Tellon Academy (5)

That evening, Vera stared at the lecture registration form that arrived for him and Renee with a terribly troubled expression.

It was mainly because he could feel Theresas will in the document, which seemed to scream dont even think about running away.

Vera had received an unprecedented assignment to learn how to become a child. He felt his head throb and went back to contemplate.

Six subjects.

There were six subjects he could take. Among those, he had to choose three subjects.

He and Renee decided to pick three subjects from the six alloted subjects and attend together.

Vera heaved a sigh.

He felt uneasy since he had been told to turn it in today.

And so, Veras complexion slowly darkened, creasing his face as he pondered which subjects he should choose.

Are you done choosing, Vera?

Renees voice rang out. Listening to her, Vera replied with a worried tone.

I havent chosen yet.

Right? Im seriously debating which lecture to take.

Are you unable to decide between all of them, too?

Yes. There are a lot of lectures I want to take, but I can only take three.

Renee replied, a bright smile on her face.

Vera noticed that Renee was thinking differently than him and blurted out instinctively.

Its okay if you choose all of them

Tsk-

Tuk

Renee poked Vera in the waist.

Its an assignment Lady Theresa gave to Vera. Dumping your tasks on others is an awful thing to do, you know.

When she spoke as if she was scolding a child, Vera only grunted in return.

I apologze.

Hurry up and choose. I just need to pick one more.

Yes.

Veras gaze fell back to the lecture application.

Vera, who had a battered expression after a long deliberation, finally chose Introduction to Advanced Swordsmanship, History of the Age of Gods and Introduction to Advanced Spells.

History of the Age of Gods was one he picked out of personal curiosity, whereas the other two were chosen because he felt that if he had to choose, he should choose something he was good at.

Ive chosen everything.

Me too.

Vera saw Renees bright face as he turned his head and then asked.

Which lectures did you choose?

History of Gastronomy, Applied Gastronomy, and Relaxation Through Meditation.

Flinch

Vera flinched.

You must be very interested in gastronomy.

Yes! Eating something delicious makes me feel better. Ah the sherbet I had with Vera in the Empire was really good.

Vera narrowed his eyes. She must be talking about the white sherbet they ate at the restaurant.

You wouldnt normally think of that as delicious.

The words were already on the tip of his tongue, but Vera held them in, knowing that taste was ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Nevertheless, he didnt stop questioning her.

You made a very unexpected choice. I was certain youd pick something along the lines of a spell or divinity, though?

Renees choice of lecture was just her being herself, but when his question pointed out how odd her choice was, Renee replied with a little blush on her cheek.

But Im here to learn. I thought it would be better to learn what I dont know than what I already know.

Renee chuckled with a light shrug, causing her white hair to ripple like waves.

And it looks fun, doesnt it?

Her answer was filled with innocence.

Veras eyes gradually widened.

At the time, shame grew inside him. He was ashamed of his own decision.

He felt ashamed of himself since he was already thinking about doing what hes good at when he had been advised not to go down the same path just a few hours earlier.

What did you choose, Vera?

Vera hesitated to answer for a while and soon uttered.

Saint, could you please give me a little more time?

Huh? Sure, take your time.

Thank you.

After answering, Vera looked at the application with a clouded expression.

The attitude of learning.

How to take the road less traveled.

A way to be a wise man, not a stupid coward.

A way to be a man who knows how to venture into the unknown.

Vera wrote off his way of thinking. He stopped weighing the gain and loss.

If he clung to that mindset, he would become a man who only knows how to achieve the same results, and he would end up trapping himself in a well.

Vera discarded all the logic in his head, leaving only interest in his now-empty thoughts.

Fortunately, Vera still had a little desire in him that he wasnt aware of.

Vera allowed some obscurity to seep into his head. Then let it unfold.

What piques my interest? Is there anything I dont know but would like to learn more about?

Vera, who had been fretting over it, quickly removed the Introduction to Advanced Swordsmanship and Introduction to Advanced Spells and wrote two subjects next to it.

He chose Introduction to Snowball Fight and Introduction to Chicken Fight.

which were, of course, rejected by Renee, who made an indescribable expression.

***

The next morning.

After putting on the Academy uniform with the help of the apprentice priests, Renee took a deep breath before asking a question.

What do you think? Does it suit me?

Renees cheeks were flushed red as she said this. Her lips, which had been drawn in a straight line, curved up in delight.

The act of putting on the uniform had triggered such an excited response in Renee because it meant that she would experience a life similar to others.

At that time, the answers to her question further elevated her mood.

It suits you perfectly. Im positive that you are the most beautiful girl in the Academy!

Annie made a fuss with her usual bubbly voice.

You look fresh. Um, you look exactly like a student.

Hela answered in a serious tone.

I want to try school uniforms, too!

It seemed like Aisha wanted to wear a school uniform as well.

