“Did you want to punish them yourself?”

While we were busy, the sun had already set. The group split up for the day and Anita went back to the dormitory because of the curfew. As for me… Curfew? Me…? What is that even?

So, out of frustration, I decided to hangout with Eivind on the roof of the empty school building. To make up for the dinner I missed, I ate ice cream. By the way, Eivind seemed to have stocked up on my favorite ice cream in the refrigerator of his laboratory.

That’s real dedication right there.

I answered his question while eating ice cream.

“Hm, I was so annoyed that I wanted to look for them and do just that… But then I’d get punished too, so no thanks.”

“I know that. The best way to protest this kind of misbehavior is to do so through adults, law, and authority to ensure fairness, despite how unsatisfying the aftermath might feel.”

“Anita seemed accustomed to this kind of thing.”

Eivind replied while biting his ice cream.

“While she hails from a count family, she’s undeniable a noble lady of esteemed standing. Although her current focus is magic, if she gets serious, I’m sure she can make a name for herself in the social circles.”

“Hmm, that be difficult…”

After all, she wants to become a magician so much that she cried.

Because Anita wasn’t here, I inquired further.

“Mr. Next Sage, is there truly no possibility of you recommending her?”

“As it is, I can’t really grasp the extent of her ability. She does have potential, though. I think that she’ll be happier in the social circles rather than burning herself out trying to get into the Royal Institute of Magic.”

“Just because you are the future sage of the modern era, do you think you can decide what makes others happy?”

When I narrowed my eyes at him, Eivind shrugged while biting the now clean ice stick.

“Now, now, before you point at others, do you think recommending someone is that simple? By recommending her, it means that she’ll become my responsibility once she joins. I’ve started talking to Ms. Heige a bit lately, but that’s it. I’m not a philanthropist.”

“Hmm.”

I’m now certain that this isn’t an easy subject matter for him.

If that was the case, it’d probably depend on Anita’s efforts over this year. All I can do is help her. As I took the last bite of my ice cream, Eivind leaned back against the fence and looked at me.

“More importantly, try singing the song you were supposed to sing today.”

“Eh?”

“Sing as a payment for this ice cream.”

“What if you get cursed?”

“I was also involved in the investigation the other day. There’s no such thing.”

“…This ice cream sure is expensive.”

With a laugh, I took a deep breath.

I learned many things from the club members. How to breathe. How to hold up my chest. How to extend my voice when I sang.

They taught me even though I was easily replaceable. Moreover, considering that I was a senior, they must’ve struggled with me.

…Despite my stubbornness in getting them to let me participate, they were very kind to me.

—I wanted to sing with everyone…

After I finished singing the song I was supposed to sing today, Eivind applauded.

“Great job. You’ve improved from last time. As expected of the rare genius, Nora Noz.”

“So you believe that I’m Nora Noz.”

“Why wouldn’t I trust the woman I’m fascinated with?”

“As a research subject?”

The Incorrigible Villainess who was sealed away 800 years ago had possessed a mediocre girl of the present day.

It was an event that’d garner interest from all sides. On top of the ancient seal, there was also the possession phenomenon.

Personally, I’m not sure why some are greatly distressed by possession, a paranormal phenomenon.

Even in the magical research from 800 years ago, the idea of assuming control over another person’s body was forbidden.

Hence, the fact that I managed to do just that proved that I was indeed the Incorrigible Villainess.

Eivind scoffed at me as I averted my gaze.

“As a researcher, I can’t fully deny that. But even if you hadn’t been the Incorrigible Villainess, I’d still be interested in you. I always had penchant for strong women, you see. Unfortunately, there’s no woman stronger than me… Just when I was feeling lonely, I saw a young lady who wouldn’t stop laughing no matter how many times she was pushed down the stairs.”

I burst out laughing at the nostalgic story.

“When you put it that way, it sounds like a horror story.”

“Certainly, you rarely see such interesting sights.”

“If I were to experience the same thing again, I wonder if I’d still be able to laugh.”

After a month, I got accustomed to the reality of having a physical body.

Because of that, I got a bit scared.

Once the promised day arrived, I…

“Well then, I guess I’ll just remind you. [Cecily Gardner] is still alive inside of me.”

Taking a step closer towards him, I lifted his handsome face with my fingertips.

“—So there’s no point in falling in love with me. I’ll be gone in a year.”

I brushed away my hair and left Eivind who was in shock.

“Thank you for listening to my song.”

He muttered something, but I didn’t look back.

***

The next day.

“Cecily, let’s have a study session for the first time in a while—”

“Sorry! What if we start tomorrow?”

When I clasped my hands in front of Anita, she rolled her eyes.

“I don’t mind, but… Isn’t the theatre club closed today?”

“That’s right. So I thought I’d try some other club activity today.”

“You’re about to join another club!?”

There were five days of classes in a week. During that time, I spent two days in the theatre club, two days studying with Anita, and the rest of the week just for her.

[Are you really going to join…?]

Of course, I think this is the best club for honing your talent.

Thus, I opened the door of a certain empty classroom.

Inside was the bespectacled manager with whom I’d spoken to that morning. He welcomed me in an exaggerated manner.

“Welcome to the Magic Analysis Club!”

I’d never forget the contract we swore with our pinky promise.

In a year, I’d return this body to [Cecily Travasta] in the best possible condition.

And then, [Nora Noz] would die.

---

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***T/N: Man I’m sure I’d cry at the end of this story. I hope you guys will accompany me.

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