“Forget it, I can probably guess who’s behind these rumors.”
Ariel rubbed her forehead, feeling a bit of a headache.
Aside from the journalism club, which is a ridiculous group that can’t find big news most of the time and therefore takes pleasure in creating news, I doubt anyone else here is this bored.
“It seems I need to find a chance to pay a visit to the journalism club. No matter what, I can’t let these rumors fester.”
“Eh? But the president of the journalism club is that famous sixth-year senior Mingote. Will he listen to you?” Lia blinked, asking with some concern.
Even though Ariel has gained a bit of fame among some students, that doesn’t mean much compared to someone like a sixth-year senior.
Not to mention trying to change the way the journalism club enjoys themselves.
“But I can’t just not go.”
Ariel gritted her teeth and said, “I don’t want to suddenly become that Mu’en Campbell’s ex-girlfriend.”
The thought of being pointed at like that in the future is more unbearable than death.
“Not just an ex-girlfriend, but also an ex-girlfriend who had an abortion,” Lia added seriously.
“…Well, you little brat, after not seeing each other for so long, you’ve come back just to roast me, haven’t you?”
Ariel slapped an ancient book under her pillow, giving Lia a fierce glare with her phoenix-like eyes before she suddenly lunged at Lia with a cackle.
“Come let me check your body to see if you’ve gained weight again.”
“I’m not! No, go away… it tickles… hehe…”
“Alright, you say you haven’t gained weight, yet in just one holiday, you’ve secretly changed to a bigger size of undergarments. Lia Angel, you’re too babyish!” Realizing a hard-to-accept reality, Ariel was furious.
“I must punish you today!”
“Ugh… don’t come over, go away… it tickles to death, hehe…”
While dodging Ariel’s claws, Lia giggled, “If she grows, I can’t help it. Actually, I envy you a lot; at least your shoulders won’t ache when you walk, and you won’t feel uncomfortable at night because of tightness in your chest…”
“Damn it, how can you say that!”
Someone who feels incredibly flat feels their personality is insulted and immediately launches a more ferocious attack.
In the midst of their playful scuffle, the dormitory was suddenly filled with a lovely young girl’s atmosphere.
…
The moonlight was cool.
After their tussle ended, Ariel lost the desire to continue reading, leaning by the window to admire the bright moon in the sky while untangling her hair that had been messed up.
At this moment, Lia, with slightly flushed cheeks, cautiously leaned over and asked, “So?”
“So what?”
“About Mu’en Campbell’s apology.”
Lia cupped her chin, looking at Ariel, and asked, “What do you think? Are you going to forgive him?”
“Are you kidding?”
Ariel rolled her eyes immediately, “He did something so outrageous to me, and a mere apology can make it all go away? I’m not that easy to appease.”
“That’s fair. But…”
Lia pondered for a moment and said, “After all, it’s Mu’en Campbell, son of the duke. He was so arrogant before, and now suddenly apologizes to you, especially in front of so many people. I think he must have made a huge decision, like turning over a new leaf or something.”
“Give me a break, I think it’s more likely he’s scheming something.”
After thinking about Mu’en Campbell’s actions today and comparing him to the Mu’en Campbell in her memory, Ariel couldn’t quite believe that such a drastic change could happen to the same person in just one holiday.
Has he truly become possessed by an evil god?
Should I trick him into doing a purification ceremony at the Church of Life someday?
“And his sincerity is also questionable.”
Ariel said indignantly, “Do you know what the gift he gave me as an apology was? A skewer! And one he had bitten into! Is this what you call sincerity?”
“Uh… maybe it was sudden?”
“Well, he did say he would make up for the gift, but I think his past vulgarity suggests that it’s probably just some precious gemstone jewelry or something.”
“Yeah, gemstone jewelry is very vulgar, but don’t you want it?”
Lia stared at Ariel, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Don’t you, Miss Ariel, who has become the heir to a count but is still broke?”
