Chapter 37: Soundproofed Talk
The final bell rang, signaling the end of the day's classes. Students began gathering their things and chatting about their plans for the evening, the usual hum of activity filling the air.
Noemi was the first to stand, her movements quick and deliberate as she packed her notebook and pens into her bag.
Instead of leaving immediately, she paused by her desk, watching as Sevi fumbled with his belongings.
'She's really quick in tidying her things up,' Sevi thought as he fumbled with his belongings.
Sevi finally managed to shove the last notebook into his bag, slinging it over his shoulder as he looked up at Noemi. She was standing there, arms crossed, her head slightly tilted as she waited for him.
"You're pretty quick at packing," Sevi commented with a small smile.
Noemi smirked faintly. "And you're pretty slow."
"Yeah, yeah, that's me!" Sevi chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck.
They left the classroom together, going through the corridors as students chatted and laughed around them. The bustling noise of the school felt oddly distant to Sevi, his focus entirely on the conversation he needed to have.
'This place would be perfect,' Sevi thought as they reached a secluded spot under the shade of a large tree.
"Wait, Noemi," Sevi said as he stopped and glanced around to make sure no was nearby.
Noemi also stopped, confused.
He reached into his bag and pulled out a small, metallic device shaped like a hexagon, with faint glowing lines etched across its surface.
'Glad I packed this into my bag even though I still didn't know it's purpose back then,' Sevi thought as he remembered himself packing his things from the Dukedom of Bladesworth.
Noemi's eyes immediately narrowed at the sight of the device. "That's a soundproof barrier generator," she said, her tone sharp.
"Where did you get that?"
Sevi placed the device on the ground and pressed its center. A soft hum resonated as a invisible dome expanded around them, the air inside suddenly feeling covered from the world outside.
"Long story," Sevi said and continued, "Anyways, I needed to tell you something important. And I couldn't risk anyone overhearing."
Noemi's expression shifted, her suspicion giving way to curiosity—and a faint hint of concern. "I'm listening," she said, her voice calm but guarded.
Sevi took a deep breath. "It's about Carla," he began.
"And the Red Crescent."
"What about them?" Noemi's brows furrowed, and her stance became tense.
"I overheard two students earlier," he explained. "They were talking about the Red Crescent's plans. They said Carla's working with them—and that she's targeting you."
Noemi's jaw clenched, and a sharp light flickered in her eyes.
"I suspected as much."
Sevi hesitated for a moment, debating how much more to share.
'Should I also mention their meeting this midnight? I guess I should not since it wasn't the right time to involve Noemi, not when she was already their primary target.'
'Also, I'm only gathering information on the enemy's spot so it's best to do it myself,'
"They're clearly getting more aggressive," Sevi said, keeping his tone measured.
"I just thought you should know that Carla's in on it."
Noemi's eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I already know about the Red Crescent. And I've suspected Carla for a while now."
Her tone was calm but carried an edge of wariness. She tilted her head, scrutinizing him.
"The real question is, how do you know all this?"
Sevi blinked, caught off guard by her directness. But he quickly recovered, giving her a small, casual shrug.
"Well, I did overhear some students," he said with a grin.
"But then again, I'm the only son of the duke. I have access to such information."
Noemi's eyes widened slightly at his words, her expression shifting from suspicion to surprise. "Right... you're the son of a duke," she said slowly, as if the realization had just hit her.
Her gaze turned thoughtful, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "I guess I forgot for a moment. You don't act much like a typical noble."
Sevi raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Should I take that as a compliment?"
Noemi crossed her arms, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Maybe. It's just... unusual. Nobles don't exactly have a reputation for treating half-beastmen fairly."
"Well, I'm not like most nobles." Sevi's smile softened, and he shook his head.
'More like, I'm just a normal person in Earth who possessed this royal body,' His gaze flickered for a moment, betraying a deeper thought.
"And for the record," Sevi added, meeting her eyes, "it's not pity or such. I'm just trying to help a friend."
Noemi's sharp expression softened slightly, though she was quick to mask it.
"Friend, huh?" she muttered, more to herself than to him.
After a beat, she smirked faintly. "Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're some fancy duke's kid."
Sevi chuckled, the sound light yet genuine. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Noemi turned her gaze forward, her smirk lingering as they continued walking. Though she didn't say it outright, there was a subtle shift in her demeanor—a sign, perhaps, that Sevi had managed to earn a bit of her trust.
[Favorability greatly increased!]
[Noemi's favorability: 29/100 --> 35/100]
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