[13] TO SCHOOL
Evening came and I was back in my room— working on my art projects on my laptop and drawing tablet. Well.. today I had to update my Arthub profile, it’s a weekly thing. An illustration a week.
For the next illustration, I’m working on a collaborative piece with another artist I met online. I’m thinking the character should have dark red hair— I found this hair colour to be rare amongst the many anime illustrations I’ve seen.
Thankfully I had my father’s guidance when it came to art, he’s an artist after all— even managed to publish his own books— books that are rated R-18. He’s super well known in the art community.. or so I think.
As both an architect and artist, he gets so much work done so quickly— he has such an unfair TALENT..
Okay. Time for a break.
Oh, an interesting video about ducks swimming round and round.
I’ll send the video link to my father.
I saw the old conversations I had with Prune while I was scrolling through my messaging app. It’s been weeks since I last texted her.
My hands hovered over the keyboard, but I could think of any topics to discuss. Most of the time, our conversations were about homework or school projects. Asides from sharing fun videos to watch... there wasn’t really anything we had in common.
I shook my head and was about to resume drawing when I heard a knock on the door.
I walked over and pulled the door open.
“Good night,” Liliath curtsied. This time she wore a beautiful purple nightgown. Not the transparent kind, fortunately.
“Good night.”
===
I returned to Novelle-sama’s room after saying my regards to Noel-sama.
Novelle-sama’s room was not large but was sizable enough to fit both of us comfortably. She slept on the bed whereas I should have slept on the floor.. but by her command, I was told to accept her kindness and sleep together with her.
There were a number of cushioned toys that reminded me of my childhood— one which I knew I would never return to.
I saw Novelle-sama lying on her bed with a book in her hands.
That book.
“Novelle, may I ask where you got that book from?”
“Ah, you’re back. So how did it go? Did big brother do anything weird?”
I understood what she was suggesting but I hold no such feeling towards him— at the moment.
“This book huh?” Novelle-sama turned the book over to observe the cover. Yes, I did look relatively similar to the one Diana-sama recommended to me, “I got it from my father’s office. Do you want to read some? I have a few on my bookshelf over there.”
I thought of borrowing the sequel to the first book I read. I picked up the book which I left on a nearby table and showed it to Novelle-sama.
“Do you perhaps have a continuation to this?”
Shameful! Shameful! Heaven’s please spare me.. I only want to read a little more...
Novelle-sama got off the bed to examine the book. I held it closer to my chest. Unnaturally, Novelle-sama tilted her head, one of her brows raised as she glanced at me confused.
Her confusion soon cleared up. She revealed a bright smile which I would be likened to a grin.
“Follow me, but be quiet and don’t tell anyone okay?” In a tip-toe, she whispered into my ear.
I nodded hastily.
Novelle-sama checked the corridors of the small castle— or house? I don’t understand the vocabulary used by the people living in this era or the world. Perhaps this isn’t a castle but rather a house?
“Coast is clear, let’s go,” she gestured her hand with a playful smile.
I followed behind, down the dim corridor. The sole light source present was the little line that leaked from her room.
Passing by Noel-sama’s room, you could see that he has yet to sleep.
Novelle-sama’s every step was soundless. We soon reached ‘the office’.
Novelle-sama scrutinized her surroundings once more before shutting the door behind, plunging us into darkness.
“N-Novelle?”
“I’m finding the switch— ah, found it.”
The lights blew up the room in white, I covered my eyes. Slowly adjusting my vision, what I saw was a large, supposedly dark-oak desk with unusual flat screen machines. It looked like a smaller version of what Novelle-sama called ‘television’. Three panels lined up side by side. Behind the machine was a large cushion chair.
Novelle-sama bounced over and plopped herself down the seat. She spun herself in a loop
“There is the library!” She raised a suppressed shout full of glee. Her finger pointed towards another entrance.
I found myself standing in front of an incredibly small library. There were no tables or chairs, only books neatly arranged in vertical positions.
