A.N. Back to campus slice of life for now. For those wondering, this chapter takes place a day before when you take control in chapter 3 of the game.

Septian Calendar 1206, 9th of June

About three weeks have passed since the Crossbell field exercise. As how it was after the Sutherland field exercise, campus life goes on, but outside…well, things continue to brew in the background.

The Crossbell propaganda pretty much succeeded. News outlets that are heavily tilted toward the government printed out the story of brave Erebonians soldiers maintaining order in Crossbell, along with some obituaries of soldiers that died in the line of duty.

In the forefront, was, of course, the Ashen Chevalier who had protected Crossbell from Calvard invasion two years ago, once more protecting the city—this time from the cryptids. Tio's role was not mentioned at all, meanwhile, Instructor Randy was only mentioned as an Instructor of Thors' Branch Campus with no name provided.

Speaker MacDowell meanwhile, was given scathing criticism for 'hiding' in the safety of Mishelam along with his granddaughter and other prominent former Crosbell Police Department and Crossbell Guardian Force officers—all of whom are associated with the SSS.

In short, the Governor General might have failed in getting El-Prado, but he certainly succeeds in advancing the Empire's propaganda in Crossbell. Juna has been taking it well enough—relatively speaking—Lloyd's message did wonders. Sasuga protagonist.

As for the society, I honestly haven't been able to find anything on whoever it was Alisa was talking about. If the internet is a thing this would be simple, but without the internet, I would have to look up official records and old newspapers, and it's a bit hard to look for those when I am stuck in Leeves. There's no public library.

I did ask Altina if she noticed anything since she also seemed to react to the voice, but all she said was that it seemed familiar and that's it…which isn't much to go on. She's an agent of the Intelligence Division that has been to many places, probably encountering a lot of people, after all.

Aside from Crossbell, the Imperial Provincial Council is coming up soon, which I will be attending in Father's place. I did call him through ARCUS to ask if something is wrong back home, but he reassured me that it is well in hand.

I did contact Father's Seneschal, Baldwyn after that, and he said the same thing. Edith even said that she didn't know anything other than the usual affairs are going on. Since she's the only maid we have, I suppose it really is nothing serious—she did say she's kept busy cooking for a guest of Father, though.

About the Imperial Provincial Council…I wonder how it would go down this year, considering that according to Father's letter, Musse is well on her way to consolidating the Noble Faction. If I'd have to surmise a guess, she'd probably try to claim the Lamarre Duchy as the next Duchess Cayenne, which would put her in opposition with Marquis Ballard. Father did say to not support the Marquis, but does that mean I would have to support Musse?

The Maquis had an unsavory reputation, but apparently, he has very good business sense, which nets him many reluctant allies—reluctant, but allies nonetheless. And he is the uncle of the previous Duke Cayenne, so he has a strong claim bloodline-wise.

Considering Musse's true identity as Mildine, and that she's the one currently making attempts to unite the Noble Faction…if Father doesn't want the Marquis, Musse is probably the only choi—

"Jessica? Would you like to answer what is the protocol for a primary survey for a collapsed person?"

I turn back my attention to Linde, who is teaching us first aid. She—and Becky—had been assigned to the Branch Campus.

I nod, "After calling for help and checking if the patient is conscious or not, the protocol would be to check and address the issue of ABC. Airway, Breathing, and Circulation…the protocol for ER specialists, in any case. Cardiologists typically suggest the order of Circulation, Airway, and Breathing instead, under the idea that if circulation has been addressed, the oxygen in the blood will sustain the patient while we address airway and breathing, instead of addressing airway and breathing but having no circulation to carry the oxygen."

Yeah, that's a debate here too, it seems. ABC is the tried and true method, but CAB makes more sense, honestly.

Linde nods, "That's right."

She then smiles sheepishly, "Honestly, I give different answers when questioned depending on if I'm interning in ER or Cardiology. But yes, one of the two. Though the most important thing is…"

I can't help but feel sorry for Linde a bit, she's technically just a medical intern who is assigned to the Branch Campus for an unpaid internship, and now we're asking her to take additional duty to teach first aid.

Ah…medical interns. Truly, one of the most oppressed groups of people. Well, okay that's probably an exaggeration…and biased, considering my—no, his memory.

The class soon ended, but Linde asked me to stay behind.