“Ah, I want it! It’s just that I have to do things that cost too much money… Miss Lia, have mercy and lend me a bit more.” Ariel hugged Lia’s thigh.
“I’ve already lent you all my money.”
Lia puffed her cheeks and said, “I don’t even know what secret things you are doing with that money, spending so much without telling me the purpose.”
“Heh heh, actually, I’m researching the one-and-only secret recipe for Pachichi Cake in the world!”
Ariel said with a serious face.
“Okay, okay, you research slowly then.”
Lia clearly didn’t believe her but had no interest in prying into others’ secrets.
Waving her hand, she said her goodbyes, “It’s getting late; I’ll head back to the dorm now.”
“Alright, be careful on your way!”
“By the way.”
Just as Lia was about to leave, she turned around and seriously reminded, “Tomorrow is the opening ceremony. You can’t be late.”
“How could I possibly be late?”
Ariel patted her chest vigorously, “Am I the kind of person who arrives late for important occasions?”
“What do you think?”
Lia replied exasperatedly, “The one who got the most attendance points deducted last semester for being late was the latecomer Ariel?”
“Heh heh…”
“Forget it, I will come to wake you up tomorrow. Good night…”
“Good night, Lia-chan.”
…
After Lia left.
Ariel rested her head on the table and sighed, “Learning magic is so expensive.”
Although she has become the heir to the count, she still cannot touch the financial power of the Bugarde family, and her monthly allowance is simply not enough.
After all, she isn’t taking the ordinary path of magic.
That unique path, while more powerful, is also correspondingly more costly.
It really makes one facepalm.
“Who said that magic is considered a noble’s toy? The fact that so many fools at the bottom makes it sound like an insult is merely a true revelation of the brutal class system of this world.”
The candlelight flickered.
A misty blue smoke rose from an ancient ring worn by Ariel, gradually forming a graceful figure.
“Master, do you have any ways to make money?”
Seeing that figure, Ariel suddenly cried even more miserably, “Your beloved disciple is about to starve to death.”
“Of course there are.”
The hazy figure, Ariel’s master, said: “You are now a gold-ranked magician, and there are plenty of ways to make money.”
After all, while magicians spend quickly, they can also earn money fast. Selling a few magic scrolls can bring in no small income.
“But…”
Ariel’s master continued, “You know the situation; it’s not that we can’t make money, but we have no place to make it.
Because of that incident, the underground black market in Bairland has mostly been temporarily closed. There’s nothing I can do about that.”
“Ugh… It’s still because the ancient magic you taught is too easy to attract envy. If the scrolls I make could be sold through proper channels, I wouldn’t be this troubled.”
“Then you can learn ordinary magic, too. It’s not too late now.” The hazy beauty smiled faintly.
“No way.”
Ancient magic is so powerful; why shouldn’t I learn it?
“Speaking of which, this matter is somewhat related to me too.”
Ariel gazed at the candlelight, a trace of regret flashing in her eyes.
Back at the duke’s mansion, she had clearly sensed something was off.
But out of trust in the duke and the allure of the Pachichi cake, she didn’t choose to investigate further.
And then, that incident happened.
Princess Celicia was assassinated.
Mu’en Campbell was seriously injured due to being implicated.
Duke Campbell and His Majesty the Emperor were furious and launched a thunderous strike against the darker side of Bairland.
Now the entire underbelly of Bairland is hiding like rats in a sewer, too scared to show their heads.
Forget the underground black market; these days, anyone in a hood on the street would suddenly find a bunch of strong men inviting them for tea.
Bairland is peaceful to the point where even thieves are few.
“If only I could have taken one more step back then.”
Ariel sighed.
To save Celicia at such a critical moment would have been a great opportunity to increase goodwill, but she let that chance slip away.
What a pity!
However, there was still one thing that brought Ariel a bit of joy.
Celicia was assassinated, but it was Mu’en Campbell who was injured.
Celicia must be utterly disappointed in that useless man now!
(Note: The duke’s mansion has blocked news of the princess’s assassination, and Ariel’s information comes from special channels and is incomplete.)
