Chapter 59: Ruth

In the afternoon, with nothing better to do, Vellandelle took the two of them for a walk.

Because of the morning performance, she was now completely famous—wherever she went, someone would greet her.

Until the next day, when the Humanity Popularity Tournament was held again.

This time, nothing unexpected happened; everything proceeded as normal.

Vellandelle calmly finished her performance, leaving the audience longing for more.

When the piece ended, she stood up, lifted her skirt, and gave a graceful bow.

For a moment, the applause was thunderous.

Vellandelle instantly felt a surge of accomplishment in her heart, and even her steps off the stage became a bit lighter.

She glanced around the preparation area.

She still hadn’t seen Karlenasha earlier, and even after the competition ended, she hadn’t appeared.

Vellandelle had some vague suspicions in her heart.

Could it be that Senior Karlenasha knew the cultists would attack yesterday, so she came to participate in yesterday’s competition?

‘But the strange senior who performed before me isn’t here either.’

Vellandelle pondered, but in the end, she couldn’t figure anything out.

She could only shake her head and focus on today’s competition.

“Little Vellandelle’s performance was perfect. So wonderful!”

A gentle voice came from behind her.

Vellandelle felt someone pat her head.

“Senior Ruth?”

Vellandelle turned around and noticed the elegant big sister behind her.

Her beauty was no less than Vellandelle’s, and even her every gesture exuded a seductive charm.

This senior was someone Vellandelle had met before her performance, who kindly explained the Humanity Popularity Tournament to her.

That’s when Vellandelle understood that everyone participated in the tournament not for the prize money, but for the Faculty credits.

Students who took part would receive credits, but participation also required an invitation from the Academy, so not just anyone could join.

For some reason, Senior Ruth seemed to understand her very well, and chatting with her was always pleasant.

Of course, that was if you ignored Senior Ruth’s dark hair and hazy gray eyes, so similar to Seleste’s.

In front of Senior Ruth, Vellandelle always felt a strange sense of unease, but no matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t figure out why.

“It’s me…”

Warmth appeared in Ruth’s eyes.

“You performed so well, even your senior couldn’t help but fall for you.”

“Really? Then kiss me, sis!”

Vellandelle couldn’t help but laugh.

Because she had spoken with her earlier, she knew this senior liked to tease her.

She had said she already liked someone, so Vellandelle never took her words seriously.

Hearing Vellandelle’s words, a flash of excitement crossed Ruth’s eyes, hard to notice.

But she quickly suppressed it.

“You think I wouldn’t dare?”

“Of course.”

Vellandelle made a sly face, like a mischievous little devil.

Ruth let out a soft laugh and took Vellandelle’s small hand, pressing a gentle kiss to it under her surprised gaze.

“Senior!”

As the kiss fell, Vellandelle instantly reacted, tensing up.

It wasn’t that she thought the senior went too far—just that Ruth’s kiss left her with an inexplicable feeling.

“Mmm.”

Ruth released her lips and immediately felt Vellandelle pull her hand away.

She pursed her lips, a little reluctant to let go.

“How could you!”

“Like that?”

Facing Vellandelle’s accusation, Ruth looked innocent.

“I was only expressing my affection for my junior.”

“I…”

Vellandelle opened her mouth, realizing she had nothing to say.

Senior Ruth had only kissed the back of her hand; it wasn’t really excessive.

To most people, it was just a friendly greeting.

Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling something was off!

“All right, senior feels there’s nothing left to see after your performance. I have things to do, so I won’t keep you company.”

Ruth reached out to ruffle Vellandelle’s hair again.

“Senior is leaving early?”

“Mm.”

“Then goodbye, senior!”

“Goodbye. If I have time, I’ll come find you again.”

“Got it.”

Senior Ruth said she performed earlier, and since Vellandelle hadn’t watched the previous acts closely, she believed her easily.

Watching Ruth’s departing figure, Vellandelle felt even more uneasy.

It turned out she was right to feel so.

After Ruth turned to leave, she didn’t really exit but first entered the restroom.

“Hehe, Miss Vellandelle really doesn’t like me. Just changing my appearance makes her treat me so differently.”

“Sigh…”

Golden light flickered, as if energy was flowing in the air.

Sparkling rays scattered, forming a dazzling halo in the air.

Ruth’s seductive face shifted in the mirror, transforming into Seleste’s languid and indifferent expression.

“But to think I managed to kiss Miss Vellandelle today—that’s an unexpected joy.”

A trace of happiness rose in her calm eyes.

She looked at her own hands.

Unbelievable that after absorbing the divinity, she could display a different form of herself.

She didn’t mind what she looked like, as long as Miss Vellandelle liked that appearance.

“This face… isn’t ugly, right?”

Seleste looked in the mirror, somewhat puzzled.

***

After the Humanity Popularity Tournament ended, the Dean began the New Student Speech and announced the top-ranked student.

Unfortunately, even though Vellandelle performed excellently, she still wasn’t first.

But second place wasn’t bad.

Getting second was already impressive, but the first-place senior had too much popular support.

No matter how dazzling Vellandelle was, most of the seniors and upperclassmen voted for someone else.

Vellandelle didn’t care that much.

After all, second place also came with a hundred Gold Coins, which made her incredibly happy.

Then, the Dean gave a speech about the cultist invasion, explaining the Academy’s responsibility.

He also made a representative of the cultists attend the assembly to apologize to the students.

Vellandelle thought to herself, as expected of Aurora Academy—the number one Academy on the Continent—so outrageous.

In other novels, it was common for cultists to invade the Academy.

But here, not only did they invade, they even had to show up and apologize like upright members of society.

How utterly humiliating.

With the Humanity Popularity Tournament over, Vellandelle stretched and went to the audience to find Rosasys and Kelosha.

“So, are we buying food today, or…”

“Let’s cook for ourselves, let’s cook!”

Before Vellandelle finished, Kelosha jumped in.

Her eagerness left the other two silent.

Noticing Vellandelle and Rosasys both staring at her quietly, Kelosha looked a bit embarrassed.

“I just want to practice cooking more. It’s better when you rely on friends.”

Uh… So that’s how it is.

Rosasys sighed in relief.

She thought Kelosha was being overconfident again, trying to show off her skills.

“All right. What do you two want to eat? I’ll make it for you.”

“No need to trouble Rosasys.”

It didn’t seem fair to always have Rosasys cook.

Vellandelle thought she should try making a meal for the other two, let them taste something from the Mystical Eastern Nation.

“Want to try my cooking?”

Vellandelle’s question immediately caught their attention.

Both became excited at once.

“Yes! Sister’s cooking…”

“Want to eat!”

“It’s settled, then!”

Having always eaten Western food in this world, it was the perfect chance to try some Chinese dishes.

Normally, Vellandelle was too lazy to cook, but in the Demon Queen’s Court, there weren’t many chances to show off her culinary skills.

Thinking carefully, tomato scrambled eggs were a must—it was the most classic dish.

Then she’d make one meat and one vegetable dish.

After that, Vellandelle led the two of them out to buy ingredients.

All the way back to Vellandelle’s Apartment.

“Kelosha, watch how I do it!”

“Rosasys, get the salt from the drawer.”

Kelosha immediately leaned over, watching Vellandelle intently.

Rosasys, following instructions, went to the drawer Vellandelle pointed at and pulled it open.

Inside, it was empty—except for a bottle of salt and a strange Key filled with patterns.

“What’s this?”