Chapter 36
Chapter 36
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Festival Preparations
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1
Spring was coming to an end.
The flowers that had bloomed in full splendor had fallen once, making way for new ones to blossom.
The sequentially blooming flowers of every color were fragrant just to look at, but even that wouldn't last much longer.
It was the time of year when strolling through the campus showed more fresh green leaves than flowers.
It meant summer was approaching, but before that, the Esterro Academy festival would come first.
Clang, clang, clang—the sound of hammers rang out rhythmically.
Not only the students setting up stalls for their clubs or departments, but the student council decorating the overall landscaping had the entire academy buzzing.
It was the first time since my possession that the academy was this lively even after classes.
I wandered around, taking in the youthful scene that deserved to be called just that.
I could already vividly picture the festival day.
Magic decorations of all kinds would float through the skies.
Just imagining a festival packed with sights, fun, and food made my heart race.
"Hey~! Theo!"
"What's up, it's Ethan."
I turned at the call and saw Ethan running over, his uniform sleeves rolled up refreshingly.
His silver hair, damp with sweat from whatever he'd been doing, sparkled oddly in the sunlight.
"Where were you over the weekend? You weren't in your room."
"I stepped out for a bit. You came all the way to my room?"
"Yeah, nothing big, just wondering what you're doing for the festival. It's more fun to hang out together if you're free!"
Ugh, this social butterfly.
His casual friendliness still amazed me.
"I don't have any plans. I'll probably just wander around."
"Wanna hang out this afternoon then?"
"Sure. Looks like you're busy in the morning."
"Gotta show my face all over the place!"
Typical social butterfly.
It was a rare festival, so best to enjoy it to the fullest.
Definitely better than going alone.
"By the way, where'd you go over the weekend?"
"Went to Bayford 'cause I wanted some squid."
"All the way there...? And Bayford's where the mayor got arrested today, right?"
"He got arrested already?"
"The extra edition at lunch said he was taken in right away."
They sure handled that quickly.
He'd been so quiet during the king squid incident....
No, it was all Liam Dunkin's scheming anyway.
"Must've been chaotic."
"I left before it all went down, so I wouldn't know."
"Hmm... Wait, was it you, Theo?"
Ethan suddenly lowered his voice.
This guy—I thought he was oblivious, but he's sharper than I figured.
"What're you saying? How's a tourist out for squid gonna get a mayor arrested?"
"Haha! Yeah, right! Just kidding, kidding!"
I overreacted on purpose, and Ethan laughed heartily.
Yeah, this guy's oblivious after all.
Sigh—I swallowed a sigh inside.
Then a sharp gaze poked at my cheek.
I turned to follow it and found Leon standing beside me, staring silently.
His clear, straight red eyes felt heavy.
Did this kid figure something out?
With Leon, it was entirely possible.
Protagonists always had luck, sharp instincts, or something beyond human norms.
"...Why're you staring like that?"
I probed lightly.
Leon blinked slowly before replying curtly.
"You two look like you're having fun."
...What the hell is this kid saying?
I was blankly trying to process it when Ethan threw his arms around mine and Leon's shoulders.
It was a brutish shoulder hug.
"Ahaha! Fun shared is fun doubled, right, friends?"
What the hell is this guy saying?
I tried to shrug off Ethan's thick arm first, but the solid muscle wouldn't budge, so I gave up.
"Anyway, I heard you met Senior Kane."
The half-forced shoulder hug didn't seem to bother him as Leon spoke calmly.
Even though she was his sister on paper, he deliberately called her Senior Kane.
Instead of digging into that, I nodded.
"Same club. How'd you know?"
Leon just smiled faintly without answering.
What was that smile?
Kinda scary?
"Didn't Senior Kane say anything weird?"
"Weird stuff...."
I couldn't say she didn't.
She did say to let her know if anything happened to Leon.
But no need to tell him that, so I shrugged.
"She says so much weird stuff, I don't know where to start."
"Senior Kane has that tendency. Still, she's a good person."
"I know. She's your sister."
"For now, yeah."
He affirms it, huh.
But not calling her sister.
If Kane were here, I'd probably make him call her sis.
"Good to hear. Nothing out of the ordinary, then."
"Yeah?"
"Senior Kane... has always worried excessively about certain things."
Leon smiled bitterly.
Of all people, it had to be that Kane—no need to spell it out for images to flood my mind.
"You've got it rough."
"No. If anything, I'm in her debt."
Dang....
The clock tower chimed.
Leon looked up at the tower as the bell rang five times.
"I've got an appointment, so I'll head out."
"See you tomorrow."
"Whatever it is, have fun!"
Leon and Ethan waved.
As we were parting, I remembered late and handed them the packaged semi-dried king squid.
"What's this?"
"Got it in Bayford. Share it."
I'd only asked for a bit of calamari packed, but the Bayford folks insisted I take some for later and gave me semi-dried king squid preserved with magic tools.
It was a huge amount—I'd never finish it alone, so time to distribute.
"Thanks. I'll enjoy it."
"O! This looks delicious! Bet it'd go great with potatoes!"