My fingers traced the edge of the first book— this was a literature that I’ve never seen before.
I glanced at the opus I held in one hand— the one I feel ashamed of reading— and began to search.
“Big sister Liliath, it’s here,” Novelle-sama called out.
Following her gaze, I saw a small stack on the floor. Novelle-sama placed aside half the pile and raised a single book to my face, “This one, right?”
I blinked a few times, timidly receiving the opus.
“My highest thanks to Novelle-sama,” I bowed flustered.
She chuckled. After which she looked at me with a scheming grin. “There are 17 volumes, all in all, you know?”
“Volumes?”
“Hm.. you don’t know what volumes are.. it’s something like the number of books in a complete series?”
I looked at the books in my hands, the covers were different but the characters were the same. Novelle-sama then pushed a few more on me. I ended up with 5 books— or as Novelle-sama regards as: volumes.
“This should be enough for now. Let’s get back to my room. When you finish that I’ll help you get the next ones.”
My throat felt dry. For Novelle-sama and me to partake in such shameful acts.. what a disgrace..
===
I woke up, got myself washed and with my spare time, helped my mom in the kitchen. I may not be all that great as a chef, I at least have the necessary knife skills to cut the meat and vegetables slightly better than a novice.
“It’s getting late,” I looked at the clock that hung on the wall. “Mom, I’ll go call them up.”
“Alright. Tell them that breakfast is almost ready.”
My sister should’ve been up at this sort of time. I wonder why she’s late today.
I went upstairs and knocked on her door, “Novelle, Liliath.”
And as a brother, I have the responsibility to call them up.. maybe
“Got it.” was the muffle-sounding response I got.
I envisioned the scene of my sister stretching her body in her pyjamas and Liliath whose nightgown came loose, the lace down her shoulders, exposing her cleavage— shut up.
“I’ll leave it to you then,” I said one last time before returning down the stairs to help settle the plates on the kitchen table.
Novelle yawing, one hand supporting Liliath who had her head hanging, swaying.
Liliath isn’t an early riser? I wonder what’s the usual time she wakes up?
They both went to the bathroom. Liliath then came to sit on the kitchen table, all drowsy. Novelle would be taking a bath first.
My mom placed down the last dish on the table. Though the aroma of the food was enticing— it didn’t really seem to help Liliath recover from her lethargic mood.
She raised her head to look at me, then at my mom. She bowed, almost slamming her head on the table.
“Good morning.”
“Yeah... good morning Liliath.”
“Good morning,” my mom chuckled.
“We're going to school today right?” Liliath tried desperately to keep herself awake. She looked like the ghost in movies where their hair would dangle in front, covering the face.
“Yeah. So you better wipe that sleepiness off your face.”
Liliath bobbed her head up and down.
Ah, what am I even saying? No, rather, is this what a Princess looks like behind the scenes?
===
With assistance from my mom, Liliath took a bath and came back to the kitchen table.
Turning around, I saw her wearing a resplendent black-laced dress. Her collar bone was exposed.. together with the majority of her back—
Like.. what.
She sat down beside me.
“Um.. Are you sure you're going to choose this outfit?”
Liliath looked at me puzzled. Her previously dazed look was nowhere to be seen, “We are going to an official event aren’t we?”
My sister tried to contain her laughter. My mom only smiled.
“Um.. can I suggest you were something less.. alluring?”
“Is there something wrong with wearing this? You yourself are wearing a proper uniform aren’t you?”
Wait.. what.. why is she so adamant about wearing a dress? This is the first time I’ve seen this side of her. Could it be because she was once a Princess? Could be, could be... but still.. we’re going to a school, not some political meeting.
“It’s different.. this is a school uniform, your’s is a dress.”
“Noel, why not just let her be. Today is your last day of the semester after all,” My mom said.
NO— not you too mom.
“Liliath, remember to tie your hair alright? You remember how to do it right?”
“Yes,” Liliath nodded. After which she took out a hairband that had a crystal accessory, pulled her hair up into a ponytail and tied her hair, leaving her neckline exposed.