Renee chuckled at Aishas remarks, which seemed to be mixed with admiration and nodded.

Then lets ask them to prepare one for Aisha, too.

Yeah!

Oh, Annie. Has Vera arrived yet?

Yes, he just arrived. I think youre ready to go.

Annies reply deepened the smile on Renees face.

Then, Ill be back.

Yes.

Renee turned around and started to walk away.

Tak, tak.

The cane made a rhythmic sound as it hit the floor. Renee also took gentle steps in harmony with the rhythm.

Tak!

The cane hit the wall. Sensing this, Renee fumbled her hand to reach the doorknob and turned it.

Did you have a good night?

Veras voice rang out. Renee replied with a wide smile.

Yes. How about Vera?

I had a good nights rest.

Thats good to hear. Whats the first class?

She said, casually extending her hand. Vera wrapped his hand around hers before replying.

Introduction to Advanced Spells.

Thats what you chose.

Yes.

There was an undeniable sadness in Veras voice as he answered.

Why does he sound like that?

After taking a moment to think, Renee realized that it could be because of the two subjects she had rejected.

Is it because I didnt respect Veras wishes?

Such thoughts then entered her mind.

As a result, the thrill she felt earlier began to fade a little. It occurred to her that she might have been selfish.

Renee, who concluded that Vera was feeling regretful about the two rejected subjects, thought to herself.

Did he want to attend those so badly?

Introduction to Snowball Fight and Introduction to Chicken Fight.

She had no idea why those subjects existed at all. Besides, she felt like it was an unsuitable subject to be taken together, no matter how hard she thought about it.

But still.

It was Snowball Fight and Chicken Fight, wasnt it?

To be honest, she was curious about what kind of lesson they taught in general, but all she could think about was how useless it would be even if she learned it.

Renee convinced herself that she had made the right judgment, correcting her wavering heart, and continued walking.

***

Vera walked hand-in-hand with Renee through the school grounds, narrating what he saw around them.

The scenery is lush and green all around. The buildings arent green, but the vines growing over the white buildings gives the impression that they are. Furthermore, the large road that runs across the middle of the school grounds is white, giving the impression that the buildings have blended into the scenery.

As he spoke, his countenance grew stiff.

It was a reaction upon realizing that, despite Renees status as a student, everyone now knew she was the Saint, and he needed to be ready for any unexpected situation.

All eyes are on her.

So far, he only caught emotions such as curiosity or astonishment, but it was too soon to be relieved.

Each group of students wears a different colored brooch or necktie. Perhaps the color is the standard for differentiating grades. That seems to be the most logical reason.

Vera, who had been alert to his surroundings, continued to speak with a stiff expression. Renee, who had been listening the entire time, abruptly interrupted.

Vera.

Yes.

Im sorry.

Yes?

Vera turned his head to Renee.

Renee, in her navy blue school uniform, shook her head, looking a little no, very sorry.

For rejecting all the subjects that Vera chose.

Vera tilted his head in confusion.

Renees remark came out of nowhere for him, who had completely forgotten about it.

Please dont be. I chose them purely out of curiosity in the first place.

Still

What the Saint said was absolutely right. I should have chosen a subject that we were able to attend together. It was my mistake to choose subjects that you couldnt participate in.

He consoled her as gently as he could.

Upon seeing Renees expression soften, Vera added sheepishly.

I should be the one who apologizes. You ended up taking classes because of me.

Thats not true!

Renee jerked her head up in surprise at Veras remarks, then continued.

Im really happy to be able to take classes!

But

Enough.

Vera closed his mouth.

Renee released a small chuckle at Vera, who shut his mouth, and added.

I really want to try it. Going to class, studying and meeting new people, just like the others. Thanks to Vera, I can do all that, so Im actually grateful.

Veras gaze flicked through Renee.

It didnt seem like she was lying.

When Renee was really happy, she smiled so broadly that her dimples came out.

Feeling grateful for Renees willingness to be there and enjoy it, Vera briefly expressed his gratitude in words.

Thank you.

If youre thankful, you just need to do well.

Yes.

One more thing, Vera.

Please tell me.

Is there anything you havent told me yet?

Renee turned her head to Vera. Her unfocused blue pupils were partially hidden as she smiled.

Vera pondered about what Renee meant for a moment before uttering the answer.

The school uniform suits you well.

Renee gave a pleased nod.

Good job.

Im flattered.

Its nothing.

Renee replied and turned her head forward again, silently sweetening her lips like a predator on the hunt who was waiting for her next opportunity.

I was going to link our arms if he couldnt get it right.

Although she said that she was taking a break from seducing him, if Vera had done something wrong, wouldnt it be permissible to punish him?

Of course, Vera, relieved that he wouldnt be tempted by her for the rest of the day, was unaware of her hidden thoughts.