Chapter 149

Chapter 149

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 149: Unexpected Cohabitation (1).

My father’s expression was one of surprise as he finished his inspection.

“It’s true. A stigmata has appeared.”

A stigmata – the distinctive tattoo that manifests when someone forms a contract with a Constellation. These marks appear randomly on the body, and in Zelnya’s case, it had emerged exactly where her artificial Constellation had once been: on her nape. The mark took the form of elegant swan wings.

Zelnya appeared embarrassed with her cheeks flushed pink as she wrapped a scarf tightly around her neck.

“Another tattoo has appeared…”

I responded with nothing more than a smile and a blink. This development – Zelnya, a former villain, receiving a genuine Constellation – had exceeded my expectations. Events were unfolding even better than I had anticipated.

“It’s the Cygnus constellation; given its size and intricate detail, it must be quite a high-ranking Constellation. Did you learn its name?”

“Well, um…”

Zelnya hesitated before finally finding her voice.

“I was told it’s the God of Humility and Healing.”

“Oh, Humility.”

“Oh, Healing!”

While I found myself drawn to the aspect of humility, my father was clearly more intrigued by the healing powers.

“If it’s a Constellation governing healing, it will be invaluable for medical professions. Your hard work has certainly paid off, Miss Adelwein.”

Father’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. It was well known that there was no guarantee of receiving a Constellation that aligned with one’s profession, nor was the opposite necessarily true.

For someone specializing in medicine to be accompanied by a medically oriented Constellation was an extraordinary blessing. Father’s growing interest was only natural.

“This is wonderful. Truly wonderful.”

Father looked at me, chuckling softly.

“Does this mean I can leave the Holy Spirit Hospital now?”

“Yes, absolutely. However, we still need to take precautions, as we’re unsure what might happen next.”

Zelnya’s face lit up at the prospect of leaving.

We made our way to the dock, where the priests bid us farewell. Father walked ahead of us, clearly deep in thought.

After a moment, he turned back with a suggestion.

“We must consider the possibility that the Outer God might reappear to Miss Adelwein. Therefore, Miss Adelwein, would you consider commuting to the Reinhardt family main campus for the time being?”

“What? Commuting?”

Zelnya was clearly surprised.

I, too, was taken aback by this unexpected proposal.

As a medical student, Zelnya studied under my father, who was a professor in the medical department. Their relationship was similar to the one I shared with Professor Feynman.

“Aidel, would you like to review papers at our house?”

“Gasp! When?” I responded with surprise.

“Every day, for the time being.”

I fell into contemplative silence, considering the proposition.

“The Reinhardt’s main ship is essentially a massive medical facility. It’s more flexible than the Holy Spirit Hospital and better equipped to handle emergencies.”

Understanding Father’s intention, I nodded and turned to Zelnya.

“If you’d like, you could stay at our house, Zelnya.”

“…What about you?”

“I’m fine.”

We had plenty of empty rooms anyway, so accommodating her wouldn’t be an issue.

“It would make handling student council matters more convenient, too. If anything comes up at night, we could discuss it face-to-face immediately.”

“Th-that’s true. That’s actually a good idea. Yes. The student council work is important… There are things we simply can’t handle over video calls. That’s right! It’s for work! All for the sake of efficiency!”

As Zelnya rambled on, she nervously adjusted her scarf. I couldn’t help but find it cute how she kept muttering “It’s for work” to herself.

A sudden proposal from father

Zelnya felt her breath catch in her throat.

“Father, thank you. Despite your busy schedule, you still make time for your son.”

“It’s nothing, my son.”

When she finally regained her composure, they had arrived in the Reinhardt planetary system, the heart of the south.

Professor Arnold, having concluded his conversation with Aidel, turned to fix his penetrating gaze on Zelnya.

“P-Professor.”

She couldn’t bring herself to call him ‘Father.’ After everything she had done, it felt too presumptuous.

“Thank you for bringing me to such a precious place.”

“It’s no trouble at all. However, could you join me for a moment?”

Zelnya followed Arnold with tense shoulders. He led her to his private office.

“Please, make yourself comfortable.”

“Ah, thank you…”

Thump, thump.

Her heart hammered in her chest.

What could he want to discuss without Aidel present?

The most likely topic was the Outer Gods. Professor Arnold was renowned for his expertise in Outer God Pathology. His extensive experience as a military doctor had earned him recognition as a hero of the Federation.

Alternatively, he might address her attendance record.

During her time at Holy Spirit Hospital, Zelnya had missed eight practical classes. Without a valid excuse, this would typically result in an automatic F grade. Professor Arnold seemed prepared to discuss that ‘special reason.’

However, her assumptions couldn’t have been further from the truth.

“It’s about my son,” Arnold began.

“Yes?”

“I wanted to get your thoughts about Aidel.”

Arnold’s golden eyes gleamed as he spoke.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to discuss our family matters. This isn’t a conversation between teacher and student but rather between families. Would that be acceptable?”

“I’m… ready to listen.”

“Thank you for understanding, and I apologize for bringing this up so suddenly.”

“No, actually, there are some things I’ve been curious about as well…”

What followed was a lengthy conversation.