All the while revealing her underarm that let off an odd fragrant that tickled me silly.. OH FUCK ME.
“Your face is all red big brother,” the little devil grinned. Both her hands supported her head on the table while her legs swung back and front in her seat.
FUCK.
I bit my tongue.
“Let’s get breakfast started shall we,” My mom chided by clapping her hands.
I can’t help but sneak a few looks at Liliath. I’ll say it once, I’ll say it again: She’s literally.. quite literally the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in my life.
[14]
Current Points: 100
Quests: Gaining affection:
Embrace Liliath for half a minute. 20P
...
Quests: Introductions:
Learn about her favourite food. 20P
…
Quests: Gaining trust:
Do something Liliath asked. 5P
...
Quests: Utilization:
Have Liliath attack an enemy. 20P
...
Quests will be refreshed daily. Quests that have been completed will be prioritized, else the user can select up to 1 quest per category to remove. (removed quests will be refreshed the next day)
Max quest for each category: 1 (Upgradable) (6/20)
===
Here’s the list for today’s quest.
I trashed the kiss quest— and kinda regretted it. That’s like the only quest that’s worth a lot of points. Like, it’s as if those first few quests were a bonus— and the rest will come at a hard grind.
Sigh.
===
I strolled down the neighbourhood street along with Liliath. No. I’m not holding her hands or anything, just walking normally, side-by-side.
I offered to carry her bag together with mine so I had two bags on my shoulders. I wonder what she brought— there are a number of books inside.
Asides that, I’ve given her a brief rundown on what could happen, and also to: bring stuff to do.
Liliath herself carried a small bottle of water, one my sister used in the past.
She sent curious glances at absolutely everything. Yeah, I’m sure she has absolutely no idea half of what she’s actually seeing.
And.. her resolve to wear the black-laced dress to school took me by surprise.
Why...
Her gait combined with the dress— her milky-smooth skin now devoid of any scars, exposed all the way to her shoulder blades on the back. She’s like every man’s dream. Do all girls from the fantasy world look this alluring?
“Noel.. sama.”
“Yea? What is it?”
She stopped with the ‘-sama’ before this. I wonder why she had to add it this time?
“Where is school?” She looked concerned.
“It’s further ahead,” we’ve been walking for about 20 minutes. Another 10 minutes to arrive.
And when the building came into view...
“There, that building. That’s the school.”
“It’s almost as tall as the chapel. Everything is surprisingly big in this world.”
“Is it now?”
Wow, she spoke. Eh, wait. I think I’m overreacting. Of course, she spoke.. she’s human after all.
Now the moment everyone was waiting for— the moment of dread.. oh shit. Is that really what I'm seeing?!
I rubbed my eyes and narrowed my eyes at the school gate from a distance.
Holy cow. It is him— that dickhead Gruan is waiting at the gate.
Crap. I know of another entrance on the other side of the school.
“Liliath, let’s take a different route,” I halted.
She paused.
Honestly, my mind was so occupied with how to get Liliath into school safely that I couldn’t pay mine to that reaction of hers.
“Alright.”
Wheeh. Alright, let’s take a detour.
I took a turn into the garden. Liliath continued to observe her surroundings, tilting her head every now and then. Her reaction was cute.. hopefully she gets used to seeing it all soon. I could imagine reacting the same way if I suddenly found myself transferred to a fantasy world.
Though the danger had been averted, the detour wasn’t all that pleasant of a journey either. The garden park was in close proximity to the school, which meant there were students using the path frequently. They gave me silent stares.. awkward.
Liliath didn’t seem to mind though. She even bowed gracefully and nodded with a smile to some of the students— just like how a Princess would do.
I grimaced in my heart.
Ugh.. can’t the principal just come to visit Liliath at home or something? Bringing her to school like this would only cause a commotion.
No.
I’d have to face this sort of predicament in the future, it’s inevitable. Better learn how to cope with it than..
