Ring (4)

Dorothys psychology was still unreadable.

No matter how I thought about it, guessing why she was acting like this today was mere speculation.

First of all, I wanted to resolve the awkward atmosphere.

Senior.

Hmm

As expected. She didnt turn her head towards me.

Dorothy knew how to wear a smiling face like a mask, but it seemed she was no match for shame.

I thought that telling a funny story wouldnt get her attention and would only serve to increase the awkwardness of this atmosphere

Then.

Assuming Dorothy liked me, there was a way to ease the mood.

Its bold but equally as effective.

I put down the book beside me and approached Dorothy.

Huh? President? Huh?!

I silently bit Dorothys earlobe with my lips.

Dorothys body shivered slightly.

That trembling sensation was transmitted to my lips.

When I suckled on her earlobe as if I was kissing it, a sticky sound echoed along with a wet, smack.

For the first time, I heard Dorothys mouth open and close with a gasp.

Upon noticing her reaction, I detached my lips from her ear.

Dorothy quickly turned her head toward me, covering her bitten ear. Her eyes were wide with surprise.

Finally, our eyes meet.

Her face turned even brighter.

Thus, we ended up staring at each other, while she covered her ear.

I felt embarrassed as my face grew increasingly hotter. I understood Dorothys reaction.

Now, were even.

I said with a chuckle to conclude this interaction.

Dorothy seemed to ponder what to say, then soon burst into a giggle.

Nihi, President. Is this what you call, revenge?

Finally, the atmosphere softened.

Its unfair if only I suffer. It feels weird, you know.

Yeah, indeed. It felt quite strange

But somehow, it seemed the mood shifted in a slightly different way.

To be entirely honest, as a man, I liked such an atmosphere. The feeling of being tickled inside. Simply put, I was excited.

I wanted to keep looking intently at my favorite characters face like this, but since it seemed like I wouldnt be able to study at all if I did, I decided to restrain myself.

Since I couldnt really afford to leisurely indulge in this healing time

Senior, Im going to study, so dont disturb me too much.

Okay I wont.

If it were before, she might have responded with, Im going to disturb you~? Try to stop me if you can! Nyahaha!

For Dorothy, this is an unusually obedient attitude, which felt strangely awkward.

It wasnt bad. I preferred no disturbance.

Dorothy pulled out a small book from her witch hat and placed it on her lap. It appeared to be a novel.

Silence.

While reading, I sneakily glanced at Dorothy.

The plan was to take one more look at Dorothys face and then really focus on my book.

But

She seemed to have been glancing at me too, as our eyes met while her head remained fixed on her book.

She wore a sly smile.

Not focusing, President? Do you want to see this Big Sis that much~?

I was just distracted by something.

Satisfied, I turned my attention back to the book.

* * *

Senior Isaac and Senior Luce will probably date later, wont they?

At a corner of the Hydrangea Garden.

Even on a holiday, Snow White was training.

After hearing that Isaac didnt take a single day off training unless he fainted, she too resolved not to rest on holidays.

She called it the Imitating Isaac Method.

Of course, she couldnt match the time he devoted to training. White didnt have the physical stamina for that.

During a break. White was sitting on a flat rock.

Suddenly, White asked Merlin, who was standing beside her, a question about Isaac.

Something about romance. Merlins head snapped up and she leaned in close.

Graceful movement. Merlins eyes sparkled with intense interest.

In my opinion, its a definite yes.

Huh?!

Merlin answered without a moments hesitation. There wasnt even a question of why such a thing was being asked. It was because it was a topic she liked.

White was taken aback by such an enthusiastic response.

Hmm, seems like you like such things. Relationships. It somehow doesnt match your usual image

Its refreshing. Love at Princess Whites age has the power to make one happy just by observing it. Especially between Sir Isaac and Lady Luce Eltania, theres a flow of feelings that I like. The thrilling sensation just before dating!

Ive never seen Merlin this excited

White let out a hollow laugh.

I wonder when Kaya will experience such a romance

Oh, you mean your younger sibling? Senior Kaya Astrea.

Yes. I intended to greet her whenever we cross paths, but somehow its been difficult to encounter her. I cant even enter the classroom building.

Why dont you just invite Senior Kaya over to our side? Im fine with it.

No. Like Sir Isaac, shes very ambitious, typically focusing on training. Since Im also on a mission to escort Princess White, calling her over would just be a nuisance to both of us.

I see Well, cant be helped then. Id like to meet her sometime too if I get the chance. Shes the Wizard of the Emerald Fairy, after all.

