Chapter 125: The Girl's Ending

Illuania, who hadn't visited my lab in a long time, was brewing tea. Honestly, her presence here while engaged in such an activity displeased me slightly.

"I believe that I have already mentioned that you do not need to come."

Even though I had separately arranged a hotel room for her and told her to simply rest, Illuania still came to work.

Her already swollen belly now indicated that it was almost time to welcome a new addition to the family.

"It's not good to stay still without doing anything for too long. I also get bored staying all by myself."

"...There is no need to overdo it."

"I know, Owen is helping me."

Upon hearing that, Owen, who had been gazing at Illuania's belly with fascination, flashed a bright smile and nodded eagerly.

"Just leave it to me! I'll do anything!"

"Oh my, how commendable."

Illuania seemed to have grown fond of Owen, as she had kept patting his head or pinching his cheeks quite endearingly since we were in Claren; Owen didn't seem to mind it either.

Also, as he was often bullied by Findena, he developed a tendency to like Illuania even more.

"But where did Findenai go?"

"I gave her some work to do. She is over by the first-years female dormitory, but it could get dangerous, so do not bother going there."

"The dormitory is dangerous?"

Although she raised a question while tilting her head, she didn't ask further and instead started to prepare tea and refreshments with Owen.

"Uhm, c-can I really be of help?"

Fel Petra sat next to me nervously, fidgeting with both hands.

If Findenai had seen her, she would've made some vulgar remark, but I casually replied.

"I heard that you have conducted lectures for the students I am about to interview. There is no need to feel too pressured; you can just relax and listen."

I didn't expect anything from Professor Fel. I just had her sit here because we shared the same lab, and since the four students who would be called next had attended her lectures several times, I thought she might be able to find something noteworthy.

Academy Nurse Caren sat on the opposite side of me with her arms crossed, waiting for the students' arrival.

Knock. Knock.

A knock was heard from outside.

Owen, who had finished preparing the refreshments, immediately opened the door, only partially sticking his head out to converse with the guest.

"Soul Whisperer, a female student named Happy has arrived."

"Let her in."

Happy served as the archer in Aria's party, acting as the primary damage dealer from the rear. Given her potential when properly developed, she was a talent worth nurturing.

Furthermore, resolving the episode involving Findenai could lead to obtaining items from Clark Republic, which had favorable compatibility with Happy.

"H-hello, Sir."

A naive girl with orange hair walked in. Like Aria, she was a simple girl from a commoner background in a rural village.

This was how she managed to quickly become close to Aria at the beginning of the game. Together with the Mage Florensia, they became best friends and roamed around like the Three Musketeers.

"Come in, it is nothing major. I just wanted to talk with you for a moment."

"Oh, okay."

The Happy that I knew was exactly like her name, lively and full of energy. However, at this moment, she seemed stiff, perhaps nervous about standing in front of multiple professors.

Since Illuania, who was pregnant, couldn't entertain the guest, Owen brought over the tea she had brewed.

After Happy sat in front of me, I gave her a moment to drink her tea.

Once she took a few sips, I observed her stiff expression softening before asking a question.

"Do you know a student named Aria Rias?"

"Ah, yes. I know her."

But as soon as Aria was mentioned, her expression darkened.

They were supposed to be already acquainted, but did Aria's quirky personality sour their relationship?

Happy's reaction wasn't very positive.

"Hmm, I would say that she's quite self-centered. She doesn't seem to appreciate it when others approach her."

"..."

"That's why I've never really approached her; I'm a little scared."

Had Aria ruined her reputation to this extent?

Happy seemed to realize she had been talking behind someone else's back, so her expression turned sour. However, I assured her it was fine and let her go after she said a few more words.

The next person had the same sentiments.

Mage Florensia also had a very skeptical view of Aria.

Aria, Happy, Florensia—the once unbreakable bond among the three of them no longer existed.

Having personally witnessed all of that, I couldn't conceal my devastation.

"Phew."

"..."

"..."

