***
" This is it, the place where you will be teaching Lord Avner. "
It was a room that looked like an ordinary classroom. It had multiple desks and chairs, and many shelves filled with books, even though there was only one student. As you ventured deeper into the room, you would realize that there was something else. There were a few steps leading to another, smaller room. The only things in it were a shorter desk and two cushions. The room had no doors, only curtains to provide some privacy. The classroom was meant for the tutors, while the smaller room was meant for teaching the lord.
" I see you have a big, nice classroom, but seeing that there are only three tutors leads me to believe you are understaffed. "
" Ahem. "
Feeling at a loss for words, the man could only clear his throat and avoid eye contact.
" Being this pitiful, and yet you still have the nerve to ask me why you should hire me—when in fact it is I who should have asked why I should work for you. "
The man noticed, from the corner of his eye, that the woman standing beside him was now looking in his direction. Trying to save some face, he turned to face her. It took him three seconds to become overwhelmed by her cold stare, but to his luck she soon turned away, now analyzing her surroundings.
" The lesson should have started about three minutes ago. Am I correct? "
" Yes, ma'am. "
The man responded without hesitation and even bowed to her. His own reaction took him by surprise, but there was just something about that woman that screamed danger. He hadn't noticed it before, but the room suddenly felt cold.
" Looks like I am dealing with a rather rebellious student. I hope this rebellion has a good cause… for his sake. "
" ... "
" Inform him once again that he has somewhere he needs to be right now. His teacher can't wait to meet him. "
" I'll make sure to inform him. "
****
" How did the investigation go? "
" …. "
" Still nothing, huh? "
" No. It's always the same every time. People are killed, and the killer leaves no clues behind. It's just so frustrating—I've been trying to catch him for so long… it really makes me feel… I don't know. "
" Hey, don't you even dare put yourself down like that in front of me. You know, no one has been able to catch him. It's not you—the guy is just too good. "
" Wow, praising the killer like that just to make me feel better. Couldn't expect anything else from you, cousin. "
" Of course. You can always count on this handsome cousin of yours to cheer you up. "
" Huf… put your thumbs down, Avner. What are we even doing here drinking? Don't you have lessons to attend? "
" What a great way of killing the mood. Just say you don't want to see me, Miyeon. "
" Stop sulking. Your manipulation is no longer working on me. "
" Humph. "
Annoyed, Avner drank from his cup.
" I don't think it's a good idea to show up drunk to your lesson. "
Miyeon tried to warn him.
" I am tired. "
" Then you should rest more—but after your lesson. "
" That's not what I meant. I'm just tired of constantly getting new tutors with no progress. None of them were able to help me. "
Seeing how her cousin's mood shifted into a depressed one, Miyeon tried to cheer him up.
" You shouldn't give up just yet. Who knows? Maybe this one is different. Maybe this time you will make it to the akademie. "