RE: Player again

302

[Chapter 097] [People Who Don't Show It]

Beep beep beep beep─

Im Ga-eul finally opened her eyes, unable to overcome the regularly ringing signal.

She wanted to sleep a little more.

Surely if she had been an actress, she could have slept a bit longer.

She could have acted spoiled.

But now that was just a distant dream.

She woke up realizing in her dream that she was the Fairy.

"This is..."

It felt like she had slept deeply for a long time.

Im Ga-eul raised her body from the bed and looked around.

It didn't take long to realize where she had been sleeping.

It was a familiar sight now.

It was a hospital.

"...Again... Looks like I collapsed again."

She mumbled numbly, looking at the IV in her arm.

Having been hospitalized several times, she could now calmly assess her condition.

How did I end up collapsing?

She leaned against the wall and fell into thought blankly.

The last thing she remembered before fainting was injecting internal mana into the cocoon at the Jongmyo altar.

Her body hadn't been feeling well for a while, and it seemed she finally collapsed again unable to overcome the fatigue.

Yes, again.

This wasn't the first or second time.

It had happened several times already since taking office as the Fairy.

"You're awake."

Just then, Park Sang-jin the bodyguard who opened the VVIP hospital room door.

The first reaction he showed to the Fairy upon entering the room wasn't concern, but an unpleasant face.

He who frowned his stoic face sharply put his hand on her shoulder without hesitation, without even getting her permission.

"The attending physician said you need to rest for a few more days... How are you feeling..."

"...Yeah, I'm fine."

"I told you to consistently manage your health."

"Is that what you wanted to say, oppa?"

"I have a lot I want to say... But I'll refrain for now." "Tch."

Im Ga-eul flashed a smile at him who was looking straight at her and speaking as if scolding a child.

Nevertheless, Park Sang-jin sat down on the chair in front of the bed without budging.

"How many days have I been sleeping?"

"Today is the second day."

"Two days... Fortunately I didn't sleep that long. I hope there weren't any problems with running the country..." "Is someone who knows that overworking themselves like this?"

"I can't help it, can I?"

Im Ga-eul stuck out her tongue.

Though she had reached her mid-30s, her appearance befitting her age couldn't be found anywhere.

She still maintained an appearance that could be called in her 20s.

That's what was.

A power that makes humans not human.

Not a power that saves the world.

Moreover, the Fairy possessing shouldn't show human-like aspects.

She had to show the people that the Fairy was a very special existence.

That's how the country stabilizes.

In this era, what the people wanted from the head of state wasn't a human-like leader, but a superhuman who protected them from monsters.

Even before she took office, the world was full of conflicts between the privileged class and Players, the strong ruling over the weak, and the government being criticized as incompetent.

That's still the case now...

Im Ga-eul gave a bitter smile.

If the people say the government is incompetent, then it's incompetent.

If they criticize it for delayed response, then it's ultimately delayed response.

That they couldn't exert strength because they were solving the worst problems before the lesser evils.

That the government currently doesn't have the power to monitor every corner of a country teeming with monsters.

That the reason bigger problems didn't occur was because of the government, local governments, and clans.

To put it bluntly, out of ten problem areas, nine were resolved and only one broke out.

Even if there were many excuses that could be made, to the affected citizens they were just excuses.

They needed a target to vent their anger on.

And it was also the government's role to be the scapegoat.

"I'll handle the urgent matters first. You brought the files, right?"

"...It would be better to spend some time recuperating here for now."

"Then that's fine with me. Should I start with this?"

"Yes."

Above all, the Fairy government had to be mindful of all sectors.

One problem was always entangled with multiple interests like sweet potato vines.

The moment you touch one, you end up touching many if you're not careful.

This was an issue underlying the country since before the Fairy government was established.

The Fairy government had to inevitably embrace those things for the stability of the country.

The clans that showed aspects of being obsessed with obtaining their own interests were at a tolerable level.

Even companies that acted like snakes ultimately helped the country's development, so they could be overlooked to some extent.

The problem was the underground forces not exposed to the light, the forces of darkness.

As much as I'd like to do something about the underground market...

That would cause an uproar.

I have no choice but to think of it as a necessary evil.

Darkness manages darkness.

It was a principle put forth by Twelve Seats member Baek Seo-jin.

The Fairy government was able to receive support needed to establish the government in various aspects while acknowledging that.

And as Baek Seo-jin, the representative of darkness, was selected as one of the Twelve Seats, the atrocities of darkness decreased much more compared to before the Fairy government was established.

...People would be surprised if they knew.

Im Ga-eul smiled faintly while signing approval on documents.

Korea after the apocalypse could be completed because there was a world of darkness.

Society functioned because they existed.

After the world was destroyed once, the world could protect the survival of the majority in exchange for turning a blind eye to the sacrifice of the minority.

A situation no different from light being created because there are shadows, when shadows exist because there is light.

