Chapter 46: Final Exam (4)

Chapter 46: Final Exam (4)

"I'm leaving."

Locke had finished his business at the student council office and now needed to prepare for upcoming exams.

He was no exemplary student but he did what was necessary.

"Locke, wait."

Astina called out to Locke.

He pivoted to face her, brow arched in question.

"What's up?"

Astina seemed to hesitate for a moment, her gaze fixed on him.

Then, as if she had made up her mind, she opened her mouth.

"Um... can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"What's a guy's reaction when an upperclassman asks him out for a meal?"

"On what day? What kind of meal?"

A sense of dj vu washed over Locke.

He had seen this scene play out before - with Rie.

Whenever she asked such questions, the typically decisive Rie would transform into a timid girl.

It was similar with Astina now, though she seemed to manage better than Rie.

"Suppose it's on a birthday... at a restaurant. No specific reason, just thought of treating him on his birthday."

Locke's suspicions were confirmed.

His detective work, under Rie's orders, had pointed to one conclusion: the only upcoming birthday was Rudy Astria's.

The situation was complicated, however.

Recently, Rie had been trying to figure out the perfect gift for Rudy Astria.

The issue was the timing of the gift - was it during a birthday dinner or just a casual handover in the evening?

If Rie intended to also have dinner with Rudy, things could become complicated.

After some thought, Locke came up with a reply.DiisCoover updated novels on n(o)v./e/lbin(.)com

"That sounds fine."

He decided to let Rudy Astria make the choice.

Locke didn't want to meddle in someone else's romantic affairs.

Besides, he was hardly qualified to give advice in such matters.

He figured it was best they resolved their issues on their own.

---

Raei Translations

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The day of the final exams arrived.

Final exams didn't bring the same stress as midterms, but I couldn't shake a sense of unease.

Before the hospitalization, I'd spent much of my study time practicing dark magic.

I couldn't avoid feeling a bit anxious, knowing I hadn't prepared as thoroughly as before.

However, with the answer sheets I received from Astina and a post-hospital cramming session, I was hopeful about earning a decent grade.

"Evan must have been studying hard, right?"

While I'd been struggling, he'd been focused on his studies.

It would be a real injustice if he wasn't the top student after that.

Evan was in a far better study environment than in the game.

I did all the hard work and gave the rewards, like Andrei's sword, to him.

The nobles hadn't troubled him, and he could focus purely on his studies.

The only difference from the game was he didn't resent me since I hadn't done anything wrong.

I don't think the protagonist would dramatically change just because there was no one to hate.

Evan was not a character fueled by hatred, and it didn't align with his personality.

"Still, I should check on him later."

This semester had been busy, and I hadn't paid much attention to Evan.

He was doing well independently, but as time passed, I needed to involve myself a bit more.

Being a fair rival would help stimulate his growth.

Her vibrancy was gone, her color faded to gray.

She was pale, white as a sheet.

Even Luna wasn't immune to the professors' tyranny....

Seeing Luna's distraught state left me at a loss for words.

I didn't need to ask about her exam.

As I was about to close the classroom door, a familiar voice rang out.

"I must be insane.... I should've studied more...."

I turned to find Rie.

Rie was pacing the hallway, murmuring to herself with a wild look in her eyes.

"Rie."

She jerked as I called her name.

"......"

Rie stared at me. Then...

"You! This is all your fault!"

She seized my collar, shaking me vehemently.

"Hey! What! Why me!"

Rie was shaking me around, her grip tight on my collar.

Rie wasn't particularly strong, so it didn't hurt, but it was a bizarre experience being shaken so vigorously.

Her loud exclamations began drawing attention.

I hastily tapped Rie's shoulder.

"Hey, people are watching."

"Aaaaah!"

She ignored my words, continuing her howling.

"Huh? Rudy? Rie?"

Luna noticed us as Rie continued to cause a commotion.

"Lu... Luna, help--."

"Aaaaahhh!!!"

Rie wouldn't stop shaking me.

"Why is she doing this...?"

"I-I have no id-id-idea."

I didn't intend to stutter, but due to the constant shaking, my words came out jumbled.

Watching us, Luna let out an awkward chuckle.

Then, with caution, she spoke.

"Ah, Rudy... Are you free tonight?"

"...!"

Rie abruptly stopped shaking me at Luna's words.

"Tonight?"

"Yes! How about dinner together?"

Rie swiftly raised her head, locking eyes with Luna.

Feeling a tension crackle between them, I grew even more perplexed.

"What's happening...?"

Bewildered, my gaze darted between them.

***

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