"My apologies for not paying attention earlier. It was not—"

Linde waved me off, "It's fine. Rean mentioned that you are really good with first aid and medical training, so it makes sense that you'd found the basics a bit boring."

"It may be so. But it is not becoming for me to slack off in class, it would be rude to you. Not to mention it set poor precedence as a Student Council President," I replied.

Especially the first part. There is nothing worse when you are teaching than your students not even attempting to pay attention.

Linde giggles, "Heehee, you're as dutiful as ever. But, well…that's really not why I asked you to stay behind, so you can relax."

I nod, "I see. May I ask what is it you wish to talk about?"

"Have you thought of what you are going to do once you graduate from Thors?" She asked.

That is…still more than a year away, but…

"I will join the Nortia Provincial Army for a time before retiring to take over as Viscountess of Valdrand," I answered. Not exactly what I wanted, but it's the most realistic estimation of what would happen.

Linde nods, then smiles, "Have you thought to enroll in a medical school? I'd think you'd do well."

I shake my head, "I am not opposed to it in principle…however, as the heiress to House Schleiden doing military service is expected of me. So that is how it is going to be."

I don't think Father would actually mind if that's what I want, but he's the one that is going to deal with the fallout in noble society. Especially considering Erebonia's militaristic culture.

Linde looks surprised for a moment before giving me an apologetic look, "Oh! Um…sorry, I didn't think about that. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No, it is fine. I do not think you did anything wrong. I…will keep what you said in mind," I reassured her.

She gives me a smile, "All right. Well, if you decide that it's something you want to do, I'm sure I can help you get in touch with Professor Seiland in St. Ursula."

I nod, give a small bow, and exit the classroom.

What I want to do, huh? Good question. What exactly do I want?

Be a medical doctor again? Well, sure if it were entirely up to me, I'd probably choose that over serving in the army, but it's not like I had an actual passion for it. Even as ▅▅▅▅ I think he only became a doctor because it's something he can do, and…I think he regretted it a bit. I guess I want to try actually doing something I want to do as Jessica.

Though what that is…I have no idea. I really have no exact goal, thinking about it. I want to live peacefully and have my friends and family safe, but…Everyone wants that. Compared to Kurt wanting to master the path of the sword and—in his word—cut down the abscess of Erebonia or Juna who wants to help Crossbell be independent again…or even Altina that wants to understand more how about being human…mine seems really mundane.

Well, I suppose this is what you get if you stuff an anime kishi-hime heroine with the memory of a relatively normal guy at birth. The original Jessica…I wonder what she would have wanted...Aside from…probably wanting to win the Kurtbowl, I mean.

Yeah...let's not go there. Kurtbowl is just too weird because I see Kurt like a little brother. Like seriously, I'd rather go for Reanbowl if I had to choose between the two.

Well, it doesn't matter. Good thing I'm safe on both fronts.

"Jessica, what did you draw for Principal Le Guin's art class assignment?"

I look up from the documents I'm reviewing and turn to Altina who is sitting in front of me.

"I used Valimar as a model," I answered.

What? He looks cool.

"Is there a reason you are asking?" I continued.

Altina sighs, "The principal rejected my painting yet again. I believe I am the only one whose assignment has yet to be approved by Principal Le Guin. I do not understand. Objectively speaking, my paintings are better than some she has accepted, especially Sidney's."

"That's…uh…a bit rude to Sidney, don't you think?" I asked in amusement. I don't blame her, given that chicken scratch of a painting Sidney submitted but still…

Altina tilts her head, "Why not? That is objectively true, even Principal Le Guin seems really reluctant to approve of it."

"Well…not everyone could be a good painter. I do not mind, as I understand you do not mean anything, but you should try to be less blunt. Perhaps…try using a euphemism," I replied.

Altina nods, "I see. I will try. However, I still do not understand why the Principal accepted Sidney's and not mine."

"Principal Le Guin typically gave feedback, yes? What did she say?" I asked.

At least she did when she rejected my first submission.

Altina replies, "She said that my paintings are not expressive enough. From my study, expressionist painting is a type of abstract painting. Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas…"

Is she reciting this from a textbook? She is, isn't she?

"…Therefore I tried studying several famous expressionist paintings as a reference, and created a composite painting based on those references for my last submission, but the Principal rejected it, saying the same thing."

