Shin and Shirlette weren't here because they were visiting the market as usual
'ah...Shin's poor legs' Ren thought
There wasn't much to do aside from tidying up some bedrooms
'a lot sure has happened these past 2 weeks'
Thankfully, nothing big would happen for a while so he decided to plan a date for Sherry Birnette, the girl they met in the bookstore
'mm...A library date should be fine...'
"Ah, I forgot to ask someone when Shin is gonna graduate and transfer to Exio..."
Ren just sighed and plopped on the bed
He didn't want to think too much today and just slept through the day
When it was late afternoon, Shirlette and Shin finally got back.
It was the same as usual when they had dinner, but the mood of the servants, and especially the Lotriares were very good.
The seemed to be excited about something, but Ren couldn't pinpoint exactly why.
Ren wanted to ask Lero who was beside him, but when he turned to as, Lero was sniffling like a child and mumbling.
"Ah... Look at the boy, he's grown up so much"
"...."
Ren decision to just ask Shin himself tomorrow
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
"W-what?" Ren asked again, worried that he heard wrong
Shin sighed
"Are you deaf? I said, next month, I'll be moving to Exio"
'already?! But they didn't seem to be busy with finals, why the fuck is he transferring now??'
As if Shin read his mind, he quickly added
"As nobles, we obvious can't show the fatigue. I'm surprised you didn't notice that everyone was bringing textbooks everywhere."
"How did I not hear anything about it..."
Shin was amused at how this person was in times like these
"Servants and Nobles learn different things."
Ren felt as if he was struck by lightning
'if I fail... I won't even have a chance to follow Shin... If I can't be a Matchmaker I'll die!!! *Sobs*'
Ren was silent the whole ride to Freya
'arrange the date, and study... Oh that's perfect! Haha... Fuck am I gonna die? NO! I have to study'
'I've only been here for two weeks though???'
Shin stopped talking with Aria for a bit and glanced at Ren, who seemed to be spacing out. Probably because of what he said earlier. He was somewhat amused.
After Ren went to his respective class, the teacher announced
"Everyone, as you all know, finals are coming up. This will decide who will and can't go to Exio to accompany their masterd. I suggest you all study your best"
Everyone there was quiet, but were tense after hearing that. It was a big deal for servants to serve in Exio. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
'how am I supposed to do this...I don't want to die...'
"Ah, Ren Civan, please see me in the office right now. Everyone else, study and review your notes."
Ren was tense while following the teacher to the office
"Ren Civan...as you heard, exams are coming. And although you haven't been here for long, you still have to take the test"
"...I understand"
"Do you even wish to go to Exio?"
"Yes! I have to, I want to go and be with my Master"
'so I don't die'
The teacher sighed and took out a stack of paper
"These are the essentials you need to study for the finals. If you can remember these, you'll be able to get a passing grade"
Ren complexion turned white seeing that stack of paper
"If you don't want to, then you can forget about going"
"-no, I'll take it"
The teacher seemed satisfied with his determination
"I'll go ask if there are spare teachers that can help you remember these. Don't disappoint me Ren Civan. Go to the library right now to study. You're excused from class for the next 2 weeks. I am being very generous, so study."
The teacher said sternly
Ren thanked the teacher and grabbed his bag to walk to the library.
When he was halfway there, someone caught his eye.
It was Alex, the girl who Shin saved.
She was smiling while talking to Shin.
"Why the fuck is she here...? No, I thought I got rid of her" Ren was surprised and a bit annoyed at this
But what's important right now, is to study like his life depends on it.
Because it does.
Shin noticed the staring and saw Ren who had a gloomy look on his face holding as stack of papers.
But when their eyes met, Ren quickly bowed and went away.
'What's up with him?' Shin wondered
"Shin! You promised to give me a tour!" Alex whined
"Ah yes...but why did you transfer? Finals are coming up"
Alex blushed
"I just wanted a change for once, and I'm smart enough to not worry about it anyways"
Shin smiled, "I see, well then, let's go"
He sighed in his heart
'but I need to study'
Shin found this girl quite annoying but he had to be patient because Aria's watching
â¢In the library
Ren was almost in tears trying to figure out how to do this.
"2 weeks isn't enough to learn all these..."
*Sobs*
"....system"
â¢Systemâ¢
-Mana is part of intelligence. The higher it is, the better your memory is. Although it does not necessarily mean you become smarter.
'But my mana's so low!'
-Please persist host
*Sobs*
His cold facade broke apart instantly after that, and he was holed up in the library.
"....are you Ren Civan?"
A person asked unsurely, from seeing the student sobbing
Ren looked up
A young man who looked to be in his mid 20's stood near him
Ren seemed to remember his face but not his name. He was the substitute teacher a few days ago.
"...ah, You are Sir...?"
"I'm Vern Fredo. Your teacher asked me to help you study"
"Thank you Sir Vern"
"But let me tell you something beforehand, if you're not serious, I'm leaving. I don't want to waste energy on someone who doesn't even care."
He said coldy
"No! I really do want to pass and go"
"And why is that?"
'because I'll fucking die!'
"I want to go with my master...all I want is to be with him on his journey"
'to hook him up with girls'
Seeing Vern wasn't fully convinced he quickly added, "to be honest, passing this exam won't automatically make me be able to go with my Master to Exio, but if there's even a chance, I want to do my best."
Because of these thoughts, Ren really did seem sincere and even looked desperate.
In this desolate side of this library, he didn't realize that someone overheard this conversation and quickly escaped.
Vern was satisfied with this.
"Good, now let's start with magical beasts. I'll help you learn the most important parts, so pay attention."
"Thank you!"
At the cafeteria :
Alex, "How come your servant hasn't appeared yet? How lousy of him!"
She still held a grudge because of how Ren insulted her last time
Aria, "my...this is unlike him"
Shin was surprised as well, he'd usually be here by now
Then he remembered how Ren looked a while ago
'was it somehow related to that?'
...
"Nevermind him, let's go find a seat"