Chapter 185

Chapter 185

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 185: The Boycott (4)

Ire visited Rustila again the next day to try to reason with her, though she knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Ever since learning about Aidel’s desire for multiple marriages, Rustila had become notably distant and cold.

“Tell them I’m sick today and can’t come out.”

She was clearly sulking, to the point where she’d declared she wouldn’t meet with anyone.

“I can’t work.”

Ire let out a sigh before speaking.

“Rustila, couldn’t you let go of your anger, even just a little?”

“I’m not angry.”

“Then just come to the lab today.”

“How can I possibly show my face there?”

Rustila continued while continuing her push-ups.

“You saw Zelnya at the lab last time, didn’t you? Now that they’re engaged, she’ll be visiting more often. There’s nothing good for me there.”

“Yes, there is.”

“No, there really isn’t.”

“…Rustila.”

Ire sighed again – she’d lost count of how many times she’d done so today.

If Aidel had chosen to marry an ordinary woman, Rustila might not have taken it so hard. But Zelnya and Rustila had been enemies long before they became rivals in love.

“You know, Rustila. My Altair, your Vega, and Zelnya’s Deneb form a triple-star system.”

“Yes, you mentioned that before. You said I need to stay with Zelnya to achieve the [Great Triangle] effect, right? But I’d die of frustration before fighting the Outer Gods.”

“Well then, what about the crystal research? There’s something only you can accomplish there.”

“Ire.”

Rustila rose to her feet, stretching her arms overhead. As she wiped the perspiration from her forehead with a towel, she spoke quietly.

“That’s precisely why I’m doing this.”

“……”

“I spent last night thinking it through thoroughly. I’ve made my decision. I’ll remain here until Aidel comes to see me personally – not you, Ire. Only then will my dignity remain intact.”

Ire responded with a simple nod.

As Rustila continued her weight training in silence, nearby conversations began filtering through.

“…Apparently, a junior caught the president and vice president in quite a compromising position in the student council room.”

The whispers of senior military science students reached their ears. Rustila’s brow involuntarily creased as she listened more intently.

“Really? How far did things go?”

“Word is they went all the way.”

“Someone claimed they were even engaging in SM play. Supposedly, the vice president made the president crouch like a dog, sat on top, and pulled her hair…”

“Ah, those were the days…”

Rustila’s ears turned crimson instantly.

“Y-you, you, you…!”

“Stay calm. Male students tend to exaggerate these stories. Don’t take them too seriously.”

Despite Ire’s attempt to defuse the situation, it was too late. Rustila was already on the brink of explosion.

“He has the nerve to casually propose to me and then goes all the way with that stray cat first?”

“Please calm down! This has to be a misunderstanding!”

“Of course – now I know why he didn’t show up yesterday. He was too busy in bed with her…!”

Crack.

Rustila’s teeth clenched down on her nails.

Before anyone could intervene, she bolted toward the science building.

The time had come to settle things once and for all.

Rustila appeared before me with a cold and stern expression.

“Aidel, there’s a rumor circulating. Is it true?”

“No?”

The situation was absurd. Somehow, a rumor had spread that Zelnya and I spent the night together – something that absolutely never happened.

“Aidel, tell me the truth. My patience is wearing thin.”

“It really isn’t true. Honestly.”

“…….”

“Look, I just told Zelnya I wanted a polygamous marriage, and she responded by stomping on me. That’s all that happened. Nothing inappropriate occurred.”

Even to my own ears, this sounded like a weak excuse.

I immediately dropped to my knees and bowed my head in submission.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what exactly?”

“For saying that I wanted to marry both of you.”

Rustila remained silent for a moment. I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, not daring to look up.

Finally, her voice came forth, trembling with emotion.

“Aidel, I thought I understood who you were.”

“…….”

“I believed you were incapable of lying. But now I see that’s not entirely true.”

“…….”

“You asked me to wait 8 years. I was willing to endure that wait, thinking about humanity’s future and yours. But when you made that request, was this your true intention?”

This was the first time I’d seen Rustila, usually so pure and gentle, reprimand me with such intensity.

Once she started, her words of reproach flowed like water from a broken dam.

And somehow, this felt right.

It was better than pretending everything was fine. Even as she scolded me, my mind grew clearer. During a pause when she caught her breath, she asked:

“Answer me one thing. What truly happened with Zelnya last night?”

“We didn’t sleep together. Though I did get scolded and trampled on.”

“Can you prove it?”

“While conventional proof is difficult, I’ll swear on all my research papers. I genuinely didn’t sleep with anyone last night.”

“… I’ll believe you. You are a virgin, after all.”

While I was relieved she believed me, something about that last comment was oddly irritating.

Eventually, I managed to get through the ordeal.

Rustila stepped closer. She must have rushed here – her bootlaces were untied. After I properly secured them for her, I bowed repeatedly in apology.

With a serious expression, Rustila asked.

“Can you guess how I feel?”

“You must be angry.”

“Why do you think that is?”

“Because I’m marrying Zelnya.”

Rustila shook her head.

“Aidel, if you truly want to marry Zelnya, I won’t stand in your way. If it genuinely makes you happy, I’ll step aside. Of course, if that happens, there would be no need to terminate the contract with the Constellation of Virgo.”

“Are you suggesting bigamy?”

“That could be one reason for anger, but I’m not angry about you specifically. If that were the case, my anger would be directed at Zelnya.”

