Chapter 163

Chapter 163

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 163: There Is A Thesis For Romance (1).

Soon after, Zelnya provided me with information about the irregular polyhedron – a closely guarded secret of the Adelwein family.

“You received this just now?”

Ire was clearly astounded.

“I… I spent hundreds of attempts trying to get this single piece of information…”

She muttered dejectedly. I offered her my heartfelt sympathy.

Though I had previously informed Ire that Zelnya was on our side, she laughed in disbelief when presented with concrete evidence.

“…I never imagined that girl could be persuaded.”

“I made a promise last time – to do what’s right. When the Adelwein family’s issues come to light, Reinhardt will handle the consequences.”

Fortunately, the Federation doesn’t believe in collective punishment. With my protection, Reinhardt’s reputation might suffer slightly, but they won’t be condemned as a pair.

Of course, even these shortcomings can be overshadowed by greater scientific achievements. The research must continue.

Zelnya’s information included detailed instructions for creating an irregular polyhedron, far more comprehensive than what the inspectors had uncovered.

After reviewing the experimental blueprint, I reached a firm conclusion.

“With these materials, we can no longer conduct ethically sound research. We’ll have to revert to using crystals for trap research, even if it’s more complicated.”

“Then I…”

“You need to study more. Learning is a never-ending process, you understand?”

“Ahhh.”

I intend to shape her into an excellent physicist. One needs knowledge to determine whether someone is suitable as an assistant.

“Can’t I at least take today off?”

“You could study while attending the party.”

“Are you insane? Everyone will think I’m weird!”

Ire fidgeted with her major’s textbook, pouting. I chuckled as I tucked the thesis under my arm.

“Why are you bringing that…?”

“To read it.”

“Can’t we just enjoy the party for what it is?”

“Who cares what others think!”

Indeed. The New Year had arrived, and I had come of age. I was about to attend both the coming-of-age and New Year’s celebrations.

I invited as many acquaintances as possible to the party. Most of my classmates attended, except for Zelnya, who said she had to organize something with her family.

The party drew quite a crowd, including many people I didn’t know personally. It felt like a chain reaction of friends inviting friends of friends. If I had to guess, there must have been hundreds of people there.

“Is this really just a New Year’s party? It’s absolutely massive!”

“Well, it’s hosted by my family. People rarely turn down free food.”

Ire’s jaw dropped in amazement.

That’s right, be impressed. This is what life looks like when you’re born into one of the oldest and wealthiest business dynasties.

“Aidel! Over here!”

A clear, sweet voice called out. I spotted Rustila waving and made my way over, bringing Ire along.

Around the round table where Rustila sat were several familiar faces. Among them, Christine and Merlin immediately caught my attention. Both wore serious expressions.

As soon as Christine noticed me, she jumped up, steadying herself against the table.

“Reinhardt! I’m sorry to ask this right away, but have you learned anything about that incident?”

She was referring to the irregular polyhedron case.

I nodded.

“I’ll be direct – it’s going to be difficult to secure Director Whiritia’s release.”

“Ah…”

Merlin’s face went pale, and Christine slumped back into her chair. It was harsh news, but it was the truth.

“However, there might be a way to reduce the sentence.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but let’s discuss it later.”

This wasn’t the right setting for such a conversation, especially with so many people within earshot. Christine and Merlin nodded in understanding.

“So, where did everyone apply?”

Welton’s question brightened the previously gloomy atmosphere. Everyone took turns sharing their plans.

As expected, Christine had applied to law school. Rustila was joining the military, Ceti chose business, and James was pursuing media and public relations. Welton and Matus both opted for engineering.

Everything aligned with previous cycles. James and the engineering duo, in particular, showed promising potential for the future. I hoped they would mature quickly.

“What about Merlin?”

“Oh, I, I…”

Merlin’s eyes widened as she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“…Bi, biology.”

Biology – the same field as her mother’s. Her hesitation was understandable, but thankfully, no one commented on that connection. The moment passed without awkwardness.

Next came Ire’s turn. Being her first time meeting Christine’s group, she started with introductions.

“Did you know Aidel from before? Which department did you apply to?”

“No, we just met. And I applied to Physics.”

“Oh, hmm.”

Everyone nodded.

“So you had a reason to come with Aidel.”

Whatever that meant, everyone seemed convinced.

“If you’re accepted, we’ll be classmates. Let’s all get along.”

James earnestly raised his glass for a toast. Dark red wine was poured into everyone’s glasses.

In the space age, time was measured differently. Rather than counting birthdays, age was calculated by subtracting one’s birth space year from the current space year.

“Oh, damn.”

