-…!
When the guardians arrived on the scene, everything was already over.
A fierce battle had concluded, and the injured and fallen were being tended to.
And standing in the center, taking a breath, was a boy with gray hair.
…
After the incident,
Claris Academy held a memorial for the fallen students in light of the previous monster appearance incident, and an emergency committee was convened in the Administrative Hall to clarify the facts behind this event.
In the first instance, the investigation focused on the raid commander, Teiron, along with the guilds that cooperated with the academy,
[Divine Valhalla] and [Eternal Flame].
Why was there no dispatch of senior knights or high-ranking mages in preparation for the worst-case scenario? Why was the raid composed primarily of minors, with apprentices like Aveline Valantes taking on crucial roles?
They also looked into whether there had been collusion between the two guilds beforehand.
They wanted to say their handling was adequate, but…
Recalling the content from the fanfic, the outcome was quite the opposite.
The first committee meeting was more formal, primarily concerned with the internal hierarchy that approved the raid, rather than delving into specifics.
It merely consisted of evasion tactics from members heavily influenced by the large guilds, Divine Valhalla and Eternal Flame,
while Teiron, the raid’s overall commander, took full responsibility, effectively absolving Melissa and Aveline, who acted out of line.
This would likely follow a similar pattern again.
By swiftly dispatching the [Pitbit Jae], I was able to reduce casualties, so the mistakes made by Melissa and Aveline didn’t blow up to catastrophic proportions.
‘But…’
That means it’s not over yet.
In the second committee meeting, I could have my say by cross-checking the survivor testimonies…
…
A day before the second committee meeting, I visited the Training Hall Fitness Center.
On the first floor of this place, the 12 and 13 personal training rooms, located in a corner and designated for S-grade students, feature a lounge connected to the outside on the side.
– I’m done~. Lily’s going to sleep.
– Hurry and go to sleep. I’ll definitely get back to you soon.
– Uh huh…
With Lily’s help, this was my first time here, and I carefully checked the facilities in a short span of time.
Just about 3 minutes.
Having finished my business, I’m currently sitting on a bench near the Restoration Chamber.
‘I guess I should visit the sick.’
Naturally, the medical facilities near the dangerous training hall are in place, but looking at them doesn’t sit well with me.
Probably, right now in the Restoration Chamber, students who took part in the Pitbit Jae conquest, including Violet, are receiving treatment.
Even in a fictional world, seeing others get hurt is something I’m still not used to, having lived in South Korea, where strict laws and order exist regarding violence.
Of course, I managed to save many students compared to the main storyline by intervening, but…
The fact remains that one of the front-line knights from their party was seriously injured due to the greed and impulsive actions of Melissa and Aveline.
While I pondered these complex feelings,
-!
A silhouette, now far too familiar, stood facing me without a hint of discomfort.
With lavender-tinted silver hair, she greeted her classmates and approached me at a brisk pace.
As she closed the 2-meter gap, the girl opened her mouth.
“…Mr. Lev.”
“You came.”
Aria Bluebell. She might know my secret.
Perhaps soon, I might disclose everything to her… would she understand?
“You didn’t collapse… today.”
“Hmm?”
“Never mind…”
– Thump
– ?
Then she carefully approached and sat beside me.
The smell of antiseptic and the gentle jasmine fragrance she carried relaxed me.
“…”
In times like this, it seems there are some differences from the fanfic.
She didn’t jokingly make light of things, show interest in anyone besides Edwin, or casually sit next to others like this…
‘Well, that’s just how the author’s story goes.’
Who knows how much narrative was distributed to the true heroines…
Aria spoke softly.
“Once again…”
“…”
“You’ve gone through something… significant.”
“Right. I’m really unlucky…”
“This time…! What reason will you give for participating in the raid?”
“…!”
She cut me off, looking up at me with her cheong-geum-seong eyes.
Every time I gaze into those sincere eyes, I feel a slight fear that everything I have might be exposed.
“…”
She then shifted her gaze to the ground, and in a slightly trembling voice, continued.
“It’s strange to call it a coincidence…”
“…”
“With the flame demon, with Lady Yeriel, and even during the festival…”
“…”
Whenever there’s danger at the academy, Mr. Lev… you’re always… there…”
“Aria.”
“You must surely…! intend to handle it alone again…”
“Aria.”
As I softly called her name twice, Aria finally faced me.
“You seem particularly deep in thought today.”
“…Why don’t you… ever say anything to me?”
Her voice, tinged with concern, somehow dug into my heart.
Could it be that, like me, she too has been distanced from her family?
Despite not being related or having any connections back in my original world.
Besides, it all began with…
– Let’s date, let’s date. You don’t really care about anyone else, right? Someone like me should be fine, right? You don’t like that scumbag Edwin, do you?
Embarrassing history.
It was the worst first impression.
‘Soon… I really must confess.’
Afraid my thoughts might be read,
I found myself unable to look into her eyes for a while.
*
In the S-grade student exclusive 12 personal training room,
In this sparsely populated, private space, Teiron, Melissa, and Aveline were having a furtive meeting.
“Teiron, are you sure it’s handled?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve made it clear that as raid commander I’m resigning and taking all responsibility.”
“Melissa, is it really necessary for it to go this far? Did we really commit a crime of that magnitude?”
“Shut it, meathead. Just stay quiet and say what we tell you to tomorrow.”
“What did you just call me!”
Of course, Melissa and Aveline’s impulsive actions weren’t strictly a grave “crime”.
However, conducting personal actions during a raid clearly counts as a major “mistake”.
As they held the high standard of an S-grade, a demotion was only to be expected, along with future disadvantages in raid participation.
