Chapter 25

Judith looked at the boy who was speaking to her warmly with a smile.

He was someone she was seeing for the first time, but his sunset-like orange hair was strangely familiar.

That color was certainly not unfamiliar, so she unconsciously looked at Rodesha sitting next to her.

Noticing Judith’s gaze, Rodesha nodded.

“Oh, yes. He’s my younger brother.”

Unlike Rodesha, whose eyes slanted upwards, her brother had gentle eyes.

Judith didn’t know why Rodesha’s brother was speaking to her so warmly, but she greeted him with a friendly smile.

“Hello.”

“I’m so happy, Senior! I can’t believe you’re acknowledging my greeting…”

The boy’s eyes sparkled as if he was touched by the simple greeting. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Judith just smiled without saying anything, and she saw Chase approaching from afar.

Every time Chase walked with his long legs, the students parted like the sea, making way for him.

Chase had been attending accounting classes diligently lately. Of course, whether he was actually paying attention or just showing up was uncertain.

Anyway, Chase, who approached, frowned deeply.

“Who’s this? Why is there another tag-along?”

Without responding, Judith gestured with her chin to the seat next to her. Chase obediently sat down.

A few days ago, Professor Karel had insisted that Chase sit in the front row.

However, since Chase was so tall, the students in the back complained that they couldn’t see, and thus he ended up sitting next to Judith again.

Seeing this, the boy’s eyes sparkled with some thought.

“Wow, Judith, you’re amazing! You manage Chase with just a gesture, without a word.”

Though it sounded like a compliment, Chase wasn’t an animal to be managed, and the implication of handling him like a trained animal left Chase feeling uneasy, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you know me? Who are you to start picking a fight?”

Chase rattled the desk as if he might pounce at any moment. Judith, startled, quickly intervened.

Given Chase’s large build, even a little anger made him seem very intimidating.

Just as Judith thought the boy might be cowed by Chase’s growling tone, the boy widened his eyes and asked again.

“Then should I call you the legendary swordsmanship genius, Senior?”

“…Just call me Chase.”

He seemed quite adept at handling people. Judith was a bit impressed.

Having quickly settled the situation, the boy’s eyes sparkled again.

He then politely introduced himself to Judith.

“As I mentioned, I’m Rodesha’s brother, and my name is Rodein. Actually, I came to personally learn accounting from you, senior. Even though I do thorough preparation and review, I feel there’s a limit to what I can achieve on my own.”

“…”

“Is it not possible?”

Judith blinked a few times at the polite request. Tilting her head as if thinking, she spoke.

“Can’t you learn from Rodesha?”

Rodesha was second in accounting, and honestly, their grades weren’t that different. It was only a matter of getting one or two more questions right or wrong on the exam.

So Rodesha had more than enough skill to teach a first-year student.

However, Rodein seemed displeased with her answer, and after a brief pause, he spoke again in a somewhat forlorn voice.

“I know my sister is excellent at accounting. Of course, I respect her for that. But…”

Rodein trailed off, then spoke with a somewhat pitiful voice.

“My sister isn’t very good at teaching others. No, it’s not her fault. It’s all my fault for not understanding her brilliant explanations…”

At that moment, the wind blew in through the window, ruffling Rodein’s hair. The orange hair, catching the bright summer sunlight, looked particularly red.

Watching his hair flutter calmly, it seemed like the sunset was spreading across the blue sky, capturing her attention.

“I heard that you’ve been recognized by Professor Karel and are running a remedial class. Even though we’re in different grades, is there any way I could join that class?”

His eyes, as pitifully red as his hair, focused on Judith. Whether it was because of the heat or his earnestness, she didn’t know.

In any case, meeting his orange eyes made Judith feel troubled.

“Um…”

Judith smiled awkwardly. At another time, she might have considered it, but it was difficult to accept Rodein now.

Because just a few days ago, she had turned away most of the students who had applied late for the remedial class.

If she suddenly accepted a first-year student, there might be complaints about fairness.

So she should say no, but the words wouldn’t come out easily.

Looking at Rodein reminded her of herself in her first year.

The helpless feeling of being blocked by an impenetrable wall.

The overwhelming and frustrating emotions she felt when solving problems came to mind.

As a freshman, Judith had no one to ask for help during exam periods.

Usually, students would ask the subject professor questions, but she couldn’t just go to Professor Karel, who was known to be one of the scariest at the academy.

Of course, if she had asked Axel, he would have kindly explained, but Axel also needed to study for his exams, so she couldn’t keep bothering him.

She wondered if Rodein was feeling the same helplessness she once did.

While Judith hesitated to answer, Chase, who was watching the situation unfold, intervened.

“That’s going to be difficult. Judith is busy teaching me.”

Chase continued, crossing his arms as if it was no big deal.

“Originally, Judith didn’t even plan to take on the remedial class. But she had to do it to ensure I graduate safely.”

“…”

“So why would she want to take on more work by accepting a kid like you?”

As the murmuring among the students grew louder, Chase’s smile widened with satisfaction.

Chase, who usually disliked attention, seemed to be enjoying the whispers of the students this time.

Chase then turned to Judith and asked.

“Isn’t that right, Judith?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

Though his words were a bit rough, there was nothing wrong with them upon reflection, so she agreed readily. Chase’s smile grew even more pronounced.

“Now you understand, right? The break is almost over, so hurry back to your class. Stop hanging around and bothering Judith.”

Chase waved his hand dismissively, as if truly annoyed.

Rodein, who had been silently pursing his lips, finally spoke again in a voice mixed with tears.

“…Is it really difficult to even observe the class? I really want to learn.”

Upon closer inspection, his eyes were very red, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

Judith, flustered, turned her head to scan her surroundings.

All the other students seated in the classroom were watching with faces full of interest.

It seemed like it would be very troublesome if the class started like this.

Noticing this, Rodesha whispered sharply to her brother.

“Judith said it’s difficult! And the remedial class list is already confirmed. Don’t you know it would be unfair if you’re the only one accepted? Stop insisting and go back to your class.”

Rodesha’s fierce scolding made Rodein flinch. He hung his head as if he had no more excuses.

“I’m sorry, it seems I made an unreasonable request… Excuse me, Senior.”

With no other choice, Rodein turned around. Watching his drooping shoulders made Judith feel uncomfortable.

His steps trudged out of the classroom.

Watching him, Judith suddenly stood up as if she had made a decision.

Then she quickly followed and grabbed Rodein’s shoulder.

Grab-

Rodein turned around with wide eyes, looking surprised. Judith swallowed a sigh that was about to escape and spoke.

“You said your name was Rodein, right? I’m sorry, but as Rodesha said, the remedial class is already full.”

Why am I doing this?

She couldn’t understand herself. But seeing Rodein so dejected reminded her of her first-year self, and she couldn’t just leave him be.

Even as she thought she was creating more work for herself, Judith continued calmly.

“But since the criteria were set by Professor Karel, why don’t you ask him? If he allows it, I’ll accept you.”

“R-really?”

His previously gloomy face brightened. Judith quickly added.

“It’s not confirmed yet. You still need to get permission from the professor.”

Rodein’s orange eyes glistened with moisture. With a look of gratitude, he opened his mouth.

“Thank you! Even though it would be bothersome to have more students to teach, you’re still willing to help…”

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Judith turned her head with a cough.