Chapter 39 – We’re Friends, Right?

Giving up on sleep, I downed the potion Sarah had packed for me. Then I pulled on the academy-issued training clothes and hoodie—or “hoodie jacket” as they called it—and headed straight outside.

With sandbags strapped on, I completed 10 laps, followed by light calisthenics in the courtyard. After drinking another low-grade potion, I pushed through 20 more laps.

As usual, working up a sweat from dawn until sunrise helped clear my mind.

Morning workouts really are the best.

“Whew…”

Finding a quiet spot, I pulled off my hood and gathered my loose hair into a ponytail.

The breeze cooled the sweat on my neck while birds announced the morning. Nearby, a fountain’s spray created a refreshing ambiance.

Each breath drew in crisp air that filled my lungs, while gentle winds carried away my exhales.

Though not quite as pure as the Duchy of Eustetia’s air, it was notably better than the capital’s. The concentration of mana in the atmosphere felt different too, as did the intermittent breezes.

Given that Terminals only worked within academy grounds, there must be some magical barrier in place.

Or perhaps they’d buried a dragon heart underground.

If that were true…

“Wouldn’t mind borrowing it when needed.”

I flopped onto a bench, amused by my absurd thoughts.

Just as my breathing settled into a peaceful rhythm—

“So… who’s been watching me?”

I turned toward the gaze that had been following me. Behind a thick tree trunk, I spotted a squirrel tail peeking out.

Though surprised by the unexpected observer, I grinned and called out.

“Hey, friend.”

The tail quivered at my voice.

“Friend. Pina. Come here.”

The tail bristled like it had been shocked, then drooped. A pair of frightened eyes peered around the trunk.

I beckoned her over, and she approached cautiously, settling beside me with pursed lips.

After watching her for a moment, I spoke.

“What are you doing here?”

Her light brown eyes opened with a hint of melancholy.

“Why were you spying on me?”

She shook her head vigorously.

Then Pina pulled out a Terminal from her tail—

Wait, why was she keeping it in her tail?

While I stared at her tail in confusion, she tapped away at the device.

[I’m sorry, but I wasn’t spying.]

“No?”

[I had something to do behind the tree.]

“Even if it’s urgent, you shouldn’t do your business outside like that. At least dig a hole and cover it up. Think about whoever has to clean it.”

Her face cycled through confusion to shock before she frantically typed:

[No! That’s not it at all! I really had something to do!]

“Don’t make that face. I’m just teasing.”

Her shoulders trembled as she typed again with shaking hands.

[It really wasn’t anything like that! Please believe me!]

“Alright, I believe you.”

Chuckling at her near-tears state, I untied my hair and leaned back against the bench.

Closing my eyes, I let out a soft sigh.

There was so much to think about.

Verheigen. Stella Verheigen. The black magician pursuing her—the Serpent. Adelia, who knew about it. Vice Principal Leona’s movements that resembled Arisa’s.

Just one day at the academy, and already my mind was flooded with new concerns.

Back home, I’d only worried about the Eustetia family’s secrets. Now that seemed like the least of my problems.

Everything troubling me now seemed connected to my comrades from my past life.

I’d definitely gotten closer. What was once just a phantom goal had become tangible.

Most tangible was Kaloso, that bastard—ironic, but I’ll take it. Finding just one would make tracking down the others easier.

Strangely, I didn’t feel burdened.

If anything, my heart raced with excitement.

Maybe enrolling in the academy was the right choice after all.

Should I send Mother a thank-you letter? No, that’d be odd… Just a regular update would be better. One for each parent.

DONG— DONG—

The 7 AM bell rang just as my sweat had cooled.

Not enough time for a leisurely breakfast and shower. I’d have to rush.

Quickly tying up my hair and pulling on my hood—

Tap-tap.

“Eek! You scared me…”

Something hard poked my side.

Startled, I turned to find Pina holding out her Terminal.

No text was displayed, just a number pad.

“What, want my number?”

She nodded eagerly.

“Why ask for my number when you’re so scared of me? I thought you didn’t like me?”

She shook her head frantically.

