Chapter 90
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: 30. Dangerous Date
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After all the practical exams had finally wrapped up.
The students who had endured midterms were granted a brief respite.
A rest period.
After midterms ended, holidays were given as a reward for their hard work—a week to soothe weary bodies and minds.
Though a week might seem too short to some.
Still, to students exhausted in the academy's fierce crucible of competition, this short break was like an oasis in the desert.
Some would return home to their families' embrace.
Others would hang out with friends, sightseeing in the capital, or catch up on missed studies and training.
So what about me?
"Yawn..."
In the dorm room shrouded in darkness by tightly drawn curtains.
I was one with the bed, lazily swallowing a drawn-out yawn.
This slothful space, where time lost all meaning, was my sanctuary, my paradise.
Normally, Kaien would have burst in, unable to stand my pathetic state, and lectured me endlessly.
But unfortunately, he had already left for his family home at the Raven Duke's estate.
'Don't mess up the room while I'm gone... Take care of yourself.'
Sure.
I'm planning to just sleep it off, so go rest up.
'If... if you're free, wanna go... together...'
...?
Did he have something to say?
Why's he lingering at the door instead of leaving?
'...N-no, forget it!'
He seemed to have more to say, hesitating with the doorknob for a while.
But in the end, he flushed red and vanished.
Thanks to that, this spacious room was all mine.
"..."
Home? No one would welcome me there anyway.
It'd be a relief if the family head didn't draw his sword the moment I showed up—no reason to go seeking that out.
And rather than dragging my tired self around outside, rolling in bed was a hundred, a thousand times more productive.
So I resolved.
To spend this precious week entirely on myself: 'thoroughly doing absolutely nothing.'
But it seems the gods wouldn't allow me the luxury of laziness.
Swish.
"Sigh... Guess I have to move."
I tossed aside the eyemask covering my eyes and forced myself upright.
The gnawing hunger, with my stomach practically glued to my back, was bad enough.
But an even bigger issue was the chilling warning etched in my mind.
'I heard from Lady Elysia. Sounds like you two had quite the time.'
After the practical exam, I wondered what the girls were chatting about among themselves.
Turned out Elysia had spilled unnecessary details there.
Well, they're close now, so it makes sense.
Conversations flow, and exam stories slip out naturally.
The problem is, how much exactly.
I couldn't even guess how far the story went.
...What are you talking about? I have no idea.
'Fine. Date with me this time. If you run... who knows what I'll do?'
A faint smile hiding murderous intent in her eyes.
That vibe—if I bolted again, she'd really kill me. I had no choice but to surrender.
A hazy 'YOU DIE' floated before my eyes.
"...A date I never asked for."
A sigh escaped me naturally.
If you're the protagonist, act like one and charm the heroines.
Grumbling inwardly, my body was already heading to the bathroom.
Want to live? Gotta move.
'If you don't prepare properly, who knows what she'll nitpick.'
"...No point dolling up when I'm not even handsome."
Maybe wake Imir and ask for style advice?
"..."
'Call it an advance on your food bill. Buy me something tasty.'
"...Nah."
Better not wake her and risk some disaster.
I'll figure it out myself.
Shhh.
I faced the pouring water, showered as quickly as possible, and stood before the mirror.
A weary man's face stared back, dripping like a drowned rat.
"Haa..."
With a deep sigh, I toweled my wet hair.
I was getting ready to go out, but doubts kept nagging even now.
Is this really happening?
A date with her, The Glory's protagonist.
And I'm not even a heroine.
"..."
But refusing seriously risks her snapping, and my head rolling.
Since it's come to this, best to play along nicely and slip away quietly.
Alright.
Decided.
'Eat moderately, stroll moderately. Part ways moderately.'
Perfect plan.
I pulled out the least shabby shirt and pants from the closet and got dressed.
Plain clothes instead of the usual uniform felt oddly awkward after so long.
"This should do... right?"
I eyed myself, but confidence was low.
The mirror showed a man neither handsome nor ugly—just average.
Classic Evan Dreadnote, with dead fish eyes.
"...Let's go."
I forced a smile, then left the room like a lamb to the slaughter.
+ + +
The academy's main gate was quieter than usual.
Most students had gone home for break or headed to the capital's bustling center.
But amid the calm, one presence stood out sharply.
"..."
Dazzling silver hair neatly tied up.
The hem of her dress fluttering in the breeze.
Just standing there, she turned the scenery into a photoshoot: Iris Riel.
Passing male students gawked, one even smashing into a lamppost—made me chuckle.
She shone in uniform, but in casual wear? Overwhelmingly protagonist-worthy.
'That's why she's the lead.'
But plenty of time before our meetup.
Not late, yet she's already waiting? Ruins the point of arriving early.
Feeling a pang of guilt, I took a deep breath and approached.
