Chapter 111: The Sunlight is Just Right

Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 111: The Sunlight is Just Right

"If we're talking about hot topics, it would probably be that blonde beauty who mysteriously vanished the other day."

As Celicia spoke, her gaze drifted toward Muen, whose face had suddenly frozen.

"Hmm? You look a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?"

"No... no."

Muen snapped out of it, forcing a smile. "Didn't I just say? I'm fit as a fiddle and eating like a horse right now."

"It's your own body; you should still be careful."

Celicia casually flicked a toothpick into the trash can and continued, "Back to the topic. Although I didn't actually see this so-called blonde beauty, according to Wei'er and the others, she was a super-beauty capable of stirring the desires of any man. She’s the type who would draw a crowd just by walking through the Academy."

"Is... is it really that exaggerated?" Muen wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Could she really be more beautiful than you, Celicia?"

"I don't think my own looks are anything special."

Celicia gave her long hair a light toss. Her silver-white hair shimmered with a hazy glow under the sunlight streaming through the window, making her exquisite features appear even more stunning.

"While I can't rule out that her situation at the time made men feel more protective of her, since even a girl like Wei'er said so, her beauty must be the real deal. According to Wei'er, if the girl hadn't been taken hostage, the students who suddenly went through that ordeal might not have organized themselves so quickly."

"Haha, is that so... It sounds like that beauty did her fair share of the work then."

"Indeed. However, it was precisely because she was so much in the spotlight that it caused such a stir when the students who were worried about her couldn't find her afterward." Celicia added, "I heard the Registrar's Office was nearly swamped the next day."

"And... and then? Was she found?"

"Naturally not. The teachers at the Registrar's Office combed through the entire Academy's roster and student information, but no such person exists."

"Ah, I see." Muen's eyes widened, and then he pumped a fist with feigned certainty. "Then it must have been an enemy conspiracy! Those bastards from the Man-Love Cult must have intentionally fabricated a beauty to use as a hostage just to incite the students' rage. They wanted to draw aggro so they could quickly accumulate Mana from the students' magic attacks."

As he spoke, Muen became increasingly indignant. "Those guys are too despicable, exploiting the students' sense of justice and sympathy! If I hadn't been absent, I would have smashed their dog heads one by one."

"Yes, that's roughly how the professors explained it later." Celicia nodded in agreement, naturally glossing over the second half of Muen's "mighty" declaration.

"The professors explained it that way?" Muen breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the professors had said so, even if those hormone-driven students cared about his "female" self, they likely wouldn't keep investigating. The storm would soon blow over with time.

Of course, Muen wasn't afraid of them investigating; you can't find a person who doesn't exist. What Muen feared was that some bored genius might notice the three or four points of similarity between his face and the feminized version.

Thus, Muen naturally hoped this storm would settle as soon as possible.

"However... I do have one doubt."

"Oh? What doubt?" Feeling that things might not be so bad, Muen's mood instantly brightened. "Maybe I can help you think it through, Celicia."

"It's not a major doubt, but it would be great if you could help me."

Celicia crossed her fair, shapely legs. She rested her elbow on her thigh and interlaced her fingers to support her chin, leaning forward slightly. Her cool gaze fixed on Muen as she asked seriously, word by word:

"At that time... why did those evil believers use that blonde beauty to specifically name you—Muen Campbell—to step forward?"

"..."

Celicia's voice was cold and devoid of emotion, but those light words made the smile on Muen's face freeze once again.

As if she hadn't noticed his abnormality, Celicia continued, "Could it be that, in the eyes of those evil believers, that blonde beauty was someone important to you? Someone important enough that you would step forward regardless of the danger?"

"..."

"Well? Why aren't you speaking?" Celicia's face remained expressionless, but her eyes were meaningful. "Didn't you just say you'd help me think?"

"That... well... maybe..."

Muen chuckled nervously, avoiding Celicia's sharp gaze while racking his brain for an excuse. But he knew the "cousin" excuse wouldn't fly with Celicia. If she wanted to, she could dig up his family history back eighteen generations. And with Celicia's sharp intuition, any lie he told would surely be found out.

In times like this, he could only play dumb!

"I... I don't know either. Maybe those evil believers thought I was a very kind person and figured I'd take the bait no matter who they used," Muen explained. "But honestly, whether that blonde beauty was real or fake, she has absolutely nothing to do with me!"

"But why did they call you out by name? It seemed like they were very familiar with you. Did you do something to that True Love Cult?" Celicia pressed on, questioning him relentlessly.

