A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

Chapter 195

The transfer student, especially with Karas's involvement, caused some confusion for a while, but it passed somehow.

It wasn't an issue since I didn't see Dan Yerin or Karas every day, and everyone had their own tasks to handle.

Time passed like that, and soon the start of the semester was just around the corner.

"Why won't this work...... It's not like this should drag on endlessly......"

Grace muttered gloomily, slumped over the table.

It looked as if a dark aura was creeping down on her head. She was expressing low pressure with her entire body.

"Uh...... Cheer up? But why can't it work? We even signed the contract."

Kara, sitting across from her, offered words of comfort while voicing her curiosity.

Currently, the contract with Grace had been completed. Kara and Ellie tried to interfere midway, but they couldn't stop her.

To be exact, they discussed it among themselves, and eventually, everyone agreed.

They even added a sympathetic look toward Grace. It was probably related to her trauma.

However, an unexpected problem arose from none other than the Committee's side.

"No matter if it's for protection, cohabitation between opposite sexes is absolutely forbidden. They say it leaves too much room for loopholes later."

"So, they're making rules now, aren't they?"

"Yes. If the Headmaster hadn't helped, it would have been even harder."

The Committee rejected it, claiming there was too much room for abuse. As a result, the situation became a bit tangled.

The Committee isn't old-fashioned or anything. If anything, they acted on their principles despite knowing Grace's background.

Even Rod's influence came into play to establish the rules. Considering this, it almost makes this side feel apologetic.

"Still, it's better than having no possibility at all. Do your best moving forward. Oh, and follow the Headmaster's instructions to the letter."

"I would never do something like that. I know it's overambitious of me."

Of course, just because it's Rod doesn't mean he sided with us unconditionally. He also remained as neutral as possible.

As a condition for cohabitation, they plastered me with restrictions that were not exactly restrictions.

First and foremost was Grace's safety. Since it involved cohabitation between opposite sexes, there were numerous risks.

If such an incident were to occur, not only would I be expelled from the Academy, but Rod would be too.

Rod took on the responsibility himself to allow the cohabitation. Because of this, the Committee had no choice but to accept.

"The Headmaster must really care about Sivar to take responsibility himself."

"That's why I plan to give him some good herbs soon."

That's why authority is great. But if it's overused, it will eventually harm Rod.

Though I don't plan to cause any trouble, I intend to ensure Rod doesn't suffer any consequences.

I don't care if someone curses at me along the way. As long as no strange rumors stick to the people around me, it's fine.

'Although it seems like the rumors have already spread.'

Judging by the penalty points imposed on Luna and me, it's highly likely the rumors have already spread.

Therefore, I expect we'll draw attention once the semester begins.

If the cohabitation with Grace spreads on top of that, it will be quite a spectacle.

'First, I need to find the person who imposed the penalty points.'

I'll find that person and start by talking to them. As I said before, it's highly likely they're from our class.

Other class students wouldn't care, let alone know our faces.

If they're an upright student, well, I'll let it slide, but if not......

'I'll have to hear their excuses.'

As the semester approaches, it seems like there's more to do.

It's the same for Dan Yerin and Karas, but the Colorless Magic Circle is still left.

There's only one left, and its location is also simple. It's the Stock Exchange, which I frequent often.

However, because of the sheer number of people there, causing an 'accident' under the guise of a mistake is difficult.

Even if I do cause an accident, I might be banned from entering for a while.

'In the game, I could just destroy it openly.'

I might get dragged to the Committee for a bit, but I'd be released not long after.

But in this already unfavorable situation, who knows what would happen if I did something like that now.

In terms of honor, my fame and notoriety are evenly distributed. I need to be careful.

'If I mess up, I might spend half the semester on probation.'

Up until now, Rod has covered for me well, but it must be reaching its limit.

The cohabitation with Grace was practically forced. It's unrealistic to expect a favorable view from the Committee's perspective.

