Chapter 5: How to Avoid an Engagement(3)

Aren’s lips twitched. It seemed I had hit the laughter point. Aren covered his mouth for a moment while trying to suppress his laughter and then started to laugh out loud. His laughing face was really handsome.

“Wow, you look even better when you laugh. The world is unfair.”

Alec commented briefly on Aren’s beaming smile. He was an amazing beauty who even acknowledged another man’s good looks. Watching Aren laugh made me more curious about the question I had felt before.

Aren, why does he always hold back his laughter? He could just laugh freely, but he always seems to force himself to hold it in. Although he did burst out laughing when the bread exploded, he generally seems to suppress it. I don’t remember much about his past troubles from the story, but it’s surprising that I’m even recalling this now, given how loosely I read it.

“You seem to make me happy just by looking at you.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

I watched Aren, who was laughing to the point of tears, for a moment before I resumed mopping. I had barely started, and yet I kept sighing.

The savior who rescued me from the punishment cleaning was none other than Aren.

“I’ll help you.”

“If you help, it’s still punishment cleaning.”

“Hmmm…”

Without a moment’s hesitation after hearing my words, Aren snapped his fingers. As soon as his thumb and middle finger met, the mop began to move on its own, cleaning the hallway at a rapid speed. In no time, the corridor was shining clean.

“There, now it’s as if you didn’t need any help.”

“Wow, you’re truly a genius magician.”

Alec stood beside us, his mouth agape in amazement. After all, handling magic with such precision and breadth is something only Aren could do within the academy. I applaud Aren’s remarkable magical skills.

“Since you erased the traces of magic, it’s a perfect crime.”

“Is that something you can do too?”

As expected, Aren was a capable friend. Honestly, he was so perfect that it sometimes felt unfair. Looks, skills, and a kind personality! If Alec had even one of these, he’d probably have a girlfriend in no time.

“It’s all done now, right? Let’s go eat!”

It seemed impossible for this cheerful friend to get a girlfriend. Maybe I should really introduce him to someone. But then again, I introduced him to a female student council member last time and he ended up getting rejected, which only seemed to add to his wounds… Yeah, let’s hold off on the introductions for now.

With Alec, who was beaming with happiness at the thought of finally having a meal, and Aren, who had helped with my punishment cleaning, I headed to the dining hall for lunch.

***

The dining hall was packed with people at lunchtime. Today’s main dishes were filet mignon accompanied by wine and a tomato salad with sliced tomatoes. As always, the food was exquisitely prepared to cater to the tastes of the nobility. It had been a while since I had visited the dining hall, so I looked around tentatively. It was as luxurious and enormous as ever, resembling a high-end restaurant. Expensive-looking vases adorned every corner of the dining hall. I wondered if the jewels embedded in those vases were real.

“What are you going to eat?”

“I’ll have the basic menu.”

Alec placed his order naturally. I also looked at the menu and sighed.

What should I do? I had no appetite yesterday and none today either. I came to the restaurant just in case, but even with the fragrant food smells, I didn’t feel hungry at all. Plus, the upscale restaurant atmosphere made me feel like just drinking water would be enough to fill me up.

“What will you be having, Radel?”

Aren asked kindly. I hesitated. It felt a bit wrong to come all the way here and not eat anything. But what can I do about my lack of appetite?

I pretended to think for a moment and eventually ordered a simple salad and some bread.

“Are you sure that’s all you’ll have?”

“Yeah, how am I supposed to get through the afternoon classes after just that?”

Regardless of the concern from the two of them, I carried my tray with salad and bread and took a seat. I’ve been feeling low and lacking in appetite lately… I’m not sure if it’s because of the shocking events or just a general lack of energy. In any case, I chewed on the bits of greens with determination. I should at least eat this much to avoid starving.

“Radel, open your mouth.”

“Huh?”

As I ate mechanically and monotonously, Aren told me to open my mouth. I’m a good child who follows instructions! When told to open my mouth, I did so. Something sweet and slightly bitter was placed in my mouth. I tried to figure out what it was by rolling it around. No matter how much I rolled it, I couldn’t figure out what it was, but it was delicious!

“Wow, what is this?”

Even though I had no appetite, this frozen fruit-like thing went down smoothly. It was tangy and sweet, with an addictive quality that made me want to keep eating. Seeing my eyes light up, Aren let out a soft laugh.

“Isn’t it delicious?”

I nodded vigorously. Glancing down, I saw bright red fruit in Aren’s bowl. Ah, that’s what I just ate. I want more. It feels like my lost appetite has returned.

“I’ll give you more.”

“Ah.”

Now I automatically opened my mouth. I felt like a baby bird being fed by its mother, but I wasn’t embarrassed. Friends can do this, right?

After enjoying the food for a while, I sensed a presence behind me. Could it be an assassin? Expanding my imagination, I turned around quickly and saw a familiar person.

“There you are. I heard about it. Are you okay?”

Dia gracefully tossed her hair and placed a hand on my shoulder. I gave a casual nod while observing her elegant demeanor. But I really am fine! After flexing my arm to show my muscles, Dia broke into a wide smile.

“You look healthy!”

“Of course, I’m always healthy.”

I finished speaking and opened my mouth again towards Aren. Perhaps having developed a taste for feeding me since the last dessert shop, Aren smiled and placed the fruit into my mouth. Dia, who had been blankly watching, suddenly grabbed Aren’s hand.

