“…Mana Exhaustion, huh… What the hell was he doing?”

A voice echoed through my foggy mind.

Everything felt blurry.

My head was a mess.

I couldn’t feel my body at all.

Just a heavy weight, like I was floating in some kind of haze.

Dammit…

I really hated this feeling—mana exhaustion always hit harder than I expected.

It wasn’t just my body that felt drained; my mind was fuzzy, too.

“Ugh…”

I swore to myself, never again.

I wasn’t touching that spell unless I had no other choice.

“This is surprising… I never thought he’d actually get mana exhaustion,” one voice said, sounding surprised.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s really good at controlling his mana.”

“Right? I thought the same thing. Funny enough, it was a small bird that caught my attention and led me to the training field.”

“…If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have been able to bring him here.”

“Wait, really? You think it was his pet or something?”

“Hahaha, no way, right? He’s always so cold and distant. A cute little animal like that? Wasn’t it a Shima Enaga? One of those fluffy little birds?”

…A bird?

Wait a second.

Did Lumi turn into that bird?

I have to do something nice for her later.

Maybe take her out for a big meal.

She’s a glutton after all.

And, well… I guess I could invite Alaine and Chaerin, too.

“Agh…”

A small groan escaped my lips.

“Oh? Is he waking up?”

“Already? It hasn’t been that long since he passed out, has it?”

“Well, he is the strongest student for a reason.”

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking a few times to clear my vision.

Two figures came into focus.

Maya… and Iris.

I guess Iris was the one who healed me.

She was a priest, after all.

“Fuck…”

I mumbled, trying to lift my upper body, but the pain hit me like a freight train.

“Wait, stay still!” Iris’s hand reached out to me and gently pressed me against the bed, by back was against.

“Wait, stay still!” Iris said quickly, her hand gently pressing me back down.

“You just experienced severe mana exhaustion. Don’t move too much.”

“Hmph, hmph!” Maya from her side nodded.

I groaned but didn’t argue.

“Thanks.”

“You’re very much welcome!”

Maya replied cheerfully.

“It’s okay,” Iris added with a gentle smile. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

They seemed a little too friendly, almost as if they were trying too hard to make sure I was okay.

I blinked up at them.

“How long was I out?”

Maya thought for a moment before answering. “

Maybe about four hours or so?”

“Four hours…”

I had been out for that long?

That was… unexpected.

“By the way, Aestrea…”

Iris suddenly called out my name, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“We’re about to start the final exams of the semester… Have you already gathered enough people for the first exam group?”

Huh.

Final exams?

When did that happen?

Wait…

Doesn’t that mean that the semester is about to end?

That means…!

I can finally go back to Silverleaf!

GREAT!

“Wait… group?”

My brain finally caught up to what she was saying.

“Yeah,” Iris nodded.

“The first exam is a ‘Group Survival’ challenge. All of us will be transported to a deserted island, and we’ll have to survive there.”

My eyes widened as the words sank in.

‘A deserted island?’

“I think it was suggested by Instructor Zeva or something,” she added, almost casually.

That bitch…

“That aside,” Iris continued.

“Each student has to be in a group of five or more. So, did you already gather enough members for your group?” She asked again, her voice a bit more serious now.

Fuck.

I hadn’t even known about this, and I was definitely not prepared for it.

Besides, I’m literally a loner in this academy!

“Can we bring our servants or something…?” I asked, already knowing the answer, but hoping there might be some loophole.

“Nope,” Iris shook her head. “Some servants specialize in survival, so they’re not allowed. Same goes for pets.”

Of course.

I couldn’t bring Chaerin or Alaine with me, which meant…

I’m fucked.

Fuck, fuck, fuck…!

Let’s see…

Me, Violet and…

And…

Fuck.

Christina?

Maybe…

She’s also an exchange student, so probably.

There are three, now… two more.

Damn it.

“Shit…!”

I cursed under my breath.

This was going to be a mess.

“Hahaha!” Maya giggled at the frustration written all over my face.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no,'” Iris said, smiling while covering her mouth.

“So, instead…” She paused for a moment, then her smile turned a bit mischievous.

