Chapter 85: Choices
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 85: Choices
Celicia stepped into the classroom. The first thing she saw was Muen with his hands outstretched, as if trying to grab something, and Professor Fran cowering under the blackboard in front of him, muttering something about how "even though the Duchess is very tempting, a student-teacher romance is forbidden."
This scene...
Celicia’s shapely brows twitched slightly as she looked at Muen. "Did I come at a bad time?"
"..."
No, you came at the perfect time...
Muen desperately wanted to say that, but how could he? If he actually said those words, Celicia would probably chop him into fine mincemeat.
"Th-that..."
Muen forced a smile onto his stiff face and said to Celicia, "If I said this was a misunderstanding, would you believe me?"
"A misunderstanding?"
Celicia looked at the others in the classroom.
By now, the room was in utter chaos.
The male students were slack-jawed, looking shocked as if they had just witnessed a role model they needed to study and emulate.
As for the female students... they had already whipped out their Recording Stones to capture the scene with magic, chirping excitedly to each other. "Fourteen! The fourteenth ship has appeared!"
"I see. It certainly is easy for this to be a 'misunderstanding.'"
Celicia’s voice was slightly cold.
"To be misunderstood by the entire class at once—you really are something else, Muen Campbell."
"It sounds unbelievable, but the truth is exactly that!"
Muen explained with tears in his eyes, "This really is just a misunderstanding!"
Who knew Professor Fran had such a wild imagination? He just wanted her to teach him the curriculum from the beginning, but she thought he was trying to hit on her?
How did she even connect those two things?
"...Forget it, Muen Campbell."
Celicia lowered her gaze and said, "Whether it’s a misunderstanding or whether you’re truly incorrigible and confessing to everyone you see, it has nothing to do with me, does it?"
Celicia ignored Muen and walked up to the podium, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Basic Theory of Magic... Expected attendance: one hundred and three. Actual attendance: one hundred and three. Good, everyone is here."
"Let’s go, Wei'er. To the next classroom."
"Wait, Celicia, you’re not angry, are you? Let me explain!" Muen tried to salvage the situation.
"Why would I be angry?"
Celicia suddenly turned back. Her expression was cold and aloof, like a mountain of ice that hadn't melted in a thousand years—completely devoid of emotion.
"Who are you to me, Muen Campbell? Why would I be angry for your sake?"
"..." Muen opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Fiancé?
If he uttered those two syllables, it would likely only make Celicia despise him more.
After what had happened before, Celicia already hated him enough.
"Let’s go, Wei'er."
Celicia turned around.
She didn't look back.
However, just as she stepped out the door, the girl with the ox-horn buns behind her suddenly turned around and spat fiercely.
"Ptooey! Scumbag!"
"..."
Muen reached out weakly, wanting to call them back, but he couldn't even find a reason to do so.
Watching Celicia’s retreating back, his heart gave a sudden, painful throb.
For some reason, it felt quite miserable.
*
"Hmph, I told you! That Muen Campbell is a total scumbag. He already has a perfect fiancée like the President, yet he’s still out there fooling around."
Back in the Student Council Room, Wei'er was still indignantly waving her little fists.
In her eyes, Muen Campbell was an utterly irrational creature.
If anyone else had someone as perfect as Her Highness Celicia as a fiancée, they’d probably wake up laughing from their dreams every day.
Yet Muen Campbell was the only one who didn't know how to cherish the blessing of several lifetimes. He was stepping on thirteen different ships at once—even an octopus wasn't that aggressive!
Wasn't he afraid of splitting his pants one day?
"President?"
Wei'er tilted her head in confusion. Celicia was sitting behind her desk, but she was uncharacteristically dazed.
"Ah, sorry. I was thinking about something. Did you say something?"
Celicia snapped out of it and spoke apologetically.
"What were you thinking about, President?" Wei'er asked curiously.
"...I was replaying the scene from earlier."
