—Even if the effect has worn off, residual Sorcery remains, which is not good for Brown Eyes! Take off your lenses immediately! —What's all the fuss about in a shop without its owner? —Ah, President! It's been a long time!
The Wall Ghost Master, who had been raising his voice with the momentum of trying to kick Hye-yoom out of the shop, gave the Fox President, who had just entered, a deep, respectful bow.
—Hye-yoom came early? Or does it just seem that way because it's been a while? You look well. —Thank you, President.
The Wall Ghost Master still couldn't take his eyes off Hye-yoom, regret lingering in his gaze, but he couldn't interrupt Hye-yoom's conversation with the Fox President anymore.
—Come this way, I prepared the goods in advance. —Thank you every time. —Puhaha, exactly what I'd expect from the person the Teacher chose. That's so you, so like you.
Since the Fox President knew Hye-yoom would be coming, she was able to receive the prepared items quickly. After exchanging brief pleasantries, Hye-yoom didn't forget to give the Wall Ghost Master a nod before leaving the shop.
After that, whether because of something he heard from the Fox President or from his own superior, a nutritional supplement specifically for the Brown Eyes-Only Car would be delivered to the office whenever he remembered.
As she was doing this type of work, Hye-yoom ran into the Wall Ghost Master a few more times at the White Fox Shop, and she kept the connection going by sending him things like fruit out of courtesy.
When she arrived near home, she received a call from Section Chief Jung, informing her that there was a suspect with a unique characteristic among the list she had requested, and she needed to meet them first thing tomorrow.
"Ha... No time to rest."
Hye-yoom arrived at the police station well past lunchtime. She entered the station with Section Chief Jung, who had deliberately come out to meet her at the entrance and made sarcastic remarks about her leisurely lifestyle.
As soon as she entered, she encountered several familiar faces. Since even a brief, accidental eye contact often led to trouble, she simply gave them a slight nod with her neck and quickly looked away whenever their eyes met.
Most people with Brown Eyes use lenses or glasses, so there are very few who go around with their natural eyes like Hye-yoom. Consequently, those with Yellow Eyes wrap their rudeness in pure curiosity and ask all sorts of questions.
The struggles of living with Brown Eyes. Whether she really can't see Ghosts or Specters. Whether she can't use even simple Sorcery. Why she doesn't use lenses unlike others. Even her thoughts on working with the Teacher despite having Brown Eyes—Hye-yoom would be held captive until their curiosity was satisfied.
"They're people you've known for years, try to be a little warmer to them."
Section Chief Jung said this while watching Hye-yoom, who was walking down the hallway with a frigid expression.
"I don't want to end up at the civil affairs office again, like when I first came to the police station." "Why are you still holding onto something that happened ages ago? So petty."
It was the first time Hye-yoom had come to the police station to meet Section Chief Jung. When she told the reception desk she was there to see the Section Chief, the man who saw her Brown Eyes naturally guided her to the civil affairs office. She followed him with a pure heart, thinking Section Chief Jung might come there if she waited.
The man seated Hye-yoom at a desk with a green non-woven fabric laid beneath the glass and handed her a complaint form.
When Hye-yoom, who couldn't understand what was happening, looked at the man with a puzzled expression, the man who had guided her to the civil affairs office asked if she was there to sue a Yellow Eyes person for defamation. When she stated once more that she was looking for Section Chief Jung, this time, the man looked back at Hye-yoom with an expression that showed he didn't understand the situation.
It was only after she was forced to explain that she was a Phenomenon Investigator employee working with the Teacher and showed her Investigator ID card that Hye-yoom was finally able to meet Section Chief Jung.
Such incidents accumulated, leading Hye-yoom to develop numerous prejudices against Yellow Eyes people. Her pace quickened due to the unpleasant memory. All she wanted was to get to the interview room quickly.
While looking for the interview room sign, an unfamiliar face suddenly popped up and blocked her path.
"Section Chief! It's inconvenient if you keep disappearing by yourself and abandoning me! Why do you move alone, even lying about it?" "When did I ever abandon you? I was just on my way to call you."
