Chapter 68
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: 25. Wilderness Festival
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"So, the reason we're learning this theory is as follows."
Tak. Tak tak. Tak.
The sound of chalk tapping the blackboard settled into my ears with a steady rhythm.
"Haaah..."
Unable to fight off the overwhelming drowsiness, I finally opened my mouth wide for a long yawn.
Forcing my heavy eyelids open, on the verge of drifting shut.
As the monotonous lecture content brushed past my hazy consciousness like a lullaby...
'This is driving me insane, for real.'
Thanks to the disciplined routine ingrained in me since arriving at the Dreadnote estate, I'd never once overslept.
Yet here I was, crumbling so pathetically after just one night of overexertion.
If Rin or Elysia hadn't knocked on my door...
I wouldn't have just been late—I'd have slept right through the entire class.
Knock knock.
"Evan? You still in there?"
"...Huh?"
"...I hear sounds from inside, so you must be. Oh, big brother! You're late!"
The moment I heard that, I'd bolted up like a coiled spring, gotten ready in a frenzy, and dashed out just 20 minutes ago.
Which meant I'd stumbled into the classroom without even a sip of water.
At least I wasn't late, so that was something.
'Did I really overdo it yesterday?'
Well, can you blame me?
There had been that battle with Lucian's gang that dragged on until dawn.
It had left me exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Still, though...
Since it's festival season anyway, couldn't they just cancel classes?
There were only morning classes with no extras, but wouldn't it have been great if they'd skipped them all?
Then I could've blissfully merged with my bed in peace.
"Haaah..."
I stifled another yawn, rubbing my gritty eyes to chase away the sleep.
'Maybe because I didn't dry my hair properly... it feels all sticky.'
Rushing had left my hair damp, droplets falling onto my nose.
The wet bangs sticking to my forehead were seriously annoying, blocking my view.
"Hee hee."
Then, a soft chuckle came from beside me.
I turned to see Elysia resting her chin on her hand, gazing at me.
Morning sunlight poured through the window, making her golden hair glow transparently.
Bathed in backlighting, sparkling so dazzlingly beautiful it nearly chased away my sleepiness.
Her enchanting sight almost made me forget my hunger.
"Sleeping in like this isn't like you. What happened?"
"Oh, that... I couldn't sleep last night."
Elysia leaned toward me with a playful smile.
"You must've been really tired yesterday? Your dark circles are all the way down to your chin."
"...That bad?"
At her words, I feigned seriousness, touching my cheek.
I could guess my disheveled state without a mirror.
After tossing and turning all night before finally sleeping, my skin was probably dry and those circles were there.
But down to my chin? Had to be a joke.
"Just kidding. Still... you do look tired."
Her gaze lingered on my wet hair for a moment.
Then, with a touch laced with concern, she gently brushed my locks.
"Your hair's not even dry. What if you catch a cold?"
"Couldn't be helped since I was running late. But thanks to you waking me, I made it on time."
I meant it.
Without them, I'd have slept oblivious to the world.
"Then... should I wake you next time too?"
Elysia tilted her head slightly, whispering teasingly.
Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief.
Even the way her fingertips tapped her cheek felt like a painting.
'...Is she seducing me?'
Exhaustion dulled my senses.
As I stared blankly at her...
"I'll knock every morning? So you won't be late."
"Uh..."
It was a sweet offer that would tempt any man.
But I cleared my throat and averted my gaze.
"Tempting offer, but no thanks. Can't impose on you every day."
If Elysia woke me every morning, it'd be its own happy dilemma.
But accepting outright? No way.
Just imagining it was bad for my heart.
"Impose? I'd enjoy it."
Elysia curved her lips into a smile.
Then, suppressing a laugh, she continued.
"Seeing your defenseless face every morning? Pretty appealing. Oh, except... maybe not the drooling part."
"...I don't drool."
"Hee hee, kidding. Kidding. I think I'd like that too."
She giggled, shoulders shaking.
It was both infuriating and cute, drawing an involuntary chuckle from me.
"...Now I really might catch that cold."
Elysia glanced at my damp hair a moment longer.
Then she pulled a small, fluffy towel from her bag.
"Evan. Mind leaning over here a bit?"
Her sudden words caught me off guard.
As I stared uncomprehendingly...
She grabbed my shoulder and tugged me toward her.
"Just lean down for a sec."
"E-Elysia?"
"Come on."
"...?"
Her tone was firmer than her usual soft voice.
Bewildered, I leaned toward her anyway.
As my face neared her chest, her fragrant scent hit me.
And the sight before me stole my breath.
"..."
She'd leaned forward too.
Her ample cleavage spilled out, unhidden by her shirt buttons.
A soft shadow over pale skin.
The mesmerizing curves rose and fell with her steady breaths—always captivating, but what can I say.
There was a magic that held my eyes captive.
'...Hold it together.'
Panicking, I stared at the floor, unsure where to look.
Calm down. It's just fat.
Just... very, incredibly luscious and beautiful fat.
Self-hypnosis engaged, desperately maintaining composure.
Plop.
The towel draped over my head.
Her warm hands touched my hair.
"..."
"Elysia? What are you—"
"Shh. Professor won't notice."
Her whisper, finger to lips, tickled my ear.
Like handling fragile treasure, she delicately dried my hair.
