"Please take a seat." "I, um..." I could perceive the uncertainty in her expression. It was evident that her agitation hadn't subsided.
As she brushed her tears aside, her shoulders quivering, she resembled a young child somewhat. Fundamentally, she was a typical 21-year-old young woman.
Such a circumstance had never crossed her path previously, thus it was unsurprising for her to react in such a manner.
I struggled to fully grasp the exact nature of her emotions, but it appeared that she hadn't fully comprehended the unfolding events or reconciled herself with the current situation.
"I'm... hic... I'm sorry."
"I'm uncertain about the reason behind your apology."
"But I'm the one who, hic... who."
"Hayan-ssi isn't at fault here. While I wasn't able to witness the incident, could you please recount what transpired?"
"I didn't intend it in that manner. I-It's just..."
"I understand. Kindly share whatever you're comfortable with. There's no rush."
With a reassuring smile, I encouraged her to open up, and slowly, her words began to flow.
Truth be told, I had already pieced together a general outline of the story, and its course was rather foreseeable.
The challenge I faced was my inability to decipher her words. Navigating through her sobs and tears, comprehending her message proved to be a daunting task.
Thanks to the system, I was aware that her cognitive abilities weren't subpar, though they seemingly extended beyond mere logical reasoning.
"Hence, Seokwoo-ssi's abrupt..."
"I comprehend... Indeed."
"He tightly held onto my hand, and my reaction was a scream."
"Ah..."
However, whether or not I grasped her words became secondary. Prioritizing empathetic resonance took precedence. Understanding her motives for shedding tears and her reasons for distress held more significance than assigning blame.
'I stand by your side.' Though unspoken, this sentiment likely crossed her mind.
"S-so, that's what transpired... Suddenly, Deokgu-ssi intervened, and... he struck him, following which Jihye-ssi..."
"I understand."
The core issue manifested in the prolonged duration of her mournful narration.
After a very long discussion, the story of her came to an end.
"It must have posed quite the challenge."
"Hmm, well, I'm gradually improving."
It was evident that a sense of calm had settled upon her. Her shoulders, which had sporadically quivered, reclaimed their customary stance.
The tearful countenance she wore shifted into a faint grin. She had managed to regain her poise.
"I appreciate your kindness, Miyoung."
"No need for gratitude. The circumstances guided my actions..."
"Please, allow me to disagree. You mentioned your faith in me earlier..."
"Ah, yes..."
"Since our first encounter, you've extended your unwavering support... I find myself without the means to reciprocate..."
"Don't burden yourself with that thought."
"May I inquire into the reason behind your remarkable kindness?"
Unraveling the motive behind this question proved perplexing. I couldn't discern if she sought genuine interest or held a measure of caution. Instinct suggested the latter.
Yoo Seokwoo most likely approached her in a similar manner. Time for a rational response.
"My actions aligned with what I deemed right. But if compelled to elucidate..."
"Yes?"
"I have a younger sister back home. It's plausible that Hayan-ssi conjured her image." In truth, such a notion scarcely grazed my mind.
My sister possessed a personality vastly distinct from that of Jung Hayan who came before me. The resemblance between them was scarce, aside from their shared age. However, I deemed it appropriate to respond in a certain manner.
"Ah..."
"She's likely around the same age as Hayan-ssi."
"I-I apologize. I shouldn't have..."
"Hayan-ssi..."
"I have two older sisters, but I lost contact with them a long time ago..."
A shadow veiled her expression. I reckoned delving a bit further wouldn't pose an issue.
"Your parents..."
"Th-they're not in the picture."
"We share a similarity."
"You too, Miyoung-ssi?"
"Yes."
Odd delight danced in her eyes.
"W-we're somewhat alike."
"Yes. It appears so."
Discovering a common ground warmed my heart. The corners of my mouth curved upwards as I observed her quietly interlacing her fingers.
I pondered whether a more proactive approach or a step back was wiser at this juncture. Regrettably, I lacked certainty about the right answer. After brief contemplation, I resumed my previous line of thought.
"If it wouldn't inconvenience you."
"Yes?"
"I'd appreciate it if you could feel a bit more at ease around me. It's solely a selfish request on my part, but..."
"Ah? Ah? Yes! H-How?"
"We can start by conversing more informally."
"Yes? Alright... Th-then informally..."
"Just speak naturally."
"Yes... I mean, umm. S-sure"
Her shyness was evident.
Once again, I confirmed that Jung Hayan wasn't particularly adept at social interaction. As I silently regarded her, delving into her being with my Eyes' Check, her comprehensive stats unfolded before me.
[Inspecting the player Jung Hayan's Show Details and talent levels.]
