" Excuse me. Excuse me." Halesia made her way through the crowd to see the posted result of the entrance examination for Callidus Academy.
She searched for her name, and when she found it on top of the list, she couldn't help beaming brilliantly.
[ I made it!!] Halesia was ecstatic. All her hard work had paid off. She can now enter the prestigious school she had long wanted to attend. She can also... be in the same school as Sarien. That concept saturated her cheeks with a reddish hue.
Once again, she quickly scanned the list and spotted two of her friends and was euphoric. She expects that her school life would be a lot of fun.
" Qin, Halesia, huh. Damn, an average score of 94! God, she must be a genius!" One of the incoming students grunted, amazed at the result.
" Dude, I wish I have half of her brain. That way I could make it through while dilly-dallying." Incoming student 2 interjected.
" Stop gagging! Just be thankful you passed." One of the student's friends replied.
Halesia, inadvertently hearing their conversation, couldn't help but feel gratified. She was aiming to top the entrance exam but, when she learned she passed, knowing that she'll be able to be a schoolmate of her benefactor made her briefly forget the honor of being ranked first.
Thousands had taken the exam but, only a few hundreds passed.
To be the best of the incoming students- what an honor. Halesia is proud of her achievement.
Her mother will be happy to hear, right? And when her father learns that she ranked first in the most distinguished institution, he'll be proud for sure, right? Even her senior Sarien would be willing to recognize her as the most capable freshman, right?
[ They surely will!] Halesia, imagining the future, was looking forward to that day. Now, she can at least say that she is a capable child worthy of her parent's pride and...worthy to approach the prince.
" You did a great job Halesia." Ken, who managed to find Halesia in the crowd, came to congratulate. He already learned their ranking through his parent's connection. He only came to meet his favorite girl.
" Same to you, Ken. I'm glad we made it!" She smiled brilliantly. How great it is that she and her friends made it to the top ten.
Ken, infected by her smile, couldn't help but softly nudge her nose with his finger. Though Ryle will be in the same class with them, it would be okay since he can be with her.
" Hell! No way!" Exclamations from the nearby group began filling the hall.
" Damn! Average of 99 points! Is that person even real!?" Another gasped.
Many of the onlookers have begun chatting about the number one student of the senior department.
Halesia and Ken were both attracted by the uproar. It turned out that the personnel had just finished posting the ranking for the seniors.
In Callidus Academy, an examination is held every school year. That way, the students will be starting in a new slate. Their ranking will also determine their class and seat number.
" Tang, Evangeline. Who is she? Why haven't I heard of her name before?" Onlooker one spoke. They are old students and came to determine their class standing.
" Maybe she's a transfer student?" Another responded.
" Wow, what a grand entrance. She smashed everyone upon entering school, huh. " Spectator three reacted.
The crowd began muttering about the supposed transfer student, saying it was their first time seeing such an ungodly result. In addition, the succeeding highest score after her became tragic. The difference between 99 and 95 are only four points but, it says a lot. They also recognize that person as they have been schoolfellow for years, and they understood his strength. That is why seeing someone outranked their supposed schoolmaster made them commend the newcomer.
" I wonder who that person is or where she came from?" One of the students curiously expressed.
" Tang, huh. If I remember it right, the only princess of the Tang group had an academic acceleration. I wonder if she's that person." One of the students answered. His parents have some connection with the Tangs, doing several projects with them. As the heir, he can pick one or two pieces of information from his parents.
" You're saying she's supposed to be a freshman this year?"
" Yeah, it seems that is right."
" Damn. No wonder."
The group finally went away, leaving the enthusiastic crowd. It appears their academic life will usher in a fascinating person.
Halesia, who unwittingly heard their conversation fell into deep contemplation.
The top ranker is supposed to be a freshman but skipped grades to be a senior. She has an average test result of 99, which is one point less than perfect. Here she thought she bested everyone but, it turns out that someone was a lot better than her. To her dismay, it turned out she was not that exceptional.
Though she knew such a reaction is absurd, she could not control her feelings.
" Halesia, are you alright?" Ken's voice broke her melancholy.
" Y-yeah." Halesia answered dryly.
" What's wrong?" He noticed that she wasn't acting normal.
" Nothing. I just thought that person is simply astounding. Skipping grades and being the best among the seniors." or everyone there is, including me. Halesia commended a little absentmindedly.
Ken didn't know her apprehension. He only deemed that Halesia might be uncomfortable right now.
" Should we leave? I don't think Ryle will be coming this morning." He wrapped his arm on Halesia's shoulder, leading her away from the masses.
The distracted Halesia nodded, and followed him.
***
( Host, I don't understand. Clearly, the heavenly being is upset, so why won't she blacken? You took the highest spot. That should drive her to start hating you, right?) Halfsie chatted with its host about life.
Grasping that the battle has finally started, it couldn't even get a wink of sleep due to excitement. It has been rubbing its hands maliciously, waiting for the heavenly being's corruption to commence but, alas.
( Shouldn't you be the one to know why? You're the system guide, not me.) Eve answered insouciantly.
