Chapter 185: Before Nightfall
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 185: Before Nightfall
"According to what I’ve gathered from the fifth and sixth-year seniors, Anna Kabulin was actually quite popular for a while at the very beginning."
Muen sat quietly at the edge of a roadside bench, listening to the intelligence Senior Fanny had gathered for him.
"After all, she’s beautiful and frequently helped people for nothing in return. Back then, plenty of people had feelings for her, and more than a few young lords from noble families pursued her."
"Then... why is her reputation so poor now?" Muen asked. "I remember you saying that the upperclassmen don't have a very high opinion of her."
"Probably... because she rejected everyone," Fanny replied.
She continued, "Though I haven't had much personal contact with Anna Kabulin, based on the information I’ve collected, she’s a very elusive person."
"I agree with that much," Muen nodded slightly.
"She’s very interested in other people's romances and often goes to great lengths to play matchmaker. But when it comes to confessions directed at her, she avoids them like the plague. She even uses strange excuses like 'not believing in love' to turn people down. Over time, those suitors felt they were being toyed with. Their embarrassment turned into rage, and they started spreading rumors—saying that while she looks beautiful, her heart is as venomous as a viper, and that she enjoys playing with people's emotions."
"But those are just rumors."
"Exactly. Just rumors."
At this point, Fanny suddenly stood up and apologized to Muen.
"I’m very sorry. I spoke ill of Anna before based on nothing but hearsay. It’s just as you said—one shouldn't believe such things until they’ve seen the truth with their own eyes."
"Don't worry about it. You didn't say much anyway," Muen smiled, waving it off. "Besides, if you’re going to apologize, shouldn't it be to Senior Anna?"
"True enough."
Fanny nodded, her gaze sweeping over Muen’s face with a hint of suspicion. "Muen..."
"Yes?"
"Why do I get the feeling... that you’re happy to hear this?"
"Happy? Well... a little, I suppose. Knowing certain important details has made me more certain about what I need to do next. What did you think I’d do after hearing this, Senior?"
"I thought you’d be angry."
Fanny blinked. "I expected you to go rushing off to beat up the people who badmouthed her."
"Well, I did have that thought at first, but now isn't the time. I have more important things to do." Muen shook his head dismissively. "Why should I care about a few sore losers who probably haven't even seen her smile?"
"You really are the academy's famous playboy. That composure of yours is something else."
"Haha, please don't tease me, Senior."
Muen rose from the bench and smiled as he bid her farewell.
"Let’s end our chat here. Thank you for the help. If you ever need anything, just let me know. I won't be so formal as to offer money as a reward."
"Alright. Goodbye, then."
"Goodbye."
*
Behind the heavy layers of clouds, a stubborn ray of the setting sun spilled out, casting a soft glow over the shadows of the distant city, much like the blushing cheeks of a young girl.
"Is it evening already?"
Muen walked forward along a familiar path.
On the wide road, students who had finished their classes were swarming toward the cafeteria and dormitories. The lively, energetic bustle colored every corner of the campus.
Muen, however, moved against the flow of the crowd, heading toward the school gates.
Along the way, people occasionally cast curious glances at him, but they seemed to sense a certain mood about him and refrained from interrupting his thoughts.
Until...
"Mu... Muen?"
A familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Shali?"
Muen turned around in surprise to see the girl with the braided hair and the prominent, oversized black-rimmed glasses.
She was struggling to drag a massive suitcase, looking as though she were about to go on a long journey. She looked quite out of place among the other students.
"Muen, what are you doing here?"
A look of deer-like surprise and joy flashed in Shali's eyes. She rushed over and grabbed his hand. "Are you here to see me off?"
"See you off..."
Muen frowned slightly, looking down at her luggage. "Sorry, I was just out for a stroll. But Shali, where are you going with such a large suitcase?"
"Oh... just a stroll?"
The light in Shali's eyes dimmed, her disappointment visible. "I... I suppose so. I haven't told anyone yet, so how could you have known?"
"Told anyone what?"
"Actually..."
Shali scratched her cheek, lowering her head as she spoke softly. "I’m dropping out."
"Dropping out?"
Muen was stunned. He subtly withdrew his hand from hers, his gaze sweeping deeply over the girl. "At a time like this?"
"Yes. Something happened at home, and I have to go back to help my father."
"That’s very sudden."
"The world is full of unexpected changes, isn't it?" Shali looked somewhat sorrowful.
"Did you file the application with the school?"
"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be leaving through the main gate."
"I see."
Muen nodded, then asked seriously, "Did they ask you anything?"
"Eh? How did you know?"
Shali let out a small cry of surprise, then pouted with dissatisfaction. "I don't know why, but I just went to handle the withdrawal procedures, and a bunch of scary people showed up to grill me. They even brought out some magic device that’s supposed to detect lies. It scared me to death."
As she spoke, Shali patted her chest in lingering fear. Even through her loose uniform, one could catch a glimpse of her impressively ample curves.
"And? Did they find out anything?"
"Hmm? Muen, do you really think I’d do something bad?"
"Of course not."
Muen smiled warmly. "I was just worried about you."
"Oh, I see."
Shali swayed her hips, her cheeks flushing. "Of course they didn't find anything! In all my years, I’ve never even killed a bug, let alone done something bad!"
"You’re amazing, Shali."
"Hehe... I’m so happy to be praised by you..."
"Then..."
Muen’s gaze swept over Shali once more, as if confirming something, or perhaps searching for something.
But this plainly dressed, ordinary-looking girl really didn't seem to have anything special about her. She was a far cry from the person in his memories.
And yet...
"Then please give my regards to your father. The food last time was truly delicious." After a moment's thought, Muen decided against probing any further.
"Th-thank you. I’ll pass that along."
"It’s getting late, so I won't keep you any longer. Goodbye, Shali. Get home safely."
"Yes. Goodbye, Muen."
After saying their farewells, Shali dragged her suitcase away, turning back reluctantly as she walked.
But she seemed unable to suppress a certain emotion in her heart. She suddenly turned back, staring into Muen’s eyes, and asked nervously:
"Muen, will we see each other again?"
"See each other?"
Muen looked into those eyes behind the black-rimmed glasses—eyes that showed not a hint of falsehood, only sincerity—and suddenly smiled.
His smile was soft and warm.
Just like that fading ray of sunset about to sink into the cold night.
"Of course. I think we’ll be seeing each other again very soon, Shali."