Chapter 44: Elective Class (7)
The biggest difference between specialized classes and exclusive classes was the difference in the students who attended them.
Specialized classes were those designed for certain dormitory students, in other words, classes focused on a particular field.
The main feature of these classes was that even students from other dormitories could attend them as long as they wanted to.
The fact that Lian Gwendil was able to take Professor Deiare’s class was exactly such an example.
Professor Deiare’s class was mainly for Hilts, but since it was a specialized class, students from other dormitories could also take it freely if they wished.
Exclusive classes, however, were literally professional courses meant only for the students of a specific dormitory, and only those belonging to that dormitory could attend.
One such exclusive class was the one that Sister Roberta was about to begin soon.
Also, since exclusive classes had no grade restrictions, though not common, it wasn’t unheard of for students of different years to end up taking the same class.
Of course, Lancia Jintia already knew that fact well.
That was why she was able to quickly regain her composure.
Once her surprise subsided, the next feeling that came to her was worry.
It was because Sister Roberta’s class was also well-known for being extremely advanced.
‘Even for a junior, this class would be tough.’
Of course, it was never her intention to belittle him.
She already knew very well how outstanding his holy power was, and that he possessed a rare talent and vessel far different from ordinary people.
‘More than anything…….’
She also knew that he was hiding his strength, just like herself.
Strictly speaking, his level had long surpassed that of a mere freshman.
No, perhaps he could even hold his place among the upper ranks of the higher-year students without much difficulty.
Even Lancia, who frequently entered and left the Papacy acting as a representative, had rarely ever seen someone carrying such pure holy power as Lian.
But she also knew well the fact that he had not been with the Holy Sun Church for very long.
No matter how gifted one might be, it was impossible to act on knowledge one had never learned.
Sister Roberta’s class in particular was one that taught accumulated years of experience and wisdom combined.
It was a class that demanded more experience and knowledge than talent.
‘Hmm.’
Still, it would not be good to openly show off what she knew in a place like this.
With that thought, she simply exchanged a brief eye greeting and waited quietly for the class to begin.
Flash!
Suddenly, with a loud crash, thunder struck through her mind.
‘……That’s it!’
Not being flustered by sudden variables but instead turning them to one’s advantage—this was a fundamental rule on the battlefield.
She immediately began turning her thoughts, wondering how best to use this situation.
‘First, I should raise my grades a little.’
Originally, she had planned to keep up with her usual nickname of being a failing student, placing herself near the bottom ranks.
But this time, she changed her mind and decided to adjust things to score right in the middle.
The reason for this change was none other than Lian Gwendil himself.
‘If I teach him and help him, I can both save face as a senior and build closeness. I can achieve both.’
By making excuses such as reviewing, practicing for exams, and preparing together, the more time they spent together, the closer they would naturally grow.
Satisfied with her flawless plan, Lancia nodded to herself.
Of course, this thinking was ultimately for the sake of fulfilling the mission entrusted to her.
However, even beyond the mission, Lian Gwendil himself was someone she viewed very favorably, so forming a bond with him was by no means unpleasant.
Surely, in the near future, he would grow into a towering pillar that supported the Holy Sun Church.
‘Good.’
Having reached her conclusion, Lancia clenched her fist lightly.
― How to leave a good impression on the person you want to befriend.
― Fun and simple psychology tests to do with friends.
― How to naturally build good relationships with those around you.
― You too can do it! Become popular and trusted!
And so on……
She had been troubled by not being able to consult those many guides and resources, but right now none of that mattered.
At this moment, she was filled with a confidence she herself could not explain.
The plan she had just come up with on the spot was, after all, nearly flawless.
“Greetings, everyone. My name is Roberta.”
Seeing Sister Roberta enter the auditorium shortly thereafter, she gave a small nod.
It was her habit whenever she made a firm resolve.
“This time, I will be teaching you not only the most fundamental roles of a Holy Sun believer on the battlefield, but also various primal combat methods.”
“Whether you become priests, nuns, battle priests, or holy knights—what I will teach this time will surely become valuable assets to you all. This I can guarantee.”
