“Tsk tsk, so you've actually been threatened by them. You look quite miserable.” After the man left, the vast villa was left with only the man on the sofa, when a voice, ethereal yet slightly muffled, echoed through the space.
“Why are you still here?” The man on the sofa frowned deeply. “Daring to show yourself before me again, do you truly not fear me dealing with you?”
“If you really thought that, wouldn't you have done it last time? Besides, you know you can't do it. You're unable. I know exactly what kind of person you are. You can't refuse what I'm able to offer you. Admit it, we're both far from righteous.”
“Don't you dare lump me together with a notorious scum like you!” the man on the sofa snaps angrily.
“Heh, what's wrong? Still can't fully abandon that so-called dignity of yours? In that regard, you're truly no match for him. He's clearly far more genuine than you.”
“Do you even know what you're talking about?!” The man on the sofa was now thoroughly enraged. He hated nothing more than being compared to that particular person.
“This isn't some deliberate provocation, mind you. Whether it's talent, temperament, or sheer willpower, he surpassed you in every way, an esteemed young master. These are simply facts.”
"What are you trying to say? Do you think insulting me, belittling me, will make me cooperate with you?? Dream on, demon. I'll never compromise with someone like you!"
“Haha, if you truly had no intention of cooperating, why bother talking so much?”
“I only know that right now I'm not strong enough to deal with a foul creature like you. Now get out! Don't pollute my private space any further. You won't manipulate me again.” The man said in disgust.
“How is that manipulation? I’m not trying to insult you, but honestly, respected and righteous young master, given your abilities, I doubt any divine weapon would take an interest in you in this lifetime,” The ethereal voice shook in a strangely subtle way.
“Ridiculous! Do you think my qualifications require judgment from a demon like you? Why on earth would I believe a single word you say?!” The man scoffed coldly. “Don't think I don't see what you're trying to do, inflate your own value in my eyes?”
“Young master, who says a demon can't speak the truth? What about so-called 'good people'? Do they only ever speak truthfully? Haven't you already seen that for yourself?”~
“.......”
“Heh heh, I'm not in a rush. This young master who still hasn't recognized what he truly needs, still clinging to dignity and morality, we'll have plenty of opportunities.”
“Think it over and let me know. I'm always available.” With that, the voice disappeared from the room, leaving the man alone in silent contemplation.
…………..
“Ahh, I'm exhausted, finally over!” Winnie stretched lazily as he walked out of the exam hall.
The written portion of the midterm exams was finished. He was finally done with this hectic stretch.
After the Hunting Points Tournament, Winnie had thought he'd finally get a bit of a break, but instead things got even busier. Once the second semester of first year began, his academic workload increased dramatically. Not only that, but he had to juggle all sorts of tests, written exams and various practical assessments. Exams became more frequent, and after several weeks, the students were practically burnt out.
It was just like the academic pressure he'd faced in his past life, except even greater. Here, academic pressure wasn't just about textbook knowledge. A far larger portion came from magic and practical combat training. Fortunately, students here had mana nourishing their bodies, making their physical constitutions many times superior to ordinary humans from his previous life.
Moreover, most importantly, Carillian Academy wasn't just top-tier in environment and teaching resources, it deeply understood the value of balancing work and rest.
For example, right after the written midterms ended, there was a follow-up practical midterm assessment. The academy administration, being considered, arranged for students to relax first before completing the practical task during their downtime.
This semester's first-year practical assignment was clearly more difficult than last semester's, but for Winnie now, it was relatively simple.
After the written midterms concluded, Carillian Academy arranged a study trip for the students, during which they will complete the practical assignment. The task was simply to eliminate several monsters, each student assigned a different type.
It was entirely up to luck. For instance, Shikondell received a relatively easy task: eliminate ten Flower Wolves. Winnie, on the other hand, drew a bad lot. His task was to eliminate five Phiro Sheep. These spirit sheep were extremely rare to begin with. Although he only needed to kill five, they were nearly impossible to locate, only appearing in extremely hot regions.
Winnie felt his recent luck was absolutely cursed, almost achieving seven consecutive trips to the Infirmary chapel, and now getting stuck with such a troublesome elimination quota. It was just too hard.
Seriously, was this the doing of some silver-haired nut ball??
Had she drained all his fortune, transferring it entirely to herself, causing him to be this unlucky??
So, was it possible that a certain little silver nut was somehow responsible for this? Winnie thought it highly likely.
Regardless, finally being able to slightly escape from his hectic studies and relax a bit made Winnie truly happy.
Since the beginning of this semester, actually, since the end of last semester, he'd been unlucky for quite a while. Now that midterms were over, surely his streak of misfortune couldn't continue?
After being unlucky for so long, shouldn't his luck turn around? Surely a person couldn't stay this unlucky forever??
Back in the dorm, Winnie saw Shikondell packing her things.
“Winnie, do you need help packing your luggage?” Shikondell asked, being her usual considerate self upon seeing him return.
“Have you finished packing yours?” Winnie asked.
“Yes, I'm all set.” Shikondell gestured toward her neatly packed bags in the living room.
After one semester of training, the once sheltered Moon Elf princess, previously unfamiliar with even basic housework, now handled chores with ease, whether it was cooking or cleaning.
“I haven't even started mine. Could you help me pack?” Winnie asked.
“Of course!” Shikondell nodded.
“Then I'll leave it to you, Dell.” The two went upstairs to Winnie's room.