“Speaking of which, I just thought of a good way to make money.” The hazy beauty suddenly said.
“Simple and quick, and it’s very low-effort.”
“Oh.”
Ariel’s eyes lit up, “Master, please tell me.”
“Didn’t Mu’en Campbell say today that he would make up for the apology gift in the future?”
The vague beauty said with a smile, “You can tell Mu’en Campbell that as long as he gives you a million, you will forgive him. Who knows, he might happily offer you the million.”
“Impossible!”
Ariel slammed the table and firmly refused, “Am I the kind of frivolous woman who would give up my principles for just a million?
If Mu’en Campbell wants to gain my forgiveness, he must truly turn over a new leaf and earn my approval; otherwise, it is absolutely impossible!”
“Really?”
“Of course it’s true, as true as pearls!” Ariel responded emphatically.
“Is that so? Quite a pity.”
The vague beauty sighed, stroking her face, “I find that Mu’en Campbell seemed quite sincere today.”
…
Morning dawned.
A thin mist hung in the air, and the world was silent.
Yet at this moment, Professor Plon had already gotten up and was starting his daily routine of walking.
The walk was not for exercising but to fulfill the duties of an excellent educator.
“The early bird catches the worm. This batch of students doesn’t even understand this basic principle!”
Professor Plon stood on the tree-lined avenue, gazing at a quiet dormitory area and couldn’t help shaking his head.
“Back in the day, when I taught the golden generation, those elites would get up to study and exercise before dawn. Unlike the current batch, with the opening ceremony just two hours away, not a single one has gotten up.
Sigh, they’re too poor, too poor, to have even a bit of self-awareness as students of St. Maria Academy.”
Professor Plon couldn’t help but lament the current students’ laziness as he began to ponder whether to suggest to the dean that these future pillars of the empire need stricter supervision, preventing them from growing wildly in this degree of freedom.
Lost in his thoughts, a disappointed Professor Plon prepared to head back home.
But just then, he heard hurried and rhythmic footsteps, particularly clear in the quiet sycamore forest.
“This is…”
Professor Plon’s eyes lit up.
Could it be that there is still an excellent student who didn’t waste this important morning time?
Turning back with hope, Professor Plon decided to praise this student well, even intending to use them as an exemplary model at the upcoming ceremony to show the other lazy students how a student should act.
“Good morning, Professor.”
“Hmm, good morning, Mu’en… Mu’en Campbell!”
“Eh?”
Mu’en was startled by the sudden loud shout from the old man, instinctively shrieking and nearly delivering a kick.
Fortunately, realizing he was at the academy and that no evil god would suddenly pop up, he managed to stop himself.
“Um… is there something you need?”
Mu’en asked cautiously.
Unintentionally, he recognized who this old man with wide eyes was.
Plon Ronald, head of the magic department.
The most seasoned magic professor in the academy.
And also the professor that the original owner feared the most.
The reason for that fear… Perhaps it was because under his guidance, only one lighting spell had been learned in a year, worrying that one day he might be mercilessly devoured by Professor Plon out of rage over the failure.
“Mu’en Campbell, what are you doing?”
Realizing the situation, Professor Plon collected himself, cleared his throat, and asked.
“I? I’m jogging.”
Dressed in practical shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, Mu’en kept stepping in place while talking to Professor Plon.
“Jogging!”
Professor Plon widened his eyes.
His expression showed shock, confusion, and perplexity.
It was like suddenly seeing a terminal patient bounce up from bed, running a marathon while patting their backside.
Professor Plon stared seriously into Mu’en’s eyes and asked:
“Are you sure you haven’t just been peeking at the girls’ dormitory and escaped?”
“Why would the professor think that!”
Mu’en exclaimed, shocked. “The girls’ dormitory isn’t even over here.”
“Or perhaps you were on your way to the girls’ dormitory?” Professor Plon speculated earnestly.
“Would never go there!”
“Then that’s strange.”
Professor Plon stroked his beard, looking serious, as if he had encountered a century-old problem in magic.