Why potatoes with king squid?
But teasing him would never end, so I just waved and finally parted ways.
2
I trudged up the dormitory stairs.
They'd parted saying they had appointments, but mine wasn't with a person.
I'd gone straight from dorm to classroom in the morning, so this was my first return in three full days.
Meaning, my first time back to bed in three days.
Can't break a promise with my bed.
I hurried up.
Reaching the eighth floor, I bumped into Meyrill on the stairs.
"Ah, perfect timing."
"You talking to me?"
"Who else is here?"
"Someone might think you came looking for me."
I joked lightly, and Meyrill nodded.
"Right. For the Tea Club festival prep. Came by over the weekend, but you weren't here."
"Stepped out briefly. So the Tea Club's prepping something too?"
"Every club has to participate or run something. Tea Club can't sit it out. And of course, you have to join as a member."
Meyrill placed hands on hips proudly.
She was subtly blocking the path—clearly planning to drag me off for labor.
Honestly, I wanted to enjoy the festival, but not work it....
Thief mentality, sure, but I wanted to relax....
Plus, I'd prevented terrorism behind the scenes to keep the festival on.
Only Louis knew, but....
Point was, I'd done enough.
No choice.
I don't like bragging, but....
I rummaged in my robe.
Not the king squid—something else.
Ah, found it.
"Take this."
I pulled out a cylindrical tin case.
The tin, adorned with a cute carousel illustration, looked like fine craftsmanship on its own.
"This is...?"
Meyrill tilted her head curiously at the sudden gift.
Her green eyes scanned the surface from left to right.
"Barmus Chamomile Tea!? No way...!?"
"Yep. A Federation specialty not officially imported to the kingdom."
Banned for political reasons.
Knowing that, Meyrill clutched the tin with trembling hands.
"The natural sweetness and subtle green apple aroma of this premium chamomile tea...! It eases insomnia, relieves tension, and...! How on earth did you get this...!"
"Went to Bayford over the weekend. Picked it up by chance."
The mayor got royally screwed on smuggling.
Federation goods had leaked to the black market, making it easy to snag.
Especially with the market intel on black market trends.
Didn't expect her to love it this much.
Guess the black market vendor wasn't hoarding it for nothing.
"Such a rare item... Did you bring it for the festival?"
"Not really. But if it gets out, it'll be trouble."
"We can portion it and say we blended it ourselves. No one's tasted these leaves before to tell, and even if they have, no way to prove it. Just re-etch the tin with magic."
"I, uh, see...."
Strictly speaking, all illegal.
The model student Meyrill casually talking crime.
How obsessed with tea is she....
"Didn't expect you'd snag something this precious...!"
"Glad you like it. So, can I take it easy today? Bayford round trip over the weekend wore me out."
"Ah, yeah, you do look pale."
No wonder.
Minus a nap in the carriage, it'd been near four days sleepless.
Even this healthy body was hitting limits.
Done—bedtime.
Bed, comfy sleep, forget time, just crash.
I massaged my gritty eyes, and Meyrill hugged the precious Barmus Chamomile Tea tin, nodding.
"Can't make you work when you're tired from getting such fine leaves...! Booth's me and the president—we'll handle it. Rest up today!"
"Yeah, thanks."
"That's my line!"
Her tension three octaves higher than usual, Meyrill skipped down the stairs lightly.
Her reaction rivaled a kid getting Christmas gifts.
Tea that good, huh.
Honestly, envied her pure, heartfelt passion for something.
"Next time I spot rare leaves, I'll grab 'em for her."
No issue with Barmus Chamomile Tea itself.
Always rare as stars, but recent tensions between Tekat Kingdom and Karmut Federation led to full import ban.
Plenty similar teas banned—pick some up when I see 'em.
Not a hassle.
Finally parted from Meyrill and reached my dorm room.
Opening the door after three long days, it was paradise.
"Whoa...."
Unbelievable as my room.
Books from the shelf were all piled on the bed.
Amid the wall—or igloo-like—stacks, small dolls, toys, and a feed bowl peeked out.
In the center: a sofa of stacked books topped with cushions.
Choco lounged there.
Leaning back against books like a person, sprawled with belly exposed, munching feed like snacks... then our eyes met.
Choco bolted up on hind legs.
Clung straight to my leg—raccoon or koala?
Pulled up my pant leg, so I picked him up; he nestled securely in my arms.
"You've been good, huh. Eating well."
Nod nod.
Room told the story.
This guy's had an epic weekend without me....
"Cleanup tomorrow...."
No energy to reshelve books and clean.
Just stacked 'em neatly on desk, tossed clothes on chair.
"Haaah...... Bliss......"
Dove straight into bed.
Basic swordsmanship lecture meant I was already washed.
Just close eyes and sleep....
Fatigue hit all at once.
As I went limp, the blanket rustled—Choco poked his head out.
"You wanna sleep too?"
Nod nod.
Choco burrowed into my arms naturally, using one as pillow.
He was out instantly, numb arm be damned.
Cute and sleepy—forgiven.
And so, we slept together for the first time in ages.