"No, absolutely not. They were looking for me because... because..."

Sweating with anxiety, a spark of inspiration flashed in Muen's mind. He said solemnly, "They were probably just lusting after my peerless beauty!"

"Beauty?" Celicia's willow-like brows arched slightly. "Explain."

"Isn't that True Love Cult basically a Man-Love Cult? And as a top-tier hunk whose handsomeness is second to none among men, it's only natural they'd set their sights on me."

To avoid being branded a cross-dressing pervert in front of Celicia, Muen decided to sacrifice a bit of his dignity.

"Set their sights on you?"

Celicia scrutinized Muen for a while, staring until his scalp felt a bit numb, before she reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Perhaps. In terms of appearance, you really aren't bad. The idea of a Man-Love Cult targeting you is somewhat plausible."

"Right?"

"However..." Celicia rubbed her chin and said seriously, "In that case, you might need to be careful."

"Be careful?" Muen was puzzled. "Careful of what?"

Could there be men in the Academy lusting after my body?

"While I don't know much about 'gays,' 'tops,' or 'bottoms,' I remember Wei'er mentioning it to me once." Celicia said with a straight face, "In many stories like that, a person's orientation changes starting from being targeted and then being subjected to a fierce offensive. So, if you also start liking men, I think..."

Celicia paused. "Duke Campbell would be heartbroken."

"...I won't! My orientation has always been normal!" Muen froze for a moment, then broke down in mock tears. "Don't connect things from books to reality! And Celicia, maybe you should just fire Wei'er. Her weird way of thinking is starting to influence you!"

"Is it?"

"Very much so!"

"Heh..."

Just as Muen was feeling embarrassed and annoyed, he saw a rare curve form at the corner of Celicia's mouth. It was like snow melting into rippling spring water; even the brilliant midday sun seemed to pale before that faint smile.

"Feeling better?"

"Huh?"

"I saw you rolling around on the bed earlier. I thought you might be feeling frustrated from having no one to talk to these past few days, so..." Celicia tilted her head, choosing her words carefully as she whispered, "I played a joke on you?"

"A joke..." Muen was stunned.

Celicia... could tell jokes? And the purpose of the joke was to help him vent the boredom of being stuck in the infirmary?

How unexpected. But a wave of warmth washed through Muen's heart.

"Thank you, Celicia," Muen said, moved. "I feel much better now."

"That's good."

"But can we change the subject?" Muen couldn't help but give a pained smile. "That kind ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of joke is hard on the heart."

With Celicia's serious expression earlier, Muen had almost thought she'd discovered something. But thinking about it, Celicia wasn't being particularly serious; she just always had that icy demeanor.

However, precisely because she was frozen year-round, the warmth brought by even a slight melting of the ice was all the more moving. It made one want to explore—to see what kind of blazing sun was hidden deep within her heart once they crossed the endless wind and snow blocking the way.

"It seems I'm indeed not good at joking. But since you asked, let's change the subject."

She straightened her slender waist and crossed her fair, powerful legs in the other direction. The smile on her lips hadn't faded yet, making Muen look forward to what new topic this exceptionally gentle version of her would bring up.

"So—" Celicia pulled back her smile and asked seriously, "Why were you stark naked at the time?"

"..."

*

"It's getting late. I'll take my leave."

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Celicia stood up to go. If she didn't head back, Wei'er, who was still helping process documents, might actually start crying.

"Take... take care."

Muen didn't even have the strength to stand up and see her off. Even though they had only chatted for a while, he was so exhausted he slumped onto the bed, feeling like he had turned into a literal salted fish.

"Right, someone asked me to pass on a message."

"Hmm?" The salted fish struggled to turn its dead-fish eyes. "Who?"

"Student Ryan."

"Ryan?" Muen sat up with a start. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine. However, since he had close contact with evil believers, he needs to take a temporary leave of absence for a comprehensive physical and mental check-up, followed by a period of observation," Celicia said.

"That's good." Muen breathed a sigh of relief. For someone like Ryan who was almost corrupted, this was probably the best possible outcome. "So, what message did he want you to bring?"

"He said..." Celicia recalled for a moment, then repeated Ryan's words verbatim: "I saw everything, Muen. You were really cool."

"Is that what he said?" Celicia couldn't mimic Ryan's tone, but from those words alone, Muen could feel the genuine emotion radiating from that honest youth.

