Chapter 212

Chapter 212 – Hey, Are You Crying?

Contrary to what Reilly had anticipated, Evelyn did not seek me out before the start of the new term.

Even so, I remained perfectly at ease while waiting for her, largely due to the profound confidence I placed in my companion.

In any case.

[Attention, esteemed students of the academy…]

The secondary term officially commenced as the headmaster’s address, echoing clearly through the voice transmission artifact, drew to a close.

I plunged into the routine of academy life with a relaxed mindset. Or to put it more accurately, I had little choice in the matter.

The second semester proved to be vastly more demanding than the first.

To begin with, the academic workload had increased significantly.

“They’re telling us to collect the new textbooks, even though we haven’t even finished the reading materials from the first semester.”

“It cannot be helped, Damian. They always say the path to mastery in magic is steep and challenging.”

“But I am already a fully fledged wizard.”

“Just deal with it.”

On top of our existing curriculum from the previous term, additional modules were introduced. However, the scheduled class hours were not extended to accommodate them.

The fundamental concepts from the first semester were relegated to independent study, with dedicated blocks reserved for individual queries.

Granted, not every single introductory subject became entirely self-taught…

‘Even so, this is manageable enough.’

Walking behind Damian with Chenbi at my side, I kept my ears open to the chatter of the nearby students as we made our way to collect our course materials.

Without a doubt, the most dreaded hurdle was the collaborative coursework.

“Our performance in ‘Attribute Mana Compatibility, Amplification, and Fluctuation’ will be graded through a group assignment rather than a midterm examination…”

“A minimum of three participants… and they recommend a mix of different attributes. What a pain.”

Setting aside the absurdly tedious title of the course.

The real headache was the strict requirement to form teams composed of individuals wielding distinct elemental attributes.

The true chaos began the moment we had to organize these teams.

“How are you planning to structure your group? Since we have to form them ourselves, we should probably finalize our partners ahead of time.”

“Anyone but you.”

“Likewise.”

Observing the bickering students passing by, I couldn’t help but share their exact sentiment.

‘…It looks like I am fated to be paired with Damian regardless.’

To be perfectly honest, I would have happily chosen anyone other than Damian.

Even though he had progressed beyond his previous state as New Prototype Damian after the events of Bahamut, Damian was still undeniably himself.

Nevertheless, Damian commanded ice, Chenbi manipulated earth, and I wielded fire mana.

It was an elemental triad that practically forced us into a partnership, whether it pleased us or not.

‘I need to formulate a plan.’

How exactly can I detach myself from Damian?

Despite my complaints, I actually needed to maintain excellent marks this term.

Although I had handled the tuition payments myself this time around, my official registration still listed the Blandoga family as my sponsors.

Now that I held the position of the top student, it would hardly look good to present them with a transcript riddled with failing marks and poor academic effort, would it?

Absolutely not…

A sudden realization struck me.

‘Could this simply be a narrow-minded bias on my part?’

For a number one to exist, there must inevitably be seconds, thirds, and those at the absolute bottom—and as the individual at the apex, lifting up those beneath me isn’t entirely devoid of value! It is all a matter of perspective!

Of course, that was complete self-delusion.

Whether I was gathering subordinates… rather, companions or not, I simply could not afford to display subpar academic performance under the current circumstances.

‘The real issue lies within the evaluation system.’

If I were permitted to settle matters through a straightforward duel, grades wouldn’t cross my mind.

At any rate, we reached the designated distribution point, gathered our fresh second-semester volumes, and made our way back to the lecture hall.

Following that, the academic routine proceeded as it always did.

“Fire mana operates on…”

Jeira, the instructor in charge of Class M3, delivered her lecture with her characteristic detached look.

“During this semester, we will focus exclusively on this single equation. If any student manages to decipher it flawlessly, I will grant them a full exemption from attending the remainder of my classes.”

Parun drafted an incredibly complex formula across the blackboard—something far beyond the comprehension of standard first-year students—and then exited the room with a dramatic stride.

The reactions among the students were mixed.

“Just that one? Seriously?”

“Fantastic! So we only have to solve this single problem?”

A few naive individuals were instantly baited by the prospect of a single-line equation.

“There’s no way… meaning we don’t have to show up for lectures?”

“Since it’s the opening day, it’s probably just an introduction. If we just attend normally, we’ll eventually figure it out, right?”

“…Yeah, that makes sense. This approach might actually be preferable.”

A few voiced brief complaints regarding Parun’s unorthodox instructional methodology, but they quickly fell into line.

In truth, Parun’s lectures were notorious for their extreme difficulty even during the opening term.

They were appreciated by only a select few: a tiny faction of aspiring academics and Parun’s bizarrely devoted admirers.

Observing the scene unfold, a thought entered my mind…

‘…I am genuinely envious.’

Yes, envious.

To put in zero effort and still draw a salary from the state funds like that.

