Chapter 330
Chapter Title: A Party and a Proposition
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The evening the exam ended.
The second-years were in their respective dorms, changing their clothes.
“You know, our academy is really something else.”
In the Glory Dormitory lounge, Iliana muttered to herself while examining her hair in the mirror, dressed in a splendid party dress.
At her words, another male student from the magic department looked puzzled.
“What’s that all of a sudden?”
“We were just fighting tooth and nail until a little while ago, with winners and losers decided. And now they're throwing a party to celebrate the exam tonight?”
“That’s true.”
The other students nodded in agreement.
“And most importantly…”
One of the Glory students let out a deep sigh.
“Today’s victory… Can we honestly say we won because we did well?”
At those words, the expressions of the Glory students darkened.
It wasn't that they hadn't done their best.
No, in fact, they had fought with clenched teeth.
From the Glory students' perspective, with the Harmony and Noble students joining forces to attack them, there had been more than a few perilous moments.
The reason Glory had emerged victorious in such a situation was because Leo had defeated Chelsea and Karl, the Kings of Harmony and Noble.
Just as the Glory students, finished with their party preparations, were moping in the lounge.
*Click-clack—* *Click-clack—*
“Why is everyone so down?”
As Chloe appeared, the students’ faces lit up with admiration.
Chloe, one of the prettiest girls among the second-years, was popular even on a normal day.
But unlike her usual neat and tidy appearance befitting a model student, she was now dressed up for the party, looking strikingly beautiful.
Her platinum blonde hair, blue eyes, and sky-blue dress were deeply impressive.
“Chloe, you look so beautiful.”
Chen Xia, dressed in the light, flowing style characteristic of the eastern continent, appeared behind Chloe with a bright smile.
“It’s a fine sight to see the two most beautiful girls in our dorm all dressed up.”
“There’s a certain, what should I say, exotic charm.”
At the male students’ comments, Iliana pointed a finger at herself with a sour expression.
“I’m a pretty girl too.”
“Oh, right.”
“You’re a pretty girl too.”
“What’s with those lukewarm reactions!”
Iliana’s eyes shot wide open.
Amid the commotion, Chen Xia, seated on the lounge sofa, tilted her head.
“By the way, what were you all talking about that made you look so gloomy?”
At Chen Xia’s words, the Glory students looked at each other with somber expressions.
“Come on, tell your big sister.”
As Chen Xia spoke with a grin, Iliana sat on the sofa and said.
“Well, this mock battle. Honestly, it’s like the class president basically single-handedly dragged us to victory.”
Leaning back against the sofa, Iliana sighed, “Haaah.”
“I’m just wondering if it’s right for us to fully enjoy the party.”
The other dorm students also wore gloomy expressions.
“Is that what everyone was thinking?”
Chen Xia smiled brightly.
Chloe crossed her arms.
“It’s true that Leo played the biggest part in this mock battle. But Leo said so himself, didn't he? That he wouldn't have been able to run wild like that if you guys hadn't been there.”
“That’s right. Young Master Leo said he was able to shine because he had comrades he could trust to watch his back. So don’t be too discouraged.”
At those words, the Glory students looked intrigued.
“Did he really say that?”
“Yes.”
At Chen Xia’s confirmation, the Glory students looked embarrassed.
“By the way, where is Leo?”
When one of the students asked with a curious look, Chloe answered.
“He’s probably already at the party.”
***
The after-party for the second-year midterm exam was held in the dormitory garden.
Glory, Harmony, and Noble.
Although the three dormitories had separate buildings, they shared the same garden, allowing for interaction there.
Amid the softly playing music, the seats were occupied by none other than external guests.
Most of them were the parents of the second-year students, invited to watch the exam.
“Professor, how is my son doing in his school life? His letters never tell me anything about how he’s studying at Lumerne.”
