Chapter 106
Chapter 106
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Summer Vacation (3)
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Eventually, after much deliberation, Artel ended up buying all three books.
Back in her room, she spread them out on her desk.
First up, the initial book.
How to Get Close to a Man
She carefully turned the pages.
[Chapter 1: The First Step Toward a Man]
"Men are weak to a woman's smile. Flash them a bright, gentle one."
'A smile...'
Artel glanced at the mirror and tried lifting the corners of her mouth.
"......"
It felt awkward.
Having spent her whole life with an expressionless face, she hadn't realized forcing a smile would feel this off.
Yet when she was with Jeron or thinking about him, a natural smile sometimes slipped out.
[Chapter 2: Empathize with His Interests]
"When talking about a topic he likes, actively show empathy. Phrases like 'Wow, that's impressive' or 'That's so cool!' are especially effective with praise."
'What Jeron likes...'
Sleeping, probably.
So what should she say?
Wow, you sleep so well, Jeron...?
'...That sounds weird.'
[Chapter 3: The Art of Skinship]
"Just brushing his arm naturally or placing a hand on his shoulder is enough to make a man's heart race."
Artel paused in thought.
She recalled the time during the comprehensive evaluation when she slept beside Jeron and their bodies had lightly touched.
Her heart had pounded wildly, but Jeron had just slept peacefully on.
Even if he'd been awake, it probably wouldn't have made much difference.
'Does this stuff really work...?'
She read diligently, but it didn't yield much insight.
Tilting her head, she picked up the next book.
Various Techniques to Satisfy a Man
Judging by the title, she figured it was similar to the first one.
Artel flipped to the first page without much thought and read the preface.
[Techniques in the bedroom can make your relationship even stronger.]
'Bedroom...?'
[Chapter 1: Positions Men Love]
"......?!"
Artel's eyes widened.
An explicit illustration of a naked man and woman entwined filled the page.
Artel hurriedly skipped ahead.
[Chapter 2: Various Foreplay Methods]
[Chapter 3: How to Dress Up for Bed in Ways Men Like]
"......!!"
Her face flushed hot.
Unable to endure it, she slammed the book shut.
"Th-this is what it was...?!"
Her heart raced.
Her cheeks burned fiercely.
'What did I just buy...!'
Artel hastily shoved the book deep into her drawer.
She wouldn't look at it for a while... no, probably never.
"Hoo..."
After several deep breaths, she finally calmed down.
'The last one should be fine, right?'
A cat book shouldn't be an issue.
She cautiously pulled it out.
How to Raise a Cat
Of course, Jeron wasn't a cat, but the cover image had reminded her so much of him that she'd chosen it.
[Chapter 1: Understanding Cat Behavior]
"Cats love freedom. Force them, and they'll run away, so wait for them to come to you."
'...Jeron hates being forced too.'
[Chapter 2: Creating an Environment Cats Love]
"Cats prefer warm, comfortable spots."
'Jeron's the same...'
Wherever they went, he'd seek out a place to lie down or rest first.
[Chapter 3: Giving Treats to Cats]
"Cats like the person who gives them treats. Feed them moderate amounts by hand daily."
'Feed him treats.'
Artel nodded.
This seemed surprisingly useful.
She'd actually fed him food twice before.
His reaction then hadn't been bad at all.
The other sections overlapped with Jeron a lot too, so Artel read on with interest.
'Somehow, this book's the most helpful.'
Jeron really did share many traits with cats.
And he liked cats too, didn't he?
The first time they'd ditched class, they'd gone to see cats.
'Then...'
Treat Jeron like a cat.
And if she acted like a cat too, maybe he'd like her more.
As these odd thoughts swirled,
A page from that embarrassing book she'd shoved away flashed in her mind.
[Chapter 3: How to Dress Up for Bed in Ways Men Like]
[Cat Beastkin]
The illustration of a woman with cat ears and a tail.
What if.
Just hypothetically. If she did something like that...
Would Jeron be happy?
Artel's face burned hot again.
Meanwhile, Yuria had arrived home for vacation.
As Yuria stepped down from the carriage, the territory's residents swarmed out.
"It's Lady Yuria!"
"Our little lady's back!"
"Oh my, you've gotten even prettier!"
"How was life at the academy?"
Blushing amid the warm welcome, Yuria waved her hand.
"H-hello, everyone...! Have you all been well?"
"Of course! We're just glad to see you back safe and healthy!"
It was a small rural territory, but Yuria had been the villagers' darling since childhood.
