Chapter 44

The next day, Cecilia arrived at the academy a bit early due to Gilbert's errand and spent the morning in the classroom, spacing out until class started. No one was in the classroom yet, and Cecilia stared out the window. What came to mind was her conversation with Modred the day before.

Perhaps his sister really is a candidate for the shrine maiden. The fact that his sister wasn't mentioned in his profile was probably the creators' way of surprising the player. It's a common trope in dating sims. And surely, in his route, the story would involve his sister in some way. A story where "Modred, whose sister was killed, harbors a strong grudge against the killer and strives to take revenge" might be quite interesting.

Well, in reality, it wouldn't be a pleasant story at all...

(Anyway, to confirm, I have to meet her in person...)

However, Cecilia couldn't think of a way to meet Modred's sister. If she were in her own form, it might be possible, but unless there was an unavoidable reason, she didn't plan to appear as Cecilia in this academy.

"What are you worrying about?"

"A, ...Leen!"

She had just arrived, placing her bag on the desk and speaking to her. Her tone was casual because no one else was around.

"You're early today."

"Gil was called by the teacher. It seems to be something about the family..."

Since he was set to inherit the family, Gilbert was more knowledgeable about the Silvy family than Cecilia. He apparently helped with the family business, but Cecilia didn't quite understand what he did. Leen, uninterested, muttered, "Hmm," and sat down in the seat in front of Cecilia.

"Anyway, what were you worrying about just now?"

"You can tell I was worrying?"

"Don't underestimate your best friend from your past life!"

Leen patted her chest. The gesture was completely Aika's, and Cecilia couldn't help but laugh. Then, she told her about what happened yesterday and the third candidate for the shrine maiden. When Cecilia finished, Leen stroked her chin and muttered, "I see."

"That is indeed suspicious."

"Do you think Modred's sister could be the third candidate for the shrine maiden?"

"It's possible, isn't it? In dating sims, it's quite common for the protagonist's enemies to have killed the love interest's family members!"

"You're right!"

If Gilbert were here, he would probably frown and say, "What, are dating sims that scary...?"

"So, you want to confirm, but you can't think of a good way to do it?"

"Just go visit her!"

Leen said this casually, and Cecilia sighed, face-planting on her desk.

"That's easier said than done. I'm a guy right now. If a stranger suddenly visits, she'll be scared. Especially since she was attacked. She'll definitely be on guard, and we won't be able to talk..."

"Well, what can I say. The academy's 'prince' is pitiful. You have to charm her to be a true 'prince'!"

"In front of her brother, the teacher?"

"Well, you have to be prepared to risk your life."

"No way! I can't risk my life for something like that!!"

Her eyes were teary. What would she do if he turned out to be a genuine siscon?

"Then, how about I go with you?"

"Huh?"

"It wouldn't be strange if a female student went, right? Plus, I can say I'm her friend! There's no way Modred would know all of her friends!"

"You'd help me?"

"Of course. For the sake of our friendship from our past life."

"Aika..."

Her voice softened with emotion. She hadn't expected her to help. To be honest, Leen only did things that benefited her. Even if her best friend Cecilia was in trouble, she wouldn't usually help unless it was a serious situation.

Leen played with her pink hair.

"It's Leen now. ...But, in return..."

"Huh?"

Her voice strained with a bad feeling.

Leen pulled out a sketchbook from somewhere and smiled.

"You'll help me, right?"

It was a bright, cheerful smile.

Cecilia froze for a moment, then shook her head darkly.

"No, I'd rather not..."

"What!? Wait, wait!"

"Leen, you know! The last time you did that, Gilbert got mad! I don't want to have another sibling fight like that!"

Previously, Cecilia had cooperated with her sketching under the condition of "listening to Gilbert's troubles." That time, even Oscar was involved, and she was made to pose in quite embarrassing positions. When Gilbert saw it, he was furious, and it led to the worst sibling fight they'd ever had.

Leen desperately shook Cecilia's body.

"It's fine! Ignore that jealous, heartless brother who doesn't even think of you as his sister!"

"I can't ignore him! Besides, when Gilbert gets angry, he's really scary!"

"Who's more important, your best friend or your brother?"

"Even Aika would choose doujinshi over me if she had to choose!"

"Of course not!"

"I can't help someone who would choose doujinshi over me!"

"You said it!"

She puffed out her cheeks, looking incredibly cute. She was incredibly cute, but her request was evil. After sulking for a while, Leen slammed the sketchbook on the desk.

"Fine! Then, this time it's solo!"

"Solo?"

"By myself! No entanglement! He got mad because Oscar was involved, right? If it's just me, he won't get mad, will he?"

"That's true..."

"Then, it's decided! I'll help you! But, you have to follow my conditions, except for the solo part!"

"Well, if it's just that... I guess it's okay?"

Posing for a drawing shouldn't make him angry. Plus, she really wanted Leen's help to visit. If she didn't, she'd have to reveal her true form, which she wanted to avoid at all costs.

"Then, let's go visit her first! I'll talk to Modred. Is tomorrow okay?"

"Ah, yeah!"

As Cecilia nodded, the classroom door opened, and students started to come in.