episode_0201

The kingdom’s incident had concluded.

Those trapped in nightmares awoke, and the pitch blackness that had descended upon the city also receded.

The starlight, which had finally overcome the dawn. The silver-haired girl became complete salvation.

In a proud mood, I thoroughly stroked Neria’s head.

Even her broken-down reaction was endearing.

The night had ended.

“-Thank you.” “-I will certainly repay the debt incurred this time.”

Once the situation was resolved, the monarch immediately departed.

Only a few words of gratitude remained by his side.

Had he also seen something in the nightmare?

Fatigue was mixed in his expression.

‘Nightmare, huh.’

Perhaps it was a memory from his youth.

The incident where the Cardinal, revered as a star at the time, completely annihilated the church’s upper echelons and some noble families.

It was a tragedy still occasionally recounted, and a disaster that left an indelible stain of disgrace on the church.

I silently watched the old man’s receding steps.

A faint stigmata remained on his wrinkled nape.

A trace left by God, hinting that he was once a star…

‘Fallen Star.’

I chewed on the forgotten alternate name.

The name that reigned over evil, before the old man was called the monarch.

He crossed the street accompanied by his royal guards.

I, on the other hand, set off on the path leading out of the underground.

Thus, the long dawn came to an end.

‘Home.’

We returned to the academy.

The scenery of the academy, under lockdown, was quiet, with nothing much changed.

Due to the successive invasions of cultists, the faculty’s vigilance was at its sharpest.

As I walked through the gentle breeze, a sudden bitterness welled up.

Because the boisterous noise of students was no longer there.

On the other hand, I was determined to reclaim that everyday life.

Because it was a memory I cherished in many ways.

‘For now… that’s a story for after the cultists are dealt with.’

The scent of spring, blooming calmly.

Also, I wasn’t the only one who set foot in the academy.

Because Neria was also with me.

‘The Lamplighter.’

The star that regained its light.

She was now a girl who had overcome her trauma and accepted her calling.

At the same time, she would also be the guardian who would protect the academy from now on.

Having shed her restrictions, she would become a powerful force for us.

To exaggerate, she was on par with Irene’s final chapter specs.

Though she herself still seemed to need time to adjust.

“This is Neria-yang. You all probably know her by sight, right? You might have met her a few times. She’s like my right hand.”

“I am Neria Lightni. Though lacking, I assist my Master-nim.”

“Starting today, she will be taking on the security role at Gallimard Academy.”

In the original story, the academy was also a primary target.

As the final chapter was beginning, it was time to put all our efforts into defense.

Because fighting to protect is inherently like that.

“Even though she looks like this, Neria-yang is quite shy around strangers. I hope you’ll all treat her kindly.”

I introduced Neria to my companions as well.

Except for Irene, everyone else was meeting her for the first time.

They might have encountered her a few times, but this was the first time they were formally greeting her.

The silver-haired girl bowed her head in a formal posture.

It must have been her best effort.

“Please take good care of me.”

“””……”””

However, the atmosphere among the other children was stiff.

Was it because of Neria’s uniquely cold impression?

Moreover, perhaps due to nervousness, she maintained an even sharper aura than usual.

The companions couldn’t quite bring themselves to speak to her. Even Irene, who had some familiarity, merely watched.

Following that disconnect, the awkward atmosphere grew heavier.

In the end, I subtly offered help.

“Aren’t you too stiff?”

“M-Master-nim…?”

*Plop.*

I placed my hand on the girl’s head.

Neria stiffened for a moment.

As I playfully stroked her, the chilly atmosphere crumbled.

Like cotton candy dissolving in water. She instantly returned to her youthful appearance.

Her originally pale cheeks were flushed red.

“U-Ugh…”

She’s become even shyer.

She was always somewhat like this, but it seemed to have intensified even more in the past few days.

More precisely, ever since she accepted the starlight. Ever since she overcame her trauma.

As a result, it was rather awkward for me to watch.

Because her threshold for personal space had suddenly lowered.

‘Like now.’

Like groaning just from interlocking fingers for a moment.

Or if I subtly leaned on her shoulder, her whole body would stiffen.

Or if I silently poked her cheek, she would subtly avert her gaze.

These were things she usually handled fine, but now, was she feeling ashamed?

I thought it was a bit late, but…

‘Or not?’

Thinking about it again, it might not have been particularly different.

After all, I was usually the one doing those things.

Neria was always the one being overwhelmed.

Her reactions were amusing, so I always teased her.

