Episode 111

The Weir Company’s response was straightforward. 

Theo Lixton could be replaced, but Rose Bell couldn’t. 

A few years ago, Theo’s title as the first commoner graduate of Berkley had shone brightly, but now that shine was fading bit by bit. Graduates from other academies of common birth were increasing.

However, no woman majored in magic engineering as a commoner graduate yet. If Rose obtained her degree, she would be the first.

Furthermore, Weir Company was not pleased with Theo’s ambiguous career. Theo’s image, built up from his previous internships, was that of a diligent employee.

He lacked creativity but was precise in following instructions. In other words, he was not a genius but a utility player. 

Theo had realized, at some point, that he was not a genius.

-We need two types of talent. Those who greatly benefit the company or geniuses.

Theo was neither of those without Rose.

“If you give me some more time, I’ll try to persuade Rose again.”

-Well, I think we’ve given you enough time… But maybe it would be better for someone from our side to contact Rose Bell personally.

Theo had a gut feeling that he had lost the trust of Weir Company’s headhunter. In the beginning, Weir Company had been indifferent to Theo’s attempts to make contact.

But they began considering Theo’s recruitment positively after hearing about Rose Bell’s story, only to end up not being able to bring Rose in.

-First, we’ll discuss this more, and I’ll get back to you.

While communication with Weir Company was cut off, Theo stood frozen in front of the communication device. His legs felt like they had turned to ice.

“Darn it…”

Theo muttered while bowing his head, and biting his lip. He regretted it. He should have told Rose everything and clung to her.

But he couldn’t bring himself to admit that Weir Company wanted Rose, not him. While preparing for the invention contest together, Theo often looked at Rose and felt tortured. 

She was a genius, and he was not. Rose was a constant reminder of that sharp realization. 

A few years ago, she was a cute, small girl he briefly cared about. But now she had grown to be a formidable scholar, starting to overshadow Theo academically.

Whenever Rose came up with a brilliant idea, Theo would admire her, but at the same time, he felt a tinge of bitterness. Rose could make that work. 

No matter how hard he tries, he can’t, but it’s easy for her. He felt an insurmountable gap in talent.

Theo was filled with deep envy of Rose, but he had never disliked her all along. Rose Bell was still adorable, and he sincerely wished for her success. 

That was clear. Until Rose rejected his proposal. Because of that, even though his abilities confirmed his mediocrity, he didn’t give up on getting a job…

Sigh.

Theo brushed his trembling hand through his black hair.

Rose was innocent. He shouldn’t hate her. He thought rationally, but a part of his heart burned with resentment.

He worked hard too, just like everyone else, running tirelessly for success. Why, and how…

A confused expression began to creep across Theo’s tilted face.

* * *

On the day of the Berkley Festival, the weather was exceptionally clear and sunny. 

Flags with the academy’s emblem fluttered here and there. Various clubs had set up booths under elegant tents.

Outside, musicians climbed onto the stage to check their instruments one by one. The aroma of street food, only available at the festival, wafted through the air.

An hour before the start of the event for outsiders, Berkley Academy was a hubbub of activity. Among them, Briley appeared particularly flustered.

Briley paced by the booth, biting her lips. 

“What if he’s late…! When is Jasper coming? Argh!”

It was only this morning that they had finished editing the pamphlet. Jasper had gone to the printer himself to get the job done, and he had barely managed to finish the printing just before the event’s start.

Rose looked at Briley, who was visibly agitated, with a hint of embarrassment. 

“Briley, he’ll be here soon. Let’s wait.”

Rebecca tried to calm Briley down from the side. 

“That’s right. It’s not just anyone; it’s Jasper who went there in person. But he doesn’t seem particularly interested in the festival.”

There was no way Jasper was going to like being pestered at the print shop. Of course, he found such things bothersome, but he did it for the sake of the club.

Briley took a few deep breaths and shook her head. 

