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“Are you the top student entering the Academy?”

“What’s with that attitude? That’s only natural!”

Upon hearing that I was entering as the top student, Nova couldn’t hide his disbelief.

I might have been called a genius many times, but somehow that felt a bit off.

“Weren’t you supposed to go in as a part-time professor?”

“Huh? Of course, I was thinking of doing that at first, but…”

“…How did you know I intended to enter as a part-time professor?”

At my words, Nova made a face that said “Oops” and mumbled something vague.

“Well, you said you had no interest in the Academy, right? Plus, isn’t it a bit unethical for you to enter the Academy?”

Upon hearing that, the Shaman looked astonished.

“A part-time professor at the Academy… I’ve heard that title isn’t something just anyone can earn. But then again, if it’s you, Stella, you probably could manage it with a recommendation from the Archmage.”

“Right? How did I end up getting in like this…?”

“Hehe, that’s precisely it.”

“It’s your fault, you fox-like girl!”

I never intended to mingle with kids to this extent, but here I am, reincarnated, and they call me a Reincarnator? At this point, attending a school is just a nuisance that interrupts my training!

“What kind of twist of fate…”

Nova has been mumbling something since earlier. Oh, he’s already finished eating.

“Could I get another bowl here…?”

“You! Aren’t you done eating yet?”

“What’s wrong with that! I got plenty of money earlier, so it doesn’t matter!”

“It’s quite impressive. Where does all that food go in that little body?”

“Right? I’m just as curious!”

“You guys…”

When I scowled, the Shaman got flustered and quickly changed the topic.

“Hey! Eating well is a sign of good health, Stella! Would you like to try our traditional confectionery later?”

Traditional confectionery sounds a bit interesting…

“Okay, what kind of sweets?”

“You’re going to turn into a pig at this rate.”

Ugh, really? I’m getting punched for no reason!

“Ugh! Isn’t hitting me in the side a bit much?”

Honestly, kids haven’t changed at all, whether in the past or present. While I’m years older, they treat me like I’m younger! I’ll certainly establish the hierarchy soon!

At that moment, the Shaman looked between Nova and me and started to chuckle softly.

“You two really get along well.”

“Huh? Not at all.”

“That’s harsh… Stella, is that all you think your relationship with me is worth?”

As Nova leaned his face closer to mine, my mind momentarily blanked.

“Wha… what do you mean by our relationship…”

Wait, why is your face so close all of a sudden?!

Nova leaned in until his face was just a handspan away, then stopped, grinning brightly.

“Of course, we’re best friends! Just because we met after a long time doesn’t mean you should treat me so coldly.”

“…Let go…”

I tried to shake off Nova’s shoulder grasp. He’s right though, I did fall for the friend label, but why does it feel… off?

“Why?”

“Nothing, never mind.”

For some reason, I felt irritated and gave him another jab in the side.

Nova looked at me with a puzzled expression, clutching his side.

“…I can’t bear to see it.”

He said that just as Shia pulled something out of her belongings.

“What’s that?”

“It’s the traditional liquor from our Miyako. Would you two care to have a taste?”

“Liquor?”

“Is it okay to just whip it out and drink here?”

“It’s fine. I’ve offered it to the owner before, so he’ll allow it.”

Wow, this girl’s social skills are off the charts. She’s wagging her tail everywhere!

“I’m not really into alcohol…”

“What? Nova, have you never had a drink at your age?”

Sigh… I guess I have to teach this young shoot some drinking etiquette as a proper adult.

“Here, watch closely, Nova. When you pass a drinking glass, always use your right hand.”

“Where did you learn that?”

The liquor the Shaman poured was a clear, white liquor. Is it made from fermented rice? I used to drink it often during my tough times in my previous life, and it’s making me salivate now.

Without hesitation, I gulped down the glass.

“Mmm… it’s sweet and tingling. Not my usual taste, but it’s good.”

Ever since I got into this body, I’ve strangely been craving sweets. I never liked sweet things before…

“Here, take some, Nova. I’ll pour for you—when an upper person pours for a lower, they always respectfully receive it with both hands, okay?”

“Are you saying you’re the upper person? We’re the same age!”

“You brat! Show some respect since I’m older!”

“Are you slurring your words because you’re drunk?”

“I’m not drunk!”

For only this much to get drunk? Normally, I would laugh off ten bottles of soju! A drink after such a long time feels special, and I’m feeling so good I could fly…

“…Shia, how strong is this?”

“It’s fermented, so it shouldn’t be too much… about 10 degrees.”

“Only 10 degrees? That’s considering just a little bit?”

