Chapter 258

It was truly difficult to define the child known as Nona in one word.

The first word that comes to mind would be “genius.”

Parents who scold their children for not working as hard as Namer began to stop their nagging after watching the genius discovery program she was featured in.

Because even if the parents themselves attended the Academy instead of their child right now, there was no guarantee they would surpass Namer.

Originally, parents welcomed having a smart child as a friend with open arms, but her unique status became a problem.

“Victim of the Valpurgis terror.”

Recently, the world was shaken when the child was subjected to a bombing during a live broadcast.

Initially revealed to be the crime of an inferior complex-ridden psychopath, it was additionally disclosed that he was connected to Valpurgis, and the prosecution sought the death penalty based on the anti-terrorism law.

While an ordinary child might have remained at home for years due to trauma, Namer demonstrated audacity even to the extent of filming a video mocking the terrorists.

In good ways or bad, Nona was not a normal child.

If she continues to grow like this, she would become a child that makes a mark in South Korean history.

But it remains questionable whether this child would make it to adulthood unscathed.

“What does Johan think?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m talking about Namer. What kind of friend do you think she is?”

Thus, the parents decided to ask their children directly.

The stories covered by the media are always subject to distortion.

“She’s kind, cute, and really strong.”

“Strong?”

“Yeah. Earlier this morning, she even beat Joon in arm wrestling!”

“Really? She’s so strong!”

“Do you know? Namer is really good at playing air games, and even in genius mode, she once did it alone for over 100 years, and also…”

“Alright, Johan. Class is about to start, so let’s sit down. Mom will talk to some other parents for a moment. You make sure to pay attention in class, okay?”

“Okay, see you at lunchtime.”

Due to spatial reasons, not all parents could attend the class at once.

During the fourth period, the parents who briefly stepped into the hallway exchanged greetings and shared updates.

Among them was Hong Joon’s father, whom Johan mentioned earlier.

A former martial artist currently active as a broadcaster in various entertainment shows.

One could feel the overwhelming presence, knowing where his child inherited their genes from.

That wasn’t all.

It started with Iharu, the CEO and COO of “Samyeonlink,” making his first appearance, and both parents of Han Gyeol Kim, who is currently busy as a partner magic scholar for the Raon Clan, were also in attendance.

All of them were prominent figures, but one person remained at the center of attention.

Cheon Kyujin, a professor at Korea University, was the one who recognized Namer’s talent immediately when she was barely surviving in an internet cafe and chose to adopt her.

“The kids seem to be arm wrestling during break times these days.”

Johan’s mother spoke first, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

“Haha! I thought no one could challenge our Joon. He’s big but can’t move against Namer and Yuna at all. His personality is inherently timid.”

“Usually at this age, girls handle their aura much better! Joon has something innate, and he won’t be ignored later on.”

“Joon is quite polite and cheerful. I really envy how well you’ve raised him!”

“Oh, not at all. We only have three taciturn sons, and my wife keeps complaining that having a cute daughter like Namer would really make her happy every day. Don’t you think so, Mr. Namer’s father?”

“Ah, yes…”

Even though there were three breaks in between, Professor Cheon missed his opportunity to speak to Namer each time because she always went to the bathroom with her friends and returned just before class started.

There was a thought that she might be intentionally avoiding him.

“By the way, is Namer okay physically? No aftereffects? It’s hard to believe such a terrible thing could happen to a child…”

“I’ll have to educate my child not to accept unknown packages in the future.”

Classes continued without any special happenings until the fourth period.

After lunchtime, starting from the fifth period, Jacqueline Carroll announced that there would be a lesson in the assembly hall for students and parents.

The Academy’s practical combat schedule was about to begin.

The homeroom teacher explained in detail what activities would take place during the practice and how representatives would be selected for future competitions.

This is when the children’s “talent” would be properly assessed.

Of course, there were many students who would develop their talents later in life, but it was only natural for parents to wish for their children to be ahead of others.

As the fourth period music class was ending and the children’s recorder sounds started to fade away.

“Who is that…?”

At the end of the hallway, a woman was slowly walking towards this direction, tightly holding the hands of two young men on either side.

She wasn’t dressed in luxury and didn’t have a stylish appearance like the other young parents.

