Chapter 103: Academy Heroine's Right Diagonal Back Seat
Chapter 103
Immediately after Scarlet left, Leon Lionel was deep in thought.
He was pondering how he could help the girl named Scarlet become stronger.
At first, he considered meeting her for private lessons like today, but there were several obstacles to this plan.
Firstly, as a member of Astrape, he only had one free day per week due to his busy schedule.
Moreover, the academy, which was temporarily on break, would soon resume its normal schedule, making it difficult for Scarlet to find the time as well.
Additionally, he had confidently claimed that he would help her become stronger, and he wanted to deliver on that promise.
Seeing such potential in Scarlet after a long time, he wanted to provide high-quality guidance out of personal desire as well.
While Leon was mulling over these thoughts, he recalled a recent event within the 1st squad.
Because of the recent incident that caused significant damage to the city, more squad members requested transfers from border patrols to internal city defense roles, worrying about their families' safety.
However, someone had to guard the border areas, so convincing his squad members to stay had been a headache.
There weren't enough outstanding talents among the current heroes to ensure Astrape's success.
Seeing Yoon Si-woo join the 4th squad, he had even felt a twinge of jealousy that the 4th squad now had a potential squad leader.
That was why the idea of nurturing future talents crossed Leon's mind.
When Scarlet mentioned that she wasn't even in the top five among the first-year students, it struck him that today's first-year students were more talented than those during his golden generation.
With this realization, Leon made up his mind.
Scarlet had limited time due to her academy commitments.
Therefore, it would be more efficient if he went to the academy to teach her whenever he had free time.
While at it, he could also mentor other talented students, making it a win-win situation.
Realizing he couldn't do it alone, Leon decided to expand his plan and picked up the phone.
He had the contacts of other squad leaders saved on his phone.
---
Martina Ivanova, the squad leader of Astrape’s 4th squad, was currently unable to enjoy her coffee in the break room after finishing her patrol in the border area.
“...Why are you here?”
“Come on, Martina. Don’t be so upset. It’s not like I’m somewhere I shouldn’t be, right?”
The reason was none other than Natalia Eloise, the squad leader of the 3rd squad, who was sitting across from her with a sly smile.
To Martina, Natalia was the arch-enemy who had stolen her first love.
Just seeing her face made her blood boil, and her smirking face only made it worse.
Suppressing the urge to curse, Martina snapped at Natalia.
“This is the 4th squad’s jurisdiction. You know it’s a serious offense to leave your post during duty, right?”
“Sorry, but I’m on leave today, so I’m free to go wherever I want.”
“You crazy woman. Why are you here instead of at home with your family on your day off?”
Despite Martina's outburst, Natalia just continued to smile mischievously, making a gesture as if wiping away a tear with the back of her hand.
“Boo-hoo, you’re so mean. I just wanted to see my friend on my day off...”
“If you’re going to lie, at least wipe that smile off your face first! And I’ve never considered you a friend!”
“Oops, you caught me. You’re right. I’m actually here on other business.”
Natalia’s smiling admission only made Martina’s face scrunch up in frustration.
She didn’t know what business Natalia had, but it was always something that would annoy her.
Just as Martina was thinking she wouldn’t let Natalia get away with any nonsense, someone opened the break room door.
It was Yoon Si-woo, a new member of the 4th squad, who seemed to have just finished his shift and was looking for a place to rest.
“...Were you having an important conversation?”
“No, no. It’s fine. Come in and have some coffee. I’ll make you a cup.”
“Ah... Thank you, Captain Martina.”
Seeing Yoon Si-woo’s face immediately improved Martina’s mood, which had been sour due to Natalia’s presence, and she quickly got up to make him coffee.
These days, Martina’s only joy was this new recruit, Yoon Si-woo.
In a short time, he had shown such talent that people were already calling him the next squad leader of the 4th squad.
At first, she had reluctantly taken him in due to losing a bet, but now she felt he was a jackpot.
Given that Natalia was also present, Martina felt like showing off a bit and glanced at Natalia as she made coffee for Yoon Si-woo. Suddenly, she felt a surge of anxiety.
Natalia was eyeing Yoon Si-woo like a predator eyeing its prey, with a sly smile.
Surely, she couldn’t be...
At that moment, Martina saw Natalia open her mouth to speak to Yoon Si-woo.
“Hey...”
But before Natalia could continue, Martina interrupted her with a telepathic warning.
[Stop right there. What are you planning to do to our rookie?]
Using magic to communicate telepathically, Martina’s voice was deadly serious. Natalia glanced at Martina and responded telepathically.
[I told you I had business here. I have something to discuss with Yoon Si-woo.]
Martina glared at Natalia.
[You better not be planning to poach our rookie for your squad. If that’s your game, I won’t forgive you.]
[Don’t worry. I wouldn’t do something so dishonorable.]
[Then tell me what you need him for.]
[That’s a secret. It’s a bit personal.]
Personal?
Martina felt an ominous chill at those words.
Just as she was about to press Natalia further, both their phones rang simultaneously.