This meant all of us, except Ceti, were legally adults.

“Anyone here too young for wine?”

“You’ve all done well surviving the Outer Gods until now.”

“Well done, indeed.”

Ceti glared at her glass of sugar water, then glanced around furtively before secretly tipping some wine into it.

Welton raised his glass. “Aidel von Reinhardt, let’s toast to your coming of age.”

“Yes, indeed.”

Clearing my throat, I began.

“A wise poet once said that a universe exists within a glass of wine. I now understand the truth in those words.”

“…?”

“Even this wine consists of atoms. Everything originated from the Big Bang, and the five fundamental forces and countless particles that emerged are intricately woven together, presenting themselves before us in this form. At this moment, I feel profound awe for nature. When we drink wine, we’re essentially drinking nature itself, the very universe…”

“Someone, please shut him up.”

Welton betrayed me.

As the party continued in full swing, Ire naturally gravitated toward her existing friends. In the midst of the festivities, everyone seemed to overlook something significant – or rather, someone: Rustila.

Rustila, clearly intoxicated, was casting unfocused glances between Ire and me. Her stare was rather obvious.

“Hehehe.”

Ire giggled, displaying a nasal laugh quite unlike her usual composed self. I discovered then that she had a low tolerance for alcohol. Even though the drinks weren’t particularly strong, she became unsteady after just a few. She attempted to rest her head on my shoulder but quickly drew back, startled.

“Hehe, heh.”

Rustila’s frown deepened.

Her persistent glare made me uncomfortable, forcing me to maintain my distance. Fortunately, Christine called me over at that moment and whispered.

“What are your plans regarding Merlin’s mother?”

“There’s a chief involved. I’ll prove they gave unreasonable orders to Director Whiritia. This will reduce the intentionality factor and lead to a significantly lighter sentence.”

“I see. Have you collected all the necessary evidence?”

“Of course.”

Once Zelnya completes her preparations, we’ll simply need to submit the compiled data to the prosecution.

“Reinhardt, I hate to burden you, but I’m counting on you. I hope this will help ease my friend’s concerns.”

“That’s what friends are for – it’s no trouble.”

“Since you refused payment, please don’t hesitate to call if you ever need help. For any legal matters, I’ll handle everything.”

“Ah, that’s quite reassuring.”

“Well then, take care…”

With a swish of fabric, Christine quickly departed.

I turned around curiously to find Rustila standing there.

“…Aidel, I think I’ve had too much to drink.”

“I have some medicine with me. Would you like one?”

Rustila nodded silently.

I handed her the medicine, which she took with slightly unsteady hands and swallowed in one go. She gave me a meaningful glance.

“Should we get some fresh air?”

“Yes… that sounds nice…”

We made our way to the terrace. Above us, stars twinkled in the night sky like a glittering mirror ball. Neither of us smoked, so I took out my thesis to read instead.

Seeing this, Rustila let out a soft laugh. Looking skyward, she said,

“You know, the acceptance announcements are next week. You’re still free that day, right?”

“Yes, I’m quite free. That’s why I said I’d come to your place.”

“Could you come a bit earlier if possible? And please come alone – no Ceti or Ire Hazlen. There’s something I need to discuss with you privately.”

I tensed at her direct request. The thesis in my hands lowered unconsciously.

“No androids either.”

“What? Alright.”

“And, of course, bringing the thesis is forbidden.”

“……”

Not bringing the thesis seemed a bit extreme.

Several days had passed since then, and it was finally the day of the college acceptance announcements.

Though it wasn’t time for the announcement yet, I spoke with Ceti first. I told her we should discuss it after I returned – if she got accepted.

“Where are you going?”

“To Rustila’s house.”

“Wow.”

Ceti said with widening eyes.

“You don’t have to come back today.”

She looked unusually excited about this development.

Sonia asked if she should accompany me, but I declined with a shake of my head. Then I learned Sonia could make sad faces, too.

When I landed at the Kersil estate, I noticed the sky shining more brilliantly than usual. The atmosphere was dreamlike – similar to an aurora, though we weren’t anywhere near the polar regions. There could only be one explanation:

The Constellations had descended as a group nearby.

Being intelligent entities, Constellations occasionally descended when something piqued their interest. Layers of vibrant colors bloomed across the sky.

…Was something significant really going to happen today?

I was usually composed, but today felt different. The tension was on another level entirely. It felt like being invited over for ramen by a female friend you had feelings for – and that analogy couldn’t have been more fitting.

As soon as I entered the house, I saw Rustila wearing dolphin shorts.

“Welcome.”

She had a warm smile and beckoning gesture.