The Eve of the Entrance Ceremony (5)
Why might eagerly showing that you want to get close not be such a great idea? Isn't it fine either way? You might wonder about that.
First and foremost, it was because I was a "Saint."
From the Hero's perspective, this holy maiden had swooped out of nowhere to lend a hand, only to immediately press in close, claiming she wanted no reward other than to become fast friends. Doesn't that reek of suspicion from a mile away? To an outsider, it might even come across as outright slimy.
To begin with, having a Saintess approach someone she just met, resolve his dilemma for no discernible reason, and push to be friends was practically a flashing neon sign telling the Hero to be on guard. So my behavior was entirely calculated: give him zero reason to be suspicious while laying the groundwork to build mutual trust as friends—and eventually, as comrades. Tolerating a tiny bit of inconvenience right now saved a mountain of effort later when trying to win him over. Think about it: I acted like I had no ulterior motives whatsoever, and he was the one chasing after me to bridge the gap. At this point, suspecting me would be weirder.
As for the second reason...
...
...
Do I really have to spell this out?
Sigh.
It's just embarrassing, alright?
Even in my past life, taking the initiative to get close to someone was excruciatingly difficult. Did you really think shifting into this body would magically overhaul my personality? Because of this crippling social awkwardness, I couldn't even make friends properly when I was first sent to the Demonic Realm. Even now, I didn't have a single close acquaintance back at the Great Cathedral. Everyone walked on eggshells around me because of my station as the Saint. Combine their reverence with my innate difficulty in approaching people, and forming casual friendships was basically impossible.
Ugh... Now I'm just making myself cringe for no reason.
"For starters... should we exchange names?"
Ah. Did he call out to stop me without even thinking of what to say next? The Hero seemed to rack his brain for a moment before offering an awkward smile, suggesting we introduce ourselves. Not a bad idea. Naturally, I already knew his name since he was the default Hero, but pretending I didn't was essential.
I offered a gentle smile. "[Then allow me to go first.]"
"Uh, w-well... I suggested it, so I should go first."
Huh. Look at him trying to be considerate over something so trivial. It didn't really matter either way, so I simply kept quiet. Clearing his throat, the Hero introduced himself as casually as he could.
"My name's Evan. I don't have a family name."
Evan. Just as expected, the exact name I remembered. The name of the hero fated to save this world from the Demon King's invasion.
Now it was my turn. I brought a hand to my chest and introduced myself.
"[My name is Aria Saint Anastasio. You may simply call me Aria.]"
"Y-Yeah..."
Wait, what was with that reaction? I expected him to reach out for a handshake and say he looked forward to working together, but instead, he stood before me fidgeting nervously. Did I say something wrong? I tilted my head. It didn't seem like it. Judging by his expression and the thought waves radiating from him, it felt more like there was something he desperately wanted to ask me.
"[Is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell?]"
"Well... there's something I've been wanting to ask, but I worried it might be rude, so I couldn't bring myself to say it."
Spot on. I chuckled internally. I had a pretty good guess as to what he wanted to know. To be honest, almost everyone who met me for the first time wore that exact same look. Even that professor earlier looked like he was itching to ask something the moment he laid eyes on me. At first, I wondered why everyone acted that way, but looking at myself objectively, it made complete sense.
Hmm...
I felt a twinge of guilt toward Evan, but I fully intended to exploit that pure heart of his. To nurture this relationship and naturally gain his trust, there was no better shortcut than making the other person feel indebted or apologetic.
Sorry, kid. Once we're closer, I'll treat you well.
He was a notorious foodie in the game, so I'd buy him something delicious soon enough. Even though it had been over two years since I last played, I still remembered that much clearly. Hiding my inner calculations behind a radiant, innocent smile, I replied:
"[Please, do not worry. If there is anything you wish to ask, you may ask freely.]"
"...Are you sure?"
"[Of course.]"
