Bonus chapter thanks to '@Genki Azuma' for subscription to 'Sword Lacquer' tier on Ko-fi.

What is this situation?

Waking up in the infirmary, I was so taken aback that I couldn't help but stiffen.

Several pairs of eyes were staring down at me.

...

...

Rene looked down at me with an icy gaze.

Embarrassed, I could only manage an awkward smile.

Luna was sound asleep beside me.

I pieced together that she must have collapsed from exhaustion after treating me.

I briefly wondered if Fron had come too, but as expected, she was nowhere to be seen.

'Well, she must be busy.'

'Or maybe shes still uncomfortable seeing me.'

Suddenly,

Why are you here?

I have something to tell you.

Youre finally awake!

Ares and Idea arrived to check on me.

What could they possibly have to say that required them to come all the way here?

More importantly, how much time had passed?

I had lost consciousness after overusing the red daggers power.

Samuel answered my unspoken question.

[You were out cold for two whole days. Don't use that power again, you fool.]

You seem particularly prickly. Did you miss me while I was gone?

[W-what are you talking about?! It was much more peaceful without you around!]

Of course, of course.

Samuel retorted, flustered like a startled cat.

I could hear more indignant yelling, but I brushed it off and turned to Idea.

What is it you wanted to tell me?

I have two pieces of good news!

'Out of the blue?'

It was a little sudden, but I was curious.

Sensing my inquisitive gaze, Idea continued.

First of all, congratulations! To our amazing class president! You achieved the top spot this time!

Is that so?

Is that all you have to say? Youre the top student!

I understand.

Thats not the reaction I was hoping for

Idea deflated like a popped balloon at my indifferent reaction.

Truthfully, it was difficult for me to be genuinely happy about her news.

I had expected to take first place.

Besides, becoming the top student wouldn't magically make all my plans fall into place.

This was just the starting line.

The real challenge was just beginning.

I had to leverage this victory to gain something from the Headmaster.

On a different note,

And what is the other good news?

... Ill explain that.

Ares stepped forward with his arms crossed, gently pushing past a sulking Idea.

Vacation is finally here.

!!

I couldn't have asked for a more anticipated moment.

Vacation.

Finally, I could leave Sytan.

I had successfully completed the final exams, which meant it was officially vacation time.

Of course, it wasn't as if I would be truly relaxing.

I knew I would have even more to do, but to become stronger, I needed to venture outside Sytan.

As someone who had been waiting for this moment, it was incredibly welcome news.

Does vacation start today?

No, technically from tomorrow. Were having the closing ceremony today, but since you and the other top students will receive additional rewards, you have to attend.

Of course I will.

Youre good with words.

Ares chuckled and glanced at Idea.

She stepped forward and pulled out something from her pocket.

A stack of letters.

I was hoping you could deliver these during vacation, Class President.

...Who are these for? And what are they?

I had to ask, my expression hardening at Ideas unexpected request.

I was going to be busy enough during vacation.

If this was some personal errand, I was going to decline.

However, after Idea explained about the letters, my resolve wavered.

Id like you to deliver them to the families of the students who died during the midterm exams. They contain letters and some monetary condolences.

...I understand.

I also felt responsible for the deaths of those students.

It wasn't entirely my fault; in fact, I had saved many lives by allowing a few to perish.

However, as class president, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt.

Ever since I started to feel like I belonged here, a sense of responsibility had taken root within me.

Carefully tucking the letters Idea handed me into my pocket, I turned to Rene.

And what brings you here, Miss Rene?

Where are you going?

Are you asking where I plan to go during vacation?

Yes.

...

Renes cold expression made me gulp.

It seemed she was certain I would be wandering around during break.

I forced a calm smile and spoke.

I have a prior engagement, so I'll be visiting the Temple of Gluttony for a short while. I wont be long. Ill return to the Bares family estate as soon as Im done.

...You.

Rene frowned, clearly unhappy with my answer. In a frigid tone, she said,

Ill allow it.

Really?

Rene agreed so easily that I couldn't help but be surprised. However, her expression remained cold.

On one condition.

What kind of condition?

I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

What if she asked something unreasonable of me?

Rene seemed lost in thought for a moment before finally speaking.

Ill tell you later.

...Alright.

With that, Rene turned and walked out of the infirmary.

It seemed she had said all she needed to say.

I didn't bother pressing her for details about the condition, knowing she wouldn't tell me anyway.

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