• "Kaito... KAİTO!"

• "Taro, when did you arrive?"

• "I came back to change into my uniform; classes are about to start. Why are you lying down again?

• "I don't feel good."

As soon as I returned from the city, I threw myself onto the bed. Why can't I return to my old, happy life? The times when my family treated me kindly, the memories with Ren and Aoi... Since I came here, things started to feel wrong. I know lying here won't fix anything. I can't give up; if I crumble under hardships this quickly, I'll never move forward. I still have good people around me. I should talk to Lina. Maybe going to her room would help.

After knocking on the door, I saw her again... Lina's roommate.

• "Kaito, I was wondering why you didn't come today. Are you here to spend time with me, handsome boy?"

• "Stop trying to embarrass me. Where's Lina? I came to see her."

• "Ahh, I'm disappointed. I thought you came for me... Lina is ready and said she's heading to the school garden."

• "Thanks...By the way, my name is Mira. You didn't ask, but I thought I'd let you know. You're quite rude."

• "Sorry, my mind isn't really here..."

I thanked her again and went to the garden to find Lina, but she wasn't there either. Maybe she went to class. She was always good at keeping me worried. I entered the classroom and saw Anya. She slowly approached me and simply said thanks before returning to her seat. Clearly, she had more questions but seemed hesitant to ask.

Everyone's eyes were on me. Whether it was good or bad, I couldn't tell, but it wasn't a good sign. Ignoring the whispers, I sat down.

After some time, Lina arrived and sat next to me, giving me a fake smile without saying anything.

• "Lina, why didn't you attend class yesterday? You weren't in your room either".

• "Mira told me you came to visit. Thank you, but there was no need."

• "Lina, I was just worried about you."

• "Don't worry...".

She was hiding something, I could tell. Her words were lies, and her expressions made it clear she didn't mean them.

• "Is something bothering you?"

She looked like she was about to cry but held it in.

• "No, if you care about yourself, stay away from me!"

I didn't believe her. Shortly after, our teacher entered the class and began the lesson.

After class, I tried to talk to Lina again, but nothing had changed... Then,

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

• "Hahaha, what did you do to that stupid country girl that made her stop talking to you?"

I turned my back without saying a word and continued walking. The idiot grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.

• "Hey, stupid country boy, you can't just walk away when I'm talking to you!"

• "What's your name?"

• "It's none of your business! Actually, since I'll make you my slave in the future, I'll allow you to know. My name is Arthur."

• "Arthur, huh."

Suddenly, I made a move, pressing his head against the wall with my elbow.

• "I have no intention of being anyone's slave. If you keep using that tongue of yours wrongly, I'll have to cut it off."

He tried to say something, but my elbow against his throat turned his voice into a mere whisper.

• "Y-you're d-dea-"

Before he could finish, I let go, and he collapsed to the ground. Everyone was staring at me. Once again, I'd gotten myself into trouble, but I no longer cared. If I wasn't going to rise through good deeds, then I'd climb up through bad ones. Some people simply don't deserve kindness.

I saw Lina heading to the city, but I didn't follow her. Instead, I went to Mira.

• "Did you at least find Lina?"

• "I did. She seemed to have some problems, looked upset. I don't think she's mad at me though. After all, nothing bad happened during our last meeting."

• "Yeah, I think you hugged her."

This girl always made me blush!

• "Did she tell you that?"

• "Lina tells me everything... She told me how you're trying to help her, but the people after her are trouble. She doesn't want you to get hurt, Kaito. She clearly cares about you."

• "Why are troublesome people after her, though?"

• "Kaito, do you know how Lina can use magic so early? Can you keep a secret?"

• "Of course, I'll do anything for Lina."

• "So sweet. I wish I had someone who cared about me like that... Actually, I'm not just a random person or her roommate."

• "What do you mean?"

• "Lina's last name is Eldryn."

• "Eldryn? You mean she's from the lineage of the Great Master Eldryn?!"

• "Shhh, keep your voice down! Yes, you heard right."

• "Why are you telling me this?!"

• "If I didn't, Lina would have told you herself soon enough."

• "So the trouble is because of her last name?"

• "Actually, no. If it were just the name, more than a few thugs would be after her. I thought you were smarter than that..."

• "You're right... Why isn't she living in the A+ class then?"

• "There are answers, but this isn't the time or place. Now let's focus on the real issue: the people after her. They're just a bunch of wannabe heroes. Don't try to play the hero yourself; it won't end well."

• "Who are you, anyway? You said you're not just a random person by her side.

• "I'm Lina's sister... For now, that's all you need to know. You should leave."

She had kicked me out. It was getting harder to process everything. Mira said she was Lina's sister? Why are they living such difficult lives? And to think, I just spoke to not one, but two Eldryns. I'll dig into this further, but first, I need to meet up with Rhea. I had promised.

I saw her waiting outside the academy. How long had she been there? She looked happy to see me.

• "Kaito! Kaito!"

Ahh, such a sweet girl. She looked even more adorable now in her clean, nice clothes. I was starting to care for her like a little sister."

• "Will you buy me meat again today, Kaito?"

• "Of course, but I can't buy it for you every day; my funds are limited."

After all, I was still living off the money my father sent me.

• "I've never met anyone like you, Kaito. You're really something special".

• "Enough about me. We need to talk about you. I can't let you keep living like this. I don't even know where you're staying. I'll try to find you a place here at the academy. I don't know how much they'll care about what someone like me from Class C says, but I'll do my best to help you."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she thanked me and hugged me. I made sure she ate well today, and at least for the night, I found her a place to stay. I couldn't let her live in some unknown place. Having her in a room would give me peace of mind. At least the day ended like this, and I went back to my room to sleep. But Lina was still on my mind. I'll confront her tomorrow and have a proper conversation.