"Eh? Earlier? What’s there to think about?" Wei'er pouted, puzzled. "It’s not like Muen Campbell could actually be innocent, right?"
"..."
Celicia remained silent.
Indeed, the probability of him being wrongly accused was low. No matter how you looked at it, that scene was a textbook case of a vile scumbag reaching his demonic claws toward the pure, innocent, and pitiful Professor Fran.
But...
If she filtered out the atmosphere of the moment and her own subjective emotions, Muen Campbell’s movements had been somewhat unnatural.
Was that posture really the kind one used for a confession?
And his expression at the time...
Slap.
Celicia suddenly slapped her own cheek. She used so much force that a clear, crimson handprint appeared on her fair skin.
It gave Wei'er quite a fright.
"Celicia Leopold, why are you still letting your emotions affect your reasoning? How unbecoming."
Celicia lowered her head. Her fine, silvery eyelashes fluttered like twinkling stars.
She would have to find Professor Fran later and ask her properly.
*
"Sigh, what a mess."
After class, Muen walked alone down the tree-lined path leading to the cafeteria.
He felt a bit mournful.
Not just because Celicia had misunderstood him, but because the very first class he had prepared for—his first step as the "new" Muen Campbell—had collapsed into a twisted wreck for no reason.
After Celicia left, the class had descended into even greater chaos. The girls were screaming, the boys were jeering, and the only teacher who could have restored order... was cowering on the podium, trembling.
That lasted until Professor Prang returned after finishing his business.
He had been furious.
He scolded everyone until they were red-faced and ordered every student to submit a ten-thousand-word self-reflection within three days, or their credits would be docked.
Except for Muen.
That’s right, except for Muen.
Although Professor Prang looked like he wouldn't be satisfied until Muen wrote a hundred-thousand-word reflection, once he understood the full context of the situation...
Muen was actually innocent.
He was the culprit, yes... but he hadn't actually done anything wrong.
He just wanted to seek knowledge. He just wanted the teacher to teach the textbook from the beginning. What was wrong with that?
This thirst for knowledge was actually the quality Professor Prang valued most.
Thus, the usually strict and old-fashioned Professor Prang couldn't find anything to nitpick. He could only let Muen go with an expression as sour as if he’d swallowed a fly.
As for Professor Fran, after Muen’s explanation, she realized it had all been her own misunderstanding.
However, her face only turned redder after that, and she seemed completely unable to look Muen in the eye.
"It seems learning this subject in class is impossible. I have to find another way."
Muen rubbed his face, bracing himself.
A little setback like this wasn't enough to make him retreat.
...
After having lunch at the cafeteria, Muen went straight to the academy library.
The librarian was a beautiful senior with a large bust and a beauty mark under her eye that gave her a seductive aura.
Muen caught a quick glimpse as he passed but didn't dare look too long.
Study! Study! Eliminate all distractions!
He arrived at the magic books section.
The library’s massive collection made Muen’s head spin, but he managed to find the books he wanted by following some very helpful little signs on the shelves.
"I wonder who wrote these."
Muen looked at the gentle handwriting on the small icons and couldn't help but smile.
"They must be a very kind person."
...
He brought the book to the reading area.
Detailed Explanation of the Basic Theory of Magic.
This was the book Muen had found.
Since it was a "detailed explanation," the content was naturally simpler and more thorough than the textbook, making it much more suitable for a complete novice like Muen.
"Since no teacher will teach me, I’ll teach myself!"
A determined light shone in Muen’s eyes.
Nothing could stop his pursuit of learning. No one!
...
"Ah, I can't do this."
Half an hour later, Muen gave up.
It wasn't that self-study didn't work, but he suddenly realized...
This method was way too slow.
By the time he spent half an hour finally figuring out who the Origin-Tier Grand Magister Mela Domir from a thousand years ago was and how earth-shattering her achievements were, he realized he had only finished the "prologue of the prologue."
And that was the part of the book that required the least understanding—just memorization.