Professor Arnold began by inquiring about Aidel’s school life. Zelnya answered with the certainty of a well-prepared job candidate.

“He’s an exemplary student – excelling in his studies and actively participating in extracurricular activities.”

“Has he ever engaged in swearing or gambling?”

“Not at all.”

Though technically, Zelnya recalled, there was that one instance of gambling – when he’d wagered for his life.

She had lost that round and, with it, her life. Strangely, she didn’t feel bitter about it. As the memories surfaced, her cheeks flushed as though she’d been drinking.

“Alright, that would be enough.”

Arnold smiled with the serenity of an enlightened sage.

With the pleasantries concluded, they moved on to the heart of the matter.

“Early next year, our family will officially select the new head of household and present them to the elder council. Aidel will, of course, be included in this process.”

“I understand.”

“As you’re aware, Miss Adelwein, the head appointment ceremony is a crucial event for the ten great families. Though Aidel, as the third son, has limited chances, he must participate as a matter of protocol.”

Zelnya sighed softly. Unlike her position as an only child, Aidel was bound to compete with his siblings for succession.

“Traditionally, our family principle dictates that the eldest son of the first wife inherits the position, barring any exceptional circumstances. However, the situation has evolved. Both I and the family elders have been astounded by the third son’s recent achievements.”

“I can see why. So, you’re suggesting the succession is no longer clear-cut?”

“Indeed. You’ve grasped the situation perfectly.”

Professor Arnold replied with measured composure.

Beyond Aidel, the main contenders were Brian, the first son, and Ceti, the first daughter.

Brian, the eldest, had graduated with honors from Stellarium Medical School and followed in Arnold’s footsteps, serving as a military doctor on the southern front. Since childhood, he had methodically built his foundation as the presumptive heir.

Ceti, the only child of the second wife, possessed exceptional intelligence and had recently made substantial contributions to the family’s financial prosperity. She had been cultivating favor among the family elders through strategic financial allowances.

And then there was Aidel.

Despite his checkered past, subordinate position as third son, and relative lack of personal wealth…

“…In truth, that kid possesses the most essential qualities: fame and connections.”

Zelnya nodded in agreement. For the position of the family head, nothing could be more valuable than these assets.

“Behind that kid stands the entire scientific community of the Federation. When Aidel requests research funding, astronomical sums of money will move.”

“But… the Reinhardt family specializes more in the medical field than the scientific one. Aidel’s focus is physics.”

“You’ve identified the exact problem.”

Many family elders, including Arnold, desire that the first son, who is a doctor, should become the next head. However, Aidel’s reputation far exceeds his brother’s.

Zelnya spoke thoughtfully.

“Professor, the world is interconnected. When a doctor saves a life, they use equipment created by engineers. And the principles behind that equipment were discovered by scientists.”

“Indeed. That logic holds some merit, but it’s still insufficient. We need to maintain and expand our existing business.”

“Then…”

“Ms. Adelwein…”

Professor Arnold asked with careful deliberation.

“Let me ask you once more: What are your thoughts about Aidel?”

Zelnya suddenly realized this conversation extended far beyond just the Reinhardt family’s affairs.

Thump, thump.

She felt her heart begin to race once again.

“I still don’t know.”

Without hesitation, Zelnya refused.

Though it wasn’t explicitly stated, she understood that Professor Arnold’s question pertained to the Adelwein family’s arranged marriage.

That was why she couldn’t allow it. She refused to let the tainted Adelwein name soil the pristine reputation of Reinhardt.

“At the very least…”

“Are you suggesting the kid should become head of the family and resolve everything first?”

“…!”

Startled, Zelnya looked up at the empty space, finding nothing there.

“Apologies if I frightened you. I’m speaking through telepathy.”

Of course – she had formed a contract with the Constellation. The reality of it still felt surreal.

“You’re considering both sides, not just your own feelings. That’s admirable. Indeed, if the Adelweins were to forge a marriage alliance with the Reinhardts now, it would certainly place that boy in a difficult position.”

“Yes. That’s why I’m not qualified.”

Being together was already miraculous. To be someone’s companion, one must be worthy of the position.

Adelwein’s current status wasn’t befitting of Reinhardt. They needed to restore their former glory first, and that required ascending to the position of the family head.

“Miss, this will be your room.”

Zelnya followed Sonia’s gesture and entered the room.

Zelnya entered the spacious chamber, which spanned over 40 feet. She was amazed by its size.

“My apologies, but this is our only available room.”

“No, it’s more than sufficient.”

Though she had grown up in a nearly 100-foot room in the Adelwein mansion, she hadn’t enjoyed it. The excessive space had only made her feel isolated and lonely.

“We’ve provided all the essentials – bed, desk, computer, wardrobe, android call bell, and more. Please use them as you wish.”

Sonia nodded and turned to leave, her eyes glinting fiercely as she bowed. Zelnya paid it no mind.

She happily dove onto the bed, feeling the soft surface embrace her body with a gentle thud.

“……Mmm.”

The bedding smelled of quality detergent.

As she was rubbing herself against the bed.

“What the hell!? Why are you here?”

A voice almost identical to her own came from behind.

“Why are you…?”

It was Ceti von Reinhardt – Aidel’s half-sister.