That was the current reality.

If the dark side were to be cut out now, Korea would perish again.

So darkness was needed.

So evil had to exist.

So discrimination had to be overlooked.

So she tried to do her best in what she could do.

"I'm asking just in case... No one here knows I'm the Fairy, right?"

"Only the hospital director knows that fact."

"The media doesn't know at all that I collapsed?"

"Since we used the power of , no one should know the Fairy is here." "That's a relief then."

Im Ga-eul let out a sigh of relief.

To reiterate, the Fairy had to exist as a firm symbol for the people.

If the fact that she collapsed became known, public sentiment would be shaken across the country.

She had to be especially careful during this period.

Because this was the period when mana had to be injected into cocoons installed across the country.

"Still, I finished one at Jongmyo so I can take the rest slowly..."

"There's still one more in Gangnam. And one more cocoon of similar size in Gyeonggi-do."

"I hate this period. If there was even one more Fairy, my burden would be reduced..."

Im Ga-eul expressed a wish that could not be fulfilled.

She grumbled while drinking the coffee Park Sang-jin gave her.

"I hope you'll take good care of your health."

"Are you saying that as a bodyguard? Or as Park Sang-jin, former manager of actress Im Ga-eul..."

"Stop joking around." "...Tch..."

Park Sang-jin pinched and stretched Im Ga-eul's cheek.

Im Ga-eul whose face loosened tapped his arm.

Park Sang-jin quietly accepted it.

"I'm thinking of returning to the Blue House because I have work to do." "So you're going to leave me here alone?" "Bodyguard Lee Jung-hyun will come soon. And as I've told you many times, I hope you'll thoroughly hide your identity at the hospital." "Alright. It's not like it's the first or second time..."

She was confident in makeup and acting.

The relevant people at this hospital only knew her as a collateral branch of a low-ranking group.

She soon shrugged her shoulders and cleared her throat, modulating her voice.

"Ahem ahem... Hello! I'm Bom-yeoreum!"

It was a bright voice as if spring had come.

☆

3rd year high academy students could intern at clans or related companies for 3 months.

"It's been a while since I've been here too."

Alice Hospital.

Eun-a who decided to spend her internship at the hospital rather than Regulus Clan was standing in front of the entrance.

It felt somewhat nostalgic.

This was the hospital where Eun-ha was hospitalized a few years ago.

It was also the hospital where Julietta was hospitalized to give birth to Avenir.

So Eun-a found it strange that she would be working at the hospital as an intern.

She actually wanted to work at the clan.

Originally, Eun-a wanted to intern at Regulus Clan where her admission was already decided.

Because she could get to know the clan people in advance, and she wanted to work with Park Hye-rim.

But Park Hye-rim strongly opposed and recommended interning at the hospital.

'Working at the clan isn't bad. It's not bad, but I'd like you to have more diverse experiences.'

'Diverse... experiences?'

'Yeah, that's right. The hospital is quite tough.'

Park Hye-rim who answered with a bright smile then.

Eun-a wondered if she was still holding a grudge for avoiding her before.

But Hye-rim unni isn't someone who would say empty words.

The main roles of a supporter could be said to be protection, healing, and assistance.

Among them, Eun-a was excelling in protection and healing due to Hye-rim's influence.

Her heart also wanted to protect and heal someone.

Since Eun-ha always gets hurt...

In that sense, the hospital was a good place for her to work.

Because there were so many injured people here.

If she interns for 3 months, she'll be able to use healing magic better.

She stepped into the hospital with that mindset.

First, greet the reception desk and─

"─Hello! I'm Noh... who will be interning here starting today." "Kyaaaaa─!!"

"Move aside! Everyone move!"

"Operating room! Check which operating room is empty now!"

"What's the patient's condition!?"

There was no time to greet.

Suddenly an ambulance stopped outside the entrance, and paramedics brought in people on stretchers.

The staff who looked leisurely from afar rushed to the bleeding people and moved in a panic.

There was no way she could greet people in such a situation.

Rather, standing still in the hallway was a hindrance.

She hurriedly pressed her back against the wall while flustered.

People passed by in front of her.

W-what's going on...

What should she do?

Just then, her smartphone rang.

"Hello?"

An unknown number.

Eun-a who tilted her head soon answered the phone.

[Is this Noh Eun-a?]

"Yes, that's me. Sorry, but who..." [This is the orthopedics resident at Alice Hospital. I was assigned the role of guiding Noh Eun-a, but where are you now... Ah.]

"...Yes?"

Eun-a who was on the phone met eyes with a woman coming down the stairs.

The woman wearing a white gown soon lowered the smartphone at her ear and strode towards her.

The woman who put her hand in her gown pocket abruptly introduced herself.

"You're Noh Eun-a, right? You came on time without being late. It's awkward to say nice to meet you in this situation... I'm Im Do-hee who will be guiding you around the hospital today. I'm a resident."

