Chapter 100

The barbecue preparation was happening in the backyard of Yu Hye-won’s house, next to the pool where we had played during the summer.

It seemed that the front yard, completely visible from the parents’ house and other facilities, would cause discomfort, so they likely chose this side for the event.

The overseer, who had been supervising the bustling servants, saw me and smiled brightly.

“Professor? It’s been such a long time since I last saw you.”

“Hello, overseer.”

“I’ve heard from Hye-won. You’re here to visit Chairman, aren’t you?”

“Yes, incidentally. Hye-won student also invited me.”

“Ah, good. Still, you might not see the Chairman today.”

“Isn’t he coming?”

“I was informed he’ll be late. You know, things haven’t been good lately.”

The Chairman is always serious and diligent about everything. Being home late these days was expected.

“Nevertheless, the Professor mentioned that you’re coming, so Chairman said he’ll try to make time tomorrow. Please rest well today.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“By the way, Professor… has Hye-won found a boyfriend?”

“Boyfriend? No, why do you ask?”

“Hmm.”

The overseer narrowed his eyes, as if puzzled, and looked at Yu Hye-won across the yard.

“Lately she’s been walking around smiling for no reason, and she’s not throwing tantrums as often. It seems there’s been a change.”

“I understand her to not have a boyfriend.”

“Is that so? Then why is she acting like this?”

I know the reason, but I’m not insane enough to tell the overseer.

I haven’t lied, either. Yu Hye-won doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Yes, we kissed, but that doesn’t necessarily lead to dating.

Moreover, Yu Hye-won is a minor.

Most students become legal adults next year when they enter the second grade, but it varies depending on birthdays.

What happens between us in the future is uncertain, but delving deeper now would be a crime.

“Professor! Hurry up!”

Han Min-ha shouted, and the overseer chuckled, giving me a light push on the back.

“The children are waiting for you. Go ahead.”

“Yes, then.”

Yu Hye-won had chased away the rest of the servants except for us.

“Isn’t it better to grill the meat ourselves?”

“That’s true. Gimme this. I’ll do the grilling.”

I took the tongs from Han Min-ha’s hand and placed the meat on the grill. The meat sizzled delightfully over the glowing coals.

There was beef and pork prepared by section, along with various fruits and vegetables laid out on the table.

I asked the children about their preferences, added a few items to the grill, and seasoned it with salt.

Even though it was a simple task, Han Min-ha clapped her hands and said I was amazing.

“Professor, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

“Thank you, but it’s not much.”

“Hmm, still, it feels like everything you do is professional.”

Yu Hye-won uncorked the wine from the basket and poured it into chilled glasses according to the number of people.

“Since everyone’s here, I’ve prepared something special.”

“It’s alcohol?”

“Ohoho! Forget it if you’re going to nag about minors and students.”

“No, I wasn’t going to do that. After all, you’ll all become adults after next year’s birthdays. I was merely curious about the type of drink.”

Upon hearing Yu Hye-won name the wine, I was somewhat surprised. I know this price well.

Though I’m not someone who enjoys drinking, I should appreciate this rare wine tonight.

“Who knows, but is it a good drink?”

Han Min-ha laughed while sniffing the wine’s aroma.

She looks unusually radiant and happy. It seems she’s spent a wonderful summer here.

Meanwhile, Song Do-yoon has been eerily quiet, standing in shadow since arriving.

Perhaps she feels out of place in this world that’s different from her own neighborhood.

“Alright, let’s toast. Hmm, since everyone’s in a good mood, Professor, why don’t you give the toast?”

“Alright.”

I cleared my throat and held up my glass.

“First, thank you to Hye-won student for arranging this. This gathering today is meaningful, as our team has met after working hard during the last semester.”

“What’s that…?”

“Quiet, Hye-won. Professor is speaking.”

“Everyone worked hard, and as a result, we achieved first place in the team performance evaluation. Applause, please.”

“Haa…”

Yu Hye-won sighed loudly, while Han Min-ha and Song Do-yoon clapped along with me.

“Thanks to all of you believing in and following me despite my shortcomings, we’ve come this far. Moving forward into next year, as we step into the second grade, if we continue like this year, I believe there’ll be no issues.”

“I trust you, Professor!”

“Good, then let’s toast. Let’s resolve to achieve what we aim for in the coming new year. Cheers with the motto ‘Finalization.’”

Yu Hye-won’s expression went utterly sour, and Song Do-yoon averted her gaze, losing control of her facial expression.

Han Min-ha was the only one who held her glass and gazed resolutely with bright eyes.

Sorry, kids. This stems from what I’ve learned in previous drinking sessions.