The professors looked at me from both sides. They seemed like they wanted to say something, but the next people came into the room.

The Spear Master Leorus and the Assassin Jin.

Like Happy and Florensia, the male members of the party also showed little interest in Aria.

According to the game's description, Leorus supposedly fell in love with her at first sight, so I wondered about it, but he only wore a vague expression during the questioning.

After a brief conversation, I returned to my seat. There was no need to ask the other professors anything as I, too, gained no new information.

I am sure she complained of a sudden headache after seeing these four in the crowd.

However, it turned out that their relationship with each other wasn't good at all. My head started to ache slightly due to this contradiction.

With her arms crossed, Academy Nurse Caren asked me.

"Well, is there any specific reason you chose those four students?"

"Hmm?"

"Oh, I was curious about that too."

Upon hearing Caren's words, Fel Petra raised her hand slightly and also chimed in.

It was natural for them to wonder why I suddenly called these four students who seemed to have no connection to Aria.

"I understand that Aria complained about getting a headache after she saw the group of students. But was there a specific reason for picking out these four?"

Explaining things was hard because this was related to events from the first round.

Back then, the naive Aria must have formed a close-knit group with those four while fighting for peace on the continent...

"I see."

I unconsciously nodded.

Although the two seemed puzzled by my vague answer, I got up and left the lab.

Owen, Illuania, and the two other professors called me from behind, but I didn't have time to respond to them.

Upon discovering Aria reacted like that despite having little connection with this round's party members, I thought that something must have occurred during the first round.

After gesturing to Caren not to follow me when she attempted to, I headed towards the female dormitory.

"Huh?"

Findenai sat leaning against the door of Aria's room, holding the cigarette I had given her in her mouth without lighting it.

"What's up, is it resolved?"

Findenai promptly stood up upon seeing me. I gave her a slight nod and issued instructions.

"Make sure no one comes on this floor if possible. Thirty minutes should be enough."

"Yawn, should I get an axe?"

Findenai shrugged and yawned. She had lost her axe during her last visit to Clark Republic. Had she already prepared a new one?

"Please do."

Just in case, I asked Findenai to bring her weapon for now.

After Findenai left to get her axe, I also asked the Dark Spiritualist who was standing beside me to step aside for a moment.

[It seems like you and this child have a very special connection.]

"..."

[Hmm, well, since you wish for it, I won't intrude. But... honestly, I'm not sure.]

What was she not sure about?

After briefly observing Aria's room door, the Dark Spiritualist disappeared.

I took a deep breath, stood before Aria's door, and slowly opened my mouth.

"Are you there?"

"Ah! Professor!"

Aria immediately came forward cheerfully. I could feel that she was standing in front of the door on the opposite side.

"Can I leave now?"

"Not yet, I came here to speak with you for a moment."

"With me?! Hehe! I'm relieved!"

Relieved?

"What do you mean by that?"

When I asked her in confusion, Aria replied cautiously.

"Didn't I tell you that I wouldn't care if you started hating me back in Norseweden? Actually, I... kind of regret saying that."

"..."

"Even though I said that, in the end, I would be glad if you still liked me, Professor."

"Do you still think that way now?"

I asked out of curiosity, but the answer was quite predictable. Aria firmly replied without any hesitation.

"If there's anyone who puts you in danger, I will kill them no matter who it is. Because I chose you, Professor."

"Even if they were your friends?"

"What?"

Aria was confused and asked back. I sighed lightly and briefly summarized today's events.

"I heard you distanced yourself from the other students. Today, I spoke to Happy, Florensia, Leorus, and Jin."

"Ah..."

Of course, those were familiar names for her.

But Aria didn't seem pleased. Rather, her voice lowered as if she wanted to keep some distance.

"I don't know exactly how much you know, Professor. I'm sure you don't have memories of the first round like I do."

"That is right."

The reason I came here was to find out why Aria began behaving strangely and suddenly became mentally unstable; to uncover the root cause.

Therefore, I swallowed hard and voiced the reason for my visit.

"Aria, how did the first round end?"