Chapter 113: Academy Heroine's Right Diagonal Back Seat

Chapter 113

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Ugh, having to hold back my curiosity is real torture!

Hey, are you listening? I’m going crazy over here!

I’m dying to see that red-haired woman that Lethargy mentioned. What if I overturned the city? Would I find her then?

What about you? Aren’t you curious?

What? You’re saying I’m driving you crazy, so I should shut up?

But I’ve only been going on about it for a few days.

How long will I keep going on about it? Hmm, probably until my curiosity is satisfied?

Huh? Go see for myself?

I’d love to!

But since I don’t know who she is, I’m holding myself back here.

Huh? You think you know who she is?

Ah, from when you were playing with dolls? Really? She’s a student at the Academy?

Eh, but even if I know who she is, I can’t get in there.

The magic in there makes it impossible to move, and it’s a hassle to force my way in from the outside.

Oh? You’re going to help me? Yeah, yeah, if you help me, I’ll gladly shut up.

Oh, a contract? Don’t worry about that.

I made a contract that I wouldn’t touch her anyway.

See? As long as I don’t use my “hands,” it’s fine, right?

---

“If you’ve ever read history books, you might have wondered how heroes of the past managed to go on expeditions to exterminate witches with all that magic pollution outside. Today, the concentration of magic is so thick you can barely walk around, but back then, it wasn’t like that. In the past, sacred relics that had the power to purify malicious energies were scattered all over the world, suppressing the spread of magic pollution.”

The history teacher’s low voice echoed quietly.

Listening to it made you sleepy, and back when I was in regular school, we used to call teachers like that “sleeping pills.”

Of course, the kids attending the Academy weren’t the type to doze off just because of a voice, but today, everyone seemed especially unable to focus on the lesson.

Since this morning, when Teacher Eve told us who was coming as part of today’s special class, everyone’s been like that.

“The World Tree worshiped by the elves. The undying forge of the dwarves’ underground kingdom. The sky jewel, the power source of the floating island, or the ocean’s teardrop, a treasure of the mermaids. All these sacred relics, possessing purification powers, were destroyed by the witches who saw them as threats. After these relics were destroyed, the Witch of Gluttony appeared, causing even greater damage. There were attempts to restore these relics by embarking on expeditions in the past... but it seems none of you are interested in the lesson.”

The history teacher pointed out, and the kids, feeling sheepish, chuckled awkwardly.

Seeing them like that, the history teacher chuckled and closed the textbook.

“Alright, fine. It seems we’re not in the mood for a lesson today, so we’ll end class here. I’ll let you go a bit early, but make sure to attend the special class this afternoon and don’t cause too much trouble.”

After the history teacher left the classroom, it wasn’t long before someone sitting by the window shouted, pointing outside.

“Hey, hey, they’re here!”

At that, the kids jumped up from their seats and crowded by the window.

Seeing them huddled together by the window made me laugh.

They looked like high school boys who had spotted a girl on campus.

For the kids, the person coming today was someone worth getting excited about.

Amid the kids’ chatter, the classroom door opened with a rattle.

The room went silent as everyone’s attention focused on the person who entered.

I, too, looked at the person who had walked in.

A familiar face, yet unfamiliar attire.

“Uh... hey, everyone, it’s been a while.”

The person who had been distracting the kids.

Yoon Si-woo, no longer in a school uniform, stood there with an awkward smile.

---

It turns out that Yoon Si-woo had come to assist with the special class being conducted by Martina Ivanova, the 4th Squad Captain of Astrape, in the afternoon.

So, it seemed he was planning to catch up with the kids and have lunch together at the cafeteria, but it didn’t go quite as he expected.

“Hahaha, I knew you were strong, but I didn’t know you graduated early and joined Astrape at such a young age. I saw your knighting ceremony on TV. It was really cool.”

“You’re working with Martina, right? Damn, I’m jealous. How does she look in person? She’s even prettier than she looks on screen, right?”

“Um... hey, guys? One at a time, please...”

Yoon Si-woo was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions from the kids who had gathered around him.

Since the kid they used to attend class with suddenly became a celebrity and came back, it was only natural they wouldn’t leave him alone.

Moreover, they all seemed to be on friendly terms with him, so they had no reservations about bombarding him with questions. Until the class started, he would have to endure this.

Poor guy, I thought as I watched Yoon Si-woo, when Sylvia, who was sitting next to me, asked,

“So, Scarlet, do you have anything to say to Yoon Si-woo? It’s been a while.”

“I’m good. He looks busy.”

Unlike the kids who were meeting him after a long time, I had talked to him at the orphanage recently, so I thought it wasn’t necessary to take away his time with the others, so I answered.

But Sylvia seemed disappointed by my answer, as if it wasn’t quite what she wanted.

What is it? What’s with that face?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Marin, who was sitting next to Sylvia, leaned in and whispered something to her with a sly grin.

