The Man Hiding Under the Bed
The Man Hiding Under the Bed
Morning roll call.
"Room 201."
"Yes."
"Room 202."
"Yeees."
Like always.
Just calling the numbers.
Just looking at the list.
"Room 205."
"Here~"
Camilla.
Bright tone.
Like always.
"Room 302."
"............Yes."
Aria.
Her head was bowed.
Not the usual "nerd" bow.
A hiding bow.
'Still embarrassed, I see.'
Check.
3 minutes.
Sharp roll call.
"That is all."
Returned to the [Dormitory Warden]'s room.
Closed the door.
Thud.
Looked at the floor in front of the door.
It was a habit.
It wasn't there.
Paper bag.
[Herb Cookie].
It wasn't there.
'It's the 4th day.'
Morning.
[Facility Inspection].
Because it's Tuesday.
Everyone is in class.
The dormitory was empty.
2nd floor.
Room 201. Click. Flower scent. Check. Out.
Room 202. Click. Check. Out.
Room 203. Click. Check. Out.
Room 204. Click. Check. Out.
Room 205.
Click.
Camilla's room.
Opened it.
It was tidy.
But it wasn't the "neatly organized tidiness" of Elise in Room 201.
"Cleanliness for show."
Everything was in its place.
There wasn't a single wrinkle on the bed sheet.
Items on the desk were lined up.
The school uniform was hanging on a hanger, and the spacing was consistent.
'This woman is acting in her room too.'
Facility check.
Water — No issues.
Window — No issues.
Magic circle — No issues.
Was about to leave.
Stopped.
I didn't want to see it, but I saw it.
It was my "nerd intuition" kicking in again.
Under the bed.
Light was leaking out.
Very faintly.
Bluish.
Something was wrapped in cloth.
Tightly.
Another cloth on top of that.
But there was a gap.
Light was leaking from there.
Mana Orb.
It was standby mode light.
It was the same light that leaked from my game console inside my bag.
'.............'
'Just check the facility. Just the facility.'
Came out.
Locked the door.
Inspection report.
[Room 205: No issues]
[Remarks: None]
'None.'
'I didn't see anything.'
Afternoon.
[Academy].
Mana Application Practical.
The professor was standing on the podium.
A middle-aged woman with silver hair.
The person rumored to be the pickiest among the [Department of Magic] professors.
If you're late, she doesn't count your attendance.
If you talk during class, you're kicked out immediately.
Questions are for after class.
Her name is [Professor Bertina].
"Today, we will cover attribute conversion through mana mediums."
The blackboard was filled with equations.
The sound of chalk rang out quickly.
Students were taking notes.
I pretended to do so as well.
My hand was moving.
But what was being written wasn't text, but boss pattern notes.
[Stage 52 Phase 2 — Third attack, guaranteed left roll]
[Caution: Potion timing when entering Phase 3]
Because I have squinty eyes, no one saw what I was writing.
'Good. I'm catching it tonight.'
[Professor Bertina] tapped the blackboard.
"Focus here. The attribute conversion ratio depends on the purity of the medium. If it's not Grade 3 or higher, the conversion loss exceeds 40%."
'If it's a Grade 3 [Mana Stone], that's what I used for my game console.'
"If you use a low-purity medium, you won't even know where the mana is leaking. If you go into real combat in that state, you'll die."
'You say such scary things so calmly.'
The class continued.
The blackboard was full of equations.
Erasing and writing again.
40 minutes.
[Professor Bertina] put down the chalk.
I looked at the clock.
"That's all for today."
'............?'
It was 10 minutes early.
The students were buzzing.
"Already?"
"She's finishing early."
"Is it an extra assignment?"
[Professor Bertina] said while cleaning the blackboard.
"Before you leave, just a moment. We have guests."
The back door of the classroom opened.
Three people walked in.
The man standing in front.
He was a student, but he didn't look like one.
The uniform was the same, but the vibe was different.
A gold brooch on his chest.
Two more people behind him.
One man. One woman.
Both with the same gold brooch.
The man in front bowed to [Professor Bertina].