“Toren has recently taken a great interest in researching ways to alleviate droughts using water spirits. Although he’s a spirit contractor, he’s also diligently attending magic classes as a minor these days. He’s showing excellent academic performance. Professor Yura, come over here and tell them about Toren.”
Sedzen was actively engaging in consultations with the parents.
The department professors were being called here and there by Sedzen, busy telling parents about their children.
“Seeing that, Professor Sedzen is certainly remarkable.”
Ren remarked in admiration after finishing a brief consultation with the parent of a magic department student.
“There’s a reason he’s considered the most outstanding professor at Lumerne.”
Halind stated calmly as he sipped his wine.
“Oh, Mother?”
“Sister… what are you doing here…”
“Father!”
Panicked voices came from the garden entrance.
The second-years arriving at the party had spotted the guests.
Students were scattered about, talking with their families with a mix of joy and bewilderment.
They introduced their close friends to their families.
A warm and cheerful atmosphere was created.
Amidst it all, Celia approached Chloe.
“Celia, are you feeling a bit better?”
“I’ve already been fully healed. You?”
“Me too. It’s a bit of a shame we couldn’t have our match.”
Celia and Chloe, who were close friends, exchanged greetings.
Watching them, Chen Xia smiled brightly.
“I’m also disappointed I couldn’t have a proper match with Duran.”
“Hmph, if we had kept fighting, I would have won.”
Duran’s scoffing voice came from behind.
Beside Duran stood a small girl, about ten years old, with blonde hair and golden eyes.
Seeing the girl, Chen Xia smiled brightly and crouched down.
“And who is this adorable young lady?”
“My sister.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. What’s your name?”
As Chen Xia spoke in a friendly manner, the girl smiled shyly and bowed.
“My name is Helan Moira. It’s an honor to meet you. Your duel with my brother… was truly magnificent.”
“I’m honored that you think so, Princess Helan.”
As Duran’s sister, she was a princess of the Moira Kingdom.
At Chen Xia’s words, Helan beamed.
Watching the scene, Chloe and Celia gave Duran a peculiar look.
“What’s with that look?”
“Oh, nothing. Your sister is just so cute. But she doesn’t really match your image.”
“Yeah, she seems too precious for you. Can you give her to me? I’ve always wanted a younger sister.”
Chloe said with a grin, and Celia’s lips curled into a smile.
Duran scoffed at the two girls teasing him.
“Hey! Everyone’s here!”
A friendly voice rang out.
It was none other than Karl.
“Well, well! The princess is here too.”
Karl made a fuss upon spotting Helan and bowed politely.
As someone from Moira, it was only natural for him to do so.
“Princess Helan, my name is Karl Thomas.”
“Karl Thomas, ah! I’ve heard a lot about you from my brother. You’re from our kingdom, aren’t you? My brother once told me you’re an excellent mage.”
Everyone looked surprised at Helan's bright smile.
For *that* Duran to praise Karl to his sister! It was astonishing.
“…Who are you? You’re not the prince, are you?”
“Quiet, Karl Thomas.”
Duran scoffed.
“My brother mentioned that even though your grades are low, he was impressed by how you struggle and manage to survive somehow.”
At those words, Karl grinned broadly.
“Now *that’s* our prince!”
Chloe and Celia stifled their laughter at Karl’s strangely relieved expression.
Duran maintained his usual emotionless face.
It was then.
“Oh my, Celia. Are these your friends?”
Reina approached with a smile.
She looked at Karl, Chloe, Chen Xia, and Duran and said.
“Students from the knight and magic departments, I see. My child is indebted to you all.”
“Not at all. We’re the ones who receive a lot of help from Celia.”
Chloe greeted her with a bright smile.
“You must be Chloe. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Reina greeted her warmly.
“And you must be Karl. I’ve heard a lot about you since last year, too.”
“About me?”
Karl looked at Celia, a little surprised.
He could understand her talking about Chloe, her classmate and best friend.
But while he and Celia were good friends, they were in different classes, so he didn’t think she would talk about him to her parents.