"I…don't think that is what she meant by lacking expression, Altina," I replied.

"Is that so? Then what did she mean?"

I think for a bit about how to best answer it before I start to speak, "I think that the principal merely meant that you did not express your intent enough on why you are drawing what you paint."

"My intent is to pass the assignment, and have a good—no, a passing score would be enough at this point," Altina answered swiftly.

"…Aside from that, I meant. What do you wish to say with your painting?"

Altina thinks for a bit before shaking her head, "I do not know. What did you want to say when you were painting Valimar?"

I answer, "Valimar is a highly advanced piece of technology that we cannot even match today, despite being made in the Dark Age. And yet, its design clearly incorporates the cultural aspects of the people who made it. It is not simply a piece of machinery, but a testament to the culture that was lost in the Great Collapse, I think. And so, I wanted to convey that blend of technology that represents advancement but without discarding cultural traditions."

I then shake my head, "Of course, I am sure that I was very far from actually conveying that in painting. However, I think Principal Le Guin could see that I was trying to convey something—the efficacy notwithstanding—and I think that is her requirement to pass the class, rather than techniques or how good the painting actually is. Which is why Sidney passed while you didn't."

Altina seems to mull it over for a bit before nodding, "Understood, I do not think I fully comprehend it, but it is a start. I will try again. Thank you."

I nod, "You are welcome, I am glad that it was helpful, at least. When is the deadline?"

"June 11th, Septian Calendar 1206, at 1800 hours," Altina replied in full detail.

"That is…two days from now. Are you all right?"

"Of course. Don't worry, I will still be able to help out for tomorrow's charity café event."

I sigh, "No, Altina, that is not what I mean. Do you think you will be able to finish Principal Le Guin's assignment? Please do not worry about the event, I will have help from other students, not to mention Elise, Princess Alfin, and some St. Astraia students."

Altina frowns, "I do not know if I would be able to make it by the deadline, but I will certainly try my best."

"I-I see...Well, in any case, please do not worry if you need to take some time off student council duties to focus on the assignment. Principal Le Guin can be…quite intense."

Like seriously, I do not want to know what she'd do if you fail her class.

She shakes her head and looks at me firmly, "No. I will be all right. It is not good to shirk one of my duties for another. I will manage."

She then clenches her fist as if to reassure me.

I sigh, "Well…if you are sure. But please put your duty as a student first by passing Principal Le Guin's assignment over student council duties."

Altina nods, "Yes. Understood."

She then continues, "On that note, I do have a report to make regarding the swimming club as per my investigation following up on the lead from Instructor Rean."

"You…didn't say to the swimming club we are investigating them, did you?"

"Of course not. I told them I was doing an inspection."

…This girl really needs to learn some euphemism…or just how to not put everything in terms of an Intelligence Division mission. Well, she's getting there. Baby steps

I try to give her an encouraging smile, "So…what can you tell me?"

"Wayne has been having some confidence issues because he does not swim as well as Leonora or Stark. I told him I do not understand why he cannot accept having no talent for swimming—"

"I-I think we need to go over this with them from the start. I will accompany you this time."
Thankfully, we managed to smooth it out pretty easily with the swimming club. Leonora and Stark already understand from the start and just thought the entire thing was hilarious—well, mostly Leonora that found it funny. Wayne, though a bit taken back is a straightforward guy, so he understands where Altina is coming from.

Leonora then proposed for Altina to try a bit when she has free time to understand Wayne's frustration. Altina eventually agrees to come by once she has some free time.

As we were about to leave the swimming pool, Stark stops us.

"You…encountered a masked man during your last field exercise, right?" Stark asked.

We turn to him.

Altina nods, "We did. However, we cannot tell you anything else about the man."

Crow made it to the report as a masked man, but the fact he has come back to life had been made classified, along with Kurt being the Auric Awakener.

Stark doesn't reply for a while.

"Is there something that is bothering you, Stark?" I asked

Stark shakes his head, "No, never mind. From what Ash told me, the man just reminded me of someone, but…I don't think it's him."

Right. Stark is from Jurai, like Crow…Damn it, Ash, at least you didn't say his name.

I look at him apologetically, "I cannot confirm nor deny your suspicion, my apologies."