It was like the biographical introduction of a mathematician in a calculus textbook.
But a mathematician’s biography wasn't important; it wouldn't even be on the exam.
What mattered were the formulas, theorems, and symbols he left behind.
And those formulas, theorems, and symbols were the things that would make a person go bald from stress.
It wasn't that Muen couldn't do it, but he feared that by the time he finished devouring this entire book on his own, he’d look up and...
Congratulations, student! Six years have passed in the blink of an eye, and you’ve successfully graduated! Here’s your degree, now get lost.
Professor Prang would definitely say that to him before ruthlessly kicking him out of the school.
Then what would be the point of learning magic?
"No, I still need to find a teacher."
But who should he ask?
Professor Fran wanted to crawl into a hole the moment she saw him. Professor Prang... Professor Prang’s blood pressure would probably skyrocket at the sight of him. Given his temper, if Muen went to him knowing absolutely nothing, either a life would be lost at the academy or the world of education would lose a pillar of the community.
As for the other magic teachers... he didn't know them.
Wait, hold on.
Why did the person teaching him have to be a teacher?
Muen suddenly had a breakthrough.
As long as they could teach him the subject, anyone would do, right?
For example...
Muen’s sharp gaze swept across the library, finally landing on a female student in a corner diagonally across from him.
She wore thick, black-rimmed glasses, her hair was in braids, and she was focused intently on the book in front of her.
At a glance, she was clearly a "good girl" type of student.
"Heh heh, students like this are usually easier to tempt." Unconsciously, Muen flashed the wicked smile of a yellow-haired villain.
*
"Excuse me, classmate."
Shali Friend was focused on her favorite book when she suddenly heard a gentle voice.
Is he talking to me?
She looked up blankly, her eyes meeting a pair of gentle, sapphire-like eyes.
Just as she was about to be drawn in by those eyes, her vision expanded, and Shali saw the person’s full face.
Her pupils dilated in shock!
Muen Campbell!
The Duke’s son who stepped on thirteen ships, the ultimate scumbag!
Why was he here?
Shali froze for a second, then immediately stood up.
No... no, I have to run, otherwise... otherwise...
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't go yet, don't go..."
Muen gave a helpless, bitter smile and blocked Shali’s path.
"Don't worry, classmate. I’m not here to play you, and I’m not trying to hit on you. I just have a favor to ask."
"A... a favor? What is it?" Shali clutched her book, cowering.
"Well, it’s..."
Muen thought for a moment, then carefully asked, "Classmate, are you short on money?"
"Short... short on money?"
Shali was slightly stunned, and her hand instinctively gripped the hem of her shirt.
Yes, she was very short on money.
After all, her family were just ordinary commoners. If it hadn't been for a chance encounter where her talent was discovered by a teacher at St. Maria, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to study here.
But St. Maria wasn't an ordinary academy. Even with that teacher’s sponsorship, her daily life was extremely frugal.
But even if I’m short on money, what does that have to do with you, a Duke’s son born with a silver spoon in your mouth?
Commoners have pride too.
Shali’s expression turned cold.
She pushed up her oversized black-rimmed glasses and said, "Whether... whether I’m short on money has nothing to do with Master Campbell. If you don't have anything else, I’m leaving. I have class soon."
"No, no, no, I didn't mean to offend you. What I meant was, would you like to earn some extra cash at the academy?" Muen quickly explained.
"Extra cash?"
Shali’s foot, which was about to step away, instantly stopped. She turned back to Muen, a clear look of suspicion in her eyes.
As a child from a poor family, who wouldn't want to earn some extra money to help out while studying?
But St. Maria was an academy, after all. Opportunities to make money were few and far between, and even when they existed, they were mostly controlled by upperclassmen. They weren't something a lowerclassman like her could get her hands on.
However, the rumors about Muen Campbell kept her on guard.
"Then... Master Muen, let’s hear it?"