No.
The issue isn’t that. I believed this could’ve been avoided or at least lighter if she wore casual clothing— it’s her dress, her hair, and the alluring aura she’s emanating that’s the biggest issue here.
Don’t tell me Liliath is secretly an extrovert..
We entered the school compound using the side entrance.
“Come on Liliath,” I increased my pace.
She kept up close.
I would occasionally glance at her behind me, and she would flash a bitter smile.
Yeah.. so much for all the attention we’re getting— rather, it’s my fault for not explaining to her the situation of the school in more detail huh? Can’t cry over spilt milk, can’t I?
The issue with the gazes was more serious than I thought. Liliath came up to me at one point and held my clothes — she was clearly uncomfortable.
Just as we were walking up the stairs to the second floor—
“Oh My God! Who are you dating!?”
Go to hell Gruan!
“Liliath.”
She nodded, and we both ran up the stairs.
“Hey wait up! I’m just curious!”
Oh crap. Everyone’s attention is directed at us now.
There were students blocking the way— and that gave Graun the opportunity to catch up. Crap.
“Sorry,” I stopped my advance and turned around. “Gruan. This is none of your business.”
“Oh really? So who’s that girl over there.”
“Uh. Noel, so this is Greyson?” Liliath whispered into my ear.
I nodded. And I could see Graun’s eyes open wide. To witness such a sight.. we’re like a couple, aren’t we? Yeah, sorry to break it to you but.. that’s unfortunately not the case.
A small theatre soon formed with us in the limelight. Gossips mixed in between the crowd.
Liliath tugged at my clothes, “Let’s just proceed, I’ve already dealt with him.”
“Hah?” I looked at Liliath, confused.
She didn’t and pulled at my hand. Whatever she meant— I turned my back against Gruan, in the direction she was headed to and just followed?
“Hey, what are your tw—UWARGH?!”
I heard a thud behind and followed up by applause from the crowd. I wanted to turn around but Liliath’s fixed gaze on me told me not to do so.
I had no idea what happened, all I knew was that she did something to make him trip.
We proceeded forward with Liliath still holding onto my arm— I have no idea where she’s dragging me..
“Liliath, a right turn here.”
“A-Ah.. yes.”
“This room here,” I pointed with my other hand.
When we came up to the principal’s room, Liliath released my hands and leaked a sigh.
“What did you do?” Like damn— it had to be a good show right? Else why would the crowd go nuts with applause?
“I merely brushed him off our tail. Nothing more nothing less,” she wasn’t inclined to explain.
Okay. Better not ask specifics.
Anyways. I knocked on the door.
After a while, I heard, “Come in.”
A chilly gust poured out. Seeing Liliath blink in surprise was a bonus.
And in the middle of the room where the couch and coffee table were arranged was Principal Rachel, that uncle I always saw in a restaurant my family frequented and… Prune?
“Prune? Um. Morning.”
“Morning— morning,” She responded by repeating her words.
Prune’s family owns a diner that my family tends to visit. Though, it had been a week since I last went.
“I’m sorry, could you give us a moment. Please take a seat,” The principal beckoned. I didn’t fail to catch that astonished look on her face directed at Liliath.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Principal Rachel of Noel’s school.”
My body turned stiff, everyone else froze— Liliath curtsied.
Yo. What?? Did I tell Liliath something wrong? All I did was say Principal Rachel holds an important position in school right? RIGHT?! How could I have forgotten to tell her etiquette doesn’t matter in this world!!!
[15]
“Uh, Liliath. Uh... nevermind.. just take a seat,” the principal stuttered.
Liliath entered, I shut the door.
She looked at me perplexed, her eyes hinted at me a question: did I do something wrong?
I’ve seen that look almost half a dozen times now. I don’t know what to say.
There were three sofas in the office, so naturally, Liliath and I took the unoccupied one.
“Sorry, where were we,” The principal faked a cough and her aloof expressions were replaced with her regular calm look.
