exam room, the first-year Mage classroom. Alice was there too, presumably for the Mage exam.

While Lucy and Lumi headed to the restroom, I greeted Alice, Hey, youve been hitting the books hard?

I guess. Did you pull an all-nighter? She shot me a disapproving look.

Did she think I stayed up all night just from one sleepy morning?

No, I didnt

These kids. Competitive much? Its just one day of oversleeping!

Anyway, give it your best shot, Alice.

Ill definitely grab first place Just watch. Alice huffed, turning her attention back to her book.

I meant to encourage her, but

Heroine Status Window

[Alice]

[Affection: 36]

[Lust: 25]

[Appetite: 30]

[Fatigue: 40]

Current Status: Sebastians work still isnt done? Its not like hes known for being this slow in handling tasks

Sebastian? Whos that? Must be a personal matter.

Anyway, I shrugged it off and returned to my seat.