Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Sophomore Jinx (4)
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Ermina clutched the letter she'd spent nearly an entire day writing—barring time for eating and sleeping—to her chest and groaned.
She hadn't managed to put everything she wanted to say into it, and yet she couldn't bring herself to just show up thoughtlessly at the place where Julius was living so comfortably. She had no clue what to do.
Asking Karin for help would make it easy to decide either way, but she didn't want to burden her friend with something so personal.
After rolling around on her bed, clutching the letter tightly to her chest and agonizing over it all alone, she finally sat up and tidied her hair, which had become a tangled mess from all the tumbling.
Compared to the dry, frizzy hair she'd had back when she lived with her not-so-wealthy family, her locks had undergone a complete transformation—now so smooth that a quick brush with her hand was enough to set them right.
"Still, it might be best to ask Karin."
She'd have plenty of chances to repay the favor with Karin. They had some connections through Karin's family support, and they'd keep seeing each other at the Academy anyway.
She'd ask and think it over.
With that decided, Ermina changed her clothes, got ready to head out, tucked the letter carefully into her bosom, and stepped outside.
It was a weekend with no classes.
On days like this, Karin usually headed to Astraea during the day or went out with friends. Knowing that full well, Ermina beat her to it and headed straight for the dorms.
Upon arriving at the dorms and entering Karin's room number, she waited. Soon, Karin emerged, still looking half-asleep and disheveled, letting out a massive yawn.
"Yaaawn. Hello."
"Hello. Any plans for today?"
"Gonna head to Astraea for a bit this afternoon."
"That's actually what I wanted to ask about—a little favor."
Karin tilted her head, her bedhead spiking wildly in the direction of the tilt like a fool's tuft.
"Truth is, I wrote a letter to Julius."
"Ah."
"But after writing it, I started thinking maybe it'd be better to talk face-to-face."
"Hmm."
"So... just hypothetically, could I maybe visit for a bit?"
"...I'll ask the Cafe Manager. Looks like I'll need to pop back and forth."
Saying she'd wash up and heading back inside, Karin reemerged in about half the time Ermina had expected.
She reeked of a hasty rinse, so Ermina subtly stepped back half a pace.
"Senior."
"Yes?"
"The sandstorms here are brutal. Even if you scrub thoroughly, thirty minutes out and you're filthy again."
So that was her reasoning.
But still, shouldn't one try to go clean? Ermina answered that question with silence.
In a secluded corner of the Academy, Karin opened a transfer gate, told her to wait a moment, and vanished. Not long after, she returned with a grin.
"It's good to go."
"Really?"
"He said the timing was perfect since he had something to ask you too. Hehe."
Wonder what he wanted to ask. If it was whether she had any plans to ditch Academy life and come here, she'd start scouting houses in Astraea right away.
Of course, knowing Julius wasn't the type to be that forward, she let the fantasy fade.
Following Karin's lead through the transfer gate, they emerged under the scorching sky of the desert city—a definite shift in sunlight intensity that welcomed Ermina.
Hot air, sandy winds, and the press of crowds.
Ermina, experiencing the central continent's vibe after so long, momentarily lost her words as she took in the surroundings.
Karin strode ahead unfazed, clearly right at home, which stirred a twinge of envy in Ermina.
Anyway, as Karin walked on alone, she waved back at Ermina, who jogged to catch up.
"That place that looks like a tavern? That's the cafe."
"It really does look like a bar."
"The Cafe Manager took over a failed tavern building to start up, so the exterior's pretty much the same."
I see. Was this a glimpse into the path Julius had taken after leaving the Academy?
With a flicker of anticipation, she pushed open the door to hear Julius's voice—quite different from his Academy days.
"Welcome."
"Oh, uh. We're here."
"No need to be so tense about it."
Having shed quite a few burdens, his voice was far softer and kinder now. Ermina nearly spaced out.
She'd always been drawn to his innate kindness and gentleness, unlike others, so this Cafe Manager version of Julius suited her tastes even more.
Before, he'd projected charisma on the surface but been kind and gentle underneath. Now, he openly radiated good-guy vibes.
Frozen and then melting, Ermina glitched out for a moment before recovering. She quietly accepted the coffee Julius offered and took a sip.
"Can I get to my errand first?"
"Oh, sure!"
"Here. Take a look at this."
What Julius pulled out was the shorter of the twin swords he often used. She'd seen it a few times before; it was a fine blade, but nothing特别 noteworthy.
Taking it as instructed, she drew the slightly heavy sword—and immediately sensed the goddess's power, traces of light. She blinked in surprise.
"This happened recently?"
"Yeah. Something weird went down not long ago."
Even though his explanation was neatly laid out, it was hard to believe. She didn't know much about labyrinths, but who could instantly buy a tale of demonic and divine powers mingling to cause bizarre phenomena?
And if it were true, both goddess worshippers and demon god followers would see it as a chance to upset the balance and seize the labyrinth.
It was a bombshell of a story. Ermina wanted to dismiss it, but she couldn't ignore the sword in her hands—now a holy blade worthy of the name.
"Anyone else know...?"
"Not really."
"Then, could I go into the labyrinth myself to check it out?"
"Someone's offered to help with that, but it'll take time. I'd like to ask you too."
"As expected."
While the two reached an agreement, Karin, munching happily on the snacks the Cafe Manager had brought out, chimed in.
"Um, mind if I tag along too?"
"Huh? Why?"
"I heard labyrinths are all twisted-up space themselves. That's my specialty, so it might help."
"Not a bad idea."
Karin's transfer gates were undeniably handy. If usable inside the labyrinth, they'd be a lifesaver for escaping danger.
Ermina and Julius exchanged looks and nodded, thinking the same.
"We'll need to prep, so next weekend. Sound good?"
"Sure."
"Yep."
"You're gonna get fat or diabetic eating like that. Anyway, next week it is. I'll handle entry procedures."
Satisfied with how smoothly things had gone, Julius smiled relaxedly as he cleared Karin's emptied coffee cup and snack bowl.
Watching his back, Ermina remembered her original purpose.
"Um, Julius."
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you seem to be enjoying yourself."
Julius paused his busy hands at her words and stared at her before bursting into laughter.
"You know me pretty well—what I like and dislike."
"...I'd like to think so."
"So your judgment's probably spot on."
Essentially an affirmation. Ermina smiled faintly.
To be honest, when she'd imagined being with Julius, this was her ideal: working together at a modest shop, volunteering at an orphanage on free days, ending each day doing what they loved in comfort.
She'd thought it an unattainable happiness for someone of his high-noble status, even if things went well. Seeing him abandon it all for a similar life alone stirred envy, regret, and a petty resentment.
Hateful, yet lovable.
"...If I said I wanted to work here later, would you hire me?"
"Haha. Another tricky one."
"All by yourself, so unfair."
Julius knew Ermina didn't crave a flashy life. She wasn't fond of the Saintess of Light title and would rather teach etiquette or letters to kids in some rural spot.
So he understood what was "unfair" without her saying. He chuckled and joked back.
"Come by after graduation if you've got nothing lined up. You'll need an interview."
"No free pass?"
"That might be tough."
His laughing face overlaid his fake smile from dealing with people at the Academy, the faintly sad one for the orphanage kids—revealing just how at ease he was now.
She had much to say, much she wanted to hear, but it all boiled down to one thing.
"I'm glad."
There was no need to say more.