“Sorry, and about...” the uncle, Prune’s father, retorted his conversation with the Principal.
Leaving the three of us— Prune, Liliath and me in an awkward predicament. I’m sure Prune has no intention of interfering with the conversation between her father and the principal.
Prune looked at me, her whitish-blue hair shone, the two fluffy ears on her head twitched.
I was confused why she was wearing casual clothing when it’s a school day— nevermind. I noticed the documents placed on the table: her student file, medical report and what-nots. She’s transferring schools, obviously.
Oh. I’m sure she must be confused why or who Liliath is huh?
I turned to Liliath. She hung her head.
“Hey Liliath. I’m sorry to say but this isn’t a fantasy world so that manner of speaking could be said as weird to the people here,” I whispered.
I almost died of cringing.
“So it is true..” she muttered.
“True?”
“No wonder those heroes that were always summoned know not an inkling of etiquette. It makes sense considering their upbringing. Likewise, I too need to learn how to properly socialize in this world.”
“Yeah.. I guess so.”
Oh. So she’s actually reciprocating the knowledge in regards to the summoning of heroes to act. Wow. Though I must say she made quite an entrance with her incredibly cringe— I mean, noble-like greeting, I got to give it to you— she’s smart. Wait.. didn’t I realize that yesterday?
“Noel, why are there beastkins in your world? I’ve read in a description written in past journals that beastkins are a man’s romance and that such a race didn’t exist on Earth?”
I winced at her remark.
Oh wow. So the heroes actually left journals in their world. An additional layer of proof that her world wasn’t as simple as stories.
Eh— beastkin? You mean Prune?
I followed Liliath’s gaze. Prune’s bushy tail and ears stood on end.
Liliath narrowed her eyes.
“Noel.. w-who is this?”
“Um.. a Princess from another world?” I’m not lying.
Liliath released her gaze, “It’s the same here too.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“They can sense it.”
“Sense what?”
“Assume I said nothing,” Liliath looked away. She dropped her slippers and curled into a ball.
“Liliath.. don’t do that..”
Yeah.. I know Prune.. I know. Her panties are visible from your angle.
“Hm? So it’s a balance of being respectful and disrespectful? I suppose. I’m sorry,” she muttered.
Weird. Liliath is talking a lot.
“So with this, it’s settled. I wish you and Prune the best,” The principal and Prune’s father shook hands.
He stood up, Prune picked up the files on the table.
“Is this your friend?” Prune’s father asked.
Prune nodded hastily. Was she shaken? Shaken by Liliath?
“Well. I didn’t think you study here too,” he said nonchalantly, and with a wave of his hand, “I appreciate you guys coming over to our restaurant every now and then,” he nudged Prune.
“Uh.. See you?” Prune tried to squeeze those words out of her throat.
“Bye?” I raised my right hand to make a gesture.
“Alright. Thank you, principal. See you next time Noel,” Prune’s father said before stepping out.
Prune gave me the look just before the door shut with a click.
Huh. What the hell?
Liliath now sat straight with both her hands placed on her thigh. Which puzzled me even more— what’s up with those two?
So mysterious..
“Noel. So this person I suppose is your summon?” The principal pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah. This is Liliath, who I mention about.”
“Noel.. how does one normally greet in this situation?”
She almost added -sama there,
“Just greet? Just say your name and age?”
“Esteemed Principal Rachel, I’m Liliath Toren, age.. ”
Ah fuck it.
“You know what Liliath, just be you.. just be you.”
She narrowed her eyes at me and pouted.
I’m sorry I didn’t teach you this world’s proper ‘etiquette’..
“Just to make it clear. Liliath, you were summoned by Noel?” The principal didn’t sound convinced.
“Yes. It happened two days ago.”
“So what happened before the summon? Were you from a dimensional plane or did you have a past?”
“I would prefer to look to the future. The past no longer holds any weight.”
Yeah. I’m not convinced a past treated as a slave holds no weight.
“I see. Noel, so your summon is a permanent one?”
