"Alright, the Midterm Camp will now come to a close."
Rie's voice echoed throughout the mountains where the camp was being held.
The previous camp had been thrown into chaos by an invasion from the Rebels, but this time it ended without any major incidents.
Relief washed over the faces of the tense faculty members.
During the last camp, the academy had to issue a mass apology to the students.
Even Principal McDowell had personally come to protect them.
It had been a deeply embarrassing situation for the academy.
So, this time they prioritized student safety and made extensive preparations.
They thoroughly scouted the surrounding areas, sealed potential hideouts in the forest with magic, and positioned teaching assistants nearby to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Even with all these preparations, nothing out of the ordinary happened.
But that wasn't necessarily odd.
The previous camp was the anomaly; a camp typically concluding without incidents was the norm.
Their preventative measures might seem like an unnecessary effort in hindsight.
However, when it came to ensuring the safety of students, no effort was considered too much.
The faculty might feel their efforts were wasted, but they were just grateful everything concluded peacefully, and their faces broke into smiles.
"Professor, thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all. Professor Mcguire, you've worked even harder."
With that, the professors exchanged cheerful greetings.
While most were exchanging pleasantries, one person seemed notably displeased.
"What's wrong?"
That person was Rie.
Yuni looked quizzically at her, tilting her head.
In truth, Rie had been looking distressed for some time now.
It probably started around the time Rudy Astria departed for the North.
Yuni, who had been assisting her sister, was well aware of this change.
However, she didn't understand the reason behind Rie's demeanor.
Initially, Yuni assumed that preparing for the Midterm Camp was wearing on Rie, but seeing her like this for so long made it clear something else was going on.
Tap, tap, tap.
Despite the camp's conclusion, Rie sat at her desk, drumming her fingers on its surface.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Yuni observed her sister's peculiar behavior.
"Aren't you going to rest, sis?"
Rie briefly looked at Yuni, sighed, and responded,
"I should rest."
She then attempted to rise from her seat to leave.
Tripping over her own feet, Rie stumbled.
With a thud, she found herself sprawled on the floor.
"…"
Such a move was uncharacteristic for the usually graceful Rie.
"What are you doing...?"
Yuni began, taken aback.
Rie hastily picked herself up, dusted off her attire, and commented, trying to play off her stumble,
"I'm going to take a break. If there's anything, just call me."
Her attempt to act nonchalant failed as her cheeks flushed with evident embarrassment.
Yuni stared intently at Rie, who was now quickly heading out.
"Why is she acting like this?"
Night at the Liberion Academy.
Within the buildings of Liberion Academy, freshmen were laughing and chatting while enjoying a feast.
Rie thought back to her own memories of the midterm camp.
The moment she held hands with Rudy and they ran away together.
Despite the life-threatening situation, he never let go of her hand.
When she could no longer run, he carried her on his back.
The memories brought a smile to her lips.
Shaking off the memories, Rie walked towards the entrance of the academy, then looked up at the sky.
The night had enveloped the surroundings, turning the sky pitch black.
"Is everything coming to an end now?"
She thought of Rudy.
It had been nearly two weeks since she last saw his face.
To Rie, these two weeks felt longer than two months.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})When something new comes into one's life, one adapts quickly.
But when something familiar disappears, the void feels incredibly large.
Rie had hoped she would get used to it.
Yet, she couldn't.
His image kept flooding back to her.
Sometimes he appeared in her dreams; sometimes, she found herself unknowingly murmuring his name.
The past few days were especially hard.
She often found herself staring out of the window, lost in thought, feeling listless.
This was unlike Rie, who was usually meticulous and focused.
She was very aware of her own state, which only deepened her frustration.
Rie had always prided herself on being rational and calm under any circumstance. But now...
"Ugh!"
She lightly slapped her cheeks.
"Why am I like this?"
She wandered slowly in front of the academy building, deep in thought.
Deep down, Rie already knew the reason for her unrest.
"Yes, I... I like..."
She paused, unable to utter the full sentiment.
Her fists clenched tight, and her cheeks turned a shade of deep red.
"Never!"
She couldn't voice her emotions out loud.
Her pride wouldn't allow it.
Admitting her feelings first would feel like defeat.
Yet, she didn't want to give up on Rudy either.
There was only one solution.
'Make Rudy confess first.'
Make him so infatuated that he wouldn't know what to do without her.
So much so that he'd have no choice but to confess...
However, there was a problem.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})How was she to do that?
