Ah, having to hold back my curiosity is truly torture!

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

I really want to see that red-haired girl that Lethargy mentioned! What if I flipped the entire city upside-down? Would I be able to find her then?

How about you? Aren’t you curious?

What? You’re saying I’m driving you crazy and to shut my mouth?

Come on, I’ve only been talking about it for a few days!

How much longer do you plan to keep talking? Hmm, probably until my curiosity is satisfied?

Huh? Go see for myself?

I would love to do that!

But I don’t even know who she is, so I’m holding back here.

Huh? You think you might know who she is?

Oh, the time we played with dolls? Really? Is she an Academy student?

Well, even if I know who she is, I still can’t just go there.

Because of the magic, I can’t even move inside, and trying to force my way in from the outside would just be a hassle.

Oh? You’re going to help me? Uh-huh, if you help me, I’ll gladly shut up.

Ah, a contract? Well, you don’t have to worry about that.

I’ve already signed a contract saying that I won’t touch her anyway.

So, as long as I don’t “touch” her, it’s all good, right?

—

“You’ve probably wondered while reading history books: with so much magic pollution outside, how did the heroes of the past manage to go on expeditions to defeat witches? Nowadays, the concentration of magic is so dense it’s almost impossible to move around, but back then it wasn’t anywhere near this bad. In the past, sacred artifacts scattered across the world kept the magic pollution at bay.”

The low voice of the history teacher resonated gently.

It was said that listening to that voice could send you to sleep, and back in school, we referred to those teachers as “sleeping pills.”

Of course, the kids at the Academy weren’t the type to doze off just because of the voice, but today, everyone seemed particularly unfocused in class.

Ever since Eve, the teacher, mentioned who would be attending today’s special class this morning, everyone had remained in this state.

“Some famous examples include the World Tree revered by the elves, the unquenchable furnace found in the dwarves’ underground kingdom, the Celestial Gem that powered the floating island, and the Ocean’s Tear, a treasure of the mermaids. The sacred artifacts that suppressed the spread of magic were often destroyed by witches who saw their power as a threat. The remaining artifacts were consumed during the invasion of the Gluttony Witch. So now, they’re practically impossible to find… By the way, you all don’t seem too interested in the class.”

At the teacher’s remark, the children giggled awkwardly.

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

“All right, I get it. It doesn’t seem like you’re in the mood for class today, so let’s call it a day here. I’ll let you go a bit early, but make sure you pay attention to the special class in the afternoon, and try not to cause too much trouble.”

Shortly after the history teacher left the classroom, someone sitting by the window suddenly shouted while pointing outside.

“Hey, hey, they’re here!”

At that, the kids jumped out of their seats and crowded around the window.

Watching them clinging to the window made me laugh.

They looked like boys from a high school spotting a girl on the school grounds.

From the kids’ perspective, the person arriving today was definitely someone to get excited about.

In the midst of the commotion, the door to the classroom creaked open.

In an instant, the classroom fell silent as all the kids focused their attention on the entrance.

I too looked at the person who walked in.

A familiar face, yet an unfamiliar outfit.

“Uh… hey everyone, long time no see.”

The culprit of all this distraction.

Yoon Si-woo, now no longer wearing his uniform, stood there with an awkward smile.

—

It turns out that Yoon Si-woo had come as an assistant for the afternoon’s special class led by Martina Ivanova, the fourth captain of Astrape.

So it seemed he had planned to catch up with everyone and have lunch with them in the cafeteria, but it hadn’t gone as expected.

“Hahaha, I knew you were strong, but I didn’t realize you were the youngest early graduate to get into Astrape. I watched your inauguration ceremony on TV. It was really cool, dude.”

“You’re working with Martina, right? Damn, I’m jealous. So what’s she like in person? She must be even prettier than on screen, right?”

“Um… guys? One at a time, please…”

Yoon Si-woo looked overwhelmed by the barrage of questions from the kids crowding around him.

It was to be expected; suddenly, the kid they were attending classes with had turned into a celebrity.

Besides, they were all friends, so of course, they had no reservations about bombarding him with questions. Until class started, he’d have to endure it.

Poor guy, I thought while watching him, when Sylvia, who was sitting next to me, asked:

“Hey, Scarlet, don’t you have anything to say to Yoon Si-woo? It’s been a while.”

“I’m fine. He looks busy, anyway.”

Unlike the kids who were meeting him after a long time, I had talked to him recently at the orphanage, so I thought it wasn’t necessary for me to take up their time, and that’s how I responded.

But Sylvia seemed disappointed by my answer, looking like she didn’t quite like it.

What’s going on? Why the long face?

Just then, Marin, who was sitting next to Sylvia, leaned in and whispered something to her with a cheeky smile.