“Something like that? I actually don’t know any way to send her back even if I wanted to?”
“So how did the summoning happen?”
Hah! I knew it. Anyhow, I’ve briefed Liliath about this yesterday. She’s an intelligent person so she probably won’t slip her tongue. Basically, our stance was that Liliath appeared after a summoning circle almost blew up the house. The information regarding my phone will be kept a secret. Since the shop function could be exploited by the government if found out. The principal has to report the TALENTS to the higher-ups after all.
Those who have dangerous TALENTS would have to undergo special education subsidized by the government. Crime is a thing after all. And with special abilities— the fights between a criminal and police filmed on camera was nothing to joke around with.
Ah. Also to note— Liliath was to limit her magic usage just in case.
Since those with useful TALENTS would be hired into government agencies. And I think Liliath fits the bill— or so I worry.
“A summoning circle?”
“To tell you the truth, it’s weird. It happened one day after my birthday after all. It could really just be an accident? I don’t really have any other ideas of what my TALENT could be.”
“Hm..” the Principal fell into deep thought.
“Noel saved me.”
“”Hm?”” Both the Principal and I turned to Liliath.
“I’m sure he’s the one who summoned me. All I know is that there’s this unexplainable connection between me and him.” Liliath smiled, a little forced, which only served to make it look more convincing.
“I was thinking it might just be a coincidence.”
When I heard the principal say that, I suddenly realized my mistake. Well.. so much for saying too much. Thankfully Liliath was quick to notice and helped me cover-up.
After all, I said that I didn’t know if Liliath was summoned by me— which in itself was a mistake because that would put Liliath in a position whereby her summoning was a coincidence and not caused by me, hereby declaring myself as TALENTLESS. And if I wasn’t Liliath’s owner then she’s a free individual— which meant the possibility of the Principal taking her away from me?
That’s the shitty conclusion I came to.
But still though..
‘an unexplainable connection between me and him.’
Oh fuck I nearly slapped my face in embarrassment when I heard that.
“Then I’ll take it that you’re his summoned person, or familiar.”
“Yes,” Liliath nodded diplomatically.
“True. You don’t see, to be a person of this world,” the principal muttered before jotting down more notes in a book,” Alright, you two can leave now.”
“Wait, principal. About that, it’s alright for Liliath to temporarily stay in school right? Or should I bring her back home first? Then I might be late for class..”
“Good point,” she stood up and walked over to her desk. She took a pink slip, wrote something on it and then passed it to me. “Show this to your class teachers, I’ll notify the other teachers if I come across them.”
Mission accomplished? With this pink paper in hand, the situation with Liliath’s excursion to school has been resolved?
No... it was only the beginning.
===
I entered the class together with Liliath. Everyone’s gaze was not fixed on me, but on Liliath.
Especially the boys— no, Gruan specifically.. I want to punch him so hard.. but I can’t.
Prune’s seat is empty.
“Liliath, you can sit down here.”
She nodded, conscious of the gaze directed at us.
I hung her bag on the side of the chair then returned to my seat, situated just beside her’s.
Then everyone resumed what they were doing. Nobody came to talk to Liliath.
Huh.. looks like I was wrong about—
Next thing I knew it, one girl came trickling in, then another— then a hoard. They directed their gaze at me as if asking for my approval. Oh, fucking come on... do you girls seriously need my approval to talk to her?
“Morning Noel. Eh..can I ask who that is? Your cousin?” Among the girls, Freya took charge and approached me.
“Morning. Well.. she’s Liliath.. my familiar.”
“Pardon me?”
“My TALENT is a summoner class and that’s your answer,” I said with my body dropping limp.
“Seriously?” Freya glanced at me then at Liliath.
Liliath sent Freya a weak smile.
“So I can talk to her right?”
“Who's to say you can’t? She’s a human, not some pet,” at least.. I didn't want her to be treated like one.
“If you say so..” Freya mumbled, “Hello, nice to meet you, Liliath? I’m Freya.”
