Chapter 89
Chapter 89
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: Sophomore Jinx (9)
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"Shall we call it a day here for today?"
"Yes. Can I ask one thing?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"If you're planning to come back tomorrow anyway, wouldn't it be better for Karin and me to just stay here together instead of going back?"
Ermina had a point. Since I planned to hole up in the labyrinth all weekend anyway, neither Karin nor Ermina really needed to go back.
But finding a safe place to stay on short notice wasn't that easy, so I didn't think it was something I could decide.
Safe lodging you could book right away was harder to find than you'd think.
As I pondered for a moment, Karin chimed in.
"I don't even have a change of clothes, though."
"True, you've been dragged around everywhere, and your clothes are a total mess."
"If staying here is the plan, I could just go grab some clothes and come back."
"If you're going back once anyway, why not just crash comfortably at the dorm?"
"Aw, come on. Doesn't sleeping over with your party build camaraderie or something?"
"Have a pajama party at the dorm or whatever."
Karin, who had been spacing out just moments ago, rolled around on the floor complaining like it was nothing. If she really wanted to stay, I could make it work somehow, but still.
Her already dusty clothes were getting absolutely filthy, so I sighed, grabbed her hand, pulled her up, and brushed off all the dirt.
She didn't feel like a girl at all—just like a little sister.
As I started patting down even her butt, she squirmed in embarrassment, but I ignored it and kept going until every visible clump of dirt and dust was gone.
"...Cafe Manager. I'm a girl too, you know."
"Where do you see that?"
"I'm a girl no matter where you look!"
To be fair, Karin's figure was actually better than Ermina's. But by my standards, being a woman wasn't about chromosomes, body, or looks—it was about having a proper personality and mindset.
I hooked my hands under her armpits as she tried to flop back down and started carrying her along like that.
"Senior! Stop the Cafe Manager!"
"...You two get along well."
"She's just a kid. A kid. Ermina, you see that too, right?"
"Well, yeah, I guess...?"
"I'm an adult woman too...!"
With her armpits and shoulders gripped, she couldn't move her arms and flailed her legs trying to escape, but her short legs doomed her to failure. Karin started wailing.
"Pervert Cafe Manager! You're secretly groping my side boob right now! Aaah!"
"I wouldn't touch it if you offered."
"...That serious reaction kinda hurts my feelings...?"
"I'm seriously not touching."
Let's be real—did you think I never had chances in my 20 years as a noble? To avoid scandals, a gentleman has to escort a naked woman to another room politely if needed. And in a world with magic that reveals sexual experience—developed by some unicorn who knows where—you had to stay pure to avoid false accusations.
I led the two commoner women, oblivious to my struggles, out of the labyrinth. Unlike the labyrinth's erratic seasons, the blazing summer sun outside choked the air from my lungs.
No humidity, but every breath was so hot it felt like my lungs were scorching. I almost missed the relatively cool labyrinth.
"Ugh."
"So, what's the plan? You really gonna go back, grab clothes and stuff, and come?"
"I can really do that?"
"No reason not to."
"Whoa. Then can I grab your stuff too, Senior Ermina?"
"Yes. Here's the dorm key—could you get it for me?"
The dorm key, which I hadn't needed or seen in ages, caught my eye. As Karin took it and turned to leave, I asked,
"Your outfit's still a mess—want to wash up here first, or go back, wash, and return?"
"Where would I wash?"
"My place."
"...I'll be back."
She glanced at Ermina slyly, then bolted like she was fleeing. I gave a wry smile at her retreating figure. When would we all get comfortable enough not to mind each other?
Probably after all romantic feelings between men and women were completely gone.
"Shall we head to the cafe I run for now?"
"Ah, yes."
Watching Ermina follow me with slightly stiff movements, I realized I had no idea how to act around her either.
We'd seen each other's worst sides, so why were there still lingering feelings?
For now, we returned, opened the cafe's locked door, and I started the usual morning opening routine.
As I pulled out items one by one to prepare, Ermina said quietly,
"It suits you well."
"I think so too."
My response seemed fine, as Ermina smiled. While the espresso machine preheated, I hand-dripped my favorite blend for her.
More aromatic than the machine, she carefully sipped after taking the chocolate to pair with it.
With more poise than most noble daughters, Ermina nibbled the chocolate and said after her sip,
"It feels like a miracle pill."
"Better than you thought?"
"No, not that. It's just... since Julius made it, it feels special."
Blushing, she pulled out a handkerchief to half-hide her face, then calmed down, lowered it, and finished the coffee.
In between, with odd sighs and murmurs like "hand-brewed drink," she seemed a bit off-kilter too.
What happened at the academy while I was gone? Even the once bright and refreshing Ermina now carried a hint of something murky.
Subtly caressing the cup I'd given her or pressing her lips to it lingeringly—it bothered me a little.
What on earth happened in that year-plus I was away?
For now, I cleared my mind and finished opening prep while she enjoyed it.
Once done, I flipped the door sign from closed to open—and locked eyes with Big Sister Reimi, who was waiting right outside.
"Perfect timing."
"I was waiting."
"...Oh."
I'd expected her usual smooth deflection, but she came on strong. I shrugged and followed her inside.
Of course, Ermina, who had seen me enter, met my eyes—then Reimi and Ermina stared each other down as I slipped away slyly.
Time to brew Big Sis her coffee. Hm hm.
"So you're Ermina?"
"You know me without an intro."
"The cafe manager and I talk personal stuff often. I've heard a lot about you."
"I don't know you—may I have your name?"
"Reimi Kaisra. Not sure how often we'll meet, but take care of me while we do."
I closed my eyes watching Big Sister Reimi start a power play right away. Unlike Big Sis Mina, who brushes off such things casually, Reimi preferred aggressive push-pull.
For now, I deliberately took my time prepping her coffee.
"I owe Julius so many apologies, but seeing him relaxed here with someone like you makes me glad. He was always in an uncomfortable spot at the academy..."
"Huh? Uh. Th-thanks...?"
"Thank you so much for getting along with Julius."
I chuckled inwardly.
Ermina's personality was such that Reimi holding back was natural. Infinitely kind to others, seeming fragile, but with a firm core you could rely on in key moments.
After rolling her eyes for a bit, Reimi sighed and got to the point.
"Sorry. Academy folks just don't sit right with me."
"I get that."
That was a lie. She'd heard from me that Ermina had feelings and was probing.
I didn't hide my leaking laugh and handed Reimi her finished coffee.
She clearly knew why I was smiling and poked my side, pouting unnecessarily.
"Julius."
"Yes?"
"You're close with everyone here."
Now it was my turn to look displeased. Back at the academy, I hadn't been casually informal with almost anyone. Who did I call by name? Rias was my childhood fiancée. Yumin was a childhood little brother figure who hadn't even enrolled yet.
None.
"Call me Ermina too."
"Uh, well."
"We're not at the academy together anymore anyway."
How to dodge this? Between Reimi glaring fiercely behind Ermina and Ermina's puffed cheeks, what answer could keep balance?
"Ti."
"Pardon?"
"Let's think it over after some time."
In the end, I had no choice but to run away.