Chapter 107
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Ah! My Sponsor!
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Anastasia Granov wanted to beat Aika no matter what.
At the very least, Anastasia couldn't just stand by and watch Aika succeed on her own.
This mentality stemmed from a kind of stubborn pride that had steadily built up ever since they parted ways from the same group due to differing visions.
Yesterday, when Aika had approached Rubelt first for a spar...
Anastasia was furious.
To her, Rubelt was a precious sponsor who had paved the way for her new idol career.
He was someone who could witness their fight and even have enough influence to contact their agency presidents to intervene.
Anastasia had felt anxious, just like Aika, but after mulling it over, she thought maybe she shouldn't tremble in uncertainty and should get closer instead.
And right at the moment she steeled her resolve...
Aika had beaten her to the punch.
That's why Anastasia thought...
'I need to go even bolder than Aika!'
Something bolder than Aika's spar request.
A way to spend longer talking with Rubelt and get closer to him.
The method Anastasia chose was a consultation.
'Not some idiotic brawling like Aika, but something more intimate where we can spend time together!'
Having made her plan, Anastasia approached Rubelt while Aika was facing off against the monster.
"A consultation?"
"Yes. I figured you'd know all about this sort of thing, Rubelt..."
Trailing off vaguely, Anastasia gave off the vibe of someone with a serious dilemma.
"Got it. If I can help, sure. After class, then... Hmm, where should we do it?"
"...!"
Having smoothly secured Rubelt's agreement, Anastasia inwardly cheered and her eyes sparkled.
"Oh, there's a cafe I know! Let's do it there!"
"Alright, let's head out together after class."
"Yes! Thank you so much, Rubelt!"
"No big deal. We cadets should help each other out."
"Ahh...!"
'He's such a kind person!'
When he'd intervened in her fight with Aika, she'd flared up in the moment, but thinking back on it calmly later, there was nothing wrong with Rubelt's actions.
They were objectively the right thing to do, and above all, his status as a sponsor—practically a god in the entertainment industry—had elevated Rubelt endlessly in Anastasia's heart.
After the monster extermination practical was already over, I'd casually mentioned in front of Isihoon and the others that Anastasia had come to me for some advice on a personal issue.
Eli accepted it without question, and Kagura and Yume took it as another classmate consulting the skilled cadet in our class.
Chisaki, though, smirked and nodded like, "Yeah, sure~."
She probably thought I'd accepted because I was trying to woo her.
And honestly, for conquest purposes, she wasn't wrong.
I hadn't missed Aika's expression either, sitting right nearby when Anastasia approached me.
It was just like the face Isihoon made when Yume asked me out on a date.
I nearly burst out laughing at that comically shocked look but barely held it in.
The cafe Anastasia mentioned wasn't far, so I had Rize ride back to the mansion in the limo first, then walked there with Anastasia.
By the way.
"..."
Aika was secretly tailing us from behind.
Anastasia hadn't noticed, and only I knew, but I didn't point it out to her.
Because this setup would make conquering both of them go smoothly—and above all... it was fun.
"We're almost there, Granov."
"Y-Yes?! Right, yes! The cafe's just up ahead!"
Anastasia had been too nervous to talk to me on the way, despite mustering the courage to approach in the first place.
She probably hadn't decided what to say during the walk.
But realizing we couldn't stay silent until we arrived, she hurriedly spoke up.
"Ru-Rubelt!"
"Yeah?"
"If it's okay with you, call me by my first name too! I'm more used to that!"
"Ah, makes sense since you're an idol. Got it, Anastasia."
"Yes!"
I caught her beaming smile as she sneakily pumped her left fist behind her back.
She seemed thrilled that I'd called her by name.
I liked smiles like that.
Because when the other person is trying so hard to win my favor—not me chasing them—it gives a sweet sense of superiority.
My built-up status, fame, and skills were making even a hot idol right now rack her brain to get close to me.
And she was a heroine from Blaze Blood that I'd liked, no less.
This feeling was always a rush, no matter how many times.
"By the way, Anastasia, you got time for this? No schedules?"
"Oh! It's fine! Since enrolling in the academy, I've had to adjust for hunter activities, so all my schedules are sorted."
"I see. But you're not quitting being an idol, right?"
"No, being an idol is my... main job. I'll stick with it to the end. Oh, but that doesn't mean I hate being a hunter!"
"Yeah, figured. Otherwise, you wouldn't be at the academy."
I flashed her a bright smile.
"You're amazing, Anastasia. Balancing idol work and hunter duties like that."