"It’s actually not that difficult."
Seeing the girl was somewhat interested, Muen couldn't help but smile. "I just don't know if you have time after school, or after classes, to give me some private tutoring."
"Private tutoring?"
Shali’s eyes suddenly widened. "One-on-one? Alone?"
"Exactly, one-on-one."
Muen didn't know why the girl was emphasizing those points, but he nodded honestly.
"Then... the content of the lessons... what... what is it?" Shali asked, trembling.
"Well, naturally it’s about studying. Although I personally want to learn everything comprehensively, I still have to take your status as a top student into account. I wonder if you... eh? Classmate, are you okay?"
Muen suddenly noticed that the girl’s cheeks had turned bright red.
What was going on? Was the library too hot?
"Stu... studying... top student..."
At this moment, it was as if a primordial universe had exploded in the girl’s mind, and countless thoughts burst forth.
Studying?
The 'studying' Muen Campbell is talking about... is it the decent kind?
And it’s private tutoring, after-school lessons, one-on-one?
In an instant, many "accidental," "forced upon her by a friend," "not intentional," and "only took one peek" stories and picture books formed several phrases in the pure girl’s mind.
The Top Student’s After-School Lessons.
Secret Tutoring.
The Temptation of the Girl in Glasses.
Student Uniform...
As expected! That Muen Campbell has no good intentions!
"Um... if you’re worried about the compensation, money really isn't an issue."
Perhaps thinking his sincerity wasn't enough, Muen said with a serious face, "You can name any price, as long as you agree to teach me."
"..."
He even wants to use money to corrupt my soul!
"I’m not that kind of easy girl!" Shali screamed excitedly.
"Eh?"
Muen was stunned.
Easy?
What’s easy?
Is giving him a lesson 'easy'?
But before he could ask, Shali suddenly raised her foot and kicked Muen in the shin.
"Money isn't everything, you pervert!"
"Huh?"
Before Muen could react, sharp pain flooded his brain.
"Sss—it hurts!"
"Pervert! Scumbag! Die!"
After hurling a few more insults at Muen, Shali clutched her books and ran away as fast as she could.
Muen was left clutching his shin, curled on the floor like a shrimp. While his face was contorted in pain, his head was full of question marks.
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
Why was I called a scumbag again?
Did I do something to that girl? Why does she hate me so much?
Muen looked dazed, his eyes filled with a sense of existential crisis: I don't even have a girlfriend, so why am I called a scumbag every single day?
Just then, a fragrant breeze drifted by.
A figure blocked the light.
Muen instinctively looked up and froze.
A mature-looking girl stood before him.
Her hair was loosely tied with a hair tie, draped diagonally over her impressive chest. Her eyes were as clear as crystals submerged in water, the corners slightly upturned. A beauty mark was perfectly placed under her right eye, so when her eyes crinkled slightly, they exuded an indescribable charm.
Her figure was also excellent, with a waist as slender as a snake. In particular, the curve of her hips hidden under her fitted uniform was enough to spark endless imagination.
On the chest of her uniform, a silver nameplate displayed her name.
Anna Kabulin.
"Senior Anna..."
Looking at the figure before him, Muen couldn't help but swallow.
Even though he had only caught a casual glimpse earlier, he couldn't forget such an eye-catching beauty.
It was the librarian!
"Student, loud noises are forbidden in the library."
The girl gazed at Muen. A gentle, warm smile like that of a big sister next door played on her lips.
But in that instant, Muen felt a chill.
*
"Oh my, oh my. So that’s how it is."
After listening to Muen’s story, the gentle librarian rested her cheek on her hand and chuckled.
"It seems I misunderstood you, Junior. Just now, I thought you were sexually harassing that little girl. I was debating whether to call a teacher or give you a 'righteous' sneak attack first."
"I was not!"
Muen rubbed his shin, grimacing in pain. "I’m clearly the victim here, okay?"