“Oh, you don’t dislike me?”

More frantic head-shaking, until her head tilted questioningly.

‘Is that not okay…?’ her eyes seemed to ask.

Well, I didn’t mind, but…

“I don’t know my number.”

Literally didn’t know it. They’d told me how to check it, but I’d forgotten. I hadn’t even touched my Terminal since talking with Yurasia last night.

“Don’t look at me like that. I really don’t know it.”

Pina’s mouth fell open, her face going pale as her shoulders trembled. She kept bowing repeatedly, trying to put her Terminal back in her tail.

“I’m not rejecting you… Here, this might work better.”

I pulled out my Terminal and handed it to her.

“Since I don’t know how to use it, why don’t you save your number in mine, then send a message so your Terminal gets my number too?”

That’s how Yurasia had done it yesterday. Surely Pina, who seemed comfortable with her Terminal, could manage the same.

My guess proved right—her face lit up instantly as she took my Terminal in both hands and started tapping away.

After a moment, she returned it with a bright smile.

“All done?”

At my question, Pina tapped her Terminal. Then mine buzzed with a notification.

The message read:

[Thank you! 🐿️ Now we can chat more comfortably!]

The squirrel emoji between the words was oddly cute.

“Sure. See you in class. Take care.”

[Yes! 🐿️]

After confirming her final message, I hurried toward the dorm.

I’ll grab a quick tonkatsu sandwich for breakfast.

***

Well, I managed to shower… but couldn’t eat.

I’d forgotten that I’d given my card to Yurasia before being dragged off by Leona yesterday.

I’d even rushed to the dining hall and successfully navigated the kiosk ordering system, but…!

No food for me.

Why the hell doesn’t this academy accept cash?

Grumbling to myself on the way to class—

“Oh… Eliarness… you…”

I ran into a haggard-looking Stella.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t sleep well?”

“What…? What are you talking about?”

“You look exhausted.”

“What? No way! Why would I have trouble sleeping? I slept great!”

I suppose that makes sense. She’d sleep comfortably anywhere—she’d even drooled while sleeping in that shack we stayed in.

This dorm must be heaven compared to that.

“Well, good then.”

“What… what about you? Were you busy yesterday?”

“Yeah, pretty busy. Tired too.”

Stella’s previously gloomy face brightened subtly.

“Oh… really? Hmm… Busy and tired. I see. That makes sense.”

After mumbling something inaudible, she fidgeted before blocking my path.

“So, um, you got a Terminal too, right? It’s… pretty interesting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, pretty neat.”

“It’s an artifact that lets you use communication magic portably. Even if it only works inside the academy, it’s amazing technology.”

Stella stepped closer, blushing as she fiddled with her Terminal.

“It would be… a waste to not use such amazing technology, right? As a mage, I find these artifacts fascinating.”

What’s she trying to say with all this pointless talk?

This wasn’t like her at all.

“Have you… tried it? Like, messaging or… calling?”

“Yeah, I have.”

“Hmm… I guess you haven’t… Wait, what? Did you just say you have?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes went wide.

“With… with who?!”

“Yurasia.”

“Oh… um…? With Yurasia? When? Oh, right after getting it yesterday?”

“No, last night.”

“…Huh?”

Stella’s head tilted in confusion.

“At… night…? With Yurasia…? What… what did you talk about?!”

What did we talk about?

Did we even talk about anything?

No, we didn’t.

“Nothing much really.”

“You… didn’t talk about anything…? Then why…?”

Stella’s mouth hung open. Her hands trembled around her Terminal as her violet eyes grew moist.

“Why are you so curious?”

Instead of answering, Stella stood lost in thought, absently fiddling with her Terminal.

“I’m leaving if you’ve got nothing else to say.”

Still no response, so I continued walking.

If I hurried, I might still have time. If I could get my card back from Yurasia and rush to the dining hall, I might squeeze in time for a sandwich.

Of course, if Yurasia wasn’t in the classroom, I’d have to go hungry…

Maybe I could ask Stella…? …What am I thinking? I’d rather eat a flea’s liver.

