episode_0026

Yesterday’s request unfortunately came to fruition.

If the person I asked yesterday wasn’t Steven, they would have naturally refused.

But then again, there’s no one else besides Steven who would make such a proposal…

Anyway.

“How do you honestly refuse this?!”

Nevertheless, the outcome was unexpected.

-…Understood.

Though there was a hint of surprise, I never expected Kadyra to agree right away.

“Sigh…”

Despite feeling sore all over from yesterday’s events, skipping training was not an option.

Well, I wanted to skip, but I refused because it wasn’t possible with those two.

“Maybe this is just a mild side effect?”

And now.

The academy where all classes have ended.

The surroundings were filled with students gathered for training, each holding weapons and chatting away regardless of age.

Passing through the crowd were Sara and Kadyra.

All eyes were on them.

“It’s good they’re not coming to me.”

“Am I faster?”

“Huh? Are you blind? I’m faster!”

“Stop messing around. Clearly, I’m ahead right now.”

“Why are they fighting here too?”

And they’re both the same.

Sara, burning with competitiveness 24/7, and even Kadyra, who seemed mature, had this side to her.

I saw it clearly yesterday and a few times during class, but it still made me chuckle.

“What are you staring at?” / “What are you whispering about?”

Kadyra and Sara, unable to resolve their differences, quietly picked a fight with me standing behind them.

I thought about it yesterday, but do rivals really have to be the same?

Even if I’m a noble from a baron family, I can’t help but feel angry…

“Sorry…”

No need for a bet.

Even if I’m a priest from a baron family, this academy is ruled by survival of the fittest.

The strong prevail, and the weak falter.

In simple terms, they’re the rulers.

Those two are among the top 10 students in the entire school.

I can’t attend classes where I’m out of my league.

Still, I’m used to this treatment, so it doesn’t bother me.

If anything, it’s not so bad considering how quiet the path was before.

In the end, I made a new friend.

Of course, it’s a shame they’re similar to Sara in personality.

Come to think of it, why did only the distant ones become friends with me?

Is my face somewhat good-looking?

…Even though I said it myself, it pricks my conscience a bit.

Embarrassingly, I also thought my face was handsome at first.

But reality is harsh.

I wasn’t as popular as Gumsung or Adcher. Sigh…

But it’s okay.

It’s really okay.

Perhaps… ha, filthy appearance-oriented society.

Anyway, even if it’s sad, it’s not a reason to be happy.

Friends I never thought I could make, look.

I already have three.

Two of them feel like temporary workers, but still, a friend is a friend.

My smile involuntarily rose. It feels awkward since I’ve never had friends.

But it’ll get better once I get used to it.

“Weaklings, follow behind me.”

“Then it’s right for you to go behind.”

“Huh? Are you trying to challenge me?”

…”

A tear fell from one eye. Hope is the best ingredient for turning into despair.

“This is okay, right?”

***

“I already conceded yesterday! I said I would go first!”

“The master said I have to train with this guy!”

“But I trained with the fool before! Get out of the way!”

Even as they arrived at the training ground and prepared their equipment, their argument never ceased.

Admiration now arises for the two engaged in a fierce battle over a single opinion.

Yet, it seemed necessary to intervene to stop this fight.

“Why don’t you two settle this fight between yourselves?”

“What!?”

“Surprise. Why are you so shocked?”

They sent me sharp glances of disbelief. What’s with them, scary.

“I’ll just team up with Lina, so you two can fight each other.”

“Don’t say nonsense.” / “Do you think it’s okay as long as you are?”

“Oh? So you wanted to team up with me?”

“…?”

With a puzzled expression, they were in agony. Cardia, too, was biting her thumb with a troubled expression.

Why are they hesitating? Am I going to get hurt?

As the silence between them grew longer, tears welled up in my eyes. Just then, the unexpected Lina approached us and said, “I’m sorry to bring this up after we arrived, but how about studying today?”

“…I really don’t want to.”

Sara made a bewildered expression like a startled cat. No matter what…

I looked at Cardia.

‘No… are they even the same in this aspect?’

I was not surprised now. Rather, it was astonishing.

As I silently applauded in my mind.

A question arose.

“Why did you suddenly suggest studying?”

“Because the midterms are next week, right?”

“…Did I hear that correctly? Wait.”

Midterms? You mean the exams in the middle of the term?

It was the first time I heard of it.

I never slept during class, so when did they tell me?

“Oh. I think you mentioned it when you went to receive your reward.”

‘…No, then the teacher should tell me again!!!’

