I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 71

It was no longer shocking when things unfolded that neither the novel nor the game had ever hinted at. Baek Yu-Seol remained unfazed as Hong Bi-Yeon, seated across from him, deftly flipped slices of samgyeopsal with tongs.

‘Wow, this really doesn’t suit her. But then again, no matter what she does, she looks stunning. Even grilling meat feels like a scene from a magazine shoot.’

‘But has the princess ever grilled meat before?’

Sizzle!

“Hey, it’s burning! Flip it!”

"I was just about to."

"Give me the tongs."

“No. Today, I’m treating you…”

“Ah, shut up and give them here.”

‘To think she’d ruin such precious meat…’

‘As expected of the fire incarnate. She sure knows how to burn things.’

With her chin resting on her hands, Hong Bi-Yeon watched patiently as Baek Yu-Seol took over. He flipped the samgyeopsal and sliced it into bite-sized pieces with practiced ease.

"Here, eat."

For a princess accustomed to dining on luxurious meals, even this high-grade black pork was likely nothing more than cheap food.

Still, Baek Yu-Seol had deliberately chosen such a meal. A fancy restaurant would have left him feeling out of place. Instead, he had brought Hong Bi-Yeon somewhere unfamiliar, where he could feel at ease.

“…It’s edible.”

That was her polite way of saying it didn’t taste good. Normally, if something failed to meet her standards, Hong Bi-Yeon wouldn’t hesitate to grimace and spit it out. But today, she somehow managed to swallow it.

He knew the reason why.

It was because a product of magic engineering had been developed in the Alchemy City.

The information hadn’t yet been made public to prevent leaks, but the Adolevit royal family’s network had surely already acquired it.

Perhaps Hong Bi-Yeon hoped to establish ties with him to secure her involvement in the item business.

Introducing such groundbreaking technology through her could greatly strengthen her influence.

But one question lingered in his mind.

“So, you figured out I’m a co-author. But why me? You could’ve contacted Assistant Professor Alterisha directly.”

“I think there’s some misunderstanding. The items are important, but I value having a connection with you even more.”

“Huh, what?”

“You’re quite a capable individual. Having ties to you in any form wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

‘I see. I didn't know she thought so highly of me.’

Sizzle!

As the samgyeopsal sizzled, Baek Yu-Seol found himself reflecting on Hong Bi-Yeon’s situation.

She was sprinting headlong toward the edge of a cliff, where the ground might crumble beneath her feet at any moment.

It was dangerous.

Even knowing that, she pressed on. He could see how desperate this 17-year-old girl was.

Her own power.

Her own authority.

Those were the things she needed most urgently.

And so, he resolved to accept whatever actions Hong Bi-Yeon took.

She was no longer a villainess.

Though he couldn’t read her mind, he chose to believe in her change.

According to the lore, she became a villainess because the odds were stacked against her… entangled relationships, no retreat from a crumbling path, and the sudden involvement of the other protagonists.

That was how it happened.

But she could still change.

Just like Eisel, Hong Bi-Yeon Adolevit Princess also deserved a bright future.

No player even tried to carve out a bright future for Hong Bi-Yeon and Eisel.

Watching her chew the pork slowly, he noticed her struggle to swallow it.

"It doesn't taste good?"

“…No. It’s fine.”

"Your face says otherwise."

He knew the reason.

‘Her sense of taste is slightly… no, drastically distorted. It’s overly sensitive.’

When she ate food that an average person would perceive as sweet, she perceived it as sour, and when she ate salty food, it tasted bitter to her.

She couldn’t properly perceive the fundamental flavors - sweetness and saltiness - that defined most dishes.

Because of this, Hong Bi-Yeon likely spent years searching for foods she could actually enjoy. Without the players’ help, she might have never found them.

Even in Aether World, players had painstakingly experimented, forcing different foods on her until they discovered what worked.

First and foremost, spices.

While she couldn’t properly perceive sweet and salty, she could clearly taste spicy flavors. Spiciness was not really a taste but a sensation.

She could also detect aromas and bitterness without issue. Taking these factors into account…

He chose kimchi.

Why kimchi?