Stark nods, "No, don't worry. I…shouldn't have asked in the first place. Thank you."

He then returns to the pool, closing the door.

"Ash should have been more careful regarding protocol about classified intel," Altina remarked.

I sigh, "Well, we are heading to the literature club after this. Perhaps you can tell him in person."

I look at the two book reviews I'm given by Tatiana and Ash. Due to the growing fame of the Branch Campus, we received an offer from the Erebonian Society of Books and Writings to publish a book review for their monthly magazine publication.

It took a while since Ash didn't even submit one at first, and Tatiana…submitted a review for Spring Love Breeze by Dorothee—which I rejected since we cannot submit a review on erotica, homoerotic, or otherwise. Apparently, according to Instructor Rean, Dorothee had been writing these kinds of stories since she was still in Thors.

Tatiana looks at me nervously, while Ash just sits down nonchalantly without care, continuing to read his book.

I skim Tatiana's first.

It's a…review of a novel adaption of Liber's famous play, Madrigal of the White Magnolia. It's a play set in around S.1100, back when Liberl was still a full monarchy. There was huge tension between commoners and nobles, and in the center of this tension was a duel between the Ruby Knight Julius, representing the nobility, and Azure Knight Oscar, representing the commoners.

Madrigal of the White Magnolia is a romanticized version of the event, where the two knights duel for the right to marry Princess Cecilia primarily out of love, rather than political gains as it probably was in real history.

She still chose romance, huh? Well nothing against romance, Romeo and Juliet is a popular romance story—even if I don't understand why people like it so much—anyway, much better than a review of Dorothee's book. From what I skimmed through briefly, the review is quite good.

I smile and nod at Tatiana, at which she let out a huge sigh of relief before sitting back.

I'm not…that intimidating, am I?

Ash chuckles, still reading his book, "Look at'cha, prissy girl. Scaring a girl stiff like that. Way to go."

I sigh and turn to Tatiana, "My apologies if came across as forceful the last time I rejected your other review, however…"

"It seemed the book you chose last time was inappropriate. Though I cannot attest since Jessica refused to elaborate why nor let me read the review," Altina chimed in from beside me.

I mean…

"N-No, Altina! I-It's too early for you to read Spring Love Breeze!" Tatiana said frantically.

See? Even Tatiana agrees.

"I'll be happy to discuss it with you in a few more years, though," Tatiana added.

"I…see. Understood," Altina replied reluctantly.

Altina, no! Don't do it!

…Nah, Altina isn't the type to be corrupted by erotica right? Right…?

I change the subject, "In any case, I will submit this to the Erebonian Society of Books and Writings. Once they have sent a reply, I will tell you."

Tatiana nods, "Y-yes. Thank you!"

I then take a look at Ash's review.

It's a review of a non-fiction political book. Dried Blood and Rusted Iron: Marching Towards Dystopia by Michael Gid—

I immediately turn to Ash, "You can't be serious."

"What? It's the book I want to review. Take it or leave it, prissy girl," Ash said nonchalantly as he continues to read his book.

"How do you even get ahold of this book? They have not exactly declared it illegal, but they have most certainly stopped printing this," I replied.

Ash shrugs, "Eh…I have my ways. But yeah, slick move by the Blood and Iron, huh? He ain't banning the book, even said it's thought-provoking to prevent the accusation of him being a tyrant, but…the publisher and book stores are 'encouraged' to stop the dissemination of the book."

"I-I'm sorry, what exactly is the book Ash reviewed?" Tatiana asked.

Altina turns to her, "This is the manifesto of Michael Gideon, a further elaboration on the philosophical tractate he wrote while being an assistant professor in the Imperial Academy. He later becomes the philosophical heart of the Imperial Liberation Front terrorist group. This was apparently written before he became a terrorist."

Tatiana turns to Ash, "A-Ash?!"

Ash actually stops reading his book and turns to Tatiana, "What? You heard Schleiden, it ain't illegal. Relax."

I sigh, "It is not illegal, true. However, depending on what you write, you may very well be arrested on grounds of being a terrorist sympathizer. This is not any terrorist, they were the ones that helped the Noble Alliance occupy Heimdallr and start the civil war."

Professor Michael Gideon AKA the terrorist G, was one of Crow's inner circle, after all. I heard he died in Crossbell before the start of the civil war, though.