Rumor had it that he had dragged a cohort of junior researchers out to the Amera territory under the guise of “field research” just to enjoy a holiday…

While Parun likely didn’t actually spend his time lounging around, it did make me pause to consider.

Perhaps my true calling in life is to become a professor…

Meanwhile, Professor Pellina…

“Turn to page 17 and review it.”

“…”

“Are you finished? Close the text and summarize your comprehension. You have twenty minutes. Once time is up, pass them to the back.”

She reviewed the submissions right then and there, assessing the students’ comprehension levels to calibrate the lesson’s difficulty on the fly.

In that regard, it was a surprisingly attentive and tailored approach to teaching…

‘Those dark rings beneath her eyes haven’t faded in the slightest.’

Come to think of it, what ever became of Frisen’s artifact?

Judging by the deepening exhaustion on her face, she must have spent the entire vacation buried under an endless mountain of research.

I ought to pay her a visit and check in on her progress shortly.

Aside from that, nothing out of the ordinary occurred.

The few humanities lectures remained as dull as ever, while the newly introduced second-semester courses brought fresh misery to the student body.

“It appears everyone enjoyed a restful break? Your physical states seem… Ah, not that resting is a negative thing, but shouldn’t we place more emphasis on our academic diligence?”

Even the perpetually critical junior instructor of Class M3, Yorbi—everything remained exactly as it always was.

Yet within this familiar routine.

There was not just one…

But two distinct elements.

That stood out from the ordinary.

The first, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was Damian.

“Chenbi, do you think I’ve turned into a prodigy? I actually find studying enjoyable.”

“Yes, studying is absolutely thrilling.”

“Try putting some genuine emotion into your voice.”

“Yeeaaah, stuh-dying is so much fuuun.”

For reasons unknown, Damian was throwing himself into his schoolwork with immense dedication. No one had prompted him to do so, nor were there any stakes riding on it.

It was thoroughly surreal.

So, what was the second anomaly?

…It was Evelyn.

The lunch hour arrived.

Evelyn sat by herself in a corner of the dining hall, merely passing the time.

The midday sun shone brightly outside, but her expression was entirely shrouded in gloom.

‘How could this happen…’

Her hands gripped the fabric of her skirt so tightly they began to shudder.

She held on with such force that her knuckles turned a stark, bloodless white—a grip that should have caused physical discomfort—yet Evelyn remained entirely oblivious to it.

The agony in her heart far outweighed any physical pain right now.

‘How… how could he turn his back on me so ruthlessly?’

Evelyn replayed the occurrences of the previous few days in her mind.

She had not entered into the property agreement carelessly.

She was well-versed in the real estate regulations of Hazen.

She had taken every necessary precaution beforehand.

• Lady Evelyn, you have nothing to fear. I shall handle everything. Proceed to Hazen ahead of me and secure the lease for the premises. I have an acquaintance there; seek him out, and he will handle the arrangements.

Fortunately, even after being stripped of her inheritance rights, she still possessed loyal retainers.

It was Beit, the man who had served as both her instructor and personal advisor since her youth.

Placing her full confidence in him, she had recklessly spent her remaining reserves to secure the office space.

Reflecting upon it now, that was the precise moment things began to unravel.

• Well, seeing as Beit recommended you, I will accommodate. However, these conditions place me at a significant disadvantage. If you provide a full cash payment upfront, I can reduce the price even further.

She had attempted to pay with a bank draft, but they insisted on physical currency.

The adjusted price perfectly corresponded to the exact amount of cash she had left.

Under normal circumstances, such a coincidence would have aroused her suspicion.

Was it the psychological impact of losing her inheritance? Or perhaps her absolute trust in Beit?

She allowed the transaction to proceed under ‘Beit’s’ designation, and the ultimate outcome…

• What? A reversal of funds? The issue is that the current situation is highly complex. We cannot authorize anything without the direct presence of the named individual.

The response was absolute: no action could be taken without the registered party.

And so she waited.

She waited for Beit.

He was supposed to arrive before the academy term commenced, making the wait entirely reasonable.

Looking back with clarity…

‘…I was incredibly dense. Completely foolish.’

She should have recognized Beit’s treachery the moment the property owner spoke those words.

In her desperation, she had parted with her personal brooch just to secure enough funds for daily necessities. She used that money to establish contact with Beit.

The first day passed, then the second, then the third…

…Utilizing communication crystals, high-speed courier birds, and every conceivable channel—Beit maintained an absolute silence.

Evelyn lowered her gaze, biting her lip until it nearly bled.

‘…Why did I fail to see it? For what reason?’

From the very beginning, the idea of Beit remaining loyal to her—when she possessed absolutely nothing—was highly questionable.

She had no leverage or rewards left to offer him.

Why would anyone abandon a lucrative position at Goldrin simply to follow someone without a copper to their name? To follow someone who couldn’t even manage her own daily expenses?

‘…No, that isn’t it.’