Sylvia’s eyes widened as she glanced at Yoon Si-woo and then at me, before she and Marin started whispering to each other again.

They exchanged knowing smiles as if sharing a juicy secret.

What happened last time to make them so close?

While it was nice to see them getting along, watching them share stories by themselves left me feeling a bit left out...

But I didn’t have the courage to ask them to include me in their fun conversation.

So I just watched them blankly when suddenly Sylvia stood up and said to me,

“Scarlet, just wait here for a moment.”

“...Huh? For what?”

I asked in surprise, but Sylvia just gave a slight smile and, along with Marin, headed towards Yoon Si-woo, who was surrounded by kids.

Wondering what was going on, I watched as Sylvia approached Yoon Si-woo and cheerfully addressed the kids around him.

“Excuse me, I hope I’m not interrupting, but could we borrow Yoon Si-woo for a moment?”

The kids nodded blankly.

Is that the power of the city’s top-ranked beauty?

Her smile was like an emperor’s aura, shutting the kids up in one go.

As I trembled at that incredible ability, Yoon Si-woo, confused by the sudden silence, asked the two,

“Um, is there something you need from me?”

When Yoon Si-woo asked, Marin whispered something to him with a bright smile and pointed in this direction.

His gaze followed her finger toward me.

He flinched and then hurriedly buried his head in his plate, scarfing down the remaining food.

It was like he was being threatened to finish his meal immediately, or else.

As I watched him with a puzzled expression, I saw the two of them flank Yoon Si-woo and rise as if escorting him.

Watching Sylvia and Marin with Yoon Si-woo in tow reminded me of something I had forgotten.

Ah, could this be... the start of a catfight?!

Thinking it was too good of a spectacle to miss, I quickly finished my meal, only to suddenly sense a strange presence behind me.

Turning around, I saw Sylvia and Marin, with Yoon Si-woo in tow, looking down at me with smiling faces.

...Huh?

Before I knew it, they each grabbed one of my arms and dragged me outside.

No! I still have one piece of meat left!

---

...After being kidnapped during lunch,

“Hehe, you must have dessert after a meal.”

“Haha, Sylvia knows what’s good.”

For some reason, I found myself eating dessert with Sylvia, Marin, and Yoon Si-woo in the school’s backyard.

If they wanted to eat dessert with me, they could’ve just asked...

The complaint lingered on the tip of my tongue, but when Sylvia scooped up a piece of special tiramisu from the snack shop and put it in my mouth, my grievance melted away along with the dessert.

Damn, it’s delicious... It’s worth four golds per piece...

I felt a little uncomfortable having them buy me dessert, but I decided to just eat it quietly, thinking of it as a fair trade for the piece of meat I couldn't finish.

But really, was this atmosphere right?

There are two heroines here with Yoon Si-woo, and yet it’s way too peaceful. What happened to the catfight?

Hey, even if I don’t say anything, shouldn’t you at least say something?

I glanced at Yoon Si-woo, but this guy was so engrossed in the taste of the dessert that he wasn’t even lifting his head, savoring every bite of the tiramisu.

So, dessert is better than the beauties, huh?

It’s like he’s saying he can date a beautiful girl whenever he wants...

As I was glaring at Yoon Si-woo, who seemed so typically smug, Sylvia’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Hmmm, just eating dessert is making me thirsty. I’m thinking of going to the shop for some drinks. Is there anything you’d like?”

“Oh! Since you got the dessert, I’ll get the drinks! Just let me know what you want!” I exclaimed, startled by Sylvia's suggestion.

Goodness, having them buy both dessert and drinks was something I just couldn’t allow.

Besides, Sylvia was covering my living expenses, so my bank account was looking pretty healthy.

Even if it’s the most expensive drink I’ve ever had, some fancy caramel frappuccino with drizzles and chips that costs ten thousand won, I could afford it now!

With the confidence that comes with having money in the bank, I was about to stand up, but to my surprise, I couldn’t.

Someone beside me quietly pressed my shoulder down, preventing me from rising.

Wondering what was going on, I turned to see Marin smiling at me.

“Scarlet, you just stay seated. Sylvia and I will go get the drinks. Besides, we have some things to talk about, just the two of us.”

Marin said this to me in a gentle voice.

But how could I let that happen?

Not living in debt was my life motto.

“There’s no need for two people to get drinks. I’ll go by myself—”

I said this while trying to brush Marin’s hand off my shoulder.

But her hand didn’t budge. Instead, she pressed down harder.

Yet Marin’s expression didn’t change; she kept smiling as she spoke.

“It’s alright, Scarlet. Just sit.”

“But—”

“Just. Sit. Down.”

“Yes...”

Scary...

I trembled, realizing I had no choice but to obey Marin.

Forget my life motto; her demeanor made it clear I wouldn’t be left alone if I stood up...

