Ch.44Crisis (3)

While you can overcome the great ordeal of group projects, that certainly doesn’t mean the semester is over. The requirement to earn a certain score to avoid failing means there must be something through which to earn those points.

It could be exams, assignments, or even scores earned through presentations.

In short, I’m spending disgustingly busy days. Even after climbing the mountain of group projects, there are so many hills that I can’t help but sweat profusely.

Fortunately, there weren’t many subjects with “exams,” but instead, there were insanely numerous assignments. I couldn’t even think about writing my book; I had to pour all my time into completing assignments.

“Ughhhh… save me…”

Marie groaned aloud as she planted her face on the desk. Her snow-white hair fell like a curtain around her.

She seems to have completely exhausted all her energy after the last class.

“Seriously… why are there so many assignments? It’s not just one but several, which is driving me crazy.”

“But assignments are good for earning points, aren’t they?”

“That’s just you. I’d rather take exams. I’m going crazy because I can’t even rest properly on weekends.”

In my previous life, university courses never exceeded eight at most, but at Halo Academy, you need to take at least ten to avoid failing. It’s already overwhelming to complete just one assignment, but now I have to pour in all my time.

I stared blankly at the grumbling Marie before suddenly remembering something and asking her.

“By the way, how’s history going for you? I can’t say I’m a great teacher, but I did tell you all the general information.”

As everyone knows, I’ve been teaching Marie history. Not just Marie, but Cecilly too.

The time is Wednesday after all classes end and after dinner. Due to being busy with various things, that’s the only time I could squeeze out.

Also, something I learned while teaching them history: Cecilly knows history at a doctoral level without me needing to teach her.

She has accumulated knowledge from living for over 100 years and is a living witness to history by human standards.

Above all, her memory is so excellent that she never forgets anything she’s learned once, which even surprised me.

I even ended up asking her about parts I didn’t know, which says it all.

“Sigh…”

Marie let out a deep sigh and slowly raised her head. Then, resting her chin on her hand, she answered my question with a dejected tone.

“I memorized everything you taught me. You even took notes to make it easier to understand. Still, I don’t think I’ll get a good score on the exam.”

I looked at Marie’s half-resigned face and gave a bitter smile.

She was… to put it nicely, average, and to put it harshly, had many gaps in her knowledge. When I explained a specific event, she’d only heard the name but didn’t know the detailed explanation.

Anyway, I worked hard teaching Marie history. It was a bit difficult since I’m not particularly good at teaching others.

The good thing was that Marie was passionate about learning and had decent memory, which made things easier. Thanks to that, I could proceed smoothly without any obstacles.

“Hang in there. Honestly, it’s too intense to focus solely on history when other majors are so demanding too.”

“I agree. So what are you going to do now?”

As I was about to get up from my seat, Marie asked me with expectation in her voice. Judging by her sparkling eyes, she seemed to be hoping for a positive answer.

After pondering her expectant question, I looked around.

The class that just ended was alchemy. The unique discipline of this world that replaces chemistry.

Among the students taking alchemy, Marie was the only one I was close with. Cecilly and Rina didn’t take alchemy, perhaps due to lack of interest, and while Leona and Benjamin were in my group project, I couldn’t really call us close.

I watched students gradually leaving and spoke in a blunt tone. I felt sorry for Marie, but I had prior plans.

“I need to eat. I promised to have dinner with my sister today.”

“Oh… really? With your sister?”

“Yes.”

“Your biological sister, right?”

Why would you ask that? I gave her a bewildered look, and Marie averted her gaze, pretending to be distracted.

She seemed embarrassed by her own question.

Then she glanced at me and said in a cautioning tone while extending her index finger. I noticed a slight blush rising on her cheeks.

“Don’t… don’t misunderstand. I got a bit confused because you call Cecilly ‘noona’ too.”

“…I understand.”

“Anyway, you’re only eating with your biological sister, right?”

When I reluctantly confirmed, Marie seized the opportunity to ask another question.

I tilted my head at her increasingly assertive behavior, but decided to tell her the facts first.

“Probably… I’ll be eating with my sister’s friend too. We were originally supposed to eat together on the weekend, but she said she was busy because of the freshmen. She said next week is practical training, so their training load has increased.”

“Your sister is a martial arts assistant instructor, right? My brother says your sister is really scary.”

“Hmm…”

Hearing her story, I looked up and thought deeply. Nicole, who overflows with love for her youngest sibling, was the epitome of a caring sister to me.

Even when I occasionally made mistakes, she would only give stern advice, never raising her voice or resorting to physical violence.

However, when she visits the training ground on weekends, she truly reveals her “lion” instinct. During sparring, if a freshman breaks the rules or deliberately provokes her, she thoroughly crushes them, and afterward enforces discipline with strict punishment.

“Well… she might seem scary to others. But I can say she’s a good person.”

“You siblings are really unique. My brother and I are always busy fighting. Is it because of the big age difference?”

“It probably varies from person to person. Isn’t your brother’s personality good too?”

“Ugh. My brother?”

Marie made a face as if she’d heard something absurd. Judging by that expression, they’re definitely real siblings.

But it’s undeniable that her brother has a good personality. I recalled our first meeting and told her.

“Remember the bookstore where we first met? When you were throwing a tantrum because they didn’t have Biography of Xenon…”

“Ah ah ah~ I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know~”

Just as I was about to mention it directly, Marie covered her ears and shook her head as if she didn’t want to hear it.

I looked at her whining like a child with an incredulous expression before eventually snickering. Still, I had to say what needed to be said.

“Regardless of what you think, it’s clear your brother cares about you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought you to the bookstore himself.”

“…I guess so. That’s why it feels even stranger.”

“Anyway, do you have anything else to say? I have an appointment at 6, so I think I should go soon.”

“Hmm…”

When I asked while tucking my notebook under my arm, Marie showed signs of contemplation. I waited beside her until she finished organizing her thoughts.

Then she shifted her blue eyes to look at me and spoke in a truly cautious tone.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could I meet your sister? Not to join you for dinner, just to say hello.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Really? Great. Then let’s go quickly.”

As soon as I gave permission, Marie jumped up from her seat. Her upturned corners of her mouth and somewhat excited tone betrayed her good mood.

I watched her quickly pack her things for a moment, then headed toward the classroom door. Marie stood next to me, and we began walking together.

“Issac. Do you think your sister is pretty by your standards?”

“Even objectively, she’s pretty. Imagine my face turned into a woman’s. Except her hair is navy blue.”

“Are you admitting your face is pretty?”

“I can’t really deny it. I take after my mother more than my father.”

We chatted about various things on the way to the meeting place. Most of it was trivial talk, but that was enough.

Above all, I felt most comfortable conversing with Marie compared to others. Rina was difficult to approach, and Cecilly always embedded stubborn jokes, making it hard to continue conversations.

Since entering the academy, Marie is undoubtedly the closest person to me. At least in my narrow social circle, I haven’t found anyone as comfortable as her yet.

“Issac, do you have any plans after graduation?”

Suddenly, Marie asked about my future after graduation. I was slightly puzzled by her question but thought carefully.

‘I can’t just write books forever…’

Although Biography of Xenon unexpectedly became a huge hit, I can’t just cling to that one thing. Moreover, having reincarnated into a fantasy world, it would be too disappointing to just write books.

At the very least, I should visit various countries and fully enjoy their cultures. Instead of dangerous adventures like in novels, I want to savor the small joys of everyday life.

“Maybe… world travel? I’d like to travel the world at least once. I want to leave the Empire and experience different cultures.”

“World travel… that doesn’t sound bad.”

“What about you?”

“I’m not going to tell you.”

“… …”

Seeing Marie smiling sweetly as she answered, I realized I’d been played.

I stared at her bright smile with a dumbfounded expression before eventually shaking my head as if she was hopeless. She giggled at my reaction and then muttered barely audibly.

“…if possible… I’d like to…”

“What?”

“Never mind if you didn’t hear. By the way, isn’t that your sister over there?”

As Marie changed the subject, I set aside my questions and shifted my gaze in the direction she was pointing.

The direction she pointed was toward the fountain in the middle of the square, and indeed, Nicole was standing in front of it.

Despite the distance, her superior stature and navy blue hair tied in a ponytail confirmed it was Nicole.

“Wow. Your sister is really cool.”

Marie also saw Nicole and let out a sincere exclamation of admiration. As she said, Nicole’s current appearance was so stylish that she could put most models to shame.

Black leather pants that fully revealed her shapely legs and a black shirt above. With just this simple combination of clothes, she exuded both style and beauty.

She must have come right after her classes ended, but seeing her in casual clothes suggested it was possible because she was an assistant instructor.

“Hmm? Ah! Issac~!”

Nicole, who had been pacing in front of the fountain, spotted me and called my name while raising her arm. I responded by raising my arm as well.

When I raised my arm, Nicole seemed to indicate she would come to me first, stretching her long legs vigorously as she walked toward me. Soon she approached me and gave a questioning look at Marie standing beside me.

“Who is this?”

“Ah! Hello! I’m Marie Housen Reckyless of the Reckyless Duchy!”

As soon as Nicole asked, Marie introduced herself with a spirited voice. Somehow, I got the impression she was nervous.

Meanwhile, when Marie revealed her name and family, Nicole opened her golden eyes wide and looked at me. Her thoughts were clearly visible: why is someone like this by your side?

To this, I casually resolved her doubt.

“She’s my friend. We became close by chance.”

“…Hello, Lady Reckyless. I’m Nicole Ducar Mayshall, Issac’s older sister. It’s an honor to meet you.”

After hearing my answer, Nicole politely introduced herself. Even while greeting, she didn’t withdraw her suspicious gaze.

“I-I’m also honored to meet the daughter of the Red Lion. And please speak casually with me. I feel uncomfortable otherwise. You know the Reckyless family, right?”

“…I know them well. Then I’ll speak casually.”

Nicole seemed to know the Reckyless family well, as she agreed to speak casually without hesitation. Then she looked back and forth between Marie and me before asking Marie with curiosity.

“By the way, you say you’re friends with our Issac?”

Her questioning voice also contained a hint of wariness. As someone who knows I’m the author of Biography of Xenon, she had enough reason to be cautious of Marie.

Marie seemed to quickly notice the subtle caution in Nicole’s words and immediately responded. Her voice trembled slightly, perhaps from nervousness.

“Yes. We’re friends.”

“Hmm… I see. That’s a bit unexpected.”

This time Nicole looked at me as she spoke. She probably found it surprising that I, of all people, had become friends with a high noble’s daughter.

I also hadn’t expected to become friends with Marie, so I shrugged my shoulders. This had often led to dangerous situations, but it was fine so far.

Moreover, if I mentioned that I had become close not only with Marie but also with Rina and Cecilly, I wonder how Nicole would react. I didn’t feel the need to bring it up, so I remained silent.

However, Marie, who had no way of knowing this, heard Nicole’s response about it being unexpected and asked her.

“Unexpected? What do you mean?”

“Ah. I’m not talking about you. I was a bit worried about our Issac because he’s blunt and only cares about his own business, so I wondered if he could make friends. But now that he’s made a friend, I didn’t expect it to be a duke’s daughter.”

I nodded in agreement because I felt the same way. I couldn’t even imagine becoming close with Marie.

But somehow it feels like she’s badmouthing me. Maybe it’s just my imagination. Surely not.

“Phew…”

Meanwhile, Marie let out a sigh of relief, placing her hand on her chest. Then she spoke with a brighter expression than before.

“So Nicole, you don’t mind if Issac and I remain friends?”

“Huh? Well… I guess so. It might even be… good?”

“Really?”

At Nicole’s affirmation, Marie’s face brightened immensely. Why is she so happy about that?

But inversely proportional to Marie’s joy, Nicole seemed to grow uneasy. She well understood how dangerous it could be for Marie and me to become closer.

Part of it might be because Marie is a duke’s daughter, but the biggest factor would be that I’m the author of Biography of Xenon. The closer I get to her, the more likely my secret will inevitably be revealed.

And while being friends with Marie would make my academy life easier, that’s only if my secret isn’t discovered. From Nicole’s perspective, Marie was like a double-edged sword.

To this, she looked back and forth between Marie and me, watching carefully before speaking in a cautious voice.

“…or not?”

“Ah…”

At that, Marie’s face rapidly became dejected.