'Dream of Glazed Glass'
The simulated sky twinkled with lightning, with streaks of rain falling from above, soon followed by the pattering sound of raindrops inside the store.
Although it didn't really rain inside the store, the environment resembled reality so closely that it was hard to distinguish the real from the fake, and sometimes people willingly immersed themselves in this illusion of rain.
It was mid-May, and the rainy season had arrived on the surface of the earth, in harmony with this simulated weather.
Hexia was seated in Botis' Glass Jungle, listening to the sound of rain drumming on the leaves above, with a small booklet before her and a quiet, large spider perched on her desk.
The scratching of the pen on paper had its uses for mankind in the Interstellar Era, although not as widespread as it used to be.
Since the concert that day, Hexia felt some changes within herself, though she couldn't quite put her finger on them. Perhaps she had become more settled? At least she wasn't as nervously on edge as before.
Holding the pen, the girl tilted her head in thought, then unconsciously tapped the large spider on the desk with the end of her pen before she continued writing.
She was sorting out recent events; life had thrown quite a lot at her, and without some order, it could become confusing.
One, prepare for advancing to Withering Sequence 3, try to select a better job placement.
Two, study music, although that dream was quite incredible, after the concert the other day, Hexia knew she couldn't escape the things related to being a Songstress.
Three, prepare for the Academy entrance retake. Even though the retake list wasn't out yet, considering it prudent to be prepared, it was time to review.
After arranging her schedule for the next few days, Hexia used her personal terminal to scan the paper and record it in her memo.
Alright, time to start today's tasks. It should be time to help 'Huale' with her tasks.
While she was certainly tempted by the offer, she also felt incredibly flattered, as she hadn't done anything outstanding for this noblewoman.
"No worries, their enrollment list hasn't been finalized yet. You could still take the additional exams through a special channel in time."
Elite Academies had various enrollment slots, some reserved for those who offered significant sponsorship and contributions to the schools. The noblewoman spoke the truth; Hexia just hadn't expected to encounter such a stroke of luck, something she'd only heard of in rumors.
"This... Thank you, but I'm not sure how to reciprocate. After all, my work has been quite ordinary."
"Heh, you're overthinking it, Dantalion." The noblewoman set down her cup.
"To you, it might seem significant, but for me, it's a small matter solved with a phone call."
"Your own qualifications aren't bad; it's just that your background hasn't afforded you many opportunities. I'm simply making an investment. To see a girl like you flourish in the future is indeed a delightful sight, much nicer than letting the bothersome details of life furrow your brow."
"Don't be overly grateful to me. Just think of it as if a Gold Coin has suddenly fallen from the sky for you to find. Pick it up at ease."
"If you really feel indebted, then just perform well in school. Someone I recommend is definitely not going to be mediocre," she stated with a confidence that was almost certain.
After a bit more conversation, the noblewoman allowed Hexia to leave.
Back at the bar, 'Huale' curiously asked why Hexia had taken such a long time, and then learned about what had transpired.
"That's how it is? Just accept it with peace of mind, Dantalion," 'Huale' suggested quite naturally.
"Can I really accept it just like that, such a thing?"
"Well, for a big shot, it really is a small matter. Maybe she thinks you're a promising prospect and decided to lend a hand following her whims."
"Alright then." As Hexia slowly came to terms with this idea, she suddenly remembered she hadn't exchanged contact details with the noblewoman, nor had the woman asked for her personal information.