“…This isn’t working.”

“I can’t do it, either. I doubt I’ll even be able to exorcise lower-level spirits like this…”

“…In your case, how would you determine if it’s a success or failure? In the first place, what’d even constitute as a success?”

In the courtyard between the dormitories for boys and the girls…

While experimenting with a book as a reference, Lithia—who was unable to cast a single wind spell—dejectedly slumped her shoulders. Geo didn’t seem to be doing very well either, as could be seen from his gloomy expression as he held the book in one hand.

“…I mean, it’s not like you can see spirits? So even if you succeeded in exorcising one—”

“—I see! I might’ve succeeded without knowing it!”

“How optimistic.”

Again, when Geo declared it in such a way, she felt almost convinced. Although, if he did possess a sixth sense, he’d might see that the place was as cleansed as a church. Although, perhaps even then, he’d still blame that male student?

“More importantly, how are the things on your end, Lithia? Isn’t the exam tomorrow?”

“Well, that’s right… Uhm…”

It’d been three days since they started practicing magic and exorcism together in the courtyard after school. Neither of them showed any signs of progress. Leaving Geo aside, tomorrow was Lithia’s deadline.

“Has the teacher said anything? At the very least, he should’ve given you some kind of advice…”

“No, not really. Far from that, the teacher stressed to me about how skilled His Highness is at wind magic. In fact, today, I was stopped on my way home just for that.”

“…Is he trying to demoralize you? What an irresponsible teacher.”

From the day she was told to practice wind magic, she’d be stopped by the teacher. Then, said teacher would gloat about how superb Prince Andrew Lafizard—the best wind magic user in the country—was. Lithia was somewhat fed up with it. Apparently, the prince wasn’t only talented at wind magic, but had also been spending his time studying in the library for exams recently.

“—Do you understand what I’m getting at?” The teacher emphasized.

…Even if she did, she doubted that’d help her learn wind magic.

“I’m sorry I can’t be of any help…”

“No, that’s not true. I’m glad to have you beside me as I practice.”

Geo lamented his lack of capability, but to Lithia, Geo was much more dependable than that irresponsible teacher.

After all, rather than a teacher who kept boasting about how excellent his student was, she much preferred to have Geo by her side.

“In the worst-case scenario, I can just fail the wind magic class. Besides, it doesn’t seem like I’ll be failing the dance class, so I doubt that I won’t advance to the next grade.”

Lithia no longer cared about the wind magic class. It’d be troublesome if she didn’t pass due to lacking credits, but as long as she could, then there was no reason to dwell on it. If there was anything she had learned over the last three days, then it was her incompatibility with the wind element. Even if she did pass the exam somehow, there was no saying that the teacher’s next assignment wouldn’t be as outrageous—if not more.

“If you fail tomorrow, let’s consult the principal about taking the written exam like other students. I’ll accompany you.”

“Thank you. Then, if I have to take the written exam, will you accompany me with my studies again?”

“Of course.”

…Still, even if she were subjected to an outrageous demand again, as long as Geo was there with her, she’d surely be able to do her best.

“By that time, I should be able to use an intermediate exorcism skill…”

“Uh, do your best?”

Before she knew it, the number of Geo’s books had increased. Did he borrow a new one today? The number of books with familiar, glossy black covers had increased.

…What if he actually does master the craft?

Somehow, that’d be a more believable turn than Lithia learning wind magic.

◆◆◆

“There weren’t any messages from Lithia Album today, either…?”

“That’s right… I’m sorry, she didn’t say anything in particular. However, I was been rather straightforward with her today, so I’m sure she’ll come to consult His Highness, soon…”

“Well, she hasn’t. Why did you have to make it an assignment instead of a supplementary lesson?”

In the school corridor, the teacher in charge of the wind magic class vigorously bowed to the sullen prince.

“At the same time, Lithia Album is unlikely to complete the task… As such, she should be quite troubled by now.”

“…Hmph. Well, she might come soon. If she asks where I am, tell her that I’m still studying in the library.”

“U-understood.”

Relieved that there was no further reprimand, the teacher bowed once again.

“Phew…”

Then, after the prince’s footsteps had vanished, he reverted to his original demeanor.

“…His Highness is as dishonest as always, but Lithia Album is more troublesome in a sense that she’s too dense.”

Despite all the arrangements, Lithia showed no sign of even considering consulting the crown prince.

To be frank, contrary to what he said to the prince, the teacher didn’t think that Lithia would go see Andrew at that hour and exhaled deeply.

It couldn’t be helped. After all, Lithia herself thought that the prince disdained her.

…Still, did she truly not notice—?

The prince gave her such special treatment! Whenever she did as much as spoke to another man, the prince would get so jealous. He’d ceaselessly glare at the male counterpart…

“Good grief, when will she get the hint…?”

Unaware of the happiness that was right in front of her, the girl remained unhappy. Sincerely believing that the prince despised her, she lamented on. …Even though she had the chance to be happier than anyone else.

Nevertheless, the teacher shrugged his shoulders. It wouldn’t be right for him to divulge the crown prince’s true feelings on his behalf.

---

E/N: What if the prince is actually being so immature due to being haunted by a spirit and Geo exorcises it??

***T/N: A tsun-ghost that has forgotten how to dere and instead became an as*hole!

Enlighten me, Teach! How’d staying with someone who actively berated her for 6 whole years would make her happy? If anything, he’ll serve as a constant reminder to those excruciating times!

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