It wasn’t entirely random.

Dishes with ingredients like chili peppers or garlic would work just as well. Gambas, mala hot pot… there were plenty of options. But as a Korean, he had chosen kimchi.

"Try eating this."

"It looks unappetizing."

"Stop complaining and just try it."

Grimacing slightly, Hong Bi-Yeon hesitantly accepted the kimchi and took a bite.

It was not that kimchi tasted delicious to her.

Rather, she could actually taste it. For someone who rarely experienced flavor, that alone was enough.

The reason Hong Bi-Yeon always carried ginseng candy wasn’t because she liked the taste or believed in its health benefits.

It was simply one of the few things she could taste.

Seeing her nibble cautiously at the kimchi, Baek Yu-Seol couldn’t help but feel proud.

Apologies to cultural purists, but in this world, kimchi existed without much popularity. It was no wonder Hong Bi-Yeon had never tried it before.

"Here, have some ginseng candy to cleanse your palate."

She flinched. It wasn’t because of the kimchi but because of the candy. She quietly stared at him and then took the candy.

He kept one for himself.

Watching her change, even if only little by little, filled him with anticipation.

If Hong Bi-Yeon continued to stand on the side of righteousness, it would be a great help. So in order to improve her good impression of him, he wanted to add a few words.

Suddenly, an unwelcome guest interrupted. "Oh, it's Bi-Yeon, you’re here?"

A shadow fell across their table, cast by an unexpected visitor.

A handsome young man stood there, wearing a smile that seemed carefully polished.

‘Who is this?’

Baek Yu-Seol tilted his head in mild confusion, but Hong Bi-Yeon’s fingertips trembled… so faintly that it might have gone unnoticed if not for his heightened senses.

Without hesitation, he slipped on his Sentient Specs.

‘Edmon Atalek.’

The name glowed ominously before his eyes… the very ‘death flag’ that could lead Hong Bi-Yeon to ruin had just appeared.

"Bi-Yeon, we were supposed to have lunch with the club members today."

"Senior, I clearly told you that I had an important appointment."

Hong Bi-Yeon’s brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation breaking through her usually composed demeanor.

Edmon’s gaze flicked between Baek Yu-Seol and Hong Bi-Yeon, his expression sharpening. "You canceled our plans just to have lunch with a commoner?"

Baek Yu-Seol struggled to recall details about Edmon Atalek, but his Sentient Specs filled in the blanks.

First, he has a strong tendency toward jealousy.

Edmon viewed Hong Bi-Yeon as his possession, and seeing her alone with another man - especially one of lower status - was bound to provoke him.

It was a glaring flaw in Edmon’s character. Despite his usual intelligence and poise, his jealousy often drove him to make rash decisions.

"He's not an ordinary commoner."

Hong Bi-Yeon stated firmly, her tone as crisp as the pages of a law book.

Baek Yu-Seol’s role as a co-author on the groundbreaking alchemical engineering paper was still a well-kept secret. While whispers of his involvement had circulated within the academic world, Alterisha’s fame had overshadowed him, leaving him largely unnoticed.

Hong Bi-Yeon had uncovered the truth through the Adolevit royal family’s intelligence network, but Edmon clearly had no clue.

He should’ve known better than to meddle in matters beyond his understanding.

"Baek Yu-Seol. I've heard the name before. Talented, perhaps, but I’m not sure if missing a club meeting to spend time with him is really appropriate."

‘Man, what a pompous jerk.’

Baek Yu-Seol was used to being dismissed as a commoner, but Edmon’s arrogance grated on him.

If Edmon wasn’t dealt with, Hong Bi-Yeon’s happy ending would forever remain out of reach.

In truth, there were plenty of ways to help Hong Bi-Yeon.

To bring Edmon Atalek down and ensure Hong Bi-Yeon safely inherited the throne, the solution was recorded in the Sentient Specs.

It was not a method he came up with.

It was the result of years of research by eccentric players who were so fond of the villainess that they made every effort to save her.

Whether she inherited the throne or brought down the Atalek family, the ending where she faced death remained the same…

‘What should I do?’

It was impossible to bring down Duke Atalek right now.

