Chapter 88 – First Confession (1)

Arriving at a secluded crossroads, half-dragged by the car.

Se-Young parked the car on an unpaved dirt road and took out a mat and a basket from the trunk, holding them out.

“Here.”

She handed over the load, which was surprisingly heavy. It seemed like she had packed quite a lot.

At a glance, through the red cloth covering the basket, I could see bread like sandwiches and roll cakes, as well as fruits like strawberries.

“Oh, when did you find the time to prepare all this?”
“Hehe, Lee Si-heon, you should know you’re fortunate. If a man is troubled, a woman should be steadfast, right?”

Se-Young lightly poked my chest with her index finger, then pointed towards the forest with the same finger. Outside the academy, the sun-drenched forest was glowing.

“Let’s go in. It’s easy to talk here because there’s no one who would overhear us in this forest.”

Having said that, Lee Se-Young casually wrapped her arm around my waist.

“If you ask me again, ‘If you have something to say, can’t you just find a room and say it?’ you’d think you’re going to die.”
“……”

How did she know?
Startled, Se-Young’s eyes widened, and she chuckled before lightly pushing me away.
The path leading into the forest widened by a single step.

“How many times have we been intimate, and you think I wouldn’t know what you’re thinking?”

Still giggling, she then made a lewd gesture with her hands. It was a crude display, creating a circle with her right hand and thrusting her index finger in and out. The gesture resembled a cat trying to hide its embarrassment, which made me laugh.

“Don’t you just want to be with me? Even dressing like that.”

“Well?”

Se-Young tilted the corners of her eyes playfully, covering her chest with her dress sleeve as if aware of my words.
Of course, that thin fabric couldn’t completely conceal her ample breasts.

Se-Young’s knit sweater had a plunging neckline, revealing her skin from just below the collarbone to a tantalizing point.

The top edge and a portion of her black bra were exposed on her full chest, leaving her looking so vulnerable that I would have covered her up immediately if there had been anyone around. Her outfit clearly revealed her intentions. I wasn’t so naive as to miss the signal.

“Is it okay to flirt like this with someone who’s supposed to become the World Tree’s husband? When you brought it up before, you put up such a strong front.”

But it would be a shame to just let it slide. To let her know that there’s no need for me to become the World Tree’s husband anymore, I playfully adopted a sulky expression and spoke as if it was all too much.

Se-Young, completely fooled, slapped me on the shoulder.

“Hey! You’re bringing that up now?”
“Come on, who’s always so ambiguous? Sticking close but insisting we’ll never date. Was I wrong?”
“…”

Silence ensued for a moment.

“But there’s no need to bring that up now. We have plenty to talk about today…”

Se-Young, who was brimming with playfulness just moments ago, puckered her lips as if annoyed by my words.

“I also have a lot to tell you.”
“Huh?”
“This and that. Can we sit here for now? The grass is low and just right.”

Having found a perfect spot, we spread out a wide mat and settled down. The early summer breeze blew gently through the trees in the forest.

“So, what do you want to tell me?”
“…It’s nothing, really.”

A solemn atmosphere enveloped Se-Young’s slightly hardened expression.

“Anyone would think you’re talking about something important.”
“Be quiet when I’m being serious. I’m just going on an assignment, so you probably won’t see me for a while. I came to share what I’ve discovered and such during that time.”

The words she threw out were still focused on her own schedule, only considering my situation.

“What kind of assignment are you on?”

“What are you so curious about? No… fine. I’ll tell you since you’ll keep asking until I do. The Flower bastards are causing chaos again, so I’m going to investigate that.”
“The academy instructor—”
“I decided to entrust it to someone else. The instructor in charge will change as well.”

Investigation of the Flower.

Indeed, their activities had noticeably increased recently. Following the series of fraudulent incidents and rampant attacks, the number of reported terrorist incidents in various countries had grown. Consequently, urgent orders concerning the Flower were dispatched to hunters in different regions.

‘Having the rank of a Hunter, I could have applied for that order.’

Since the academy upholds justice, it wouldn’t have stopped Se-Young from relinquishing her instructor position.

“But why would someone with so much money and fame do that?”

It puzzled me. Lee Se-Young didn’t need to take on that task. If I had to come up with a reason, it was probably because of me.

There might have been family issues or other reasons, but that was the first thought that came to mind.

“Could it be because of me?”
“Quit talking nonsense.”

Se-Young, who dismissed my words, exhaled a hot breath and continued speaking. However, I knew. Sometimes, when Se-Young lies, she has a tendency to abruptly end her sentences and force the conversation to a close.

‘Even so, this is a bit much…’

Despite that, I felt puzzled. Would she really apply for an incredibly dangerous job just because of me? But she did manage to find a sex partner. Reflecting on Se-Young’s actions up until now, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Looking at Se-Young with worried eyes, she eventually cleared her throat and continued speaking.

“Anyway… I came here to see your face and take care of your body before I leave for a distant place soon. Do you think I’d feel good hearing such talk? You have no idea how hard it was to arrange this.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So, what were you going to say?”

I pursed my lips with a bitter smile.

What transpired in Purgatory and what I disclosed to Heaven.
I had to eventually reveal the truth about my face and my abilities.

However, after hearing Se-Young’s words, the priority of what to discuss shifted slightly.

“Um…”

Neither more nor less. I just want to confirm one thing.

I stealthily approached Se-Young. With just a little more movement, our shoulders would touch.

“I can now sever the connection with the World Tree, you know? So, to be more precise, there’s no need to adhere to the quest anymore. There’s no risk of dying from a quest either.”
“…What?”

