Chapter 27

"Master, have you decided on your elective subjects yet?"

Today is the weekend, and the academy is on holiday. Despite this, Cross was in my room, which is a bit of an odd situation.

"Hmm, I've decided on Herbology and Medicine, but I'm still undecided about the other two subjects."

"Is that so? I've decided on Martial Arts and Imperial Studies, but I'm still unsure about the others."

There were a few elective subjects I was curious about, but I decided not to press the issue.

Right now, there's something else on my mind. While forging iron, I asked over my shoulder,

"By the way, aren't you with Vain today?"

"Yes, today is his once-a-week day off, and he was told to rest. Still, I wonder where he's gone without me. I won't forgive him!"

"Vain has his private time too, so please forgive him."

"If you say so, Master."

Her puffed cheeks showed that she wasn't really forgiving him. It's clear they have a very close relationship, which is nice to see.

"Still, it's so boring. What should we do, Master?"

No, I'm not bored.

I want to review the materials for the elective subjects and read through the Magic Book 4 since I've finished Magic Book 3.

Besides, I have my own private time too! I'm definitely not bored.

"I'm not bored, but how about we go look for Vain, who's secretly gone somewhere?"

"Ah! That's a good idea! Let's go, Master!"

Her eyes are shining so brightly. It's really heartwarming to see how well they get along.

I feel a bit bad for Vain, but my important disciple is bored.

Be a good sport. Besides, I'm a little curious too. Vain, secretly going somewhere? This is intriguing!

They say that when people have too much free time, they don't do good things, and it seems we're no exception.

"Shall we go then?"

"Yes!"

To find someone, you start with inquiries. The usual place to start is the tavern, but there isn't one here. Instead, we'll try the cafeteria. Vain is tall and should be noticeable.

Surely, someone must have seen him.

We went to the cafeteria and approached a pair of women.

"Excuse me, have you seen a person named Vain?"

"Vain, the tall one? I saw him leave the dormitory, but I don't know where he went after that."

"Thank you."

We thanked the women and left the cafeteria.

"He definitely left the dormitory. Where should we look next?"

"He's always focused on building his body. Maybe he's at the training ground?"

"Good idea, let's go."

At the training ground, there were several groups exercising.

We caught a woman who was still warming up and asked about Vain.

"Oh, he was here this morning. I think he was running and saying something about dispelling evil thoughts."

"Where did he go after that?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I saw him taking a shower, but I don't know what happened after that."

"Thank you. You're going to exercise now, right? Good luck."

"Yes, you too, Kururi."

We said goodbye to the woman and left the training ground.

"He must have already been here."

Cross, with her hand on her chin, seemed to be thinking about the next place to search.

"Maybe he went outside the academy."

"If he went outside, he probably didn't walk. Let's check the stables to see if there's a record of a horse being borrowed."

"Good idea."

What would we do if there was a record? Should we follow him? I had that thought, but it was starting to sound fun, so I decided not to overthink it.

"Vain, wait a moment. We'll check today's records."

We arrived at the stables, and the attendant immediately responded to our request.

He took out the loan register and opened the page for today's date.

He traced the names with his finger, looking carefully.

"There's no record of a student named Vain. But, Vain is that tall guy, right? I think I saw him earlier."

"Really? Where did he go?"

"I think he mentioned something about a fountain, but he seemed a bit hesitant."

"Thank you."

We bowed to the attendant and started walking.

"There's not much information here," Cross said, sounding disappointed.

"But there's only one fountain in the academy, and I know where it is. Let's go check it out."

I patted Cross's back.

"You're right, Master."

She started walking enthusiastically, but...

We were supposed to have been to the fountain before, but the academy grounds are so large that I couldn't quite remember the way.

It would be too embarrassing to admit that I didn't know the way after being praised by Cross.

Before we knew it, we ended up in a mysterious rose garden.

We were starting to lose track of where we were in the school.

"Master..."

"..."

I couldn't see Cross's face behind me.

What should I do?

"Kururi?"

A familiar voice came from behind the blooming roses.

I moved to the right to clear the view and saw Iris.

"Iris, thank goodness. I was getting lost and didn't know where we were."

"Okay, I'll guide you to a place you know."

"Thanks..."

I was interrupted by a sharp gaze.

A man standing next to Iris, looking unhappy, was the first prince, Arc.

He must be upset that we interrupted their time together.

We encountered them at a bad time.

"But, you two were looking at the roses, right? Sorry, we'll find our way on our own."