Kind to everyone, always greeting them with a smile.
When news spread that such a Yuria had entered the empire's top academy, the residents rejoiced, and seeing her return safely made them even happier.
Yuria exchanged greetings with the people as she slowly headed to the mansion.
Her father waited at the entrance, arms wide open.
"Yuria!"
"Daddy!"
Yuria ran and hugged him tightly.
"Welcome home, my girl."
"Ehehe. Daddy, I missed you."
"I missed you too."
Her father stroked her hair.
"Yuria!"
Her mother approached with a bright smile.
"My goodness, has my daughter gotten even prettier?"
"Mom...!"
Yuria hugged her mother too.
Her mother held her close and asked softly,
"No hardships? How was the academy?"
"It wasn't tough. And I made good friends!"
"Really? That's a relief."
At dinner, the family gathered around the table to hear Yuria's stories.
Yuria excitedly recounted her first semester.
Of course, she toned down the dangerous parts.
"So, how were your grades?"
Her father asked with expectant eyes.
"Um... I placed 40th overall, and 9th in the comprehensive evaluation."
"......!"
"9th?!"
Her parents' eyes widened.
"Our Yuria... 9th place?!"
"At Stella Academy, no less?!"
"Y-yes..."
Yuria nodded shyly.
"Oh my, oh my!"
Her mother grasped Yuria's hands with a moved expression.
"I never dreamed you'd do this well...!"
"You're amazing, Yuria."
Her father smiled proudly.
"You're the pride of our family. I'm so happy you've grown so splendidly."
"N-no, it wasn't just me... My friends helped a lot..."
Yuria waved her hands, face red.
"Still, you earned those results. Be proud."
Her mother said gently.
"You worked hard, Yuria. Rest well over break."
"Yes, Mom."
Yuria beamed. Home really was the best.
A few days later.
Yuria was spending time in the garden with Seolbaek.
"Seolbaek, it's mealtime."
Yuria held Seolbaek close and fed it bits of her mana.
"Is it tasty?"
^o^
Seolbaek rubbed its cheek against Yuria's hand with a delighted face.
"Hehe, so cute."
Yuria smiled, petting Seolbaek.
The spirit Jeron had gifted her.
It had become a precious family member now.
"Do you miss Jeron too, Seolbaek?"
_ _ zzz
Seolbaek made a sleepy face.
"...Are you imitating Jeron?"
Yuria laughed.
"Jeron's probably doing well in the imperial palace right now? He said the royal beds are great. Are they really that good?"
She murmured, gazing at the sky.
"Our beds aren't bad either, though..."
That was when.
"Yuria."
Her mother's voice came from behind.
"Ah, when did you get here?"
"Just now. Playing with the spirit your friend gave you, huh."
Her mother sat beside her with a gentle smile.
"You've seemed much more mature lately, Yuria."
"R-really?"
"Don't tell me... you've got a crush?"
"Wha...? N-no! It's not like that...!"
Yuria's face flushed as she flailed her hands, but her mother chuckled teasingly.
"Your face says it all. So, what's he like?"
Her mother leaned in slightly.
"...A friend."
"A friend? That one from the comprehensive evaluation team? Hmm... You only ever talk about him...?"
"......"
"My little girl's finally interested in romance. I'm happy for you."
"Mom...!"
"It's fine, it's fine. No need to be shy. It's natural. Is he a good kid?"
"Yes... He's a good person."
Yuria answered softly.
"Kind... gentle... cool..."
"Hehe, sounds like you like him a lot."
"Urgh... Is that how it is...?"
Yuria bowed her head.
Her feelings for Jeron...
She knew they went beyond mere friendship.
But having it nailed down so bluntly was embarrassing.
Still, she had something she wanted to ask her mother, who seemed knowledgeable about this stuff.
Yuria hesitated before continuing.
"But I have a little worry."
"A worry?"
"That friend... he's kind of lazy and indifferent..."
Yuria explained Jeron's personality.
"So I tried inviting him over break, but it didn't work out."
"Oh."
Her mother smiled faintly.
"Then just pick him up while he's asleep and bring him over."
"Wha...?!"
Yuria's eyes widened.
"M-Mom...! Seriously...!"
She panicked at her mother's mischievous joke.
But oddly, it felt a bit convincing.
Jeron might just let himself be carried along obediently.
Once tucked into bed, he might even like it...?
'...?'
[What's wrong, human. Why the sudden chill?]
'No idea. Just got goosebumps out of nowhere.'
I scratched my head.
What's going on?