The bright yellow eyes that made eye contact with me quivered.
Her face had a mountain of questions, but she continued to speak.

“It happened somehow. Perhaps the training in Purgatory was effective?”
“Purgatory…? You lunatic, you went there? Not knowing what would happen, those Peach people are truly…!”
“Is that the issue at hand?”

Ignoring Se-Young, who was about to get angry, I added a touch of playfulness to my voice this time.

“What did the teacher say was the reason she couldn’t date me?”
“…What!? No, you, you.”

Se-Young stuttered, trying to hold back her jaw from dropping open.

Before saying the next thing, I took a moment to reflect on the past.

What was the reason this person had kept their distance from me until now, even coining the term “some-sec,” a blend of flirting and sex partner?

It was because I was a candidate for the husband of the World Tree.

-That’s not something that happens just because you want it. What if I was caught committing adultery with the future husband of the World Tree? Then I would be excommunicated without hesitation?

It was due to social issues. And because back then, I had no power. But now, the future is gradually becoming clearer. As for the husband candidate, I am determined to break that no matter what it takes.

So then…

“Do we really need to keep our distance now?”

“…Do you understand what that means?”
“How could I not?”

In essence, it was like a confession. If it had been someone else, I might have hesitated for a moment, but since it was Lee Se-Young, I could say it right away. After all, we both had rational feelings for each other for quite some time now.

For me, Se-Young has been the person I’ve known the longest since coming to this world. At the same time, Se-Young and I have exchanged our respective flaws and forgiven them, allowing us to reveal ourselves to each other without any reservations.

Upon hearing my words, Se-Young’s face seemed to be in a daze. At the same time, having heard so many stories, she appeared to be lost in thought for a while before she let out a dumbfounded laugh and looked at me.

“…You’re not joking, are you?”

She shook her head.

“It’s not even April Fool’s Day today… The World Tree… Is that really true?”

Even I found it hard to believe, so it was only natural for her to react that way.

“Lee Si-heon, you’re incredible. Really… Did you confess to me because you were so happy about the prospect of breaking up?”

The voice grew increasingly faster and more intense.

“Wow, really… No.”

Lee Se-young giggled joyfully, then playfully went over to him and slapped him on the shoulder.

-Zzaak!

“Pfft, haha.”

Se-young spoke with a more relaxed expression.

“Oh, what should I do… He’s a guy who hasn’t dated many girlfriends. Why make a confession like that? My face is turning red.”
“No…”
“Did you do it to others?”
“Who else is there besides the teacher?”
“Why? My friend. Didn’t Moon Byul get with her? Wasn’t she cute? Or your mentor? Or Azalea? You’re close with her too.”
“……”
“Was I being too mean?”
“Quite a bit.”

Perhaps to soothe my wounded, tender heart, Se-Young placed her hand gently on my cheek, gazing at me with softened eyes before exhaling a heated breath.

“Oh, but it’s true. You’ll probably be chasing after another girl soon… Can’t you change your face again? If so, I’ll accept it.”
“…”

Lee Se-Young cursed in rhythm with the beat.
Her speech became so rapid that I thought she was rapping.

“Ah, just a moment, need to catch my breath… I couldn’t have imagined it. Today, I’m experiencing all the joys and sorrows life has to offer. Hehe.”

I never would have thought I’d say so much in such a short time.
Se-Young was about to say something else but took another deep breath, her eyes gleaming coyly as she spread her arms wide.

“Come on, hug me. If you want to be my boyfriend.”
“Alright.”

As we always did when exchanging playful banter, I stretched out my arms and embraced her tightly. Se-Young’s body temperature had risen considerably, engulfing me in warmth.

– Thump, thump.

I hear the pounding of a heart.
Se-Young, aware of this, meets her eyes and smiles hesitantly.

Her cheeks seem a bit flushed. Se-Young speaks slowly, in a subtly suggestive yet provocative voice.

“Originally, I mean, is dating really a big deal? It’s just being in a relationship when you hit it off at first sight.”
“That’s true.”
“Originally, yes, originally I would have just accepted it. But after hearing you today…”

Her face still appears troubled, but Se-Young soon offers an awkward smile.

“It’s just that, right now…”
“…Yes?”
“I’m sorry. When both you and I are finally done with everything… you know?”

The implication is that there is still much to do.
Se-Young’s words have merit. And I find myself in the unprecedented situation of being rejected by a woman.

“That’s the difference.”
“Hehe, you know how I feel, right? Don’t meddle with too many other girls. They say life can be ruined if a man gets too entangled with women.”

Se-Young tightly embraced me and gently patted my back. Her tender touch almost unconsciously eased the tension in my body.

“Don’t mess around with too many women…”

“Don’t you think I know your personality? Don’t say things like ‘I’ll wait for no reason.’ Just moderately engage with them. I don’t really care too much about that. But don’t brag about other women in front of me, okay?”

I repeatedly nodded my head.

I remember Se-Young’s icy gaze when I told her about the side quest involving intercourse with three wooden people.

Her expression could have killed a person.

“Still, thank you. For telling me this first.”

The hand that had been stroking my back moved up to my head.

Se-Young gently brushed her fingers through my hair once, stroked the back of my neck once, and caressed my cheek once. She feigned a kiss, and then unexpectedly pushed me away.

I tilted my head.

My body was pushed backward.

On the mat, I tumbled down and gazed up at her; Se-Young was looking down at me with a face filled with laughter and mischief.

“You know I can’t just leave today, right?”

I felt shivers running up my spine.

“If you can’t consume everything on the mat, you can’t depart from here.”

On the mat. It was glaringly apparent who lay there.