NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 99
『You have been invited as representatives of our Academy. Needless to say, I expect you to uphold proper decorum and embrace this journey with a strong academic spirit. Enjoy the trip.』
On the stage stood the Academy’s headmaster, the same man who had given a speech at the entrance ceremony. He was addressing us now.
Before him, a dozen or so students, including myself, stood in our Academy uniforms, listening to his words.
These students, both male and female, had earned top marks in the previous term’s exams. As a reward, they were selected for this invitation to Astana Island.
Excluding me, everyone else’s expressions were perfectly composed, listening earnestly to the headmaster’s words. However—
『Master, I want to leave already.』
Eve’s voice echoed in my mind, sounding utterly bored.
(Trust me, I feel the same way.)
No matter the world, speeches from these kinds of figures tend to drag on. Maybe it’s a privilege of age, but they seem to love lecturing the youth.
In my past life, I’d often thought, “If only the CEO’s speeches were shorter, I wouldn’t have to work overtime.”
『Eve is watching Kaiser and Carol’s Torcha match. Let me know when this is over.』
(Traitor.)
I sent a resentful thought toward Eve as she retreated.
Wait… those two can play Torcha?
I imagined the adorable pair sitting on chairs, facing each other across a Torcha board, moving pieces around.
It was such a charming image that I wanted to record it and share it online. It would definitely go viral.
Just as I was thinking that—
『Eve has been teaching them, so they’re improving fast. Soon, they’ll be able to play against you, Master.』
Eve returned to give me an update on the game. What she said was… unsettling.
『Ah, Carol’s last move was excellent. …Wait, Kaiser’s counter is pretty good too. This is getting interesting, so I’ll be quiet now.』
Leaving behind another cryptic comment, Eve vanished again. I was left alone, wondering, “What kind of moves are they making?”
“Alright, once everyone has loaded their luggage, board the vehicle.”
Following the chaperoning teacher’s instructions, the other students began placing their belongings into the storage compartment of the large magic-powered vehicle.
“You there, hurry up and bring your luggage.”
As I watched, the teacher called out to me.
“What? You don’t have any luggage? This trip lasts an entire month. You’ll need a lot of supplies, from clothing to equipment. That’s why we’re loading everything into the magic vehicle.”
The teacher frowned upon noticing I was empty-handed. I maintained a serious expression as I explained,
“I have an item box. All my belongings are stored in there, so you can use the extra space freely.”
I activated my fake room as proof.
“I-I see. With that much storage, there’s no need to carry bags. Actually, we were running out of space, so your solution is quite helpful.”
The teacher quickly turned away and began explaining the situation to the others.
“…Well, I guess I’ll just board first.”
Since the others seemed like they’d take a while to load their things, I approached the vehicle and stepped inside.
“Now then… where should I sit…”
None of my friends, like Angelica or Roberto, were participating in this trip.
The seating arrangement had two-person seats on the left side of the aisle and three-person seats on the right.
『Master, the best part of traveling is snacking with friends while chatting. You should pick an aisle seat.』
“…Alright, which window seat should I take?”
I ignored Eve’s suggestion and scanned the available seats. The true joy of traveling was gazing at the passing scenery, not chatting.
It was definitely not because I didn’t have anyone to talk to.
As I was contemplating—
“Erik, is something wrong?”
“Selene, you’re here too?”
Turning around, I found Selene standing behind me.
“Yes. I wasn’t selected as an honor student, but I was invited as the student council president.”
She smiled warmly. Since students from various countries were gathering, she had been chosen to represent our Academy.
Of course, she was being modest.
『Selene has the highest magic capacity among everyone here. Besides Master, she’s the only one with an item box.』
She was also a highly skilled healer, well-respected in the Academy.
“Erik, standing there will inconvenience others. Why don’t you sit down?”
“Ah, right.”
She led me to a two-person seat in the middle of the vehicle. I figured, “Well, this is fine,” and took the window seat.
“Pardon me, I’ll sit here.”
I had expected the student council president to sit at the front, but Selene took the seat next to me.
The magic vehicle started moving, and the scenery outside began to change.
Our journey would take us through several towns before reaching the port city that led to Astana Island. After a few days of preparation, we would board a ship to the island.
I was reviewing the schedule in my head when—
『Selene looks beautiful when she reads, doesn’t she?』
Selene had taken a book from her item box and begun reading.
I had expected her to initiate conversation, so this was unexpected.
Around the cabin, the other students were excitedly chatting and snacking, enjoying the trip.
Watching them, I started to feel restless.
Selene closed her book and, looking slightly embarrassed, said,
“If you keep staring at me like that, I’ll get self-conscious.”
…Had I been staring that much?
I had been debating whether to talk to her, but—
『Master, you were staring really hard. Of course, she’d say something.』
(R-Really…? That was rude of me…)
The truth was, I had really wanted to talk to Selene. The reason was—
“Is something on your mind?”
She prompted me to speak, making it easier to start the conversation.
I gathered my courage and said,
“Actually, I made some sweets for the trip. I figured it would be awkward eating alone, so… would you like to share?”
“Oh my! I heard you’re quite skilled at making sweets. I’ve been wanting to try them.”
Back then, it had caused quite a commotion. I hadn’t expected even Selene to have heard about it.
My goal was simple: to let her taste cream puffs made with golden sheep butter, fresh cream from their milk, and enhanced fruits.
Lately, I’d felt that my pastry skills had surpassed my past life’s.
For a pastry maker, the second greatest joy is eating delicious sweets. But the greatest joy is—
“Here you go.”
I pulled a cream puff from my fake room and handed it to her.
Inside the choux pastry was rich, golden cream and vibrant, sliced fruits.
“Wow, this looks amazing! It’s almost too pretty to eat.”
I heard delighted whispers.
And then—
“””””……”””””
The cabin fell silent as I brought out the cream puffs.
“Please don’t stare; it’s embarrassing.”
As I eagerly awaited her reaction, she blushed. I gave her space as she took a bite.
“””””……”””””
“D-Delicious…! I’ve never had a cream puff this good before!”
“Yes!”
I clenched my fist in triumph.