“But, Litte.” After handing the potion bottle to Litte, Hecatia still spoke with a hint of worry.
“I don’t know why you’re hiding your identity, but if you told Orson that you’re a girl, you’d probably have an easier time being accepted by him.”
“I... I know.” Litte nodded. “But, Professor Hecatia, Orson is already with Olivia...”
Saying this, she voiced the worries in her heart.
“Right now, as a ‘boy,’ I can still have some close interactions with Orson, but if Orson finds out I’m a girl, he’ll become aware of the differences between men and women...”
“Oh, so that’s what you’re worried about.” Hecatia nodded knowingly.
“But...” Hecatia continued, “This can’t go on forever, can it?”
“Think about it. If Orson likes Olivia, it proves he’s likely heterosexual. And as long as you keep presenting yourself with ‘boyish’ traits, Olivia will always have the upper hand.”
“Even if, through incredible effort, you manage to pull Orson away from Olivia and make him fall for you—do you think the Orson who falls in love with a ‘man’ will truly love the real you?”
“If you twist Orson’s mind to think he’s gay, but it turns out you’re still a girl and he’s still straight, wouldn’t that gross him out instead?”
“At that point, even Virgil might have a better shot with him than you.”
On his way back to the Imperial Academy, Virgil couldn’t help but sneeze.
“Mm…” Litte lowered her head, pondering for a long time before nodding. “Professor Hecatia, you’re right, but…”
“Alright, I know you have your concerns,” Hecatia said, patting Litte’s shoulder. “But as my student, I won’t allow you to be inferior to anyone, not even in stealing a man.”
“So, Litte, even if it’s just for your teacher’s pride, you must win Orson back.” Hecatia stared into Litte’s eyes. “At the very least, if you can’t bear to make Orson hate Olivia, then ensure you become the one Orson loves the most.”
After Hecatia’s encouragement, Litte felt much better. She looked at Hecatia gratefully and nodded.
“Professor Hecatia, don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”
“Good.” Hecatia smiled in satisfaction.
“Alright, class time is over. I’m going back to sleep now.” With that, Hecatia waved goodbye to Litte and left the classroom.
Litte remained behind, lost in thought.
—
Back in her dormitory, Hecatia returned to find Therese sipping coffee on the living room couch. She sighed helplessly.
“I’ve done almost everything you asked me to do, but are you sure this is the right way? Forcing Litte and Orson’s relationship forward like this?”
“It’s fine. Trust me, this will only benefit both Litte and Orson.” Therese replied. “I’ve secretly observed Litte’s personality. She’s a very reserved type. If we don’t give her a push, she’ll miss out on Orson and regret it for the rest of her life.”
“The bond they share is already unbreakable. Since that’s the case, our role is to make that bond even stronger.”
“Don’t you think what we’re doing goes beyond our responsibilities as teachers?” Hecatia asked.
“...Maybe,” Therese nodded. “But I don’t want our students to remain stagnant because of emotional struggles.”
“In that case, shouldn’t we cut off those emotions instead?”
“Do you think that’s possible? Even someone as strong as Lady Alice couldn’t escape human emotions. Do you think anyone else can?”
“Fine...” Hecatia sighed.
—
“Come on, Orson, open up~” Olivia was as persistent as ever in the Student Council office.
After finishing the morning’s classes, she and Orson had agreed to meet early at the office. Olivia had prepared lunch for the two of them, using it as an excuse to avoid Litte and Lianca and create some private time together.
Holding up a shrimp with her hand, Olivia brought it to Orson’s mouth.
Feeling embarrassed, Orson reluctantly ate the shrimp, then complimented Olivia.
“It’s pretty good,” he said, looking away with a slight blush.
“That’s great.” Olivia rested her chin on her hand, her head tilted as she smiled warmly at Orson.
Seeing her smile, Orson was momentarily stunned.
“Ahem, good afternoon.” Just as the two were gazing at each other, their faces drawing closer, the door to the room opened, and Manuel walked in.
“Ah, good afternoon, Manuel,” Orson nodded.
Olivia, however, was annoyed.
She had worked so hard to create a romantic atmosphere with Orson, only to have it ruined by Manuel’s sudden arrival.