“I’ll feed her.”

At a glance, it seemed like a tantrum, but Dia’s eyes were serious. Her smile while holding Aren’s fork looked a bit intimidating.

Aren, seemingly unwilling to let go, tightly gripped the fork. The two began a peculiar standoff.

“Forget it. Just bring it over.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Dia glared at Aren. Aren smiled nonchalantly, but the atmosphere had turned slightly cold. What’s up? Is there some issue between you two? It seems like Dia always ends up fighting with the boys.

“Radel, wait here.”

“Huh? Why?”

Without answering, Dia scurried off to the ordering area. She then came back with a small plate piled high with red fruit.

No way, you’re not asking me to eat all of that, are you? Even if it’s delicious, there’s no way I could finish that. As my face turned pale, Dia’s entire expression bloomed with a smile like a flower.

“Here, open up.”

“Wait a minute, Dia… Mmph.”

As I was speaking, fruit was put into my mouth. I tried to protest with muffled words, but it seemed Dia wasn’t about to stop.

“Radel, try this too.”

Aren was feeding me a new dessert. What am I supposed to do when being fed from both sides? Honestly, I feel quite full already. I looked desperately at Alec for help.

“Wow, you guys get along so well.”

Alec calmly drank his tea, ignoring my gaze. That guy… he never helps when you need him. Eventually, I was able to escape from them only after eating to the point of bursting.

***

After the academy ended, I naturally made my way to the library. With the exam period approaching, I had no choice but to study. With books, pens, and the temporary teacher Aren to guide me, exams weren’t something to fear.

“Thank you for helping me study, Aren.”

“No problem.”

It was reassuring to have Aren, who never fails to be at the top of the magical department, teaching me. Even before opening a book, I felt my mind improving. I cheerfully pushed open the library door and looked around.

Oh, it’s a nice atmosphere. The quiet library was filled with a soft orange glow. The sunset in this transitional period from autumn to winter was truly beautiful. Every time I see such a scene, my sensitivity explodes and everything looks beautiful.

“Oh my, even the library chairs look pretty, the neatly arranged books look pretty, and Seria reading a book with her hair pushed back is…”

Huh? Seria?

I was suddenly startled and took a step back.

Seeing Seria out of the blue was hard on my heart. Why is she in the library…?

I wondered if she had come to study like me, but there was no need for Seria to do so. She was ranked second after Aren in the magical department. She was the epitome of perfection. Not only was she stunning, but she was also a top student. Indeed, the protagonist buff is incredible.

“Aren, let’s go over there.”

I decided to hide in a corner to avoid unnecessary conflict. Aren glanced at Seria and nodded with an indifferent expression.

It seemed like there was a change in reaction, but I ignored it and quietly moved away.

“Radel.”

Oh no, I was spotted immediately. Her vibrant green eyes were staring directly at me. Seria closed the book she had been reading and slowly walked towards us. Should I run away?

“What brings you to the library?”

I wanted to say, “None of your business…” but I glanced at Aren. Would Aren get upset if I spoke harshly to Seria? I nervously checked his reaction and nearly fell over in surprise.

“Seria, this has nothing to do with you.”

Aren spoke with his usual bright smile, but his tone was sharp. Aren, I’ve always thought this, but you’re really good at threatening people while smiling! As I marveled at Aren’s ability, I suddenly found myself wondering.

‘Aren being sharp with Seria?’

Normally, by now the atmosphere between them should be sweet to the point of melting. But it’s so cold that it feels like a chill in the air. What could have happened between them? As I pondered this, Seria’s clear voice once again reached my ears.

“Hmm, why are you so scary? I was just asking.”

Seria smiled softly. Her face looked so gentle that it was almost mesmerizing. Seria looked steadily at Aren before shifting her gaze to me.

“Did you come here to read?”

“……No.”

“Oh, then to study?”

Seria glanced pointedly at the thick book I was holding. Her overtly judgmental gaze made me uncomfortable. What’s with that look?

“……Hmm, that’s unexpected.”

Seria tilted her head slightly and smiled prettily. Even though she was smiling, her eyes seemed to say, ‘You’re studying? Your grades will probably be terrible anyway.’ A dismissive gaze. I found myself frowning involuntarily.

“Well, try your best.”

Then, Seria picked up the book she had been reading and placed it back on the shelf. She was a diligent heroine who excelled at tidying up.

“I hope your grades turn out well.”

Seria covered her mouth with her hand and smiled. I thought there was probably a sneer behind that hand and turned my head away.

Seria did not speak to me any further and left the library. The sound of the door closing with a ‘clunk’ echoed briefly in the quiet library.

“……Radel.”

“What?”

“Be careful with Seria.”

I widened my eyes and examined Aren’s face. He seemed serious. Did he perhaps understand Seria’s true nature?

I sat down, having heard from the male protagonist that day to be cautious of Seria.

It was a very unfamiliar and unusual experience, and I considered it as I settled into my seat.

***

I had heard a rumor that studying in the library would yield good results, so I decided to give it a try, but I was currently unable to concentrate at all.

The reason was none other than Aren’s persistent gaze.

“Aren.”

“Is there something you don’t understand?”

Aren immediately responded when I called. I appreciated his willingness to help, but it was quite overwhelming.

Although Aren had a book open, he rested his chin on his hand and stared at me intently. I wanted to ask him to please just read his book.

“No, no.”