Chapter 57
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: 25. Wilderness Festival
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"So?"
"...So?"
Sharp gazes pierced toward me, urging a response.
The girls gathered before me showed no intention of letting me off the hook, despite my attempts to avert my eyes with a troubled expression.
"...E-Evan! So, what happened?"
Since that night, it seemed she'd fully decided to call me by my first name.
Hearing her voice say my name so naturally...
"...Evan? Since when did you start using his first name..."
I let Lin's muttered words, laced with a strangely stiff expression, flow past one ear.
Elisicia leaned her body toward the bed where I sat, her eyes sparkling.
Her eyes brimmed with curiosity.
And matching her excited breaths, those round orbs swayed freely.
"Come on? Tell me."
Her precarious movements as she leaned in closer accentuated her defenselessly exposed white cleavage.
That destructive volume stimulated a man's instincts.
I hurriedly looked away and swallowed dryly.
Ugh, there's nowhere safe to look.
"..."
Even when I'd clashed with Imir. Even dodging Professor Aria's magic.
My mental fortitude hadn't suffered a single scratch.
Yet now, it was crumbling pathetically at her merciless gestures.
"No, well... it's just..."
As I trailed off, I forced my gaze away from her and scanned the room.
This spacious room had never felt cramped before.
But today, it felt unusually crowded.
'No, it is crowded right now.'
Not just Elisicia. Lin, who'd come with her.
And Iris, who had somehow joined them—who even told her?—standing behind with arms crossed.
'...When did she get here?'
I hadn't invited her, but she'd blended in naturally.
...Well, the two in front were the same, if I thought about it.
"Nothing much. They just said good job today and praised me a bit."
Several pairs of eyes focused on me, but I answered nonchalantly.
Of course, it was a blatant lie.
I couldn't exactly tell them I'd scrambled that guy's brain—the one who'd been firing magic at me while grinning.
'No one in their right mind would say that.'
"Young Master. Didn't you skip class too?"
"...You're right, Brother. You didn't attend class."
'Damn.'
Why couldn't things slide by easily for once?
Iris's single remark yanked back my neck like a snake slithering over a wall.
Their eyes, ready to let it pass with an "I see," now sharpened with suspicion.
"Ah, well. The professor was really chatty. Started with academy history, then went into his own boasts..."
Sweat trickled inwardly, but outwardly, I played it cool as best I could.
Professor Aria was the talkative type normally, so it wasn't entirely false.
"Good thing it was nothing serious. I was worried something happened to you, Evan."
"Well, it wasn't like they called you to scold you or anything..."
I appreciated the concern, but there was one issue.
Elisicia had been pressing her body against mine uncomfortably close for a while now.
Her breasts brushed teasingly against my arm.
No, it felt like they already were touching.
"...Elisicia. You're a bit too close."
"Huh? What do you mean, Evan?"
She tilted her head innocently, as if she truly had no idea.
That motion made her orbs sway again, delivering a soft sensation to my arm.
"...No. Nothing."
At this point, I wondered if she was doing it on purpose.
Maybe she was enjoying my reactions.
'Of course not.'
The Elisicia I knew was genuinely oblivious.
She was that pure.
Besides, it wasn't like I hated it.
What man would refuse such a beautiful woman approaching?
I'd be thrilled in any other situation.
Yes, any situation but this one.
"..."
"..."
Celine and Iris, watching Elisicia's actions, wore unsettling expressions.
As if by prior agreement, they stared alternately at me and Elisicia with hardened faces.
"...Elly? You're too close."
"The Young Master looks uncomfortable, Miss Elisicia."
"Oh, dear. Sorry about that."
Smooth.
As if perfectly in sync, they spoke simultaneously.
Elisicia finally pulled back a little, but her face clearly showed reluctance.
Lin seemed to glare at Elisicia reproachfully, but it was probably my imagination.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The three women's gazes scattered into the air, then met one another's.
In this suffocating silence where no one spoke, I naturally shut my mouth too.
'Ah... I shouldn't have let them in.'
Regretting my past foolish decision...
I was about to say something to break the awkward air.
Thud.
A sharp sound of something being set down irritably echoed in the quiet room.
"...?"
All eyes turned toward the source.
There stood Kaien, glaring this way with a slightly annoyed expression.
"A-Anyway, everyone. You know this is my room too, right?"
I seized the opening to change the subject.
"...?"
They looked at me like I was stating the obvious.