With that simple self-introduction, Sister Roberta immediately began the class.
Since it was the first session, she explained that she would simply ask a few questions and have them try some basic movements, then started.
Amidst all that, Lancia once again nodded to herself, mumbling as if reaffirming her resolve.
‘Let’s do well, Lancia!’
And a moment later.
Lancia instinctively sensed that something was wrong.
‘……Huh?’
Something was strange.
As she watched Lian struggling to keep up after class began, she couldn’t shake off the sense of incongruity.
He was indeed following along with the lesson, albeit imperfectly, but with genuine effort.
Though she could by no means call it excellent, considering that he was a first-year, it was clearly above average.
“……”
The ability he showed during class was that of an ordinary first-year…… or rather, at least upper-mid tier among first-years.
Considering that he was hiding his true strength, the current situation itself wasn’t particularly strange.
But then why?
She simply couldn’t get rid of the nagging sense of oddity lodged in the center of her mind.
And soon after, she figured out the source of it.
‘……He’s acting?’
In him, she saw a reflection of herself.
He too was hiding his strength, just like her.
Not only concealing his ability, but also something else entirely.
‘But why? No, if that’s the case, then what is he……?’
Lancia’s expression grew more complex.
There were usually two reasons why someone hid their strength.
The first was because they had a guilty conscience and wanted to hide themselves.
The second was because they had a purpose in hiding.
Of course, it couldn’t be the first.
Which meant he had some kind of purpose.
Then what in the world could that purpose be?
“……”
Various thoughts began surfacing one by one in her mind.
The first thing she recalled was that he had said he could see the future.
It seemed that this mission was bound to become far trickier than she had initially expected.
“……”
Cecilia Everglenn was deep in thought with a serious face.
So serious, in fact, that the guest who had come to see her was startled by her aura and postponed their own business for a while.
Sitting upright like a pole, she alternated between looking at the open books and notes on her desk, reviewing their contents, and occasionally furrowing her brow ever so slightly.
On her desk were scattered books she had carefully selected and brought from the library.
― How to leave a good impression on the person you want to befriend.
― Fun and simple psychology tests to do with friends.
― How to naturally build good relationships with those around you.
― You too can do it! Become popular and trusted!
But none of them gave her a satisfying answer.
The only real gain was that through them she managed to exchange conversations with Lian Gwendil and learn a few things about him.
“If you chose the sheep, you are a coward who doesn’t reveal yourself until you truly know someone. But because of that, you try to avoid danger and future risks through careful and meticulous behavior. Yet, you may worry too much and overthink things, causing you to miss something simple or forget something important……”
“If you chose the bird, you are someone who wishes to soar endlessly through the vast sky each day, holding a clear and significant sense of purpose. But don’t forget that at times you must rest your wings and perch upon a branch……”
Muttering the contents written in the book, she began scribbling notes.
Then she glanced at another notebook placed beside her.
It was a notebook with her own chosen result and its interpretation written in it.
“A person who chose the sheep and a person who chose the dog form a perfect relationship that complements each other.”
At this, Cecilia’s eyes opened ever so slightly wider.
Right after, the corners of her lips curved into the faintest, soft smile.
“Each fills in the other’s shortcomings, caring for one another, truly making the best of friends. Their friendship will grow stronger and sturdier with each passing day. May that friendship never change……”
The more she read on, the more she nodded with a subtly satisfied expression.
Of course, these were nothing more than idle amusements, lacking any real credibility.
But Cecilia, from a young age, had had extremely few opportunities to engage in normal communication or interaction not only with her peers but with people in general.
In other words, she was practically no different from a loner.
Which meant that, at least in these matters, she was no better than a child unable to distinguish content meant to be taken lightly as mere jokes.
“A person who chose the horse and a person who chose the bird must never remain in the same place, as they are polar opposites……?!”
Yes.
She could be so startled by trivial words like this.
In an instant, her expression stiffened as she pored over the book again and again.
But the text remained unchanged, repeatedly telling her only that “a person who chose the horse and a person who chose the bird are incompatible.”
