Chapter: 83
Wishing for the appearance of the sixth character and claiming that it’s the most effective prayer means that, at this moment, there’s nothing I can do for Louise. It’s a situation that almost brings tears to my eyes. sniffle
Still, I can hold onto a glimmer of hope. Now that one semester out of six has passed, the first semester of the three years at the academy is merely the beginning. Regardless of the fact that I have to endure this painfully ridiculous show for another five semesters, I can say that the other members still have plenty of opportunities left.
Of course, it’s just a small hope. I’m not expecting too much. After all, if you don’t set your expectations high, you won’t be disappointed.
Was it always like this?
Suddenly, I stumbled upon a fundamental question. Is my frustration really because I’m experiencing it all in real-time, while the original work cleverly skips dates? From a reader’s point of view, dates are conveniently skipped, but from my angle, it’s enough to drive anyone mad! pulls hair out
I’d honestly prefer it that way. Then, somehow, I could have been the inspector for the first semester every year, and someone else could take over for the second semester, allowing me to see some progress every six months instead of suffering through it endlessly!
A voice in the back of my mind whispered, “Those idiots will be the same after six months,” but I made sure to ignore it.
The time has come when the clubroom no longer smells of flour but is instead filled with the scent of ink. This signals a positive reminder that the final exams are nearing.
It’s really coming to an end now.
I feel sorry for those flipping through textbooks with furrowed brows, but honestly, I couldn’t be happier!
Vacations are usually something everyone looks forward to, but this year, it’s an especially intense longing. Even the academy’s principal and vice-principal must be anxious as they witness high-ranking officials strolling about in their backyard! With the thought of those dignitaries returning to their homeland, their expressions have turned remarkably bright.
It’s definitely something to be happy about, but…
Vacations are a joyous occasion. I could be freed from the burden of monitoring and handling those important figures whose lives could be at risk if something goes awry!
Yet, after being called back to the capital due to the Mage Duchess incident, I’ve realized that the academy is comparatively a heavenly place. Returning to the capital means diving straight into the hectic work of the inspector’s department, unsure when I’d be summoned again by the higher-ups.
There’s this bittersweet irony where I should be happy, but I just can’t. If only I hadn’t come to this realization, I could have gladly returned to the capital! But alas, I’ve swallowed the red pill and awakened to the cruel truth.
“Louise, that’s not how you solve that.”
“Oh, right.”
While I was mourning in my heart, I heard two female voices. This shouldn’t be happening! After all, Louise was the lone female in the clubroom.
“Thanks, Irina!”
“You got that one wrong too.”
“Oops!”
If that someone were her close friend, though, it’s more than possible. The one who heroically boosted the male-to-female ratio from 6:1 to 3:1 was none other than Irina.
After disappearing for a while after bringing me a hawthorn, Irina started showing up at the pastry club again a few days ago. I wouldn’t mind her coming by once in a while; however, she seems to come every single day! Aren’t you supposed to be in a different club?
“Since the exams are coming up, we decided not to have meetings. Would it be okay if I studied with Louise?”
“Of course.”
When I asked, she casually replied that she didn’t need to go to her own club. Since she said so herself, there was no reason for me to stop her.
But they have meetings…
I hold the title of club advisor and have been in touch with the other faculty, so I’m quite aware of the academy’s situation. I know that clubs never skip meetings. Even if they end up gathering to study, they don’t just go AWOL!
Irina’s gardening club had never skipped a meeting—not even once—even on the day she brought the hawthorn seedling!
This is awkward. I can’t ask her.
Besides, Irina’s been careful around me lately—as if measuring my reactions. sigh Nowadays, she’s been watching over the seedlings she generously gifted me, so that’s a notable change as well.
In any case, in such a scenario, saying something like, “Why are you lying?” would absolutely send her into a panic! We already had our awkward incident not so long ago, so I don’t want to provoke her further.
Right now, she occasionally glances at me while chatting with Louise—a sneaky peek! I can’t help but chuckle at how she flinches and looks away when our eyes meet.
I guess it will be fine.
I hesitate to stir Irina’s emotions, but, after all, it’s really not her fault. I mean, what’s wrong with visiting a friend’s club while neglecting your own? Whistle
Even if she were noble, she’s still not even twenty! Recalling memories from my previous life, that’s an age when friends are the most valuable. It’s completely understandable.
“This one is also wrong.”
“Ugh…”
Truthfully, when I see Louise’s poor study abilities, Irina’s presence seems to bring about a positive change.
“Irina, could you take a look at this too?”