'...You knew that and acted like this?'
Exasperated inwardly, I kept a straight face and pointed to the bed beside me with one hand.
"My roommate seems uncomfortable."
"...If you're going to chat, do it somewhere else? It's noisy."
Kaien spoke as if suppressing his emotions tightly. Elisicia finally looked apologetic.
"Oh, sorry, Young Master Kaien. We were too rowdy."
"...If you know, then quiet down? My head's already pounding."
Kaien pressed his temples irritably.
Considering his personality, it was a miracle he'd stayed quiet this long.
He used to shun others before we got closer.
"Sorry about that, Kaien."
"..."
I apologized with feigned remorse, subtly gauging his mood.
Truth be told, I wanted out of this stifling situation too.
Who knew his irritation would feel this welcome?
"W-Well, we'll head out then. Rest well, Evan!"
Only after they left and the door closed did peace return to the room.
"Haa. So tiring."
I sprawled on the bed like a starfish, exhaling deeply in the long-awaited tranquility.
"...Must be nice being so popular."
Kaien muttered sarcastically from the next bed.
"Popular? I'm exhausted to death."
"...Not enjoying the 'exhaustion'?"
"...You'd enjoy that situation?"
He fell silent at my retort.
Moments later, he sighed softly.
"...No. I'd hate it too."
"Good."
With that, quiet settled over the room again.
Lying there, I pressed my forehead with my hand and slowly closed my eyes.
'Professor Aria...'
Memory manipulation should prevent major issues.
But variables needed consideration. I'd fooled him fine.
But those he contacted? Not certain.
"..."
'Eh, it'll work out.'
I pulled the blanket over my head, shook off stray thoughts, and surrendered to encroaching sleep.
A few days later.
The academy buzzed with anticipation for the approaching festival.
Colorful flags fluttered everywhere on campus, and students walking the streets all wore thrilled expressions.
'Today, huh.'
Propping my chin, I gazed absently at students busily enjoying the festival outside the classroom window, lost in thought.
The Wilderness Festival's opening day should be uneventful.
They'd move in earnest on the final day.
That's when Aria would lead them into full terror.
"..."
"Focus here on this part. Simply put..."
Fortunately, the memory manipulation had taken hold perfectly.
Professor Aria lectured as usual.
No special attention or wariness toward me.
If anything, his occasional winks pretending friendliness were laughable.
Thud.
"Class ends here today. You all seem distracted anyway."
With a kind smile, he closed his book on the podium and scanned the room.
"The Wilderness Festival starts today, right? Everyone looks excited."
"Wooo! First festival. Can't wait, Master!"
The class stirred instantly at his words.
Expectations bloomed uncontrollably on the students' faces.
Even S-Class talents were still students.
Inevitable excitement for their first festival since enrollment.
"...Heh, heh. No classes for three days. Bliss."
"Gotta snag prime fireworks spots tonight..."
"..."
Amid the hype, I quietly packed my bag.
I'd seen this festival hundreds of times in The Glory.
More importantly, preparations were needed.
"Don't wander too late. Especially during festival—outsiders try entering, risking accidents."
'...Not your line to say.'
Professor Aria added concerned reminders.
Obviously, he was the culprit behind those "accidents."
"You've all worked hard."
"Thank you!"
As soon as he left, the students bolted one by one.
I leisurely shouldered my bag and stood.
First day of festival—nothing much to see.
Plan was to glance around lightly and return to the dorm to rest.
"Um, Brother...?"
"Evan?"
As I turned to leave, hesitant voices stopped me.
Turning, the two exchanged glances as if scripted.
Then opened their resolute mouths.
"Well, festival starts today, so..."
"Right! If you're free, maybe together...?"
Thump. Thump. Thump.
"Comrade! Join me for the festival!"
A booming shout drowned them out.
I dodged his attempt to arm-wrestle my shoulder with his massive, muscled arm, shaking my head amid his hearty laugh.
"Sorry, pass. I want to enjoy it quietly alone."
"Haha! No need to be shy! Festivals are best rowdy!"
"No. I don't feel like—"
"Comrade! Let's go!"
Barkhan's lid-sized hand clamped my escaping shoulder.
Haha... still no sense of strength control.
"No, really. I—"
"Hm! Fun event that way. Hurry, comrade!"
Hey, can't you hear me?
Ignoring my response, Barkhan dragged me out like luggage.
No chance to refuse against that brute force—I was pulled from the classroom.