Admittedly, if the roles were reversed, I would probably hesitate to ask too. But being on the receiving end, it really wasn't a big deal. It was only natural to be curious—especially when faced with someone as physically contradictory as me. Hearing a voice when my lips never parted, watching me walk around effortlessly despite keeping my eyes shut—anyone would react the same way.
Sure enough, after debating whether it was truly alright to ask, curiosity won out.
"I noticed your eyes were closed... and I was wondering if you were alright..."
Knew he was going to ask that. I let out a soft chuckle.
"[I can neither see nor hear. I have lived with these congenital disabilities since birth.]"
"Ah..."
A pained gasp slipped from Evan's lips. He was clearly kicking himself for asking. There really was no need for him to feel that guilty.
"[It is quite alright. It is only natural to wonder.]"
I smiled warmly to reassure him. Evan still looked apologetic, but hearing my gentle reassurance seemed to ease his tension, softening his expression. Still, knowing his character, this would likely leave a lingering shackle of guilt in his heart. Which was precisely what I wanted, so I had no intention of talking him out of it.
After exchanging basic introductions and chatting about mundane matters as we left the building, Evan and I parted ways. We made plans to meet up again tomorrow after classes, following the entrance ceremony. Evan had insisted on treating me to a meal.
When he first brought it up, I was going to decline. A wandering swordsman who lived hand-to-mouth had no business offering to buy anyone food. Since Evan had been one of my favorite characters, I knew his current financial woes all too well. I fully intended to turn him down, but he pleaded so earnestly, begging to let him pay, that I had no choice but to relent.
I had targeted his gullible, righteous nature intentionally, but seeing him go to such lengths for my sake made me feel almost guilty. It clashed rather uncomfortably with my sly schemes. Well, since I'd already agreed to the meal, it was too late to back out now.
At any rate...
What a relief.
Not only had I established a connection with Evan the Hero, but I'd also taken the suspension on his behalf. Today's plan was an absolute success. All that remained now was crashing the training grounds during tomorrow's entrance ceremony to intercept the demon attack. I didn't recall the exact timeline for the events after that, but I knew what would happen and why, so preparing for them would be simple enough.
I headed toward the dormitory with a light step.
"..."
Unlike my arrival at the academy by carriage, I was walking on foot now, and without any attendants flanking me. Perhaps because of that, I could feel numerous stares lingering on me—along with thought waves brimming with wonder and curiosity, puzzled as to how a blind girl was navigating the grounds all on her own.
Guess I'll have to get used to this for a while.
Back as a Saintess, I had spent my days sequestered in the Great Cathedral or stationed in the Demonic Realm, where few people lived and monsters crawled out daily to butcher soldiers. Stares of mere civilian curiosity were unfamiliar to me. Still, what could I do? From now on, I had to live at the academy, form the Hero's party, and set out to subjugate the Demon King. To accomplish that, I needed to locate the other default party members one by one, starting with the Hero.
Including myself, there were five default characters in total. Excluding Evan and me, that left three. For now, establishing a solid rapport with the Hero was plenty, and we could take our time growing closer.
Having solidified my future course of action, I soon arrived before the dormitory.
Come to think of it, I left earlier without even checking who my roommate was.
Quite a bit of time had passed since then; they had probably settled into the room by now. Imagining how I should greet the person I'd be sharing a room with, I exhaled a nervous breath. I felt tense, and frankly a bit intimidated, but I couldn't stand out here forever.
Stay calm...
Muttering encouragement under my breath, I climbed the stairs until I finally reached the door to my room.
However, I had overlooked one crucial detail: right now, I perceived my surroundings by scanning the space with divine power. Which meant I could perceive the layout of the room and the exact shape of every object inside. And naturally, that applied to whoever was inside the room as well—including their incoming thought waves.
Which was why...
Wait...?
A familiar silhouette, and...
[Ah... I just want to glue myself to this bed and sleep forever...]
A thought wave dripping with sheer, unadulterated lethargy. Faced with the unmistakable presence of someone far too familiar, I froze dead in my tracks.