Chapter 51

After that, the days in the territory passed in a flash, and the intense summer heat also faded away. School started, and we returned to the academy.

The short yet long vacation ended, and the days of diligent study returned. When I finally returned to my dorm room, I was struck by a strange feeling. It was somehow nostalgic yet fresh.

It's a good room. It's spacious and has good sunlight. It's a comfortable space, but...

"Hey, why are you here?"

I complained to Riel, who was inexplicably in the room. Why was he here?

Where did he get the key from? Why was he enjoying tea and reading? Why was he making that "What!?" face?

"Because we're friends, aren't we?"

"What kind of friends?"

"All sorts of things, you know."

"We didn't do that."

Riel showed that "What!?" face again. It's so annoying.

"Well, I just came to see you after the summer break. I wasn't invited to the Helan territory, you know."

"So, if you wanted to come, you could have, right?"

"Ark went, didn't he?"

"He did."

"Eliza went too, right?"

"Yeah, she did."

"Then why didn't you invite me?"

So annoying.

His teary-eyed face is so annoying.

"Just tell me why you're here."

"I don't really have any business."

Oh, he really has no business. I was surprised! Being in the room before the owner, Riel, is just surprising!

"You sneaked in without any business?"

"Yeah."

Wow, scary!

This guy is scary!

When I was silent, Riel stared at me intently. He had that "What!?" face, but I felt like saying, "What?"

"Hey, if you have no business, go home."

"What!?"

"No, not 'What!?' Why do you want to stay?"

"Because, because..."

"You're not cute, so go home."

We ended up arguing, and during the argument, he touched my butt a few times, but it must have been my imagination. It's just being overly self-conscious. There's no way a guy would touch another guy's butt.

While we were doing that, Vain also entered the room. He didn't even knock. Why does he just walk in like it's his own place?

"Vain! Thank goodness, help me. Riel is being a pervert and touching me."

"You're the one touching. Just get your hand off my butt."

Vain didn't really help me, just saying, "Enough," and sat down in a chair.

Enough of what!?

What are we supposed to stop!?

Tell me, wise one!

Vain sat down and ignored our squabble, looking calm as if he was waiting for something.

It's obvious he's waiting for Cross.

"It's been a while since we've seen Cross. He should be here soon, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

His response was indifferent, but Vain must be looking forward to it. Proof is his fidgeting feet.

Just come already!

You like Cross too much!

"Since it's getting lively, I'll stay here too."

Taking advantage of the chaos, Riel also sat down next to Vain and continued enjoying his tea.

"Weren't you in the Helan territory during the break, Vain?"

"Yeah, I was."

"Sounds nice. I wasn't invited."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, it's tough. I understand it's hard to invite someone you like, but it's still harsh."

"No, I don't like you."

No, seriously.

Stop making that "What!?" face.

It's annoying.

While waiting for Cross, I also made tea. It's the best tea I brought from the territory, with a strong aroma and a rich flavor.

"Vain, do you want some?"

"Sure, I'll have some."

I took out two tea bags and prepared to boil water.

"What about my share!?"

"You're already drinking."

"Vain got invited to the territory and even got tea. That's so unfair."

"Fine, I'll give you some, but don't take it out on Vain."

Reluctantly, I prepared Riel's share, and the three of us enjoyed the tea.

Vain, fidgeting. Riel, getting way too close.

Will there ever be a private space in my room?

Why can't I feel at ease in my own room?

I swallowed my frustration along with the tea.

Still, Cross hasn't come yet. I thought he would be the first to arrive and go training with Vain. Maybe he hasn't even reached the academy yet.

But Vain doesn't seem to be thinking about that, eagerly waiting.

"He's not coming."

I suddenly said.

"Yeah, that's right."

Vain echoed, seemingly affected by my words.

Come to think of it, Cross had some business and didn't come to the Helan territory. I wonder how she spent her summer break.

"Um, Cross isn't coming."

Riel's words made Vain and me look at each other.

What!?

She's not coming?

Why does this guy know such things?

"She's in a tough position, you know."

"Her?"

What is this guy talking about?