“You, Mu’en Campbell, are up so early and dressed so revealingly. If it’s not for doing something bad, how can it possibly be explained?”
“I’m not the kind of person to do bad things, am I in the professor’s eyes?” Mu’en continued to be astonished. “And this is just a workout shirt, what’s revealing about it?”
“What else could it be?”
Professor Plon seemed shocked: “Haven’t you as a student done enough bad things last semester?”
“…”
You want to talk about last semester?
Are you seriously bringing up last semester?
If we’re talking about last semester… then I’m out of options.
After all, who told it all to be true?
Mu’en Campbell indeed did a lot of bad things last semester!
“Anyway… I’m really just jogging,” Mu’en said helplessly.
“Professor, please don’t overthink it.”
“But at this level of jogging, it shouldn’t really serve any purpose, right?” Professor Plon, having a solid martial arts background himself, understood that regular physical exercise at this stage would hardly contribute to improved training.
“I know,” Mu’en said. “I’m just doing this to lift my spirits.”
“Lifting your spirits?”
“Exactly. A bit of exercise early in the morning followed by a cold shower will keep me energetic throughout the day.”
Mu’en smiled, “At least it won’t make me sleepy in class, right?”
“Won’t be sleepy in class…”
Professor Plon opened his eyes wide as if he saw a giant shrimp casually walk by, pulling its tail in front of him.
What the hell.
How can you say such a thing with a straight face?
Clearly, every one of your classes last semester… you spent them all dozing off!
“Alright, Professor, I’ll be on my way now, goodbye.”
Feeling that staying any longer wouldn’t bring anything good, Mu’en quickly made his escape.
Taking advantage of Professor Plon’s momentary shock, he stepped on the fallen leaves and jogged away, quickly disappearing into the morning light.
“Can a person truly change so dramatically in such a short time?”
Watching Mu’en’s disappearing figure, even Professor Plon, who had educated countless students, found it hard to suppress his inner shock.
Yesterday, from a distance, it didn’t feel that intense, but now that they were close, he realized… what Mu’en had done… actually seemed somewhat real.
Lost in thought, Professor Plon subconsciously removed a piece of bark from a nearby sycamore tree and popped it into his mouth.
Ugh, so bitter!
If only my desk…
Ah, wait, wait.
How can I waver so easily?
Don’t be deceived, Plon Ronald!
Go and expose Mu’en Campbell’s facade!
For the sake of work… for the dignity of my decades of teaching!
“Hmph.”
Professor Plon bit into the bark angrily, sneering, “Mu’en Campbell, just you wait; I will be watching you closely from now on!”
…
“Ugh—”
As Mu’en jogged along, he suddenly felt a chill and shivered, warily looking around.
“Why do I suddenly have the strange feeling of being stalked by a yandere?”
“Strange, this is St. Maria Academy; An shouldn’t be able to come in here.”
……
The morning light was weak.
The rare tranquility before the building was shattered by the crisp sound of heels on the ground. The bun-haired girl who was dozing off at the door was startled awake and hurriedly looked at the stunning silver-haired girl before her, straightening her back and raising her head as she exclaimed loudly:
“Your Highness!”
“I’ve told you to stop calling me ‘Your Highness’ in the academy.”
Celicia cast a sidelong glance at Wei Er, who hurriedly brushed past her, though there was still a hint of moisture at the corners of her mouth, and said, “And stop staying up late to read those novels about domineering evil gods who fall in love with me; it’ll affect your work.”
“Yes, President.” Wei Er’s cheeks flushed slightly.
“Let’s go.”
Seeing Wei Er comply, Celicia didn’t say much more and walked into the deserted building.
Following the familiar corridors and stairways up, they eventually arrived at a room with a sign saying “Student Council Room.”
“I’m back.”
Celicia murmured to herself before pushing the door open.
Inside was a simple office desk and a rather plain-looking chair.
On one side of the room was a bookshelf filled with books and a sofa for guests.