“Oh, that?”
Plus, the other club members didn’t seem to mind Irina being there either.
Even if having another presence in the midst of their learning battlefield with Louise might be unsettling, thankfully, the members had no issue with Irina being part of the mix.
Of course, no one would want to display hostility toward the best friend of Louise.
“I’m really glad Lady Irina is here. There were times when no one in this place knew the answer.”
“Your High…”
“Ha ha, just call me casually! We’re all fellow students, aren’t we?”
“Oh, yes!”
The most intimidating figure for Irina, the prince of the empire, was treating her warmly. So the other princes would have no grounds to push her away either.
“I truly~ appreciate having Irina here.”
“It tickles.”
Louise leaped into Irina’s embrace while Irina softly patted her head. At times, they looked more like sisters than friends, but whatever the case, it was a heartwarming sight… except for the poor fools in the back who watched with envy.
*
The trigger was trivial.
“I’m going to focus on studying starting today.”
Hearing Louise’s determined words suddenly made me ponder: If the pastry club stops their activities for exam prep, it wouldn’t be odd for the gardening club to take a break too, right?
While the gardening club had never missed a meeting since the academy began, surely a newcomer like Oppa wouldn’t know that, would he?
“This is my chance.”
At first, I hesitated to go out of embarrassment, but after calming down, I found myself without an excuse not to visit. Everyone said it was fine for seniors to pop in, but saying, “The club’s on break every day” would sound a bit suspicious. It would be fine for one day or two, but not consecutive one after another…
However, if I claimed that the club meeting was paused because of exams, it would provide a solid excuse! It seems entirely plausible, and studying with a close friend wouldn’t look odd, either.
I hate that I might be using Louise, but…
“Um, Louise? If it’s okay, would you like to study with me?”
“Really? Is that alright?”
“Yes, I don’t have anywhere else to be, anyway.”
“Yay!”
With Louise saying it was okay, it was settled. Sure, it’s worth noting that it’s also something Louise wanted. This isn’t manipulative!
“I’m sorry.”
I keep repeating that to myself, but when I see Louise’s bright expression, I can’t help but feel guilty. It’s not like she wants to; it’s more of a cowardly act on my part relying on friendship.
“Ah, long time no see! Come on in!”
Still, I resented how my guilt diminished at Oppa’s greeting.
“Thanks for the gift! It really lifted the atmosphere of the club!”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Honestly, I was annoyed by how oblivious Oppa was about the flower’s meaning. I’m grateful he doesn’t know, but still…
“How rude.”
Feeling strangely relieved and disappointed, I wondered, how could someone be so careless regarding a lady’s heartfelt gift? I felt like a fool for stressing over it.
If the famed flower language isn’t “one and only love” but “tolerance and forgiveness,” I can only imagine how he would’ve been equally clueless. I put a lot of thought into that gift, yet…
“Oppa has been taking good care of it.”
Louise’s whispering made me feel a little better.
*
The pastry club’s six and the escapee from the gardening club came together each day, brainstorming for their exams.
“Why are there so many subjects?”
“It’s not a practical exam, so it should be alright to breeze through.”
The typical exercise junkies, Erich and Rutis, were moaning loudly within the clubroom. As days passed, their expressions grew darker, and they had now resorted to outright blaming their studies. I guess exams drive students mad universally! facepalm
“Well, in just two days, it’ll be break time. Let’s hold on a little longer.”
Hearing Ainter, Erich perked up and grabbed his pen again.
“Right, I’ve got to tough it out! I want to go home feeling good!”
“Oh, are you returning home?”
“Why are you talking as if you’re not going home?”
“I’m not going.”
My cookie-chewing came to an abrupt stop at Rutis’s statement.
“Huh? You’re not going?”
Rutis’s remark seemed to surprise Erich as well. You idiot! How can you not go home?
“It’s not exactly a short distance from the Empire to Armein. I’ll be back in two months anyway, so being in the academy is better.”
“Can’t you teleport?”
“The mages who can travel that distance are swamped with work.”
You jerk! Why only act like some kind-hearted savior now?
“I’m with you on that. I had the same thought.”
Quietly jotting down notes, Lather chimed in, supporting Rutis’s rant. You too?! You’re not going home either?!
Feeling a flicker of hope, I subtly glanced over at Tannian, and to my dismay, he nodded with a smile. N-no, not you too… right?
“It seems we’re all on the same page. Haha, I guess our hearts have become connected after spending so much time together.”
For a moment, I imagined Villar banging the ground in frustration, crying.
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