I Teleported Into the Academy of a Sexy Game

Party Preparations Are Tough (2)

Ding—

After parting ways with Lumi, I returned to my dormitory.

"Scout, what's this…"

From within, Liliana's voice reached my ears, leading me to believe they were engaging in their usual antics. But surprisingly, both of them were engrossed in a smartwatch screen. They could have opted for individual viewing, but for some peculiar reason, they chose to huddle together, faces practically glued.

Is Scarlett a permanent resident in our place now? Casually perched on the bed, making herself at home.

"What's so fascinating that you're both fixated on?" I inquired while shedding my outerwear.

"Hoyeon, you're here."

"Perfect timing. They mentioned your name here."

Scarlett and Liliana were watching a rerun of an interview. I settled next to them and took a peek at the smartwatch screen.

[We understand that you, esteemed saint, are slated to participate in the association's forthcoming social gathering. Could you confirm if this marks your inaugural external engagement since your enrollment at the academy?]

[Yes, that is indeed correct.]

On the screen, Baek Ahyeong was under the scrutiny of a female journalist. Nervous much? She's so cute, but why the abrupt interview?

[Addressing a somewhat delicate inquiry, there has been considerable speculation regarding your companion for the event. Whether you intend to attend unaccompanied or with a partner, there has been a surge in public discourse. Could you provide insight into this matter?]

[Certainly. In point of fact, my partner for the occasion has already been determined. As you may be aware, it is the prodigious mage from Victoria Academy, Lee Hoyeon.]

[Wait, you are attending the party with Lee Hoyeon? Hold on. Camera, is everything functioning correctly? Miss Saint, is this the initial disclosure of this information in an exclusive interview?]

[Yes, that's correct.]

[Everyone… This revelation is of significant magnitude!]

"What's this?"

Ahyeong, you didn't mention this. Why are you doing this?

"Hoyeon, if this has nothing to do with you, shouldn't we handle it posthaste?" Scarlett suggested, concerned about my confused face. But it's not a fabrication.

"Uh… Actually, she is indeed my partner. It's just a bit inconvenient to reveal it suddenly."

"Oh…"

"Party? Can't I tag along? I wanna be your partner, too."

"Uh, no… There will be a huge crowd, and if they find out you're a succubus, they might dissect you on the spot."

"Eek! That sounds horrifying! But I still want to go to the party…"

I comforted Liliana, gently stroking her cheek. Meanwhile, the video persisted, causing quite the stir. They were prying into how we met, so I kept my eyes glued to the screen.

[Ah, so you developed a close bond following the incident during dungeon practice.]

[Yes, since that time, we have met privately and upheld a positive relationship up to the present moment.]

[Oh, oh! Does that imply…?]

[Hehe… I shall refrain from further elaboration. Lee Hoyeon also has his perspective.]

[Aaah! I understand. We're totally clueless bystanders here!]

No… seriously? Saying that pretty much outs us as a couple.

"When was this news released?" I probed Scarlett, eyeing her.

"It went public about an hour ago. There was an uproar as soon as it was released."

"This is not good."

Fortunately, Liliana exhibited minimal reaction. And well… Nam Daeun, Alice, and Im Sol wouldn't freak out either. The former couldn't care less, and Alice still harbors no affection. As for the latter… Im Sol will likely reach out to Ahyeong directly for an explanation. But there are separate problems…

Ping—

[Soorinn Noona: Hoyeon, it seems like Baek Ahyeong is peddling falsehoods. I will expedite a lawsuit with the academy immediately.]

[Me: Noona, pump the brakes. It's not false information; it's just about attending a party. I wanted to go to the social gathering and needed someone to go with me.]

I calmed down the turbocharged Moon Soorin. Why are you suddenly filing a lawsuit, noona?

[Soorin Noona: I'm also attending the party, you should've told me.]

"Ah…"

I hadn't considered that. In the series of events from meeting Im Sol and Baek Ahyeong, I completely blanked on Moon Soorin.

Hang on, if she's invited, wouldn't I be too? I'm kind of known, right? Wait a sec…

"Liliana, did anything like an invitation arrive here?"

"Invitation?" Liliana, nuzzling her face into my hands, closed her eyes, trying to remember. "Um… Loads of restaurant ads were lying around, so I tossed everything except the fried chicken one without really reading…"

"…"

It probably didn't. It shouldn't. Someone like me wouldn't get an invitation. Yeah. The past is not important; what matters is from now on.

[Me: Sorry, noona. It's not a big deal, so don't worry about it.]

[Soorin Noona: Are you two dating…?]

[Me: Of course not.]

[Soorin Noona: Got it.]

"Uh… This will probably affect her impression."

Ahyeong's sudden move left me feeling drained.

Next up are Lucy and Lumi. I have to fill them in too. But initiating contact with a 'I'm just going to the party with the saint, nothing weird' feels awkward, considering I'm not in a romantic relationship with the twins. Hesitating to contact first, it's a bit ambiguous. I'm not usually the first to reach out, and casual chats feel off after this news dropped.

"I should've kept in touch…." Regret setting in, I turned to Scarlett. "You've got the info I asked for?"

