The Duty Of An Academy Student Should Be To Study - Chapter 37

Episode 37

The next morning, Rose, feeling tired from a restless night, left her dorm room. She yawned as she and Briley got on the elevator. The elevator stopped on the second floor, where the male students used it. When Rose blinked her heavy eyes in a daze, the elevator door opened, and Jasper walked in.

“Hello.”

Jasper greeted softly as he stood next to Rose. She turned to look at him, still feeling groggy.

‘Did Jasper just greet me first?’

She was confused, as it was an unexpected action. Rose responded a beat later.

“Hello.”

Even though she had seen his face last night, it felt awkward for some reason, and she couldn’t help but fidget.

‘Bry must be making weird remarks…’

Rose tried not to pay too much attention to Jasper. Briley had warned her that if she acted consciously, Jasper might sense her interest. So, it was best not to focus on Jasper at all.

‘He’s just a friend. Nothing more. We’ve already talked about not having any interest in each other…’

Rose thought Briley often overestimated herself, so maybe her assumptions about Jasper were exaggerated as well.

‘Yeah, maybe that’s right.’

She felt somewhat relieved. Despite her restless night, her thoughts had turned more positive in the morning.

‘I should just carry on as usual.’

Even if, by some rare chance, Jasper Conway did like her, there wouldn’t be any major changes. Proud Jasper wouldn’t confess first.

‘I won’t like Jasper either.’

Of course, Jasper was attractive, handsome, and subtly affectionate, but she would never like him. Never.

Then, everything would continue as it was on the surface, and Jasper’s feelings would naturally fade away. With so many people liking him around, there was no reason for him to continue an unrequited crush. That’s how everything would end after a brief happening.

‘…What the hell, no big deal!’

It felt like she had finally found the solution to a long-standing math problem. Rose let out a sigh of relief.

Briley looked at Rose and Jasper with a subtle expression and then spoke.

“Mr. Conway, the second son. I heard you’re joining our club?”

Jasper finally glanced in Briley’s direction for the first time.

“Just in time, I’m about to submit my application.”

Rose tried her best to sound natural.

“Ah, welcome, Jasper. We hope our club will have a positive impact on you.”

It didn’t seem very successful, but Jasper raised an eyebrow.

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and the three of them walked out together. Briley subtly pulled Rose toward herself and said,

“Yeah, welcome, newbie. We’re going for a walk by the river today. Are you coming too?”

“There’s a rugby match today, ending around four.”

“Hmm, that’s a bit tricky, isn’t it? Rose, let’s just have a girls’ gathering today!”

Rose interjected and nodded. Briley softened her expression and playfully patted Jasper, who looked uncomfortable.

“Do well in the game. I’ll take Rose with me. Fighting!”

Jasper stood up straight and ran his tongue over the soft skin inside his cheek. Rose was half-dragged away by Briley.

* * *

The Osis River crossed the imperial capital. Along the riverbanks, there was a long promenade. This promenade was an indispensable place for the people of the capital.

During festivals, parades were always held here. On regular days, you could always see people boating or fishing. On the opposite bank right now, some were playing tennis informally.

The Osis Riverbank was a place where people of all ages and social classes frequently visited.

“The weather is nice!”

Briley took the lead and walked briskly. It seemed like she was trying to hold back the urge to jump around. She was in high spirits, and the river, which had been frozen during the winter, was now cheerfully flowing.

Rose and Rebecca were a few steps behind, walking together with umbrellas in hand. Rebecca insisted on bringing umbrellas for the walk.

All three of them were dressed in school uniforms, not casual attire. This was because of Briley’s insistence that it was part of club activities to wear school uniforms. Aside from their attire, they looked like they had just come out to have fun.

Briley, who had been exploring here and there ahead of them, quickly returned to Rebecca and Rose.

“Guys! I’ve already marked quite a few spots on the map. Take a look.”

Briley smiled mischievously. In her hand, she held a map of the capital and a pen. Looking at the map, you could see that Briley had written various things with the pen.

Tennis is possible here!

Old bench – Needs repairs. Be careful with the armrests when sitting!

Slightly larger bench – Cute cats often come and go.

Untamed wilderness – Not recommended!

