Chapter 85
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Bet
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To think we didnt find anything
Sia hung her head, utterly dejected.
Sia, Wendy, and Luna had gone to the presidents office after class, hoping to find something that could serve as evidence.
They had searched every inch of the office for days on end, but in the end, they came up empty-handed, leaving them frustrated.
Y-Yeah It looks like the president really doesnt have anything to hide
Wendy, who had been peeking at them nervously, spoke up.
For her, this was an incredibly awkward situation.
She never intended to get involved in digging up dirt on her master, Tristan.
The Count wouldnt hide something like that anyway
She had thought that if anything turned up, they could hide it first, but fortunately, nothing suspicious had appeared in the office.
Lets just stop looking for anything now
No. We cant do that. Tristan is a thorough man.
Cutting off Wendy was the bespectacled girl, Luna.
Why do you think so many nobles fear him? Families that were once rising stars in the empire all crumbled at the hands of the Ruelverta family in the end. The history of this country already tells us as much. The Ruelverta family has never once abandoned its ambitions.
Fear and concern filled Lunas eyes.
That was likely the perception many in this country held toward the Ruelverta family.
For a mere counts house, their power was far too great.
The forces that could check them were dwindling by the day.
The endless growth of the Ruelverta family.
Would the end of that ambition be to swallow the entire country whole?
Was Tristan aiming for the emperors throne?
Gulp
The thought made Wendy swallow hard without realizing it.
Treason was the gravest of crimes.
Families plotting treason were wiped out entirely, and all those involved were executed.
Just imagining that scenario made Wendy dizzy.
Of course, she didnt actually think Tristan would stage a rebellion.
Among all the past heads of the Ruelverta family, Tristan is showing the most radical moves. Who could have imagined the Ruelverta family joining the Seven Stars? We have to keep watching him.
I agree with Luna.
Even Wendy, a commoner, knew the prestige of the Seven Stars.
Families that could not be omitted from this countrys history.
The heads of the Seven Star families were said to have such close ties to the imperial family that they could meet the emperor in person.
And she had been shocked to hear that her master had become one of them.
Come to think of it the Count hasnt told me anything
It seemed a lot had happened while she was busy with school and unable to attend him.
The only time she spent with the count these days was their early morning jogs together.
Even that had stopped recently due to Tristans busy schedule.
Helga, newly appointed as his guard knight, was taking care of his needs instead.
It would be a lie to say she didnt feel left out in this situation.
Im supposed to be the Counts exclusive maid
As Wendy hung her head dejectedly without realizing it,
Wendy, dont be too disappointed.
Eh?
When she looked up, her eyes met Sias.
Sia gently placed a hand on Wendys shoulder and said,
You did your best, Wendy. Its a shame we didnt find anything but it surely wasnt a waste of time.
Th-Thank you
That wasnt the reason she was disappointed, but
Wendy felt considerable comfort from Sias kind heart.
Especially when cleaningif you hadnt taught us, Luna and I would still be fumbling around. Its embarrassing, but Ive only ever watched housework being done, so I was no good at it
Sia said with a wry expression.
It wasnt at all meant to mock Wendy for knowing how to do menial chores like cleaning.
You could tell just by looking into her eyes.
Sia was looking at Wendy with genuine admiration.
When they had first met, Wendy had only found Sia scary.
After all, Sia had attacked her right from their first encounter.
But knowing it stemmed from a buildup of petty misunderstandings, Wendy had forgiven her.
And just like that, the two had unexpectedly become friends.
Sia wasnt just elegant; she was a humble noble.
To Wendy, a commoner, nobles were people far above her station.
She had seen many nobles who viewed commoners as inferior and treated them accordingly.
But not all nobles were like that.
Wendy realized anew that there were those, like Bella and Sia, who looked at her without prejudice.
Youre so versatile, Wendy. Im really curious is there anything you cant do? Hehe.
Th-Theres tons I cant do! C-Cough! Cough!
Wendy covered her mouth and coughed.