"I'm heading off now. Tomorrow is the start of the semester, so I have a lot to prepare."

"I should get going too. What about you, Sivar?"

Lost in thought for a moment, I noticed Grace and Kara seemed about to leave.

I planned to stay a little longer to talk with Luna.

"Later. With Luna."

"You're going with Luna? Got it."

"Then tomorrow...... before we meet!"

Grace paused mid-goodbye and stretched out her arms wide.

Her expression was her usual confident look, but now it seemed a bit shameless.

She was asking for a hug, very naturally.

"Before I leave, you know? Hug me."

"Sigh. How long are you going to keep doing this?"

"Until I'm completely healed."

Surprisingly, even Kara didn't try to stop her.

I don't know what kind of conversation they had, but it seems Kara is letting Grace's actions slide.

"Then how about I hug her first, and you hug her after? I'm kind of jealous."

"No. Then Kara's scent will be on me."

"......What's wrong with my scent?"

"I only want Mr. Sivar. Come on, Mr. Sivar?"

I stared blankly at Grace, who was insisting on a hug.

Her brazen smile made me feel a bit dumbfounded, yet somehow, it was also a bit cute.

So I gave her a light hug. As soon as I did, Grace clung tightly, unwilling to let go.

Thanks to this, I felt a soft and tender sensation. I tried to act as if I didn't notice, but the corners of my mouth twitched.

"Mmm......"

Grace buried her face in my chest, rubbing against me and doing whatever she could.

It seemed like she was holding me as if she didn't want to let go. It felt like a hug full of loneliness.

Grace, who looked tough on the outside, was soft and delicate on the inside, so I responded silently.

"Phew. Feels good. If I keep recharging like this, I'll probably get better."

"Sivar isn't some kind of herb, you know."

"He's a human herb."

I have no idea what part of me looks like a herb, but if it works for her, I let it slide.

Kara snickered at Grace's response before turning her gaze to me. I also met her gaze.

"Will you hug me too?"

"Sure."

At Kara's request, I hugged her just like before. Perhaps because she's tall, she buried her face in my neck.

Up to this point, it was just an ordinary hug. But her unexpected action came just as we were about to part.

Peck-

"......Huh?"

As Kara stepped back, she casually wiped her lips, still holding my neck.

It wasn't a deep kiss but a light peck, more of a show of affection. A bit flustered, I looked at Kara's face.

She wore a very sly smile, clearly having done it deliberately despite Grace being behind her.

Combined with her signature bronze skin, it exuded an even more seductive aura.

"Y-you! Wh-what are you doing......!"

"I'm heading out. See you tomorrow~"

Regardless of what Grace said behind her, Kara leisurely walked out.

Grace gaped at her brazen behavior, her mouth opening and closing without sound.

Then, she alternated her gaze between me and Kara before hurriedly running outside.

"Hey, Mr. Red Sun! What's with the sudden move?!"

"What? If someone shows you kindness, you should accept it."

"Th-that is true, but!"

Now that I see it, Kara and Grace have become close at some point. I thought as I watched their backs.

Fortunately, Ellie is not here right now. She is busy preparing for the start of school tomorrow.

If Ellie had seen this scene... hmm... from the perspective of a man like me, wouldn't it have been a huge blessing?

I fumbled over the lips Kara had just kissed me with and sat back down in my seat.

Since Luna's training isn't over yet, I plan to wait quietly.

"Ugh..."

"Good work. Your skills improve every time we spar."

"Thank you..."

Not long after, Luna came in a semi-exhausted state. Rod entered with a satisfied expression as an added bonus.

"I'll bring herbs that are good for muscle recovery, so just wait a bit. I have to go out because we've run out of herbs."

"Ah. I'll go myself..."

"You won't be able to find it. I'm asking one of my connections for it."

Rod went out to get the herbs. Naturally, it was just Luna and me left alone in the room.

Luna, seemingly on the verge of collapse, let out a groan as soon as she sat down at the table. Her entire body was drenched in sweat.