"Stay still. I'll dry it quick."
The warmth of her fingers through the towel felt oddly soothing.
My favorite personally drying my hair? No way I'd refuse.
"Mm..."
I closed my eyes obediently, surrendering to her.
The towel's softness, faint floral scent, and her rhythmic breathing brought strange comfort.
"All done."
After a short while, she withdrew the towel, sounding satisfied.
"Better now. How's it feel?"
"...Thanks."
I lifted my head, running a hand through my hair.
Definitely drier, lighter.
"Eli?"
Then Celine's voice came from beside us, watching.
Her eyes flicked between Elysia and me, swirling with complex emotions.
"...What was that?"
"Hm? Just dried his wet hair."
Elysia answered casually, but Celine's face stiffened.
Her gaze darted between the towel in Elysia's hand and my freshly neatened hair.
"...Got it. Sorry, Celine? He looked like he'd catch a cold!"
Elysia stuck out her tongue cutely in apology.
Celine finally let out a short sigh and turned away.
'Jealous. I want to...'
As the odd tension between them eased...
Professor Aria's droning voice and chalk taps echoed steadily from the blackboard.
Normally, Celine would be diligently taking notes, focused.
But today—at least right now—she couldn't concentrate at all.
"..."
The slightest lapse, and her eyes drifted sideways.
To Evan, chin-propped, drowsy.
And Elysia chatting freely beside him.
Yeah, just that.
Simply talking.
But the image of her tenderly drying her big brother's hair was burned into her mind.
His relaxed, eyes-closed acceptance too.
'I could do that too...'
The more she recalled it, the tighter her chest grew.
Elysia was her first friend at the academy, but right now, she felt a grudge.
No—envy.
The casual way she approached her big brother.
Touched him, cared for him so naturally.
While she hesitated, not even permitted to draw near.
Elysia had leaped that wall, staying by his side.
'...I'm so pathetic.'
Celine shook her head self-mockingly. She pitied herself.
She knew she shouldn't want more.
Just being allowed by his side should be enough.
But her heart kept craving more.
"...Rin."
Like white paper dyed black.
An indescribable stuffiness filled her chest.
"Celine? You okay?"
"...Huh?"
Startled by the call, she looked up.
Elysia gazed at her worriedly.
"Wh-what? Yeah, fine. Just spaced out."
"Professor said it's important, so let's jot it down quick?"
"Yeah. Gotta."
Avoiding Elysia's eyes, she grabbed her quill hastily—but ink smudged, ruining her writing.
"...You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah. Don't worry."
Ache.
Her chest throbbed.
Too pitiful for jealousy, too painful for mere envy.
She forced a smile, but it looked fragile, ready to shatter.
Tak.
The sound of a book closing rang crisply through the classroom.
"That'll do for today's class. You all need to enjoy the festival... right?"
"Wooo! Meat!"
No sooner had the professor spoken than the students' faces lit up.
Released from the boring theory, the room buzzed with excitement.
"Yes! As expected of my master! Piercing the hearts of your students!"
Barcan thumped his chest heartily, shouting.
His massive frame belied childlike glee.
Professor Aria smiled kindly at him.
"Haha. Seems Barcan's especially looking forward to it."
In the boisterous mood, he paused briefly.
Then slowly scanned the room, eyeing the students.
"Before we end, one announcement."
His gentle voice gained subtle weight, drawing all eyes to the podium as they packed up.
"Some of you may know, but there was an unfortunate incident at the S-Class dorm last night."
Silence fell instantly.
Some seemed to know, glancing around.
Most looked clueless.
"Another dorm's student intruded into one student's room. There were other issues too, but..."
Professor Aria sighed, continuing.
"No casualties, fortunately. But during festival? Truly regrettable."
Regrettable, my foot.
Probably thrilled inside that attention was diverted.
'What an actor.'
His sincere-seeming sorrow nearly fooled me too.
Anyone would think he was genuinely upset.
The guy planning massive casualties tomorrow.
I stifled an inward sneer, staying calm, and raised my hand.
"So, what happens to those guys?"
His gaze met mine, a fleeting odd glint.
Then he nodded.
"Expulsion proceedings for all. No exceptions. This is Eldain Academy."
'Expulsion, huh.'
Expected.
Even private violence warranted punishment; this was severe.
Attacking another dorm, threatening students.
Had to make an example.
"Others involved will face consequences too."
His eyes flicked toward the second-years, then back.
Aimed at Lucian and his cronies, probably.
Clap!
"Enough heavy talk. Enjoy the festival!"
"But don't forget safety."
To lighten the somber mood...
Professor Aria smiled warmly again.
"Tomorrow's the highlight: fireworks. Look forward to it."
'Tomorrow...'
I gave a bitter inward smile.
Only I knew what would unfold under those fireworks tomorrow night.
Ah, one more.
That wolf in sheep's clothing, smiling innocently over there.
"Have a great time, everyone."
With final words, morning classes ended.
As liberated students filed out...
"Comrade! Move out now!"
The professor barely gone, Barcan jumped up, charging my way.
I shouldered my bag and slipped out fast.
Caught by him, and my day would vanish pointlessly.
'Sorry, not today!'
One day left.
Tomorrow night, Professor Aria's true colors would show.
Lots to prepare before then.