“M-Master-nim… the others are, s-seeing… us…”

“Indeed, Neria-yang’s hair is so soft.”

“T-Thank you for the compliment, but perhaps now is not the time…!”

Anyway.

Was it perhaps thanks to her utterly crumbled appearance?

The chilly atmosphere seemed to gradually relax.

Just in time, Selena, who had been lingering nearby, interjected.

Her purple hair, swept back in a sudden motion, flowed down along its curves.

A slight nasal sound lingered at her lips.

“Hmm.”

Her crimson eyes, seemingly piqued with interest, observed the girl.

Afterward, she smiled with her eyes.

“She’s cute.”

“Teacher-nim.”

“It would have been good if you had given me a heads-up. A sudden transfer student, how unexpected.”

“I suppose there wasn’t an opportunity… As such, I hope Teacher-nim will pay attention to her from now on.”

“It’s my one and only disciple’s request, after all. Besides, she might become part of the family, right? As the eldest, I should definitely take good care of her.”

“Huh? Family, you say…? M-Master-nim? What did that just mean?”

“Well, I don’t know either.”

“You’ll find out naturally. Please take good care of me from now on, Neria-haksaeng.”

Selena, cunningly manipulating Neria.

Was it thanks to her actively breaking the ice?

The other children, who had been hesitant, also began to join the conversation one by one.

I quietly watched Neria, surrounded by the companions.

It was a heartwarming sight.

“So, you already knew Yuda? Since roughly three years ago?”

“Elize. I don’t think it’s good to be jealous of someone you’ve just met.”

“No… I was just asking a question, Unnie?”

“Yes. Elize is very jealous.”

“What part of that was jealousy?”

“But I like even that side of you.”

“Are you even listening?”

Elize’s dissatisfied expression.

Beside her was Charlotte, who still lived in her own world.

While the two bickered for a moment, this time the blue-haired girl interjected.

“Nice to meet you. We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

It was none other than Emilia.

Judging by her reaction, Neria seemed to remember her too.

“I remember. It was during the Venity Purge Order, wasn’t it?”

“I was indebted to you then. Shamefully, I ended up borrowing a stranger’s hand for family matters.”

“Not at all. It was Master-nim’s will. If it’s thanks, it would be appropriate to convey them to him.”

“I’ve already conveyed plenty. Besides, there’s no limit to how many times you can say thank you, is there? I thought it would be better to convey it to everyone if possible.”

“I see. Those are wise words.”

“May I call you Neria-ssi…?”

“You may call me Neria. I am merely Master-nim’s servant.”

“Then, Neria. Welcome to Gallimard. Please take good care of me from now on.”

“Th-Thank you…”

Emilia, speaking with a subtle blend of formality and detailed consideration.

Who would have expected to see such a combination?

The dormitory scene felt new and poignant.

I quietly lowered my gaze.

‘Everyone.’

The original story.

The mid-boss who turned 10% of the continent into ashes.

The villainess who was destined to be a sacrifice for her family.

The princess who suffered from an incurable disease and ended her life in vain.

The head professor who betrayed the academy, followed the cultists, and was then abandoned.

Seeing them gathered in one place, a corner of my heart inexplicably stirred.

Was it perhaps because of the sentiment that so much had truly changed?

Beside me, the fox poked my side.

“You look strangely happy?”

“Do I? Heh heh.”

“It’s rare. To see you smile like that.”

“Hmm…? I don’t think I’m particularly different from usual.”

“If you don’t know, then don’t. It was something I wanted to know by myself anyway.”

“Oh, now I’m just more curious.”

With those trivial words behind us, I directed my gaze forward once more.

Neria, somewhat overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere.

Still, her expression wasn’t one of dislike.

I chuckled softly.

‘The Lamplighter.’

To you, who always felt alone.

Now, this place will also become one of your many homes.

I could only wish that you would no longer be lonely.

The everyday atmosphere softly bubbled, scattering into life.

“””……”””

Meanwhile.

There was one person who couldn’t quite blend into that flow.

None other than the world’s protagonist, Regia Filers.

Her pink hair was subtly subdued.

Her green eyes also held a gloomy light.

“””……”””

I subtly observed her.

It was a sight I had grown accustomed to recently.

It wasn’t just today; she had been in that state for quite some time.

I couldn’t bring myself to approach, and instead observed her hunched shoulders.

Internally, I ruminated on the future that would soon arrive.

‘Is that time finally coming…?’

Regia Filers.

It seemed our protagonist was also on the verge of her final awakening.