For the past couple of weeks, I had been reveling in the rare peace I'd found. Even the Gardening Club, my usual haven, had been unusually quiet. Lillian, who often spent time there, had been absent lately. Everyone, it seemed, had been preparing for the upcoming exams, honing their skills and abilities.
And with good reason.
The academy's exams weren't just about academics—they were the gateway to the first major event of the novel. The top ten students who scored the highest would participate in a so-called "friendly battle." But I knew better. This wasn't just a demonstration of skill; it was the moment when the plot would truly kick off, and where Sera Vandren, the villainess, would step into her fateful role.
The academy allowed students to either stay in their dorms or return home to study and train, which was surprisingly lenient compared to what I was used to in my previous life. Back then, we were stuck in dormitories, studying endlessly without reprieve.
A small sigh escaped me as memories of my past life resurfaced—gray, monotonous days of endless studying and distant acquaintances. Sure, I'd had a couple of friends, but none who had grown particularly close. Between medical school and the weight of my ambitions, there hadn't been room for meaningful connections.
But none of that mattered anymore. I leaned back on the bench, letting the cool breeze brush against my face as I stared up at the vibrant sky. Unlike the dull, lifeless hues of my previous life, this world was alive with color, brimming with wonder.
Was I happy to have transmigrated here, into the life of Sera Vandren? The answer wasn't clear. For now, I was content to savor this rare moment of calm.
Until a familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Sera?"
I inwardly groaned. So much for enjoying the moment.
Straightening my posture, I looked up to see Evelyn Sinclair approaching. Her long auburn hair fluttered gracefully in the breeze, and her light blue eyes, framed by round glasses, held a soft, curious gaze.
"Ms. Sinclair?" I greeted hastily. "Hello."
"No need to be so tense," she said, her voice as gentle as always, like a melody that soothed even the most frayed nerves. "You looked like you were deep in thought. Are you doing alright?"
"Uh, yeah," I replied quickly, scrambling for an excuse. "Exams and the upcoming event, you know—training and studying and all that."
"Ah, I see," she said with a small nod, the corners of her lips lifting in a knowing smile. "How have your studies been going?"
"It's been going well," I said, grateful for the easy question. After all, I already knew most of the exam content thanks to the novel. "I've had a bit of help from teachers and friends."
"That's good to hear. And your magic training?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with genuine interest.
I hesitated, glancing away. "About that…" I trailed off. The truth was, I had no idea how magic actually worked. I'd been winging it this entire time and somehow managing to get by. But luck could only take me so far.
Evelyn's soft laughter pulled me from my thoughts. "I take it you've been a little too busy for that," she said, her tone teasing but kind. "I'm surprised you didn't head home to train in a more familiar setting, like many of the other students."
I shrugged. "That's true, but I figured training in a different environment would be better. You know, shake off the nerves in case I somehow end up in the top ten."
She tilted her head, considering my words. "That's a wise approach. Adapting to new environments is an important skill. As for the exam subjects, they should be the same as always: magic, history, and morals."
"Morals?" I asked, furrowing my brow. That wasn't something I remembered from the novel.
"It's a set of situational questions," she explained, "where you have to choose the most ethical or logical course of action. It's meant to assess your decision-making skills."
"I see," I said, nodding. "Well, I should probably get back to studying and practicing." I stood up from the bench, stretching my arms.
Evelyn's gaze followed my movements, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Hmm," she mused aloud. "Why don't I help you with that?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "Help me?"
"Yes," she said, her smile widening. "I've got some free time over the next few days. I could help you with your studies—and your magic training, too, if you'd like."
I hesitated, weighing the offer. Evelyn Sinclair wasn't just any teacher—she was a genius when it came to magic theory, her intellect rivaling even the most seasoned scholars. Having her guidance would be invaluable.
But as I glanced up at her, my thoughts faltered. Her warm smile, the soft glint in her icy blue eyes, and the way the sunlight seemed to catch the auburn strands of her hair—it all felt… disarming.
"U-uh, sure," I stammered, struggling to keep my composure. "That'd be really kind of you… and it'd help me a lot."
Her smile deepened, and she took a small step closer, her gaze locking onto mine. "I'm glad to hear that," she said softly, her voice dipping just slightly. "It'll be nice to spend some time with you outside the usual classroom setting. Who knows," she added with a playful tilt of her head, "you might even enjoy it."
I swallowed, suddenly feeling as though the air had grown heavier. "Y-yeah, maybe," I said, inwardly cursing how awkward I sounded.
