Chapter 155

Chapter 155

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 155: Meoww (1).

As college entrance exams drew closer, Ceti became too busy to engage with Zelnya. Similarly, Zelnya made no attempts to torment her.

I noticed the atmosphere between them gradually shifting. The gap that had existed between the two girls seemed to be closing. After all, time has a way of healing wounds and changing circumstances – even deep-seated resentment and bitterness aren’t immune to its effects.

The most convincing evidence of this change came from an unexpected source: the whiteboard.

Yes, a simple whiteboard.

I had installed it in the corridors of the Reinhardt ship during the Academia entrance exams. Originally, it was meant for reviewing my studies or quickly noting down ideas while passing by. However, Ceti had become its primary user.

She would write unsolved problems on the board before heading to school, her elegant cursive handwriting serving as a silent request for help. By the next morning, without fail, solutions would appear.

The answers were written in a distinctive style – round letters that, in Korean terms, featured large initial consonants with smaller medial and final consonants. The writing had a bouncy quality as if the letters might spring off the board if touched.

I recognized this handwriting immediately.

It belonged to Zelnya.

The next morning, new problems appeared as if by magic – all of them challenging. While I managed to solve the physics ones, I left the rest for Zelnya to handle.

Zelnya worked diligently each day, even utilizing a chair to reach the whiteboard. I helped by holding her legs to maintain her balance as she wrote.

“It’s nice to see you two communicating like this.”

“I can’t help it. She avoids me.”

The whiteboard had become the primary communication channel between the two girls, though not the only one.

Zelnya began expanding her methods of communication. While focusing on her major, she also prepared materials for college entrance exams.

“Do you remember all that material?”

“I… kind of do remember.”

I was astonished by her ability to recall entrance exam content from a year ago. However, it seemed characteristic of her capabilities.

As Zelnya worked, she would occasionally sip her espresso and tuck her hair behind her ear while typing. Indeed, someone who excelled in studies and showed consideration for others was naturally attractive.

Later that night, Zelnya nervously approached Ceti’s door.

“I have something to give you.”

To my surprise, the door opened smoothly – unusual, given that Ceti typically turned her away.

“Here, take this.”

“What is it?”

“A gift.”

Ceti held Zelnya’s specially prepared pamphlet with a conflicted expression. While she seemed impressed by the quality of the material, there was also visible discomfort.

“…Where did you get this?”

“I made it myself.”

Ceti fell silent.

She couldn’t bring herself to discard the printout – how could she? Each page contained only the most essential information, carefully curated.

Zelnya had spent 17 years of her life focused on competition. Though her personality had softened over time, her abilities remained unchanged.

Ceti sighed as she put down the printout and nodded. Zelnya left first, and as I was about to follow her out, Ceti grabbed my hand.

“Stay.”

She pulled me back and engaged the door’s lock.

“Don’t be flustered and answer honestly. Do you like that girl, brother?”

“I don’t dislike her.”

“Seriously though – enough to consider marriage?”

“I’m not sure about that.”

Her questions seemed to lack direction, but she persisted.

“If you were to marry, do you have someone in mind?”

“Professor Feynman.”

“Stop talking nonsense.”

“Actually, I prefer married men.”

“……”

“……”

“…Really?”

“You actually believed that?”

What followed was roughly one minute and twenty seconds of Ceti beating me up. I suppose I deserved it – though it’s understandable, she’d believe it, given how much time I spend with the professor compared to girls.

“I thought you were asexual since you’re always buried in papers.”

“Couldn’t you just call me a workaholic?”

“So, who are you going to marry?”

“Do I really need to answer that now?”

“If things continue like this, you might end up marrying Zelnya!”

“Do I really seem that smitten?”

“Yes!”

Ceti shouted.

“You both got into college early; you’re both student council students now. After not seeing you for months, you’re suddenly friendly with Zelnya. You even brought her home and slept together! What am I supposed to think?”

“I explained this from the beginning. She nearly died fighting an Outer God. After treatment at Holy Spirit Hospital, she changed completely. That’s why I asked you to get along with her.”

“That’s not so easy to believe…”

Ceti was visibly troubled, licking her lower lip and mumbling to herself as she assessed the situation. It seemed she was wrestling with whether to say something more.

“Hey, what does Rustila think?”

The unexpected question caught me off guard.

“Why bring up Rustila suddenly?”

“I’m just curious what you think. Is she better than Zelnya?”

“If I’m being honest…”

I whispered quietly into Ceti’s ear.

“She’s good.”

“…!”