“Never mind, Lina. What kind of studying is that for a fool like me.”

“That’s right. Lina, why would you tell me something that hurts my pride?”

Guys… I’m ranked 11th in the top students.

Even if I didn’t make it to the top, I’m 11th!

I’m annoyed that I’m being ignored for studying.

I quietly listened because I can’t win against you in swordsmanship.

Studying is different.

But I couldn’t speak up. I’m lower.

“Lina is just trying to help me.”

Lina spoke up for me, who was angry. It’s touching.

Honestly, I’m starting to wonder why I avoided her.

“But even if it’s the right thing to say, you shouldn’t say that.”

Yeah!!… Wait, the right thing to say?

Cancel what I just said.

That’s too much!!

“Is it like saying that Sara lost to a fool and is friends with him?”

“Hey!”

“Oh… Lina’s right.”

“Oh, right. Are we like those who boast about winning but end up losing like a lucky person?”

“What! Hey, you!!”

Their fight started again. Honestly, I don’t know anymore.

Lina, who initially tried to stop them, gave up and asked me a question.

“Oh right, Logz.”

To Lina’s question, I bluntly replied, “Why?”

“Are you free tomorrow, even though it’s the weekend?”

“Uh…”

What’s this?

Is it a new assassination attempt?

“We’re gathering tomorrow to study, so if you’re okay, join us.”

Oh… what?

“…I can come?”

Is it possible to fulfill my 27th wish to hang out with friends?

“Well… since they’re all people we know, it should be fine.”

Crazy. My whole body is cheering.

It feels like all my sadness is flying away.

But people I know?

Well, maybe up to Cecilia, so about 5 people.

“Where are we doing this?”

“At the dorm cafe.”

“…”

‘There’s a cafe in the dorm?’

***

Staying up all night with the excitement of going on a picnic with friends for the first time.

With eyes full of anticipation, I gazed blankly at the sky.

“Is this a dream?”

After a day passed, the entire weekend had come.

Countless weekends have come and gone, but none have felt as awkward as this one.

But.

Why do I feel so light?

I haven’t even had a chance to catch my breath, yet I feel refreshed.

It’s like I’ve just taken a deep breath of fresh air at the top of a mountain.

This morning was more delicious than ever. I feel happy.

Even as I left the dormitory, that happiness continued to linger.

I thought this happiness would last all day.

“Why is no one here?”

Until I realized it was 5 in the morning.

It was a string of boring hours until the kids arrived. But it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Like a child eagerly guarding the space between cars in a traffic jam. Today is a special day.

And spending this spare time exploring the café outside, it couldn’t be more fun.

Dormitory café.

When I first heard this, I thought it was a small café inside the dormitory. So I didn’t have high expectations.

“Isn’t this too good to be true?”

The dormitory café was in a building slightly away from the dormitory. From then on, it was unexpected.

And the more surprising fact was that this café was decorated like a regular café.

If I had been to a study café, it might have felt like this.

Actually, I’m not sure if that’s right.

“I should have seen it to know… right.”

Thinking back, life felt empty.

Sometimes when these random thoughts pierce through my mind, the first thing that comes to mind is regret about my past life.

It’s not regretting the days I spent with determination and will to leave home and become independent. I did my best and eventually almost succeeded.

I think it was a good experience. It made me stronger mentally.

The regret I have.

It’s just regretting that I could have made slightly better choices.

“These thoughts are cringeworthy no matter how many times I have them.”

Yeah, why am I worrying about things that don’t matter.

I have friends to be proud of right now.

Just then, familiar faces appeared in the distance.

For some reason, Sara and Kadia were fighting again.

Lina was trying to stop them, with Cecilia standing closely behind her.

“…?”

There were more people stopping here than before.

Behind them, a man with a sturdy build and another man with a rather plump figure were visible.

“Ugh…”

I muttered to myself.

Um… what should I call this.

Like a child who kept his determination even when stuck in traffic on a picnic day.

That moment when he finally arrived at the park after all the hardships.

A feeling of tears welling up in his eyes?

Sigh.

“Hey, Logz. I heard you’re part of our group, is that true?”

And there it was, Adag, with the name “teardrop” in front of me. But in situations like this, a breakthrough is the answer!!

Let’s go!!!

“Are you ignoring me? I asked if you’re with us.”

“Uh, no.”

Honestly, who can answer in a situation like this?

“Too bad.”

Lies! Who would believe that expression right now!

“It doesn’t matter. I just wish you’d leave.”

‘You don’t have to say it.’

…?

M-my body!! Ouch!!!