It had happened several times now. Even though he hadn't done anything wrong, he always seemed to get hit by the iron fist of fate for no reason.
This was all wrong. Weren't the yellow-haired villains in stories supposed to be the ones preying on innocent girls? Why was he always the one being preyed upon by innocent girls?
Fortunately, after getting hit so many times, he had become quite durable.
It was just a kick from a girl. He could handle it if he gritted his teeth.
"Eh? Senior Anna?"
As Muen was thinking this, he saw Anna suddenly crouch down. Her slender, soft fingers gently touched his shin, tenderly kneading the muscle.
The exquisite sensation made Muen’s heart flutter. His cheeks turned slightly red, and he instinctively tried to pull away.
"Don't move."
Anna spoke softly.
Her gentle words seemed to carry a powerful magic.
Muen immediately controlled his trembling leg and let Anna massage it.
"Good boy."
Anna smiled.
At the same time, a soft light glowed from her palm. A warm sensation flowed from the point of contact with her soft hand deep into his muscles and even his bones.
Within a few breaths, the pain in Muen’s shin completely vanished, replaced by a lightness he had never felt before.
"This is..."
"Just a simple healing spell."
"Thank you, Senior. But it really wasn't necessary..."
"You should take better care of your own body."
Anna interrupted Muen with a serious, mock-scolding expression.
But immediately, her lips curled into a mischievous grin.
"Otherwise, if you ruin your body, you won't be able to be a scumbag."
"..."
The smile that had just begun to form on Muen’s face froze. He rubbed his nose and gave a sheepish laugh.
"So, Senior also recognized who I am."
"Junior Muen is quite the celebrity."
"I thought I was only famous among the second-years."
Muen scratched his head. Then, as if remembering something, he looked at Anna in confusion. "But since you know who I am, why do you dare get close to me? Don't girls who hear my name usually run far away, like that girl just now?"
"Of course they run. In their eyes, you’re an out-and-out scumbag. They’re afraid of having their bodies—or even their hearts—stolen by a scumbag like you. Naturally, the further away, the better."
"But—"
Anna sat on the chair next to Muen and suddenly leaned in close. Her warm breath brushed against his face.
She leaned toward Muen’s ear and whispered in a seductive voice, "Do you think someone like you... could ever play me?"
"Sss—"
Muen couldn't help but lean back, sucking in a breath.
This Senior Anna was on a whole different level!
"Pfft."
Seeing Muen’s flustered attempt to dodge, Anna covered her mouth and laughed. Her eyes crinkled, making the beauty mark even more alluring.
"How strange. You’re supposed to be a legendary scumbag, but why do I feel like you’re actually quite pure? Your reaction isn't like a scumbag’s at all."
"Because I’m not a scumbag!"
Muen shouted indignantly, "Those are all rumors! I’ve never even had a girlfriend!"
"Is that so? What a pity."
"Pity?"
"Actually, I really wanted to taste what a top-tier scumbag—the kind that makes half the girls in the academy tremble—is really like."
Anna licked her lips, her eyes shimmering.
"...I won't lie to you, Senior."
Muen suddenly puffed out his chest, unbuttoned the top button of his uniform, and brushed back his bangs. He gave a wicked smile. "Actually, beneath this handsome face hides the heart of a beast. Becoming a top-tier scumbag is no problem at all, so Senior, you..."
"In your dreams."
Anna rolled her eyes at Muen. "I was teasing. I’ve never had a boyfriend either~"
"You! You wicked woman!"
Muen wore a heartbroken expression as if he’d been deceived. "How can your conscience handle playing with my pure, innocent heart like this?"
"I am a wicked woman, after all."
Anna rested her cheek on her hand and laughed. "Wicked women don't have hearts."
"..."
It’s over.
This woman’s level was too high; he couldn't win.
Muen was about to retreat and wait for another chance to battle for three hundred rounds when his peripheral vision caught the small icons on the bookshelf that had helped him find his book.