( Host, I'm only capable of rating the soul, you know.) The furball pouted, indicating that it doesn't want to be crucified regarding the subject. You know, every time its host discovers some aspect it doesn't know, she records it on its list of ineptitude.
How could Halfsie swallow such breath?
It is a (self-proclaimed) stalwart system guide-the first of its kind. IT KNOWS *whispers softly* almost EVERYTHING, alright! But the host doesn't appreciate its awesomeness and its inner cuteness. She even wrote ugly on that nasty list, not once but twice.
Do you know how wrong it felt when she inscribed it?
Nonetheless, it could only weep silently, contemplating life and its bitterness, and devour the anguish in its heart.
Who told it to be an all-yes creature? The fear of not being able to frolic those enchanting golden orbs had sealed its fate beyond redemption.
Eve did not know Halfsie's current melodrama, but she has an inkling of why Halesia's progress is just as tepid. If she's right, it would be interesting. That concept made her smile.
" What made you so happy?" Sarien came carrying two drinks and sat beside Eve.
" Well, I was thinking that someone won't be lucky anymore now that I'm here." She casually answered while cupping her chin. Her eyes gleamed with mischief.
Sarien raised his brow and questioned,
" Who?" He had long noticed Eve's naughty side. Still, he doesn't believe she had ever done anything spiteful or the like.
Sarien heard her chuckle then said,
" You'll know soon." The radiant smile on her lips could be considered a cunning one. However, paired with her serene appearance, the undertones of schadenfreude can't be helped but be overlooked. Sarien could only smile helplessly.
" Alright. Try this one. I think you'll like it." What Sarien gave Eve is a cup of milk tea. They are currently "dating" in a shop near the academy.
Sarien is glad to spend time with Eve. If he could take her out upright and not abduct her in the name of checking the entrance exam results, it would be better.
Viewing the result isn't needed because their families have been notified prior.
Still, Eve stated she wanted to see her future school, silencing the protests of the Tang father and son, who eyed him like a bandit.
Sarien watched Eve as she enjoys her drink. There is a smile on her lips, and her eyes are bright- an expression of delight.
" You like it?" Sarien asked.
" I like it a lot," Eve answered without lifting her head, totally focused on savoring her milk tea.
" If you enjoy it that much, how about I bring you one each day?" It would be better if he could take her to buy it and have a date, by the way. Nevertheless, he knew he should take things at an appropriate pace. He wants her to accept him, let him integrate into her life until she can't do without him.
" One? Can I have a hundred a day?" Eve wanted to hoard abundant supplies. It would be best if she had enough rations for the future planes.
There was silence for a moment as Sarien considers the feasibility of gifting Eve a shop so she could enjoy to her heart's content.
" How about owning a store to cater as much as you want?" His words and expression are full of pampering.
" I like that." Eve admired the idea. She would acquire all the snack shops in her space. The future is very bright and full of goodies. She is looking forward to it.
Seeing the delighted lass before him, Sarien couldn't help but smile with her.
" Then consider it done."
" Sarien, you're the best." Eve expressed how pleased she is. Her death-defying investment was very worth it, she reflected.
She will surely cherish Sarien and will never let Halesia take him away from her.
He is her guardian and her snack provider in chief.
Sarien did not see the possessive light that flashed Eve's eyes. If he did, he might even be thrilled.
The praise uttered by his beloved naturally elated the young man. If she continues to think so and realizes he is the most suitable for her, it would be best.
When Eve mounted her cup on the table, Sarien seamlessly took her hand.
Eve: ?
" It looks good on you. " Sarien murmured while caressing the bracelet on Eve's wrist. The sapphire moon charm against her fair skin is simply exquisite.
" Thank you. This birthday gift of yours, I like it." For a moment, Eve wondered if it had the same features as the one given by El. Their designs are almost similar, like a set. One was with the sun and clouds, while one was with the moon and stars.
She contemplated whether they purchased it from the same store.
" I'm glad you do. I hope you won't take it off. " Sarien stroked Eve's skin, not letting go. His actions seemed as if he didn't notice how ambiguous they look. The little abacus in his heart, however, calculated every move.
Sarien doesn't know if he should worry or rejoice. Eve doesn't appear to be wary of him as she doesn't mind having this level of intimacy. It only means that she either likes him or feels absolutely nothing for him.
His eyes flitted a dim light upon recalling the extra jewelry he spotted a while ago. Eve said it was a gift from a mate. He couldn't distinguish if she meant a friend or a lover but couldn't bring himself to ask.
Although Sarien discerned long ago that Eve isn't in a relationship, nor is she close to any males, except for that Judas, he wanted to ensure not to lose out to whoever that person was. Hence, he requested Eve to let him wear it for her- his token of endearment.
" Okay." Eve is willing to comply with his simple request.
Sarien looked at Eve tenderly, not hiding the affection overflowing from his eyes. Pity, the other is impervious to it, merely focused on drinking again.
[ It doesn't matter.] Sarien resolved.
He might not have Eve's heart at the moment, but he will do his best.