Section Chief Jung scratched the back of his neck and spoke awkwardly.
Hye-yoom instantly recognized him as the Fledgling Section Chief Jung had mentioned last time. The Fledgling's gaze shifted from Section Chief Jung to Hye-yoom.
"Hello. Nice to meet you for the first time. I am Yoo Jeong-han. I use the Jeong (定, fixed/upright) and Han (澣, large/wide shape). You must be Investigator Lee Hye-yoom, correct?"
The Fledgling smiled cheerfully and extended his hand. He had the deep honey-color of Grade 3 Eyes.
Eyes of Grade 2 or higher can inflict tangible physical damage on Ghosts. Therefore, most people with Grade 3 or higher Eyes worked in Phenomenon Investigation. It was curious that someone with honey-colored eyes, seemingly Upper-tier within Grade 3, was working as a detective.
Hye-yoom was lost in thought about the Eyes and neglected Jeong-han's hand. Just as she was about to raise her hand late, the Fledgling's hand, extended straight in the air, shook awkwardly on its own. The Fledgling laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck, just like Section Chief Jung.
"So the rumors about you being aloof are true. Then we'll save the handshake for next time! By the way, your eyes are truly clear, aren't they?" "Hey, is this a blind date? A marriage meeting? Are you a cultist? Your eyes are so clear they look like a lake? Is this the time to be saying lines like that? Does she look like she's here for fun?"
Section Chief Jung cut off the Fledgling at a perfect moment.
"I didn't say they looked like a lake. Honestly, Section Chief. Anyway, the interview room is this way. Let's go!"
The Fledgling, looking remorseful, guided them to the interview room while taking a scolding from Section Chief Jung.
After walking a short distance, they arrived at the interview room for today. The internal structure wasn't significantly different, but since it wasn't the room she usually used, Hye-yoom held onto her belongings, unsure where to put them. Not entirely an idiot, the Fledgling discreetly took her bag and outer coat.
The Fledgling placed the items on the sofa, keeping his gaze fixed on Hye-yoom, perhaps to let her know that this was where she could leave her belongings in the future.
With her hands now free, Hye-yoom finally looked around the interview room in detail. This was a room exclusively for Sorcery crimes, a special chamber where potent Sorcery was layered.
Unless a special Sorcery that targets Brown Eyes is in effect, Hye-yoom is unaffected by Sorcery. However, people with Yellow Eyes must wear specially made clothing to protect themselves from the strong Sorcery placed in the interview room.
They use powerful Sorcery to eliminate Sorcery, and then they wear special Sorcery-infused clothes to prevent injury from that powerful Sorcery. Seeing Section Chief Jung perform this ridiculous act made him look utterly comical to Hye-yoom.
"Even putting on this outfit is a lot of work. Ugh. Hye-yoom, come here for a moment."
Having fully put on the outfit, Section Chief Jung quickly informed her of the essential information she needed to know.
First, Choi Min-jae was chosen as the first person to be interviewed because, unlike other victims, he showed a reaction when spoken to. Second, he seems to react to certain words, but the specific words have not yet been identified.
Hye-yoom took the paper summarizing the suspicious words and read it. Section Chief Jung, whose face was crumpled in discomfort as he adjusted his clothing, checked the time and spoke.
"Doctor Kim will be here soon. Do you want to interview first, or wait and talk to him before going in?" "I will go in first. Please knock when the Doctor arrives. But the victim isn't a Hazard-level who's spewing Sorcery, so why are we specifically using this room?"
Section Chief Jung shrugged his shoulders.
"How would I know? The Teacher requested it." "Then there must be a reason."
At the mention of the Teacher's request, Hye-yoom nodded, then walked between Section Chief Jung and Jeong-han to retrieve something from her bag. Jeong-han, turning his head to follow Hye-yoom, looked at Section Chief Jung's outfit and asked a belated question.
"But Section Chief, the Investigator isn't wearing one?" "Hoo... Hye-yoom has Brown Eyes. She isn't affected by Sorcery."
Section Chief Jung sighed heavily, replying with visible annoyance at Jeong-han's question.
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