Muen felt truly happy for him. "That's great. When he returns to the Academy, maybe we can become real friends."

"..."

Having delivered the message, Celicia was about to leave, but seeing Muen's happy expression and remembering the "shyness" on that bear-like student's face when he asked her to relay the message...

She felt like...

"Muen Campbell."

"Yeah?"

"While I don't have the right to interfere with who you like or who likes you, however..." Celicia turned back and warned seriously, "Duke Campbell would really be heartbroken."

Muen: "???"

*

"Ha, so tired."

After Celicia left, Muen completely collapsed on the hospital bed. He felt hollowed out.

"But, I don't hate it."

Staring at the white ceiling, Muen couldn't help but smile. After all, he had seen a slightly different side of Celicia.

"I'll sleep for a bit." Muen closed his eyes, planning to rest up. Once he was discharged tomorrow, he probably wouldn't have such leisure time again.

"Oh my, it seems I've come at a bad time?"

Just as he closed his eyes, Muen heard a familiar voice. At the same time, a fragrant scent wafted toward him, sparking the imagination.

"Senior Anna?"

Opening his eyes, he indeed saw the familiar, sultry silhouette outlined by her form-fitting uniform.

"Did I wake you, Junior?"

"No, I just laid down." Muen was surprised. "But Senior... don't you usually have classes in the morning, or work at the library? Why are you here?"

"No classes today, and the library is temporarily closed." Anna walked into the room, carrying a bag of fruit. She smiled at Muen, her eyes curving into crescents, the beauty mark at the corner of her eye adding a touch of allure.

"It just so happens that today is the day your room is open for visitors, so I couldn't wait to see you. However..." Seeing the apples already placed by Muen's bed, Anna arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Even though I came as soon as I got the news, someone actually beat me to it. You're even more popular than I imagined, Junior."

"It was Celicia," Muen didn't hide it. "She just got the news early and came to visit in her capacity as President."

"I see..." Anna set down her fruit and asked with a smile, "Would you like an apple, Junior?"

"No thanks, I just ate—" Muen instinctively started to decline, but in that instant, he noticed Anna's gaze flicker toward the trash can.

Danger!

The word flashed through Muen's mind. He couldn't answer like that!

Muen realized his mistake and immediately changed his tune. "Yes! Of course I'll eat one. I love apples!"

"Giggle, I didn't know you liked apples so much, Junior." Anna sat in the chair that was still warm, smiling brightly. "But since it's your request, I'll naturally fulfill it."

And so, she began peeling an apple. She didn't have Celicia's extraordinary sword skills, but Anna was very meticulous. While the peel wasn't as perfect as Celicia's, it was so thin it was translucent. It was as if she refused to waste even a tiny bit of the fruit.

"Here, for you, Junior."

Instead of slicing it, Anna handed the whole apple to Muen.

"Eh? Aren't you having any, Senior?"

"I'm not hungry."

"But it's just fruit, it won't fill you up..."

"Muen, dear~" Anna gave him a playful look and pouted. "At a time like this, you shouldn't let a girl's hard work go to waste."

"..."

Looking at the apple in his hand—the largest and roundest one Anna had specifically picked out—Muen's lip twitched. He felt like there was more than just "hard work" contained within it.

Left with no choice, Muen had to eat the whole thing. Throughout the process, Anna rested her chin on her hand, quietly watching him.

Being watched like that made Muen feel a bit uneasy. He couldn't help but ask, "Senior, is there something on my face?"

"No."

"Then what are you looking at?"

"I'm looking at a pervert."

"Huh? What pervert?" Muen was stunned.

"Aren't you a pervert, Junior?" Anna covered her mouth and giggled. "Being stark naked in front of the whole school... even I have to admire the level of your perversion."

"I'm not! It's only because you, Senior..."

"Because of me?" Anna said with a half-smile. "That's a bit irresponsible of you ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠to say. While I did tell you to take off your clothes, that was because of the potion. I never told you to appear stark naked in front of the entire Academy."

"..."

He couldn't argue with that. So, Muen could only hang his head in defeat and silently munch on the apple. It seemed he wouldn't be shaking off the "pervert" label anytime soon.

"However... you were very cool."

"Hmm?"

Muen looked up in surprise, only to see Anna gazing at him. She said seriously, "Being able to leap onto that monster without hesitation... you were very cool, Junior."

"No... not really." Muen froze for a moment, then scratched his head bashfully. "To outsiders, I'm probably just a crazy pervert."