“Haha… Stella, are you weak against alcohol?”

“Shia… just one more…”

As I reached for the drink, Nova slapped my hand away and spoke firmly.

“You shouldn’t drink anymore. Stop it.”

“Huh? But I’m not drunk…”

“This is completely ridiculous…”

Why are you stopping me? I’m really not drunk yet! If I get tipsy from just one drink, am I even human?

Ah, I get it! You all just want to drink it all without me!

“Give me some too! I know you guys are trying to drink everything without me!”

As I tried to reach for the drink, my forehead got blocked by Nova’s hand, and I ended up flailing.

“Stella… let’s step outside for a moment.”

When I looked at Nova’s face, I noticed it was a bit redder than usual. Hey, that’s kind of cute. Should I tease him a little?

“What are you so shy about?”

“…It’s nothing. Let’s just go out…”

“Hmmm~ Nothing at all?”

I scooted further down the straight chair, getting even closer to Nova.

“Hehe…”

“…”

Now that I look closer, this guy is pretty handsome. I wasn’t this good-looking in my previous life. It feels so unfair; I would’ve had to completely change myself three times to get to his level, while he was born with a face like that!

“Hey… Stella?”

“What is it…?”

“Could you stop making that face?”

“Then… how about this?”

Swoosh!

“…? Unholy!”

As I buried my face into Nova’s collarbone, sounds of shock echoed around us.

“Wait… Stella!”

“Haa… huff…”

Taking a deep breath and exhaling while smelling Nova’s scent felt strangely nice.

It’s quite addictive; it makes me feel good.

Unlike the usual bloody and burnt smells, this scent isn’t overwhelming nor does it stink; it’s a subtle aroma that makes you want to keep inhaling.

I wanted to stay like this forever, but Nova kept squirming, trying to escape from me.

“Don’t move.”

As I hugged him tighter, Nova froze, bewildered.

“Why are you pulling away now? You just did this not too long ago!”

“I didn’t!”

“Sure you did! You leaned in like this earlier!”

If I had to explain why it didn’t sit well, I couldn’t say right away, but in short, it just doesn’t feel right!

“Hey!”

“Uh… what is it?”

Thwack!

“Ugh…”

“So what’s going on! What’s your deal with her!”

“Her?”

“Yeah, that sky-blue hair!”

Nova pondered for a moment before opening his mouth.

“Are you talking about Siel?”

“The one who was collapsed with you? Ah! You mean the Archduchess of the North?”

“Yeah, is she okay?”

“She didn’t have any serious injuries and woke up quickly.”

“Good to hear! But why are you talking about another girl in front of me? You know her? Yet another girl?”

Why is it always about girls? Where are the guys?!

“Hey…”

“Yeah?”

Thwack!

“Ugh…!”

“So what’s the relationship?!”

“It’s nothing! We met for the first time that day!”

“First time? It seems like every time you’re around, girls keep popping up!”

Seriously, it’s so irritating! He only has a pretty face and attracts girls everywhere!

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

“Ouch! That really hurts!”

“Die! You rotten playboy!”

He’s handsome, toned—but not too much, has a personality that’s a bit twisted, but he’s still easy to get along with, and has a nice voice.

“Seriously… this is cheating…”

Where on earth did they find a character like him?

Even as I grumbled inwardly, I couldn’t help but lean my body against his, feeling so satisfied that I began to doze off.

“Yawn…”

“Are you sleepy?”

“I’m not sle….”

Just a bit more like this…I just need a moment longer…

*

“Stella… are you asleep?”

“…….”

“Looks like she’s asleep…”

To think I’d drink not even one whole bottle, just a few glasses of less than 10 degrees and end up as a drunken fool!

I was surprised by how aggressive I was today – it’s not good for the heart…

Gently laying Stella, who was sleeping soundly in my arms, beside me, I turned my head to see Shia wearing a smile with eyes that say otherwise.

“You seemed to have enjoyed yourself, didn’t you, Nova?”

“Huh? Not really… it was nothing!”

“Keep your words straight, Nova…”

Ugh… did she always talk like this?

“Haah… I guess we have no choice. Let’s call it a night for today. I’ll take the blame for this too.”

“Then I’ll help Stella up.”

“No, it’s fine. I can manage her just fine. You’re not thinking of following us all the way to the girls’ dorms, are you?”

“Ah! No way! Of course not!”

“I can’t bear to watch any more of this… See you at the Academy tomorrow. Goodnight.”

“Uh… okay! Goodnight, Shia!”

… What on earth just happened?

In any case, I witnessed something precious.

If she finds out about this later, she’ll kick me out of the blanket for sure!

 

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