Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

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“There you are!” Gom marched towards them, an intimidating aura around him. “I’ve been looking all over!” 

Cecil took a step back when she realised Gom’s gaze was fixated upon her, though, she could understand why. 

I am the one who involved everyone in this after all!

Cecil wanted to cry without tears. She had no other choice but to be involved thanks to the compulsory mission given by the system, she was afraid of the punishment. 

However, to her surprise, Gom reached out to hug her instead of lecturing her.

“I heard about everything, and I ran all around looking for all of you!” Gom sighed in relief. “If anything happened to any of you, the principal would kill--”

Gom was interrupted by someone pulling him forcefully by the collar of his shirt, and he found himself stumbling back from their strength. Three pairs of eyes turned to look at the culprit, who turned out to be Xue, his eyes narrowed at Gom. 

“She’s fine,” Xue muttered out, releasing Gom once he was satisfied at the distance between him and Cecil. “We are fine.” 

Gom paused before letting out a guffaw, giving Xue a hug as well. Xue furrowed his eyebrows, seemingly uncomfortable at the hug and Hana only giggled after seeing Xue’s strange expression. 

Cecil smiled in amusement.

“As long as you are fine,” Gom nodded, patting Xue on his back. “As long as you are all fine.” 

***

The three of them were exhausted by the events, immediately collapsing onto their beds and falling asleep instantly, especially Cecil. When they woke up, the queen summoned them to the throne room once again, including Gom.

“I cannot thank all of you enough, for your efforts in unveiling the truth,” she placed her hand over her chest, bowing slightly. “I would like to express my utmost gratitude, words cannot express how grateful I am.” 

“There is no need for you to thank us, Your Majesty,” Cecil smiled, bowing along as well. “We were simply...helping a friend in need.” 

Hana only nodded along with Cecil’s words, smiling innocently. On the other hand, Cecil glanced at Xue, who gave a customary bow but did not say a word. 

Gom felt incredibly awkward, since he had no part to play in this.

The queen then commanded the maids to bring something in, and one of them walked slowly towards the four of them. In her hands, she was carrying a small, ornate tray that was occupied by four pentagon-shaped emblems that resembled one another. 

There was a tiara-like shape carved onto the center of the emblem and Cecil took a moment to recognise it. The author of the novel once recruited the aid of a fan who was extremely talented in drawing, to assist in drawing the symbols of monarchy in the world of Hantulsennem. 

This tiara symbol belongs to the queen of Han, Selene Melody…something.

...what was the author thinking when they created the name for the queen? Which reader could even remember that name? 

The queen stepped forward to present them with the emblem. “If you ever need to, present this emblem to prove that you are a close ally of mine, or if I were to be bold, a friend.” 

She proceeded to smile, bowing once more. “This is the highest form of gratitude I can express towards all of you, I will be eternally grateful for what you have done for this country.”