“Liliath Toren. Pleasure is mine..” Liliath looked in my direction, her eyes asking if she was doing her greetings alright.
I gave her a thumbs up.
She looked at it puzzled.
Ah. Right. She doesn’t know this sign language.
“You’re doing fine. Just be you.”
She nodded.
“Uh.. you two..” Freya looked dismayed. As did the other girls.
“I apologize as I’m not familiar with the practices of this world. Thus I wanted to seek approval from Noel to avoid making similar mistakes.”
The gasps from the girls holding their hands to their mouths were deafening.
“You’re not from this world??!”
“No wonder you have red hair!”
“Um. My name is Hilda, Your Majesty?”
Good luck Liliath.
Though she seemed to be able to manage the attention albeit treating them in a similar fashion to how a princess would.
“Noel. Did you just say she’s your familiar?”
“That’s your TALENT??”
“You haven’t violated her have you?”
I turned to the source of the voices— my nightmare. A crowd of boys, the one leading the group was Gruan.
Oh shit. Here it comes.
[16]
So the question session had me share a table together with Liliath. That way, there would be fewer questions. One would ask while the rest would nod.
And I will repeat— we aren’t a couple... yet.. maybe. Fuck, could you all stop bringing that up?
Anyhow. There was one thing about this that made me feel satisfied. It wasn’t the attention I got, though, it wasn’t as bad as I thought— It was Graun, left alone at his seat.
I guess he’s the only one who doesn’t dare to come close. Hah! Serves you right for flinging shit words at Liliath and me. Though, this is also a sign I should be careful.
Once the novelty wore off, and when the teacher came to class— well aware of Liliath’s existence— everyone dispersed.
That said, there were still a couple of female students huddled together with Liliath.
I remained seated together with her, sharing the same table as I read through the chemistry reference books, taking notes using a highlighter.
Why chemistry? I don’t know. I thought it looked interesting so I opted to study this first. And oh boy was I right and wrong at the same time. I was totally oblivious to everything other than e=mc2 until now.
I know. I said that the school year ended and what-not but I’m preparing for the subjects for senior high school. Unlike this year, since, it would be split into three, and mathematics would be split into normal mathematics and additional mathematics.
More useless subjects to study— yay.
Liliath was reading a mathematics exercise book.
Wait. There’s something wrong. Why are the girls so engrossed in mathematics? And mathematics isn’t something you read, it’s something you have to practice with pen and paper.
I stretched my neck over to take a peek.
Wow. So she knows this trick too.
You know when you hide a book behind a book? Yeah. That kind of thing. It makes you seem super diligent and smart... if only she didn’t try to cover it up using a mathematics book..
Hm.. this manga looks familiar.
Where have I seen..
Wait.
Hold up.
W-W-WHHHYYYY H-HOOOW DID SHE GET HER HANDS ON THISSSSSS?!
I craned my neck to look at the other girls who seemed to have not noticed my presence, still engrossed in the ‘picturesque’ scene. My eyes twitched, that was when one of them looked at me and let out a muffled scream. Her glasses shook and almost fell.
I poked Liliath.
“Hey. Liliath... why are you reading this? I told you that it’s inappropriate right?”
While everyone else shifted their attention over to me, only Liliath remixed unmoving. She even flipped to the next page for FUCK SAKE. And there is a double spread of the climax scene.
OH FUCK ME. THAT’S PORN! PORN!
HOW THE HELL DID SHE GET HER HANDS ON— I think that’s volume four. Huh, that means she’s done reading the second and third volume..
Ah. I think I can guess who’s the culprit behind this. I remember hearing footsteps yesterday night, it had to be that devil’s doing.
W-WAIT!
That’s not the problem. The problem is..
I folded the book shut from the outside mathematics book. Liliath’s finger stuck between the pages.
She turned to look at me— that expressionless face— devoid of emotion.
The girls looked at me with cold sweat and beet red faces.
Liliath’s eyes soon gained clarity.
