Deadline Is Raining in the Status Window - Chapter 61

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How blissful would a life be without baseball?

“Chirp! You’re awake, chirp!”
By now, coughing up blood and fainting had become routine enough that I’d simply placed Titi on my abdomen to recover. I slipped my hand into her warm feathers and asked how much time had passed.
“Sister, you’ve been lying there for a whole day, chirp! Because of whatever strange thing they fed you, when I collapsed, Mother grabbed Serpent King by the head and tore into him, chirp!”
I see. I could imagine well enough. Gerth must have had quite the ordeal. I wanted to comfort him, but that wasn’t the pressing issue right now.
With less than two weeks until the semester began and a week that needed to be spent on the streets ahead, I had only six days left in this place. I settled at my desk with Titi, my living furnace, cradled in my arms and threw myself into writing.
“Chirp? Sister, what are you doing, chirp?”
“Creating a manual.”
“Chirp chirp….”
Just because I was heading to the Academy didn’t mean I could abandon my duties as Village Chief. Besides, there was far too much work already underway. I’d have loved to take a semester off and handle everything here, but….
“The Homeless Settlement is out of the question.”
“Chirp?”
If I delayed graduation by a semester, I’d have to live in the Homeless Settlement for that much longer. That was absolutely unacceptable. Sleeping on bare ground meant the cold seeping up from below, the moisture rising from the earth. The next day, my back would be screaming in agony. Sleeping under the stars meant instead of stars, flying insects would rain down on my face. I loved the Dormitory far too much.
“Titi, I’m forbidding you from going out alone during my semester. Travel with the Tower’s residents or Mother.”
“Chirp chirp! Why! Why do I have to do that, chirp!”
“You know better than anyone, you feathered pest!”
I scooped Titi up and hurled her, then caught her again. The giant sparrow spread her wings trying to dodge, but my throwing strength was superior. I retrieved Titi from where she’d smacked her head against the wall and resumed using her as a living heater while I continued writing.
About the future tasks for the Women’s Association and Youth Association. About the horse racing track construction project to be built in Delan Territory. And continuing efforts to attract the Train Station, holding exchange meetings with the Serpent King’s Tower residents. I jotted down solutions to various minor issues, then summoned Hubert and requested high-grade paper.
“Mother! You’ve awakened!”
“I am not your mother.”
“Everyone was so worried! When you suddenly coughed up blood!”
“It happens from time to time. Besides, I’ve learned from the Academy’s Department Head Professor about my constitution and how to manage it.”
When I explained that consuming high calories during transformation could help me endure it, Hubert’s eyes widened and he immediately offered to manufacture Devil’s Chocolate Jam.
“Don’t bother. Pouring out a barrel of oil has better cost-effectiveness.”
“That tastes awful! Then I’ll consult with Father and bring it to you in chocolate syrup form!”
Syrup sounded practical—easy to gulp down whenever needed. Since it was a decent idea, I thanked Hubert, and the male happily wagged his tail, saying it was nothing, before bringing the high-grade paper.
Hubert explained it was the paper used when presenting certificates to Mages and Beasts, and asked what I intended to create with such thick stock.
“Appointment letters.”
“Appointment letters?”
“While I’m away, I’m delegating my authority to Mother and Titi. And you’ll become the Liaison Ambassador responsible for exchange and communication between Serpent King’s Tower and Ilram Village.”
“Gasp! Can I really handle something so important?”
“You’re already serving as Serpent King’s proxy, so spare me the dramatics.”
Amused by Hubert’s humor, I grinned and gently ruffled his hair. Hubert wagged his tail even more vigorously than before and responded in kind.
“Since you’ve entrusted me with this, I’ll work hard! And my workload has decreased too!”
It was true—ever since we’d dealt with Dellan, Hubert had stopped working late nights. The thought that softhearted Gerth couldn’t bring himself to act against a single Lord of Territory, and had been suffering all this time, broke my heart. Because of that, I felt anxious.
“You didn’t tell Gerth about this, did you?”
“Of course not. It’s a secret between Mother and me.”
“I am not your mother.”
“Oh, right. It’s a secret between Evan Laef and me.”
You always manage to extract one more word from me. I’m beginning to fear I’ll grow accustomed to it.
With nothing pressing to attend to at the moment, Hubert sat beside Titi peeling green grapes while I drafted the appointment letter. The two of them took turns—one grape into their own mouth, one into mine—a rhythm they maintained until the door suddenly burst open and a neatly dressed Gerth appeared.
“Evan!”
“I’m here.”
“You’re awake.”
“Yes.”
“Your frail constitution is troublesome.”
Though his expression betrayed little, Gerth’s voice carried unmistakable concern as he placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed firmly. Now that I thought about it, I’d collapsed twice already during the break. His worry was hardly unreasonable.
To ease his mind, I repeated the explanation I’d given Hubert—that I’d found the cause and solution to this condition through the Department Head Professor, and that by consuming enough calories and avoiding overexertion, I wouldn’t collapse. Gerth nodded in understanding, then said something entirely unexpected.
“Evan. I have a proposal.”
“What is it?”
“I wish you would never attend the Academy and remain by my side for life.”
“That’s impossible.”
“I understand.”
This time Gerth nodded as if genuinely accepting my refusal, then produced what looked like a training schedule from his pocket with a decisive gesture.
“First, aim for a 3-rep max of 500.”
“….”
“Rely on skills as little as possible—use your muscles instead. A healthy body makes skills work better.”
Gerth, you’re saying the exact same thing as the Department Head Professor. A part of me wanted to escape into relying on my superhuman skills instead, but since Gerth had gone to the trouble of preparing training methods and a schedule, it felt wrong to refuse.
“I’ll give it my best effort.”
“Then we’ll start right after lunch.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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