Chapter 23
After finishing the call with Ji-a, Si-hyun focused on watching TV again.
In the end, Momo wasn’t able to finish the game in just one day and ended the stream.
However, Si-hyun was satisfied.
‘My heart’s racing…’
The worry of whether she could really do the job.
The anticipation of having an opportunity to reclaim a lost dream.
Si-hyun felt two conflicting emotions.
But the latter was stronger than the former.
She wanted to be acknowledged by someone.
It was a desire deeply ingrained in her subconscious over the years.
“This isn’t the time for this.”
Si-hyun picked up her smartphone.
Though it didn’t matter now, if she really ended up working, she would need more clothes.
It might seem premature, but the process itself could be enjoyable.
She diligently searched the internet for clothing styles suitable for a professor.
After a while, Si-yoon came out of her room.
Her sister, lying on the sofa, was humming a song from the game that had just been streamed.
In a good mood, Si-hyun’s legs swung back and forth alternately.
Seeing her sister’s adorable behaviour, Si-yoon smiled and approached her.
“Big sis, what are you so absorbed in?”
“…Huh? Oh, I’m looking for clothes.”
Si-hyun showed her the screen.
“Heh… Our Big sis is even looking at women’s clothing now. You’ve really become such a lady, huh?”
“…Don’t twist it like that. While you’re at it, recommend me some shopping sites.”
“Pfft, sure.”
Si-yoon shared a few of her favourite sites with her sister.
She even helped install a few apps specializing in women’s clothing for easier browsing.
When they launched the app, various types of women’s apparel appeared along with ads.
Si-hyun’s mouth opened slightly in an “Ooh!” as if in admiration.
“You can search not just by height but also by size and weight. The reviews are tailored to specific body types too.”
“Ah, I see…”
It was even possible to register one’s body shape in advance on the app.
This might seem trivial to others, but to Si-hyun, each feature was fascinating.
Her eyes widened in curiosity and excitement.
So this is the app women use…
Si-hyun felt like a whole new world was unfolding before her eyes.
“Why not buy a few more clothes while you’re at it? Didn’t you earn a lot last time?”
“Hmm…, should I?”
She was referring to the rewards from the A-rank dungeon she cleared with Ji-a.
Even though she had given up a lot, it was still a hefty sum, enough to not worry about money for a while.
Si-hyun nodded slightly.
Seeing this, Si-yoon’s attitude became more enthusiastic.
“This dress is so pretty! How about something like this?”
“…Isn’t it too revealing?”
“Just for this? Come on, are you planning to wrap yourself up like a mummy even in summer?”
“That’s not it, but…”
Si-hyun scratched her cheek and awkwardly turned her head.
Seeing her sister like that, Si-yoon suddenly felt like teasing her.
With a mischievous smile, she spoke.
“I need to get a new swimsuit for summer anyway. You’ll come with me, right?”
“Huh? Already thinking about summer?”
“So what? You have a nice figure, so it’ll be fun picking out swimsuits!”
“…….”
Si-hyun unknowingly imagined herself in a swimsuit.
When thinking of swimsuits, the first thing that came to mind was… a bikini.
Naturally, her expression twisted.
“Hehe, isn’t it too obvious how much you dislike it?”
“…You’re teasing me on purpose, aren’t you?”
“Yup.”
“…Ugh.”
Si-hyun shook her head.
She knew she’d have to get used to it someday.
She was aware that she wasn’t the same as her old self.
But it was also true that she still felt uncomfortable in many ways.
For now, it was too much to handle.
The future me will definitely be able to do it.
Anyway, future me, good luck!
Si-hyun decided to ignore reality.
“Big sis, did you know?”
“Know what?”
“When we went shopping last time, I memorized all of your measurements.”
“R-really?”
“Yeah, so you better buy wisely, or else I might just buy something for you?”
“……Okay.”
Si-hyun’s expression turned sullen.
To Si-yoon, her sister looked so pitiful and cute.
In the end, she couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter while giving a hint.
“Ahaha! Why not start with unisex clothing?”
“Huh?”
“Unisex! Like dolphin shorts. Don’t you think they’d be nice?”
“…Oh, that’s a great idea! Our Si-yoon is a genius!”
Si-hyun immediately searched for dolphin shorts on the app.
They did seem less intimidating.
Plus, there were products with built-in underpants.
Alright, let’s make these the starting point for getting used to it.
A broad smile spread across Si-hyun’s face.
Watching her sister’s reaction, Si-yoon covered her mouth, laughing.
Every little reaction was so entertaining.
Gosh, my Big sis is just too cute these days.
“What about this one, then?”
“Yeah, I think it’s good.”
“How about this?!”
“…Is it, though?”
Si-hyun tilted her head in confusion.
It was like showing something easy step-by-step, then following it up with something difficult… or at least that’s what it seemed like?
…Nah, no way. It couldn’t be that calculated, right?
It’s probably just a recommendation.
Si-hyun continued filling up her Wishlist with her sister’s suggestions.
After all, she wasn’t going to buy anything right now.
Most importantly, she liked the fact that she still had the choice.
***
The Hunter Management Bureau was as busy as ever today.
Section Chief Jang Han-soo, returning from lunch, saw one of his team members handling a complaint.
“When is the support fund going to be disbursed? It feels like it’s been ages since I submitted my paperwork!”
