The Female Lead Saves the World - Chapter 191

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Yeo Joo Saves the World
Part 2, Episode 12

Na Baek Ho had hit puberty.
It started with him refusing to stick to my side.
At first, I thought it was aftereffects from moving from Jongno to Dokdok Gate, so I felt sorry and apologetic, giving him time and space to be alone.
Looking back now, it was a mistake.
“I should have nipped this habit in the bud from the start.”
Then he would’ve learned that his older sister was someone to fear.
“Ugh, so wet.”
I hastily wiped my dripping face with the towel I was holding.
My clothes were completely soaked through—a lost cause.
My pants, which were still somewhat intact, bore two muddy paw prints from Na Baek Ho.
His front paws had been caked with dirt, so he’d been washing them at the restroom sink when he suddenly shoved me and bolted—clear evidence of his escape.
Trying to overpower me with strength was both a sign and symptom of his adolescence.
“Na Baek Ho, get over here right now.”
He wasn’t even a baby tiger anymore, and there was no way he didn’t understand my words, yet Na Baek Ho didn’t budge from where he stood at a distance.
He even scratched his ears with his hind legs, deliberately ignoring me.
“Ugh, seriously… Fine. It’s puberty, puberty. I need to be patient…”
“Huff huff!”
[ ᕙ(`▽´)ᕗ ]
“What’s with you?”
“Kyaang, huff!”
“You’re talking back to your older sister with that attitude?”
“Grrr, huff, kyaang!”
I can’t translate this as it’s not Korean text—it’s an emoticon/emoji face expression showing excitement or happiness. There’s no linguistic content to translate.
Now that he’d grown a bit, he wasn’t obedient anymore.
The slightest hint of displeasure and he’d talk back like this, sharp and defiant.
“You’re not getting away with this. You’re getting a proper scolding today that’ll make you cry. Come here!”
“Kyaang!”
As I chased after him again, Na Baek Ho bounded around playfully, mocking my slower pace.
We must have circled the break room three times.
Then I spotted a familiar figure entering through the door.
“Guild Master! Catch Na Baek Ho!”
At my shout, Kang Han’s eyes widened for a moment before he scooped up Na Baek Ho with S-rank speed and lifted him effortlessly into the air.
“Kyaa, kyaang!”
I can’t translate this as it’s not Korean text—it’s an emoticon/ASCII art expressing a frustrated or angry face. There’s no linguistic content to translate.
Na Baek Ho thrashed against Kang Han’s grip, but it was futile.
“Huff, huff. Got you, you rascal!”
“Krrr, grrrrowl!”
[ ( >д<) ]
Na Baek Ho was so indignant at being caught by Kang Han that he huffed and snorted indignantly.
I quickly grabbed the towel hanging around my neck and began wiping the grime from Na Baek Ho's front paws.
"Are you going to keep showing off your strength to me? I just asked you to let me wash your paws, and you run around like this? Really?"
Seizing the moment, I unleashed all the nagging I'd been holding back, and Na Baek Ho, still cradled in Kang Han's arms, turned his head sharply away.
The way his plump mouth was pressed shut made it clear he was thoroughly sulking.
"Sulking won't help, Na Baek Ho. You nearly made me slip in the restroom. You really messed up today."
"Grrrr!"
"Tsk. If you keep talking back, should I tell the Guild Master to handle you? You think I can't do it? Look here. Guild Master, Na Baek Ho won't listen to me like this…."
I wasn't afraid, so I tried to climb onto Kang Han's back and make a big fuss about it.
"Kang Han?"
Even when I called out to him, Kang Han didn't look at me.
Like Na Baek Ho, he'd turned his head sharply the other way, and I could only see his reddened ears.
"What's wrong?"
"That is… ahem."
Kang Han wiped his face quickly with the hand not holding Na Baek Ho, then spoke.
"I think it would be better if you put something on top."
"Huh? Oh."
I noticed my white t-shirt was wet, and the fabric was slightly see-through.
…But?
This isn't the Joseon era where people would riot over just seeing socks.
"Let me just finish drying Na Baek Ho a bit more."
Why is my clothing suddenly the priority?
I still hadn't even delivered half of the scolding I had planned for Na Baek Ho.
"Na Baek Ho, you really got caught today…."
"People will be gathering soon. Go change quickly."
"But it's not like my clothes are torn and showing skin. This much is…."
"Yeo Joo, please."
Kang Han was now covering even his eyes with one hand.
Not just his ears, but his entire ears had turned bright red as if pinched.
…Was I really that embarrassing?
"Ugh, fine. I'll go change and come back."
I grumbled and draped a large towel over my shoulders before instructing Kang Han.
"I'll go change clothes quickly, so you absolutely have to keep a firm grip on Na Baek Ho!"
"Understood."
Still, Kang Han was someone I could trust.
Even if I accidentally let it slip away, since I promised, I'll catch it again.
Behind my retreating back, Na Baek Ho, bursting with energy, let out a shout.
"Yelp! Yelp! Yowwwl!"
"Quiet, you brat!"