Bringing down Duke Atalek now would destabilize the delicate balance of power between him and Duke Orkan, who was backing Hong Bi-Yeon’s sister.

But did it really matter?

Hong Bi-Yeon would one day awaken as the incarnation of fire. Her future self wouldn’t need anyone’s protection. Still, weakening Edmon’s position - even slightly - might help.

‘Well, even so, there's not much I can do right now.’

‘As a commoner, I lack the foundation to challenge noble families head-on.’

‘But I can still play my cards wisely.’

"Senior, stop." Hong Bi-Yeon’s voice rang out sharply. "I’m using this commoner to establish a connection with Alchemist Alterisha. Anything beyond that is none of your concern."

Baek Yu-Seol remained silent about his role as a co-author, and Hong Bi-Yeon kept the secret intact.

"Do you really think that’s a good idea, Bi-Yeon? Wake up. He’s just a commoner…"

Fed up, Baek Yu-Seol sighed and pushed back his chair. "Fine, forget it. I'll just leave."

"What?"

Hong Bi-Yeon’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, wait a minute..."

“Let’s just drop the item deal.”

Her lips parted as if to protest, but no words came out. She bit her lower lip, trembling with frustration, likely cursing Edmon silently.

‘I’m sorry, but this is for your own good.’

“You’ve made the right choice,” Edmon said smugly. “Commoners should know their place.”

“And while we’re at it, I’ll inform Alterisha’s department that the Atalek family has officially refused to supply items to the Adolevit Kingdom.”

Edmon’s expression hardened. It wasn’t fear.

It was disbelief… and arrogance.

Hong Bi-Yeon, fists clenched and shoulders stiff, rose to her feet.

"I’m leaving."

"Fine. I’ll be waiting at our usual restaurant."

As she walked away, Edmon’s gaze lingered on Baek Yu-Seol, his eyes burning with disdain.

He slightly lowered his head, speaking softly enough for only him to hear.

"Do you understand now, commoner?"

"You and Princess Hong Bi-Yeon don't match. You should have known your place and stayed quiet."

Baek Yu-Seol wasn't looking at him, but he could tell Edmon's expression was contorted like a demon’s.

"What was it you said? Duke Atalek refuses to trade?"

Edmon deliberately let out a hollow laugh.

“I honestly can’t believe it. The idea that such a pathetic threat could work is absolutely laughable.”

“I’ll overlook this insult to nobility since you’re just a stupid commoner studying at Stella. But you’ve insulted your senior. So, kneel. Right now…”

Edmon was about to say something more, but Baek Yu-Seol couldn't bear to listen any longer.

Sizzle!

‘Now!’

The pork belly had cooked to perfection.

If the juices weren’t sizzling, Baek Yu-Seol would never truly experience the real taste of this meat.

As he reached his hand forward, Edmon flinched and stepped back. But his hand wasn't going for Edmon; it was reaching for the pork belly pieces on the grill with chopsticks.

With practiced precision, he assembled the wrap—

A lettuce leaf cradled the pork belly.

Green onions, peeled garlic, three chili peppers, a spoonful of rice, and topped with ssamjang.

The proportions were crucial.

He carefully strained the ssamjang with chopsticks, and the amount of rice depended on the size of the pork belly piece.

He didn’t bother cooking the garlic. Hong Bi-Yeon’s preferences aside, raw garlic was perfectly fine… good for stamina, too.

The savory aroma of grilled pork belly tickled Baek Yu-Seol’s nose. It would be perfect with a glass of soju, but it was a pity he was underage. The finished wrap, slightly oversized - nearly as big as his fist - was flawless.

Without hesitation, he took a bite.

Crunch!

As the lettuce broke and the juices burst out, his whole body shuddered in bliss.

Mmm…

‘This. This is the flavor I’ve been craving.’

"You really have no shame. You brought this upon yourself, so don't expect smooth sailing in your future academy life."

Admonishing murmurs escaped from Edmon's mouth as he disappeared, but Baek Yu-Seol didn't pay any attention.

There was no time to waste…

Not when the lifespan of perfectly cooked pork belly was so unforgiving.