LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 18 - Tutoon's Sad (3)
Chapter 18 – Tutoon’s Sad (3)
“I came here because I have a concern at work.”
Medusa cautiously opened his mouth. His voice was remarkably calm.
“What kind of concern do you have?”
Sunal held back from pointing at the notice right in front of him and looked at the man.
It might not be a personal issue.
“I am Medusa.”
When Medusa introduced himself, Sunal nodded. With just the glasses, anyone could tell he was Medusa.
“When I get angry, my hair turns into snakes. Because of this, I often face misunderstandings at work… especially, I tend to have severe conflicts with the Centaur species. I was told to come here if I had any interspecies conflicts, so I mustered the courage to come.”
The number ticket had gotten even more crumpled, but Medusa’s eyes remained unwavering. If anything, they reflected a look of determination.
‘I did well to hold back.’
Sunal finally felt a sense of relief.
Should workplace conflicts be regarded as personal matters or not?
The various reports Edina had passed over before delving into the situation revealed numerous signs of deep contemplation.
Was it a simple emotional fight, or something caused by the inherent characteristics of different species? They had focused on identifying the root cause.
In this case, it was clearly an issue caused by the species’ characteristics.
“That’s right. This falls under what we handle. Unless it’s purely a personal issue, something you have to deal with alone, of course.”
However, given that it was still largely subjective, Sunal pointed to the notice before Medusa could speak in earnest.
• We cannot provide consultations on personal matters unrelated to species characteristics. (For example: feeling sad because of a falling-out with a friend, or having romantic feelings for someone, etc.)
There had been many complaints from people confused about what counted as personal matters, so additional text had been added to the notice.
“That’s not the case.”
When Medusa shook his head, Sunal pulled out a document and asked, “Understood. Then, how quickly does your hair turn into snakes?”
“It happens as soon as I think I’m upset. Even if it’s just a brief, fleeting moment of anger, my hair…”
Hisssss.
Even though the man’s hair had suddenly turned into snakes, Sunal calmly wrote something down on the document before lifting his head.
‘He reacts very sensitively, doesn’t he? No wonder this leads to conflicts.’
Sunal, who had been lazily watching the now snake-filled hair, leaned back in his chair. He saw something.
“Please wait. Don’t be alarmed.”
Sunal reassured the man.
“…I’ll try not to be.”
Upon hearing the man’s reply, Sunal cast a spell.
[Explore.]
As a red light appeared in one of Sunal’s eyes, the snakes in Medusa’s hair hissed even more violently.
Perhaps reacting out of an instinct to protect, the man stood up and reflexively removed his glasses.
His two eyes were glowing.
He always wore protective glasses for moments like this, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t unpleasant.
‘This is why the Interethnic Grievance Resolution Special Unit is always understaffed.’
Sunal grabbed the spray next to him, aiming it at Medusa like a Western gunslinger.
‘This is why I’m stuck doing overtime every single day.’
Sunal’s expression remained emotionless.
To work in this unit, one had to possess the strength to subdue any petitioner.
It was like holding a ticking time bomb every moment.
Ssssss.
Sunal sprayed the mist.
‘When someone welcomes me so aggressively, it really makes me want to leave work.’
Ssssss!
After applying a generous amount of spray, Sunal set it down and briefly glanced at his wristwatch.
It was still far from lunchtime.
Even though Sunal raised the corners of his lips as if to reassure him, Medusa stood there, still dazed.
He was used to people freezing up like that after getting hit with the spray for the first time.
“Sir, look here. This spray contains a calming agent.”
Sunal lightly tapped the notice.
• In some cases, a spray with calming agents may be used. Do not be alarmed. It is harmless and allergen-free.
“It’s completely harmless, so please relax.”
Sunal once again met Medusa’s gaze.
‣ Medusa – If you make eye contact with her, it may cause paralysis or, in very rare cases, turn you to stone.
Since he possessed such strong powers, they had to constantly monitor whether he was actively using them.
Thanks to the spray, the light that had been shining from his eyes like a lamp had dimmed considerably.
“But… what just happened…”
“It was magic. I knew you’d react like that, which is why I warned you not to be surprised.”
Sunal sensed the tension in the air.
Taking off his glasses or having his hair turn into snakes were very attention-grabbing actions for Medusa.
“You need to put your glasses back on now. If you take them off any longer, someone might report it. Would you like me to spray you again?”
“Ah, no. This kind of magic… I’ve never seen it before. It’s too different. It feels… so alien.”
Medusa furrowed his brow.
No matter how much he thought about it, the magic Sunal had just shown was strange.
“Normally, when you use magic, don’t you need a staff or something to hold?”
“That’s correct. That’s why it’s written on the notice like this.”
• This counselor uses magic. The magic might differ from what you’re used to. If you feel uncomfortable with this, unfortunately, we won’t be able to proceed with the consultation.
Sunal was used to petitioners not reading the notice.