Rose, reading Briley’s writing, chuckled softly.

“You’ve been exploring quite enthusiastically.”

“Oh, of course.”

Briley put on an enthusiastic expression. She even wore unfamiliar glasses to create a professional atmosphere. Rebecca also looked at the map and laughed heartily.

Everyone seemed to be in high spirits. Rose’s concerns about Jasper had completely faded away during this outing.

As Briley continued to sing a tune, she spoke.

“But walking for so long is making me a little hungry. Where should we go for lunch? I’ve got a few ideas!”

Briley truly loved socializing with people. Despite her flashy and confident appearance, her behavior was like that of a puppy. She energetically bounced around, following people. It was clear how much Briley had been looking forward to today when they all went out together.

It was when the three of them were debating what to eat.

“Isn’t she the daughter of Viscount Sherman?”

A voice from the side called out to Rebecca. The three of them simultaneously turned to look, each with a different reaction.

Rebecca Sherman greeted her with enthusiasm, putting on a polite demeanor. 

“Oh my, it’s the Countess of Bluewood.”

Briley stood there with a somewhat bewildered expression, observing Rebecca in such a manner. As for Rose Bell…

‘It’s Lady Bluewood.’

She felt her entire body tense up. Rose took a step back, even holding her breath, hoping not to catch the attention of the Countess.

Back when she was nobility, her mother Anna, and the Countess were friends. The Countess was an elegant woman who carried out her role as a hostess perfectly, but she wasn’t a conservative character.

Rose suddenly remembered a passage from the letter she had penned to her mother a few months ago.

[You mentioned meeting an old friend recently… It seems like you’ve been feeling unsettled since then. If you’re referring to the Countess of Bluewood, I’ve also met her a few times. I remember her as a respectable and kind person. I don’t think she would have let slip what she said about not pushing. She knows how difficult our situation was back then.]

There was a time when Count Bluewood and his wife traveled to the north due to the railroad expansion project. Unfortunately, that day was when her mother came to the nearby big market to buy groceries.

Anna said she happened to run into the Count’s wife at that time. 

‘I wonder how surprised you must have been…’

Rose recalled her mother’s encounter with her old friend. Her mother had always been a bit anxious, to begin with. She probably wouldn’t have expected to see the Countess in the remote northern region. However, the Countess chose to ignore it. She had sensed something was amiss ever since George Bell sold his title and disappeared. Even though she knew his actions were questionable, she covered for her friend.

When people asked about Lord Verden, she remained silent. Gradually, the name “Verden” was completely forgotten in aristocratic circles.

‘…Will she remember me?’

Rose’s heart trembled anxiously. She didn’t think the Countess would reveal her true identity, but coming face to face with someone from her past made her nervous.

‘She probably won’t recognize me.…’

The last time they met at a reception, Rose was just a child. While some of her childhood features might still be recognizable, a ten-year-old and a nineteen-year-old looked quite different. It had been several years since they had seen each other, making it difficult for a stranger to connect the two. Moreover, red hair was common in the Lepti Empire.

Rose placed her hand firmly on her rapidly beating chest, feeling a vivid realization of her current situation, momentarily forgotten amidst the hustle and bustle of the new school year.

After exchanging greetings with Rebecca, Count Bluewood’s wife turned to the two beside her and spoke.

“By the way, who are these young ladies? They seem to be friends attending the academy with Sherman’s daughter.”

“That’s right, my lady.”

Rebecca, perfectly versed in the etiquette of high society, introduced each of the girls to the lady one by one. When the Countess was introduced to Briley, she seemed quite interested in the Lawrence surname.

And now it was Rose’s turn.

“This is Rose Bell. She’s the most gifted student in our academy, garnering the attention of the Magic engineering professors.”

Rose had expected Rebecca to pass over her introduction quickly, as she was a commoner. If it had been last year’s Rebecca, she probably would have done just that. However, to Rose’s surprise, Rebecca added several compliments. Rose felt grateful to Rebecca, but it left her in an awkward situation as it garnered the Countess’ keen interest.

“Rose Bell, you say?” 

The Countess stared at Rose intently as she spoke. Rose swallowed nervously.