Ch. 161 Memorize Each One (1)

It took a long time for Professor Lassen’s scheming to finally be sorted out. Louise discovered one thing about the professor; once she conceived a purpose, she never gave up. She had dragged on and delayed the hearings, giving excuses such as:

Louise’s hands trembled as she held the papers for her hearing. Such trivial reasons kept delaying them, and Louise hadn’t been able to speak to the Ethics Committee until today—one day before her exams! The importance of the first exam couldn’t be overlooked. It was said that a good start was already half the battle.

Louise quickly looked up from the documents when the committee chairman called her name. There were three elderly men seated behind the table, each one of them fixing her with strict stares.

Everyone turned over their papers, and Louise quickly unfolded page 48.

It was true. Louise was in Professor Hill’s class, and she had vowed she would take the difficult exam questions.

Louise firmly gripped the documents and lifted her head.

Everyone took an equally difficult, but fair, test.

Hearing that remark, Louise realized that the resolution must nearly be decided. She spoke up carefully.

The chairman smiled awkwardly.

Except Professor Hill wasn’t popular at all. Even with the help of the student council, he could barely fill his classes.

Louise inadvertently lied to the ethics committee. It was closer to wishful thinking, really. The Academy should love a great professor! She hoped that Professor Hill would be treated generously.

The chairman smiled as if he found Louise’s excited reaction amusing, however, when he spoke his voice was an austere tone.

Louise bowed to the elders and stood up. She stepped out onto the chilly hallway and spotted Stella wearing a gray coat.

Stella walked up to her with a worried look on her face.

She shook her head.

Stella’s cheeks were pink and her gaze was averted. Was she embarrassed?

Louise decided to hazard a guess.

Stella peeked at Louise and gave a small nod.

Oh my god, Stella. Why did you show all this cuteness now?

Louise gave a chuckle.

Stella gave a hasty protest as they started walking together side-by-side.

Louise stopped walking gave a delighted laugh.

Louise started walking again, her eyes alight. Stella stared at the other girl’s back for a moment, before hurriedly catching up to her.

Stella followed her all the way to the library, yelling, “I don’t like you!” The librarian said, “Stella Lapis! You shouldn’t confess to Louise Sweeney loudly in the library.” Stella spoke in a smaller voice, “I don’t like you…” but no one except Louise heard her.

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The next day, Louise successfully completed her first exam. This time she set her own rules, never paying attention to anything other than her paper. Especially things that fell to the ground. She didn’t want to get involved in another incident.

When Louise stepped out of the exam room, she happened to spot Simon coming out the next room over. The pair faced each other with surprised expressions, and then shared a laugh. It was funny how they took different exams yet finished at the same time.

Louise rushed towards Simon. She had seen him in the library a few times recently, always studying. He hardly ever seemed to move from that spot, and she worried that he was skipping meals.

Simon’s face was thinner than it used to be.

It was a valid excuse. According to the rules of the library, if you were away for more than 20 minutes, they could move out your things.

However, he wore a quiet, satisfied smile. He must have done well.

Louise glanced at her watch. It was just about the end of lunchtime.

Louise started running with her bag flapping at her side, and Simon jogged after her. Just as they caught view of the cafeteria, the caretaker was putting up a sign that said “Lunch closing.” Louise pleaded at her as they approached, and the caretaker generously allowed them inside.

Today’s lunch menu was highly acclaimed for its excellent combination of perfectly juicy meat and sweet fermented vegetables.

Louise sighed as she saw the tray of broccoli, carrots, and onions with the meaty flavor left over.

Simon pulled out a piece of meat from underneath a piece of broccoli and set it on Louise’s plate.

Of course she liked meat, but Simon did too. Louise cut the small piece of meat in half and placed a piece it on Simon’s plate. The pair had always shared everything since they were young. The caretaker tearfully watched the both of them.

Louise and Simon finished their plates of meat and vegetables, and even cleaned their bowls of yuzu sherbet afterwards. The cool citrus dessert was the perfect palette cleanser after greasy meat. The caretaker was a genius, as the satisfying meal completely wiped away their exam fatigue.

Simon gave a soft smile and patted Louise on the head. He already knew that she was cheering for him. Whenever he occasionally ran into her at the library, her eyes sparkled whenever she waved at him, as if her mind was inclined towards him. He thought she looked adorable that way.

Louise did not specify what he would find. There were so many possibilities for him, and no one knew which one of them would blossom.

Louise looked surprised at his joke. Simon never really like to talk about his position before.

Simon looked pleased, and Louise became a little nervous. Simon was becoming more playful, and at this rate he really would return home with a giant leaf.