No matter how large they made it or how many copies they posted, those who didn’t want to read it wouldn’t read it.
“…I apologize.”
At last, the man sat down with an awkward expression, quickly putting his glasses back on. He hadn’t read the notice and had acted out.
‘Should I make the letters float in midair the moment a petitioner sits down?’
Seeing Medusa’s apologetic expression, Sunal’s heart wavered slightly.
Lately, he had been thinking more and more about how to handle petitioners who got startled by his magic every time.
“It’s alright. For now, this is something I can help you with.”
Retracting the spell, Sunal confidently looked at Medusa.
“Really…?”
“Yes. When you get angry, I confirmed that mana rushes in excessively, almost like a defense mechanism.”
“…You really confirmed that?”
Suspicion flickered in Medusa’s gaze.
It was a suspicion Sunal was quite familiar with.
‘Looks like he went to the Wizards’ Association and came back empty-handed.’
Sunal adjusted his slipping glasses, his expression turning weary from the creeping fatigue.
Those people were no help, as usual.
With an effort to focus, Sunal asked, “Did you happen to undergo an evaluation at the Wizards’ Association?”
“…Yes.”
“They probably told you they couldn’t find anything wrong. Or maybe they said it was due to stress and even offered to sell you something to stabilize your mana.”
Medusa licked his lips in surprise at Sunal’s words and cautiously asked, “…How did you know?”
“It’s obvious.”
Sunal didn’t bother explaining further about the incompetence of the Wizards’ Association.
Talking about them was just a waste of breath.
“After you spent money on an evaluation and they told you there was nothing wrong, it’s hard to trust someone like me who suddenly shows up with strange magic. I understand.”
“No, no. That’s not it. I didn’t mean to think that way.”
Medusa, clearly flustered, protested, and Sunal broke into a bright smile.
“Then, do you trust me? Unlike wizards from the Wizards’ Association, I’m a government official selected by the state, working for the Interethnic Grievance Resolution Special Unit. Though my magic may seem strange or even dangerous, I am—”
“I trust you.”
Medusa responded without hesitation.
Sunal found it puzzling how calmly he spoke now, as if he hadn’t been so startled just moments ago.
‘What? Didn’t he just get all worked up? He even took off his glasses.’
Medusa’s act of taking off his glasses carried several implications, one of which was treating the other person as an enemy.
“Do you really… trust me?”
Seeing Sunal’s bewildered expression, Medusa looked a little embarrassed but let out a soft sigh.
“Yes. I trust you.”
“Judging from what I just saw, it doesn’t seem like the word ‘trust’ matches your actions very well. It’s fine, though. You don’t need to lie. I’m used to it.”
“I apologize for what happened earlier. I just have a strong protective instinct.”
Medusa rubbed the back of his neck, sounding apologetic, though his voice remained steady.
“And, um… this might be unrelated to the current issue, but I’m not sure if I should say it. I wanted to thank you for giving my younger sibling a pair of glasses recently.”
‘…Glasses?’
Sunal blinked.
‘Glasses…?’
He recalled the protective glasses he had given to a young Medusa just two days ago.
He remembered the student’s face lighting up with joy while wearing those glasses, and how that had made him feel equally happy.
‘Could he be related to that student?’
Sunal’s eyes softened as they slowly squinted, and Medusa looked at him with gratitude.
“I must apologize once again. I came here today because I heard about you from my younger sibling.”
“So, the concern you mentioned earlier is real?”
“Yes, of course it’s real. That’s why I trust you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my sibling smile so brightly.”
Sunal was taken aback—seeing a petitioner smile so broadly was a rare sight.
“…Would you like me to make you a pair of glasses, too?”
Without even realizing it, the corners of his mouth lifted as the silly suggestion slipped out.
“No, I’m fine. But could you continue explaining?”
Medusa politely declined, and Sunal counted to three silently before regaining his composure.
“As I mentioned earlier, I confirmed that the emotion of anger triggers an overreaction of mana. If you’re asking why, well, there could be many reasons. One strong possibility is that it’s something you were born with.”
“There are that many reasons?”
“Yes. Every interspecies being possesses mana, and changes in the flow of mana can affect many things—mainly your personality, habits, thoughts, and so on.”
“That much?”
“Yes. That’s why magic is so great and vast.”
For the first time, Sunal smiled genuinely.
He quickly coughed and composed himself. He really needed to stop becoming a fool every time the topic of magic came up.
“Ahem, just a moment.”
“Why is everything you’re saying completely new to me? Why hasn’t any of this been taught at the Wizards’ Association or schools?”
Medusa suddenly asked, voicing his curiosity.
“…Who knows.”
A flicker of resentment crossed Sunal’s face for a brief moment before he pulled out a ring with a calm expression.
He honestly wanted to know, too.
Magic was powerful and vast because many things could change depending on the flow of mana, but that also made it dangerous.
“Wearing this ring should help. Will this be enough?”
