Chapter 61: The Assistant

“Big sister, what are you spacing out for?”

Rosasys’s voice broke through Vellandelle’s thoughts.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

She snapped back to reality and hurriedly started eating.

***

“Veronie, why are you here so early?”

From a distance, Vivilian spotted Veronie’s figure leaning on a bench in the teaching area, holding a small book.

The afternoon was peaceful, and Veronie’s hair swayed in the gentle breeze as her emerald eyes looked up.

“Teacher?”

“I was just idle and decided to rest here for a while.”

Bathed in a warm glow, Veronie carried the noble elegance befitting an Elf Princess.

“I see.”

Vivilian sat down beside her.

“There’s still some time before afternoon classes start. Veronie, you don’t mind me sitting here, do you?”

“Of course not.”

This was a public area, after all. As for Vivilian, Veronie didn’t dislike her.

Vivilian was a diligent Scholar.

Veronie often saw her in the Royal Library.

She liked to study, so Veronie also had a favorable impression of her.

“Veronie, do you still remember the Ancient Falen Ruins we discussed yesterday?”

“I remember. Why?”

“Are you interested in those Remnants?”

“I guess… I am, a bit.”

It had only been a day, so Veronie naturally remembered.

She just didn’t understand why Vivilian was bringing it up.

Did she need help with something?

Though she was familiar with the history of Ancient Falen, she was powerless when it came to researching the Ruins.

“I plan to go there for a field investigation. I have two Assistant spots. Veronie, would you be willing to come with me?”

Vivilian’s invitation caught Veronie off guard, but she soon nodded.

“Sure.”

Ahem, to be honest, though she couldn’t do much in Ruins research, if she could actually go and see them, that would be another matter.

“That’s great!”

Vivilian’s eyes lit up at Veronie’s agreement.

From previous interactions, she felt Veronie’s knowledge was impressive; she understood many things Vivilian didn’t.

Bringing her along as an Assistant would definitely help.

Now that Veronie had agreed, there was still one Assistant spot left.

Since it was an Assistant role, she preferred her own students, and ideally someone who matched her personality—not someone troublesome, and hopefully someone who could get along with Veronie.

Hmm, a candidate came to mind.

“Then, it’s settled with you, Veronie. I’d like to invite another Assistant as well. Veronie, what do you think of Vellandelle?”

“Her?”

Veronie instinctively exclaimed, then calmed down as she realized her reaction.

Scenes from the past few days with Vellandelle flashed through her mind.

Even as an Elf, Veronie had to admit Vellandelle was a good person—truly kind, with no ill intent when they talked.

And her looks were outstanding, even among the Elves.

“Yes, I think Vellandelle is very nice. Besides, she’s your Desk Mate. I often see her sharing food with you and talking. I thought you’d be fine with her.”

“Whatever.”

Veronie lowered her head and said nothing more.

Vivilian glanced over, noticing the slight upward curl at Veronie’s lips. She couldn’t help but laugh inside.

Why was her Elf classmate so stubborn? She clearly liked Vellandelle.

Still… she loved seeing these kinds of scenes, secretly shipping her two cute students. It was so exciting.

After coming to the Academy, one of her few entertainments was reading romance novels, especially those with beautiful girls sticking together.

She particularly enjoyed those stories.

So, whenever she had the chance, Vivilian would immediately become a shipper.

She really wanted to see her adorable Vellandelle classmate kiss the tsundere Veronie.

As Vivilian wore a lovestruck smile, Veronie looked up and saw her expression, freezing on the spot.

Teacher… what kind of face is that?

***

“Little sister, see you after class.”

Vellandelle smiled and waved to Rosasys.

“See you after class.”

Rosasys responded reluctantly, filled with helplessness.

Every time she parted from Vellandelle for class, she’d blame her own bad luck for not being in the same class as her sister.

She knew meeting her sister was the happiest thing in her life, but sometimes you couldn’t expect too much.

Vellandelle walked toward the classroom.

She was early today, so there weren’t many people along the way or in the classroom.

Entering the classroom, a familiar figure sat in their usual spot.

“Veronie, long time no see.”

Facing her Desk Mate, Vellandelle wore her usual smile.

When it came to this cool classmate, Vellandelle inherited Seleste’s approach: use warmth to melt the Elf girl’s icy heart.

“We just saw each other.”

Who would have thought Veronie would respond like this, leaving Vellandelle confused.

When had she met the Elf girl?

“Ah… well…”

As Vellandelle scrambled to recall, Veronie spoke again.

“I saw you both today and yesterday. I’ve been watching your performances.”

“I see.”

Vellandelle scratched her head. She hadn’t expected Veronie to say that.

She didn’t think Veronie was one for word games.

Or was she teasing her?

Indeed, performing on stage probably made Veronie feel like a friend becoming a celebrity.

But was Veronie the teasing type?

“You played the lyre well.”

Veronie’s words fell, and Vellandelle’s eyes widened in surprise.

Veronie… she… she actually praised her?

This was different from praise from Rosasys, Kelosha, or Seleste. Veronie’s praise was genuine, an honest acknowledgment.

Someone like Veronie wouldn’t easily become fond of someone.

No matter how good-looking Vellandelle was, it wouldn’t move her.

“Thank you for the compliment, Veronie. Vellandelle is really happy.”

Vellandelle put her hands together and gave a heartfelt smile.

“Mm.”

Veronie replied softly and lowered her head.

“Veronie, why do you always look down when you talk?”

Vellandelle propped her chin, asking curiously.

Veronie stayed silent.

Maybe even Veronie herself didn’t know why she always looked down.

“By the way, Veronie, why do you always keep such a cold face? Can’t you try smiling?”

“Only by smiling more can people be happy.”

When she didn’t answer, Vellandelle changed the topic.

Smile?

This question echoed in Veronie’s mind like magic.

Her mother once told her to smile more.

The priestess grandma, Little Moon… they all told her to smile more.

But they were all gone now.

And now, another girl stood before her, asking her to smile…

Looking at Vellandelle’s beaming face, Veronie couldn’t help but give a bitter smile in her heart.

“I’d rather not. Smiling brings misfortune.”