***

Stella remained frozen in place, secretly wiping away tears that threatened to fall. She glanced behind her.

Eliarness walked away quickly, never looking back.

She checked her pocket just in case. No familiar crinkling sound. The macaron… the usual macaron wasn’t there.

She never took it for granted. She’d always been grateful. It wasn’t strange not to receive one.

And yet.

Why today of all days?

Pressing her trembling lips together, she recalled Eliarness’s words.

She’d been messaging Yurasia late at night. They’d had meaningless conversations.

The story hadn’t included her at all. Even Yurasia hadn’t sent her a single message.

“…Why…?”

Even if Eliarness didn’t care, hadn’t she and Yurasia grown closer? They’d eaten together, even had dessert. They were even close enough to go to the bathroom together!

“Hic…“

A hiccup of frustration escaped her lips.

If this was how it would turn out, I should have just been honest. Should have asked for Yurasia’s number directly. Should have asked her to share my number with Eliarness.

She’d twisted her words, worried about seeming clingy, and now this…

Had she been too rude? She’d tried to be careful with Yurasia. Had that come across as standoffish?

Or had her snippy attitude toward Eliarness—Yurasia’s closest friend—put them both off?

She didn’t know. She had no idea what to do.

Having never truly had friends before, Stella found herself lost in a maze of regret and uncertainty.

“Sniff…“

Just then.

“Loser.”

A rustling sound accompanied the clear voice.

“Here’s today’s macaron. They’re a bit soft since I bought them yesterday… Wait, are you crying?”

Pink hair swayed before her downturned face. Startled, Stella quickly rubbed her face and looked up.

There stood—

“Hic! What… why are you back?!”

Eliarness.

Her pink eyes were wide with surprise.

“Came to give you your macaron. Why are you crying?”

“Hic, hic. I’m not… crying! Why would I cry?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know. Don’t tell me you’re already getting bullied? I knew it. I told you your personality would make you a target.”

Stella’s face went pale.

“B-bullying…?”

“Yeah, be careful. Always speak politely. Don’t pick fights. Okay? Just be good. And if anyone bothers you, tell me.”

Eliarness patted Stella’s back and pressed not one, but two macarons into her hand.

Crinkle-crinkle— As she accepted the slightly squashed macarons, tears welled up in Stella’s eyes again.

“What could you even do about it?”

“More than you could, at least. So listen to me, and good things will come your way.”

“Stop talking like an old fogey.”

“This is valuable advice, you brat. Nothing bad will come from listening to me.”

Strangely, even these condescending words made her feel better. How odd. She could feel her lips trying to curl up.

To hide her rising smile, Stella ducked her head and spoke quietly, unlike her usual self:

“…I really hate you.”

“I hate you too.”

Eliarness chuckled and stepped back.

The fresh scent of shampoo from her damp hair wafted through the hallway. A comforting fragrance.

Though they surely used the same shampoo, the scent seemed distinctly different, making Stella look up.

Two steps away, Eliarness smiled.

Eyes curved gently, lips quirked up slightly—that irritating smirk of hers.

It should have been annoying enough to make Stella want to hit her. But today, it felt remarkably kind.

“I’m going ahead. Stop crying and get to class.”

“I-I wasn’t crying!”

Just as she squeaked this protest at the retreating Eliarness—

Ding!

Her Terminal chimed.

[Ahhh… What do I do? I got caught up yesterday and forgot to message you… 🐶 I’m so sorry…]

It was from Yurasia.

“Ah… So she was busy too…”

A happy hum escaped her.

Wiping her nose with her sleeve, Stella pocketed the macarons and typed a response with a bright smile.

[It’s okay! I fell asleep early anyway.]

“Hmm… is that too stiff?”

[Fighting for today!]

“That’s too peppy…”

[Pay attention in class today! 🐱]

“Ah, this is better.”

After sending the message, she kept her eyes glued to the screen, waiting.

Then—Ding!

[Yes! You too, Stella! 🐶]

Only after seeing Yurasia’s reply did she finally start walking, her heart at peace.

“Of course Yurasia wouldn’t ignore me… Hehe.”