“What about the cost…?”
“Don’t worry. I can charge it to the higher-ups. Will this ring work for you?”
Sunal showed him a simple ring, one that could be bought for about two thousand won.
“Yes, it’s more than enough.”
“Now, try not to be startled this time.”
“I won’t be.”
Medusa ran his hand through his hair, hesitating for a moment, and then gazed at Sunal intently.
In Sunal’s hand, there was a faint shimmer. Although it wasn’t clear what he was writing, it felt like he was weaving something into the air.
Even though Sunal’s movements were swift, Medusa had the odd sensation that time was moving slowly.
The light coalesced into the ring.
A simple ring you might see at a street vendor now looked special.
‘Why was I afraid of this just a moment ago?’
Medusa relaxed his shoulders a little more. For the first time, he no longer felt fear but rather awe at the magic.
“When you feel anger, just rub the ring. It will lower the mana surge.”
The cause of the conflicts Medusa had been experiencing stemmed directly from his sensitivity.
If that sensitivity wasn’t addressed, the conflicts would never be resolved.
“By consistently doing this, the mana surging every time you get angry will gradually subside, and the instances of your hair turning into snakes will lessen, so don’t worry.”
Sunal handed Medusa the ring along with the document he had prepared earlier.
“Try it out. Afterward, read through the document and sign it.”
When Medusa put on the ring, which seemed a bit small at first, it magically adjusted to fit his finger perfectly, and he was startled.
“Now, think of something that makes you angry.”
Medusa glanced at Sunal briefly before nodding in understanding.
Slowly, Medusa recalled the Centaur who had tormented him.
Anger quickly bubbled up inside him, but as he gently rubbed the ring, the stiffness in his hair began to settle.
His hair didn’t transform into snakes, as it had just moments ago.
‘…It’s real. It really didn’t change.’
Medusa’s eyes, now filled with joy, turned to Sunal once again.
Sunal’s expression, usually calm and perhaps even cold, showed a faint smile.
It was as if he was asking, Did you see?
Medusa’s gaze shifted immediately to the document in his hand, and he picked up the pen.
Following the mana waves… (omitted) If you agree to the prescription provided below… (omitted) If you consent to the above, please write the following:
I agree to the above terms and grant my consent.
“We ask for your consent in writing because many petitioners later claim they don’t remember if any issues arise,” Sunal explained calmly.
Medusa nodded and wrote down his agreement, following the instructions.
“And, by the way, the community center doesn’t only house the Interethnic Grievance Resolution Special Unit. There are many other departments as well. I’ll verify that the symptoms persist, so you can head to the Interspecies Support Department on the second floor and receive further assistance.”
Sunal continued speaking while keeping an eye on Medusa as he filled out the document.
“Just as a reminder, this office does not issue any documents. The consultation details and process are all recorded, so if you need documents, like a certificate of residence or family relationship, you’ll need to visit the Records Office on the first floor.”
•We do not issue documents here. (e.g., Resident Registration Certificates, Family Relationship Certificates, etc.)
Without even looking, Sunal pointed to the notice with his left hand.
“And finally, if the cause of your anger has been resolved but you’re still experiencing conflicts with your colleague, please come back and see us again.”
Medusa paused after hearing those words and set the pen down for a moment.
He was touched by how thoroughly and meticulously Sunal was handling his case, not rushing through it but addressing every detail with care.
“Thank you so much, Sunal.”
Medusa handed over the completed document and placed a business card on the desk at the same time.
“I hope I can repay this kindness someday.”
Sunal’s gaze briefly fell to the business card.
Kersman Ral.
“If you ever need my help, feel free to reach out.”
Occupation: Journalist.
Kersman smiled warmly as he rose from his seat.
“Thank you.”
He expressed his gratitude once more before leaving.
‘…What was that?’
Sunal stared at the business card.
He’d always known that the protective glasses made to suppress Medusa’s powers weren’t the best, but who would have thought that providing them would have such a significant impact?
For a fleeting moment, Sunal’s lips curled up in satisfaction as he toyed with the business card, but the feeling quickly faded.
‘They really are siblings.’
— Thank you so much. I’ll treasure these forever.
Kersman’s smile reminded him of the young student who had beamed while clutching the protective glasses Sunal had given him.
‘Come to think of it… Was the culprit ever caught?’
— Free glasses giveaway.
There had been an event at the community center, and some people, fooled by a fake social media account, had come to claim glasses.
‘Didn’t they say it would be tough to track down?’
Sunal sniffled, gathered the documents, and pressed the button to call the next person in line.
Ding-dong.
The display lit up with number 15.
“…Hellooo.”
The voice that followed startled Sunal.
Anyone could tell—it was unmistakably the voice of Tutoon.
He quickly glanced around but saw no one in front of him.
‘Didn’t they leave earlier?’
Sunal pressed his fingers to his temples. Maybe he was just exhausted, and his mind was playing tricks on him.