Chapter 69: Trust (2)

"We're running out of time, so let's grab a meal at the school cafeteria. Although I do wish we could celebrate our first-place victory at a restaurant."

"Everyone has plans, so let's save that meal for later."

"Ugh, fine."

Theo and Aisha stepped off the carriage.

"...Where are you two going?" Piel, who was near the stop, asked.

Theo remained silent.

Flustered, Aisha glanced back and forth between Theo and Piel before speaking up.

"We have a club meeting."

"...I see."

Piel didn't say anything further. She cast a quick, intense gaze at the two.

"Let's get moving, Aisha. You mentioned you're on a tight schedule."

"Ah, yes, yes!"

Theo briefly glanced at Piel and briskly walked past her.

After dinner, instead of heading to the club meeting, I made my way to the training field of the Hero Department.

I wasn't there for a workout.

Whooooosh─

I came to take a shower.

Couldn't stand feeling dirty.

Walking into the training grounds, I thought back to Aisha's words.

[Oh my, you're more meticulous than me, and I'm a girl. You, the great heir of the Waldeurk family... Anyway, I'll wait for you, so hurry up and freshen up!]

······ It's not like I enjoy this.

Ever since my conversation with Rok in the cabin, I've been uneasy.

"Huff."

The shower was refreshing, relieving some of my stamina.

After the shower, I changed into a fresh academy uniform I had packed and spritzed some cologne.

Aisha and I arrived at the café where today's tactical strategy club meeting was taking place.

The spacious area had a simple interior with minimal decorations. I had been here before.

The other club members had already gathered.

"Nice to meet you."

"We're late. Ah, I see the discussion hasn't kicked off yet. Sorry for holding things up."

"We can't start without you, Aisha. Andrew refused to share any details, so, Aisha, could you fill us in? Tell us the thrilling tale of how you guys captured the culprit of the magic dungeon incident!"

Ah, that explains why Andrew had a sour expression on his face.

'But he hasn't denied anything so far...'

Not only Andrew, but now the others were trapped in my grasp as well.

Finally, the hardships have come to an end, and happiness is just around the corner.

I should also enjoy some of the perks.

'Hehe.'

I chuckled inwardly and took a seat.

"Oh, as I mentioned before, that's a difficult story to share. I apologize, but... it's a secret."

Aisha, drenched in sweat, also found her place.

The tactical strategy club meeting ended swiftly.

"Ah, I can't talk about it. If you keep asking, I'll get upset."

"Yeah, let's not push it. There must be a reason."

Aisha and Andrew refrained from discussing the magic dungeon incident, causing the atmosphere to grow cold.

Moreover, since Aisha and my team secured first place in the 'Artifact Exploration' practical evaluation, many club members bombarded us with questions, but I didn't say much.

Of course, Aisha followed my lead and remained tight-lipped.Rread latest chapters at n/ov(e)lbin(.)co/m

We simply attributed our success to luck.

If the topic of the stone tower were to come up, it could become problematic.

A nobleman's son from a prominent family dancing a ludicrous shamanic dance in front of the stone tower?

Ugh, just the thought of it makes me dizzy.

"Alright, let's conclude today's meeting here. I'll inform each of you individually about the venue for our next gathering. You all did a great job~"

The words of the future club president, Aisha.

"Uh-huh, everyone put in a lot of effort. But since it's been a while since we've all been together, why don't we chat a bit more, not just about tactics?"

One of the club members suggested.

He hoped it was nothing significant.

Better yet, don't answer at all.

"He is someone I will be with, for the rest of my life."

However, Aisha's response was the complete opposite of Andrew's hopes.

With a soulless expression, Andrew aimlessly roamed around the Hero Department.

'Aisha took my heart.'

It felt as if he could never truly love another person.

Aisha had torn his heart apart.

...Someone to spend a life with.

Aisha's expression was far too serious. There was never any chance at all.

"Uh, uh-huh."

Andrew wiped away his tears with the back of his hand as he wandered.

His broken heart had nowhere to go.

Then, a hot dog shop caught Andrew's attention.

He didn't usually indulge in them since they were essentially fatty with little nutritional value, but... today, he felt like having something to eat.

Andrew entered the hot dog shop.

"Welcome~"

A female employee greeted him.

With his head bowed, Andrew spoke.

"One hot dog... No sugar. My heart isn't that sweet."

"Hmm~ One hot dog. But it won't taste as good without the sugar."

The employee remarked, offering Andrew a smile.

"..."

Andrew found himself captivated.

If there was an angel that could make one forget all worldly woes, wouldn't it be the owner of that smile?

"Here's your hot dog~ As per your request, there's no sugar. But I'd recommend having it with sugar... I've tried everything on the menu."

The employee smiled once again.

"Uh..."

Only now did Andrew have the chance to study her face.

Compared to Aisha, she had plain features.

Yet there was a tender warmth in her eyes that offered him solace.

Thump─!

Andrew fumbled, dropping his hot dog.

"Oh."

"You seem to be having a tough time."

The employee spoke with a gentle smile.

"Just wait a moment, I'll make you a new one."

And she handed Andrew another hot dog.

"If you've been crying until your eyes are red, it must be something hard. I don't know what it is, but cheer up. Oh, and this one's on me, from my part-time pay. But let's keep it between us... It'll be our little secret."

Andrew hurriedly opened his mouth.

“May I... ask for your name?”

He stuttered nervously, his words stumbling out.

The employee still wore a warm smile.

"I'm Sally, a first-year in the Knight Department."

“I... I'm also a first-year. Andrew from the Hero Department.”

"Ah, I see you're wearing the Hero Department uniform. Alright, Andrew. Make sure to visit often. Stay strong!"

With that, she smiled radiantly.

Her comforting smile washed away all his concerns and melancholy in a blink.

"I, thank you... Sally!"

His heart rekindled with a newfound flame.

***

Bruh

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