Chapter 44: Crisis (3)

Even if I successfully overcame the great trial of a group project, it doesn't mean the semester is over. The fact that you need to obtain a certain score to prevent a failing grade means there is something you need to do to achieve that score.

It could be an exam, or it could be an assignment, or it could be through a presentation.

In short, it means disgustingly busy days. Even after crossing the big mountain called a group project, there were so many hills that I had no choice but to sweat profusely.

Fortunately, there weren't many courses with exams, but instead, there were crazy amounts of assignments. I had to pour in time just to do the assignments, let alone writing.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh... help meee..."

Marie groaned and buried her face on the desk, groaning. Her white hair, as white as snow, fell like a curtain.

It looks like she has completely exhausted all her energy after the last class has ended.

"Seriously... why are there so many assignments... It's not just one, but several, it's driving me crazy."

"Well, still assignments are good for getting grades, right?"

"That's just you. I'd rather take an exam. I can't even rest properly over the weekend because of all these assignments, it's driving me crazy."

Although in my past life, the university had no more than 8 classes, Halo Academy requires at least 10 classes to be attended in order to avoid repeating. It's already overwhelming just to handle one assignment, but now I have to spend so much time on them.

I stared blankly at the grumbling Marie and suddenly remembered something, so I asked her.

"Come to think of it, is your history okay? I can't say I teach it well, but I've at least covered the basics."

As you all know, I am teaching Marie history. Of course, not only Marie, but also Cecily.

The time is after dinner on Wednesday after all classes are over. Due to various busy schedules, this was the only time I could squeeze out.

Another thing I discovered while teaching them history is that Cecily has an expert-level knowledge of history, without any need for my guidance. Having lived for over a century, she has gained a vast amount of knowledge, and is living proof of human history.

Above all, her memory is exceptionally good, and she never forgets what she has learned. Even I was amazed by this, to the point where I ended up asking her questions about the parts that I didn't know.

"Haa..."

After letting out a deep sigh, Marie slowly lifted her head and then put her chin on her hand. In a somewhat embarrassed tone, she answered my question.

"I memorized everything you taught me. You even wrote it down in a way that was easy for me to understand. But I still don't think I'll be able to get a good grade on the exam."

I looked at Marie's face, which seemed to have given up halfway, and smiled bitterly.

She was... to put it nicely, average, and to put it not so nicely, she had a lot of gaps in her knowledge here and there. If I told her about a specific event, she might have heard the name but wouldn't know the details.

Anyway, I tried hard to teach Marie history. It was a bit difficult for me too, since I couldn't say that I was good at teaching others like that.

The fortunate thing was that Marie was passionate and had a good memory, which made my job easier. Thanks to her, we were able to proceed smoothly without any obstacles.

"Cheer up. Honestly, other majors are too hard to just dig into history."

"I agree. But do you have any plans now?"

As I tried to get up from my seat, Marie looked at me with anticipation and asked. Judging by her sparkling eyes, it seemed like she was hoping for a positive answer.

After hearing Marie's expectant question, I pondered for a moment and looked around.

The class that just ended was alchemy. It's a field of study unique to this world that replaces chemistry.

Among the students taking alchemy together, Marie was the only close friend I had. Cecily and Rina seemed uninterested in alchemy and didn't attend the class, and although I worked on a group project with Leona and Benjamin, I was hesitant to say that we were close.

I watched as the students began to leave, and then I opened my mouth in a blunt voice. I was sorry to Marie, but I had a prior engagement

"I'm going to eat. I made a promise to eat with my sister today."

"Ah... Really? You're eating with your sister?"

"Yeah."

"Your older sister, right?"

Why would you ask that? When I looked at her with bewildered eyes, Marie slowly turned her eyes away and sighed.

She must have been embarrassed even though she said it.

Afterwards, she glanced at me, then extended her index finger and spoke in a pleading tone. I noticed a slight flush of embarrassment.

"That... don't get me wrong. I was a little confused when you called Cecily your sister."

"...I see."

"Anyway, you're eating with only your older sister?"

When I reluctantly affirmed it, Marie thought it was time and brought up another question.

First, I told the truth, although I tilted my head at her behavior, which seemed more enthusiastic nowadays.

"Maybe... I'm going to eat with my sister's friend. Originally, we were supposed to eat together on the weekend, but she said she was busy because of the freshmen. I heard that the amount of training has increased because next week is a practice."