Sylvia’s eyes widened as she glanced at Yoon Si-woo, then at me, before she began to whisper back to Marin.

The two were exchanging knowing smiles as if they were sharing an inside joke.

What in the world happened last time that made them get so close?

It was good that they were getting along, but watching them chat like that without me left me feeling a little isolated…

Yet, I didn’t have the guts to tell them not to have all the fun without me.

So I just sat there, staring when suddenly, Sylvia stood up and said to me:

“Scarlet, wait a moment.”

“……Huh? For what?”

I asked, surprised, but Sylvia just flashed a sly smile and walked over towards Yoon Si-woo, who was surrounded by kids, alongside Marin.

As I wondered what was going on, Sylvia reached Yoon Si-woo and said brightly to the kids around him.

“Excuse me for interrupting your conversation, but could we borrow Yoon Si-woo for a moment?”

The kids nodded, dumbfounded.

Was that the power of the top-ranked beauty of the district?

Her smile was like that of an empress, instantly silencing all the clamoring kids.

As I trembled at that incredible ability, Yoon Si-woo, caught off guard by the sudden quiet, asked the two of them:

“Uh, do you need something from me?”

When Yoon Si-woo posed his question, Marin, with her sparkling smile, whispered something to him and pointed in my direction.

His gaze followed her finger to me.

Then he flinched, hurriedly shoved his face into his plate, and wolfed down the rest of his food.

It was like he was threatened to finish his meal on the spot or he’d—

As I watched this with a confused look, I saw the two girls flank Yoon Si-woo and rise, almost as if they were taking him away.

Seeing Sylvia and Marin with Yoon Si-woo suddenly reminded me of something I had completely forgotten.

Oh wait, is this… the beginning of a catfight?!

Thinking it was a spectacle I couldn’t miss, I quickly finished my remaining meal, but suddenly I felt an odd presence behind me.

Looking back slightly, I found Sylvia and Marin with Yoon Si-woo smiling down at me quietly.

… Huh?

Before I could react, they each grabbed one of my arms and pulled me out.

No way! I still have a piece of meat left!

—

…Having been kidnapped during lunch,

“Ha ha, of course, after a meal, we need dessert.”

“Ah ha ha, Sylvia really knows what she’s talking about.”

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

If they wanted to have dessert with me, they could have just asked…

The dissatisfaction I held back swirled in my mouth, but once Sylvia filled a spoonful of special tiramisu and popped it in my mouth, my resentment melted away with the dessert.

This is so delicious… I’d wager this slice costs four gold coins!

Though I felt a little guilty about having them pay for dessert, I decided to enjoy it quietly, considering it compensated for the piece of meat I couldn’t finish.

But really, is this atmosphere right?

With two heroines here and Yoon Si-woo, this feels way too peaceful for a catfight to break out.

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

I shot a glance at Yoon Si-woo, but that guy was so engrossed in tasting the dessert that he didn’t even lift his head, just nibbling at the tiramisu.

So, dessert is prioritizing over beautiful girls, huh?

Is he saying he can date a beauty any time he wants…?

With a glance full of disdain at Yoon Si-woo’s smugness, I heard Sylvia’s voice break into my thoughts.

“Hmm, just eating dessert is making me a bit thirsty. I was thinking of heading over to the store for some drinks. Do you want anything?”

“Oh! Since you treated us to dessert, I’ll get the drinks! If there’s anything you want, just let me know!” I exclaimed, surprised by Sylvia’s suggestion.

Forget it, allowing myself to accept both dessert and drinks was simply out of the question.

What’s more, thanks to Sylvia taking care of my expenses, my bank account looked pretty good.

Even if it were the most expensive drink I’d ever tasted—a caramel frappuccino with chips or something costing ten thousand won—I could afford it now!

With the confidence that came from having money in my account, I was about to jump up, but unexpectedly, I found I couldn’t.

Someone next to me was quietly pressing down on my shoulder, preventing me from getting up.

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

“Scarlet, just sit tight. Sylvia and I will go get the drinks. Besides, there are a few things I’d like to discuss just between us.”

Marin spoke to me in a gentle tone.

But how could that be allowed?

Living with debts was my life motto.

“There’s really no need for both of you to go for drinks. I’ll just go by myself—”

I started to say while trying to shake off Marin’s hand from my shoulder.

But her grip only tightened.

Yet Marin kept her cheerful expression, still speaking to me.

“Scarlet, it’s okay. Just sit still.”

“But—”

“Just. Stay. Seated.”

“Okay…….”

That’s scary…

Shaking, I ultimately folded to Marin’s insistence.

Forget about my life motto—there was no chance I’d be left alone if I tried to stand up…

So, the only way to salvage my conscience was to tell them I’d be fine with water when they asked what I wanted to drink.