Are you okay? You might have overdone it with all the cleaning lately
N-No! I think its just the weather getting colder
Saying that, Wendy draped a robe over her uniform.
The weather really had turned chilly lately.
Wendy wrapped her shivering body in the robe.
Is that so? It feels tolerable indoors, though
There you are, Sia.
Oh?
A student had appeared before them without notice.
And she was someone Sia knew well.
I thought it was someone else, but its Rachel. What brings you here?
What do you mean? You know exams are coming up soon, right?
Ah
Sia had forgotten amid her busyness, but exams were indeed approaching.
Wendy was worried because she hadnt been able to study properly, having dozed off during classes lately.
Sia, who had napped alongside her, seemed relaxed by contrast.
Of course I know. But?
But?? Dont play dumb. If I get first place in the exams, you grant me one wish.
Oh my Did we ever make such a childish promise?
What? Ch-Childish?! Hey! Youre the one who suggested it first!
Did I?
Yeah! Back in middle school! You to me!
The girl called Rachel huffed indignantly.
I didnt realize our bet only worked because I always won. Anyway, putting that asidewhats your point now? Youre not saying you want to keep that bet going even in university, are you?
Obviously we are. We need to settle whos number one in our class.
Freshmen at Meikahel University took the same classes for their first year.
They spent time in an atmosphere like a single class, which sometimes fueled their competitive spirits.
Sia let out a small sigh as she looked at Rachel, who wanted to make the same bet as in middle school.
Sorry, but perennial last-place Rachel cant take first.
Ha! This times different! Ill drag you down from that top spot!
If thats the case, youve already succeeded. Ive given up on first place too.
What?
Rachel furrowed her brow as if wondering what nonsense Sia was spouting.
Sia pointed confidently at the girl beside her and said,
Our classs first place will belong to her from now on.
N-No way?!
Wendy jumped in surprise and waved her hands frantically.
N-No, its not!
This is Wendy, who aced the entrance exam as top scorer.
This little kid? She beat you for top score?
Sia nodded.
Yes. With Wendys skills, the results of this exam are a given.
Nooo! Its not a given! It wont be!
Wow Sia, you really lost top spot to a kid like this?
Rachel stared at Wendy in disbelief.
As she peered into the girls pale face, Rachel finally recalled the rumor.
Ah, dont tell me Shes the freshman representative? The youngest ever admitted?
Thats right.
I skipped the entrance ceremony, so I didnt recognize her. Never thought shed be such a child.
Dont judge by appearances. Wendys a genius.
Nooo! Im not a genius!
Genius my foot. She still wont be my match. Do you know how hard I studied while you two were sleeping in class?
A venomous glint entered Rachels eyes.
Sia nodded as if acknowledging her long-time rival.
I know. I know youre not one to bluff, Rachel.
Hmph. So you admit it?
Of course. So you can take last place in this exam.
What? Why would I be last!?
Why? Because last place is mine, obviously.
Thats it, you
Oh, hold on a second.
Luna, who had been listening to Sia and Rachels exchange, cut in.
Adjusting her glasses, Luna said,
If the exams are ranked like the entrance ones, then Id be last, I think. Ah, of course, that was last among the special admissions
So youre all ganging up on me?
Rachels face twisted, feeling ignored.
Fine. Lets do this, then. Whoever gets first in the upcoming exams can make the other top threesecond, third, and fourthdo whatever they want.
Oh my Are you commanding us already, fourth place?
Shut up. Do it or dont? Just say it. Chicken out and die.
L-Lets not do something like that and just
Still havent fixed that vulgar speech, huh? I dont mind. Im not confident in first, but Im curious what Wendy would make me do.
I dont mind either. Itd be no burden if its Wendy.
Ding-a-ling-.
The moment Luna agreed, the class bell rang.
As Rachel returned to her seat, she warned the four sitting there.
Alright, its a deal then?! If I get first, Ill make you all utterly humiliated! Say youre outI dare you!
Got it, fourth place.
Argh! Sia, just you wait!
Wh-Why wont you listen to me everyone
Despite Wendys pleas, class began as usual today.