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A while back, when Serena Olson got into the Diplomatic Department’s vehicle.

“Where are we heading?”

“To a secret safe house prepared by the National Intelligence Service.”

“…Do I have to live in hiding in Korea too?”

“No, it’s not like that. Even if you’re an Awakened One who sought asylum, the government can’t just buy you a house. There would be too much talk.”

“Ah, so instead of buying a new one, it’s more like they’re lending an existing place temporarily. Plus, since it’s a secret safe house, there’s no need to disclose usage details to the public, ensuring confidentiality. That way, the public won’t find out, and you avoid all the hassle beforehand.”

“…Exactly.”

Serena Olson, 17 years old.

From her daily life on the Prophet Ship with Jeong Gyeoul, she seemed like just a naive student.

Not long ago, she was merely a student, so it’s a natural thing to say.

That’s why the Diplomatic Department staff thought she wouldn’t understand the explanation well and were pondering how to simplify it further…

But Serena had already grasped and understood even the parts not explained.

She showed intelligence beyond expectations, making them start to look forward to her.

They wondered how much national interest a smart prophet could bring when she fully utilized her abilities.

However, just a few days after staying with Serena, those thoughts were shattered.

Before national interest, they were about to take a sick leave due to neurosis.

“Who’s stronger, the CIA or the National Intelligence Service?”

“Do you get settlement support funds? I came all the way here at Korea’s request, so you’ll at least do that much, right?”

“I heard I have to attend the Academy. Do I really have to go?”

“There’s no PlayStation at home? I might die of boredom…”

“I can’t sleep without silk pajamas. You’ll prepare them, right?”

“…What’s Baekban? Until I adjust to Korea, I’ll stick to American food, please.”

“Eww… pig parts? Just give me steak instead.”

“I’m bored, tell me about your first love.”

“When was your first kiss?”

“I heard high-grade Awakened Ones hang out with celebrities. Can I do that too?”

She was a typical 17-year-old brat, yet clever enough to understand and use her situation to her advantage.

It felt like taking care of a spoiled rich kid.

‘It’s just a few days, let’s endure a bit.’

But contrary to expectations, Serena had to stay at the safe house for almost a month.

By the time the Diplomatic Department staff in charge of Serena started to develop alopecia.

All processes were finally completed, and Serena could be released into society.

After negotiations with the Association, they could provide Serena with support funds under the name of Awakened One loans, an amount enough to buy a house and more.

“Finally, it’s all over. You’ve worked hard. Where are you going now? If you want, I can help you get a house.”

“Hmm… that’s for later. I’ll contact you if I need help. First, I’m going to see Gyeoul.”

“Ah, right. You already have a friend in Korea. Wandering around with Hero Jeong Gyeoul will help you adapt to Korean society faster.”

Following Serena’s request, they took her to the house where Jeong Gyeoul lived.

The Diplomatic Department staff’s long business trip was over.

***

Seeing Serena’s face reminded me of the trip to the US.

‘Come to think of it, I had completely forgotten about her.’

It was understandable.

After all, I had been on a trip to the Demon Realm, which was more intense than the trip to the US.

Anyway, Serena, seen after a month, was still lively and healthy.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course! Has Gyeoul been well too?”

“No, I’ve had quite a few problems. Let’s go inside first.”

We went inside and sat in the living room.

Seeing four teacups already placed, it seemed they had been having a conversation with the family.

“Long time no see, Gyeoul. But why are you back after just a few days? I thought you said it would be a month this time.”

“Well, there were circumstances.”

“Did you go to the Demon Realm again? Now, every time you do something, I expect a Jeong Gyeoul chronicle. Coffee?”

“Yes, an Americano, please.”

They’re not worried about me but looking forward to the stories I’ll tell. Unbelievable.

But it’s as good as saying my stories are interesting, so that’s fine.

“I just rolled around at a restaurant all day. It was more of a killing variety show than a healing one.”

“Ah, I had a feeling when it was PD Choi’s program. Surely, Eun-chae tried to stop you?”

Eun-chae, who stops me, is more annoying than PD Choi, who hits me.

If I get the chance, I’d like to stick Eun-chae into serving at the Monster Restaurant.

…?

Putting Jeong Ha-yul in the kitchen, leaving Kang-woo and Eun-chae alone.

Would the appearance fees double?

Seems like something worth discussing with PD Choi.

But now is not the time for that; it’s time to entertain our guest.