Honestly, I almost always drink either water or instant coffee, so I’m clueless about what expensive drinks taste like!

Comparing myself to Yoon Si-woo, who casually asked for whatever while being treated, I felt like an angel.

Anyway, once the two of them left for the store, it naturally left me alone with Yoon Si-woo.

Not having anything particular to say, I continued to eat my tiramisu in silence until I realized that the wrapper was now empty.

I disposed of the spoon, hesitated, and licked the leftover crumbs from the bottom of the wrapper when I heard Yoon Si-woo’s voice.

“… If you’re still hungry, you can have mine. I’m not that fond of sweets.”

Yoon Si-woo offered me his uneaten tiramisu.

Was it true he really didn’t like sweets? There was quite a bit left.

I had thought he enjoyed it since he seemed to be savoring it earlier; what a surprise.

But anyway, since it would be a waste to throw it away, I thought to dispose of the tiramisu in my stomach instead, and gratefully accepted it, taking a big spoonful.

“Oh, that was the one I was eating…”

What? Now that I’m eating it, no way am I giving it back just because he’s suddenly regretting it.

With that in mind, I shot him a glare while sticking the spoon into my mouth; he seemed to give up and just slumped his head.

As I took my time enjoying the tiramisu, feeling the odd silence was getting awkward, Yoon Si-woo finally opened his mouth.

“… Um, have you been doing well?”

“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine. Before we started the regular classes, I used to go to the orphanage and play with the kids. Lately, it’s mostly just classes and training.”

“… I see. Are you finding the classes difficult?”

I chuckled at his question, replying:

“No matter how tough things get, it can’t compare to what you’re going through on the front lines… Well, it’s a bit tough.”

I shook my head, recalling the last special class.

Ha, that was intense.

Marin’s mom really didn’t hold back, as if we were still students, and I lost track of how many times I had to retry.

There were times when I thought about giving up due to pain and exhaustion.

But I managed to pull through in the end.

There were many reasons I was able to achieve that, but…

I looked at Yoon Si-woo and said,

“Now that I think about it, I owe you a thank you.”

“… A thank you?”

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

I smiled at Yoon Si-woo, who had a puzzled expression.

“I was able to get through because I thought about you. I probably wouldn’t have made it without you. So, thank you.”

It seemed he didn’t quite understand what I was saying, as he stiffened up and didn’t react.

But that didn’t matter.

Those were words I couldn’t say to just anyone, and I just wanted him to listen as I gradually unraveled my thoughts and concerns that I had kept inside.

“Do you remember the promise we made last time? You told me to find happiness. I thought about it a lot since then. How can I be happy? After thinking about it carefully, I realized that as long as I do my best at what I can, I might be able to find some happiness. With all my might, without regrets. That’s how I was able to hang on.”

To be honest, there were times I felt I was going crazy, and many sleepless nights filled with worry.

But I managed to give it my all thanks to the promise we made that day.

“Yoon Si-woo, thank you. Because of you, I was able to find some strength.”

It was all thanks to you.

Because you were there, I could choose to live without regrets and with peace of mind.

For that, I was endlessly grateful.

With that feeling in my heart, I smiled at Yoon Si-woo and said:

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

Yoon Si-woo kept his head down, silent.

I didn’t expect a response, so it was fine.

As I quietly waited, Yoon Si-woo slowly lifted his head.

The moment our eyes met, Yoon Si-woo made a strange sound and hurriedly ran off somewhere.

What’s up with that? Did he have to rush to the bathroom or something?

Left alone, I continued to eat my tiramisu, waiting for everyone to return.

But neither Yoon Si-woo nor Marin nor Sylvia, who had gone to buy drinks, returned before lunch ended.

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

—

After lunch, the next period started, and all the first-year students gathered in the gymnasium, waiting for the instructor for the special class.

While waiting, I took a quick glance at Yoon Si-woo, who was sitting next to me, looking down.

He was displaying strange behavior, laughing suddenly or covering his face with his hands, ever since lunch.

I started to worry that something might be wrong with him.

Just then, the sounds of cheering from the kids broke my thoughts.

From a distance, a woman with flowing orange hair walked in.

It was Martina Ivanova, the fourth captain of Astrape and Yoon Si-woo’s superior, who would be conducting today’s class.

She walked in with a commanding presence, glancing around at the students.

For some reason, her gaze lingered on this side for a little longer.

I noticed her lips moving subtly.

“… Sacred education… daring to flirt…”

She mumbled something unintelligible under her breath and, with a piercing glare at the students, spoke in a chilling tone.

“You all know who I am. I won’t waste time introducing myself, so prepare yourselves.”

Perhaps it was just my imagination, but she seemed to be wearing an extremely displeased expression as she declared:

“You’re all doomed today.”

Today, we were fated to perish.