He suddenly asked, "Those little icons..."
"Hmm?"
"Did you put those up, Senior?"
"Yes."
Anna glanced over and said nonchalantly, "Just some little things I made when I was bored."
"You’re really kind, Senior," Muen remarked.
"Hmm?"
Anna looked at Muen with surprise. "You say I’m kind?"
"Yeah."
Muen blinked. "You healed a guy with a bad reputation like me, you put those icons on the shelves to help students find books, and... you’ve been maintaining a sound-isolation spell this whole time, haven't you? Just so we don't disturb the others in the library.
If that’s not 'kind,' what is?"
"Kind... am I?"
Anna chuckled. "Very few people say that."
"Oh? Then how do most people describe you?" Muen asked, intrigued.
"They say..."
Anna spoke slowly, the words on the tip of her tongue, but at the crucial moment, she changed her tune. She flicked Muen’s forehead and said with a laugh, "Trying to bait me into talking about myself? You’re a bad junior."
"Tch."
Muen clicked his tongue in disappointment. "So close."
"However..." Anna suddenly tilted her head and said, "Since you called me kind, I suppose I can tell you."
"Hah, do you think I’ll fall for that? I’m telling you, a Saint Seiya..."
Muen froze.
Anna had suddenly leaned in very close to him.
So close he could feel her breath.
So close that he could peer through her clear eyes and catch a glimpse of a very, very deep corner of darkness.
"Snake."
"They say I’m a snake," Anna whispered, her crimson lips moving.
"Oh, oh."
Muen nodded blankly, but by the time he snapped out of it, Anna had already returned to a normal distance.
It was as if she had never leaned in.
"A snake, huh."
Muen nodded. "That’s pretty good."
"Good?"
For the first time, Anna looked genuinely astonished. "'Snake' isn't exactly a compliment for a woman."
"Is that so?"
Muen crossed his arms and nodded solemnly. "But I think it’s good. After all... snakes eat rats, and I’m terrified of rats."
"..."
Anna stared intently at Muen until his serious expression almost cracked. Then, she suddenly burst into laughter.
"Junior Muen, you really are an interesting person."
"Is that so? I’m glad I could make you laugh."
Muen rubbed his hands excitedly. "There’s something I wanted to ask you, Senior. Actually..."
"You want me to tutor you, right?" Anna said, as if she had expected it.
"Eh?"
Muen was stunned, then scratched his head awkwardly. "You knew?"
" I’m not deaf. I heard what you said to that girl earlier, and..."
Anna stared at Muen with a teasing smile. "When a man proactively talks to a strange woman for this long, if he isn't thinking with his lower half, he definitely has another motive, right?"
"Nonsense."
Muen put on a stern face and slapped the table. "Maybe I was just captivated by your charm, Senior?"
"...Muen Campbell."
"Yes?"
"Maybe you really do have the potential to be a scumbag," Anna said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
*
"So, what’s your answer, Senior?"
Muen asked expectantly, looking as nervous as a primary school student about to answer a question.
"Well..."
Anna tapped her lip with her finger, thinking. "I could, but... I can't exactly tutor you for free."
"I have money!"
Muen declared, "One million!"
Anna was stunned, then looked at Muen with a strange expression. "Junior Muen, do you know that even the best private tutors in Belland don't cost a million?"
"Knowledge is priceless," Muen said.
"Hehe... I can't believe you can say something so naive."
Anna laughed, resting her cheek on her hand as she studied Muen.
Once her gaze had made Muen feel a bit numb, she stood up and said, "Forget the money. Since you call me Senior, taking your money feels weird."
"Then the compensation I need to pay..."
"Just owe me for now."
"Owe you?"
"That’s right. Owe me."
Anna put her hands behind her back and suddenly leaned down to look Muen in the eye.
The charm in the corners of her eyes was intoxicating.
"So, when the day comes that I want something, you can't refuse me, Junior."
Her tone was seductive, like a devil’s contract.