"Ah... Th-thank you!"
"Grind..."
From my enhanced hearing, I caught the sound of Aika, tailing us, grinding her teeth.
Guess even ex-groupmates share the same frustrated habits.
We entered the cafe and ordered drinks.
Aika slipped in later, somehow already in a barbour coat and sunglasses, taking a seat behind Anastasia.
While waiting for our drinks, I asked Anastasia,
"So, what's this consultation about?"
"Well..."
The content of Anastasia's consultation was roughly this.
She still wanted to pursue both her idol and hunter careers after entering the academy.
But going through classes and dungeons had made her realize just how dangerous and full of hardships being a hunter was.
Even so, Anastasia didn't want to give up.
She still wanted to succeed as both an idol and a hunter.
So.
"Rubelt. How can I get as strong as you?"
She wanted the secret to strength from me, someone who could nearly solo a Striker.
On the surface, it sounded plausible.
But I could tell this was a pretext cooked up for today's consultation.
Because Anastasia's grades weren't bad at all.
I couldn't monitor every Blaze Blood heroine in real-time, but Aika and Anastasia from our class were always in my sights.
During spars or monster extermination practicals, Anastasia never faltered or hesitated.
And besides.
"What a poser... She was blasting monsters like crazy last dungeon..."
Aika's tiny mutter from behind Anastasia, picked up by my enhanced hearing, made it obvious.
She did want to get stronger, but it wasn't as urgent as she made it sound to me.
Of course, I had no intention of calling her out or grilling her for lying.
Little white lies like this were working in my favor anyway.
I rubbed my chin thoughtfully with my thumb and spoke.
"How to get stronger... I can't give a one-size-fits-all answer, Anastasia. Everyone has their aptitudes and paths. But..."
"But?"
"I can use all sorts of weapons. Including pistols like yours, so I might be able to help a bit."
"Really?! So you'll help me?!"
"Yeah. We're classmates—we should help each other."
"Ahh! Thank you, Rubelt!"
"As for how to help, I'd need to know your combat style in detail... So, how about we party up together next dungeon?"
"Sounds good! Then for the next dungeon..."
"Include Aika too!"
"What?!"
As Anastasia nodded happily, Aika appeared before us, having ditched the coat and glasses.
"Ah, Aika!? When did you...!"
Aika smirked at the flustered Anastasia.
"Overheard by chance! But... I had no idea you were struggling like that, Anastasia~."
"Ugh..."
"Truth is~, after sparring with Rubelt, I realized how much I'm lagging behind! Rubelt! Aika wants to party up for the next dungeon too! We both use greatswords, so please... let me tag along like Anastasia! Pretty please?"
"Hey! Aika, don't just—"
Anastasia bristled as Aika tried to hijack her setup.
But my response was,
"Sure. Let's party up with Aika next time too."
I accepted since it let me conquer them both at once.
"Yay!"
"What!? Ru-Rubelt!"
"It's a rare chance. Plus... I'm thrilled to party with my two recommendations. That a problem?"
"...Ugh! N-No... It's fine."
"Hehe, looking forward to it, Anastasia~."
"Grind!"
"Oh, Aika."
"Yes! What can Aika do for you, Rubelt?!"
"Since we're partying up, I expect a good formation from you and Anastasia."
"...Huh?"
"You two were in a group before, right? Your teamwork must be flawless."
"Well, that's..."
"Truth be told, I've been a fan since your singer idol group days. That's why I recommended you both."
Aika and Anastasia both looked stunned, like the thought had never crossed their minds.
"Really?!"
"For real?"
"Yeah. Oh, it might feel cheap as payment for help, but... could you two sing one of your old group songs for me next time? I'd love to hear it live."
Anastasia and Aika broke into cold sweats but forced smiles.
"No problem, right?"
"O-Of course! It's the least we can do for your help! Right, Aika?!"
"N-Naturally! Aika never forgets a song she's sung!"
"Thanks. As your fan... I'm really happy. Ah, want more drinks or dessert? My treat."
"No, we're good! We can't waste any more of your time, Rubelt!"
"Aika just happened~ to stop by anyway, so gotta head out!"
"Aw, too bad. Next time, on me then."
"Yes! Thanks for the advice, Rubelt!"
"Aika too, thanks!"
The two bolted from the cafe.
Watching them bantered just like in Blaze Blood, my lips curved up naturally.
"Here are your drinks, sir."
The waiter brought my order and the one Anastasia had abandoned in her rush.
"Ah, thanks."
I enjoyed Anastasia's leftover drink too.