Chapter 37

As the final exams approached, I couldn't concentrate on my studies.

I was preoccupied with the prototype I was working on with Toto, and I found myself visiting the greenhouse every day.

Toto felt the same way, saying, "I don't really care about my test scores; as long as I have my herbs," which sounded like a familiar phrase.

However, another person who was also concerned came by.

It was Iris.

She reminded me, "You should focus on your exams," but when she said, "I can't stop worrying about the vegetables," with a look up, I couldn't say anything more.

In the end, we spent our days together until night, and this continued.

Iris apparently studied at night. She's so diligent and wonderful.

I couldn't concentrate in my room because of the two oddballs there.

I asked them, "Aren't you going to study?" but they said they would start tomorrow, trying to avoid reality. Recently, they finally got serious and started studying in my room.

As these peaceful days passed, one day an incident occurred.

I was the first to arrive at the greenhouse today.

That was unusual.

Toto was usually the first one there. This might be the first time ever.

I thought I'd start working early, but I soon noticed something was wrong.

Iris's field behind the greenhouse had been vandalized. Some plants were dug up, and others were trampled.

It looked like a prank against Iris.

It made me feel sick. I couldn't tolerate it. I could feel a surge of anger inside me.

I clenched my fists and tried to suppress my feelings.

But it wasn't completely destroyed. If we worked hard today, we could minimize the damage.

After thinking for a moment, I noticed something was off inside the greenhouse.

I rushed in.

The inside of the greenhouse was in even worse condition.

All the herbs were torn, and not a single one was left unharmed.

"Where are the face masks!?"

I remembered the most important items and entered the specially humidified room.

"Gone." The plants for the face masks were missing. The others were damaged, but these were taken away.

I felt more drained than angry. The sadness was overwhelming, and I felt so heavy that I sat down right there. "Why?"

At first, I thought it was a prank against Iris.

But after seeing the state inside the greenhouse, I changed my mind.

The target was the greenhouse itself.

So, was the target me or Toto?

I thought about it, but I couldn't think of anyone who would do this to me.

Toto... I couldn't figure it out, but his absence today was very concerning.

I didn't want to think about it anymore.

I stepped out of the greenhouse and took a deep breath, but my mood didn't improve.

After a while, Iris arrived.

She was as shocked and saddened as I was.

"Why?"

I wanted to know too. I couldn't make sense of the situation.

"I don't know."

Iris suggested we clean up what we could, so we started gathering the scattered items.

"It's so sad."

"Yeah, really sad."

"I didn't want to see you sad. I won't forgive the person who did this."

"..."

Iris tried to comfort me, but her words didn't reach my heart.

Maybe I should just go home and sleep. Then I wouldn't have to think about it. That might be the best option.

"Iris, I'll take care of it. You can help outside."

"Okay."

I entered the greenhouse.

Inside, Toto was moving around silently, not saying a word.

"Hey, what happened?"

"Sorry, Kururi, the important prototype is gone. But don't worry, the roots and seeds are still here. We can remake it in time for the summer break."

"What are you talking about? You're in such a state. What happened?"

"Nothing. We need to clean up the greenhouse because the summer break is coming soon."

With that, Toto forcefully shook off my hand and entered the greenhouse.

Toto's injuries were clearly from violence.

Something bad had happened, and I knew it.

"Kururi," Iris looked worried too.

"I'll handle it. Iris, please help outside."

"Okay."

I entered the greenhouse and found Toto working silently.

"Hey, what happened?"

"Sorry, but we can still make it by the summer break. That's all that matters, right?"

"I'm asking what happened."

"Sorry."

It was getting nowhere. Why wouldn't he tell me? Why wouldn't he face me and talk?

"Is there a reason you can't tell me?"

"Sorry."

Toto's voice was tearful. There must be a reason he couldn't tell me. I couldn't push him further.

I felt sad too.

I took a deep breath to calm down.

"What should we do first? Maybe we should clean up the mess?"

I thought about it, but that was all I could do right now.

"Sorry. Let's clean up the mess, and then we'll remake the face masks. ...Really sorry."

"Okay, I understand."

Toto was holding back tears while working. He didn't want to be seen, so he was wearing a coat to keep people away, which was unusual.

We spent the whole day cleaning up. Iris helped until late.

"I'll stay a bit longer and plant the seeds for the face masks today. You two can go back."

"No, I'll help too."

"Me too."

"Iris, you have to study for your exams. You should go home."

"No! I'm staying!"

Iris looked angry. I had never seen her like this before.

She was clearly upset and worried about Toto too.

"Okay, let's work together."

"No, I can handle it alone."

Toto sounded a bit bitter, but it seemed he was feeling a bit better.

He had suffered the most today, and it was good to see him feeling better.

Iris seemed to feel the same way, as we made eye contact at the same time.