Moreover, if demerit points were given, it could hinder their academy life and potentially harm the duchy’s reputation.
‘What a disgrace…’
Moreover, they didn’t even acquire the essence of immortality.
Thinking back, their reckless actions were based on a single legend.
– Melissa. Do you know about the essence of immortality? I was quite interested in it.
‘Caeran…’
I wonder how he would handle this situation.
While Melissa sighed at Aveline,
“Ugh.”
“Melissa!”
Teiron continued.
“The 5,6 Party are members of Eternal Flame and Divine Valhalla, making it easy to silence them, while the 1,2 Party and 3,4 Party were in chaos and likely didn’t notice much…”
“But?”
“The problem lies with that gray-haired boy. He saved us after all.”
“…”
At the mention of salvation, both Melissa and Aveline fell silent.
For the truth was undeniable.
“I’ve heard that in the second committee meeting, they won’t question Lev Denec, who greatly contributed to the defeat of the [Pitbit Jae]… Although Violet de Crescent acted out of line, it can be justified that the unexpected appearance of the Pitbit Jae allowed the 3,4 Party to minimize damage.”
In response to Teiron’s explanation, Aveline curiously interjected.
“If we can prove that our actions were not impulsive but rather intentional, we can be cleared, right?”
“Well, that would be the case, but, Miss Aveline, was your original duty not to protect? If you are found negligent, we wouldn’t have any ground to stand on.”
Melissa deeply regretted her actions.
‘Ugh, seriously!’
Aveline wasn’t listening to her reasoning.
“I want to say that I instructed the raid commander to partake in the assault, but there are multiple ears listening, right? Especially with de Crescent’s lady around, fabricating lies would be digging our own graves.”
“No, look…”
In the frustrating and bleak situation, Melissa suddenly lost her temper.
“Teiron, what do you expect us to do then?”
“Simple. Just persuade Lev Denec.”
“What…?”
“If it’s proven that your and Aveline’s actions were to set up Lev for an unexpected action, then both of you would receive credit for the kill and be absolved.”
At Teiron’s words, Melissa sighed deeply, gazing at the ceiling.
“Phew…”
Lev Denec.
Of all players, he held the key.
Just like this time, the duel with Caeran…
Now that I think about it, his skills as a marksman far exceed expectations.
I can understand why Aveline was so persistent.
‘…’
At the same time, I felt a twinge of regret.
Rather than establishing a connection with him, my only memories are of cold encounters.
When I first approached Aria, during the selection trial, and when I fought Gaelon Sharptie… I had only expressed suspicion and criticism.
But what could be done?
I’d have to find a way to meet him and talk things over.
*
Later, my conversation with Aria went…
– Lady Yeriel is worried, so please go apologize.
– Do I really have to apologize…?
– Yes, of course…? Since you were with Lady Selena, it’s important…
– Selena?
– Ah… that was a slip…
– …
Despite being much younger than me by age, she surprisingly clicks well with me.
There’s something amusing about her reactions compared to Aria, the [Reincarnated Hero], who has tasted the bitter side of life.
Anyway, since I told her to take care in the second semester,
-… Yes. But…! You are not allowed to come back hurt.
If she keeps her promises like she always does, she’ll probably keep helping me while acting a bit tsundere.
After Aria left,
‘What’s crucial now…’
I’m eavesdropping on the conversation between Melissa, Teiron, and Aveline in real-time.
In this world without smartphones, I had thought it might come in handy someday, so I bought a magical item with transmission capabilities in Hwangdo.
It was mentioned in the fanfic that personal training room 13 was where Melissa and Caeran were having a secret rendezvous, so I set it up just in case.
I got it really expensive with the money I earned after defeating the Pleasure Lord, so the sound quality is top-notch.
“What does Lily like?”
As I pondered how to repay Lily for assisting me in booking an S-class personal training room,
– Speak of the devil, and she shall appear.
This time, a pink-haired woman appeared before me.
With a complex expression and a hint of surprise, it was Melissa.
“You, what are you doing here?”
“Visiting the sick.”
“Ah…”
With my brief answer, Melissa nodded,
then brushed her left hair behind her ear and took a step closer to me.
There was a strong perfume scent wafting through the air.
“Y-you looked cool.”
“What? Me?”
“Yes… Thank you, Lev. I’m alive because of you.”
Melissa has a habit of stuttering and turning red whenever she expresses her concealed feelings.
But the way she acts nonchalantly makes it all too obvious. The act.
“Alright, I’m leaving.”
“…!”
When I pretended to leave, Melissa grabbed my forearm with a shocked expression.
– Swoosh
And I instinctively pulled my arm away.
-…
Melissa’s eyes trembled slightly.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused by Aveline. I’ll apologize on her behalf.”
“Getting it from you doesn’t seem particularly meaningful; I’ll handle it myself with the relevant parties.”
I’m not even sure what I should be apologized for.
“Wait a second!”
In a bid to win my favor, she kept trying to charm me.
“I’ll buy dinner… How about we go out for a bit? I know an amazing place…”
“No, I have someone to meet for dinner.”
“That, then how about just tea? Can’t we?”
“Ugh.”
Dinner is my time to meet Yeriel, as Aria advised.
“Umm…”
As I kept shutting her down, Melissa finally flapped her lips, trembling, bringing forth her trump card.
“Do you remember? Our first meeting.”
“First?”
“Yes, you confessed to me.”
“…”
Could she possibly be referring to the mindless confession made by the ‘real Lev Denec’?
She looked down for a moment, sighed, then met my gaze again.
“I’ll accept that feeling.”
“What?”
“I’m saying that specially, I could consider dating you.”
-…
Melissa wore a rather haughty expression, as if she were doing me a favor…
