Chapter 66 – The Introduction (1)

-Ding, D-ring~

The end of class marked by the alarm’s call.

A young maiden, rising from her stylish notebook, stepped out of the classroom with an air of grace. The gaze of many students followed her every move.

-What could such a noblewoman be pondering?

Admiration and awe were woven into their looks, sometimes tinged with love.

There were countless nobles who wished to get closer to her, but the aura radiating from her body forbade any approach.

Cornus.

Eldest daughter of the Cornus lineage and a student at El Academy, possessing exceptional skills. Her golden hair swayed gently, following the subtle movement of her hips.

She stood just over 160. Above her curved waist, a chest that captured everyone’s attention quivered.

F cup? Or perhaps even larger.

Cornus, who didn’t seem to mind the heated gazes in her prime, tilted her head as if puzzled by the students’ glances towards her breasts.

“?”

Belittling a noble was akin to a crime, so the students desperately looked away. Jewelry, molded after bright red berries, sparkled like rubies in her hair.

…What was I about to do?

Having stepped out of the classroom and stood blankly in front of the door, Cornus clenched her other hand as if she recalled something.

“Spicy Rosé Tteokbokki.”

With Si-heon’s face in mind, Cornus hastened her steps.

At her murmur, a student, coincidentally leaving the classroom, looked back in surprise.

-Spicy Rosé Tteokbokki? What’s that?
-Guess she likes it.

Ignoring the students’ chatter, Cornus sought out the last practice room Si-heon had been in, a detail she’d memorized. Upon spotting his familiar back, she called out joyfully.

“Si-heon!”

Her only friend.

The man who introduced her to the taste of spice.

“Eh, why?”

Cornus, with her eyes wide in anticipation, grabbed Si-heon’s back as he was heading home in slightly sweat-dampened clothes.

“Spicy.”
“Do you want me to buy Tteokbokki?”
“Yes”

Nodding, Cornus made Si-heon chuckle with delight.

“Can’t buy it today. I have a blind date tomorrow and need to go clothes shopping.”
“A blind date… Why a blind date all of a sudden?”
“Even I feel the chill sometimes. Can’t even remember the last time I was in a relationship.”
“Si-heon, you’ve been in a relationship?”

Wide-eyed, Cornus asked. His response seemed to suggest ‘Even someone like you?’ This made a hint of sadness creep onto Si-heon’s face.

“Cornus… Do I look like someone who’s never been in a relationship?”
“Just curious… Is dating fun?”
“Well…”

Si-heon tilted his head, trying to recall his past dating experiences, which had already become vague memories.

Though beautiful, the love they shared wasn’t always enjoyable. It was a memory Si-heon did not care to revisit.

“Do I really need to participate in this matchmaking?” Si-heon questioned.
“Isn’t it the same as having a girlfriend?”

Cornus’ face knitted into a frown. The sheer sorrow of being unable to eat tteokbokki was evident in her pouting lips.

This was not exactly matchmaking, but more like a quest. Yet, was there a need to spell that out?

“Spicy, chewy tteokbokki…”

Cornus’ voice, murmuring forlornly, seemed so woebegone that Si-heon couldn’t help but laugh.

Yet, what couldn’t be done remained so.

“And the training?” Si-heon asked.
“Oh, today seems a bit challenging.”

Cornus pouted, her face scrunched, resembling a sulking duck. Si-heon looked thoughtful, then raised a finger.

“Then, why don’t you train alone? If you do well in the next exam, I’ll buy you tteokbokki whenever you want.”

At this, Cornus’ ears perked up.

“Tteokbokki for life?”
“Yes.”
“Spicy one?”

As Si-heon nodded, Cornus’ eyes sparkled with expectation.

“I’ll train.”

* * * * *

“You mean matchmaking?”
“Yes.”
“Why would you do that instead of training?”

As Si-heon piled up suitable clothes from the clothing store, White Peach, who was lounging in bed sipping a coke, chided her.

Of all days, why did it have to be White Peach today? Si-heon’s mood soured. She had expected Zodiac’s cheerful greeting upon her return, but instead, she was faced with the stark white Dooly.

“Didn’t I tell you? It’s a quest.”
“A quest?”
“If I can’t have sex with those three, I’ll fail.”

