Why Did I Have to Enroll - Chapter 132

Lesson 27: Mock Constellation Battle - 2

Although it was called a “Mock Constellation Tournament,” the first session was nothing more than adapting to the space created by the orb in isolation. Most students left the classroom with exhausted faces, having overused their mana and mental strength.

Ban Yu-won, too, staggered out with a pale face, clutching his throbbing head.

“Ugh, my head’s going to explode.”

“Yu-won, are you okay? Do you want to lean on me for a bit?”

“Ah, Luciel. Mira too… thank you both.”

“Sure.”

“I thought you’d adapt easily… you both seem quite natural.”

In contrast, Dokgo Yeon looked relaxed, watching Luciel and Mira subtly support Ban Yu-won from both sides.

“I adapted quickly, but I tried something a bit different. How about you?”

“I…”

Ban Yu-won couldn’t openly discuss the lecture, so he hesitated to ask directly. Dokgo Yeon, noticing his hesitation, cleared her throat and replied.

“It wasn’t much different from my usual training. The only difference was bringing what I usually envision into reality. It was quite helpful.”

“Phew… I was a mess.”

Light, who had been glaring at Mira clinging to Ban Yu-won’s left side, sighed.

“In that space, my consciousness seemed to loosen. Just preventing the Holy Sword from popping out was a struggle.”

“Even overcoming that must have been good training, right?”

“Now that you mention it, it does seem that way.”

Despite the shock, it was clear that the orb’s space was beneficial to everyone. However, Luciel, who was supporting Ban Yu-won’s right shoulder, seemed dissatisfied.

“Why did they have to call it a Constellation? I don’t like the naming.”

“Well, it’s because the lecture is named after Babylon and the Constellation.”

Having recovered some mental strength, Ban Yu-won tried to lightly push the two away to indicate he could walk on his own. However, they didn’t budge, sticking to him as if waiting for the opportunity.

“Both of you, back off a bit. The class is over, and I need to go whip our club members into shape.”

Even though it had only been a few weeks since he took charge of the club, Ban Yu-won already had the mindset of a passionate trainer, wishing for his PT members to gain strength.

Mira wrapped her arms around his left arm to prevent the trainer from escaping.

“Today’s schedule is set anyway. Let them roll on their own and come hang out with me. You need some rest after the lecture.”

“I agree. Yu-won needs to rest now. You looked really serious just a moment ago.”

Luciel, not wanting to be outdone by Mira, also clung to Ban Yu-won’s arm. He was caught between the two women, unable to move.

Even Dokgo Yeon, who he didn’t expect, chimed in.

“Sometimes it’s okay. Lately, I’ve thought you’re moving too busily.”

And with that, she betrayed him.

“I’ll check out the special training room. I won’t teach them the sword, but I’ll make sure they’re swinging it as you instructed.”

“Dokgo Yeon, you…”

“I’m going with you guys. I don’t know where you’ll take Ban…”

And so, with Dokgo Yeon opting out, Light joined the four of them for an outing. It was nothing more than a light stroll through Ronica’s shopping district and sitting at a secluded table in a café Ketra had recommended, sipping coffee.

“Finally, they’re gone.”

Luciel murmured quietly as she accepted her coffee. The others tilted their heads, not understanding what she meant, so she gave a wry smile and answered.

“The Student Council Vice President.”

“Was he following us all this time?”

It seemed Mira was unaware as well. Although Mira was stronger, and Ban Yu-won prided himself on his senses, Luciel’s perception was more precise than theirs.

“He kept a considerable distance. He seemed wary of me getting closer to Mira. Is there some restriction?”

“Yes, a restriction. The Student Council President—Shati—put it in place. The Evil Ones are adept at magic related to contracts and restrictions. The Geass that Woo Hyeol-rin from the third year handles is similar to the magic the president manipulates.”

Ban Yu-won was impressed by the president’s thorough aftercare. Was that why she was so confident? It bothered him a bit that she hadn’t mentioned this method at the time, but he was grateful that Ketra was neatly resolved.

“When we left the classroom, he was staring so blatantly that I thought I’d show off a bit.”

“No wonder you were clinging so closely earlier.”

“Considering he followed us this far, it must have been quite effective, don’t you think?”

Mira took a sip of her café mocha with a delighted expression, then leaned back against the chair’s cushion with a satisfied, languid look. In that moment, she seemed every bit the villainess.

“Do you think that senior might harbor ill will towards us?”

Light asked with a sullen expression.

“He might become obsessed with you and try to do something bad to us. What will you do then, senior? I’ve heard he owes Ban a lot, but wouldn’t it be a problem if he causes trouble instead?”

“Ketra senior? Pfft. That would never happen.”

Mira squinted her eyes as if she’d heard something amusing.

“Ketra senior joined the Student Council to elevate his evaluation. He values others’ opinions and evaluations.”

“He didn’t seem like someone lacking confidence.”

“On the contrary, he works hard to gain confidence and stay in a position where he can be liked by everyone. That’s why he follows the Student Council President’s orders without a word, and he wouldn’t dare commit a crime. He’s afraid of the critical gaze that would result.”

Light still seemed confused, but Ban Yu-won recalled Ketra’s face during their first meeting, when he maintained a likable demeanor, and nodded in understanding.

“Maybe he’s pretending to have regrets and approaching me because I clearly told him ‘no.’ He’s the type who can’t accept being disliked and wants to be liked by everyone. Now that you’ve heard this, you can rest easy, right?”