She was exactly my type – great personality, pretty face, and, though it felt awkward to admit, an attractive figure too.

Most importantly, I admired people who had firm dreams and pursued them without compromising despite reality’s obstacles, like someone from a poor family choosing to major in unprofitable particle theory. I supposed similar people tended to gravitate toward each other.

“…Okay. That’s enough for now,”

Ceti murmured. She must have been getting anxious with the exam approaching.

And finally, the college entrance exam day arrived.

It was CSAT day, but neither my father nor mother were there. Father was likely busy with his duties as a university professor, while I heard Ceti’s mother was still working at the southern clinic.

So the only family at home were myself, Sonia, and, to some extent, Zelnya.

“If you fail, I’ll kill everyone.”

“Don’t say such strange things.”

I was about to tie her scarf myself but ended up just tossing it to her instead. She caught it and wrapped it around herself.

“Do your best.”

“I wish you the best of luck, Miss.”

Of course, I knew she’d pass. Not because I’d read the novel and knew the future, but because Ceti had worked tirelessly until now. Today was simply about harvesting the fruits of her labor.

The exam flew by in a flash.

Ceti gave it her all, driven by the day’s events. No regrets.

However, something curious stood out.

The handout Zelnya had given her at the last minute proved incredibly accurate. Thanks to it, she breezed through problems that stumped others.

She ought to thank her for that.

Even if it meant enduring that smug face again.

Lost in these thoughts while walking, Ceti was suddenly interrupted.

“Ceti!”

Someone embraced her from behind – a sensation as soft as a cushion and as cozy as a bed. It was Rustila Kersil.

Rustila lifted Ceti off her feet and spun her around five times.

“How did you do on the exam?”

“Uh, probably well. What about you?”

“Perfect! I even took the practical test today. The interviewers were impressed when I demonstrated the Multi Star Sword Energy. They said I’d make a great general – not just an officer, but a general!”

“Really? That’s fantastic! You’re practically guaranteed to pass!”

“Still, we can’t get too comfortable. Now that it’s over, all we can do is wish upon a star. Anyway…”

Rustila’s eyes sparkled as she continued.

“Can we have a party at your house now?”

“Huh?”

“What? Don’t tell me you forgot?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Ceti remembered – Zelnya hadn’t left yet.

She’d been there for almost two months now, continuously.

“Can we go to your house today?”

“Oh, today?”

Not today.

This wasn’t part of the original plan at all.

We said we’d have a party during vacation! Ceti screamed in her mind.

However, Rustila’s expression was too serious to refuse outright.

“I haven’t seen Aidel in so long. I want to talk with him, eat good food, and have a pajama party. Honestly, after training so hard, I’d feel depressed without some reward.”

“Oh, yeah, of course. But have you told your parents?”

“They gave their permission unconditionally. Though honestly, I would have gone secretly even if they hadn’t.”

Rustila’s determination was clear. Since being separated from Aidel, she had been diligently honing her swordsmanship, awaiting their reunion at college. She dreamed of the day she could protect Aidel from the threatening Outer Gods.

While Rustila exuded confidence, Ceti began sweating nervously.

“Ceti, let’s go!”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.”

“…….”

This is bad, Ceti thought.

She hadn’t mentioned that Zelnya had been staying as a guest for two months. Ceti had been so preoccupied that she’d lost track of time. Why hadn’t Zelnya returned home yet?

We contacted the Adelwein family. They said her mental state isn’t fully stable yet. They offered to cover living and medical expenses if we could extend her stay.

Though Arnold had mentioned this during breakfast, Ceti had completely missed it.

“I should really tell my brother before we go…”

“Is Aidel there now?”

“No, that’s not it…!”

“Ceti, I’ve already booked the fastest shuttle.”

“But that’s the express – it’s three times more expensive!”

“But it gets us there three times faster.”

Ceti faced a dilemma.

Tell Rustila about Zelnya’s presence? She’d demand to know why that ‘thieving cat’ was there, rush over, and start a fight.

Don’t tell her? She’d arrive to discover Zelnya had lived with Aidel for two months and shared his bed, leading to an even fiercer confrontation.

Either way, a fight was inevitable.

“Ah.”

I’m doomed.

There’s no way out.

Ceti wiped her face, eventually reaching a state of resignation.

“Sis, can we stop by a convenience store first?”

“Sure, just don’t take too long.”

“It’ll be quick. Really quick.”

In the unmanned convenience store, Ceti quietly made her request to the android attendant.

“Five bags of instant popcorn. Cook one of them.”

If you can’t avoid it, you might as well enjoy the show.