Chapter 46
The noble academy, as expected, is a school.
The primary duty of students is to study. That doesn't change even in the world of an Otome game.
During a break between classes, Reina was chatting with her friends in the academy classroom.
"Lady Reina, the end-of-term exams are coming up soon, aren't they? Have you been keeping up with your studies?"
"Not at all... My duties at the shrine have kept me so busy..."
Responding to her friend's question, Reina placed a troubled hand on her cheek.
With her new life starting and her responsibilities as a Saint at the Grand Shrine, she had less time to devote to studying than before.
"Even so, Lady Reina, you've always been so intelligent. I'm sure you'll score well."
"Please don't pressure me. I really don't feel confident at all."
"My, my, the Saint is quite humble, isn't she?"
"You are...?"
As Reina and her friend were talking, a male classmate approached them.
His hair was neatly parted seven-three. Glasses glinted on his cool, composed face.
He had the look of a model honor student, his handsome features calm and full of confidence.
"Rileis?"
Reina called out the boy's name.
His name was Will Rileis.
A male student who served as the class representative and was the son of the Prime Minister.
He was the honor student-type capture target in Beyond the Rainbow Gleam.
"As a Saint, you should be a role model for everyone. Please carry yourself with more confidence."
"I apologize. Did I offend you?"
"No, no... Ah, I have an idea. How about a little wager to motivate us both?"
"A wager...?"
Reina tilted her head and exchanged glances with her friend.
Her friend also looked puzzled, waiting to hear more from Will.
"For the upcoming end-of-term exam, if I rank lower than you, Miss Laurel, I'll grant you one request. Sounds fun, doesn't it?"
"Are you saying... if you win, I have to grant you a request?"
Reina asked cautiously, and Will gave a cold chuckle.
"Of course not. I would never say something so rude as 'obey me' to a lady. Challenging someone in your area of expertise and then demanding submission would be terribly impolite, wouldn't it?"
"............"
"I'll be the only one granting a favor. Think of it as a little entertainment."
"...Is that so? In that case, do as you like."
"Yes, please go easy on me."
Will pushed up the bridge of his glasses and walked away.
After Will left, Reina's friends asked hesitantly.
"Um... Lady Reina, are you really okay with that?"
"He's just saying that on his own... It's not like I have to do anything. I think it's fine to just ignore him."
"That's true..."
Reina and her friends soon forgot about Will and went back to enjoying their own conversation.
Meanwhile, having sealed a promise with Reina, Will stepped into the hallway from the classroom, smirking.
(It worked... I get to face Miss Reina head-on...!)
"Heh, hehehe..."
Will had long wanted to challenge Reina.
When he first met her, he was struck by her flawless beauty.
Still, at first, he thought she was just beautiful.
Blessed by divine grace with otherworldly looks... he thought that was all there was to her.
(But... I was wrong. Miss Reina isn't just beautiful—she's brilliant, too.)
After becoming classmates, he realized Reina had excellent grades and sharp intellect.
It wasn't just that she had a good memory and could score high on tests.
During debates, she would cut in with arguments that surprised everyone, showing a clear difference in level.
(I've always wanted this... A rival who could match me. Someone chosen, who sees the world from the same height as me...!)
Will Rileis had been a genius since birth, smarter than most people.
He never forgot anything he saw once, and could solve even the toughest problems in less than half the time it took other kids his age.
Even his father, the Prime Minister, was merely "better than average" in Will's eyes.
Everyone around him looked like monkeys.
Because of that, Will had always been lonely and aloof.
It felt like endlessly stacking stones alone in the dark.
(But... at last, I found one. Someone like me. Someone with a mind that isolates them from others...!)
Will was convinced.
That Reina stood on the same high ground as he did.
That she was the one person who could finally fill his loneliness in his sixteen years of life.
"I already know... So please, realize it too."
In the next end-of-term exam, he would definitely beat Reina.
And then... Reina would surely realize it too.
That Will Rileis was the one who could stand as her equal.
That they were destined to walk together, to live together—as fated partners.
"Hehehe, hahahahahaha!"
"Ugh..."
"Creepy... What's he laughing at...?"
Unbothered by the strange looks from those around him, Will walked down the hallway, laughing.