If her financial drafts had been processed correctly, she could have comfortably covered a year’s worth of his compensation.

It would have strained her resources, but she was fully prepared to shoulder that burden.

His expertise and professional network were worth far more than the cost. A single year would have been sufficient for her to establish her foundation, even if it didn’t rival the scale of Goldrin.

But looking at it from another angle.

What did Beit truly stand to profit by aligning with her…? Was it merely a matter of wealth?

Granted, financial gain is a powerful motivator.

But if the financial reward was identical, why choose her over the might of Goldrin?

Could it have been genuine sentimentality?

No, that was a ridiculous notion.

• My lady, never forget: all human interactions operate on a system of mutual benefit. This applies to companions and kin alike. Without a return on investment, the bond collapses.

He was the individual who had raised her in the absence of her father, viewing even interpersonal relationships as mere commercial transactions.

And yet, she had allowed herself to be blinded by a vague concept of ‘devotion’ and trusted him blindly.

Predictably…

On the evening before classes resumed, a singular missive arrived.

My lady, regard this as your concluding lesson.

That was all it said.

Nothing more, nothing less.

‘He chose to align with my brother… Ha. In any case, that is irrelevant now.’

It wasn’t even worth her self-pity—it was entirely the result of her own lack of foresight.

Which led to her current predicament.

“Look there, isn’t that Evelyn?”

“I heard a rumor that she was completely ruined. It certainly seems true. Is she unable to afford a simple beverage?”

“No, she probably already placed her order and is merely waiting.”

“I’ve been observing her for ten minutes; she’s just sitting there. What, are her servants supposed to bring it to her?”

She had entered the dining hall out of sheer habit, yet she lacked the means to purchase even a simple drink. Too humiliated to leave under the mocking gazes of the crowd, she simply sat frozen.

“…”

Evelyn stood up as the critical remarks of the nearby academy students reached her ears.

For a brief second, she felt a powerful urge to defiantly order a coffee. She wasn’t so utterly destitute that she couldn’t afford a single cup.

But what purpose would such shallow pride serve?

‘…Maintain control, stay composed.’

Strip away all sentiment.

Behave like a true merchant: precise and analytical.

Her companions had severed their connections the moment she was exiled from Goldrin.

She had done them no wrong… quite the opposite, she had always treated them with generosity, yet they chose to humiliate her now.

The sheer falseness of it all made her feel physically ill.

‘Composure, keep composure…’

Plop.

As a single tear rolled down her chin, Evelyn abandoned all attempts at logical thought.

She could not… maintain her composure.

Not in the slightest.

‘What… what am I supposed to do from this point onward?’

She had managed to endure the difficulties at the admissions department.

The circumstances had been chaotic, but she had merely lost her footing temporarily. She genuinely believed a recovery was within her grasp.

By utilizing Beit as her representative, she had planned to leverage the prestigious reputation of Jenion Academy after graduation to expand her influence in the trading world…

Or perhaps.

…Deep down, she had already sensed Beit’s changing loyalty even back then.

Otherwise, why would she have been so utterly desperate to retain her status at Jenion? If Beit had truly been by her side, she could have expanded her operations into new territories without relying so heavily on the Jenion reputation…

Her resentment had simply obscured her perception.

As a result, she overlooked all the warning signs.

Evelyn attempted to comfort herself with these thoughts.

It was merely a momentary lapse in discipline. She wasn’t genuinely incompetent or foolish.

It was nothing more than hollow self-delusion, but it was the only thing preventing her from completely breaking down.

However.

‘I don’t know… what to do next.’

Evelyn stood motionless, her head cast downward, her gaze fixed entirely on the droplets splashing onto the floor.

The surrounding stares and whispering voices no longer reached her consciousness.

She desired nothing more than to halt her thoughts entirely.

‘I beg of you, someone…’

No, who would possibly come to her aid?

She had clung to a desperate shred of hope during the enrollment process, but now, all hope had vanished. The act of hoping required a mental strength she no longer possessed.

Consequently, her mind went completely blank.

“Hey, are you crying?”

“…?”

Evelyn slowly lifted her gaze as the unexpected words reached her.

“Look, she really is crying.”

“Hey, don’t provoke someone who’s upset.”

“Aster, that’s incredibly rude.”

They were familiar countenances.

Damian, Chenbi, and…

“…Aster.”

As the name softly escaped Evelyn’s lips.

Aster offered a faint smile.

And yet, for what reason?

Though no words were exchanged, that single grin somehow lifted the immense weight pressing down upon her.

Aster then spoke once more.

“Hey, I already told you. Friends are meant to support one another. Why are you weeping all by yourself? I told you to speak up if things became too difficult.”

Uttered in that familiar, casual tone, a single simple word resonated deeply within Evelyn’s heart.

“…Friend.”

In response to her quiet utterance, Aster gave a firm reply.

“Yeah, friend.”