"Professor. Thank you for giving us your valuable time."
[Professor Bertina] nodded.
And left the classroom.
'.............'
[Professor Bertina].
The professor who doesn't count attendance if you're late.
The professor who kicks you out if you talk during class.
She left her own podium and walked out.
'Who are these people?'
The man stood on the podium.
He looked around at the students.
Relaxed.
"Hello. I am [Edwin von Castell], the club leader of [Aurelia]."
The classroom stirred.
"[Aurelia]?"
"The club leader himself is here?"
[Edwin] smiled.
"We, [Aurelia], will be recruiting 3 new 2nd-year members this year."
It became quiet.
"To introduce us briefly, [Aurelia] is a gathering of talents who possess both scholarship and culture. It has been established for over 80 years."
[Edwin] leaned against the podium.
"Currently, three Imperial Court mages are from [Aurelia]. The Minister of Finance, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard are also from here."
The classroom became completely silent.
"The court entry rate of our past graduates who were members of [Aurelia] is 87%."
I heard someone gulp.
"Of course, numbers aren't everything. What we value is sincerity toward academics and the character to grow together."
[Edwin] laughed.
Softly.
But his eyes were scanning the students.
"Those interested, please submit your applications by next week. Interviews are the following week."
He bowed.
"Thank you for your time."
The three of them left.
The classroom exploded.
"Hey, if you get in there, your life is set, right?"
"87%?"
"But they said 3 people."
"The competition rate is going to be insane."
"Should I apply?"
I was packing my bag in the very back.
'Not interested.'
'It's not a place for someone with 63 mana to go.'
'And I have to catch the boss tonight.'
I stood up with my bag on.
But I saw the front.
3rd row.
Camilla was sitting there.
I poked her with my elbow.
"Camilla, are you applying? I think you could make it?"
"Wouldn't it be advantageous if you're from the [Belcruise Family]?"
Camilla shook her head.
Smiling.
"Well. I'm not really interested."
"I'd rather take more classes than worry about things like that."
"Eh. Really?"
"Yeah. I'm good."
Another girl said while stretching.
"Since Camilla isn't doing it, I'm good too. If Camilla isn't doing it, there's no point in me trying."
One person folded.
"Is that so? Then I'm good too."
One more person folded.
Camilla laughed, saying, "Eh, you guys should try it~"
Pretending to cheer them on.
'She's reducing her competitors.'
I left the classroom.
Evening.
Dormitory entrance.
I walked down the hallway before the curfew check.
Passing the lobby, I heard a voice.
"Senior~ How have you been lately?"
It was bright.
Radiant.
It was the sound of a switch being turned on.
Camilla was standing with a man.
Gold brooch on the uniform.
[Aurelia] brooch.
An upperclassman.
Camilla was more than usual.
She had her hair up.
She was wearing earrings.
There was color on her lips.
Honestly, she was pretty.
Objectively.
'But that's all ammunition to use on that senior.'
"I heard [Aurelia] is recruiting 2nd years. I know you're a member there."
The man laughed.
"You already know? The announcement only came out today."
"I'm a bit interested."
Camilla tilted her head.
Slightly.
A calculated angle.
"What do they ask during the interview...... just a hint?"
"Haha. Camilla. You don't need to worry with your level."
"Eh. What could someone like me do."
"No. Being from the [Belcruise Family] is enough. You're welcome."
Camilla's eyes sparkled.
0.3 seconds.
Immediately back to a humble expression.
"Still, I have to prepare. Senior. Do they ask about recommended books in the interview?"
"Ah. That? They do. Regarding culture."
"As expected. I thought so."
Camilla took out a notepad from her bag.
She had prepared it in advance.
"What did you say during your interview, Senior? I want to use it as a reference."
"I...... mentioned [The Rise and Fall of the Empire] and Introduction to Mana Philosophy."
Camilla took notes.
Quickly.
"Then novels wouldn't be good, right?"
"Novels? Well. Classical literature should be fine. Popular novels are...... a bit, you know."
"Of course."
Camilla laughed lightly.
