Chapter 48
The final exams were over.
Except for a few students who were assigned supplementary classes, the majority of students were now on summer vacation.
"Lady Reina, summer break starts tomorrow, doesn't it?"
"Do you already have plans for the summer?"
After the closing ceremony ended, many female students gathered around Reina, who was still in the classroom.
It had only been a few months, but Reina had already established a solid position within the academy and made many friends with whom she actively interacted.
Originally, Reina had served as a priest in the town of Eggbell, interacting with the townspeople, and she had a sociable personality.
Having awakened as a Saint, she radiated a pure aura and elegance, drawing many people to her at the academy.
"Yes, I have a few things to take care of..."
When Reina answered modestly, one of the female students spoke up in a cheerful voice.
"If you have time, would you like to visit my family home? It's by the sea, so it's perfect for a summer retreat."
"Let's see... In that case, if I have time..."
"Hey! Is Reina here!?"
The classroom door slid open with a bang, and a man made a dashing entrance.
The one who appeared was a man with blond afro hair... Eric Seincle, the crown prince of this country.
"Prince Eric..."
"Reina, if you'd like, why don't you come visit the royal villa? Of course, my fiancée Carrot and your friends are welcome too!"
Recently known for his cheerful demeanor, Eric gave a thumbs-up as he extended his invitation.
In the past, he might have invited only Reina, but after various experiences, he had matured emotionally and changed his hairstyle, giving him the composure to include others.
"I must decline. It's too great an honor for me."
"Don't say that—please, come on..."
"I couldn't possibly come between Lady Carrot and Prince Eric. Please, just invite her."
Reina gently declined with a smile.
Eric shrank down sadly and said, "I see... that's unfortunate..." as he backed off.
"I apologize. I have business at the shrine, so if you'll excuse me..."
"Yes, farewell."
"See you after summer break."
Reina said goodbye to her friends and left the classroom.
Eric slumped his shoulders, completely unresponsive.
"There you are! Reina Laurel!"
The moment she stepped into the hallway, another male student appeared.
A tall upperclassman... Vincent Flame.
"Today's the day I finally..."
'Ponpokorin!'
"Whoa!?"
A tanuki plushie instantly flew out of Reina's pocket and tried to strike Vincent's chin.
However, thanks to past experience, Vincent quickly dodged and attempted a counterattack against the plushie named Raccoon.
'Ponpoko!'
But Raccoon evaded the punch.
With a graceful flick, it landed elegantly in the hallway.
"Kuh kuh kuh... I wanted to settle things with you before summer break started."
'Ponpokorin'
"Come on, bring it on! I'll pay you back for everything—with interest!"
'Ponpokorin!'
In the middle of the hallway, Vincent and Raccoon began their battle.
Reina sighed in exasperation and, saying "I'll go on ahead," walked down the hallway, leaving the plushie behind.
"Good grief... I'm busy, so why does this always happen..."
"Ah... Lady Reina Laurel!"
"One after another..."
Just as she exited the school building, someone called out to her, and Reina turned around with slumped shoulders.
The person she saw upon turning around was a male classmate... a serious-looking boy with glasses—Will Rileis.
"Mr. Rileis... What is it you need...?"
"I'm sorry!"
Will immediately bowed his head.
"Huh...?"
"Seeing the way you treat your classmates made me realize just how arrogant and rude I've been until now. From now on, even little by little, I want to try getting closer to those around me... It's all thanks to you—really, thank you!"
"............?"
Reina was genuinely confused.
There had been almost no interaction between Will and Reina.
She vaguely remembered him challenging her to a match before the final exams, but it had completely slipped her mind.
"It might be too late, but... I'm going to aim to become someone worthy of standing beside you! See you!"
Will declared brightly, his glasses sparkling as he walked away.
"...What was that?"
Reina tilted her head, unsure why she had been thanked... but then quickly remembered she had something to do and turned on her heel.
She hurried out of the academy grounds and tried to board the carriage waiting out front from the shrine.
"Reina sis!"
But just then, another obstacle appeared.
A small figure leapt out and tried to hug Reina as she was about to board the carriage.
'Nyan!'
"Geh..."
With a short cry, the figure vanished into the shadows of the roadside trees.
"............?"
Reina turned around and looked around, but there was no sign of whoever had called out to her.
"...Was it just my imagination?"
With a puzzled expression, Reina asked the coachman to depart.