Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The group of Simon and Meilyn was born. Rumors spread quickly, and the students around them began to whisper.
Woah, the two of them are in the same group?
The Special Admission No.1 and top of Class A in the same group? Thats too OP.
We dont know about that. From what I saw earlier, Simon didnt even have high grades.
While the students who observed Simon recruit Meilyn went back into their own competition, some furtively approached Simon and Meilyn.
Do you still have space in your group? Im an aspirant for the Mechanics of Jet-Black. Can you let me in?
Dont you need a Combat Magic aspirant?
Simon! Simon! You remember me, right? Im the one who talked to you in class last time!
Simon tilted his head back in surprise as the students suddenly rushed in.
Wait now! Let me pass through! Thanks!
At that moment, Rick, who skillfully penetrated through the students, smiled nicely and waved his hand.
Im sorry, but we dont have any vacancies right now! Were negotiating for one remaining member, so to be honest, itll be quicker for you guys to just find another group!
Who are you?
Asked Meilyn, narrowing her eyes.
Rick smiled confidently and placed a hand on his chest.
Im Simons groupmate too! Rick Hayward.
What?
Meilyn turned her head.
Hey Simon, I never heard that a clumsy one like him was part of us.
Simon scratched the side of his head and smiled.
I told you. That I want you to join our group.
So there was a burden.
Meilyn sighed silently and opened her eyes.
What aspirant are you then?
I'm an aspirant of the mechanics of jet black with a grade of 74 and a general average of 70.
Pretty average.
Actually, from Meilyns point of view, as long as she was able to reinforce her weakness, Summoning, the rest of the subjects didnt matter.
A minimum of 90 in all subjects except for Summoning. No one could surpass her.
And an average score of 70 and 74 on his major subject meant he was relatively good in all subjects. It didnt completely satisfy her, but an all-round player who could support her was an acceptable selection.
Okay, got it.
As Meilyn moved on without saying much, Rick clenched his fists. Then, he turned his head and looked at Simon.
Kyahah. For real? You?!
He was looking at Simon like looking at a hero who returned. The two lightly bumped fists.
Youre an excellent problem solver! How did you just bring Meilyn in?!
The timing was just good, I suppose.
But are you really okay with the deal you made earlier?
Simon nodded. He thought that, if he only studied Summoning from now on till he almost died, it would somehow be fine during the midterm tests.
Please save the tearful friendship between boys for later.
Meilyn spoke sullenly as she rested her chin on her hands.
Wholl be our last member then?
We can bring in anyone you want! Just say the word!
Rick was really confident that he could bring in anyone.
Who would decline the group with the best ace card, Meilyn?
He could also probably pull out even the students who had already decided on a group if he spoke well. But of course, if he did that, theyd be making enemies for the rest of their school life.
Hmm.
Meilyn closed her eyes and pondered.
First, we need to prioritize putting C.M.S. together. Ill take Curses.
That would be great! Then do you have any subjects that youre weak at among the four subjects of N.H.P.C.?
Theres no such thing. Im good at everything.
She answered as she flicked her light blue hair behind her ear. She was a little bit full of herself, but Rick laughed it off because of the halo effect from being top of Class A.
But if you had to pick one?
If I had to pick one, I think it would be better to find a specialist for Hemomancy, which has a lot of calculations and takes a long time to solve.
Hemomancy? Okay, Ill bring one! You guys just relax and rest here!
Rick left for the battlefield, where countless students were entangled.
The ones left, Simon and Meilyn, sat quietly and passed the time.
About 10 minutes passed without a word. Meilyn, who pretended to be trimming her nails out of awkwardness, glanced at Simon and said,
Hey.
?
Was it Simon Polentia? Ive never heard of it. From what family are you?
A Baron of Baldwin Kingdom. We manage Les Hill.
She nodded her head.
So hes from Baldwin.
She had never heard of a territory named Les Hill.
How about you?
Her eyes widened at Simons question.
Huh? Dont you know me?
I dont.
Kugh. It hurt her pride a little, but she couldnt get mad when she also couldnt recognize Simons family.
She spoke while forcing her smile.
Im from the family of the Ivory Towers side.
Simon recalled his knowledge of the Ivory Tower in his head.
He knew one thing. The ash-blonde-haired girl who took the oath with him at the entrance ceremony was the successor of the Ivory Tower.
Ah, Ivory tower, you mean where that Special Admission No.2, Serne, is fr
Im sorry, but,
Meilyns smile thickened frighteningly.
Can you not say anything more? Thanks.
A-Alright.
She coldly looked away.
Whats wrong with her?
Simon was confused. Meilyn didnt get angrier because she knew Simon didnt deliberately bring up the topic, but she had a very uncomfortable expression on her face.
Looks like he said something that he wasnt supposed to.
Noble families are complicated after all.
Still, he just had to learn slowly, one by one, and be careful.
Simon filed away the topic that the new member was sensitive to, and in the distance, Rick was returning with an imposing gait.
Did you wait long?
A female student was standing next to him.
Huh?
Her face was familiar to Simon.
* * *
* * *
A small height and an innocent, puppy-like face. She stared directly at the floor like she was shy.
He wondered where he saw her. She was the same girl that Simon helped because she couldnt get on the hippo on her own during the Combat Magic class.
I was wrong.
Rick waved her notebook and looked at Simon. Then, he introduced the female student to the two of them.
This is Camibarez Ursula, a Hemomancy aspirant with a grade of 87.
87!
Meilyn whistled, and Simon smiled too.
Camibarez bowed her head.