Watching this, Chen Xia smiled brightly and said.
“Miss Celia, you look just like your mother.”
At those words, Celia let out a short laugh.
“She’s not my mother. She’s my aunt.”
“Your aunt, you say…”
“Leo’s mother.”
“My son is in your care.”
Reina said with a smile, causing Chloe to become utterly flustered.
“Oh, no! I-I’m the one who, since first year! That is to say… I’ve received a great deal of help from your son.”
Seeing Chloe’s head spin, Reina laughed brightly.
“Well then, you should come visit our home during the summer vacation.”
Chen Xia straightened her clothes and bowed gracefully.
“Madam, my name is Chen Xia. I am always receiving a great deal of help from Young Master Leo.”
Reina smiled at Chen Xia, who bowed demurely with the etiquette of the eastern region.
“It must be nice for my son to have gained such a cute little sister.”
“…I’m actually the older one.”
“Really? You look so young. Would you like to come visit during the summer vacation too? Hey, Karl. You must come and visit as well.”
Reina invited Leo’s friends to their home.
“Celia. Should we invite the Llewellyn kids too?”
“…Can we not invite them?”
Celia asked with a pout.
“Anyway, where has that son of mine gone?”
Reina grumbled.
***
*Step— Step—*
—Leo! Hurry! Hurry!
Kiruan whined, perched on Leo’s shoulder.
At Kiruan’s nagging, Leo clicked his tongue and stopped in front of Tina’s office.
*Knock— Knock—*
Leo knocked.
But there was no response.
‘…Did she go to the party?’
Leo looked puzzled for a moment but then shook his head.
The Tina he knew was not the type to attend public events.
“Looks like she’s not in her office.”
Still, he turned the doorknob.
*Click— Creeeeak—!*
The sound of the door opening echoed down the hallway.
Leo peeked his head inside.
“Professor Tina, are you here?”
—If she’s not here, let’s just grab it and run!
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
—Why not! They’re my wings!
Just as Kiruan was throwing a fit.
*Scrape— Scrape—*
A strange sound came from deeper within the office.
With a curious expression, Leo headed inside.
—Leo! No! That psycho elf might have set up a trap!
Kiruan tried to stop him, his face pale with fear, but Leo strode fearlessly deeper into the office.
He saw light leaking from a slightly ajar door and opened it.
“Professor Tina, are you in here?”
Inside, Tina, who had been sharpening a scalpel on a small whetstone, turned her head.
Seeing her eyes gleam wildly, Kiruan let out a scream, “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” and tried to flee.
Leo snatched Kiruan out of the air.
“Hello, Leo.”
Tina stood up, scalpel in hand.
Her hair was disheveled. Her eyes held a hint of madness.
“I enjoyed watching the mock battle.”
Looking like a mad magic researcher, Tina gazed at Kiruan.
“What brings you here to see me?”
“This one broke into your office earlier, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did. So he’s your contractor.”
Tina nodded and snapped her fingers.
The office lights flickered on, brightening the room.
Kiruan, who had been screaming, let out a sigh of relief at the brightened office.
“So, Leo, I have a favor to ask.”
Tina smiled brightly.
“Your fairy. Can I dissect it just once?”
—Hiiieeeek!
“Please refrain.”
“Oh?”
Tina clicked her tongue as if disappointed.
“So. What brings you to my office?”
“The fairy wings you have, Professor. They actually belong to him.”
Leo showed Kiruan, held in his hand, to Tina.
“Hmph? And?”
“I was wondering if you could return them.”
“Hmm!”
Tina crossed her arms, pondered for a moment, then nodded.
“Alright, fine. In exchange, will you do me one favor?”
“I’m just an ordinary human, so even if you cut open my stomach and looked inside, you wouldn’t find anything out of the ordinary.”
“That does sound tempting. But that’s not the favor I had in mind.”
Tina grinned.
“Leo, why don’t you go to Seirun as an exchange student?”