"Ah, yes... hello. I'm Noh Eun-a." "You'll be under me anyway so I'll speak casually. Is that okay?" "Yes, that's fine." "Okay, then follow me quickly. Today will be extremely busy so keep your mental strong."

Im Do-hee suddenly turned her body.

Eun-a followed her with large strides while listening to a brief explanation about the hospital.

It seemed she would experience all departments of Alice Hospital while living as an intern for 3 months.

"You should be careful with the professors. Especially if you don't want to get caught on words by Professor Cha from the emergency medicine department we're visiting now, just answer the questions asked." "Yes, yes..." "And."

"...Yes?"

Then Im Do-hee suddenly turned around.

She snapped with a face that looked like she hadn't slept properly for days.

"I'll let it slide today since it's your first day, but there won't be time to put on makeup from now on. There are many professors who really dislike wearing makeup, so be careful." "...Yes, I understand."

She had only used basic skincare products that help with moisturizing.

But Eun-a just nodded without saying anything.

"If there are guys who try to flirt, try to resolve it yourself as much as possible and tell me if it's too difficult. But I don't want you to bother me. You know what I mean, right?"

"Yes, I will!"

"Your answers are good at least. Ah... damn..."

Im Do-hee who was telling her precautions while walking cursed.

She who frowned and pushed up her glasses quickly moved her lips seeing people approaching from the opposite side.

"Hey, bow your head, head." "Huh? My head?" "Hurry!"

"Yes!"

Im Do-hee bowing her head to the professor talking with residents.

Eun-a also greeted following her.

Only then did the professor who noticed their existence chew on his face with jowls.

But he didn't just pass by and opened his slanted eyes slightly to look at Eun-a closely.

"So, you're the person designated from Regulus Clan?"

"Yes! I'm Noh Eun-a, 3rd year high academy student!"

"Hooh..."

Eun-a who was pointed out raised her head.

He who carefully checked her face raised the corners of his mouth.

"Eun-a... Noh Eun-a... Eun-a. Okay, let's do well for the next 3 months... If you have any difficulties, you can come tell me anytime. I hope you won't try to endure alone."

"Yes! Thank you!"

"Your voice is very nice too... You look like my daughter so I feel more attached."

Eun-a smiled brightly.

The professor patted her shoulder with hands that smelled of cigarettes.

Soon the professor passed by her with the people following him.

The residents and interns slightly turned their heads to glance at her as they disappeared.

Meanwhile, Im Do-hee who had a face like she ate a bug scratched her greasy hair vigorously.

"...That's Professor Kim from thoracic surgery. Aish, of all people to run into..." "Why, unni?"

"I'll tell you later. I'll tell you now, it's better not to be associated with him. For now, run to the bathroom and wash off your makeup when you have time later."

"Yes, I will."

Eun-a answered obediently.

That day, two rumors about Noh Eun-a dispatched from the academy circulated among Alice Hospital staff.

One was that her appearance was beautiful.

The other was that her magic skills were excellent enough to be deployed immediately on site.

☆

Meanwhile, Eun-ha was very worried about Eun-a's internship life.

Though he thought Eun-a would do well, it was no different from her first social life when you think about it.

Moreover, while no one could touch Noh Eun-a as a Player, there would be many people who could touch Noh Eun-a as a hospital intern.

It's fortunate that the place she's interning is Alice Hospital, but...

Though noona says it's tough but manageable so there shouldn't be any problems...

Nevertheless, the worry is the same.

In the end, Eun-ha worked hard to appease Ha-yang who had been sulking for several days.

And after barely appeasing her, he casually brought it up.

"Come to think of it, my noona is working as an intern at Alice Hospital this time..."

"Yeah,

“Yeah, I heard that too. I was worried if my sister was doing well, so I told my grandfather about it….”

“After all, there is no one better than you, Ha-yang!”

“Tch, then you should be nice to me. You always tease me… .”

“I will treat you with respect from now on.”

“So my grandfather called the hospital.

"I said so."

“I’ll have to thank your grandfather later.”

Eunha somehow continued the conversation.

It was nice to hear that Min Jun-sik, the chairman of Alice Group, had called the hospital in advance, but there was no way to know if Eun-ah would receive good treatment just from one phone call.

I was worried that people would call me a parachute for no reason.

So the trick was in what he said next.

“I’m planning to go see how my older sister is doing this weekend. Hayang, do you want to come with me?” “To the hospital? Um… Okay! Okay!”

Just take the Alice Group's direct line to the hospital.

Showing the friendship between Eun-ah and Hayang.

This shows that it is not just any parachute, but a very sturdy parachute.

I also get to see Eun-ah, whom I can't see on weekends because I'm busy with work at the hospital.

It was like killing two birds with one stone.

After all, life is all about connections.

Eunha gave Hayang a high five, smiling wickedly to herself.