The petite woman seemed unable to walk well without the support of the youths.

Yet each step she took contained a strong desire to move forward.

As the parents’ chatter subsided and she arrived in front of the 2nd Grade A Class.

Her figure suddenly resembled that of a girl from Class A.

“Hello, I’m sorry for the confusion, but this is my first time in such a place.”

The woman bowed her head in greeting.

Her slightly husky voice drew the attention of others.

“Uh… hello…?”

Other parents awkwardly returned the greeting, but the woman smiled brightly as if she were delighted by that.

“Yes, nice to meet you. I’m the mother of Seoyuna.”

* * *

[Semaaru: I have to go see Namer at the open class today too!]

When I heard that Semaaru and Seonoel were suddenly coming to see me, I thought it was some random talk.

Recently, Yuna’s mother had begun rehabilitation therapy in the hospital while starting to practice walking, and I heard that her condition has improved to the point where she can walk independently, albeit clumsily.

Yuna still doesn’t know this fact.

In other words, Yuna’s mother attending the open class for parents was a sort of surprise prepared for Yuna.

“Yuna, just a moment, look at me.”

“Hmm?”

Yuna’s mother was outside in the hallway now.

I gently tidied up her red bangs with a tail comb so she could look slightly prettier.

I didn’t forget to wipe away the white drool marks that had formed at the corners of her mouth while playing the recorder.

“Okay, now stop!”

“You look pretty, Yuna.”

“Enough, let’s hurry and go eat lunch.”

Now, she doesn’t even respond to my compliments.

“Aren’t you going to eat lunch today, Namer?”

As I remained seated, Yuna who was about to storm out of the classroom turned around again.

“You should eat with your parents. Don’t you think it would upset them if you just disappeared with a friend?”

“Oh right… Namer’s dad was here… um… enjoy your meal…”

Yuna pouted her lips.

“Not me. You, Seoyuna, you.”

“…?”

I pointed outside the window, turning Yuna’s body 180 degrees; she was clearly misunderstanding a lot.

Seonoel, who was a head taller than the others, stood beside Semaaru.

And right behind the open back door, Yuna’s most beloved person was anxiously waiting for her.

It was Yuna’s mother.

“Uh… Mom…? Mom!”

Yuna dashed out and embraced her mother.

I slowly stood up from my seat and followed her.

“Oh my, hearing our Yuna’s voice after a long time is so loud!”

“Ugh… Mom… sniff… what? You were at the hospital yesterday. Why are you here… sniff…”

“I came to see Yuna. Mom can’t come here?”

“No… waaaah.”

Yuna burst into tears, wrapped in her mother’s arms.

No matter how petite Yuna’s mom was, she could easily hold her little daughter.

With the sudden reunion between mother and daughter, Yuna’s tears were unending.

After a long time of wailing like a newborn in her mother’s embrace.

Feeling embarrassed about her actions, Yuna turned her head sharply and wiped her tears with her arm.

There was no point in feeling embarrassed since it was just Professor Cheon and me in the classroom.

“Have you cried it all out?”

“No… sniff…”

Why deny it?

“Your mother looks much better than before. You didn’t even bring a wheelchair; have you already started rehabilitation?”

“I need to get better quickly, so I can take walks with Yuna. I can’t keep bothering our boys for help forever.”

“Mom, we’re really not a bother at all!”

“That’s just what I’m saying, you guys. Namer, if Maru skips class, can you come tell me? I’ll give him a good scolding.”

“Yes, I’ll let you know regularly.”

“Hey, Nona, when did I skip class! You! You’re the one who-”

Editor Semaaru flared up in anger, but upon seeing Professor Cheon behind me, he quickly shut his mouth.

“Shall we all go have lunch together?”

We would have to wait in line for a while, but there was no other choice, since we hadn’t brought our own lunch.

Yuna swiftly came back to my side, grabbing my hand and shaking her arms back and forth excitedly.

It was just like a happy puppy wagging its tail.

Meanwhile, Professor Cheon had been walking awkwardly behind us, keeping his distance.

He truly was overly cautious about everything.

Sometimes it felt frustrating just watching him.

I took his rough hand with my empty left hand and looked up at him.

“Professor Cheon!”