“Then… is it because I didn’t come to you first?”

Finally, Rustila nodded. Her eyes were reddened as she responded, her voice tinged with resentment.

“Think about it. If you were going to discuss something this important, you should have come to me yourself and explained. How do you think it reflects on me and my family when I have to hear such news from others first?”

“……”

“The world will mock me. The only daughter of the Kersil family, the contractor of the Virgin Maiden – reduced to a fool being toyed with by one man!”

“I’m truly sorry.”

As I continued bowing, I realized this would be my life from now on, even if things eventually worked out.

“…I understand, you know. I know you’re desperately researching for my future and the Federation’s. I know you’re always pressed for time. But couldn’t you at least preserve my dignity in situations like this?”

“I understand. I truly understand…”

I quickly searched my mind for solutions.

I needed to anticipate Rustila’s wishes before she voiced them. Unable to read her mind, I carefully observed her reactions as I spoke.

“I’ll make you this promise: regardless of what happens, I will never allow Zelnya into the laboratory. From now on, this will be our private space, dedicated solely to research.”

“Good. What else?”

“All research papers will be written for you, Rustila.”

“Continue.”

“The crystal research aimed at defeating the Darwin Legion – that’s for you. And any related research that could strengthen the Constellation is also meant to help you.”

“…Very well.”

“Plus, there’s another confidential study I can’t discuss yet. Once it’s complete, you’ll definitely be pleased.”

I gestured with my fingers as I continued speaking.

“Remember when I asked you to wait eight years? That’s the estimated time to overcome the ‘apocalypse’ and complete everything. But Rustila, it would only take about a year to address your concerns.”

“One year?”

“Yes, approximately. The research I mentioned should conclude in three months, but to apply it to you, we’ll need the lost Shards of Virgo. Once you obtain them, bring them to me immediately.”

“What are your plans for them?”

“That’s… a secret.”

Rustila’s expression shifted subtly. I had two main reasons for keeping this information private:

First, if this plan leaked, Virgo would undoubtedly throw a fit.

Second, religious groups following celestial movements would surely protest.

“Fine. I won’t pry. But there’s one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Your clothes.”

“What about them?”

“From now on, I’ll do your ironing.”

“…Pardon?”

Had I heard correctly?

“Why suddenly bring this up?”

“You’re too careless with your appearance. There are wrinkles everywhere. Look, even here. With such a good impression otherwise, what will people think of my boyfr… friend if you go around looking like this?”

I felt slightly dizzy.

I hadn’t thought my appearance was particularly problematic, but apparently, wrinkles were an issue. It seemed even these small details caught Rustila’s attention.

“But that’s because I haven’t changed clothes in days.”

“Why haven’t you changed?”

“I haven’t been to the dorm in two weeks.”

I explained how I’d just been quickly washing up and moving between the lab and lecture halls. There was even a cot set up next door. This wasn’t unusual – many dedicated grad students lived this way.

“Rustila, you don’t need to do the ironing. Sonia already handles that.”

“It’s fine, just leave it to me!”

“…Alright.”

Her sudden change in tone startled me into agreeing.

Well, it should be fine. Sonia probably wouldn’t mind – she might even appreciate having less work.

“Anyway, this whole situation is my fault.”

I bowed my head again. With each apology, I could see Rustila’s expression gradually softening.

“Aidel, even though I got angry like this, I still like you as a person.”

“…Is that supposed to make things better?”

“Don’t misunderstand. I mean, I like you as a person, as a friend, and as a mentor in life.”

There seemed to be an ocean of consideration in her words. Perhaps it was because she was someone who could shine even in darkness. Rustila clasped my hand and gave a bitter smile.

“How’s the research progressing?”

“With your help, I could quickly complete four papers.”

“That many?”

“The experimental conclusions branched into four directions. But without the Zodiac 12 Troops’ support, it’ll take considerable time. So, Rustila, could you stay and help in our lab?”

My request was met with a chuckle.

“Alright.”

She removed her military cap and settled into a chair, releasing a deep sigh from her rosy lips.

“Since you put it that way, how can I refuse? Okay, I’ll help.”

“Can we start now? Has your muscle pain improved?”

“To be honest, it still hurts.”

Rustila picked up the crystal and murmured,

“Because it hurts, I have to try even harder.”

The Adelwein household was in complete disarray.

“So Kashu has been captured.”

“I hadn’t even known he was still alive.”

Jerome, Zelnya’s father, was discussing their next moves with his wife. He could already envision the inspectors barging into the Adelwein main house. This situation would require careful handling by both the family head and the council of elders.

“At least Zelnya had the foresight to spread those rumors beforehand.”

“Yes, thanks to her quick thinking, we still have some plausible deniability.”

His thoughts drifted to Aidel, and his expression darkened.

“That despicable bastard.”

There was no doubt in his mind that Aidel had deliberately sent Kashu to his doom.

“How should we handle him?”

“Don’t fret, my dear. Isn’t the Reinhardt family’s succession ceremony approaching?”

“Indeed, it is.”

“I’ve already instructed Zelnya to raise the matter of him becoming our son-in-law during the event.”

Jerome nodded approvingly.

The mere thought of absorbing the Reinhardt family into their own filled him with satisfaction.

He exchanged knowing smiles with Trisha, both sharing in their silent triumph.