[Name: Jung Hayan] [Title: None. A little more effort might be in order.] [Age: 21] [Disposition: Genuine Advocate] [Class: None] [Stats] [Endurance: 11/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Agility: 11/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Vitality: 14/Growth potential: heroic or lower] [Intelligence: 22/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Endurance: 14/Growth potential: rare or lower] [Luck: 23/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Mana: 10/Growth potential: legendary or higher]
[Summary: This individual holds the capacity to elevate their magical proficiencies beyond the realm of legend. While their overall physical aptitude stands limited, they harbor the potential for explosive growth as a [Magician] or [Priest] in times to come. Their awareness of their mana-sensing ability is presently absent. Even if both of you were to evolve into Magicians, remember that their trajectory as a Magician would fundamentally differ from that of player Kee Miyoung, so there's no need for undue concern.]
Her physical prowess and vitality exhibited a gain of 1 and 2, respectively, as compared to my prior observations. Evidently, she had been diligently engaged in reinforcing the fortifications of the walls.
A noteworthy detail was her mana reservoir, which now stood at an impressive 10 points. Unlike my circumstance, wherein mana was acquired post-Magician transformation, she had possessed it since her very summoning. Although she remained unaware of its significance, there remained a possibility for me to contribute to her understanding.
While contemplations surrounding mana and magic occupied my thoughts, a voice disrupted my musings.
"Pardon me, Mister Miyoung… Actually ….Uhhh! I have a word with you?" This was not Jung Hayan's voice, but that of Lee Jihye, emerging from behind.
Jung Hayan's countenance underwent a noticeable transformation, morphing into one of unease. I had foreseen the eventuality of Lee Jihye seeking an audience with me, though her approach proved swifter than expected.
"Of course…" My response to her unspoken query was tacit.
Lee Jihye possessed a shrewd intellect, evident in her prompt recognition of advantageous alliances. The faction to align with had been determined by the preceding events—a clash seemingly between Yoo Seokwoo and Jung Hayan, yet beneath that lay a power struggle encompassing Lee Jihye and myself.
My role as the one with greater authority had remained informally defined, yet it had not escaped Lee Jihye's astute judgment. A label of 'Selfish Ambitionist' was fitting for her disposition.
Two discernible paths emerged when individuals of our ilk encountered newfound power: alignment or opposition. The swiftness of Lee Jihye's decision surprised me, her choice to align with us was a calculated move.
As I contemplated the dynamics, my words were directed not at Lee Jihye, but at Jung Hayan. "Excuse me for a moment? I believe Jihye-ssi and I require a discussion."
Thus, she vacated her seat for Lee Jihye, her gaze periodically returning to our exchange, evidently having enjoyed our discourse.
I shifted my focus to Lee Jihye. "How can I help you, Miss?"
Her reply appeared hesitant, "I... I wished to extend my apologies. I deeply regret the turmoil that unfolded."
"Your actions were justifiable, Jihye-ssi," I assured her.
She continued, admitting her impulsiveness due to her unfamiliarity with such situations. She expressed remorse for neglecting the broader context of our struggles beyond the walls, acknowledging the wiser course would have been a discreet resolution.
My response was empathetic, acknowledging my own sensitivity and apologizing for any unwarranted reaction. This exchange hinted at mutual recognition of authority between us.
Lee Jihye revealed her intention to resolve the Seokwoo situation independently, requesting my permission. Uncertainty lingered in my mind; I had yet to formulate an approach to address Yoo Seokwoo. The absence of established law or policing rendered the means of punishment ambiguous.
A glimmer of worry escaped my façade. My lack of a concrete plan regarding Yoo Seokwoo was a concern.
Lee Jihye pressed on, expressing her desire to manage the situation and her prior judgment of Hayan-ssi. I granted her the reins, noting that she originally held authority over the matter. My intervention had been presumptuous.
Despite the formalities, our discourse was layered with subtleties. The unspoken understanding of my authority persisted.
When our conversation concluded, Lee Jihye extended a covert gesture, indicating a measure of interest or desire for the alliance. This unanticipated approach hinted at her motivations—perhaps hunger for power or ambition.
Emotions flickered within me, "I appreciate ambition."
For me, power and ambition were safeguarding mechanisms. Her intentions mattered little, so long as the outcome aligned.
The ensuing proximity between us bore the weight of unspoken negotiations. My analysis of Lee Jihye uncovered her usefulness in managing the group and the potential utility of our connection, especially concerning Jung Hayan.
Balancing potential gains and costs, I mused over her proposal. Did proximity to Lee Jihye warrant its own benefits? Could her network prove an asset?
A delicate interplay of motives and potential advantages wove through our exchange.
"What do I gain from this?"
Her proposal aligned with my strategic thinking. "Perhaps Hayan-ssi?"
As our lips met in a seemingly romantic gesture, it masked ulterior motives. It encapsulated an unspoken agreement—an understanding of mutual benefit.
At that moment, amid the illusion of intimacy, two distinct motives converged: power and ambition.