Standing before the mirror, dryly stating facts as she tried on clothes, White Peach appeared taken aback.

“Is that true?”
“Would I lie?”

White Peach’s face hardened, her white hand instinctively shielding her chest. In response, Si-heon steeled her own expression.

“I wouldn’t even sleep with him if he offered. I’d rather bite my tongue and die.”
“Do you really want to fail?”

White Peach, who had given up her usual old-fashioned way of speaking, spat out a curse. Clearing her throat, she then mocked Si-heon.

“Hmm, hmm. I can’t believe this. Do you think you can sleep with a woman like me?”
“You sure are full of confidence. So, how many handsome men have you slept with?”

White Peach was left speechless.
It seemed she had never slept with a man before. Si-heon brought a hand to her lips, suppressing a grin.

-Chuckle.

“Ho, don’t you even know about premarital purity, you ignorant thing!”
“I don’t know who’s going to be your husband, but with that attitude, he’s going to have a hard time. Who maintains premarital purity these days? You’re no old fogey.”
“…If you don’t want to hold a funeral on my wedding day, keep your mouth shut.”

I felt a stirring of life, yet I was not the one to capitulate.

“Who strides the path of matrimony with their mentor? That’s simply the nature of cohabitation.”
“A laughable notion.”
“Perhaps you should venture forth and experience courtship with a suitor.”

These words spilled forth, seemingly inconceivable given my disposition. White Peach cast her trembling gaze downward, whistling tunelessly.

“I’d prefer to court only those I intend to wed. Or to put it plainly, I’d rather not engage in romance if it isn’t destined for marriage.”
“Oh, a romantic purist we have here. Please do tell me about your ideal partner.”
“I value a man who remains steadfast in his ideals. Also, it would be preferable if our culinary tastes aligned… As for appearances, they are irrelevant. I wouldn’t object to him having concubines, but he must extend kindness to me… On second thought, the matter of concubines is worth pondering. Wait, why am I discussing this with my disciple?”

White Peach, who had been contemplating her dream man whilst counting her fingers, shot me a stunned glance.

A woman who harbors a deep romanticism towards men.

She wouldn’t indulge in love unless bound for marriage?
I’ve been scorched severely by such an approach to romance. Should I warn her?
A relationship devoid of genuine intimacy, where organs are tossed aside, is not worth pursuing. I could vouch for this as a living testament.

‘Well, she’ll navigate her own life.’

But this is White Peach we’re talking about. Surely, she won’t be foolishly ensnared like me?

Having casually chosen my attire, I began to spread the food I had purchased on my way home across the table. Then, I addressed White Peach, who was still in the throes of her tantrum.

“Please, have some food.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“So, I’m to eat alone?”

I began to cook the meal kit I had bought on my journey.

Scallions, canned beans, and an assortment of ingredients, including ham. Soon, a pot of appetizing budae-jjigae (army stew) was ready.

Saliva involuntarily pooled in my mouth.

As I was arranging the tableware to commence the meal, White Peach, drawn by the aroma, sidled up to the table.

“… What is it?”
“Is this budae-jjigae?”
“Do you wish to eat? If so, you should have said so from the start. Why are you hovering now?”
“I didn’t realize it was budae-jjigae. It’s a dish I greatly enjoy.”

A sigh escaped from my steeled face. She had an unnecessary knack for recognizing flavors. With no choice but to prepare a meal for two, I beckoned her over. White Peach, who had by now taken her seat, cheerfully picked up a piece of ham and took a bite.

A radiant smile blossomed on her face.

“There’s an abundance of ham!”
“Isn’t it a rule to have plenty of ham?”
“You have a discerning palate. Every meal should indeed include meat. You savored the cheese-flavored chicken skewers, didn’t you? I’m at a loss understanding why someone like you fancies mulbok (water wear).”
“Why bring up mulbok now? As long as the current meal is palatable, that’s all that matters.”
“Fair enough.”

White Peach seemed convinced.

It was an enjoyable meal, filled with various conversations, thanks to our shared taste.

After hastily finishing the meal, White Peach rose from her seat, tied her silvery hair back, and tapped the table.

“I’ll handle the tidying up.”