“Uh, well… The regulations say it takes some time to process.”
“Bullshit! Other guilds have already received theirs!”
“There’s no way that’s true, sir.”
“You damn—”
Frustrated that he wasn’t getting the result he wanted, the hunter began hurling verbal abuse without hesitation.
As always, dealing with complaints from hunters was a major headache.
The section chief let out a deep sigh as he returned to his workspace.
He leaned back deeply in his chair.
At that moment, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Seeing the caller ID, the section chief took a deep breath and answered the call.
“Yes, this is Section Chief Jang Han-soo from the Management Department.”
— …Hello.
Such a pleasant voice, as always.
It was as if his ears, sullied by that yelling hunter earlier, were being cleansed.
— I, uh, talked with Ji-a, and…
Si-hyun slowly began to explain her reason for calling.
The section chief listened intently.
In summary, she wanted to apply an exception to rise to a D-rank Hunter.
“I have the authority to approve it. However, may I ask why you suddenly want to increase your rank?”
Jang Han-soo carefully asked, hoping his tone wouldn’t be misinterpreted.
Perhaps it was effective?
The person on the other end hesitated but eventually gave a reason.
— …I want to try being an academy professor.
“…Oh.”
The section chief couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation of surprise.
It was a reason he never could have imagined.
An academy professor?
It was a position that always suffered from a shortage of manpower.
That’s why there were many professors who juggled it alongside their duties as hunters.
What kind of abilities did Ms. Si-hyun possess? And what would she teach the students?
His expectations kept rising.
Feigning composure, the section chief spoke.
“Ms. Si-hyun, I’m sure you can handle it. Do you have a particular subject in mind?”
— …I’m planning to discuss it with Ji-a and decide.
Oh, so it wasn’t finalized yet.
The section chief smacked his lips in slight disappointment.
Still, compared to when she was insistent on remaining an E-rank for the sake of a quiet life, this was a huge improvement.
It seems supporting her decision was indeed the right call.
The section chief nodded in satisfaction as he replied.
“Understood. I’ll handle the rank adjustment on my end, and I’ll let you know once it’s complete.”
— Okay. Also…
“Is there something else you need?”
— Um, I heard it was you who helped conceal my information before. Thank you so much.
Oh my goodness!
He never expected to receive such a cute thank-you.
Could this mean their relationship had advanced a little?
The section chief suppressed his smile as he responded.
“…Ahem. It was something I had to do. Please continue to take care of me in the future.”
— Yes, I’ll be counting on you.
After exchanging farewells, the call ended.
Without realizing it, the section chief clenched his fist.
Finally, his efforts were bearing fruit.
A sense of immense achievement washed over him.
***
The next day, I went to a nearby café with Ji-a.
Each of us had a drink in front of us, and we began talking.
“Um… first of all, thanks for agreeing to this consultation.”
“Pfft, no need to thank me for something like this.”
Ji-a chuckled softly and took a sip through her straw.
The drink seemed to have some kind of chewy bits at the bottom, and it looked delicious.
I’ll have to try that next time.
“By regulation, D-rank hunters can technically teach. But most professors are C-rank or higher, so be mindful of that, okay?”
“That doesn’t matter. More importantly…”
“Hm?”
It felt a bit embarrassing to say.
But who else could I confide in about these worries?
Even as I hesitated, I slowly opened my mouth.
“What if I open a class… and no one applies for it…? That’s what I’m worried about.”
“Haha!”
“Don’t laugh so much!”
Ji-a covered her mouth, chuckling.
After a few moments of stifled laughter, she finally composed herself and spoke.
“Si-hyun, you know.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m the former party member of none other than the Academy Principal.”
“…Oh!”
Without thinking, I clapped my hands.
Ji-a’s cheeks turned a slight shade of red as she averted her gaze.
“Ahem, ahem! Anyway, you just need to focus on preparing. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Wow, you’re so reliable…!”
“Pfft, didn’t we already meet the principal last time? Everything will go smoothly.”
“You already foresaw all of this back then…?”
I couldn’t help but be amazed.
Is this what they call foresight?
All hail Ji-a.
“W-well, I wouldn’t go that far… Ahaha! Anyway, keep up the hard work!”
“Yeah! I’ll do my best!”
I took a sip of coffee, smiling brightly.
It’s so reassuring to have a trustworthy person by my side.
“The academy has both mandatory and elective courses, you know?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Since you’re not planning to reveal your full abilities yet, you’ll likely start as a part-time lecturer handling elective courses.”
“Yeah, that sounds about right.”
I listened attentively as she continued to explain.
Ji-a’s expression turned serious.
“Have you thought about which subject you want to teach? Honestly, if I’m going to help, this is the most important part.”
“Oh, um…”
Come to think of it, I haven’t.
I had just been envisioning an ideal version of myself.
Was I being too impulsive…?
“…Could you give me a recommendation? I don’t really know what subjects are offered at the academy.”
“Hehe, then how about this? I actually thought of it since yesterday after we talked.”
Ji-a smiled softly and tilted her head slightly as she looked at me.
She suggested a subject.
It was an existing course in the academy curriculum, and one that I wouldn’t have to worry about attracting students for.
“How about it?”
“Wow, that’s perfect.”
I think I can definitely do this.
I’m surrounded by smart people.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Comment