“Hmm…”

Ketra’s image had inadvertently been reinforced. However, it overlapped remarkably with Ban Yu-won’s initial impression of him, so he was convinced.

“I don’t like it. I prefer someone who pulls me in strongly, regardless of my will. Someone who takes everything from me intensely, like—”

“I get what you’re trying to say, but if someone overhears, they’ll think I’m a criminal, so please stop.”

Ban Yu-won couldn’t withstand Mira’s intense gaze and turned his head away. Mira chuckled at his reaction and set her coffee cup down, suddenly changing her expression.

“And you two, I think your senses are a bit dulled, so let me tell you.”

“Huh?”

“No matter how much regret there is, there are no crazy people in the academy who commit crimes over love issues. Getting into Union Academy is tough, so who would risk getting expelled over something like that?”

Now that she mentioned it, that was true!

There was the crazy guy Ortima, who moved dimension pirates to get Dokgo Yeon, but that was only because he had the incredible backing of the Ten Great Families. Normally, people wouldn’t go that far!

But did Mira realize?

That her words were coming back to poke her in the back…!

“Staring won’t help. I’ve forgotten everything before I met you. The me before meeting you and the me now are separate. The contract said so, right?”

“That’s a convenient excuse.”

Ban Yu-won sighed and took a sip of his tea. But to Mira, it wasn’t an excuse; it was her sincere truth.

“Yeah… Haha. Still, it’s nice to sit and chat like this.”

Luciel, who had been quietly drinking her coffee, suddenly smiled.

“I’ve been wanting to sit down and have a heartfelt conversation with Mira senior.”

“Yeah, I feel the same way.”

Mira’s violet eyes sparkled. Ban Yu-won tensed, unsure of what would come next, but the conversation took an unexpected turn.

“Everything I heard today was helpful. I understand how Mira senior feels about Yu-won.”

“I can tell you’re naturally in a position to protect Yu-won. You noticed his condition before I did today…”

Mira and Luciel locked eyes in the air. Though they often seemed competitive, there was no sign of hostility now. Eventually…

“Can I call you Luciel?”

“Then can I call you Mira unnie?”

“Sure, let’s be friends. Feel free to speak informally.”

“Yeah. Nice to meet you, unnie.”

…Huh?

Why do they suddenly seem like they’re getting along?

Even Light, who was sipping hot milk beside them, widened his eyes, indicating it wasn’t just Ban Yu-won’s imagination.

“Is this the world of women…?”

“Don’t ask me, Ban. But I don’t feel good about this.”

As if forming an alliance or a fair competition agreement, the two exchanged smiles and shook hands.

“Regardless of the order you set, I’m Ban’s best friend! That’s for sure!”

“…What’s with him?”

“Idiot.”

“Luciel, did you just call me an idiot?!”

Mira nodded as Light pouted.

“Yeah, we don’t need to worry about him.”

“Isn’t your treatment of him a bit harsh?”

Fortunately, Ban Yu-won made a fruit latte by adding some herbal jam to Light’s milk, which quickly lifted Light’s spirits.

“So, Yu-won, why were you so exhausted after today’s lecture?”

“Oh, that was—”

The four of them continued to chat about the “Mock Constellation Tournament” and successfully bonded. It was a great gathering, though Dokgo Yeon’s absence was felt.

*

“Run.”

Dokgo Yeon’s icy voice was met with a brave retort from a stone.

“But Ban Yu-won isn’t even here right now!”

“So you won’t do it?”

“No, I’ll do it…”

And he was immediately crushed.

“What’s with her? She was scary before, but today she seems even more upset.”

“Why is she the only one here today? I wanted to impress Yu-won and earn some points, but this is annoying—”

“I need to rest even when the camera’s not rolling to keep up. Our Yu-won is really tough…”

Without Ban Yu-won, who usually monopolized the seniors’ attention and love, the club members seemed a bit unfocused in their training.

“Come out, it’s sparring time.”

“What?! We just did that!”

“You seem to have energy left, so I’ll take you on. Or do you not want to?”

“N-no! I’ll do it!”

Everyone became meek lambs before Dokgo Yeon.

“You’re working hard alone. Did everyone leave you to play?”

“Hmph.”

The only senior present who had contracted with a Constellation, Woo Hyeol-rin, cheerfully approached Dokgo Yeon despite having been beaten by her before.

“I know you attend the same lecture. Didn’t you see them?”

“I saw them together, but I didn’t eavesdrop. It seems the publicity director went with them…”

“Yes.”

“How did the publicity director become close with Ban Yu-won? I’m curious about where the difference lies.”

Woo Hyeol-rin had subtly revealed his good feelings towards Mira during a previous sparring session with Ban Yu-won. It seemed he had cleanly given up now, but he was expressing a bit of lingering attachment in her absence.

“It’s their personal matter, so I don’t know. Even if I did, I couldn’t say.”

“Sorry, I must have been rude. It’s natural for you not to know their personal affairs.”

“…”

Dokgo Yeon watched Woo Hyeol-rin walk away without hesitation, then called him back.

“Do you ever find yourself disliked by people around you for no reason?”

“Huh? No way. I pay a lot of attention to my image.”

“Is that so? Then remember this from today.”

Dokgo Yeon drew her wooden sword and said,

“I dislike you for no reason. I don’t like the way you talk, so you’ll have to be careful with your words in front of me from now on… Now, let’s spar.”

“W-wait, you’re just saying you want to hit me, right? What did I do—”

—Thwack, thud! Thump!

Dokgo Yeon beat Woo Hyeol-rin under the guise of sparring, finally relieving some of her pent-up frustration.