“How about joining our group?”

“Huh?”

“You heard me,” Iris said, still smiling.

“You can join us. Maya and I already have enough people, but the more the merrier, right? So, how about it?”

Joining their group, huh…

I guess I don’t have a choice anyways.

“Sure.”

Both Iris and Maya laughed, clearly relieved that I agreed.

“Don’t worry,” Maya said, grinning.

“We’ll make sure you don’t do all the work.”

“Thanks… I guess.”

This was going to be interesting, that’s for sure.

“Great!” Iris beamed.

“You won’t regret it, Aestrea.”

Yeah, well…

I hoped I wouldn’t.

“Also, when exactly is the first exam happening, anyway?”

I asked curiously.

“Mhm?” Iris raised an eyebrow, clearly a bit surprised by my question.

“I think… the day after tomorrow,” she said after a pause.

“Already?!” I practically shouted, completely caught off guard.

I couldn’t believe it.

How had I missed that?

“Hah…” Iris chuckled softly.

“You must’ve been so focused on your training that you lost track of time.” Maya joined in, laughing too, but she looked at me a bit wryly.

“…I guess…”

It seems that I don’t have a lot of time.

So, tomorrow, I might as well take time to make a small family trip.

I sighed inwardly.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“Papa… where are we going?” Chaerin asked timidly, her little hand tugging at my sleeve as we walked through the busy streets of the capital.

“Like I said before, we’re just going out to have a little fun today. Tomorrow, I’ll be gone for a few days,” I said with a smile, gently patting her head.

‘At least until that damn exam is over…’

Chaerin’s eyes sparkled.

“Hihihi, are we going to eat something?!” Lumi asked excitedly, practically hopping in place as she grabbed my left arm, pulling me along with her.

“…Of course, we are.”

“Do you need me to prepare anything, Master?” Alaine asked quietly, walking behind us.

She was wearing her usual maid outfit, and honestly, I had told her a few times that she didn’t need to wear it all the time.

But no matter how many times I suggested it, she insisted on keeping it on.

She seemed so comfortable in it… and I didn’t have the heart to argue.

The capital was alive with energy as we strolled down the cobbled streets, the distant sound of chatter, the clink of coins, and the soft hum of busy market stalls all around us.

It was a perfect day for a little break from everything—no battles, no training, no stress.

Just us, spending some time together.

Chaerin tugged at my sleeve again, her small steps trying to match mine as she bounced along.

“Papa, can we go to the park? I wanna play!”

“Of course, Chaerin. We’ll head there in a bit. Don’t worry.”

I chuckled softly and nodded.

Lumi, walking next to me on the other side, was practically glowing with excitement.

Her voice bubbled out, cheerful as always.

“Yay! We’re going to the park, right? Can we have a picnic too? Please please pleeease!” She gave me a little nudge with her shoulder, practically bursting with energy.

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head.

“Yeah, yeah, we’ll have a picnic. You don’t need to beg. Just give me a moment.”

“Do you need any help, Master?” Alaine’s voice was calm and soft from behind us.

I smiled at her.

“Nah, I’ve got it. Just enjoy yourself today. No need to act like a servant today, okay?”

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips, but I could tell she was still trying to be useful.

Lumi, on the other hand, grabbed my arm again and bounced excitedly.

“Are we gonna have a picnic with sandwiches? I love sandwiches!”

“Sandwiches?! Are they gonna be big ones? With lots of stuff inside?” Chaerin from my other side, asked excitedly.

I chuckled at the two of them.

“Yeah, they’ll be big. With as many toppings as you want. But first, we’re heading to a nice spot. You’ll see.”

They truly were children at heart.

It didn’t take us long to reach the park just outside the city, the green space sprawling out ahead of us.

Trees swayed gently in the breeze, the soft sound of leaves rustling like whispers in the air.

The sun was warm, but not too hot, casting everything in a soft, golden glow.

It was the kind of day where everything felt right.

Lumi and Chaerin didn’t waste a second.

They ran off towards a patch of grass, giggling and chasing each other in circles.

“Mhm…”

The problem was…

Where would I get the stuff to make a picnic?

