Ch.6868. Festival (7)

Junon’s skills shown during the day definitely surpassed those of the common rabble, with plenty to spare.

Yet for some reason, he was being targeted by someone.

This information was known by only one person. Only Ophelia knew his sole secret.

As the Grand Duke’s daughter and the student council president, Ophelia couldn’t simply ignore the fact that a citizen of the duchy and academy student was facing a threat to his life.

That’s when she thought of the team that had been officially recognized today.

The team called Tembris consisted of those who sought to strip away the veil of this misguided noble alliance.

She judged that if he joined the newly established Tembris team today, having teammates would make him much safer—there couldn’t be a more perfect solution.

A team gaining a skilled member. A threatened student finding safety from the alliance forces through team membership.

Since this would cleanly satisfy the conditions for both sides, Ophelia actively recommended team membership to Junon.

“It’s a team called Tembris that was just established. There are quite a few members with battlefield experience, and since they’re all skilled, I believe being with them would greatly reduce your chances of being in danger.”

She also explained the team’s purpose for being founded.

They expressed their intention to change the incorrect customs, traditions, and social norms that had spread throughout the duchy.

However.

“I don’t want to join a team.”

Junon firmly refused.

Ophelia, who hadn’t doubted he would accept the offer since it was favorable either way, couldn’t hide her surprise.

“May I ask why you’re refusing to join?”

“…That’s difficult for me to answer.”

“Let me say again, I’m not trying to interrogate you like before. I’m trying to choose the most appropriate method for a student’s safety.”

Although Ophelia reassured him again, Junon also knew he wasn’t being interrogated or questioned.

But no matter how much Ophelia tried to persuade him, there were things he couldn’t accept, and flaws that only he knew about.

Joining a team itself carried risks, especially when that team was…

The team the Grand Duke’s daughter mentioned was Tembris.

The very name of the team Junon was desperately trying to avoid.

“Let me also say again, I don’t want to. Rather, wouldn’t joining such a team itself draw attention?”

With this, Ophelia should understand.

That regardless of the circumstances, Junon wanted to act alone.

“…I understand. For now, let’s extend the lending period for the Blushire Arc. But…”

“I’ll take on the risks, so don’t worry. As you’ve seen, I don’t intend to be defeated easily.”

“…”

His words were right.

Junon’s skills that she witnessed earlier today would have been more than enough to handle thirteen opponents in succession.

Whatever unique magic he possessed or techniques he used, they all would have been helpless against him.

In short, while his life might be targeted, he was definitely someone with assured skills.

That made him all the more valuable.

‘If Goden saw him, he’d definitely recruit him…’

While she didn’t know about his personality, her friend had a keen eye for talent and would never let someone like Junon slip away.

However, the person in question had refused to join. So… she had no choice.

Ophelia decided to respect Junon’s choice and confirmed once more.

“You’ve definitely abandoned the thought of dropping out of the academy, right?”

“Yes. I’ve definitely abandoned that thought.”

“That’s reassuring.”

She had been concerned he might be refusing team membership because he intended to drop out, but since that wasn’t the case, she felt relieved.

If he had changed his mind and decided to grow at the academy while directly confronting the approaching threats.

“I never intended to force you. The team membership was merely a suggestion, so I hope you won’t hold it against me like before.”

“I’m not that petty, you know.”

“Hehe, is that so? Then I suppose my business is done. I feel bad for keeping a busy person, is there anything you need my help with?”

“How could I dare receive help from the Grand Duke’s daughter?”

Was this a grudge? After just saying he wasn’t petty… there was nothing she could do.

This was probably the best outcome.

“Your secret won’t be revealed to anyone. I swear this as the Grand Duke’s daughter of Ardelion.”

“…Thank you.”

He replied as he placed his hand on his knee and rose from the sofa.

There was something darkly concerning about him, but he didn’t seem to be despairing or giving up.

‘Come to think of it…’

Thinking about his dark aspect reminded her of something she had momentarily forgotten from earlier in the day.

“Excuse me, but may I ask one more personal question?”

“Well… go ahead.”

Junon’s hesitant attitude relaxed. At least, Ophelia’s intention not to touch a nerve had been conveyed.

“What are you curious about?”

“Um… may I ask what your relationship is with Renias?”

How could he become so close to Renias, who rarely opens up to others?

And how did he break through Renias’s thick mask that always showed the same reaction?

What kind of influence did this man have on Renias?

Ophelia wanted to know.

***

“Ugh-!”

My entire body makes cracking sounds as I stretch once.

It was a hectic day, but everything wrapped up well, so I’m secretly proud.

I thought I might have more trouble because of Grand Duke’s daughter Ophelia at the end, but that wasn’t necessarily the case.

Rather, I gained some benefits. Extending the lending period for the Blushire Arc.

With this object that allows me to borrow magical power, I can somewhat expand my range of activity outside the school grounds.

Of course, I’ll have to be careful not to reveal my location when that time comes.

“Ah, senior! Are you done?”

As I exited the building, Renias, who had been leaning against a pillar at the entrance, hurriedly ran over to greet me.

Her eyes are sparkling as if she’s eagerly anticipating what food I’ll tell her about.

“Yeah. It’s all done now, so let’s go eat.”

“I’ve been waiting! Hehehe.”

It seems I won’t be spending this festival alone either.

Normally, I would have just grabbed a quick meal and returned to the dormitory to sleep, but… thanks to this energetic rabbit girl? My tired body and mind seemed to relax a bit.

The streets of Levrant city are bustling with energy.

Everyone, just for this moment, tries to forget all of life’s hardships.

Not with forced smiles, but with broad grins pulling up the corners of their mouths as they ride the festive atmosphere.

“Woaaah-!”

She looks around the night market with eyes that sparkle as brightly as her hair.

“Haven’t you been to festivals often?”

“This kind of festival is my first time. What’s fun about those dreary festivals where only nobles enjoy themselves!”

Well… I agree with that part, but why are you so amazed?

If I leave her like this, she might end up lost.

I said let’s eat, but instead, it seems like I might end up with a lost rabbit. Finding lost animals is a tougher request than it looks.

“Eh? Senior?”

“Hold on tight and follow me. What if you get lost?”

“B-but is it necessary to hold h-hands…?”

“Just bear with it even if you don’t like it. If you get buried in the crowd, I won’t be able to find you.”

“N-no! I don’t dislike it! L-let’s go…”

After I took her hand, she followed obediently.

But somehow, the previously energetic Renias became noticeably quiet. When the crowd thinned out enough to be visible, I let go of her hand and told her we were here, but Renias seemed to malfunction, her hands and feet not coordinating.

‘She must be really hungry.’

I saw just hours ago how strange people get when they’re starving, but I didn’t take that into account.

I should have fed her something light as an appetizer, I think.

As soon as we entered the restaurant, I immediately ordered dinner.

“Sorry, Renias. You must have had a hard time holding out because of me.”

“Huh? No… that’s…”

“I’ll treat you to a hearty meal this time, so forgive me, okay?”

“That’s… um… ah, okay.”

If I treat her to something substantial, she might forgive me for making her starve. So I ordered very lavish side dishes as well.

Even after placing the order, I felt awkward and glanced forward, accidentally meeting Renias’s eyes.

“What is it, senior? Why are you avoiding my gaze?”

“Uh…? It’s not like that.”

“Yes, it is. You’re avoiding it even now. Don’t worry, I’m not angry because I’m hungry.”

Renias smiled slightly. She’s not the type to get angry over such things anyway, so I felt a bit relieved.

“By the way, senior, have you decided which lectures to take this time?”

“Um… no?”

Come to think of it, I need to register for lectures soon, but with so many other things happening, I haven’t decided on anything yet.

“Right, it’s about time to choose.”

“Isn’t it? That’s why I asked. I thought you might not know what lectures are available.”

Having always stayed in the lower classes and only attended limited lectures, it was natural that I wouldn’t know what was available.

Lectures are typically chosen based on aptitude and future plans. But I’ve never done that before, so it feels awkward.

Renias kindly began to tell me what lectures were available.

The existing lectures were unfamiliar to me. Even if I wanted to take them, most were either useless or designed for specific noble classes.

The remaining options were the newly established lectures.

Among them, the one worth taking might be…

“Maybe… alchemy.”

The alchemy lecture newly established by Professor Dalia, who moved from the Empire to the Duchy to take up a professorship.

If there’s a lecture that would be meaningful for me to take, that would be it.

“Hmm. What else?”

“Well. I should take the ones I’ve been taking, like close combat, mana rotation theory, spell application…”

Or so I thought.

When I made eye contact with Renias, who was holding something in her hand, she suddenly hid it behind her back.

“…Renias?”

“Yes? Ah! I, I have something to worry about regarding lectures too! Yes! That’s it!”