"Yes, I've compiled details about the social gathering and put them on your desk."

"As expected. You're reliable as always."

Reading through Scarlett's compilation, "Social gathering… A bunch of famous people are turning up."

As long as I manage to save Nam Dahee before the party, in truth, the party isn't that important. It's merely insurance. But now that things have turned out like this, I must attend. Ahyeong seems to have high expectations. After going this far, if I bail, she'll be greatly disappointed.

"Sigh… Scarlett, how's Nam Daeun doing?" Since that day, she hasn't shown her face at the academy.

"She's been holed up in her dorm. It looks like she hasn't eaten in days."

"Ugh…" I tried reaching out with the number we exchanged, but no answer.

"If she budges, let me know right away."

"Yes. Understood."

"Anything unusual with Alice?"

"She's been using the smartwatch left behind to watch the video. The usage time is gradually increasing. 2 hours and 15 minutes on the first day. Last night was 3 hours…."

"I'm not curious about that…"

I don't want detailed information about Alice's masturbation time.

"Sorry."

"Scout, how about this? The jungle's flavor, Jungle Chicken." Liliana, seemingly out of the blue, fired up a delivery app, picking a chicken spot.

"Sounds good to me. I'm in favor."

"You like Jungle Chicken too?"

I gently pushed Liliana away, who was clinging to me. "Do whatever you want."

My mind is too tangled right now to care whether it's Jungle Chicken or Amazon Chicken.

While the two were choosing chicken, I prayed for Kang Hyorin to handle the work quickly. And I pondered about what I needed to do next.

***

In the dimly lit conference room, Pandemic executives encircled a huge round table, anticipating the Maestro's arrival.

"Tsk!" Rebecca clicked her tongue at their doll-like postures, waiting with meticulous precision. They were the Maestro's pawns—compliant dolls devoid of personal will or assertion.

"I apologize. I got a bit delayed while praying."

Tch, A bit you say?

Although he arrived two hours later than the scheduled meeting time, no one expressed dissatisfaction. No, dissatisfaction wasn't the issue. It's because no emotions emanated from the executives.

Now seated, Maestro spoke, "Shall we start the meeting… By the way, Rebecca, why the sour expression?"

"How long am I going to wait? You said you'd send me to the academy."

She was eagerly anticipating meeting the Rune Clan descendant, but the standby order had been extended for a week, instructing her to observe the situation.

"The damage from the terror was minimal, and with the festival and exams over, tension should soon ease. Probably within a month or so…"

"A month? Are you insane? I can't wait that long."

"Rebecca! Show some respect to Maestro!" The bull-headed demon next to Rebecca shouted, emitting mana, but she remained indifferent, sneering without any movement.

"It's okay, Joshua. Calm down. And, Rebecca, look into my eyes for a moment."

Ziiing—

Mana emanated from Maestro's body, enveloping the surrounding space. The demon who had yelled at Rebecca earlier had his anger immediately quelled as the strength left his pupils, and he sat down.

Maestro rose from his seat, approached Rebecca slowly, locked eyes with her, and began to speak, "Rebecca, you need to remain quiet for a month. Understand?"

As their eyes met, the anger gradually faded from Rebecca's face.

"Yes… I understand." Responding with a vacant expression to Maestro's calm words, Rebecca seemed lost in thought.

"There's something more urgent than the academy. Fortunately, it involves you, Rebecca." Maestro smiled, seeing Rebecca's softened demeanor.

***

As Thursday afternoon unfolded, the countdown to the social gathering continued, with only two days left. I decided to spend the day at a cafe with the twins, making it clear that Ahyeong and I aren't dating but simply attending the party together. Surprisingly, they understood when I explained the situation in person, easing my initial concerns.

Sip—

"Is that drink really good?" Lucy asked, eyeing the emerald-green beverage in my hand.

"Yeah, it's not bad."

It's a Claire Rose Latte, a Moon Soorin favorite. Honestly, the taste isn't fantastic, but I'm sticking to it. Maybe it'll grow on me.

"What's the flavor like?"

"Well… It's a mix of sweet roses, fresh mint, and a hint of spice."

"Sounds unappealing…" Lucy sipped her chocolate frappe.

"Hoyeon, try this."

"Thanks. Have a sip of this."

I handed my latte to Lumi, and she offered me a piece of her cake.

"Oh… I'm fine."

"Take it. It's a heartfelt offer. Sip away."

I honestly can't finish the latte alone, so Lumi reluctantly took a sip.

"Fine… Sip… Ugh!"

"No need to be dramatic, Lumi."

She closed her eyes as if bracing for something unpleasant while sipping the Claire Rose Latte, but it's not that bad.

"I told you not to bully my sister!" Lucy threatened me with her cake fork.

"No, Lucy. This latte is surprisingly tasty." Lumi backed me up.

"See? What's the issue?"

"What's this? Are you two ganging up on me now?" Lucy pouted, clearly jealous as she watched Lumi and me getting along.

Being with the twins puts me at ease. Compared to other heroines, I can easily brush off this level of jealousy.

Lumi and I teamed up to soothe the upset Lucy.