Pausing their telepathic exchange, Martina looked at her phone and murmured softly at the message she received.
“...What is this? A special lecture at the academy?”
The message, sent by Leon Lionel, the leader of the 1st squad, was brief.
It suggested that the squad leaders should spend some time teaching at the academy to help nurture future talents.
It was a good idea in theory, but there was one major problem.
“No matter how good the idea, asking us to use our one day off per week to teach kids is a bit much...”
Seeing her expression, Natalia also seemed less than thrilled about the idea.
Teaching kids even during their days off essentially meant working non-stop year-round, so it was understandable.
Martina shared the same negative sentiment. With a job as mentally taxing as theirs, she firmly believed in the importance of proper rest.
Of course, part of her reluctance also stemmed from the fact that visiting the academy would vividly remind her of the frustration of losing her first love to Natalia.
At that moment, Yoon Si-woo, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, showing interest in the topic.
“Um, if the captain goes to teach, can I come along too?”
“You want to use your leave to come with me and watch me teach? Well, it’s possible, but I’m not planning on going. It looks like Natalia isn’t keen on the idea either.”
“...I see.”
Hearing both Martina and Natalia's reluctance, Yoon Si-woo responded with disappointment.
Wondering if he missed school that much, Martina checked the time, realizing it was nearly time for her shift change. She stood up and said.
“Anyway, I need to get to my post. Rookie, if this woman starts spouting nonsense, make sure to tell me later.”
With that, Martina left the break room.
---
“Hey, Si-woo? You know who I am, right?”
After Martina left the break room, Yoon Si-woo felt a bit uncomfortable being alone with Natalia. He responded to her with a slight smile.
“Yes. You're Natalia Eloise, the captain of the 3rd squad.”
“Right. I’ve heard you’re quite recognized these days. I regret not noticing your talents sooner. You’re capable and handsome; if you had joined my squad, I would have treated you very well.”
Despite her flirtatious tone and smile, Yoon Si-woo felt uneasy. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was eyeing him like prey.
Suddenly, he felt a sensation on his hand, making him flinch. Natalia was gently stroking his palm with her slender fingers.
Not knowing how to react, he froze, and Natalia leaned in closer, speaking softly.
“You have wonderful hands. I like capable and handsome people, but I love those who put in the effort the most. You’re all three, which is why I’m so fond of you. You remind me of my husband.”
Yoon Si-woo felt paralyzed with confusion. His brain struggled to process the situation. Was this what they called sexual harassment?
He remembered the advice from his childhood: shout no, refuse, and seek help if someone does this. But how do you handle it when it’s your superior at work?
Just then, Natalia let go of his hand and spoke.
“I really like you, Si-woo. I have a proposal for you. Would you consider meeting my daughter?”
“...Pardon?”
Caught off guard, Yoon Si-woo replied dumbly. Natalia chuckled and continued.
“You’ve probably seen her around the academy. Her name is Marin.”
“Yes, she’s the class president of Class B.”
“What do you think of her? Isn’t she pretty?”
Thinking of the blue-haired girl, Yoon Si-woo nodded slightly. In terms of looks, Marin was indeed beautiful.
Natalia, with a proud smile, went on.
“I want my daughter to find a good man early, like I did. And you seem like a great guy. So, I think it would be wonderful if you two got together.”
Yoon Si-woo’s face hardened. Honestly, he had no interest in dating anyone right now, except for one person.
Just as he was about to decline, Natalia added.
“I’m not forcing you to date her. Just meet her once. If you hit it off, great. If not, no harm done. And to make it fair, I’ll grant you one favor in return.”
“...Just meeting her once is enough, regardless of the outcome?”
“Of course. I’m not that unreasonable. And you can ask for anything you want.”
Remembering the earlier conversation, Yoon Si-woo hesitated before speaking.
“Can you persuade Captain Martina to teach at the academy?”
“That’s all? That’s easy for me. I’ll contact you later with the time and place.”
As he shook Natalia’s hand, Yoon Si-woo thought quietly.
...It’s not cheating if I just meet her. This is just to create more opportunities to meet Scarlet naturally...
---
After her shift, Martina returned to her few joys, enjoying a strong cup of coffee.
The coffee should be strong to taste good.
Humming a tune, she recalled the earlier events and called Natalia to ask.
“Hey, I’m really curious. What did you talk about with our rookie? Can you tell me?”
Natalia’s voice, filled with laughter, came through the phone.
“Curious? It’s nothing much. I just asked him to meet my daughter, and he agreed. If things go well, will you officiate the wedding?”
...Wait? Isn’t he supposed to prefer older women?
Shocked, Martina dropped her cup, spilling coffee on the floor.
Just like her mood, the spilled coffee was as dark as it was bitter.
I love her character haha
ReplyDeleteMartina just can't stop losing, my god. πππππΌππΌ
ReplyDeleteIf she's rich, powerful, accomplished, insanely beautiful and still single then there's gonna be a VERY good reason as to whyππ☠️☠️
ReplyDelete