…I haven’t said anything yet. It seems what she’s hiding is related to lectures.

For a girl who’s far from wrongdoing, I wonder if she’s ever even told a lie before.

Renias rolled her eyes around, avoiding my gaze for no reason.

“You’re not trying to play some strange prank like before, are you?”

“Of course not! This is a completely shameless, legitimate action… oops.”

“…Really?”

This time, she seems to have chosen the wrong words. Renias covered her mouth like a rabbit and shrunk back considerably.

I don’t know what she’s hiding, but as long as it’s not some mischievous prank or dangerous action, I don’t particularly mind.

After all, she was helping me think about my lectures.

Shortly after, our dinner arrived, and during our conversation about lectures, the hunger that had momentarily subsided began to raise its head again.

During dinner, neither of us continued any conversation, and both Renias and I seemed to focus on the meal.

***

“If you want to eat more because it’s delicious, you should say so. Why are you suffering in silence?”

“But… it’s embarrassing. Eating a lot, I mean.”

“What’s embarrassing about wanting to eat more of something delicious?”

Seeing Renias biting her spoon in embarrassment, I ordered one more dish.

Although Renias said it was delicious, she showed signs of disappointment, so I ordered one more, and her eyes immediately sparkled.

It’s obvious that would happen after using her body when she hadn’t been doing so before.

“It’s natural that your food intake increases when you start using your body after only training magic. Don’t think of it as embarrassing.”

“Is that so? Hmm…”

“I was like that at first too. I even ate several skewers for dessert, and it was much more than I thought. Even then, I wasn’t full.”

“I see. Hehe… I don’t know why I was worried about such a thing.”

Sitting on the thorny seat of a salon, listening to stories without any interest, unable to touch the food in front of her.

Renias now had a satisfied look on her face, finally feeling full.

‘This Renias, who shows such diverse expressions, is said to be someone who doesn’t show much facial change?’

The last conversation I had with the Grand Duke’s daughter in the student council room was about Renias.

According to Ophelia, Renias shows the same face to others as if wearing a mask.

But isn’t that strange?

When she’s hungry, her mouth is open as if drool might fall.

When she got a cramp in the training room, she made a crying face and complained about the pain.

When she’s angry, her face turns so cold that the air around her seems to chill.

When she teases someone or feels a sense of achievement, she smiles brightly, showing her white teeth.

Besides that, she makes a fist with a satisfied face for just causes. She even sheds tears in distress when she sees someone suffering an unjust and unfair situation, even if it’s not her own.

A girl who outwardly expresses such diverse emotions.

“Ahhhh… I feel alive now…”

Even now, looking at Renias with a happy face, full of satisfaction, it’s hard to believe she’s wearing a mask.

I thought the Grand Duke’s daughter might be mistaken, but…

-‘As Reni’s longtime friend, I’m asking you. Please take good care of that pitiful child so she doesn’t continue to eat away at herself.’

Those words wouldn’t easily be forgotten.

“Since you treated me to the meal, I’ll buy the snacks. How about it?”

“Snacks, huh.”

Looking at the time, it’s awkward to just go back now. It’s training time, but my body is in this state.

Since the Grand Duke’s daughter must have had her reasons for saying what she did, it might not be bad to spend this time with Renias to learn more.

“You tell me where the good snack places are. I don’t know much about them.”

“Of course. I’ll guide you!”

She seemed excited at the mention of snacks, but Renias suddenly stopped in her tracks while trying to lead the way.

Then, she glanced at Junon nervously and asked.

“Um… senior. Could we maybe get this to go…? I think I’ll want it later too…”

The place her senior had introduced her to had apparently left quite an impression.

To think she would ask so nervously just for that. It was such an adorable sight that he couldn’t help but curl up the corners of his lips.

“I’ll get some fresh air outside. Don’t worry about me and order as much as you want.”

“Ahaha, okay.”

The outside air was very refreshing despite becoming chilly as night fell.

The dry cold of winter is no longer felt in the gently blowing breeze. Spring’s warmth has sufficiently seeped in, and even that is gradually departing as summer’s humidity is slowly being added.

‘Soon it will be summer.’

Summer is the season when Junon’s happiest times begin.

From today, when Tembris was officially promoted to a formal team, it would be the first season he would spend with them as a team member.

Looking up at the night sky, he momentarily immersed himself in those memories.

Memories of a time that was happy but cruelly should not be returned to.