Chapter 43

Naell, as much as he wanted to, could not freeze time or skip the day in which the said cultural festival would start.

'Well, atleast I just need to attend meetings...' He thought, as he clearly remembered how their class president (a nice, well-mannered and sociable man) had asked him for his role.

'So Naell, where do you want to be assigned?'

'Well, anything that won’t take too much time?'

"...Hmm, then, do you want to attend some meetings?''

Naell knew that it was the best choice to take, as back on Earth he experienced first hand how troublesome it was to cook. Not to mention the only thing he could afford, was rice occasionally sprinkled with salt or soy sauce whenever he had extra cash.

‘Even serving customers was a pain in the butt...’

Remembering his hardships only made him more appreciative of the world he now lived in, yet that did not last long as the moment he set foot outside the gentleman's dorm, he saw the people he wished he could avoid.

"Young master Naell, Owly, good day to both of you." Said Namiku as she waved at Owly who flew to her, forcing Naell to be dragged along with them.

Naell could only bow respectfully, along with Andrew and Viola who awkwardly followed suit.

Contrary to their first meeting, they now considered the young master of Beryldot as a friend of their friend; Those friends of course being, Owly and Rizaul.

However, due to the fact that they and Naell had bad history with one another, they still could not really consider him as an acquaintance, all except the half-elf who already considered him as a friend.

"I'm surprised Naell--- someone who loves being cooped up in either the library or his bed, was even interested in going to the cultural festival." Note's words were actually directed to all of them.

It could be said that everyone spent most of their time practicing their aura or magic, or even taking on missions from the Adventurer's guild. That was why all of them were embarrassed.

They admittedly wanted to enjoy the festival, afterall beneath their maturity, lies the youth that wanted to have fun, including Andrew who wished to experience things he couldn't do in his first life.

Yet again there was one exception, the young master of Beryldot whose enjoyment came from resting and reading books.

"I was---" Before Naell could even reply, Note was quick to assert his remarks, seemingly an expert for teasing.

"Don't tell me, you have a date today!"

Everyone's ears pricked at the thought of him dating someone, again except Naell who could only wryly smile.

Even Rinca got curious and couldn't help but stare at Naell's eyes, but immediately turned away, as both of them caught each other’s gaze.

They awkwardly coughed off the unexpected territory of romance. All of them were famous yet inexperienced when it came to dating, even Andrew who had lived twice had no idea as to how it worked.

All except Note who was known to be quite the lady’s man, and the one who initiated the teasing. Yet still, he did not expect Naell to be worse than all of them, as his blank expression and indifferent reply made it clear he didn’t even know that was a tease.

"No, I was assigned to talk to the committee."

Note knew he failed as Naell had ignored the unusual responses from everyone. He then added on,

"I hope you guys will have a great day, so if you will excu---"

Yet before he could even finish his words, Namiku had swiftfully replied like a piercing blade, surprising him.

"Oh, then if you don't mind, let us go together, right Viola?"

"Ummm, yes." She replied in a panic. Her blushing face made every one of them forget of Note's mischievous actions.

Yet again, it was only Naell whose mind was elsewhere.

.

.

.

'Actually, I do mind…' thoughts that Naell could only relay to himself.

At that moment, the four of them (Naell, Andrew, Viola, and Namiku) were on their way to the said meetings.

"What a surprise that both of you didn't know you were partnered for the assemblies." Said Namiku cheekily, it was her first time casually conversing with Naell for longer than usual.

She could not help but notice upclose that Naell was truly on the handsome side. Plus, he was also mysterious, making it a given that ladies their age tended to be curious about him.

‘I guess Naell is experienced when it comes to dating.’ She thought as she remembered how unfazed he was.

"Young--- master Naell is often absent in class that's why I didn't know it was him…" Replied Viola softly, it was apparent that she was more shy than afraid.

After getting to know Naell through their strange meetings and with Owly, Viola had noticed that the young master was actually avoiding them.

At first, she was bewildered by it, as she thought it was only in her head, yet upon days of coincidental meetups, Naell would often, if not change his direction entirely, walk avoiding their eyes.

When the meeting was about to begin, small introductions were made. It was noticeable that most representatives were all nobles or reputable adventurers.

Nonetheless, when it was their time to introduce themselves, Andrew and the rest were eyed upon due to their achievements in the Adventurer's guild, and connections from famous families.

Yet not all were impressed, as Andrew and Viola were mere new B-rank adventurers and commoners at that.

When it was Naell's turn, he was admirably looked upon, yet naturally he misunderstood, assuming they were all thinking about his bad reputation.

'It can't be helped.'

"I'm Naell Beryldot. A pleasure to be working with you all." Still, he managed to softly say.

Andrew and Viola were still not used to seeing a well mannered Naell. However, Namiku was really impressed.

If she didn't know the actual person who had been harassed by Naell, she might not believe the rumors at all.

'That's so weird…' She thought, remembering that even Andrew and the rest, felt the same after getting to know Owly.

'It’s as if Naell is a new person.'

"Ahem, so every year due to the large mass of people entering our school, some could enter whilst in the influence of alcohol." Said one of the task committee officers that seemed to garner a lot of ayes and approval.

"That is why, it is your duty to report it to us, the disciplinary committee, or to our teachers." Added on by one of the officers.

"So remember, and don't forget--- your partner, your responsibility, okay?" Said a member of the task committee, raising her chin and smiling.

After assigning them their duties, Naell and Viola were tasked to oversee the programs prepared by the first-year students.

On the other hand, Andrew and Namiku were then tasked to assist the disciplinary committee.

"See you later, Viola." Cheerfully Said Namiku. She was a bit concerned but her instincts told her that Naell would not do anything especially inside the academy.

"Uhmmm, yeah enjoy both of you. See you later." Replied Viola warmly, it was wrong to say that she wasn't afraid.

Yet somehow she knew, underneath Naell's fierce gaze at the distant horizon, he was trustworthy.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Worriedly whispered Andrew. He was more concerned as he witnessed first hand Naell's villainous deeds.

No matter how his parents or his friends would say otherwise, he knew that no one on Earth nor Mundo, would change in a short amount of time.

"Yes, don't worry." Yet Viola's gentle smile and sweet reassuring voice, calmed him down.

''Well do take care of our Viola, Young master Naell." said Namiku as she smiled, yet Naell dared not to look in their direction especially when she added on,

"Don't forget, your partner, your responsibility, okay?"

At that moment, Naell was looking at the distant horizon; admiring the peaceful sun, and was trying to escape the predicament of partnership. Yet what he was truly escaping from was the frightful aura of the smiling princess of the Eastern Kingdom.

Not only was Namiku's chaotic aura seeping out from her every word, her often cute demeanor completely vanished from Naell's peripheral vision; a woman clad with unnerving bloodlust living up to her father's name.

Then again, Naell wasn't really afraid anymore, seeing them everyday just made it awkward for him as he still thought they were mad at him.

After Andrew and Namiku walked away, that was the only time Naell was able to look at his reality. Firstly because Viola was calling him and it was very rude to ignore her further.

"Young master Naell?"

"Ahhh… yes?"

Upon Naell's calm reply without a hint of annoyance, Viola could not help but smile and breathe in relief.

"Where should we go first?"

On the other hand, upon seeing Viola's smile and normal reply, Naell was finally able to breathe.

"Well… you see..." Quickly Naell spoke without hesitation.

"Hmmm?" Viola could not help herself but giggle. As far as the conversation was going, it looked to her that Naell was as nervous as she was.

Yet before she could even understand what her situation was, she was left alone with a dumbfounded face.

“...Eh?”