"That's not necessarily true." Anna suddenly pulled out a newspaper and placed it in front of Muen.

"This is..." Muen looked at it.

The man in the newspaper had brilliant blonde hair and firm muscles—the type who could easily charm young girls. If only the man were wearing clothes.

"The News Club?" Looking at the paper, Muen was instantly furious. "Are they at it again?"

"Giggle, you shouldn't be angry, Junior. They're actually reporting the facts this time. Even the Student Council can't find fault with it."

Anna pointed to the photo. The vital areas were all pixelated, especially the black hole between his legs, which was particularly conspicuous. Although one could still tell at a glance that the person in the picture was a certain famous blonde from the Academy, the photo itself wasn't indecent.

Furthermore, the headline wasn't as sharp or misleading as usual. It simply stated: "Naked Man Leaps from High-Rise at Midnight; the Secret Behind It Is Actually..."

If that's not misleading, I don't know what is! Muen ranted inwardly.

But as he continued reading, he froze. Compared to the News Club's usual exaggerated headlines, the content of the article was much more serious. In fact, more than half of it was a positive portrayal of Muen.

Although the text repeatedly emphasized that Muen was a suspected exhibitionist and might have an ambiguous relationship with the Man-Love Cult, the bulk of the article praised his courage for leaping down without hesitation when everyone else was shrinking back, facing the monster alone.

At the end of the article, a quote from a well-known Student Council secretary was included:

"Although I quite dislike Muen Campbell, I have to admit that this time, when he jumped from the building, he was really, really cool. However, based on my years of experience reading 'The Overbearing Evil God Falls for Me,' there will definitely be further developments after Muen Campbell's naked battle with that student Ryan. If there are, please ping me, thanks..."

"..."

Muen silently folded the newspaper, ignoring the last sentence that made his eyes sting. Then, he went back and read the report over and over again. Finally, he lingered on the words "courage" and "cool," staring blankly.

"Actually, after this incident, combined with the News Club's previous clarifications, your image in the eyes of the female students has improved quite a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠bit."

"But I'm still a pervert."

"That's different, Junior."

"Hmm?" Muen looked up in shock, only to find that his senior had dropped all her playfulness and was looking at him seriously. Under the sunlight, she seemed to be draped in a solemn halo.

"When someone is attracted by a dazzling spark in you, your other small flaws become insignificant. So at that time, compared to the trivial matter of you not wearing clothes, I think more people saw your decisiveness and coolness as you leaped toward danger without hesitation."

"...It feels like being a celebrity," Muen murmured instinctively.

"You are a celebrity," Anna suddenly smirked. "You've long been the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Academy's big star. So, about my previous suggestion of debuting, do you want to reconsider? Even if you can't be a girl idol, a boy idol is fine too. I've even thought of a name. It'll be called—"

"Don't even think about it! I'm not becoming an idol, not even if I die!"

"Giggle... your reaction is so funny, Junior." Anna laughed, and then, while Muen wasn't looking, she suddenly reached out and ruffled his blonde hair into a bird's nest.

"So—"

"Stop belittling yourself, Junior."

"You've worked very hard, and your hard work has paid off."

"You're already an excellent junior."

"Senior..." Muen sat dazed, not resisting. Looking at Anna, who seemed shrouded in a holy glimmer, his nose suddenly felt a bit stingy.

"Oh my, why are your eyes red? You're not going to cry, are you?"

"I just got some sand in my eye."

"It's okay to cry, you know. My embrace is very warm; I can lend it to you."

"I said it's just sand." Muen turned his head away, trying hard to hide his vulnerability.

Anna looked at his back and smiled, not teasing him further. She waited until Muen's mood settled before taking out something she had prepared.

"This is..." Seeing the Magic Basic Theory textbook Anna produced, Muen was once again stunned.

"I thought..." Anna tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and said softly, "With your personality, Junior, you must have been unable to sit still after being cooped up for so many days. So, I brought the textbook."

Anna tilted her head and asked, "Want to have a lesson, Junior?"

"...Yes!"

A sudden gust of wind rushed into the room, blowing the light-colored curtains open. Countless rays of sunlight flooded the room, diffusing into clusters of brilliant, blurred spots of light. It was like the shimmering sea at noon.

The world was a blur; only the girl opening the book was clear.

In this moment, Muen suddenly felt that learning a year and a month's worth of material in a single month didn't seem like an impossible task.

Because the person teaching him was Senior Anna.