* * *

After returning to the Dormitory and changing into a short-sleeved shirt, then throwing a thick hoodie over it, I headed to the lounge, which was already packed to the brim.
"Oh, Yeo Joo's here?"
"Unnie, sit here! I made an iced Americano for you."
"Yeo Joo, it's been forever!"
The hunters of the Justice Guild greeted me one by one as I arrived.
The sight of them gathered together looked like a close-knit family celebrating New Year's Day.
I sat down in my usual seat that Lee Yu Eul had saved for me and waved at Yu Ga Young on the sofa in the back.
"You came too, Ga Young? How have you been?"
"Yeo Joo unnie! I came in first place in the running race today!"
"Wow, that's impressive."
Yu Ga Young, Yoo Jin Rok's daughter, was becoming remarkably healthier these days.
Attending the Awakener School and gaining stamina, she no longer reacted as sensitively to darkness addiction as before.
According to what I heard from Yoo Jin Rok, her physical abilities were improving steadily, and she was even showing signs of awakening soon.
When I looked at her with the "Know Thyself" skill, Yu Ga Young had the potential to become S-rank.
But I didn't tell anyone about it.
I didn't go out of my way to pay extra attention, nor did I provide more treatment than necessary.
'What does it matter if she's S-rank or C-rank?'
I wouldn't let the situation deteriorate to the point where even a child like Yu Ga Young had to enter combat.
"You're here?"
Kang Han, sitting next to my reserved seat, spoke.
"Yes. Na Baek Ho was…."
"He fell asleep waiting for you. I think he got tired from playing around."
"Well, well."
Na Baek Ho, who had been yelping and annoying me so much earlier, was curled up in a ball, fast asleep in Kang Han's arms.
"That brat, having nothing but a pretty face."
He's been a bit irritating lately, but he's still cute.
When I gently poked his nose with my finger, Na Baek Ho's eyes fluttered open drowsily.
"…Whimper."
The sleepy creature wriggled out of Kang Han's arms and toddled over to me.
I reached out and picked up Na Baek Ho, gently stroking his head.
"Sleep a bit more and wake up, then let's have dinner, Na Baek Ho."
"…Yowl."
He sure knows how to respond.
As I pat Na Baek Ho's solid rear end while he's drifted back into dreamland, I feel a twinge of regret for losing my temper earlier—or rather, I don't.
I have no intention of raising a disrespectful tiger.
Once he reaches adulthood, he'll be far larger than he is now, and his strength will become absolutely monstrous.
If he's to thrive in society, it's only right that I correct his behavior now, even if it pains me a little.
"…Grow slowly, Na Baek Ho."
I whisper this against his ear, then press my lips gently to his round forehead.
I'm quietly laughing at the sight of his tail swishing like a willow branch, as if he can feel it even in his sleep.
"Oh, it's starting now!"
Lee Yu Eul shouts and turns up the TV volume.
The chatter of Justice Guild hunters scattered throughout the room dies down accordingly.
Then, with the familiar opening music, the commentary desk fills the screen.

[ "Good evening, viewers. We're beginning the October 1st dungeon conquest streaming broadcast!"
"This is day three of the Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province A-rank large-scale dungeon conquest led personally by Guild Master Sa Ma Young and the elite first team of the Sama Guild!" ]

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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