My unexpected encounter with Kierre was truly abrupt. We were in different classes and departments, so I rarely saw him even during the semester. To think I’d run into him like this, by chance, on the street during summer break.
“I didn’t know you were staying at the academy, too. But since it’s already halfway through the break and this is the first time I’ve seen you, I guess we must have just missed each other a lot?”
If we were going to keep missing each other, it would have been better to have missed each other until the end of the break. As Kierre said, I was really unlucky. Of course, in a different sense than him.
“I guess that happens sometimes. Maybe it’s lucky that we ran into each other at all, since we might not have seen each other until the next semester starts.”
Of course, it was bad luck for me, but since bad luck is still luck, isn’t it still luck? I wanted to ignore him, but I didn’t want to make him hostile for no reason, and if I wanted to keep an eye on what he was doing, even from afar, it was better to play along for now.
“Oh, is that so? It’s true that I’m more nocturnal, so it’s only natural that we haven’t run into each other during the break. The academy isn’t exactly small, so it wouldn’t be strange if we hadn’t met. Maybe it really was lucky that we met like this.”
Even in the game, Kierre would chatter before battles and talk during fights. It seems he has a habit of talking too much in these situations as well.
“…….”
After finishing his words, I saw Kierre smiling at me with his handsome face. Other girls might squeal with delight, but honestly, I was just annoyed. Like Sayoreinne, who was also a villain, Kierre was the most handsome among the male characters, so even though I was annoyed by his handsome face, I couldn’t help but admire it a little.
Although I couldn’t play it myself before coming here, most people predicted that a DLC story would be added for Sayoreinne and Kierre, a story for the two villains. Was that the reason why they put so much effort into his appearance?
[TL Note: DLC stands for “Downloadable Content”—extra game content released after the main game.]
Kierre, living up to his looks, was looking at me with a charming smile that any other girl would find attractive, but I honestly didn’t want to be looked at like that by a man. At least, I was glad that my first reaction to that look was dislike.
Anyway, with that uncomfortable feeling, I just looked at Kierre with a sullen expression.
“Do you dislike me, Sayoreinne?”
Was my gaze too obvious? Kierre erased the smile he had been wearing and spoke to me with a slightly embarrassed face. He’s a good actor.
“No. I don’t have any particular connection with you, so why would I dislike you?”
“Really? Your eyes and attitude give me that impression. It feels different from other girls.”
So, he’s saying he’s only received favorable looks from other girls. Then he might be sensitive to my hostile attitude. I understand, but it’s still annoying that he says such things so casually. I’ve had enough of this. I wanted to get out of this uncomfortable situation.
“Anyway, we have to go eat, so I think we should part ways.”
“Oh? You were on your way to dinner? The academy dining hall will be closing soon, so you should hurry. I’m sorry if I kept you too long.”
“We still have time, so it’s okay. We didn’t talk for that long. Then, I’ll be going.”
I nodded slightly and said goodbye, hoping to part ways quickly, but Kierre approached me, brought his face close, and made direct eye contact at close range. Why is he getting so close? No matter how handsome he is, it’s too much pressure to see a man’s face up close. Back off a little…
“Then shall we say goodbye for today? Let’s have a proper chat next time we see each other, Sayo. See you.”
He said that, turned around, waved his hand behind his back, and walked away.
…His actions and words are truly annoying and cheesy. And it’s annoying how he calls me by a nickname without my permission.
As we parted, Kierre said that, but as I said, I don’t really want to talk to him. Before that, I hate even seeing his face. Still, I got the information that Kierre is nocturnal, so if I don’t stay out late like today, maybe I won’t run into him again?
In the game, Sayoreinne and Kierre felt like allies, and they didn’t seem to have any romantic feelings for each other, and there hadn’t been any connection so far, so I was relieved, but it feels different from the game. He’s showing signs that he likes me, but it doesn’t feel like he likes me… Sigh, I don’t know. Whether he wants to draw me in as an ally like in the game, or if there’s another reason, or if he simply wants to be friends, there’s no way to know by thinking about it now. I should just eat with Ahrin and go back to the dorm and relax.
“Let’s go, Ahrin.”
“…….”
“Ahrin?”
Ahrin didn’t answer my call, so I looked back at her with a puzzled feeling. Compared to before we met Kierre, her expression was slightly stiff, and she seemed fidgety. Ahrin made eye contact with me and stayed still for a moment, then came closer and carefully took my hand. What’s wrong?
“What’s wrong all of a sudden?”
“Um, Miss. What, um, is your relationship with that man just now?”
What kind of relationship? We’ve only talked once or twice, so we don’t have any particular relationship. Rather, it’s a one-sided dislike from my side, so why is she asking that?
“That’s a bit sudden. Why are you curious about that all of a sudden?”
“No! It’s just, you two seemed close, and, um, so I wondered if you had a special relationship…….”
…Is something wrong with Ahrin’s eyes? Or did we give off an incredibly intimate, couple-like vibe to other people? Anyway, it’s a misunderstanding I definitely don’t want.
“We’re not close or anything. We just know each other.”
“Oh, so that’s it?!”
She looks quite happy? She seems pleased with my answer. Is it perhaps because…?
“Ahrin.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“That man just now was named Kierre. What did you think of him?”
“Oh, you’re asking for my impression? Well, I don’t know him well, but he’s handsome and seems kind, so I think he’d be very popular with girls? That’s just how he seemed to me.”
That’s quite a positive assessment. What’s so good about that guy? It’s not an assessment I particularly like, but it’s true that Kierre appears that way on the surface, so I understand Ahrin’s assessment. I hope she hasn’t developed feelings for Kierre because of that… right?
I think not, but even so, it’s a bit annoying. Still, I tried to hide my feelings as much as possible and sound Ahrin out. It’s such a waste for Ahrin to give her heart to a guy like that, someone so dark inside who only cares about his own enjoyment and nothing else. That was the only reason.
“That’s definitely not it! There’s a difference in social status, and it’s just how he seemed. I don’t particularly have any feelings for him or anything.”
Ahrin vehemently denied it, waving her hands. She seems to genuinely think so. It seems like the situation I was worried about isn’t the case. That’s a relief.
“And to me, to me, there’s another……”
“Yes? Sorry Ahrin, your voice is too low, I can’t hear you.”
“Oh, it’s nothing…. Anyway, that’s not it at all! I’m hungry! Let’s go quickly!”
Ahrin seemed flustered, and her voice suddenly grew louder. I was curious about what she had mumbled, but she seemed to have no intention of revealing it, so I had no choice but to let it go.
Nothing much changed after running into Kierre. My academy life continued as before.
I enjoyed sleeping in a little late,
reading books while watching Nell working in the library, and chatting with her during breaks, spending enjoyable time with Leia, who would appear out of nowhere,
steadily training and honing myself,
and occasionally going downtown to eat delicious food with Ahrin.
Ah, thankfully, I haven’t run into that awkward Kierre since then.
And time passed—
The day arrived for the start of the second semester of my second year at Minorus Academy.