I spoke to Serena, who was sipping tea with a bright smile.

“Did you finish what you were doing with the Diplomatic Department?”

“Yes! It was supposed to take a few days, but for some reason, it took a month.”

“…? If something that was supposed to take a few days took a month, why don’t you know why?”

If PD Choi says we’re going back to daily operations now! Come into the accommodation! I’m ready to seriously fight him, but she lived there for a month without even knowing why?

“Huh? I didn’t ask?”

“…? Why didn’t you ask?”

“Huh? I wasn’t curious?”

“…? Why weren’t you curious?”

“Huh? Does there have to be a reason for not being curious?”

“…Not really.”

Hmm.

I’m not someone who gets pushed around in arguments, but I feel like I’m being outdone from the start.

“Anyway… are you going to the Academy now?”

“I was supposed to, but I discussed it with the sister in charge, wondering if the Academy really has any meaning.

Since I don’t need combat abilities at all, it’s agreed with the Association that I don’t have to go.”

In this day and age, an Awakened One not attending the Academy?

“Then you won’t get a Hero Certification?”

“Do I really need to be a Hero? I’m not going to catch villains or monsters. I’ll just be prophesying from my room.”

“…That’s true.”

Thinking about it, if you’re not in a combat role, you don’t really need a Hero Certification.

Money and fame follow, but… in her case, people would line up three times around the training ground to pay a billion for a prophecy.

Being the only prophet in the world, it’s harder not to have fame and money follow.

Even if she refuses, it’ll probably stick to her.

…Thinking about it, it’s frustrating! Those damn Satan Church perverts.

Why didn’t they give me a prophecy ability or at least some horrific hybrid to make my life this tough?

The Satan who should have descended into my body is probably the most virtuous in the Demon Realm and wouldn’t even accept offerings.

“But… why did you come to our house?”

“Wow, what kind of reaction is that? I might feel a bit hurt.”

“See, our Gyeoul has become more cynical after eating broadcast stuff. Did you leave your emotions at the filming site? To a child who lost her home, hometown, and friends and came all the way to Korea, asking why she came, I’d believe she’s Satan’s daughter. Isn’t that right, Demon King?”

“…Is this insulting me or Gyeoul? Just because the Satan Church played a prank with my Awakening factor, it doesn’t mean I’m his daughter, but somehow it feels like my genetic level is being insulted. Should I check later?”

“Eun-chae’s words seem a bit off, let’s check later, and Serena. It’s not that I don’t want you here, it was a genuine question. Sorry if it hurt you.”

Eun-chae, after receiving attacks from Ha-yul and me, brushed her arm as if she had goosebumps.

Serves you right, bear the weight of your words.

Serena laughed, saying she wasn’t hurt at all and it was just a joke.

“I only know Ha-yul and you in Korea. As soon as I left the safe house, I thought of you and came running. But it turns out I don’t have a home? So I decided to live here!”

“…?”

Is this how you find a home following the flow of consciousness?

If everything in the world worked like that, I’d be the President of South Korea and the Queen of England, living in the White House!

“Don’t say it like that, Gyeoul might misunderstand. We offered first for her to live here.”

“Did everyone agree to this?”

“Yes. There’s no reason to refuse. What about you?”

“Then I don’t mind. If she barged in saying she’s living here! I would have kicked her out, but since it’s not like that.”

Even if the government did something, it’s unlikely they provided enough money to buy a house.

At best, it would be a small studio or a goshiwon, which would be a bit of a conscience prick.

Kidnapping someone who was living fine to Korea and then putting them in a goshiwon?

If it were me, I’d behead the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Association President and go to jail.

There are plenty of rooms, and the food expenses from me are enormous anyway.

This isn’t a poor household that can’t handle one more mouth.

“Wow! Gyeoul, thank you!”

“…If we’re living together, I’d appreciate it if you could hold back on this.”

Hugging and rubbing against me. Even Eun-chae and Ha-yul are banned from this. You’re banned too, buddy.

But what’s with a 17-year-old already like this?

No different from when Eun-chae or Ha-yul hug me.

‘…Will I grow as much as Serena?’

I shouldn’t be outdone anywhere.

In my past life, I never backed down.

‘Yeah, I was impressive. Really great.’

But why am I crying?

“Huh? Gyeoul’s crying?”

“What are you talking about! I’m a big, impressive person! I never cry!”

“…?”

 

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