Dark History (2)
***
While Sivar was enjoying his time at his residence, each team focused on the final exam.
First, the team where Luna is the leader. Although Luna is the team leader, the overall planning is done by Grace.
Luna admitted she wasn’t good at strategy and tactics and welcomed any good plans.
“We have two options. Either capture the castle first or gradually collect weapons.”
Grace informed the team members of the overall plan.
The main base functioned as both a supply station and a command post.
The large table with a map spread out made it easy to share plans, and various tools were also available.
“But the most urgent task is to understand the terrain and identify the next target. Although supplies are expected, we don’t know in what form.”
“Then it’s best to organize a reconnaissance team to survey the surroundings first.”
“Yes. We need to understand each area and identify what’s there.”
Unlike the midterm exam, this final exam had a severe lack of preliminary information.
Professors provided abundant information for the midterm, but this time, it was mostly vague.
planning a headache.
As a result, strategy took precedence over tactics. Grace was well aware of this.
“Las ambushed if we search recklessly.”
Surprisingly, Grace didn’t plan to search for Sivar immediately.
Despite any personal desires, she assessed the overall situation objectively.
After discussing various opinions with the team, they divided into squads.
The 15 members were divided into 4/4/4/3, with the three-member squad being the command team.
The command team consisted of Grace, Luna, and Lee Yeonju, while the others formed reconnaissance and combat squads.
‘Thankfully, there seem to be no complaints.’
The team had no issues with Grace’s squad assignments and plans.
Grace was, after all, a duke’s daughter with natural charisma and authority.
Moreover, Luna naturally being in the same squad as Grace left no room for complaints.
“Are you sure this is okay? It’d be troublesome if the other team finds Sivar first.”
While surveying the surroundings, Luna voiced her concern. Her voice held a hint of worry.
Unbeknownst to Grace, Sivar’s strength was more than that of a decisive weapon. He could change the course of the exam alone.
Though Luna lacked command ability, she knew Sivar well enough to voice her opinion.
“Don’t worry. Even if the other side finds him first, Sivar won’t make a contract right away.”
“On what basis?”
Luna’s curiosity grew at Grace’s confident reply. Lee Yeonju, her close friend, was equally curious.
Grace, casually sketching the landscape on a small piece of paper, answered.
“Because we haven’t arrived yet. Sivar would know we’re coming, so he’d likely hold off on the other team’s contract. In this exam, Sivar holds absolute power.”
“Oh, I see. So our team must arrive for the contract to be finalized.”
“Exactly.”
Grace nodded at Yeonju’s words. Luna seemed to understand as well.
As Grace said, Sivar had absolute control in this exam. He could make or break the outcome.
Of course, Sivar wouldn’t give such commands due to his nature, so they’d have to coax him gently.
“So, what’s our proposal? That’s the most important part.”
Grace hesitated momentarily at Luna’s question, her neck slowly turning red.
She managed to suppress it from reaching her face, but her pale skin made it slightly noticeable.
Grace closed her notebook, where she had been recording the landscape, and cleared her throat. Her neck was still red.
“Ahem. I’ll explain later. First, we need to locate Sivar, then I’ll personally approach him with the contract. Just know it’s a proposal Sivar will like.”
“Can’t you give us a little hint? I even gave you advice before.”
Curiosity got the better of Luna. Kara already knew what Sivar liked, so hearing Grace had a secret plan made her more curious.
With Lee Yeonju listening, it wasn’t a big deal. They were on the same team and both female.
Grace, uncomfortable with keeping the secret entirely, hesitated briefly.
“Um… sorry, but can I use a metaphor? It’s embarrassing to say directly…”
“More embarrassing than hugging Sivar?”
“…Hugging Sivar?”
Luna’s casual revelation caused chaos. Lee Yeonju’s eyes widened in surprise.
Her face clearly asked what was going on.
Luna, oblivious to any issue, continued with her usual calm demeanor.
“Yes. You know Sivar likes hugging, probably because he lived in the wild.”
“Oh… that makes sense. I’ve heard that hugs are a cure for loneliness.”
Lee Yeonju quickly accepted the explanation. It wasn’t a big deal to her.
“And the maternal instinct…”
“Let’s stop there. We’re wasting time.”
Before Luna could reveal more, Grace hurriedly interrupted.
Any more might deepen Yeonju’s misunderstanding.
“If you’re that curious, I’ll tell you. But it’s embarrassing, so I’ll use a metaphor, okay?”
“I don’t mind.”
“Me neither.”
“Alright, here it is…”
Grace paused again, her almost subdued blush resurfacing.
She struggled to suppress it but couldn’t. She finally spoke.
“Something sweeter than candy and softer than cake! That’s what I’m offering!”
“Sweeter than candy and softer than cake? Does such a thing exist?”
“Is it part of the supplies?”
Both Luna and Yeonju showed confusion at the metaphor.
Meanwhile, Grace rubbed her flushed face, trying to calm down.
“Whew… it’s not from the supplies. I read about it in a book.”
“Which book?”
“…”
Unlike Luna, Yeonju didn’t press. She had a good idea of what book it might be.
As Grace’s close friend, Yeonju knew her tastes well.
During the attempted assault incident, Yeonju had given Grace a storybook. So this was likely from another storybook.
“Sorry, but I can’t say.”
“Um… it’s definitely edible, right?”
“…”
Luna could be sharp at times, even if she spoke without much thought.
Grace, unable to respond to Luna’s question, quickly opened her mouth.
“It’s not food! But it’s something anyone can give! Not just me, anyone!”
“Oh. Then I’ll help. The more, the better, right?”
Luna genuinely wanted to help, without any ulterior motive.
But Grace’s reaction was strange. She had been embarrassed, but now she suddenly looked stern.
Her charismatic presence made Luna flinch. Had she crossed a line out of curiosity?
“Luna.”
“…Yes?”
“This is something I need to do alone. I don’t need your help.”
“…If that’s the case.”
Luna wondered what kind of contract made Grace so rigid. She’d have to find out later.
As Luna pondered the contract’s nature, Lee Yeonju, deep in thought, cautiously asked.
“…Grace?”
“Go ahead.”
“You don’t mean… it’s what I think, right? The thing from those books…”
Yeonju referred to storybooks, which often featured a certain scene.
Grace’s face reddened slightly, possibly recalling that scene. She tried to remain composed.
“I think it’s valuable. They wouldn’t have thought of it.”
“But what if strange rumors spread…”
“It’s okay. As long as we do well in the exam, it’s worth it.”
Outwardly, it was for the exam. But Grace’s true intentions were different.
‘After the exam, rumors will spread, and it’ll impact the freshman party. High-ranking officials will attend, so I can proudly introduce Sivar. That’s when I’ll make my move.’
Grace’s ‘strategy’ extended beyond the final exam.
***
[Faith has increased!]
While listening to music, my faith increased.
I wasn’t surprised since it kept increasing even when I did nothing.
“Hmm~ hmm. Hmm.”
For now, I decided to relax.
End of Chapter
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