"Let's do our best."

We held hands and started the seed planting with a cheer.

We followed the seed planting instructions carefully.

Iris and I did the same, and it was very quiet because it was night.

I tried to focus, but I kept thinking about today.

Each time, I felt angry and sad, and I wanted to question Toto.

But now wasn't the time. He wouldn't talk even if I asked. He might never talk about it.

What should I do? Should I just let it go? Unfortunately, I'm not that mature.

"Hey, Kururi!"

When it was completely dark, Vain and Cross came running.

They had some supplies.

"We came to pick you up because it's late."

Are they my wives!

"What's in your hands?" I asked about the supplies.

"It's dinner. We brought it from the cafeteria."

What nice guys! They're considerate!

"Let's enjoy it!"

Iris and Toto also ate, and we finished everything. Food after work always tastes better.

It seemed to lift our spirits too.

"We have some heavy work to do, so this is perfect."

"Leave it to us. But what happened? It looks like a mess."

"..."

"Was it vandalism?"

"I don't know."

"I can't forgive anyone who vandalizes the master's things! If you give me permission, I'll cut them down!" Cross said something scary. His cute appearance belied his violent statements.

That's part of his charm, I guess.

"I want to cut them down too."

But I don't know who did it. Toto seems to be hiding something.

Maybe it's better not to make a big deal out of it.

We can't do anything right now even if we want to.

"But it's okay, Cross."

"But, Master..."

"I'm not satisfied either. I've never seen Kururi so sad. If there's something, tell me. I'll cut them down."

Even though I just told Cross not to, Vain immediately said he would cut them down.

These two are scary, and they should listen to me.

"It's okay for now."

"I'm worried, but if you say so, Kururi."

"Yeah, sorry. Can you help with the work?"

"Sure."

"Of course, Master!"

That night, the five of us worked through the night.

Thanks to our efforts, Iris's field was restored, and the seeds were planted.

The greenhouse environment was also set up, and Toto assured us, "This will be fine."

But the next morning, I still felt down.

My body felt heavier than ever.

Did I gain weight? No, that's not it.

Is it the weather? No, it was sunny outside.

I knew the reason...

"Is it a medical class today?"

I wanted to skip, but I dragged my heavy body to class.

I couldn't focus on the teacher's lecture.

I feel so tired.

Maybe I should leave early.

"Kururi, you don't look well."

Ruel approached as usual.

He comes to every class, even though the content is getting harder.

Today, he stuck to my side, and I didn't bother to push him away.

"Oh? You're not pushing me away. Did you accept me?"

His black humor didn't bother me today.

Actually, he smells good. He's a handsome guy, after all.

"You seem to not care about me. How about this information? Information about the person who vandalized Toto's greenhouse?"

Ruel's information didn't matter.

It usually doesn't, but today it mattered even less.

I didn't care about anything... Wait, what did he say?

"What did you just say?"

"I'm giving you important information even though you don't care. That's harsh, isn't it? Am I just a convenient girl to you?"

"Shut up and give me the information." I realized I was gripping Ruel's shoulder and shaking him.

"Ouch, be gentle, it's our first time."

"Stop it, just give me the information!" I was so frustrated! Just tell me already!

Still, how does Ruel know about this? He's too well-informed.

"I'm the prince's attendant, so I'm good at gathering information."

It felt like he read my mind. Ah, embarrassing. No, just tell me!

"I like you, Kururi, so I want to give you useful information. But I've made sacrifices to gather this information. It's not free, you know."

"I have money. How much?"

"You don't get it. What I want is K-U-R-U-R-I."

I realized I was choking Ruel.

"Sorry, sorry. Just kidding."

I let go, but I won't forgive you next time.

"The information fee is a letter from Eliza. That's all I need."

Ruel winked at me.

...Where did he get that information!?

I shivered and got goosebumps all over.

"You convinced Eliza? That's impressive. You always exceed my expectations. I want to read the letter."

"...Just the letter, okay. I understand."

I made up my mind. It's embarrassing, but I need to know what happened yesterday.

Compared to that, my personal embarrassment doesn't matter.

...It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter! I chanted it three times because it's important.

"Just kidding. I'll give you the information for free. Here, take it."

Ruel pulled out an envelope from his pocket.

"I wrote the details inside. You can read it if you want."

"Is it okay?"

"Yeah, I like you, Kururi."

I took the letter from Ruel and put it in my pocket.

During class, I wondered if I should read it or not.

I wanted to, but Toto had hidden it.

I thought about it, but since Ruel gave me the information, he must know the content.

He gave it to me, so it must be important.

It felt like Ruel was telling me to read it.

"Ruel, thank you. I'll definitely return the favor."

"I'm looking forward to it. I wonder what you'll give me. I hope it's something good."

I received the letter from Ruel and put it in my pocket.