“Yeah, you’re right. It should all work out. I need to calm down. Calm down…”

Briley, who was usually quite laid-back, was now visibly tense. It showed how much she cared about making and selling the pamphlet this time. Rose knew it, which was why she hoped Jasper would arrive on time with the printed materials.

However, Briley couldn’t seem to calm down, so she started wandering around, saying she needed to check out other clubs. Rebecca followed her to take care of the seemingly distraught Briley.

At the empty booth, there were only Rose and Adela. 

Adela sat there somewhat disheveled, not quite herself.

Rose glanced at Adela and asked.

“Adela… are you tired?”

“Yes… Senior, are you tired too?”

Both of them had to wake up at the crack of dawn for several days to finish proofreading the pamphlet. They strained their sleepy eyes from morning, checking and rechecking the text.

Rose, feeling a sense of camaraderie, smiled faintly. 

“You did great.”

Adela, with a somewhat despondent expression, mumbled.

“What is this… and for all the hard work…”

At first, Adela didn’t seem particularly interested in Briley’s plan, but at some point, she became very dedicated. Rose appreciated that about Adela. She looked poised and elegant on the outside, but she took everything quite seriously.

Adela suppressed a yawn and then spoke.

“I wanted to look as pretty as possible today, but do I look tired? It’s a mess.”

“No, not at all. You look as pretty as ever.”

“Really?”

Adela cleared her throat slightly, then stroked her neck. Rose’s concern was more about Adela than her appearance. Even when tired, Adela looked lovely.

‘I hope I don’t look too exhausted…”

Rose’s eyes squinted with worry. 

She was planning to meet Jasper secretly after the sunset. 

According to Jasper, he had found a fireworks display location where they wouldn’t be noticed by others. She didn’t want to meet Jasper looking tired on a day like this.

Fortunately, the one thing to be thankful for was that during the festival, academy students were required to wear their uniforms. If they had to dress up in civilian clothing, it would have been even more challenging.

Rose absentmindedly toyed with her hair. Adela had been discreetly watching her, then cautiously spoke.

“But, Senior… you haven’t asked about that rumor.”

“…Huh?”

“The rumor about me possibly dating Senior Jasper.”

Rose was taken aback as she was trying to shake off her drowsiness. It was the first time Adela had brought up the topic of the rumor directly.

The rumor, which had been spreading throughout the academy like wildfire, had strangely started to die down recently and was now almost nonexistent. It seemed to have faded into oblivion as if it had been a baseless fabrication.

Adela, who appeared nonchalant at first, looked slightly deflated.

“You probably already know, but that’s not true. I’ve been very straightforward about it.”

Rose’s hand trembled slightly in the air. She considered consoling Adela, but would that be genuine or insincere?

While Rose was contemplating, Adela briefly explained the conversation she had with Jasper.

“Adela Bluewood, would you do anything for me?”

“Yes?”

“Would you be willing to give your life for me if necessary? Does that kind of feeling come over you?”

“…Are you saying I should be prepared to give my life if I want to meet Senior Jasper? That’s quite unexpected.”

“I have someone whom I feel that way, and it’s not you.”

After finishing her story, Adela looked at Rose.

“I wonder who the lucky woman receiving that kind of love is? Ah, I can’t compete. I should step aside. I’ve come to that conclusion.”

Rose just clutched her skirt and couldn’t respond easily. She was grateful for Adela’s casual words.

While Adela seemed convinced that Jasper’s affections were directed at Rose, she didn’t outright reveal it. She only smiled with a satisfied expression, keeping things lighthearted between them, and the atmosphere remained fresh.

“I envy you. Maybe someday, I’ll experience a love like that.”

“Of course… you will.”

Rose forced the words out with a choked throat. Adela smiled gently and nodded.

“But such intense and heavy love might not be my cup of tea. Being willing to die for it is a bit… I want to live a long life.”

It was Adela’s characteristic calm yet serious tone that finally made Rose break into a small laugh.

In the distance, a sturdy and towering figure was approaching rapidly. 

Jasper was running towards them, carrying a bundle of printed materials in his arms.