Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Estelle's Heart
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Heading to the academy cafeteria together, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
"So, did everyone get their class assignments okay?"
Serin's coming on as the professor for Class D, so I was curious who the professor for Class S would be.
"Hmm. I was lucky enough to get placed in Class A."
"...I was in Class S. You, Rowen?"
As expected, Estelle had been assigned to Class S.
It was only natural, since she'd enrolled as the top student.
More surprising was Lian getting Class A. In the game, I remembered him being at the top of Class B.
"Probably because we cleared all the way to the end of the second exam. Excluding the hero's group, we were the only ones who made it to stage 10. When it comes to meeting you all, I'll always be grateful."
Yep, that was the reason I figured.
The first exam scores wouldn't have changed, so the second exam must've had the biggest impact.
Watching Lian smile like he really meant it didn't feel half bad.
In the old days, I'd have been picking apart why things turned out this way.
But now, I've learned to just accept it.
Seeing how my influence led to better outcomes really drove home how wrong my old thinking was.
Just as I was about to reply to Lian with a lighter heart...
"Rowen, why aren't you answering me?"
Estelle's voice reached me, tinged with disappointment.
Her expression was pure hurt, like she never expected me to ignore her.
She wasn't supposed to like being around people until she met the hero.
This must be another change because of me.
'Whoops, better answer quick.'
With no reply coming despite her waiting, disappointment was deepening on Estelle's face.
"Ahaha, sorry, Estelle. Got lost in thought for a second. I got assigned to Class D. As you all know, I barely scraped by on the first exam."
Estelle seemed satisfied with my answer, flashing a soft smile.
"...We're friends. No need to apologize."
No, but what was with that heavy emotion earlier...
Of course, she was the type to give her all to those she trusted.
The problem was how damn hard it was to earn that trust in the first place.
So why was she like this with me, someone she barely talked to?
"Hey, Estelle. When did you start thinking of me as a friend? We haven't even chatted much."
The moment she heard me, her eyes grew misty, her face like an abandoned kitten.
Whoa, that wasn't the reaction I was going for.
"Hey, Rowen. Personal opinion, but I recommend apologizing right now."
Lian patted my shoulder, his voice urgent for some reason.
He said it with this face soaked in inexplicable dread, like something just occurred to him.
Looking at him, it felt like not clarifying would lead to something disastrous.
And look at Estelle's teary expression.
Just a glance filled me with massive guilt, like a tidal wave.
"I didn't mean we're not friends! I just wondered what about me made you say that. I must've worded it wrong."
Estelle shot back curtly, like what was the big deal.
"I like your eyes, Rowen. Being around you puts my body and mind at ease."
"Eh?"
"And being with you sparked my interest in who you are."
No, isn't that skipping way too much?
It was practically a confession. I couldn't help but panic.
Though her setting did involve her blunt speech causing misunderstandings.
'It's just too aggressive from the listener's side...'
"Estelle, you don't go around saying this to other people, right?"
"No, I don't say it to anyone. Only you, because it's you."
That's even weirder!
And that face she was giving me was way too dangerous for a romance noob like me.
Her silvery hair flowed naturally over her shoulders,
her amethyst eyes sparkling beautifully as they met mine.
And that innocent head tilt, like asking what the problem was.
I felt myself getting mesmerized without realizing it...
'...Ugh! Get it together.'
It was great that a beauty like Estelle was interested in me.
But my top pick was Serin.
Stick around any longer, and she'd have my heart, guts, and all.
I tried signaling Lian for a rescue,
but he was off to the side, munching popcorn he'd gotten from who-knows-where, clearly entertained.
"A tale of love between a talented commoner and a noble lady. I can already picture Rowen whipped."
This jerk.
Not helping, just spectating.
True to his looks, he had that personality of loving romance novels.
"...You don't like me, Rowen?"
Not liking my flustered look, Estelle's lips pouted out.
'As if.'
They say if you can't escape, enjoy it.
Sorry to Serin, queen of my heart, but no one could resist that face.
"No, Estelle. I like you too."
"Yeah... I like you too, Rowen."
"Hahaha! What beautiful love!"
And so, the pair exchanging love confessions and one grinning idiot headed into the academy cafeteria.
Chatting as we walked, the academy cafeteria came into view before we knew it—a pretty stylish place.
'Gotta buy a meal ticket, probably.'
Avillon Academy had its own currency called 'credits' for internal use.
You could spend them on food, custom gear, all sorts of things.
Stepping inside, I spotted the meal ticket machine.
'1000 credits a ticket...'
Each semester, students got credits based on grades—from 300,000 down to 100,000.
Naturally, as a Class D assign, I only had 100,000.
Way too little for someone used to starting in Class S.
Of course, surviving the semester on 100,000 wasn't impossible.
The academy posted requests like simple beast subjugations or odd jobs, letting students earn credits.
'To build self-reliance or whatever.'
To make it here, I'd have to start part-time work this week.
'Damn petty, but I gotta raise my grades.'
While lost in those thoughts and glancing around, Lian and Estelle were buying tickets without a care.
"Only 1000 credits? Not much of a burden."
"...Not bad."
You spoiled punks.
1000 credits was big money to some folks.
But I couldn't keep making them wait.
In the end, I swallowed my tears and bought one.
'It better not be skimpy...!'
I'll devour it to get my revenge!
Someone who knew my thoughts might burst out laughing at how childish it was.
But I couldn't just waste a hard-earned 1000 credits.
Heading further in, an amazing spread of mouthwatering food stretched out.
Seemed like a buffet where you grabbed what you wanted.
'The game just said the meals were tasty; I had no idea...'
This was a proper feast—I was about to chow down heartily when!
"Hmm, now I see why it's so cheap."
"..."
You two again...
What kind of gourmet upbringing makes this ordinary...
Modern tastes couldn't handle this reality; I swallowed my inner tears.
"Alright, everyone grab what they want and meet back up."
We were all starving equally, so we scattered to load up plates.
After wandering the cafeteria for a while...
"Oh, are those two a couple?"
"Looks like the girl's just trailing him."
"Shh! That's Lady Estelle."
Murmurs rose from around us for some reason.
'Couple? And why's Estelle's name coming up?'
Turning in bewilderment, there was Estelle, following me around.
She was intently copying the same foods as me, dead serious.
"...Meat and fish. Veggies, a little."
"Um, Estelle? Didn't we say each their own?"
"Yeah. I want to eat what you like."
What kinda logic is that?
Her sudden line drew more leering stares,
and thanks to that, I bolted back to the table.
"Hmm, Rowen. Dating's fine, but best to show restraint in public."
"Shut it!"
Lian tossed a joke the second I got back, like he'd been watching the whole time.
Already dying of embarrassment, and here he was teasing.
While Lian and I bickered, Estelle soon returned too.
"So, Estelle, who's the professor for Class S?"
"...Not that interested, so I don't remember well. Matteo, I think."
Oh, Professor Matteo? Solid choice.
Class S was more about liberal arts than combat training anyway.
Top students had their own paths; unnecessary instruction could even be poison.
More curious about the hero, though.
"Did you run into the hero?"
"Yeah, but he didn't seem interested in classes."
Hmm, figured as much.
Pampered types don't hit the books hard.
He'd be better off trying to make some friends...
Lian's quiet whisper snapped me out of it.
"Rowen, you better not get too friendly with the hero."
Why tell me to steer clear of the hero?
Arien himself aside, even those around him...
What the hell did he do to make everyone hate him?
"His family's a lineage of traitors."