Oblivious to Olivia’s displeasure, Manuel, ever focused on his Student Council duties, got straight to the point. “President Orson, the schedules for the midterm and final exams have been finalized.”
With that, he handed Orson a document.
“This is from Professor Therese.”
Taking the document, Orson frowned.
“Why has the outdoor training been moved up?”
According to the academy’s rules, the first half of the academic year was mostly spent on-campus, while the second half included outdoor training during spring. All grades would be organized into regional groups, with each class tasked with handling different areas.
“Professor Therese mentioned that it’s due to the orc issue in the east. The second-half training might involve assisting in the east to combat the orcs, so the outdoor training for the first half has been moved up.”
“Alright...” Orson nodded. “If that’s the decision of the Council, then so be it.”
Throughout history, there had been multiple instances where national emergencies led to sudden changes in the Imperial Academy’s curriculum. For example, during the orc invasion eighteen years ago, all students from the academy were deployed to fight the orcs, resulting in nearly a hundred student deaths. Those students were buried in the academy’s cemetery and remained its pride to this day.
Going further back, events like the Empire’s civil war, resistance against foreign invaders, and three major expansions had all necessitated curriculum adjustments.
“So, this midterm exam will likely carry more weight than usual?”
“Yes,” Manuel nodded. With the outdoor training uncertain, the Council was placing significant importance on the midterm exams.
“Alright, Manuel, please convey to the Council that the Student Council will cooperate fully with their decisions,” Orson said, looking at Manuel.
“Understood.” Manuel nodded and left the office.
As the door closed, Olivia let out a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” Orson asked, noticing her expression.
“The orc issue—Antica Duchy will be the first to face it, right?”
“Antica’s forces are already relatively weak. Facing an orc resurgence won’t be easy.” Olivia’s tone carried a hint of worry. “I’ve heard that other duchies are preparing to support Antica, but since it’s not their own land being attacked...”
“And they don’t understand the concept of ‘when the lips perish, the teeth grow cold.’”
“Exactly,” Orson nodded. “As the Empire’s eastern shield, if Antica falls, the orcs will have a direct path to invade Prussia, Lucia, and the Imperial territories. These three regions are contributing the most resources.”
“But the other three duchies—Aragon, Orleans, and Napolis—are less involved. Aragon and Orleans have good relations with my family and are providing substantial funds and supplies. Napolis, on the other hand, refuses to provide money or supplies, only sending 5,000 conscripted farmers while demanding that we treat them as allied forces.”
Recently, Orson and Lucius had been exchanging letters. Orson mainly updated the family on his well-being and reported Litte’s progress, while Lucius shared details about the duchy’s affairs, occasionally seeking Orson’s input.
In Lucius’s view, regardless of whether Orson would inherit the title of Duke, his current capabilities already warranted his involvement in the duchy’s decision-making.
And Orson didn’t disappoint, providing advice that had significantly aided Lucius in several decisions.
“I strongly suspect that Napolis’s troops aren’t here to fight but to drain our resources,” Orson said angrily.
Giovanni’s strategy was cunning.
By sending 5,000 expendable troops, Giovanni wouldn’t lose much if they were sacrificed. However, he could use their deaths to demand compensation from Lucius.
If Lucius chose not to sacrifice them, their lack of combat capabilities would leave them as dead weight, depleting resources instead.
The worst part was that Lucius couldn’t outright refuse Giovanni. Doing so would give him an excuse to withhold future support.
“At a time of national crisis, he’s still making things harder. Truly despicable.”
“Sigh,” Olivia shook her head. “Our families get along well. If worse comes to worst, I’ll write to my father and ask him to provide additional support.”
“It’s fine.” Orson smiled as he looked at Olivia. “You haven’t even married me yet, and you’re already planning to drain your family’s resources to support me? Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”
“Ugh...” Olivia blushed at Orson’s teasing, lightly poking his arm. “Why didn’t I notice before that you’re so cheeky?”
“That’s because you didn’t stay this close to me before,” Orson chuckled. “What, do you find this side of me unpleasant?”
“Not at all. Orson is Orson. I like you no matter what,” Olivia said.
“Don’t worry. Orcs are tough but not invincible. Eighteen years ago, my father drove them out. Duke William’s support has already been substantial. Asking for more might upset his vassals.”