But as if possessed, Muen nodded.
"Okay, Senior."
*
"Alright, we’re here."
After her shift as a librarian ended, Anna led Muen to a corner at the very edge of the club building.
Muen looked up at the nameplate above the door.
"Ancient... Potions Society? Does our academy have a club like this?"
"We do, but it’s normal that you haven't heard of it."
Anna pushed open the classroom door.
In that instant, a strong wind blew against them. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows directly opposite, momentarily blinding Muen.
As his vision cleared, for a fleeting second, Muen thought he saw the mischievous Anna tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her expression turning somewhat desolate.
"After all—I’m the only member of this club."
"The only one?"
Muen was shocked. "Is a one-person club even allowed to exist?"
"Naturally not. But the grace period for a club’s dissolution is one year. In other words, if I don't find a new member within this year, the club will be disbanded."
"I see..."
A one-person club... it felt so lonely.
"So..."
Anna turned back and smiled. "Junior, do you want to join our Ancient Potions Society?"
"Me?"
Muen was stunned, but then his expression turned serious. "Is this the compensation you want me to pay?"
"No, this is a choice."
Anna’s expression was uncharacteristically solemn as she looked into Muen’s eyes. "Even if the Ancient Potions Society is on the brink of dissolution, I won't force anyone to join. So, Muen Campbell, experience it for yourself, and then make a decision.
Whether or not to join our Ancient Potions Society."
*
"The Ancient Potions Society, huh?"
Walking back to his dormitory along the small path, Muen sighed with his hands behind his head.
"I have no idea what they even do."
Due to time constraints, Anna had only shown him the location. As for what the club activities actually entailed... Muen hadn't experienced them yet.
Based on the name and the precision instruments in the classroom, he could guess it was a club for brewing ancient potions.
It seemed decent enough.
"But the club isn't important for now."
What mattered was...
"I finally found a teacher who can teach me the Basic Theory of Magic!"
If there hadn't been other people on the path, Muen would have cheered and jumped for joy.
Finally!
Finally!
After all that hard work, he had finally cleared the biggest obstacle on his path to becoming a good student!
From his conversation with Anna afterward, he learned that even among the fifth-years, she was a top-tier student. With her teaching him, how could his grades not improve?
The only thing to worry about was that Anna was so beautiful that she might be a distraction.
"But for me, Muen Campbell, that’s a small matter."
Muen couldn't help but smile confidently. "How could a man who truly loves learning be distracted by mere beauty?"
Just watch me stay perfectly composed.
"Heh heh~"
Thinking this, Muen hummed a tune as he walked toward his dorm.
...
I’m so happy today.
Nothing can stop this joyful heart of mine.
...
"Will student Muen Campbell please report to the Student Council."
"Repeating: will student Muen Campbell please report to the Student Council."
"Huh?"
Hearing the voice over the magic broadcast, Muen froze.
His happiness vanished with a pop.
"Calling me to the Student Council at a time like this... I have a feeling this isn't going to be anything good."
Thinking back on the events of the day, a sudden, sinking feeling took hold of Muen’s heart.
*
"I’ll get straight to the point."
Inside the Student Council Room, Celicia sat behind her desk, chin resting on her interlaced fingers. She looked at Muen, who was practically trembling in his seat, and asked in a low voice, "Muen Campbell, do you have any leads regarding the sexual harassment incident reported a short while ago?"
"None! Absolutely none!"
Muen’s denial was categorical. "I spent the entire afternoon buried in my studies. I had no idea such a heinous thing had even occurred."
"Really?"
"Of course it’s true!"
Muen nodded vigorously, his expression shifting to one of righteous indignation. "To think someone would commit such an act against a young girl in broad daylight, right under everyone's noses! If I ever caught the culprit, I’d personally show them the meaning of the iron fist of justice!"
"Is that so?"
Celicia’s tone suddenly took on a meaningful edge. "It’s heartening to hear you feel that way, Muen Campbell."