I-Im Camibarez Ursula! If my name is too long, just call me Cami. I still have a lot to learn, but Ill do my best, so I wont drag you guys down!
Were in the same grade. You can talk more comfortably, can't you?
Simons question turned her face red.
Ah. Im still 16, yet I enrolled in Kizen and uhm
Rick also chipped in.
Age doesnt matter. I heard that theres 20-year-olds in the 1st year too.
Ah, yes. If you guys wish, Ill talk more in a comfortable way
It seemed that she was more comfortable talking politely. Simon and his group members decided not to force it.
Having successfully formed the group, the four of them sat around a desk.
15 minutes had passed from the 30 minutes Jane mentioned. It was just halfway through.
Ughh, I can finally put my mind at ease now! I thought I was gonna get a stress-related disease.
Muttered Rick as he stretched. Simons head was aching from the short period of concern.
Camibarez was also chatting with Meilyn like she was relieved from the stress of group selection.
Woah, I knew it! Youre from the Ursula I know, right?
Yes!
Shes really amazing!
Exclaimed Meilyn.
If its Ursula, then its that famous vampire family!
Simon looked at Camibarez in surprise.
This girl was a vampire?
Looking at her again, Simon could see the unique protruding fangs on her innocent face.
I also have wings. It just cant be seen because its covered with the uniform.
Her back wiggled and moved.
Isnt it uncomfortable?
It was, a little, so I asked the administrative office to mend the uniform! By next week, Ill be able to get the wings out of the clothes.
Its a relief that theyll fix it.
Rick, who was quietly listening to their conversation, folded his arms.
But its a little odd. The daughter of the Ursula family has come to Kizen, but why arent there many rumors about her?
Ah, thats
Her face turned red, and she hunched her shoulders. Meilyn glared at Rick and scolded him.
Hey, how could you just ask something like that?
Hm? Whats wrong with it?
Ugh. For real Youre not a noble, arent you?
Im a commoner.
This is why we arent on the same wavelength.
She folded her arms and shook her head. This time, Ricks expression turned cold.
Once again, the pride of the nobles starts. Thanks for helping a commoner like me understand.
Youre annoying. Dont talk to me.
P-Please dont fight!
Shouted Camibarez. As everyone suddenly looked at her, she covered her mouth, thinking her voice was too loud, and lowered her head.
I-Ill tell you. Actually My mother is an ordinary human, so
With that one statement, Simon immediately finished grasping the situation.
A daughter born of a concubine in a vampire family.
Her father mayve been the Great Vampire of the Ursula family, but her mother would be a human concubine.
Simon, born to a Necromancer and a Priest, also had the same family problems as her, so he could fully understand her feelings.
I-Im sorry.
Rick scratched the back of his head with an awkward expression.
I didnt intend that when I asked.
No, no. Im fine, really! Hehe.
Not trying to make up for it, but since you told us your family background, Ill share mine too. Im the son of the owner of the White Cow Merchant Association.
Rick said that and observed the others with secretly expecting eyes.
Camibarez covered her mouth in amazement, but the other two didnt react much.
In fact, Simon just really didnt know as he lacked background knowledge, and Meilyn was a little surprised on the inside, but she turned her head because she didnt want to show it.
To be exact though, Im the third of the eight sons of the owner.
There was a trace of bitterness at the end of Ricks statement as he said that.
My father is trying to pass the business to my eldest brother. All the educational capabilities of the family are being concentrated on him. Me and the rest of the sons are nothing but a Plan B, so were just being used as they like.
As they like?
Yeah. In my case, I was sent to Kizen because I had a talent for dark magic. I was told to find out the needs of dark magicians and conduct market research.
That was why Rick said going to Rochester on weekends was more important than having classes on weekdays.
Of course, I havent given up yet! Ill properly graduate Kizen too. And Im thinking of making a huge merchant association with my name on it in Rochester instead of The White Cow Merchant Association. Then maybe my father will look at me again.
Simon chuckled.
Thats cool.
Camibarez also clapped her hands.
Ill cheer you, Rick!
Meilyn mumbled with a sullen attitude,
Do your best or whatever.
Simon and Camibarez laughed audibly.
Oh my, the vibe in this group already feels good~
The assistant teacher approached with a smile. When the four of them were about to stand up, the assistant told them that it was fine and put a piece of paper down on the table.
You guys are Group 7. Please write the members' names here and the majoring subjects next to them.
Understood!
And you have to decide the group name and the group leader too.
Simon blinked.
Group name?
Yeah. Actually, it doesnt really matter. Professor Jane will just call you Group 7. Theres still some time left, so think about it carefully.
The assistant teacher left, and the four of them looked at each other. Meilyn said,
Ill be the leader. Any objections?
There were no objections. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that half of Group 7s power came from Meilyn.
As the three nodded, Meilyn wrote her name in the Group Leader column in stylish handwriting.
Then what should we name our group as?
She said it isnt anything important, so lets just put anything.
Rick giggled as he placed his arm behind his head.
How about something like this? Hard Carried by Meilyn.
When Meilyn was about to really write it with a delightful expression, Rick stopped her, shouting that it was a joke.
S-Simon! Do you have any ideas?
Asked Rick urgently. Simon uttered without thinking,
Team Seven.
That lacks sincerity!
How about this? Pink Rabbit Girls
Were a mixed group! Please consider our place too!
Again, everyones eyes turned to Meilyn.
As she blushed slightly, she cleared her throat and said while pretending to give in,
W-Wasnt the name that Rick mentioned good? Hard carried by Mei
Lets just go with Team Seven.
Hey!!