"You said your older sister was a teaching assistant, right? My older brother said that your sister is really scary."

"Well..."

When I heard the story she brought up, I looked up and thought deeply. Nicole, who is overflowing with love for the youngest, was a sample of a kind sister to me.

Sometimes, even if I did something wrong, she only gave me stern advice, and she has never raised her voice or used physical violence.

However, when she goes to the training center every weekend, she shows her instincts of a 'lion'. If a freshman breaks the rules or intentionally provokes her during sparring, she thoroughly crushes them, and afterwards, she strictly disciplines them as a punishment.

"Well... she might look scary to others. However, I can say that she is a good person."

"You and your siblings are really unique. My brother and I are always busy fighting. Is it because there's a big age difference?"

"I guess it's different for each person. Doesn't your brother have a good personality, too?"

"Eh. My brother?"

Marie put on an expression that she had heard something weird. Seeing her make such an expression, it was clear that they were indeed siblings.

However, it is undeniable that her brother has a good personality. I remembered my first meeting with her and told her.

"You know, that bookstore where we met for the first time. Back then, when you were making a fuss about how Xenon's Biography wasn't available..."

"Aaaa~ I don't know. I don't know. I don't know~"

Right as I was about to mention it myself, Marie covered her ears and shook her head from side to side, as if she didn't want to hear it.

I looked at her, who was whining like a child, with a bewildered expression before finally giving a small chuckle. Even so, I had to say what I had to say.

"No matter what you think, I'm sure your brother cares for you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought you to the bookstore himself."

"...I guess so. That's why it feels even weirder."

"Anyway, there's nothing more to say, right? Our appointment is until 6 o'clock, but it might be better if I leave soon."

"Well..."

When I asked Marie while tucking my notebook under my arm, she showed a hesitant expression. I waited next to her while she sorted out her thoughts.

Then she shifted her blue eyes towards me and spoke cautiously.

"If you don't mind, can I meet your sister? I'm not asking to eat together, I'm just going to say hello."

"I don't mind that much."

"Really? All right. Then let's go quickly."

As soon as I gave permission, Marie jumped out of her seat. Her slightly smug tone and the lifted corners of her mouth conveyed her excitement.

I walked toward the classroom door, silently looking at her, who quickly organized her things. After that, Marie stood next to me side by side and started walking together.

"Isaac, do you think your older sister is pretty based on your standards?"

"Even objectively, she's pretty. You can think of it as my face becoming a woman's face. The only difference is that her hair is blue."

"Does that mean you admit that your face is pretty?"

"I can't deny it. I resemble my mother rather than my father.

We chatted about various things on our way to the meeting place. Most of our conversations were trivial, but it was enough to make the journey enjoyable.

More than anything, I felt most comfortable talking to Marie rather than anyone else. Rina was hard to deal with, and Cecily was always mischievous, so it was hard to keep the conversation going.

Since enrolling in the academy, it can be confidently said that Marie is the person I am closest to right now. At least in my narrow circle of relationships, there hasn't been anyone as comfortable to talk to as her.

"Isaac, do you have any plans for after graduation?"

Then suddenly, Marie asked about the future after graduation. I was briefly puzzled by her question, but I thought about it carefully.

'I can't just live while writing books...'

Although Xenon's Biography was an unintended big hit, it is impossible to hold on to just one book. Even more so, I was reincarnated in a fantasy world, so it would be too disappointing to just write.

Shouldn't I at least visit various countries and enjoy the culture as much as I want? I want to enjoy a small daily life rather than a dangerous adventure story like any other novel.

"Maybe... Traveling around the world? I want to travel around the world at least once. I want to get out of the empire and experience various cultures."

"Traveling around the world... That wouldn't be too bad."

"And you?"

"I'm not going to tell you."

"... ..."

I was able to realize it when I saw Marie with a refreshing smile. I got hit.

I looked at Marie with a big smile on her face and shook my head as if I couldn't stop her. She also giggled when she saw my reaction, and then muttered at a barely audible volume.

"...if possible... I'd like to."

"What?"

"If you didn't hear it, that's fine. Isn't that your sister over there?"

When Marie changed the subject, I put down the question and looked in the direction she pointed.