I cramped a smile, “I’ll act as if I saw nothing. Just stop reading this in class alright?”
Liliath nodded slowly.
I slid the manga out and then tossed it into her bag— I noticed she brought volumes 5, 6 and 7 too.
I turned around to see Liliath crawl into a ball, girls-in-crime comforting her.
…
Is Liliath interested in this kind of stuff? No.. I mean.. who wouldn’t.
===
What a disgrace.. Noel-sama found out.
Why does it feel wrong to read such an opus in front of him? Why? There was nothing wrong reading it together with Novelle-sama?
Gender differences. True. I should have considered that variable.
Heavens please have mercy.
I continued looking down at the ground, unable to meet his gaze. I’m ashamed of myself. I should be more careful next time. I should have reconsidered my decision to read such a thing under the influence of another’s opinion.
Should I have not listened to them— needn’t I suffer such shame.
A flower petal drifted to the ground, the beautiful interlocking brick path that stretched across to the wide majestic gate.
“I just remembered,” I heard Noel click his tongue.
I raised my head to meet his gaze but..
My eyes were first met with the three unusual individuals in our path. They had an aura similar to those knights.. those..
“GGAAH!”
Before I could call his name— Noel-sama was tackled to the floor.
“Hah! How do you like that!” Gruan yelled, a fist sent towards him.
The other three individuals laughed, often looking in my direction.
Punch after punch after punch.
I had no clue as to how I should react.
I stood there— stunned.
I have to do something..
Why..
Why can’t I move... my body..
Noel-sama..
Why..
“This is what you get for humiliating me!”
Gruan stood up and turned to me, Noel-sama struggled to raise himself into a sitting position.
That triumphant look on his face, his dark chocolate eye met mine.
With the scorching daylight pouring down together with the immense heat, I felt something well up inside me..
Why..
I’m.. mad.. angry... I thought it was all in the past so.. why..
Pitch black flames— my vision dyed in crimson.
“Liliath, let’s go,” Noel-sama’s crippled voice brought me back to reality. He got up staggering.
“You should be grateful I gave you a discount— it’s the last day after all,” Gruan snorted, laughing.
“Liliath?” Noel-sama, with his injuries, called out to me.
“Noel— sama.. why?”
He sighed, “I don’t get why either, but we have to leave.”
“Y-you’re hurt..” I reacted by instinct, evoking a light healing spell on Noel-sama. A number of light bruises on his face and a fractured nose.
“Hey. Ignoring me silly?”
Noel-sama held my hand and dragged me out of my stupor.
“Thank you.”
His tone was rushed but sincere.
“Come on now, you know I don’t like wimps.”
“Liliath, just go, Liliath,” He tugged at my arm but I was fixed in place, like a statue.
I...
You..
Something..
Shut up.
Shut up.
Shut up.
SHUT UP!
Using another individual for the sake of venting.. why must one do that.. WHY?!
I turned my head and shot a glare at Gruan, evoking a remote gravity field to pin him down to the ground.
“GWWAAAHHH?!”
Three times.. Four times.. Five times.. TEN TIMES..
DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE .DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. DIE. “Liliath!”
I shuddered.
His hand was still tight around my arm, he lowered my hand, the hand that I unconsciously raised pointed at the enemy, the key gesture that tied itself to the gravity spell.
“Don’t..”
Those words he spoke weren’t firm nor strong, but it carried weight.. weight that came from—
Fear.
“I-I...”
I didn’t know how, or why— my magic dissipated at his call.
“Sorry,” he remarked. I wasn’t sure it was supposed to be directed to me or them.. but why them?
Why?
At Gruan who’s limp figure was left on the ground, I was dragged away by Noel-sama.
Why..
Why did nothing change? I already knew I was fated down this path, bearing the responsibility of the kingdom but when I needed help the most.. why did no one come? .. I was all alone.. scared.. frightened.. why.. why? Why did I apologize? Why did I apologize when I was treated that way? Why did it have to be me? Of all people?