So, the best I could do for my conscience was to tell them I’d be fine with just water when they asked what I wanted to drink.

After all, I only ever drink water or instant coffee, so I wouldn’t know what expensive drinks taste like anyway!

Compared to Yoon Si-woo, who shamelessly asked for anything while freeloading, I was like an angel.

Anyway, once they headed to the shop, I naturally found myself alone with Yoon Si-woo.

Since I couldn’t think of anything to say, I quietly continued eating my tiramisu until I noticed the empty package.

I tossed the spoon and, feeling a bit reluctant to waste anything, licked the crumbs at the bottom of the package. That’s when I heard Yoon Si-woo’s voice.

“...If you’re still hungry, do you want mine? I’m not really into sweet things.”

Yoon Si-woo offered me his half-eaten tiramisu.

He must not like sweet things since there was quite a bit left.

I thought he loved it because he was savoring it earlier, but I guess not.

Anyway, since he doesn’t like sweets, I decided to save it from being wasted by offering my thanks and took the tiramisu he handed me, taking a big bite.

“Ah, that’s the one I was eating...”

What? Even if you regret it now and ask for it back, I’m not giving it to you.

With that thought, I glared at him with the spoon in my mouth, but he just hung his head in resignation.

While enjoying the tiramisu for a while, Yoon Si-woo awkwardly broke the silence.

“...So, have you been doing well?”

“Hmm? Well, yeah. I’ve been doing fine. Before the normal classes started, I spent time at the orphanage playing with the kids. Lately, it’s been all about classes and training.”

“...I see. You’re not struggling with the classes?”

I chuckled at his question and replied.

“No matter how tough it is, it can’t be harder than what you’re going through on the front lines... Though it is a bit challenging.”

I shook my head, remembering the last special class.

Ha, that was tough.

Marin’s mother showed no mercy just because we were students, and I can’t even count how many times I had to retry.

There were times I felt like quitting because it was painful and exhausting.

But in the end, I managed to get through it without giving up.

There were many reasons why I could do it, but...

I looked at Yoon Si-woo and spoke.

“Come to think of it, I owe you a thank you.”

“...Thank you?”

“Yeah, I had a really tough class recently...”

I smiled at Yoon Si-woo, who was tilting his head in confusion.

“I got through it by thinking of you. I probably couldn’t have done it without you. So, thank you.”

Yoon Si-woo seemed too stiff to react, probably because he didn’t understand what I meant.

But it didn’t matter.

These were words I couldn’t say to just anyone; I just wanted him to listen as I shared the worries and thoughts I’d kept inside.

“Remember the promise we made last time? You told me to be happy. I thought a lot about that, about how I could be happy. After thinking it over, I realized that as long as I do my best at what I can do, maybe then I could find some happiness. By giving it my all, without regrets. That’s how I was able to endure.”

Honestly, there were moments when I felt like I was going crazy, and nights when I lost sleep worrying.

But I could give my best effort because of the promise we made that day.

“Thank you, Yoon Si-woo. You gave me strength.”

It was all thanks to you.

Because of you, I could choose to live confidently and without regret.

For that, I was infinitely grateful.

With that gratitude, I smiled at Yoon Si-woo and said,

“So, you hang in there too. I believe in you more than anyone else in this world.”

Yoon Si-woo remained silent, his head bowed.

I wasn’t expecting a reply, so it didn’t bother me.

As I waited quietly, he slowly raised his head.

The moment our eyes met, he let out a strange sound, then hurriedly ran off somewhere.

What the heck, does he urgently need the bathroom or something?

Now alone, I continued eating the tiramisu while waiting for everyone to return.

But neither Yoon Si-woo nor Marin and Sylvia, who went to get drinks, came back by the end of lunchtime.

And it was only then that I realized I had been abandoned.

---

After lunch, the next class began, and all the first-year students gathered in the gym, waiting for the instructor for our special class.

While waiting, I sneaked a glance at Yoon Si-woo, who sat beside me with his head bowed.

He kept giggling to himself or covering his face with his hands, behaving strangely since lunch.

I started to worry if something was wrong with him.

Just as I was having these thoughts, I heard the students erupt in cheers.

From afar, a woman with orange hair flowing behind her walked in.

It was Martina Ivanova, the 4th Squad Captain of Astrape and Yoon Si-woo’s superior, who would be leading today’s class.

Walking in with confidence, she scanned the students before her.

For some reason, her gaze lingered on me a bit longer.

I saw Martina’s lips move slightly.

“...A sacred educational environment...daring to flirt...”

She murmured something unintelligible, then glared at the students with a sharp gaze and spoke in a chilly voice.

“You all know who I am. I won’t bother with introductions, so prepare yourselves.”

It might have been my imagination, but she seemed quite displeased as she declared,

“You’re all dead today.”

Today, we were doomed.

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