It has been a week since that incident.
Originally, classes would have been inevitably canceled due to the attack, but to prevent things from becoming troublesome, we were treated as being on sick leave due to the incident being kept under wraps, and classes continued normally.
At least, it was fortunate that there were no classes during the week following the entrance ceremony, so I didn’t have to worry about falling behind.
If this incident were to be revealed, it would undoubtedly cause a huge social upheaval, and the Academy’s reputation would plummet, which is something I do not wish for.
Above all…
“When I said I would attend the Academy, those people were so happy…”
I sighed as I remembered the people of the Realm, who were touched that I could finally live as a girl of my age without sacrificing my body.
It was a relief that the moment those dignified individuals learned that a major incident related to demons had almost occurred at the Academy, it would obviously turn into chaos.
While I want to think it wouldn’t happen, the Duke of the Northern Region might just have his soldiers go on strike…
I absolutely do not want to see the last line of defense crumble over such an incident.
After all, it’s hard to believe they would give up a long-maintained defense simply because a demon had appeared at the Academy.
If you were to ask me how I could be so sure, I could only respond that I have come to understand it well by living there.
Anyway… I’m glad things worked out.
My powers remaining concealed was a given; there was a psychological toll, but no one was harmed or died.
In fact, I even managed to successfully capture a higher-level demon that was supposed to have fled.
Even though I feel uneasy about giving Stella and Evan something akin to trauma…
It’s not my fault.
To be honest, it’s quite unfair.
Evan got suspended for me when he was told not to come to the training ground, and I even woke Stella up early and taught her the way, deliberately telling her to stay away.
Yet, all this led to even more absurd situations than before.
I never imagined both of them would charge into the barrier at the same time when meeting.
I’m glad it worked out, but it was almost chaotic before the story could even properly start.
“After all, it turned out well in the end…”
I could handle the psychological issues, and now that the situation has resolved, it’s better to focus on the fact that I concealed my true powers and captured a higher-level demon.
Moreover, unlike the troubled Stella, Evan had traveled all over the world before coming to the Academy, so perhaps he wasn’t too mentally taxed, making it a good situation.
If he had been troubled, it would have been natural for him not to be able to recover quickly and attack when I was trapped by the demon’s arm.
Though I have no choice, considering that Stella almost lost her mind right there due to my shocking performance in the talent showcase, I felt relieved.
However, Evan too was affected negatively by that memory, as I could see him flinch every time he looked at me.
“I wonder if he’ll be okay in the first class…”
Given that I’ll have to see him so often from now on.
Moreover, I will be by his side when various incidents occur; I’m not sure if that will be okay.
“[Well then… take care, Brother Evan.]”
“Uh… y-yeah… see you tomorrow…”
“Goodbye.”
What is this atmosphere?
I don’t think Evan was this gloomy.
At this rate, I really feel like a sinner…
…
…
Maybe I should have quickly purified the demon without anyone knowing and acted as if nothing had happened.
Well, if I had done that, who knows how the situation might have twisted…
Also, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this kind of pain, nor would I have been able to report the demon, so it’s best to consider it a meaningless hypothesis.
Anyway, I am purely left with curiosity.
“How on earth did they find out…”
How did they know I was fighting a demon?
If they hadn’t come looking for me, could it be that they stumbled across me training by chance? Is that even possible?
It’s a real mystery…
With a complex feeling, I sighed internally as I felt Evan and Stella’s strange expressions while leaving the hospital together.
*
Stella had not said a word until we returned to the dormitory.
She was generally not the talkative type, but while it felt like she used to avoid talking out of annoyance, now she seemed quite withdrawn.
Thanks to my consolation, she had improved a lot compared to the first day, but it seemed that memory continued to torment her.
“I wonder if there’s no way to help…”
If I were to help her mentally, I would need to do something she likes.
The one thing I remember that Stella most desires is just one thing.
“Family…”
She wished for someone who truly loves and cares for her.
Once Evan became that person, she put in tremendous effort to stand by Evan, who was rapidly growing as a hero, and ultimately achieved dramatic growth to reach the status of a Grand Mage at the youngest age in the game’s story.
However… rather than getting close as they should have due to this incident, it felt like their relationship had become even more awkward.
On the contrary…
“[S-Stella?]”
“Why…?”
“[I’m a bit burdened…]”
Why is she watching me cook from the side?
“… Sorry.”
As I said it was burdensome, Stella quickly returned to the table.
However, her strange behavior did not end there.
Even after starting the meal, she continued to stare at me intently, and although she usually would have asked me to purify her, she didn’t say a word and went to the bathroom alone to wash up completely.
It was truly a remarkable change.
Moreover, Stella, who would usually be the first to fall asleep, was studying magic without anyone telling her to.
I was starting to get a bit scared.
“[Um… Sister Stella.]”
Eventually, unable to endure her odd behavior any longer, I cautiously called out to Stella, who was studying with a book open in front of her.
“What?”
“[… Nothing.]”
How do I even ask this?
Well, I can’t exactly ask, “Excuse me, have you gone crazy?” nor can I say suddenly, “You’ve changed.” after only a week of knowing each other; that would be even more strange.
For me, knowing Stella’s original personality, it’s not unusual, but from her perspective, having someone she’s known for only a week say, “You look different,” is the same as…
“[I just wanted to say goodnight…]”
In the end, I couldn’t ask properly, and I ended up mumbling a goodnight before lying down.
I have to wake up early for the first class tomorrow.
There wouldn’t be any incidents happening at the Academy for a while anyway, so there was no need to worry.
With that thought, I slowly drifted off to sleep.
“… Hey, Aria.”
“[Yes? What is it?]”
What’s this all of a sudden?
It’s the first time Stella has called me first, so I was quite surprised.
I asked nonchalantly what she called for.
“Um… can I sleep with you after I finish studying?”
Without turning around, Stella asked in a voice that seemed somewhat frightened.
There was no particular reason for her to be scared, yet it seemed her trembling voice might be due to her anxiety that I might decline.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
There was no way I would refuse.
It’s actually a relief that she took the initiative to come closer while I was pondering how to treat her like family.
I smiled and replied.
“[Of course.]”
Although Stella didn’t respond to my answer, I could sense, with my Divine Power, that there was a smile on her lips, and she was genuinely happy.
Truly…
At first, she might seem unlikable and even dirty, but once you get to know her, she has an incredibly cute charm as a heroine.
That’s why she was one of my favorite characters in the game.
Seeing Stella’s adorable side as she was filled with joy, I couldn’t help but chuckle internally as I slowly fell back asleep once again.
For tomorrow’s first class.
