NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38.2
Stage 2-7. Target Determined
But that smile was the same as always.
I knew it wouldn’t be that easy to melt the iceberg.
I’ll take my time. I don’t mind waiting.
“Here you go. I hope it meets your expectations.”
After stirring with a spoon, she poured the clear orange tea through a strainer into my cup.
The aroma wafting up as I brought it to my lips heightened my anticipation.
“Thank you for the tea.”
I took a sip, letting it linger on my tongue and throat.
“…It’s delicious.”
“So good…”
Before I knew it, the words escaped my mouth naturally.
Alice, who usually prepares my tea, isn’t bad at all.
But Reina’s tea was so good that I could clearly taste the difference—its delicate fragrance, rich body, and the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness in the aftertaste.
“…This is the best tea I’ve ever had.”
“That’s quite a bit of praise you’re giving me.”
“It’s not an exaggeration. It’s the truth.”
“It’s only because you provided me with excellent tea leaves, Ouga-kun.”
“…No, I couldn’t have brought out this depth. It’s your skill, Milfonty, that made it taste this good.”
“For you both to compliment me so much… What a wonderful day this is.”
She poured herself a cup and took a sip.
With a soft exhale, she smiled at me.
“But even if you flatter me, it won’t change master’s decision.”
Her voice turned cold, sharp enough to make the room feel tense.
It was as if the warmth from the tea had drained from my body in an instant.
She stared at her reflection in the cup with a distant, emotionless gaze.
“master doesn’t care about my words in the slightest.”
“…Didn’t I say from the start that wasn’t my intention?”
“It’s fine, no need to cover it up. I knew from the beginning.”
Reina, rarely so resolute, didn’t finish her tea and placed the cup back on the saucer.
“…I apologize for ruining the mood. Have you finished your business? If so, I still have some tasks left to attend to.”
“—Then, why don’t you join me?”
Her movement stopped for a moment.
But only for an instant—barely noticeable unless you were paying close attention.
“The truth is, the headmaster suggested it. He offered to let you join the student council in exchange. I refused at first, but… maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.”
“Have I impressed you so much that you’d change your mind, despite how much you disliked the idea?”
“I get to drink this delicious tea every day. Such small changes can greatly improve one’s happiness.”
And, I added,
“Besides, hanging around someone like that won’t be any fun. You’d have a far more fulfilling time growing alongside me, and I’m sure those moments will push me to even greater heights.”
“…So, you think you can surpass the ‘Frone of Thunder’?”
“Shortly, yes.”
“…You’re a curious person, Ouga-kun. For some reason, I find myself wanting to believe you.”
Standing up, she tucked her hair behind her ear and gazed back at me.
“Thank you for the passionate offer. But you shouldn’t say things like that outside. After all, you’re already engaged to Lady Rebetzenka.”
She winked and, for real this time, left the room.
Her back seemed so fragile and weak, it was hard to believe she was both the apprentice of a hero and the student council president of the magic academy.
I recognized that back.
Yes, she resembled… the colleagues from my past life, the ones who disappeared without a trace from that toxic black company.
One day, she too will reach her breaking point.
Hahaha, I understand now… the reason she shuts off her emotions.
A cruel boss. A student council is severely understaffed. Tasks that eat up even her lunch breaks.
To protect herself from the stress of such an awful environment, she’s built a hard shell around herself.
If I were to swoop in and save her, there’s no doubt her opinion of me would soar.
Unlike the average people around her, I could become someone special to her…!
Reina may not have much in the way of… assets, but her administrative skills more than makeup for it.
If I bring her under my wing now, there’s no doubt she’ll become an invaluable subordinate, fully utilizing her abilities.
Poor Reina… She thought she’d escaped her suffering, only to catch the attention of an even worse villain.
“I’ve made up my mind, Alice.”
She didn’t say no. There was a response.
Using strong words had paid off.
For now, that’s enough.
“I will definitely make Reina Milfonty mine…!”
I clenched my fist tightly as I declared this.