Before coming to the Hundred Academy Exchange, Vivian had specifically asked her personal maid a question—how to make the relationship between two people closer.
The maid pondered for a moment before giving a concise and powerful answer:
“Rewards are very important. Whether it is a material gift or spiritual recognition, an appropriate reward can make the other party feel your attention and care.”
Vivian kept these words firmly in mind.
And during this preliminary defense, Greg had secured the top spot. In her eyes, this was the perfect opportunity to reward him.
Although this reward could be something material, like giving him a precious magic item or treating him to a big feast, Vivian thought about it over and over and still believed that going for a walk with her was likely the reward Greg wanted most.
After all, he had specifically waited for her at the academy gates for that very reason last time. Although that walk had been disrupted by the Demon King Cult, this time could be considered making up for that unfinished date.
She felt extremely satisfied with her decision.
“Um... Vivian, you really haven't misunderstood anything, have you? Even though I greatly appreciate you, it really hasn't reached the level of liking yet!”
Walking beside Vivian, Greg finally couldn't help but speak up.
Hearing this, Vivian's lips curled into a faint smile, and she replied calmly, “Yes, I know.”
Like hell you do!
Greg grumbled frantically in his head.
Whenever he spent time with Vivian, he could always clearly feel that she had misunderstood something. Yet every time he tried to explain, he would always fall into a self-proving trap.
The more he denied it, the more Vivian thought he was just being shy.
The more he explained, the more Vivian believed he was trying to cover it up.
And if he actually agreed, it would just confirm it outright!
Thus, Greg could never prove he was telling the truth. It was as if no matter what he said, she would automatically translate it into a completely different meaning.
Left with absolutely no way out, Greg even began to entertain the thought of simply giving up and resigning himself to his fate.
Anyway, Vivian was so beautiful that he wasn't really losing out—it just slightly increased the risk of him being chopped into pieces in the future.
Watching Greg hang his head beside her out of 'shyness,' Vivian felt her sense of amusement grow a bit more.
She couldn't help but think to herself: His tsundere act is really cute.
But then she quickly recalled seeing him standing with Victoria and Silvia in the corridor earlier, and her possessive nature stirred a hint of discomfort in her chest.
She found Victoria a bit annoying, as the gray-haired girl didn't maintain a proper distance from her Greg the way Silvia did.
Although Silvia also frequently appeared around Greg, she at least knew her boundaries, her words and actions carrying a reserved restraint.
Victoria, however, was completely different. Her interactions with Greg lacked any sense of distance; that natural closeness and unspoken understanding indeed sparked a trace of jealousy in Vivian.
But Vivian quickly adjusted her mindset. Since this was a rare moment alone with Greg, she shouldn't let such matters ruin it.
...
Taking a deep breath, she tossed those stray thoughts to the back of her mind and refocused her attention on Greg beside her.
The two walked side by side along the streets of the Imperial Capital.
The afterglow of the setting sun painted the entire city in a warm orange-red hue. The pedestrians on the streets were fewer than during the day, lending a touch of dusk's tranquility to the scene.
As Vivian and Greg walked side by side, their figures cast long shadows under the setting sun.
Because both of them were exceptionally good-looking, they drew side-glances and whispers from passersby wherever they went.
Some stopped to watch, others praised them in hushed tones, and a few young girls even huddled together, blushing as they pointed and whispered about Greg.
Vivian paid them no mind, as if her eyes held room only for the person beside her.
On the surface, Greg maintained a leisurely pace, but his mind was racing.
“What should I do? If we keep walking like this, those two are bound to run into us any minute.”
Greg guessed that Allie and Wendy were already waiting for him at the agreed-upon location, and he knew Allie's attitude toward Vivian all too well.
That silly maid certainly wouldn't show Vivian any friendliness.
If those two ran into each other, the scene would likely become extremely awkward, and might even escalate directly into a physical clash.
Thus, he began to consciously guide their path, wanting to bypass the agreed-upon meeting spot and take another route.
“Vivian, how about we take the road on the left? There seems to be a pretty famous bakery over there, we could go check it out.”
Greg suggested with feigned casualness.
Vivian shook her head, however, and pointed to the right:
“Let's go this way. I looked at the map earlier, and there are some nice sightseeing spots along this route. There's an old fountain square and a small bridge where we can watch the sunset. I want to see them with you.”
Greg's smile stiffened slightly.
Because that road led exactly in the direction of his meeting point with Allie.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something to salvage the situation, but Vivian had already stepped onto that path. She turned back to look at him, a trace of expectation in her eyes:
“How about it? Aren't you coming?”
...
I really feel like I'm bound to meet my end at the hands of these beautiful women sooner or later.
Greg sighed in his heart, but braced himself and followed anyway.
He prayed in his heart—hoping that Allie and the others hadn't arrived yet, or that they wouldn't notice him and Vivian.
That way, once he successfully dealt with Vivian, he could immediately go meet up with them.
Greg walked beside Vivian, following her along the path she had chosen.
This street was narrower than the main thoroughfare, its surface paved with neat square stone slabs. Most of the buildings on either side were two- or three-story townhouses with warm yellow painted outer walls, and flower pots in full bloom lined the windowsills.
The evening light cast long, slanted rays, dyeing the entire street in a warm amber. The aroma of home-cooked meals drifted through the air, escaping from the windows of some local households.
Most of the shops along the street were small handicraft stores and teahouses, with rustic wrought-iron signs hanging over their doors. Occasionally, a few pigeons would take flight from the eaves, circling once in the air before landing back in place.
The entire street was permeated with a peaceful atmosphere completely different from the bustling central area of the Imperial Capital, as if it were separated from the noisy world outside.
This was also why Greg had chosen to meet Allie and the others here.
In the original game, he would often stroll around here because of the beautiful scenery.
But now, looking at the beautiful girl beside him... he only wanted to leave as quickly as possible.
Rate on N.U.