Her white shirt was soaked with sweat, making her underwear completely visible. She didn't seem to care much.

"Luna."

"...What?"

"It's all showing."

"...Take a good look. I don't have the strength to cover up."

Luna, who acted as if it was no big deal. It sounded carefree if you didn't think too deeply.

"You've seen something bigger than mine, so what."

"... ..."

If only it hadn't been for the next sentence. It was almost self-deprecating, leaving me unsure how to respond.

Anyway, I decided to quietly eat some bread until Luna regained her strength.

Having visited frequently during the vacation, Rod had prepared some. And in enormous quantities, too.

"...Ah. Right. Sivar."

"Hmm?"

It was when I was stuffing my mouth full of bread. Luna, who seemed completely exhausted, called out to me.

When I looked at her, Luna was smiling brightly. Combined with her fatigued complexion, it was a bizarre expression.

"This time, my stamina increased by 5."

"Oh. Really?"

"Yeah. It seems they pushed me hard since it was the last session."

Raising it by 5 is extremely difficult. As expected from someone with extraordinary talent.

I handed another piece of bread to Luna, who looked proud. Luna, perhaps bored, silently accepted and ate it.

"Munch munch. By the way, Sivar."

"Yeah."

"Where's the rest of the magic circle?"

"Stock Exchange."

Now we could talk about such things easily when we were alone. Trust had built up as we shared secrets.

Of course, I hadn't completely revealed my secrets yet. I probably wouldn't need to, either.

Upon hearing my answer, Luna nodded and asked another question.

"What does it look like?"

"Stock Market."

"What?"

This was precisely why it was troublesome. The magic circle was none other than the Stock Market.

It wasn't a case of "hidden in plain sight," but rather, it was blatantly there, and yet no one had noticed.

"The Stock Market is a magic circle? Then that's a bit of a problem."

"Yeah."

"Hmm... I'll have to think about it slowly. I visit there often anyway."

"How much money are you making?"

"...Actually, I'm at a loss."

"Oh dear."

Now she even uses the phrase "at a loss." Lately, Luna has taken a liking to stocks.

She doesn't ask me but consistently reads the newspaper. I'm worried she might end up like Antonio.

'If things don't work out, I can always help her.'

I still have a lot of money left. Moreover, I've even secured stable deposits.

That means there's no need to worry about money. Of course, I'll aim for jackpots occasionally.

'If the Academy Collapse happens, everything will plummet.'

Only two areas will skyrocket. Stocks related to Byzantium and military supplies.

With demons appearing, Byzantium's rise is a given, and civil wars and conflicts will erupt everywhere.

The world will be chaotic for a while as everything festering comes out all at once.

"Here, take this. If you drink it and rest well, your muscles will recover."

"Thank you, as always."

"No need to thank me. You'll have to work even harder moving forward."

"Hahaha..."

A while later, Rod returned, and we even had tea. Honestly, it was quite bitter, making it hard to drink.

But Rod insisted that I had to drink it, saying it was necessary to control my strength.

Since Rod knew more about herbs, I couldn't help but drink it obediently.

"Tomorrow is the start of school."

"Indeed."

"Sivar."

"?"

It was while I was tasting the strange combination of bread and herbal tea. Rod called my name.

When I looked at him, Rod was gazing at me with a kind expression. There seemed to be a slight hint of concern as well.

"I sincerely hope this semester will pass quietly. Can you manage that?"

"I'll try."

"Well, even trying is something."

Rod chuckled and patted my head lightly. I also planned to keep my actions in check as much as possible.

******

However, that resolution became meaningless when, on the first day of school, I spectacularly caused trouble.

The problem was that the incident wasn't just a simple accident.

"Let's hear the situation first."

"... ..."

"Why did you hit a fellow student? For what reason?"

Not even a supervisor, but assaulting a fellow student landed me in front of the disciplinary committee.

It was the massive incident everyone feared the most.