The direction she was pointing to was a fountain in the middle of the square, where Nicole was really standing in front of.

Her tall height that stands out even from a distance, and judging from the navy blue hair tied in a ponytail, it was certain that it's Nicole.

"Wow, your sister is so cool."

Marie also spoke out her heartfelt admiration as saw Nicole. As she said, Nicole's current appearance was so cool that most models couldn't even come close.

Black leather pants and a black shirt on top of them fully reveal her angular beauty. The simple combination of these two clothes was exuding style and beauty.

She would have come as soon as the class was over, but seeing that she was wearing her own clothes, it seemed possible because she was an assistant.

"Hmm? Ah! Isaac!"

Nicole, who was hanging around in front of the fountain, raised her arm and called my name. I replied by raising my arm in response.

When I raised my arm, Nicole walked vigorously as if to indicate that she would come over to me first. However, as she got closer, she noticed Mari standing next to me and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Who is this?"

"Ah! Hello! I'm Marie Hausen Requilis from the Duke of Requilis!"

As soon as Nicole asked, Marie introduced herself with a strong voice. I had a feeling that she was somewhat nervous.

Meanwhile, when Marie revealed her name and family, Nicole's golden eyes widened and she looked at me, as if to ask why someone like this was next to me.

In response, I reassured her as if it was nothing important to resolve her doubts.

"She's my friend. We became close by chance."

"...Hello, Lady Requilis. I'm Isaac's older sister, Nicole Ducker Michelle. It's an honor to meet you."

After hearing my response, Nicole politely revealed her own name. Even during the greeting, a hint of suspicion remained in her eyes.

"I-I'm also honored to meet the daughter of the Red Lion. And please speak comfortably, because I feel uncomfortable. You know of the Requilis family, right?"

"...I know it well. Then I'll drop the honorifics right away."

Nicole didn't hesitate to speak informally to a member of the Requili family. Then she alternately looked at me and Marie and questioned Marie.

"By the way, you said you're friends with our Isaac?"

Her voice contained some suspicion and a hint of wariness. As someone who knew I was the author of Xenon's Biography, it was understandable for Nicole to be wary of her.

Perhaps Marie also quickly picked up on the faint hint of wariness in Nicole's words, and she responded right away. Her voice trembled slightly, indicating that she was nervous.

"Yes. We are friends."

"Hmm... I see. It's a little surprising."

This time, Nicole looked at me as she spoke. It seemed like she was surprised to hear that I had become friends with a high-ranking noble's daughter.

I also shrugged my shoulders, as I didn't expect to become friends with Marie. It led to many dangerous situations, but so far, everything has been okay.

Moreover, if I were to mention that I had become friends not only with Mari but also with Rina and Cecily, I wondered how Nicole would react. But I felt no need to bring it up, so I remained silent.

However, Marie, who was completely unaware of this fact, heard Nicole's unexpected answer and asked her a question.

"Unexpected? What do you mean?"

"Ah, I wasn't talking about that. I was a bit worried that our Isaac might be too aloof and only focused on his own work to make friends. But it turns out he made friends, and I never would have guessed that one of them was a duke's daughter."

I nodded my head because I felt the same way. I couldn't even imagine that I would become friends with Marie.

But I feel like she's gossiping about me, right? Hopefully not.

"Whoa..."

In the meantime, Marie may have felt relieved, but she put her hand on her chest and let out a sigh. Then she said with a brighter expression than before.

"Then you don't mind if Isaac and I are friends, do you?"

"Huh? What... That's right. I don't mind...?"

"Really?"

Marie's face brightened infinitely at Nicole's affirmation. Why on earth are you so happy?

However, in contrast to the delighted Marie, Nicole seems to have become uneasy. As she knew all too well how dangerous it was for me to become close to Marie.

Although Marie being a daughter of a duke's family played a role, the biggest reason was probably because I was the author of Xenon's Biography. The closer I got to her, the higher the likelihood that my secret would eventually be revealed.

Moreover, if I became friends with Marie, my academy life would become more comfortable, but that's only if I didn't reveal my secret. From Nicole's perspective, Marie was like a double-edged sword.

In response, she glanced at Marie and me alternately, then spoke in a cautious voice.

"...it's not?"

"Ah..."

Then Marie's face quickly became sullen.

Translators note:

Nicole trolling her so hard Kek