“Hmm…”

In the library, one of the many facilities at the Forrent Academy.

If she were to rise up onto her tiptoe as best as she could, then Lithia might be able to reach it. However, there was no guarantee none of other books wouldn’t fall in the process. After looking around, she couldn’t find anything that could serve as a foothold either. When Lithia glanced at the receptionist, he averted her eyes as if he’d seen something horrendous.

…It’s useless.

After all, behind her was the spirit of the Headless Horseman. Upon remembering Geo’s outrageous theory from yesterday, she was somehow able to calm down.

“Is it this one?”

“Eh? Oh, Geo! T-thank you…”

…Speak of the Devil.

Just as she thought that, the real thing appeared behind her—

—of course, she wasn’t referring to the Headless Horseman.

Geo pulled out the, “You can do it Even if you Have Zero Talent! Beginner-level Wind Magic Tips!” book and held it out to her.

“Did Geo come to borrow a book, too?”

“That’s right, and I’ve already found mine. Is this the only book you’re looking for, Lithia? If there’s more, why don’t we search for them together? If not, why don’t we return to the dormitory together?”

“No, I only need this one. Sure, let’s.”

For some time now, the receptionist had been avoiding making eye contact with her, so the prospect of borrowing a book was rather depressing. But now that Geo was there, it should be fine.

“By the way, since you’re borrowing this book, can Lithia use wind magic?”

“No, actually, it’s the opposite. I can’t use wind magic. However, I have to be able to do it for exam three days from now. Therefore, I’d like to practice.”

“…Three days from now? Moreover, on your own? Will you be alright?”

“Yes, I’ll be fi—…” When she attempted to accept the thick and heavy book, an arm extended from the side and took the book from her. “…No, I don’t think so, honestly.”

“I guess that’s understandable. Not even aristocrats can simply use elements that don’t agree with them.”

Geo probably took it back after seeing how burdened Lithia was. He placed her book atop his own.

“C-certainly, well, that’s true… But the teacher told me that for the exam, I have to be able to do it…”

As her hands fell down beside her, Lithia found herself speaking her mind.

Somehow, it had become natural for her to think that she didn’t have to put up a front before that man—

—and that she could rely on him.

“What an irresponsible teacher. Why would they give a student such a hard time?”

To expect someone to be able to use the element that they weren’t compatible with in just three or four days… It was plain nonsensical. Usually, when a student couldn’t use a certain element, they could just supplement it with class lectures, making practical skills unnecessary.

“…There were others who can’t either, but I’m the only one being given a practical exam.”

“What—!?”

While other students who weren’t unable to use wind magic were given the written test, Lithia alone had to do a practical exam. Moreover, for some reason, the teacher also added:

“If this were His Highness the Crown Prince, a beginner spell like this would be child’s play. He has already mastered wind magic.”

Why should she be compared to the prince of the country? But when she argued that, the teacher only glared at her. Terrified, she had no choice but to back down.

“Maybe, the teacher was trying to set an example, a warning to those who don’t excel at with practical skills to not slack off on the written test.”

In short, Lithia was the unlucky scapegoat. And in that way, her being an “unlucky child” made it more likely that she would be chosen.

“It doesn’t make it less horrible. Like I said, the teacher is irresponsible. He can’t teach without sacrificing one of his students.”

Still, she could live with that. After all, finally, there was someone who’d be angry for her sake. Usually, she’d have to take it lying down.

“Is there anything I can do to help? I can’t use anything other than light element, so I can’t teach you, but…”

“Are you sure? Alright…”

Generally speaking, she should’ve asked someone who excelled at wind magic to teach her. After all, there was no point in asking someone who couldn’t do it.

However, to Lithia, Geo’s offer to help was the best thing that could ever happen.

“…I want you to stay with me.”

“Huh?”

“I-it’s lonely practicing alone, so I want you to stay by my side…”

“Oh, that’s fine! I’ll stay with you for as long as you want!”

No matter what kind of outrageous things she encountered. No matter how difficult it was. No matter how depressed she was—

—as long as Geo was by her side, she’d be fine.

“We don’t have much time until the exam. From today onwards, I’ll accompany you. Can we meet in the dormitory courtyard after we put our bags away?”

“Sure!”

Until just a moment ago, she had mixed feelings about practicing, but upon thinking that Geo would be there for her, she no longer felt that way.

“That’s right, why don’t we sing while we’re at it? We won’t feel lonely that way.”

“Uhm, let’s not?”

“Okay.”

She didn’t even need a song—because Geo alone was enough.

“Although, in case you get bored, why don’t you bring a book or something? Come to think of it, isn’t Geo borrowing a book as well?”

“I am, but I doubt I’d get bored watching Lithia? Should I bring this book just in case?”

Geo shifted his book on top of Lithia’s. However, the title that was written in fine, silver letters on top of a glossy black cover, was difficult to read.

“What book did you borrow?”

“It’s similar to Lithia’s. After all, I also wish to be able to wield other elements…”

“What element? If it’s water or earth, then I can teach you…”

Lithia stiffened as she paused to read the title.

…The jumbled words read: “You can do it Even if you Have Zero Supernatural Senses! Beginner-level Exorcism Complete Series!”

“While it may not be able to offer anything other than comfort, I hope that I can be of some help to you.”

“…So, you’re still keeping that ghost theory alive?”

Somehow, even though there was no ghost to begin with, she felt like Geo would really be able to perform an exorcism.

“Let’s do our best together, Lithia!”

“O, of course…”

In order to put a stop to that theory, would she need to disprove the existence of supernatural beings?

---

***T/N: What if I’m translating a horror all along…?

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