Ash turns to me, "Look, I ain't agreeing with all of Gideon's points. Just read the damn review first."

I give him a glare before turning to the review and skimming it.

First of all…damn, this is really well written. I thought he was in the literature club just to goof off but it seems he's actually well-read? Of all the people I thought would be a fellow bibliophiles, it's him? Really? I suppose don't judge a book by its cover is apropos here.

And…okay, he disagreed with some of Gideon's points…though he also agreed quite a bit.

I sigh and turn to him, "If you could rewrite this review and elaborate more about the points you disagreed upon, making this a rebuttal piece, I will allow it."

"What, you're for censorship now?" Ash asked mockingly.

"No. I am for not having my schoolmate arrested," I replied dryly.

Ash clicks his tongue, "Tch, take it or leave it."

He then continues, "Oh wait, you can't because they specifically asked for two submissions. Too bad for you. Well, I guess you can just say one of the members is just too lazy to submit a piece. Fine by me."

…Well I tried. Whatever, not ideal but I guess we'll just send one submission—

"A-Ash? C-can you…just rewrite the review? O-or pick another book?"

Tatiana stuttered, asking Ash.

Ash turns to her, "Huh? Why should I?"

"P-please? I-I don't want this to make the club looks bad."

Altina nods, "Tatiana is correct. We agreed to submit two reviews, if we only submit one, I doubt Principal Le Guin would be pleased as that would reflect badly on her."

I sigh again, "That is true…But I am still not willing to allow submission of this piece. If Ash does not want to, then I suppose Tatiana needs to write another—"

"Tch, fine," Ash said, closing his book after marking a page with a dog ear.

Tatiana turns back to him in surprise, "A-Ash?"

Ash turns to me and throws the book he was reading in my direction. I catch the book handily.

"I ain't gonna censor my previous review, but fine, I'll do another one. That book fine, prissy girl?"

I look at the cover, 'Christ, who's gonna die first?'

Oh, I know this book. I read it because the title caught my attention. It's a paranormal murder mystery starring a seer named Christ. The book is written from the perspective of Christ's assistant, as they try to stop a serial killer whom Christ had foreseen but not where and how the killings started, hence the title, 'Christ, Who's Gonna Die First?'.

It's about two years old at this point, but it is a hidden gem of sorts, so…

I nod, and place the book on a table beside me, "This will be fine, sure."

" 'Kay, then I'll do it," Ash replied.

He then clicks his tongue in annoyance, "Tch, so troublesome."

Tatiana turns to Ash, smiling, "T-Thank you, Ash."

"I-I ain't doing it for you, that clear?!"

Oh? What's with that reaction? Thinking back, he stopped reading when Tatiana starts panicking.

Hoho. I see.

"Oi, Schleiden! What's with that look?!"

So Tatiana is Ash's type? Huh. Never would have guessed he'd go for the delinquent with the shy girl cliché.

"Stop looking at me like that, damn it!"

"I do not know what you are insinuating. However, since we have come to an agreement. I shall take my leave, yes? Let's go, Altina."

"Jessica? I do not understand. Am I missing something?"

"Have no worries, Altina. I shall try explaining it on the way back to the student council room."

"Oi! Prissy girl! Don't you go telling her weird shit about me! Hey!"

I ignored Ash and lead Altina out of the clubroom as we return back to the student council room, with me trying to explain the concept of a male tsundere to Altina.

"…I had forgotten to lecture Ash on proper protocol for handling classified intelligence."

I turn at Altina as we're walking out of the student council room, "Oh, you are right. Well, it seems that you have to save it for next time."

Altina nods, "Yes. I will give Ash a proper lecture as a member of the Intelligence Division. With your insight into Ash's character, this should be effective."

Altina gives me a determined look.

…Is it wrong imagining Altina trying to look strict while giving a lecture just seems adorable rather than the intended scariness? Ah well, give it a few more years, Altina. You'll pull the look, eventually.

Altina continues, "In any case…is it really all right for me to not help with the preparation for the café after this?"

I nod, "Yes, I will simply make sure that all the furnitures have been delivered from Valdrand. Besides, Kurt, Juna, and Musse are helping out. You can focus on Principal Le Guin's assignment."

"…All right. In that case, I will be heading to the library to do some research on Madrigal of White Magnolia," Altia replied.

