Chapter 75
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Who Teases Sis?
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Who teases sis?
"Cadets may choose five courses for this semester."
The booklet handed out by the instructor listed course names alongside the professors in charge. From administrative duties to practical sparring, the lineup featured classes befitting the academy's prestige, stretching out in neat rows.
"Select courses that match your abilities and needs. Since it's your first semester, it wouldn't hurt to experiment a bit."
A serious air gradually spread across the students' faces. One by one, they picked up their pens, scanning the booklets with careful eyes.
"Once you've finished, come forward and submit."
I gazed down at the booklet in front of me as well.
My criteria for choosing were straightforward. Pick classes that were useful and offered high marks. To join the Hero Party, I needed not just skill, but grades to back it up.
First, these two are locks.
Without hesitation, I selected Practical Combat and Scrollcraft. Fields I excelled in—good grades should come easily.
The remaining three didn't take much thought either. Swordsmanship and magic weren't my paths, so I skipped them boldly. No plans for an administrative career meant ruling those out too.
From what was left, I checked Survival Training, Concealment Detection, and Alchemy, then stood.
I approached the instructor, who'd introduced herself as Celine, and handed over the booklet. She had subtle muscle definition in her shoulders and arms, and she raised one eyebrow with evident curiosity.
"Cadet Bella?"
"Yes."
A few gazes snapped my way at her words. Through my sensitive ears slipped occasional whispers.
The spotlight felt uncomfortable. I forced a smile, but the prickling attention at the back of my neck turned my stomach.
"May I go now?"
My voice came out thick and slurred, nausea from moments before sneaking in unbidden.
"No, I have something to discuss with you. Wait outside."
Her unexpected reply widened my eyes. Had I done something wrong? Nothing came to mind. But this was the academy—defying an instructor gained nothing.
I crossed the whispering classroom and stepped out the door. Unlike the rowdy interior, the hallway lay hushed. Standing alone, I felt the unfamiliar quiet settle in.
...Why call me out separately?
Part of me resented Instructor Celine. I didn't know what she wanted, but she'd drawn unwanted eyes my way.
Anxiety began to creep up. My mind was already a mess—would this earn me weird looks from classmates?
How long had I leaned against the corridor wall? Soon, the classroom door opened, and the instructor emerged.
Standing beside her was someone I never expected.
The protagonist of this world. I stared blankly at her. Our eyes met, and she offered an awkward smile whose reason eluded me.
"I called you two aside for a private word."
Instructor Celine handed my booklet back to me—and one to the protagonist too.
"You need to drop one of your five courses."
"Why?"
The protagonist objected. Unlike her, I vaguely guessed the reason. There was only one: why she'd summoned us together.
"Divine Power holders must take a mandatory course."
Before the entrance exam, all prospective cadets submitted basic info—including Divine Power possession.
"Divine Power classes have so few students that schedules flex easily. Pick a convenient slot."
I struck out Alchemy from my choices and returned the booklet. The protagonist hesitated briefly before striking one out too.
"Good. Two Divine Power holders in one class—rare indeed."
Instructor Celine took the booklets with a hearty laugh, then turned.
"Feel free to chat till I return."
With the instructor gone, awkward air filled the corridor. The protagonist seemed to eye me cautiously.
Was she introverted? In the game, she'd boldly initiate talks. Her looks made it feel plausibly flirtatious for a heroine.
"Hi."
As expected. She approached with a bright smile.
Standing before me, she extended one hand. Grateful as I was for her leading the greeting with a handshake, I couldn't take it.
Of all things, why a woman...!
The protagonist's figure matched her beauty—overwhelmingly curvaceous above a slender waist, more so than me or Camilla.
I knew instinctively: grasping that hand would trigger my body's rejection. With a man, I'd have approached warmly. That regret stung sharply.
But confessing my aversion to women's touch to her? No.
What if the future Hero Party hopeful trembled at a woman's touch? It'd go beyond mockery.
That meant reputational damage.
Better to seem resolute than weak. More effective with her.
"Sorry."
I crossed my arms, ignoring her gesture.
"Oh, okay."
She withdrew her hand with an awkward glance. Before misunderstandings bloomed, I added quickly.
"I just don't like people touching me."
Yet her expression grew more strained.
"Ah, yeah... I see?"
Something felt off. Still, she'd started the talk. Seizing the chance to continue seemed wise.
"You..."
"Allensia!"
My attempt fizzled. A redheaded girl dashed up from outside the lecture hall, inserting herself between us.
"What were you talking about? Why'd they call you out alone?"
"Uh? Well..."
"Tell me inside!"
One of the protagonist's companions—the so-called Painting Girl—glared at me. As I faltered under her stare, she dragged the protagonist back into the hall.
In the silent corridor.
Left alone, I blinked for a long while.
※
The academy boasted a dedicated cafeteria for students. True to its renown, the food rivaled the empire's finest eateries in quality and taste.
With over half the students commoners, prices stayed affordable. Even nobles made sure to grab academy meals.
Lunchtime followed orientation and rules. The grand dining hall brimmed with students' laughter and chatter. Some eyed their plates in awe.
My steak wafted juicy aromas, but sadly, I had no leisure to savor it.
"...Haa."
Stray thoughts weighed on my mind and chest, drawing out a sigh.
"Something wrong?"
Camilla, beside me, asked. Unlike mine, her gaze remained utterly serene.
"What if... I'm teased?"
Crack—
A sharp clink of cutlery on plate pierced my ears—from Camilla's side. I turned; her eyes met mine, still blankly sunken.
"Who teases sis?"
"No, it's not that..."
I shut my mouth mid-sentence. What good venting to younger Camilla?
Besides, it was just the first day. Too soon to judge.
Plenty of time to make friends ahead—and positively, good bonds would form.
"Let's eat."
Shifting mindset made the food taste better. For afternoon classes, better fuel up.
First day or not, nothing intense planned—but this was the academy. Anything could happen.
"Sis."
"Yeah?"
Imagination? A shadow darkened Camilla's eyes.
"I'll walk you after eating."
"Huh?"
Camilla tilted her head with a grin. An unfamiliar expression—familiar yet oddly alien.
For some reason, it overlapped slightly with Mother's face.
"Your class isn't far, right? I can go alone."
"It's fine. I'll escort you."
Why refuse? No friends anyway—better with Camilla than entering awkwardly solo.
Never thought I'd lean on her like this.