"Haha, it’s only right..."
"However..." Celicia stared at Muen, her expression turning cold. "When did I ever say the victim was a 'young girl'?"
"...Wait, they weren't?" Muen’s expression froze.
"Of course not."
Celicia tossed a file onto the desk in front of him. Muen leaned over to look; the document detailed a recent string of underwear thefts occurring in the boys' dormitory.
Males? Stolen underwear?
Why did those two concepts feel so jarringly wrong when put together?
"I thought that since you live in the boys' dorm, you might know something, which is why I called you here. But now it seems..." Celicia narrowed her eyes, her gaze sweeping over Muen appraisingly. "Muen Campbell, it appears you’ve been up to some other brand of mischief."
"...No, certainly not." Muen shook his head violently, forcing a smile. "How could I do anything bad? I’m a model student now."
"A model student?" Celicia arched an eyebrow. "That’s a strange word to hear associated with you."
"Not strange at all, not at all, haha..."
Muen laughed nervously in agreement, only to see Celicia suddenly stand up and walk toward him.
His entire body tensed up.
What’s happening? Did she see through my lie? Is she finally going to make her move and tear me limb from limb? Help! She’s going to murder her own fiancé...
"What would you like to drink?"
"Eh?"
"Don't 'eh' me." Celicia walked past him, giving him a chilly side-eye. "I asked what you want to drink. For the record, I don't have any black tea here."
"...That’s fine. I don't drink black tea anyway." Muen gave an awkward laugh. "Coffee. Coffee is fine."
"Very well."
Celicia nodded slightly and walked to the side, deftly preparing the coffee. Before long, two steaming cups were placed before Muen.
Muen took one, the rich aroma hitting his nose immediately.
"It smells wonderful," Muen said, surprised. "I didn't realize you knew how to brew coffee."
"It’s just pouring boiling water over ground beans. Anyone can do it."
As Celicia spoke, she began stirring her coffee, dropping in so many sugar cubes that Muen’s eyelids started to twitch.
"What? Do you want sugar too?" Celicia asked.
"No, no, no." Muen shook his head emphatically. "I’ll take mine black."
"I see."
Celicia continued to add sugar. By the time she finished, Muen felt the liquid she was stirring must have reached the consistency of syrup. Only then did she lift the cup and take a small sip.
"Haa..."
In that moment, for the first time, Muen saw a flash of genuine pleasure in the lines of Celicia’s eyes.
So you like your coffee that sweet? The original novel never mentioned that.
As Muen thought this, he quietly raised his own cup. But just as he leaned down to drink, he heard Celicia speak.
"I’m sorry."
"Hmm?" Muen looked up in shock. "What did you say?"
"I said, I’m sorry."
Even though she was offering an apology to someone she had once despised, Celicia’s expression remained composed, showing no hint of embarrassment. She looked Muen directly in the eye, her gaze incredibly serious.
"I am sorry for not listening to your explanation this morning."
"..."
Muen was stunned. He never expected Celicia to apologize for that.
"It’s... it’s fine. I didn't take it to heart."
"Whether you took it to heart is irrelevant. I was in the wrong, so I must apologize." Celicia sat back down in her chair. "Earlier, I went back to speak with Teacher Fran and Professor Prang. I learned the truth from them. You were indeed not at fault for what happened today. On the contrary, you were a victim. The only reason it escalated was because of the prejudice that constantly surrounds you."
"Yeah," Muen said with a bitter smile.
He didn't know when he would ever be able to shed the "scumbag" label. At the very least, he wished young girls wouldn't run away the moment they saw him.
"So, regarding that, I have a proposal."
"Oh? What kind of proposal?"
"It’s simple." Celicia set down her coffee and looked at Muen intently. "Muen Campbell, would you like to join the Student Council?"
Muen was taken aback. "Is that an order?"
"No," Celicia replied. "It’s a choice."