I waved her goodbye as we go our separate way.

I didn't expect she'd get interested after reading Tatiana's review, but Altina said that reading stories might help her conceptualize what she wants to express through the painting. I guess that makes sense.

Wishing Altina the best of luck, I start walking to the school store where the furnitures are stored.

I spot Juna, Kurt, and Musse taking stock of the inventory, but I decide to go greet Becky first before joining them.

"Hey, hoo it's goin', Jessica?" Becky greeted me.

"Nothing problematic so far. Thank you for arranging the delivery with the Capuas," I replied.

Becky waves me off, "Jist daein' mah job. still, didne expect th' branch manager herself handlin' th' delivery."

"Oh, Josette handled the delivery? She also helped us out with last month's event. I should think of something to repay her."

"As a merchant, eh'd say ye shoods jist sponsur 'er as th' snaw princess, probably best way tae thenk 'er," Becky replied.

I nod, "I see…well, I'll think about it."

Becky then gazes over my shoulder to where Juna, Kurt, and Musse are, "By th' way, ye waur th' one th'at hud th' idea fur th' furniture tae be delivered in pieces th'at can be assembled haur, reit? Brilliant, really helped wi' th' shippin'. Seems tae be a profitable business model, Ah micht try mah hain at it meself."

I can only give her a smile.

Please don't. I don't think we need the Zemuria version of IKEA.

I waved her goodbye and approach Juna, Kurt, and Musse.

Juna turns to me, "There you are, where's Altina?"

"I told her to take time off and focus on Principal Le Guin's assignment. Apparently, she has not passed it," I answered as I take off my bag and put it in a corner, before ruffling through it to take out paper and pen.

"You mean the painting?" Kurt asked me as he continues to take stock of the inventory.

"Oh? That was quite a while ago, wasn't it? She must be really having trouble," Musse added.

"Yes, though less to do with the technical aspect of it and more with the principal deeming her to have not expressed herself enough—Which furniture have all of you checked?" I said as I uncapped my pen.

Juna points at one corner of the area, "Check those ones over there."

She then hands me a copy of the furniture list as a reference.

I nod, "Of course."

I then walk over to the corner Juna pointed to and start to work.

"Hey, speaking of the paintings, what did you draw, Jessica?" Juna asked me.

"Valimar. What about you?" I answered.

"Valimar? Huh, I guess he does look pretty cool. I drew my family at Mishelam. I had a photo that I used as a reference."

Musse chimes in, "Oh, are we sharing what we drew? I drew…Teehee, I don't know if I should say it."

"If the answer is an erotic illustration of Instructor Rean, I do not want to hear it," I said.

"What?! Really, Musse?" Juna asked, scandalized.

"Teehee, who knows…but well…Let's just say I am open for commission if you are interested. It came out pretty well."

"No?! Who'd want that?!"

Juna, I'd argue that the females of old Class VII would be interested, probably more.

"P-Perhaps we should talk about something else more…decent?" Kurt offered after silently watching the conversation awkwardly.

He continues, "As for myself, I drew—"

"Swords," Juna and I said dryly.

"Roland Vander's legendary swords to be exact, but how did you two know?"

Neither of us dignifies him with an answer. Seriously, why do you think?

"Teehee, I would say that it's a testament of how…close those two have been paying attention to you, but…I don't think that level of fixation is needed to infer that you drew swords," Musse teased.

"I see…? Well, I shall take it as a compliment for my dedication to mastering the Vander twin sword style."

Musse giggles, "Oh my. Those two really have a tough time in front of them."

"Only one, I'm afraid. I am not part of what you are insinuating."

"What?! Don't you mean the reverse?" Juna retorted.

She then continues, changing the subject, "A-Anyway…It's good that we can have them shipped easily with these detachable pieces, but doesn't that mean they couldn't be as ornate as they could be?"

I shake my head, "Of course, but with us running a charity café to fundraise for disaster relief, fancy and ornate might work against us in terms of what image we would project. A simple but elegant wooden design fits better. Besides, we still have two ornate pieces,"

I gesture to the two furnitures which were not sent as pieces to be assembled. A wooden statue of a horned lion and a unicorn, the symbols for Thors and St. Astraia, respectively. Of course, being modern Valdrand wood craftsmanship, they are augmented with orbal lamps that will make parts of their body glow faintly, which would look good from evening to night, which is when we open the café.