Rie had never been in love before, let alone tried to make someone fall in love with her.
She used to believe that such emotions were nothing but fictional constructs from novels.
But now, faced with these genuine feelings, she was utterly confused.
She didn't know who to ask for advice, and the very idea of discussing this with someone else made her cringe.
Rie looked up at the academy building, feeling defeated.
"What should I do?"
“Aaargh…”
Inside the carriage, a woman screamed in distress.
It was Professor Gracie.
Luna and I, along with Professor Gracie, were traveling together by carriage.
But why was Professor Gracie making such a noise?
It was because of the alcohol.
After holding back the monsters in the North, the people were in high spirits and held a festival.
From the ordinary citizens of the territory to the reinforcements from the central region, almost everyone was celebrating.
Except for the lord and Locke who had post-battle responsibilities, everyone was drowning in merriment.
“Are you alright…?”
Among them, of course, was Professor Gracie.
Professor Gracie had made quite a name for herself in this battle.
She had fended off Cedric, the Mercenary King, and from a distance had taken shots at Jefrin.
However, an even bigger topic of discussion was the fact that Luna, Astina, and I, all students of the academy, had actively participated in the battle.
While others were dealing with monsters, academy students were confronting the rebels.
This surprising fact was spreading like wildfire.
As a result, the fame of the academy soared.
The talk of the town was that the academy was producing extraordinary talents.
And the curiosity regarding this topic meant that all eyes were on Professor Gracie.
As we were still underage and couldn't drink, the only person at the banquet talking about the academy and indulging in alcohol was Professor Gracie.
Consequently, she found herself moving from group to group, receiving and downing glass after glass.
And now.
While the others who came from the central region to the north were planning to stay for a few more days, we were on our way back.
The academy had its own schedule, so it was essential for us to return as soon as possible.
As a result, Professor Gracie was suffering from a hangover.
Suddenly, with a jolt, Professor Gracie opened her eyes wide.
In a panicked manner, she began tapping Luna beside her repeatedly.
“Urgh…!”
Taking a deep breath, Professor Gracie made Luna jump with surprise.
“Coachman, sir! Please stop the carriage!"
“Ahaha….”
The carriage stopped, and she rushed out.
Then, a rather direct sound could be heard.
“Blaargh!”
The thumping sounds that followed were of Luna patting Professor Gracie's back.
“Sigh…”
I let out a sigh.
I was feeling a bit out of sorts, returning to the academy after such a long time, but seeing Professor Gracie in this state made all those feelings evaporate.
Still, I wasn't exactly in a bad mood.
The matters in the north seemed well-resolved, and no one was hurt, which was a relief.
However, there was just one thing.
The problem was the last words I heard.
- Later, I'll come with the Leader to see you.
Why is the leader interested in me?
The only thing I can guess is...
"No... It must be because of Rudy Astria."
"Hm?"
While I was muttering to myself, Luna, supporting Professor Gracie, walked towards the carriage.
Seeing me, Luna tilted her head with a puzzled look.
"Rudy, what's going on?"
"...Nothing, it's nothing."
I responded with a smile and shook my head dismissively.
Deciding to think about it later, I climbed back into the carriage.
"Let's head back and rest. Professor Gracie looks exhausted."
Luna, noticing my concern, smiled warmly and nodded in agreement.
After a short while, we approached the academy around lunchtime.
The carriage entered the academy grounds, and I opened the window to take a look outside.
I noticed someone standing near where the carriage was coming to a stop.
I leaned forward a bit to get a clearer view.
"Is that Rie?"
"Oh! Looks like it. She must've come to meet us."
The sight of Rie brought a smile to my face.
I felt sorry for leaving her with all the work, and seeing someone you're used to seeing every day after a few days apart made her presence even more welcoming.
As the carriage came to a stop, we disembarked.
"Ugh... I'll be heading off now."
"Alright..."
Professor Gracie, looking as worn out as a zombie, was the first to leave.
We exchanged awkward smiles, watching her walk away.
Then, our attention shifted to Rie.
"...?"
Something felt off.
Rie, who usually greeted us with a confident smile, seemed hesitant.
I was slightly puzzled but still approached her with a friendly wave.
"Rie, you must've had a tough time while I was gone. How have you been?"
Rie hesitated before replying.
"It's been a while, Rudy..."
...?
"The weather's nice today, isn't it?"
Rie's awkward tone caught me off guard.
I looked at her, slightly bewildered.