"Wait long?"
She turned from staring blankly at the sky at my voice.
The moment she spotted me, a radiant smile bloomed—then.
"You're late, Young Master."
Her face hardened instantly, pouting as she tapped her wristwatch.
"Still twenty minutes early."
"Keeping a lady waiting isn't gentlemanly."
"...Sorry."
I bowed without argument.
No point bickering; I'd lose ground.
"...Hehe. Kidding. I just got here too."
She giggled, amused at teasing me, then naturally looped her arm around mine.
A soft shampoo scent wafted over.
"Shall we? I know a spot."
No time to reply as she pulled me along.
I followed like a leashed pup.
Honestly, no plans anyway.
We ended up at a quiet cafe by a lake on the capital's outskirts, spotted by Iris.
Unlike the crowded downtown, it was serene and peaceful.
Considering my aversion to crowds? Or coincidence—either way, solid choice.
"Like it?"
Iris gazed at me with sparkling eyes.
"Seems nice. Quiet."
Menu had pricey coffee and desserts, but money wasn't tight.
Hye-ra's potions were selling, bringing in steady cash.
Iris, low noble or not, wasn't hurting for funds either.
As we finished ordering and headed to a less crowded spot.
Iris, already seated, patted the chair beside her.
"..."
Clearly, sit next to her.
I hesitated, then cautiously sat.
'Don't people usually sit across at cafes...?'
...Whatever.
Sit where she says.
"..."
"..."
The lakeside view was pure peace.
Sunlight sparkled like jewels on the still water.
Leaves rustled gently in the breeze, utterly tranquil.
'Peaceful.'
But amid it all, one uneasy soul: me.
'Suffocating.'
Sitting side by side, staring at the lake.
A strange tension hung between Iris and me.
Couldn't read her silent gaze on the water.
She dragged me out for a 'date' yet clams up.
Wanted to snap, 'Why call me then?'
But her mood stopped me.
'...Waiting for me to speak first?'
Plausible—I glanced sideways—
"Young Master."
Iris broke the silence, eyes still on the lake.
"What happened with Lady Elysia during the practical exam?"
"...What?"
Her sudden question made my heart drop.
Savoring my fluster, she slowly turned to me.
"Heard from her. You two spent the night alone in a cave?"
Her eyes gleamed coldly.
Interrogating a criminal—I swallowed hard.
"No, that's..."
"Heh. So it's true."
Oh no.
"...I know what you're thinking. Misunderstanding. It was cold at night, so we had to..."
"Hmm. Cold, huh."
Iris propped her chin, smirking oddly.
Lips curved, eyes not smiling—chilling.
"So if it's cold with me, you'll hold me too?"
"Th-that depends on the situation..."
"Kidding."
Doesn't sound like it.
"How far'd you go?"
"...How far?"
"Just holding hands? Or..."
Trailing off, she placed her hand on my thigh.
Slowly, her fingers trailed down teasingly.
Her touch icy cold, yet persistently sticky.
"Did it go further?"
As it neared dangerous territory, I instinctively grabbed her wrist.
Grip.
So strong—even just holding, my hand trembled.
"Stop."
"...Why?"
Unfazed, amused even, her eyes curved slyly.
"Got a guilty conscience?"
"Means don't do misleading things."
I pushed her wrist away firmly.
"And really, nothing happened with Elysia. Just shared body heat from the cold."
No funny business like you're imagining.
"Hmm..."
She licked her lips, mulling my words.
"Then share with me. Now."
"What?"
"Cold, Young Master. Hold me."
"Wait a sec..."
Iris burrowed into my arms without hesitation.
No chance to refuse—her soft body pressed against my chest.
Faint fragrance teased my nose, her steady heartbeat through my shirt.
"...Iris. People are watching."
"Let them. They won't know who we are."
She clung tight around my waist, looking up.
Her gaze so blindly fervent, I nearly forgot to breathe.
'Shouldn't have called her pretty that day...'
Never dreamed it'd bite back like this.
'What now.'
Felt stares converging, but she ignored them.
"Come on, pull back a bit?"
"No. Cold."
Cold in this weather?
"Haa... Fine. Take my jacket then..."
I sighed, resigned, starting to shrug off my outerwear.
But Iris stopped me, shaking her head.
"Not that."
She buried her face in my chest.
"I need your warmth."
"...Got it."
Tongue clicking, half-surrendered, I slowly wrapped my arms around her back.
Otherwise, she'd cling all night.
Pat pat.
"Hehe. So warm."
Soothing her back like that.
Iris nuzzled contentedly, smiling.
Adorably cute—if not for my situation, I'd smile warmly.
"Enough now? Waiter's here."
The server with our coffee tray hovered awkwardly, not approaching.
He's been glaring since earlier.
"Just a bit more."