Creating a Schedule (2)

Although Ethan and I had quite the argument about the Necromancy Exploration course, we ultimately decided I would take it to overcome my weaknesses.

After carefully selecting the remaining courses, Ethan’s hand landed on the final lecture titled ‘Marine Biology Exploration.’

“Let’s go with this for the last one.”

“Marine Biology Exploration, you mean?”

“Yeah. Remember when Lillith almost got into danger fighting the Kraken? I think it’d be good to overcome that fear this time.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

I’m still bad at swimming… but I can learn during this course.

Moreover, the Marine Biology Exploration course had another nickname, and having roughly guessed Ethan’s ulterior motive, I naturally had to accept his suggestion.

‘It’s called “Marine Biology Exploration,” but it’s practically no different from a “beach field trip.”‘

Who knew Ethan would make a date request in this manner?

I should buy a swimsuit soon. Given Lillith’s bust size, there probably aren’t many options available, so I’ll get a simple black one and modify it by adding maid frills.

To think he’d go this far just to see me in a swimsuit. Ethan can be quite cunning when he wants to be.

“We’ll be taking all the same classes this semester, Young Master Ethan.”

“…Yeah. Take care of me, Lillith.”

Anyway, with five courses selected, my schedule for the second semester was roughly set.

I should ask Agnes later how many overlap with hers. Since Agnes’s schedule will essentially be the Hero Party’s schedule, I can figure out what events that guy Gyeotmwa will participate in this semester.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

The afternoon after Ethan and I finished course registration.

Sitting on a bench in the central plaza, Agnes and I openly shared some details about next semester’s classes.

“Natural Science Exploration? We’re not taking that.”

“Huh? Then what course are you taking during that time slot, Miss Agnes?”

“Hmm? That Hero guy said something about going to a desert.”

“Ah, Solar Studies Exploration, then.”

“Yeah, something like that. He insisted on arranging all our schedules himself this semester, took our registration forms, filled them out, and handed them back.”

“I see.”

It seems the Hero is sticking to the standard Hero Party training plan this semester too.

It might seem strange that someone as proud as Agnes wouldn’t object to having her schedule dictated, but this actually aligns well with the original story’s portrayal.

Agnes was the type to act without hesitation if she thought it benefited her-more precisely, if it benefited her in the succession competition.

Her swallowing her pride to follow my orders during Spiritology class and initially accepting her relationship with Prince Antonio were both results of this personality trait.

As for the Hero, having already secured two hunting festival victories for Agnes, he’s earned enough trust. She likely judges that following his lead will better serve her succession ambitions.

This works in my favor too, as it lets me confirm the Hero’s class schedule like this.

‘Solar Studies, huh? Not a bad choice.’

I only chose Natural Science for the experience points, but the more canonical choice in the original story was Solar Studies Exploration.

Taking Solar Studies lets you farm ancient relics in desert temples and acquire a new skill through the Sun God’s revelation.

Of course, that doesn’t apply to me. I wouldn’t want to accidentally obtain relics that might interfere with his route, and the new skill event is Hero-exclusive anyway.

Having confirmed the first course is Solar Studies, I asked about the remaining courses.

“What about Geology Exploration? Are you taking that?”

“Yeah, that one too.”

“Good. I’ve also registered for Geology Exploration.”

“Oh? What else?”

“For the third week… are you taking Humanities Exploration?”

“That too. You as well?”

“Yes. I thought fighting only scripted monsters wouldn’t be enough to grow stronger.”

Geology and Humanities overlap with mine, so no issue there. For the fourth week, the Hero and Agnes chose Demonology Exploration instead of Necromancy Exploration.

Honestly, the fourth week’s options are all similar, so it’s not something I need to worry about.

‘For the fifth week’s Marine Biology Exploration… they probably didn’t take it.’

Since he said he wouldn’t do anything he’d have to take responsibility for, there’s no way he’d participate in a swimsuit event that would mess with his head.

Besides, the fifth-week course is practically a field trip anyway, so it doesn’t matter much whether it’s at the beach or the mountains.

“For the fifth week, it’s Forestry Exploration, right? Understood, Miss Agnes.”

“Huh? Mine’s Marine Biology.”

“…What? Really?”

“What? Did you pick Forestry, Lillith?”

“No, I also chose Marine Biology.”

“That’s good. We’re in the same class again.”

…Marine Biology? Seriously?

The Hero’s reasoning is baffling, but I just nodded at Agnes to acknowledge the information.

‘Well… he probably just can’t resist seeing the girls in swimsuits.’

If it’s just looking, it’s harmless pleasure, I guess.

Luke and Agnes’s swimsuits might be plain, but I am curious about Seraphine, Natalie, and Silena’s.

In a way, this might be for the best. I’ve always wondered how the swimsuit scenes from the original would look in reality.

“By the way, Miss Agnes, do you know who else had their schedules arranged by Hero Gyeotmwa Josyegigot besides you?”

“Hmm… Natalie, Thomas, Silena, and Celista, I think? Not sure about Seraphine.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

“…Now that I think about it, why is my schedule so important?”

“It’s as important or unimportant as you think. Still, your information has been very helpful.”

“Hmm, okay.”

Seraphine undoubtedly has the same schedule as the Hero, and Luke, being her lackey, will stick with her all semester now that they can take the same classes.

Including Gyeotmwa Josyegigot, the people Agnes mentioned, plus Seraphine and Luke, makes eight.

Celista is a bonus member, so excluding her and adding the graduated Orion makes it exactly eight members plus one for the Hero Party.

‘Good balance. All main characters. Except for Seraphine, Silena, and Celista, none have romantic feelings for Gyeotmwa Josyegigot.’

Now that I’ve confirmed he’s laid the groundwork for a serious Demon King conquest, it’s my turn.

The remaining heroines of 『Luminor Academy』 who haven’t been paired yet-from now on, my role is to support their romantic endeavors.

“Oh, and for your information, Young Master Ethan is also taking the same five exploration courses as me-“

“I already knew that. You’re that inseparable idiot couple, aren’t you?”

“……”

…I don’t think we’re quite that bad.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

According to the original 『Luminor Academy』, there are four heroines left without established romantic pairings.

First, among the existing academy heroines, there’s Kael, the second-year martial arts student from the back alleys.

Then, among the new students entering this year, three more remain.

The newly appointed professor this year, Angela.

The imperial fourth princess Mezlen, a first-year newcomer I previously mentioned as a potential fiancée candidate for Ethan.

And Princess Rainy of the Defrin Kingdom, who might also be Ethan’s fiancée. That makes four in total still unpaired.

Naturally, the latter ones are harder to match. While I could build a rapport with Kael as her senior, approaching a professor, a princess, and a foreign royal with ulterior motives would be impossible.

So starting with Kael might seem logical, but first, there’s one thing I need to do for Mezlen.

I need to make a strong first impression when the fourth princess Mezlen arrives at the academy.

As I waited at the academy gates, a lavish imperial carriage quietly stopped, and two royals carefully stepped out.

“Leave this to me. I’ll carry it from here.”

The fifth prince, Antonio-looking more reliable than in the original.

“……”

And following him, the red twin-tailed fourth princess Mezlen made her entrance.