After hearing Stella’s words, Via fell into a subtle silence.
She really did have one.
That was her arch-enemy from her previous life, Selina.
No matter what happened, she would never reconcile with Selina.
In her previous life, she had believed Selina’s words and tried to trust humans, only to suffer betrayal from humanity.
In the end, Selina had fought her to the death, and they perished together.
Therefore, in this life, she absolutely wouldn’t repeat the same mistake.
“Via didn’t refute me, so it seems she really does,” Stella was a bit concerned. “What is it?”
“You really want to know that much?”
“Yes, Via, what’s the reason you go so far as to violate the empire’s laws, forge an identity to contact nobles? It’s really intriguing. Since you’re the daughter of the Perfect Saintess, you shouldn’t do these things.”
“To get stronger.”
Via gave her answer.
Actually, this wasn’t something worth hiding.
“Just… that simple?”
Stella seemed a bit surprised.
“I thought there was a deeper reason.”
“If I get stronger, others won’t look down on me. Isn’t that enough?”
“Yeah, even if by any means, to get stronger. Being bullied by others… isn’t a good feeling.”
Stella’s expression became complicated; she acknowledged Via’s idea.
Although there might be hidden motives behind getting stronger, this was indeed an uncontroversial answer.
… Indeed.
After Via and Stella returned to the dorm together, it was already very late.
Even the little yellow cat had curled up in a corner of the living room, found a spot, and was sound asleep.
“Alright, time to sleep. It’s so late, and we have classes tomorrow,” Via said.
“Classes? Will you obediently go to class tomorrow? I investigated, and it seems you’re absent every day usually,” Stella replied.
“… Really bringing up the sore spot,” Via pursed her lips. “Do you usually go to class?”
“No, I’m not a good student. No need to pretend about that, but my grades are always good, so the academy doesn’t really mind me.”
“You’re quite good at humblebragging…”
Via was already considering whether to get good scores in the next assessment.
After all, Anima coming to find fault with her from time to time was quite annoying.
“Anyway, I’m sleepy, planning to sleep.”
“Alright.”
“Good night.”
After throwing out these words, Via walked to her room, opened the door, just stepped in, and heard footsteps behind her.
Turning back, she found the blue-haired girl following, standing behind her, starting to take off her uniform.
“You, you… what are you doing!?”
“What? I’m preparing to sleep.”
Stella said, completely ignoring Via’s opinion, and had already stripped off the Avalon Academy uniform.
“… Hey!”
Via’s cheeks slightly reddened, turning her face away.
She almost saw something she shouldn’t.
“Via, why are you blushing? Aren’t we both girls?”
Stella had already changed into pajamas brought from her luggage.
She deliberately leaned close, looking at the other’s flushed cheeks, and laughed.
“I get it, Via is the type who blushes when seeing other girls’ bodies!”
“Don’t use such weird phrasing!”
“But it’s the truth.”
“You…”
Via really didn’t know how to refute.
She hated this kind of thing the most.
Although in this life, her body had become female, without a doubt, she considered herself a 100% pure macho man.
Her goal was to become a god; women and such were in the way!
“Stella, you haven’t said what you’re doing yet.”
“Oh, I’m going to sleep with you tonight.”
“What?”
Via was a bit unable to accept.
“Why should I sleep with you!”
“You have to ask yourself.”
Stella put her hands on her hips, very dissatisfied.
“Via, you sealed my room, I can’t get in at all. If not here, where do I sleep?”
“Oh, right.”
Via remembered.
The magic workshop she transformed from the next room was originally Mary’s room.
After Stella replaced Mary as roommate, theoretically, Mary’s room should be for Stella.
But, how could that be.
“Via, what did you do in that room?”
“That room, I transformed it into a magic workshop.”
“Magic workshop?” Stella was very surprised. “You actually built a magic workshop by yourself?”
“Otherwise? Where do you think I make mana bombs? It can’t be borrowing Avalon Academy’s magic workshop, right?”
“… How do you have such magical attainments?” Stella already looked at Via with new eyes.
“I don’t need to explain so clearly to you. Anyway, that room really can’t be used!”
Via definitely wouldn’t let outsiders casually enter her magic workshop.
This feeling was just like when you’re intently using the toilet, suddenly someone barges in without a word, opening the door and rushing in.
It was simply awful.
“Stella, can’t you… sleep in the living room?”
“Via, what you’re saying is a bit too much, right? It’s clearly your responsibility, and you want me to suffer?”
… Alright.
Via could only temporarily agree to Stella’s request.
Tonight, she’d make do, and think of a way tomorrow.
“Stella, I can sleep with you for one night, but you have to promise, absolutely no weird things!”
“Weird things, what do you mean?”
“Weird is weird!”
Via didn’t want to talk more; she didn’t have much experience in this area, easy to be led astray.
Late at night.
The room lights were off.
Via was lying on the bed, facing the wall.
“Via, can I switch sides?” In the darkness, a girl’s voice like silver bells sounded.
“No!”
Via immediately refused.
She was indeed on the same bed with Stella now, but the two weren’t sleeping on the same side.
She was facing the headboard, while Stella faced the foot.
To prevent seeing the other, she even slept on her side.
It was caution to the extreme, not showing any flaw, defending tightly—
“Eek!!”
Suddenly, the pink-haired girl let out a yelp, her ears burning.
Probably just now, Via clearly felt her foot being touched.
“What are you doing!?”
“Ah?”
“You just deliberately touched my… don’t play dumb!” Via angrily sat up, glaring at Stella.
“I just accidentally touched when turning over. Via, you’re so weird, why such a big reaction?”
Stella’s words carried a faint amusement.
This made Via very unhappy.
“No getting handsy!”
“Okay, okay, then I’ll be careful, next time touch besides hands and feet—”
“Hm?!”
“Via, good night.”