Evelyn chuckled, the sound warm and lilting. "Relax, Sera," she said, reaching out to brush an imaginary speck of dust off my sleeve. "I promise I don't bite."
Her touch was brief, but it sent a small jolt through me nonetheless. I nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Right. I'll… look forward to it, then."
"Good," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I'll see you tomorrow, then. Same time?"
"Same time," I echoed, already regretting how easily flustered I'd become.
As I walked away, I could feel Evelyn's gaze lingering on me. A faint blush crept up my neck, and I bit my lip, trying to shake off the strange warmth pooling in my chest. Evelyn Sinclair wasn't just a genius in magic theory—she might as well have a doctorate in "be charming" theory.
I shook my head, willing the embarrassing thought away. What was I even thinking? This wasn't the time to be distracted by her kind smiles or her soft, lilting laughter. I needed to focus.
Still, having Evelyn's help would be good for me, I reasoned. If I could form good relationships with the professors—and maybe even the heroines themselves—there was a chance I could reverse the grim fate awaiting Sera Vandren. That was everything I wanted, wasn't it? A peaceful life, far from the chaos of the novel's original plot.
But then, a nagging thought crept in. If I altered the relationships too much, what would happen to the original story? Would the heroines still end up with their destined love interests? Would the villainess' redemption arc even be possible?
Lost in my musings, I didn't notice where I was going until a gentle voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Careful there, Sera."
I felt a steady arm wrap around my waist and a hand press lightly against my stomach, halting my steps just as the sound of trickling water reached my ears.
I blinked in confusion, glancing down to see just how close I'd come to walking straight into the fountain.
"Oh," I murmured, flustered. "Thank you. I didn't even realize—wait... Lillian?"
A soft chuckle answered me. "I can tell," she said, her voice warm and melodic. She released me gently, stepping back but keeping her bright green eyes fixed on mine. "Hello, Sera."
I turned to face her fully, still reeling from my near-collision and her sudden appearance. "I'm surprised to see you here," I said, brushing imaginary dust off my skirt to hide my embarrassment. "I haven't seen you around in a while."
Lillian offered me a radiant smile, her pastel pink hair catching the sunlight in a way that made her seem almost ethereal. "I've been away," she said. "I had to return home for a few days to retrieve some things. And, well… my mother insisted on seeing me. She can be quite doting at times."
Her voice softened as she mentioned her mother, and I caught a flicker of fondness in her expression.
"I see," I replied, nodding. "I suppose it's nice to have someone doting on you like that. A mother's love is… special."
"It is," Lillian agreed, her gaze growing wistful. "Though she does tend to spoil me a bit. I think she still sees me as her little girl, no matter how old I get." She laughed lightly, the sound as delicate as wind chimes. "But I didn't mind too much this time. It's been a while since I've seen her."
I found myself smiling despite myself. There was something undeniably comforting about Lillian's presence—her warmth and sincerity were like a soft balm to my usually anxious thoughts.
"Well, I'm glad you're back," I said sincerely. "It's been quiet without you around."
She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh? Are you saying you missed me, Sera?"
My cheeks flushed instantly, and I stumbled over my words. "I—I didn't mean it like that! I just meant the Gardening Club has been quiet, and, uh, the campus too, and—"
Lillian laughed again, cutting off my rambling. "Relax, I'm just teasing you," she said, her smile turning softer. "But I'm glad to know I wasn't forgotten while I was away."
"You definitely weren't forgotten," I mumbled, glancing away to hide my growing embarrassment.
She stepped closer, her voice dropping slightly. "Well, if you missed me so much, maybe we should spend some time together. I could help you prepare for the exams—or just keep you company while you study. What do you think?"
Her offer caught me off guard, and I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Lillian's gaze was steady, her sparkling green eyes filled with a mix of playfulness and something deeper that I couldn't quite place.
"That… would be nice," I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. "I could use the company."
Lillian's smile widened, and she reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. The gesture was so casual, yet it sent a small jolt through me.
"Then it's settled," she said lightly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Let's meet tomorrow after class. I'll bring some snacks—studying is always better with a little sweetness, don't you think?"
I nodded, too flustered to do much else. "Sure. Tomorrow."
As Lillian walked away, I stood frozen in place, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. Between Evelyn and Lillian, my peaceful week had just taken a sharp turn into uncharted territory.
And somehow, I wasn't entirely sure if that was a bad thing.
Wait, tomorrow?
I was getting help from Ms. Sinclair and Lillian?
Will my heart even be able to handle this?
(╯°□°）╯ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ -badump-