Winnie began shoving his clothes into his suitcase.
“Winnie, you can't just stuff them like that,” Shikondell suddenly said. “You need to fold your clothes before putting them in, otherwise they'll take up too much space.”
“Oh, right.” Winnie listened and started folding his clothes before placing them in the suitcase, though his technique was clearly unskilled, his folded clothes came out wrinkled and bulky.
“Winnie, let me do it,” Shikondell suggested upon seeing this.
Winnie pursed his lips. He had the nagging feeling that everything he did just made things worse. Reluctantly, he stepped aside and let Shikondell take over, occupying himself with other minor tasks.
Shikondell acted like a little wife, carefully packing Winnie's belongings, while an idle Winnie sat on a nearby bench, counting clouds through the window.
As she was packing, Shikondell suddenly noticed a cloth bag near the drawer. Compared to Winnie's other luggage, its style felt completely out of place.
How to describe it, Shikondell felt the bag's design resembled those carried by noble ladies fresh from luxury boutiques. Even though she had no concept of human luxury goods, she could still feel the similarity. After all, she had once been a royal princess.
She didn't intend to open the bag, but it wasn't properly tied, allowing her to glimpse its contents.
What are these??
Seeing what was inside, Shikondell was quite surprised, but quickly realized what they were.
These must be the female shampoo and skincare lotion Winnie mentioned, those he'd used on a whim last time??
Shikondell hesitated slightly.
These shampoos and lotions clearly had top-tier quality, clearly belonging in the luxury category.
Why would Winnie need to buy products of such high grade just to try out women's shampoo and skincare??
Shikondell found it strange, but ultimately didn't dwell on it. After all, the money was earned through Winnie's own hard work. She, who lived off him without contributing, had no right to comment.
Without further thought, Shikondell carefully packed the items into Winnie's travel bag.
At that moment, Winnie was still gazing out the window, and Shikondell had her back turned, so he didn't notice what she'd added to his luggage.
With midterms just finished, classes were light and the schedule sparse. A few days later, first and second-year students set off for their study trip destination, a hot spring resort located near the border between the Tribes and the Tyrell Empire.
Yes, only first and second-years were allowed study trips. Third and fourth-years were too busy preparing for graduation, either leveling up their skills or focusing on academics, completely swamped. Even if they were permitted to attend, they wouldn't have the time.
This was a privilege reserved for lower-year students.
Inside the unicorn-drawn carriage, Winnie glanced at Shikondell sitting beside him, noting her anxiety and unease.
After hearing their destination was within Tribal territory, she'd been like this.
It was understood. Due to the Tribes' invasion, Moon Elves carried psychological trauma toward humans. Going directly into human territory, their stronghold, was even worse.
After spending one semester at Carillian Academy, slowly overcoming some of her fear and realizing that humans could also be virtuous, this trip might undo all that progress.
“Dell, relax. Don't be afraid. You're a student of Carillian Academy now, have some faith in your academy, okay?” Winnie said leisurely, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Thank you, Winnie.” Shikondell nodded timidly, her expression already looking somewhat better.
Just then, steps approaching from outside the carriage.
Winnie knew it was another student arriving. Since so many were traveling, seating assignments were fixed, each student assigned to a specific carriage, even their individual sleeping rooms predetermined.
The incoming student was most likely someone unknown, either a second-year senior or another first-year.
Fortunately, Winnie had been assigned to the same carriage as his roommate Shikondell. This made it easier for him to comfort her, saving him a lot of trouble.
Winnie didn't even want to imagine how panicked Shikondell would be if she had to sit alone in a carriage full of strangers. After all, though the Moon Elf princess had gradually become exposed to people and events, she was still a massive social anxiety case.
Just as Winnie expected, a completely unfamiliar boy walked in, someone who looked unusually mature. If not for the fact that no senior students were on this trip, Winnie might've assumed he was a nearly-graduating fourth-year student.
Upon entering and seeing only strangers, the guy acted surprisingly casual, cheerfully greeting the two passengers.
"Hey there, you couple cuties! Hello! You're first-years, right?"
“Yeah, senior, but I need to correct you, we're not a boy and a girl,” Winnie explained.
“Huh??” The guy blinked, his gaze darting back and forth between Winnie and Shikondell. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly realized.
"Oh! Sorry, my bad. Two lovely ladies, greetings!"
“Wait, bro, I'm a guy??” Winnie couldn't take it anymore and blurted out.
“Huh? Then—” The guy looked truly shocked as he turned toward Shikondell.
“That's right, he's a guy too,” Winnie clarified.
“Seriously??” The guy stared in disbelief.
“Absolutely. No joke. See, my elf friend here even has an Adam's apple.” Winnie pointed at Shikondell's throat.
“Whoa, really? This elf lady, uh, I mean, guy, actually has an Adam's apple?” The guy said, astonished.
“Senior, you definitely don't have a girlfriend, do you?” Winnie suddenly said, for no apparent reason.
“What?? How can you tell??” The guy instantly looked like he'd been exposed, utterly heartbroken.
“Nah, just a feeling. I guess you probably don't.” If pressed to explain, Winnie couldn't say exactly why. Lately, he'd just become more sensitive to things like this.
Before he could finish speaking, the carriage door opened again.
This time, the person who entered, Winnie realized he actually recognized.
“It's you??” x 2
The red-haired girl who entered was equally surprised.