Mrchen Academys Magic Department, second-year second seat, Kaya Astrea.

She was the youngest daughter of the Astrea Duchy, a holder of the plant element, and known as the Wizard of the Emerald Fairy.

Senior Kaya is known for her upright character and is praised by the professors as having the best class attitude among the second-year Class A students. She has the most credits too! And on top of that, shes the second seat! How wonderful must she be? With an excellent character, upright, and sharp She must be exactly like the ideal image I dream of.

It may not be exactly so, but its an honor for me that you think so highly of my sister.

Ehehe.

The two exchanged smiles pleasantly.

With a senior like Kaya, theres no need to worry. She will surely meet someone cool and great in the future. Just like Senior Isaac .

She should

Yes?

Merlin turned her head towards the lake, gripping the scabbard at her waist.

If Kaya were to meet some ruffian who flirts with every woman he happened to come across

Merlins eyes transformed, becoming like those of a wild beast.

As a chilling aura emanated from her, White involuntarily shuddered.

That man wont be able to escape my sword.

Daughter of the Sword Saint. A swordsmanship prodigy. Merlin Astrea.

How many in this world could face her sword and remain unscathed?

White swallowed hard. Instinctively feeling terror, a cold sweat ran down her cheek.

Anyway.

Soon, Merlin slowly blinked and composed her expression.

The cool and heavy atmosphere dissipated.

Kaya can be a bit naive, so I worry. I hope she doesnt develop feelings for the wrong guy.

Ehe, he M-Merlin, you are a wonderful sister! Its, uh, very nice to worry about your sibling!

Ah, thank you.

Only then could White wipe away her cold sweat.

It was uncertain what kind of man Kaya Astrea would meet but would he really be able to meet the standards of the Sword Saint and Merlin?

No, first of all

It was worrisome whether he could even stay alive.

***

Isaac, Im here.

Ah, Luce. Welcome.

When the sky was tinged with the colors of the sunset.

At a corner of the Butterfly Garden. I was deeply engaged in training, constructing a spell based on what I read in the book, and manipulating mana.

I could already use 6-star magic, but it wasnt yet at the level where I could utilize it in combat.

On the frost-filled grass. A female student with rose-gold hair appeared with a smile, holding a basket in both hands. It was Luce Eltania.

I gathered the magic circle and turned towards Luce.

Hello~!

Luce ignored Dorothys lively greeting as if it were nothing. Pretending not to hear, she looked only at me.

Luce approached me, giggling.

I brought some bread in case youre hungry. Hows the 6-star magic going?

Still a long way to go. But I think Ill reach my target in about two weeks.

Hehe. Thats impressive, Isaac. Two weeks for that is incredibly fast.

Ever since Luce became my friend, she gradually became brighter.

After I gave her the ring, her expression became as bright as any other cheerful female student, a level incomparable to before.

In romance comics, characters were often depicted with flowers blossoming around them; Luce now had that same aura. A radiant smile.

Of course, I was still the only one who could receive that smile.

Isaac, it seems your talent is growing. I feel like youre being rewarded for your efforts, which makes me even happi- Hmm?

Hmm?

It seemed like she was about to say something heartwarming, so I was about to respond with a smile.

Suddenly, Luce placed her hand on my shoulder, went on her tiptoes, and leaned her head close to my left ear.

It was a swift movement.

-Sniff, sniff

Luce was smelling my ear.

What are you doing, Lu-.

Isaac.

Luces eyes turned towards me.

Her expression was full of questions.

Whats this smell?

What smell?

Surely not.

It couldnt possibly be that she smelled the saliva Dorothy left on my ear. That was utterly absurd.

Hours had passed since then But, before considering time, how could she even distinguish that?

Just then, Dorothy approached to check the basket.

Nyahaha! Of course, Ive brought my own too, right? Huh?

Luce quickly approached Dorothy, and placed her hand on the back of her head

And sniffed around Dorothys left and right ears.

Then Luces head stopped in front of Dorothys right ear.

Hey, Junior? What are you doing all of a sudden?

Dorothy looked flustered.

Why

Suddenly, a grim aura emanated from Luce.

Even from a distance, I involuntarily shuddered.

Luce glared at Dorothy from a distance close enough for their breaths to mingle.

Under her rose-gold bangs, shadows fell. Her aquamarine eyes appeared dull like ashy gray. There was not a hint of liveliness in those cold eyes.

Her expression was frozen, cold, and blank.

She was cynical, like a doll devoid of emotions.

Yet, her voice, laced with murderous intent, weighed heavily on the scene.

Does your ear smell of Isaacs saliva?