“……”
Staring blankly at the book as if frozen, she soon let out a small sigh.
Then, as if she had no lingering attachments, she closed the book with a light thump and muttered.
“……It’s nothing more than a game, I must’ve gotten too absorbed.”
Though her hand and voice trembled faintly, her expression at least remained calm.
She let out a small breath and reached for another book.
It was titled, ‘300 Everyday Jokes and Topics to Smoothen Conversations!’
Just as she quietly muttered and began reading it—
“You know, no matter what, it feels pretty humiliating to be ignored to this extent.”
“……”
Even at the voice that came from behind her, Cecilia didn’t react at all.
From the sofa in the corner of the room, Windy May Maddown giggled softly at Cecilia’s back as though finding it cute.
“Reading those kinds of things a hundred times over won’t help in the slightest, you know.”
“……”
“Crashing into things directly would be far better…… but I suppose you have your reasons for not doing that. You don’t want to make mistakes, don’t want to fail. Isn’t that it?”
“……”
“Ah, could that be why, after class today, you practically fled back to the dormitory so quickly?”
Here, Cecilia faltered ever so slightly.
Because Windy May’s words had been right on the mark.
“……”
If she revealed her true feelings just a little, she too had wanted to greet Lian Gwendil and exchange a few words with him in today’s class.
If she were to be even more honest, she wanted to stay by his side like that illegitimate son of the Amiel family, chatting idly or sharing meals together.
Yes, just like friends.
He was the very first friend she had ever made.
But Cecilia did not act that way.
On the contrary, she avoided Lian as thoroughly as possible.
She judged that if someone like her, who was poorly regarded by the public, were to be seen getting close to Lian, it would bring him nothing good.
“That’s a good mindset.”
And seeing through her thoughts completely, Windy May muttered as if finding her praiseworthy.
“Being considerate and respectful toward others is the first step in a proper relationship. But, hmm……”
It would be nice if she showed a little consideration and respect this way too.
She let out a blunt remark in a sullen tone.
“More than that, are you still not going to ask why I came to see you?”
“……”
“I’ve got a lot of free time today, you know.”
At the persistence, Cecilia eventually raised her white flag.
Turning her head to face the unwelcome guest, she quietly asked.
“If I ask, will you leave?”
“Hmm, maybe?”
Cecilia stared at the smiling Windy May with no change in her own expression and spoke.
“Professor, why exactly have you come to see me?”
“To make the same proposal I once made before.”
As she said this, Windy May slowly straightened her posture and drew a steady breath.
Then, with a serious face, she looked at Cecilia and spoke in a solemn tone.
“Cecilia Everglenn.”
The way Windy May said it carried the weight and dignity befitting someone called an Archmage.
For a moment, even Cecilia was left staring blankly at her.
“I, Windy May Maddown, once again extend this proposal to you.”
“……”
“Would you not become my disciple?”
At her words, Cecilia was about to refuse outright without a second thought.
But wait.
Just for a very brief instant.
In that fleeting moment, a good idea struck her, and she answered with a voice tinged with apparent regret.
“That is…… truly an honor, Professor.”
“……!? Do you mean you would accept my proposal?”
Windy May’s ears perked straight up with a sharp flick as if a ringing sound had gone off.
It was her habit whenever she felt joy or surprise.
“Of course I would like to, but unfortunately, I cannot.”
“What? Why not?”
Windy May had intended to persuade her repeatedly, but Cecilia’s unexpectedly favorable response surprised her, and so she asked the reason for her refusal.
Cecilia answered.
“I already have another teacher.”
“……What?”
Friends should be those who help and rely on each other.
Every book she had borrowed, no matter how different the stories, had all said the same thing.
“So that being said……”
Cecilia glanced at the young-looking half-elf.
Her expression now matched her appearance, like that of a child sulking after having a toy taken away.
“Wouldn’t it be better if Professor spoke with him?”
Someone of Windy May’s caliber would surely be able to help Lian in some way.
That was what Cecilia thought.