Kurt takes a look at the two statues, "We are placing them near the entrance, correct?"

"The hope is that they will help attract some people," I replied.

Musse adds, "Of course, they will most likely want to take some pictures, and would then feel at least obligated to buy something once we approach them. Isn't that right, Jessica?"

I nod, "Something along that line, yes. I think they would be quite effective, especially if we mention the charity aspect."

Juna sighs, "You know, you two can be quite the terrifying pair."

"Teehee, we do, don't we? It's too bad that…well, never mind," Musse said.

Juna looks between us inquisitively, "Huh? What were you two talking about?"

"Musse merely asked me to work together on a project, I declined," I answered.

"As in an extra credit project?" Kurt asked.

Musse gives him a smile, "Something like that."

It's…really not. But whatever.

I continue, "In any case, I do not think there is anything abhorrently unscrupulous about it, we are not running false advertisements or any scam. The number of people we draw with that strategy will pale compared to how many the St. Astraia girls' advertisement will bring in, after all. Especially with Princess Alfin counted among their number."

"Well, they have been advertising the event for the past two weeks, by this point. With Her Highness's popularity, that bounds to bring in customers," Kurt remarked.

Musse then adds cheerily, "Ah, but don't forget we also have dozens of fancy small wooden figurines that can light up. Our customers can get them if they spend above a certain threshold…as long as they are still available, of course."

Juna sighs, "Seriously. You two are evil."

Har har. Jessica Schleiden and Musse Egret, the evil capitalist about to make you spend your money…on charity, without scamming you. Come on, there are far worse applications of capitalist business strategy.

Making sure that all of the furniture have been delivered with all their pieces intact took a while, but we eventually did it. I send Kurt, Juna, and Musse to go back ahead of me, while I helped Becky clean up as a token of my gratitude for helping with the event.

Becky keeps it clean regularly so it didn't take long, but enough that by the time I got back to the dormitory everyone had already taken their bath. Not that I mind, it's nice to have the bathtub all to myself so I can relax.

"Jessica, is that you?"

Apparently, however, I am not really alone…well, if we're counting the other side behind the wall, anyway.

"…How do you even know, Instructor Rean?" I replied.

"Well, I recognize the sounds when you walked in."

"…That sounds quite creepy, not to mention inappropriate."

"W-Wait, that's not what I meant. I would recognize everyone."

Well, I did hear from Juna, Altina, and Kurt that this happened to them too—though for Kurt, he just entered the bath with Instructor Rean—so I guess this is just a regular event.

…Kinda want to tease him a bit, though.

"Indeed? Juna, Altina, and Kurt did mention they ran into you while in the bath at some point. You couldn't possibly be doing it on purpose?"

"O-Of course not!"

I laugh, "Of course, Instructor. It was a jest. Still, you could do to react more calmly. Reactions such as that are why people like Musse keep teasing you."

He breathes in a sigh of relief, "Haha, I'll try."

He then continues, "Elise and Princess Alfin are still coming tomorrow, right? Are you all done with the preparations?"

"Mostly. Elise and Her Highness will be coming in the afternoon along with some St. Astraia students. Only Princess Alfin and Elise will stay the night, though."

"Yes, I've heard from Principal Le Guin. They will be rooming with you and Musse, right? I know that you haven't been able to spend some time with Her Highness and Elise lately, so take the chance to do so. I'm sure they'd like that as well."

I close my eyes, letting the warm water soothe me, "Of course. Thank you, Instructor."

After a bit, Instructor Rean starts again, "Oh, that reminds me. Linde said that she talked to you about enrolling in a medical school after you graduate?"

"Yes. However, as I told her earlier, the heiress to House Schleiden is expected to enter the military, so that would seem unlikely."

"I've never met your father, but from what I heard, I didn't take him to be the type of person that would mind."

I chuckle a bit, "Well…You would be correct. However, I do not want to be a bother to Father. He would be the one being mocked by the nobility."

Instructor Rean was silent for a moment before he replies, "You know…Well, I'm not one to talk, since I used to distance myself from House Schwarzer because I don't want to be a bother to them. Dad was mocked relentlessly for adopting me, after all."

