Chapter 202: Academy Again (Part-6)
Chapter 202: Academy Again (Part-6)
Okay, this is going too far now!
I stare at the second task in total disbelief.
Saria, that fucking thief, wants me to steal now!? This is straight-up a crime she wants me to commit!
I am not doing it! No way!
*brr*
There’s a follow-up message, containing a picture of a big egg with a hammer resting next to it. And although I haven’t seen it before, I can tell that this is Nina’s egg.
…
What the actual fuck is wrong with this bitch!?
It’s almost as if she knew I would be reluctant to do it, and sent this photo as a reminder of the consequences.
[The first task was still fine, but this one sounds like it can get you into some serious trouble, buddy.]
It really can!
[So, will you do it?]
I definitely don’t want to!
Hmm… you know what? Fuck finding proof and fuck this task.
I am just going to confront Saria now. I need to know what her problem is and why is she doing this!
[I thought it’s already clear why she’s doing this. We saw her goal today.]
So, you also think that she’s trying to get Ilyrana expelled through strikes?
[Yup.]
{She’s next in line to be the princess, master. And as she stands no chance against Ilyrana in an actual duel, this is the only method left to get her out of the way.}
But I still don’t get it!? How can she predict that this would happen!? Getting a Strike isn’t common enough to plan for it.
Especially since if Ilyrana hadn’t attacked me with that lethal spell, there’s no way Dean would’ve given her a strike.
[I don’t think Saria actually predicted this. More likely, she just got lucky with the first task she gave you.]
Damn it!
So then, how exactly is she planning to get lucky with the second task!? Because I cannot imagine how me stealing a painting would help get Ilyrana the second strike!
[Look at the name of the museum again.]
Morcyne art museum…
Fuck, it belongs to the dean! This is probably the same museum Aeson was talking about!
But still, it’s not like Ilyrana is stealing it. I am the one who will get into trouble this time.
[Yeah, I have no clue how that would work. Maybe Saria isn’t the brightest bulb?]
Well, I don’t care. It will not happen, anyway. I will meet Saria today and try to shame her into giving back the egg.
[And if that doesn’t work?]
I don’t wanna think about it…
…
…
I go to a nearby restaurant for lunch and then come right back to the barrier. I am waiting for the classes at the academy to end and the students to come out.
I tried sending calls and messages to all three numbers Saria used to contact me with, but to no avail. They’re all probably burner numbers. This is the only way I can guarantee to meet her.
After a few hours of waiting, groups of students start appearing out of the barrier. As I am hiding in the shadow of a tree-house nearby, they cannot see me, but I can see all of them. I really don’t want anyone but Saria’s attention right now.
I quickly scan everyone’s face, planning to confront Saria the moment I spot her. But she doesn’t come out with the initial crowd. In fact, I have to wait another half-an-hour. She only comes out after the final trickle of students left, looking all giddy and cheerful (at least, that’s how this bitch appears in my eyes).
And I immediately rush forward, blocking her path and startling her.
“What the hell!?” She exclaims angrily. “Are you stalking me again? Because I swear to god…!”
I don’t say anything and simply stare back at her with hatred.
“Are you right in the head? What are you doing?” She asks, confused.
“I know it’s you. It is obvious,” I spit out with a glare.
“…? What exactly is obvious?”
“Stop pretending!” I say furiously. “I know you stole the egg! Just give it back! I am done with all these stupid tasks!”
“Egg? Task? I have no clue what you are talking about,” she says with a frown.
“Stop it! I am willing to forget about this— but only if you hand it over right now! I am not even asking for an apology. Just give back the egg, and I will pretend none of this happened,” I tell her.
“You’ve actually gone mad, haven’t you?” Saria says, perplexed.
“Don’t you feel ashamed? Or fearful? Think of what will happen once I find some proof against you! It won’t be pleasant, let me tell you!” I threaten her.
She’s a tough nut to crack. Her confused expression almost looks real.
“…”
She goes silent for a moment.
“Okay, I know what this is,” she finally says with a look of realization.
“You do? Good,” I say, breathing out in relief. “Will you give it back, then?”
“Stalking me failed, so now you are trying out this pathetic way to get close to me?” She asks, looking absolutely disgusted. “Waiting for me to show up outside the academy, and then approaching me with false accusations of random shit that doesn’t even make sense? For what, just to strike up a conversation!? Do you think I would somehow fall for you if you do this!? How stupid can you be!?”
…
“What are you—?”
“Listen to me!”
I begin to speak, but Saria doesn’t let me.
“I’ve had enough of this, okay!? My life is already stressful enough, and I don’t want you to add to it. So, this is the final time I am warning you— Do. Not. Bother. Me. And if it isn’t already obvious, I am not into you! Leave me alone!”
With this, she storms off looking all pissed.
“… what the hell was that?” I mutter, stunned.
[Either she is a great actress, or she was telling the truth. She may not be involved with Nina’s egg.]
It’s more likely that she is deflecting because she got found out. But I must admit, seeing that reaction made me a little unsure again.
Also, why does this delusional bitch think that I like her!?
[Because you accidentally told her that she’s pretty, and that’s not a lie.]
Yeah, so? Almost all Elven women are pretty!
[Do you go around telling them that to their faces?]
That’s beside the point!
*thud*
Someone suddenly bumps into me, almost making me fall. I think I was standing a little too close to the barrier.
“Sorry, my bad—”
I turn around to look, only to find the person I least want to see right now staring back— Ilyrana.
What’s worse is that her usual stoic face now carries puffy red eyes and cheeks that are streaked with tears.
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