“What’s happening? The household chores are all done.”
“I’m not the type to just hoard favors.”
“I appreciate that trait. Except for your love of hard peaches.”
“Why are hard peaches showing up out of nowhere? If you like them, just say it.”
“I suppose you’re right.”

-Chuckles.

We shared a warm laugh, cleaned up the dishes, and went to bed. Now, only one thing was left for me: the long-anticipated blind date.

* * * * *

On the day of the blind date.

Early in the morning, I received a message from Se-Young. We met downstairs from the dormitory, and she was tapping on an unfamiliar car, extending a sleek looking key holder to me.

“Do you know how to drive? She’s a woman who doesn’t care about money anyway, but I managed to get something decent so you won’t be outshone.”
“You… you really do prepare thoroughly.”

Se-Young offered a bitter smile. She came up to me, evaluated my outfit a few times, then cheekily pressed her face to mine.

“Listen, kid. I’m a tough nut to crack. Go easy on the love-making.”
“I don’t know if I can. I’m quite bashful.”
“Stop the nonsense. Just get her drunk and tumble her over. Won’t she be thrilled that you’ve swept away her cobwebs?”

She’d be thrilled, would she?
If there are two people like Se-Young in this world… Well, that might not be so bad after all.

In any case, that’s beside the point.
I glanced around, ensured no one was watching, and stealthily embraced Se-Young.

“Thank you.”
“You’re making me cringe, kid.”

I buried my face into Se-Young’s embrace, who frowned as if disliking the sentiment but offered no resistance.

“Hmm…heh.”

I lifted her choker with my tongue and sucked on the skin underneath.
It was as if I was marking her.
I rested my chin on her collarbone and admired the fiery red lip mark.

“Do you like this sort of thing?”
“…I absolutely loathe it.”

Despite her words, her breath was a little ragged.
When I offered her a light hug, Se-Young’s face blushed like a ripe apple.

“We have some time left. Fancy a drive? I’ll take you.”
Silence is consent.
Without a word, she sat next to me in the passenger seat and I started driving after a long time. It turned out to be quite effortless since I had practiced a fair bit.

“It’s surprisingly fun to ride in a car driven by my student.”

Se-Young sat in the passenger seat, crossing her legs, and gazing at me with profound eyes.

As I continued to accelerate, the Korean signs faded away and Japanese signs appeared instead.
Among them, there were some peculiar shops that you’d only see in comics or newspapers.

“A maid cafe, here?”
“Do you like that?”
“Well… Honestly, who wouldn’t?”
“I see.”

After driving for a while, I suddenly had a thought.

“By the way, who is my blind date? Isn’t it normal to exchange greetings over chat before meeting?”
“Oh, that.”

Se-Young nonchalantly twisted a lock of her hair with her index finger as she spoke.

“She wanted to initiate something romantic, like being the first to speak at a blind date,” she said.

“And what’s that about?”

“Don’t worry too much; she’s attractive. Oh, are your breasts smaller than mine? I suppose mine are somewhat large.”

Se-Young abruptly shifted the conversation from her blind date partner, exaggerating her ample chest as a form of self-promotion. I decided to interrupt her and ask the question that had been on my mind.

“So, what’s this woman’s name?”

“You might have seen her once. Her name is Byul.”

Byul, the unusual woman with bright yellow stars embedded in her irises. Could she be the one?

“That’s exactly who you’re thinking of.”

“Oh…”

This was beyond anything I had imagined. But, we had met once before; surely, we could have a meaningful conversation? Indeed, Se-Young was right. Byul’s beauty was extraordinary.

Driving and reminiscing about Byul’s face brought a smile to my lips. Had I been too obvious?

“Hey.”

Se-Young frowned.

“I’m suddenly imagining you two together, and it’s infuriating. Come here.”

“What? Suddenly?”

“I think I’ll need to lay down some ground rules for your ‘physical intimacy.'”

Se-Young placed her face on my lower half, unzipping my pants. Surprised, I gripped the steering wheel tightly and replied hurriedly.

“Wait, Se-Young, I’m driving…”

“Silence.”

On this auspicious day of our blind date, Se-Young’s head bobbed up and down above the window of our vehicle, hundreds of times.