That's right, I remember it being a scandal in the nobility even for a few years after he was adopted. They didn't buy Baron Schwarzer's story that he just found Instructor Rean abandoned in a blizzard. They all thought he had an affair and tried covering it up by adopting Instructor Rean because he loved his mistress more…or something along those lines. This was way before Instructor Rean is known as the Ashen Chevalier, of course.

Instructor Rean continues, "That's right, you must have heard of it as a Nortia noble. How other nobles even accused Dad of opening the gates of nobility to low-born bastards straight to his face. Like you, I also didn't want to be a bother to Dad—Mom and Elise too. So, I started distancing myself from them. I had hoped that they won't be associated with a 'low-born bastard'...Not that Dad ever actually cheated anyway."

Instructor Rean stops for a bit before speaking again, "But you know…Distancing myself from them made me unhappy…and Elise made me realize that hurt them. So I get where you are coming from, but if you end up being unhappy trying to not be a bother to Viscount Schleiden, I imagine that would hurt him worse than dealing with the nobility because you don't enter military service."

Huh. I didn't think of it that way. That…makes sense.

"…I will think about it. Although, it's not as if I am sure working in the medical field is something I would actually want," I replied.

"It's still good to keep your options open, though, right? Or maybe you can enter the medical corp in the army. One of my instructors on the main campus, Instructor Beatrix used to be in one, and she still made quite a name for herself, they called her the Reviver. On top of that, she's really good with sniper rifles, I saw her destroy a tank with one…"

We then chat for a bit more before exiting the baths and meeting up outside.

Instructor Rean—who had finished first—hands me a bottle of cold fruity milk from the vending machine.

"Here, it's nice drinking something cold like this to cool down after a warm bath," he said.

"Thank you, Instructor."

I drink it. He's right…it is really nice, though iced tea might—No, what am I thinking? Ice tea? Heresy!

…Anyway, there's something I have to ask him while he's here.

"Instructor Rean, can I ask something about Alisa?"

Instructor Rean looks surprised, "Alisa? Sure…I can't promise you I'll answer if I think she'd like that private, though."

I nod, "Of course, that is fair."

I explain to Instructor Rean what happened with Alisa last time on Stargazer's Tower after hearing the voice.

Instructor Rean nods, "I see…"

"Do you have an idea?" I asked him.

He looks uncertain, "Well…"

Instructor Rean then sighs, "I do, but…I don't think it's right for me to tell you. Sorry."

I did say that was fair earlier, so….

I nod at him, "Of course, Instructor. At least you are aware of it now."

Instructor Rean replies, "Considering what you told me about how Alisa reacted, I don't think bringing it up directly to her will achieve anything. I'll try to look into it a bit more, then I'll bring it up to Alisa if I found something. Thanks for telling me."

We then said our goodbyes and go back to our respective rooms.

As I go up the stairs, my ARCUS receives an orbmail.

It's from Major Lechter.

'Your tip about the Lughman guy? It's a dud…well, not really, I guess some of his works on geology are useful to some of the government's construction projects, so thanks for that. Other than that, nothing though. Better luck next time'

-Lechter.

So he really is just a random academic whose role is for lore dump? Well…at this point, I guess I can only wait and see.

That reminds me, I still need to research more about the Vermillion Apocalypse as he suggested. The thing is, the branch campus is a military academy. The library has extensive volumes on military tactics, orbal technology, and whatnot. But nowhere as comprehensive on ancient legends. I didn't find anything else I don't already know about Testa-Rossa's legend as the Vermillion Apocalypse.

Not only research about the Reinfords, but my research into Vermillion Apocalypse also has hit a wall. I admit it really is frustrating, I overestimated how much I could find in the campus library. I guess because so far, I used the library to research for assignments and such, so of course, the library would be well-equipped for that.

It's a bit too late to apply for a leave on a free day to visit Heimdallr at this point. So my next chance would be next month…and Musse said that the worst-case scenario would happen in July…Next month IS July.

Once more I am reminded of how much I miss the internet.

A.N. Altina's painting is part of her canon character development, which is locked behind an optional bonding event, unfortunately. Since we're not going to have Rean's POV in that moment, I decided to touch on it a bit here.

Also, Rean meeting people while he is bathing is a gameplay mechanic that you need to do for 100% completion