"You can't find even a speck of knowledge or culture in those."
"Haha. True."
"I think that after reading a book, you should be able to feel that you've grown."
Camilla tucked her hair behind her ear.
Naturally.
"Isn't it honestly a waste to read books just for fun?"
The man nodded.
Camilla laughed.
"I mainly read things like Sir Walter's [The Rise and Fall of the Empire] or [Grand Duke Kreuz]'s [Mana and Existence]."
The man's eyes widened.
"[Mana and Existence]? Isn't that a 3-volume set?"
"Yes. I finished it last year. The part about existential mana interpretation in the middle of volume 2 was really impressive."
"Wow. Even I gave up on volume 2."
"Eh. You did, Senior? Liar."
Camilla tapped his arm lightly.
Like a joke.
"I have a passage that I found particularly impressive."
She lowered her eyes slightly.
"Mana does not flow, it stays. Existence dwells where it stays."
The man stopped.
"............That's the last sentence of volume 2."
"Yes. I got goosebumps there."
The man laughed.
With a face of genuine admiration.
"Camilla. Join [Aurelia]. Seriously."
I saw it as I passed by.
'[The Rise and Fall of the Empire].'
'[Mana and Existence].'
'Quoting passages.'
The bluish light I saw under the bed in Room 205 this morning came to mind.
'She wouldn't be reading [The Rise and Fall of the Empire] with that.'
Well, not my business.
I turned to the back hallway and went to the [Dormitory Warden]'s room.
Night.
Turned on the game console.
Click.
[STAGE 52 BOSS — HP: 37%]
The one I chipped away at earlier.
I'm catching it today.
Click click click—
[31%]
[24%]
Good.
My hands were warmed up.
My condition was pretty good today.
[19%]
[15%]
Phase 2.
Third attack.
'Left roll.'
Rolled.
Dodged it.
[11%]
Entering Phase 3.
[8%]
'It's possible.'
'It's possible today.'
[5%]
My hands were shaking.
With excitement.
[4%]
My heart was pounding.
[3%]
'.............'
'Wait.'
The hand holding the controller was shaking.
Because of the excitement.
I have to pass the Phase 3 instant-kill move in this state.
The timing is 0.3 seconds.
If my hand shakes, I'll miss.
'.............'
'Let's cool down.'
There is no pause.
But there is a grace period before the Phase 3 instant-kill motion.
While the boss is roaring.
It's now.
Put down the controller.
Shook my hands.
Blew on them.
'If I go in this state, I'll miss again.'
Stood up.
'Let's get some air. If I come back within 5 minutes, it'll be fine.'
Left the [Dormitory Warden]'s room.
Went up the stairs.
Rooftop terrace.
A small space at the top of the dormitory.
There's a laundry rack.
There's a bench.
A place where you can see the night sky.
Opened the door.
Creeeak.
The night wind hit my face.
It was cold.
The heat in my fingertips cooled down.
'Good.'
'This will do.'
Tried spreading my hands.
The shaking was subsiding.
Looked up at the night sky.
There were many stars.
'Good. Let's go back.'
Put my hand on the bench and was about to turn around, but there was a person.
At the other end of the bench.
Blonde hair.
Pajamas.
Wearing just a cardigan.
Her hair was down.
That hair, which she had put up, set, and even wore earrings with during the day, was just down.
Camilla.
A face without makeup.
Bare face.
It wasn't the face that smiled while quoting [Mana and Existence] to the senior during the day.
It wasn't the face that reduced competitors by saying "I'm not really interested."
Just.
A tired face.
'.............'
'There was a person here.'
Camilla looked at me.
No.
It was hard to say she looked at me.
Her gaze passed by.
Like looking at a rolling stone.
Just entering her vision because it was there.
A gaze that doesn't use even a speck of energy.
An opponent not worth turning the switch on for.
'.............'
Stood up.
Tried to pass by me.
Without a word.
Without a greeting.
Without a gaze.
Just passed by.
'I have to go quickly and catch the boss.'
3% was waiting.
If I take 3 minutes here, the boss will pass the grace period.
'I have to go.'
But.
It came out of my mouth.
"Ms. Camilla."
Stopped.
Camilla.
Only her back was visible.
Blonde hair was flowing over her cardigan.
"The author of [Moonlight Gardener] released a new work, right?"
Camilla's back stiffened.
0.5 seconds.
Turned around.
"............What?"
"The one serialized on Moon Village. [Moonlight Gardener]. The first chapter of the new work was uploaded yesterday."
Purple eyes wavered.
0.3 seconds.
Returned quickly.
With cold eyes.
"What does that have to do with me."
The tone was sharp.
It wasn't the tone she used with the senior during the day.
It was her real tone.
"Just saying. I see the light of the Mana Orb often in Room 205 during facility inspections."
Camilla looked at me.
2 seconds.
It was long.
It wasn't the gaze that treated me like a pebble earlier.
For the first time, she was looking at me.
"............Did you peek?"
"It's a facility inspection."
"............."
Camilla closed her mouth.
Turned around.
"I'm not interested. In such childish things."
Walked away.
Opened the door and went down.
The sound of footsteps faded away.
I was standing on the terrace.
'Oh right.'
Ran down.
Game console.
[STAGE 52 BOSS — HP: 3%]
'Not yet!'
Grabbed the controller.
The instant-kill motion was starting.
Click—!
[STAGE 52 BOSS — HP: 0%]
[STAGE 52 CLEAR]
'.............'
Caught it.
My hands were shaking.
Room 205.
Camilla went into her room and closed the door.
Took off her cardigan and hung it on the chair.
Sat on the bed.
'What is with that man.'
What happened on the rooftop terrace wouldn't leave her head.
'The author of [Moonlight Gardener] released a new work, right?'
Her back felt cold.
That man, that name.
'How does he know.'
He said he sees the light of the Mana Orb during facility inspections.
Is that all?
'............Don't tell me he even knows what I'm reading.'
No.
There's no way he knows.
Just because he sees the light of the Mana Orb, he can't know what she's watching inside.
'He must have just pretended to know.'
'.............'
'Yeah. He just pretended to know.'
Pulled up the blanket.
Lay down.
Closed her eyes.
'New work.'
'.............'
'The author of [Moonlight Gardener] released a new work?'
Opened her eyes.
'.............'
Looked under the bed.
There was a Mana Orb wrapped tightly in cloth.
Bluish light was leaking through the gap.
'.............'
'No.'
Closed her eyes.
'Not interested.'
1 minute.
'.............'
5 minutes.
Tossed and turned.
'.............'
10 minutes.
Kicked off the blanket.
Covered herself again.
'.............'
20 minutes.
Opened her eyes.
'............I'm just checking.'
Her hand went under the bed.
Untied the cloth.
Took out the Mana Orb.
Bluish light filled the inside of the blanket.
The screen appeared.
[Moonlight Gardener — New Work]
[Chapter 1: The Gardener's Night]
[Registered yesterday]
'.............'
'What.'
'It really came out.'
'.............'
'Let's just look at the first line.'
'Just the first line.'
Scrolled down.
First line.
[Only one person could enter that garden every night.]
Second line.
[The gardener knew. That these flowers do not bloom during the day.]
'.............'
'Just two more lines.'
Third line.
Fourth line.
Fifth.
Tenth.
Pulled the blanket up to her head.
Hugged the Mana Orb to her chest.
Bluish light leaked through the gap in the blanket.
[Chapter 1: The Gardener's Night — Continue Reading]
The scroll didn't stop.
'.............'
'What time is roll call tomorrow morning.'
'8 o'clock.'
'What time is it now.'
The page turned.
'Ah, why is this man like this.'
It was the scene where the protagonist was about to confess but stopped.
'No, why are you stopping. Say it. You fool.'
[Chapter 1 Finished]
[Chapter 2: Greenhouse on a Rainy Day]
[Read Next Chapter]
'I was only going to look at chapter 1.'
'.............'
'Chapter 2 has a good title, so.'
Pressed it.