"It's fine. We can always look at the roses later. I can't just leave Kururi when she's in trouble."

"But, look..." I subtly pointed to Arc behind me.

"It's fine. We were just taking a walk, nothing more."

Iris must have heard everything.

I saw Arc slump his shoulders.

The words "nothing more" must have hit him hard.

At the same time, I felt his sharp gaze on me.

"Okay, I'll ask you to guide us."

"Sure."

Iris led the way, followed by Cross and me. Prince Arc was right behind us.

Cross seemed concerned about Arc and was sticking close to me, as if afraid of being eaten if she strayed.

Iris asked Cross what they were doing, and Cross, standing next to her, talked about Vain while subtly giving out information without revealing that we were tracking him.

Because we were listening to their conversation, we didn't notice the presence behind us.

I only realized it when I heard the scary line, "So, you're Kururi. I'll remember your face."

Prince Arc was standing next to me, staring at me.

He must be wondering about my relationship with Iris. It was all over his face.

I don't want to be enemies with the prince, but I feel like anything I say will be doubted.

I'll pretend I didn't notice anything.

"Vain? I just guided him here. He was looking for the fountain."

"Really!? Vain was here?"

"Yes. I guided him, and when I came back to the rose garden, I met Kururi and Cross."

"Miss Iris, which way is the fountain?"

"I'll guide you, follow me."

We followed Iris's directions and received instructions to go straight from there. Cross and I headed for the fountain.

Iris offered to guide us all the way, but I declined.

After Eliza, if I end up angering the prince, it could spell the end for my territory and my life.

My recent conclusion is to avoid getting involved with her and him as much as possible.

"We can see the fountain."

After walking for a while, Cross informed me.

The large fountain we had seen before was right in front of us.

"Master, let's hide."

Following Cross's suggestion, we hid in the bushes.

Before I could ask what was going on, I understood the situation.

In front of us, a single fountain was shooting water high into the air.

A man and a woman were staring at each other intensely.

"Master, is this...?"

"Yes, it's definitely a confession."

It's only been a week since the academy started, and already there's romance. These young people are really something!

While I was thinking these old-man thoughts, the woman started speaking.

"Vain-san."

Her voice was slightly trembling.

She was quite beautiful. Vain, on the other hand, had a completely normal expression.

"That girl is in the same class as me, Class C," Cross whispered.

I recognized her face.

"Thank you for coming today."

The woman took a step forward and met Vain's eyes.

"Master, my face is getting hot."

"Mine too, Cross."

If I were a girl, I'd probably be screaming "Kyaa!"

"Get to the point."

Vain's blunt words were thrown at the woman.

Can't he say something nicer! I could see Cross feeling the same way, slightly irritated.

"Master, he's an idiot, but is he okay?"

"I don't know. Let's just watch for now."

Both of us were a bit excited, and our voices were getting louder.

The bushes were starting to feel very obstructive.

Move, bushes! We can't see!

"Um, I..."

"What?"

"Since the first time I saw you... I've liked you, Vain-san."

"What about me?"

The woman's lips were trembling, and she was having trouble speaking.

Don't rush her! She might not be able to say it!

Before I knew it, I was holding her shoulder.

"Come on, you can do it!" Cross was also cheering her on, her face red.

If our voices get any louder, it'll be bad.

"I've liked you since the first time I saw you, Vain-san!"

The woman mustered her courage and shouted her confession.

Cross looked like she was about to faint.

I'm in trouble too; my heart is pounding so hard I can hear it.

"Is that so."

Vain responded without changing his expression.

The woman, Cross, and I all waited for his next words, but nothing came.

Say something! Say more!

"Will you go out with me?" the woman asked, sounding desperate.

"No."

Vain coldly rejected the woman, who had mustered her courage.

"Is it because of me?"

"Yes, it's completely no."

Can't he say something nicer! It's a flat, emotionless response. Besides, she's quite beautiful.

"Master, can I punch him?"

"Go ahead! I give you permission! But wait, the woman is still here."

"Please tell me why. Otherwise, I can't give up."

"Reason?"

Vain nodded and started speaking.

"I have friends. Thanks to them, my academy life is enjoyable. I'm busy with that right now."

"...I understand. Thank you for coming today."

The woman said goodbye in a barely audible voice and quickly left the scene.

"Master, does he mean us by friends?"

"Probably."

"Then, let's spare him the punch."

"Agreed."

"Master, he's an idiot."

"Yes, he is."