Limited input leads to limited output.

“Together, let’s achieve whatever we aim for!”

“Finalization!” “Finalization…” “Oh, for real…”

Regardless, we clinked our glasses and swallowed the expensive brandy in one go.

The smooth descent of the potent, rich liquor made me feel considerably better.

This must be why the wealthy pay for expensive drinks.

“Whooa! It’s so strong!”

Han Min-ha recoiled in shock and gulped water, while Yu Hye-won covered her mouth, coughing through her nose with her eyes tightly shut.

Song Do-yoon merely sipped hers, prompting me to comment.

“Do-young student, it’s a toast, not just a mere sip.”

Song Do-yoon slightly frowned and emptied her glass in one shot.

“Professor, I’m sorry, but your toast is truly ridiculous. Worst-ever.”

With a laugh, I flipped the meat as Yu Hye-won criticized me.

“Sorry, but you might end up doing the same if you’re ever part of an organization like I am. Speaking of which, would you like to learn about formal corporate toast formats?”

“No, no, that’s fine. I don’t want to hear it. I might open an office someday anyway.”

“Even if you become an office representative, won’t you have a dinner with your sidekicks and employees?”

“Still, I won’t do cheesy toasts like you.”

“Okay, let’s see.”

Thus, we enjoyed the night barbecuing over the charcoal.

“Professor… ah, try this!”

Han Min-ha shoved a giant wrapped bite into my mouth with a cheerful smile waiting for my reaction.

With my mouth full, I couldn’t reply and just nodded while giving a thumbs-up, causing her to laugh happily.

Han Min-ha truly is adorable despite her occasional foolishness.

It’s hard to believe that the former introverted and low-self-esteem girl has become so radiant.

Senior Han Tae-woo and Seo Ji-ah, your daughter has become so bright.

I promise to make her an S-rank member as we agreed, so watch her.

Only then can I proudly meet you when we see each other again in the afterlife.

While such thoughts from a shonen manga-style ran through my head, I could see Yu Hye-won and Song Do-yoon having a serious conversation nearby.

Though I worried they might be arguing, it seemed not to be the case.

Their dialogue revolved around the money Do-yoon had received, how it was pocket change, and how it wasn’t burdensome since it was expected.

A casual, everyday-level conversation.

As more drinks went around, Yu Hye-won grew increasingly chatty while Song Do-yoon grew quieter.

The dynamic became Yu Hye-won talking, me replying, and Han Min-ha chiming in.

The inebriated Yu Hye-won spoke freely, and I worried she might mention being touched or our kiss.

Thankfully, she didn’t bring up those incidents, but instead kept sending odd signals—winking, licking her lips, and slightly unzipping her jacket.

It’s understood, but I’m not interested in such behavior in a minor disciple’s home.

A conscientious member of society wouldn’t do such things.

* * * * *

The brandy Yu Hye-won brought was as good as its price, and soon one bottle turned into two, then three in no time.

“Professor… listen… I, um…”

By now completely drunk, Yu Hye-won leaned her head on my shoulder and endlessly repeated meaningless phrases.

On my other shoulder, Han Min-ha was sound asleep, drooling onto the sleeve of my coat.

Song Do-yoon, with a glazed look, mimed cutting her throat with her hand as a hint to stop, and I slowly nodded in agreement.

But even I, having drunk excessively due to the expensive liquor, had difficulty holding my balance.

This excessive drinking is largely Han Min-ha’s fault.

She kept refilling our cups, encouraging us to drink more.

There’s no choice but to resort to that method.

I wrapped a thin layer of aura tightly around my body and used it to rise, akin to an aura-based exoskeleton suit.

Seeing it, Song Do-yoon made an ‘O’ with her mouth and briefly exclaimed in awe.

“Let’s head inside, Do-yoon student…”

“Nnngh, Professor…”

I slung Han Min-ha and Yu Hye-won across my chest like a backpack and slowly marched inside.

Waiting employees rushed to carry Han Min-ha and Yu Hye-won toward the elevator.

I managed to walk with Song Do-yoon, supported by the aura.

“Let’s go in then, Do-yoon student… Rest well tonight… see you tomorrow….”

“Nngh… goodnight….”

Once inside my room, I dispelled the aura and collapsed onto the bed.

As the ground alternately spun clockwise and stopped, I gradually fell asleep.

It’s as if the mattress came alive, enveloping me.

How long did I sleep?

I awoke suddenly due to a suffocating feeling.

The blanket was unusually heavy.

Must be the alcohol making even the blanket feel oppressive.

Since the room is warm, better to just toss it away…

But I couldn’t.

Because the blanket was already gone, replaced by someone lying on top of me.