Aside from that, there was nothing else.
Plain and unadorned, everything as it should be.
But two months without attention had caused a layer of fine dust to cover the room.
So, a cold breeze blew, quickly sweeping the entire room clean.
“Wow, no matter how you look at it, the president’s abilities are quite convenient.”
Wei Er remarked from behind.
“If you had the heart to come and clean up during the break, that would be more convenient than any ability.”
Celicia shot a glance at Wei Er, the secretary of the student council who had spent the entire break playing and walked into the room, brushing off the light frost on the surface of the desk.
“Eheh.”
Wei Er stuck out her tongue and feigned innocence but soon found herself almost freezing due to the room’s chill.
“So… cold, President.”
“…”
Celicia sighed lightly.
She walked to the window and reached out to open it.
Even though it carried the chill of early autumn, it was much warmer than the air that had just been hit by the cold wind.
A gentle breeze flowed in, the shadows of the sycamore trees swaying gently.
Within the rustling of the wind, Celicia heard the very faint yet distinct sound of leaves being stepped on.
This should have been a trivial matter, but for some reason, Celicia turned towards the source of the sound.
And she saw.
A golden-haired boy, with sunlight breaking through the branches overhead, dressed in a neat workout outfit, running along the quiet path in the sycamore forest.
It’s him?
Celicia’s eyes flickered slightly, and she suddenly turned to Wei Er behind her and asked, “What time is it now?”
“Eh, right now? Let me see, it’s six o’clock six minutes.”
“What time does the opening ceremony start?”
“At eight o’clock sharp.”
“At least two hours early?”
Celicia’s delicate silver eyelashes fluttered as she pondered something.
“President, what are you looking at?”
Wei Er also curiously leaned over.
Then she also saw the golden-haired boy running below.
“Ah, Mu’en Campbell.”
Wei Er exclaimed softly, then suddenly tilted her head and spat.
“Tui! Scumbag!”
“…What has he done now?”
Celicia turned her head and asked.
“President, you don’t know?”
Wei Er wore a shocked expression as if questioning how the president could be unaware of such a big event. She then suddenly pulled out crumpled-up newspapers from behind her.
“Hmm?”
Celicia took the newspapers and looked at them.
“Shocking! The arrogant young noble Mu’en Campbell apologizes to Ariel, revealing hidden truths!”
The newspaper opened with such large bold letters.
“Apologize?”
Celicia raised her eyebrows slightly.
Beneath the giant red letters was a magical snapshot of Mu’en bowing and apologizing to Ariel.
Celicia was feeling slightly surprised, but her attention was quickly drawn to the text below.
“Ex-girlfriend? The things Mu’en Campbell and Ariel Bugarde must address before entering the academy!”
“Less than a beast! They even had a child together!”
“Stepping on thirteen boats; the invincible battleship is actually her?”
“…”
The exaggerated rhetoric.
The sensational words.
No credibility whatsoever.
If it were the old Celicia, she would have glanced a few times at most before looking away and not wasting her precious time on it.
But for some reason, this time, she surprisingly endured and read every single word of the content on the paper.
By the time that detestable scumbag Mu’en Campbell had toyed with the poor Ariel Bugarde’s feelings three times, causing her to have five abortions, and attempted suicide seven times, almost getting run over by passing carriages nine times…
Celicia finally found one incredibly tiny line at the very bottom of the newspaper, which was so small that one would barely notice it unless looking closely.
——”The above are merely subjective speculations by the journalism club, meant to elicit a smile, and do not represent the real situation.”
As the first ray of sunlight crested over the treetops, it fell perfectly on Celicia’s cool face, causing her brows to slightly unfurl.
But immediately, her gaze turned cold.
“So, Mu’en Campbell is a complete scumbag, right?”
Wei Er leaned in, her face filled with righteous indignation.
“You.”
Celicia reined in her gaze and sighed lightly.
She rolled up the newspaper and lightly tapped it on Wei Er’s head.
“Read less of this stuff in the future, or you’ll get stupid.”