There should be a few stalls nearby, maybe I should check it out—

—Whooosh!

I saw a blanket being spread out.

“Uhhh…”

I looked at Alaine speechlessly. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire

At my reaction, she only smiled.

“A servant should be prepared for every occasion.”

I shook my head at her words, and then, I noticed a basket besides her.

Huh… she really was prepared for everything.

Then, we started unpacking the basket.

It had a few sandwiches, some fruit, and even a little dessert—cakes, cookies, and little pastries.

The scent of fresh bread and fruit filled the air, making everything feel even more perfect.

Fwoop!

Lumi suddenly collapsed onto the blanket next to me, out of breath but smiling from ear to ear.

“I’m starving! Let’s eat!”

Chaerin followed shortly after, her tiny feet leaving prints in the soft grass as she plopped down beside Lumi.

“Me too! Can I have the biggest sandwich?”

‘…Why are you obsessed with the biggest sandwich?’

I laughed inwardly.

“Of course,” I said, handing her a big sandwich stuffed with all sorts of fillings.

“But you better eat it slowly, or you’ll get a stomach ache.”

“Okay, Papa,” she said seriously, before taking a huge bite.

Crunch!

“Mmm! So gwooood!”

I smiled at her, then turned to Lumi, who was already eyeing the cakes.

“I guess we’ll save the sweet stuff for later, huh?”

“Okayyy! I promise I won’t eat them all… Maybe,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Alaine sat next to me, folding her hands neatly in her lap.

“It’s quite the lovely day,” she murmured softly.

“I’m glad we could all get out for a while.”

“Mhm…”

I nodded at her words.

My body was still aching in pain.

God damn it, I hate mana exhaustion.

That aside, it is truly nice to get out and have a small break.

Things at the main academy are truly chaotic.

The Archdemon and then we had the Snow Festival…

And now, the final exams.

It just feels that time is passing way too fast.

Plop!

Lumi suddenly bounced up, grabbing Chaerin’s hand.

“Let’s go play by the pond! We can skip rocks!” she exclaimed, practically dragging the little girl along with her.

Chaerin giggled.

“Okay, okay! Let’s see who can skip the most rocks!”

I watched them go, feeling my heart warming up at the sight of them running off together, laughing in that carefree way only kids could.

“Haaa…”

Letting out a sigh, I leaned back onto the blanket, my head resting against Alaine’s lap.

She didn’t seem surprised, just shifted slightly to make me more comfortable.

“Are you comfortable?” she asked me after a while, running her fingers through my hair in a gentle and tender motion.

“Yeah.”

I mumbled, not even bothering to open my eyes.

“Very.”

Her hand paused in my hair, and I could feel her looking down at me.

I opened my eyes, and saw her sparkling brown eyes.

She was already quite beautiful when disguised, but compared to her original beauty, she looked quite mediocre.

And then, before I even realized it, Alaine leaned down, her lips brushing against mine in a soft, tender kiss.

“…♡~”

I froze for a second, the surprise of it catching me off guard.

But then, instinctively, I responded, my hand reaching up to rest against her cheek.

“Hihihi…!”

A faint giggle broke through the moment, and we both froze, pulling back just slightly.

Lumi and Chaerin were standing by the pond, both of them watching us with wide, teasing grins on their faces.

Lumi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Well, well… Looks like we have a lovebirds moment,” she teased, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Chaerin giggled, pointing at us.

“Papa and Alaine are kissing! Eww!” she said, though it was clear she was more amused than disgusted.

I groaned and sat up.

“Alright, alright. Go play. You’re interrupting us,” I said, trying to sound annoyed, but I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips.

Lumi gave a dramatic sigh.

“Fine, fine. We’ll leave you two lovebirds alone… for now.” She grabbed Chaerin’s hand and pulled her back towards the water.

“Come on, Chaerin! Let’s see who can throw the most rocks!”

As the two of them ran off, laughing, Alaine and I exchanged a quiet glance, both of us blushing just a little.

Then, we both laughed.

I looked at the bright blue sky for a moment…

“Today… it really is perfect.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep