Before the arrival of Rita Rossweisse, the S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, another event would take place. It was something Theresa didn't pay much attention to anymore, but for Kiana, it was extremely important and concerned her future—
The makeup exam.
Kiana, who had failed every subject, only needed to retake History thanks to Evan's prior negotiation with Theresa. However, leaping from a zero to a passing grade was still no easy feat, and Kiana was still somewhat nervous inside.
For the first time in a long while, she wasn't woken by her alarm clock but woke up on her own.
"Is Kiana awake already? The makeup exam doesn't start until 9:00 AM. You can sleep a bit longer."
Raiden Mei was the earliest riser as always. Looking at her crisp outfit, she seemed ready to go out for a morning jog to exercise.
"I can't sleep anymore. You go ahead, Mei. Don't worry about me; I'll read for a while longer. I don't have an appetite for breakfast either. I'll just go straight to the exam hall when it's time."
Kiana's words vividly displayed her pre-exam nervousness. Raiden Mei wanted to persuade her to eat, but she seemed to suddenly remember something. She didn't say much more, nodded, and left the residence.
Watching Raiden Mei leave, Kiana stretched, washed up hastily, and then spread out a history book again to review.
Bronya was currently sleeping in because she had played games until very late. For an excellent gamer, pulling an all-nighter to grind was only natural.
Himeko Murata was also sleeping in because she had sneaked over to Evan's place in the middle of the night and only returned at dawn. Fortunately, Kiana hadn't woken up too early, or Himeko would have been very embarrassed.
In the huge residence, only Kiana was working hard, which felt a little lonely. However, ever since the day her father disappeared, Kiana had learned to control her emotions. At this moment, she naturally didn't let a little negativity affect her state and tried her best to review.
Meanwhile, Raiden Mei, who was supposed to be out jogging, took out her phone halfway and sent a text to Evan.
"Awake?"
"Mhm. Good morning, Mei."
Seeing the quick reply, Raiden Mei couldn't help but smile, then called Evan directly.
Previously, she had texted just to confirm if Evan was awake, to avoid disturbing his rest with a sudden call.
On the other side, Evan, who had actually been sleeping but was woken by the text alert because he was in light sleep, couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Really, thanks to the Supply System, my physical constitution has been strengthened in every sense.
Spending far less time sleeping than a normal person allows my body to get full rest, and... cough.
"Is something wrong? Do you want to take a good rest today, Mei, so you want me to help buy groceries? Or buy ready-made breakfast for you? Or do you want me to join you for a morning run? Whatever request it is, I'm ready anytime."
Evan's voice coming through the phone made the smile on Raiden Mei's face grow a few degrees richer.
"It's not about me. It's Kiana. She seems a bit nervous because the exam is coming up. Not only did she get up early, but she doesn't even want to eat breakfast. Can you comfort her?"
"Uh..."
Evan fell into a brief silence due to Raiden Mei's words. It wasn't that he wanted to decline, but rather he was slightly confused—why did Raiden Mei, who was always happy to care for others, entrust this matter to him this time?
Raiden Mei couldn't have had a conflict with Kiana, so what was the reason?
While Evan was pondering, Raiden Mei seemed to sense his thoughts through the silence, or perhaps due to some tacit understanding, she proactively spoke up.
"Giving a girl comfort and support when she's in trouble will greatly increase her affection, you know? Don't you plan to seize this opportunity properly?"
"...Actually, I feel like I've been caring for others so often lately that I've neglected you."
Evan's tone was full of apology.
The facts were indeed as he said. Because of Kiana's exam failure, everyone was thinking of ways to help her, and Evan was naturally no exception. Later, he entered the special virtual reality and met Kallen, then Yae Sakura appeared, followed by Himeko waiting late at night and the conversation with Theresa. Various events had kept Evan somewhat busy, while Raiden Mei had always played the role of caring for others.
Preparing meals and snacks for everyone, giving silently.
Such silent giving made one somewhat overlook her.
Even though this was indeed the truth, hearing Evan's apologetic words, Raiden Mei still laughed out loud, filled with joy and happiness.
"I haven't had any problems, so of course I don't need excessive care. Actually, for me, life at St. Freya Academy is really, really good. I have classmates willing to talk to me, good friends living together, and I can cook for you every day. I'm very satisfied."
"I still hope you can be a bit greedier."
"Greedy requests can be made next time. For now, deal with Kiana's matter first."
"Before that, allow me to ask one last thing. How are you getting along with your Herrscher personality?"
"Her..."
Thinking of what the Herrscher personality had said to her through dreams recently, a few threads of blush appeared on Raiden Mei's fair cheeks. Unfortunately, Evan was talking to her over the phone and couldn't see the beautiful face of the girl sinking into shyness.
"I get along with her very well, so you don't need to worry. Alright, alright, the makeup exam will start soon. Evan, hurry up and help Kiana adjust her mood. If Kiana can pass the makeup exam, I'll feel relieved here too."
Although Evan really wanted to tease Raiden Mei and ask if "relieved" meant she felt truly tired during this time, he remained silent.
He knew clearly that the "relief" Raiden Mei spoke of was a relaxation of mood.
Raiden Mei was worried about Kiana, anxious about what Kiana was anxious about.
This excessive gentleness left Evan unable to say even teasing words to Raiden Mei.
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