Tilea's Worries

Dressed in the prestigious uniform of the Arcdas Kingdom's magic academy, her twin-tails fluttering, Jessica Nichol headed to the library. With her adorable appearance and gentle demeanor, she had many admirers. But today, her destination was the academy's library, where all the books were stored.

"Exams are coming up soon. Time to study in the library."

As she stepped into the library, a wave of heat greeted her. The exams were indeed close. It seemed everyone had the same idea. Many students were seated at desks, studying intensely.

The magic academy wasn't easy. There were three written and practical exams each year, along with bi-weekly reports. Failing to achieve a certain score would result in penalties. If you were careless, you'd face repeating a year or even expulsion.

Students had stacks of reference books on their desks, scribbling away with their pens.

"I can't afford to fall behind. My grades have been slipping since the demon king's attack on the capital. It's time to bounce back."

Jessica searched for an empty desk. But every spot was taken. Given the exam period, it was understandable, but some students had spread their reference books all over, making it impossible for others to sit nearby. Their books encroached on all available space.

"If only they'd tidy up their books a bit, there'd be plenty of room for others. Some people are so inconsiderate."

One girl, in particular, was especially bad. She had claimed all the space around her with piles of reference books, preventing anyone from sitting nearby.

"She must be really desperate for this exam. Maybe she's on the verge of failing or being expelled."

Jessica sighed, understanding but still frustrated. Just then, she spotted a familiar face amidst the sea of books.

"Wait a minute, is that Edim?"

There, surrounded by a mountain of books, was Edim, diligently studying.

"What's going on? Edim belongs to the Demon Extermination Agency. It's like she already has a job. She rarely comes to the academy anymore."

Jessica recalled asking Edim about her attendance at the academy. Edim had dismissed it with a scoff, saying it was a trivial matter. 

"Maybe the organization requires her to graduate after all?"

"Edim," Jessica called out.

But Edim didn't seem to notice, muttering spells and scribbling away with her pen. Despite being in the library where she couldn't raise her voice, Edim should have heard her.

The intensity of Edim's concentration was palpable. She seemed to be overheating, with steam practically rising from her head.

"What subject is she studying so intensely?"

Jessica checked the titles of the books piled on Edim's desk.

"The History of Arcdas Kingdom's Diplomacy"

"The Principles and Instincts of Arcdas Kingdom's Diplomacy"

"All About Diplomacy: Learn from History"

"Etiquette and Ceremonies: What They Should Be"

"Fifty Ways to Secretly Undermine Your Boss"

"Master Negotiation Techniques: Become a Renowned Prime Minister!"

And more.

"None of these have anything to do with the exams. They're all about diplomacy."

"Is Edim aiming to become a scholar of diplomatic history?"

Jessica was puzzled. Edim's major was magic studies, and she was supposed to become a magic guard. That shouldn't have changed even after joining the organization. Unless the organization wanted her to become a civil officer?

"Edim!"

This time, Jessica shook Edim's shoulder while calling out loudly.

"Ugh, I'll kill anyone who disturbs me— Oh, it's you, Jessica."

"Sorry for interrupting your concentration."

"Jessica, I'm really short on time right now. I have hundreds more books to get through."

"Hundreds of books? Are you planning to become a diplomacy scholar or something?"

The intensity of Edim's focus seemed excessive. Jessica was concerned.

"Jessica, don't disturb me. I can't waste even a minute, a second."

"Edim, I'm sorry, but hundreds of books? You're overdoing it."

"None of your business. I have to do this, no matter what."

"But..."

"Just leave me alone!"

"Even vampires need to take breaks. You're not invincible."

"I'm a vampire. I don't get tired easily."

"Edim, even if you don't get physically tired, you can still get mentally exhausted."

"I..."

"If you keep pushing yourself like this, you'll make mistakes when you get back to your organization. Please, take a break."

"You're right. I can't afford to make mistakes in front of her. I've been at it for thirty-five hours straight. Maybe I should rest a bit."

"Good."

Jessica felt relieved as Edim agreed to take a break.

"Thirty-five hours straight..."

For a human, that would be impossible. Edim was pushing herself too hard.

They left the library and headed to the academy's break room. The break room was stocked with tea and snacks, resembling a small café.

From their previous tea outing, Jessica had noticed Edim seemed to be under a lot of stress. Today, it seemed even worse. She needed to help Edim release some of that pent-up tension.

"Edim."

"What?"

Edim didn't even look at Jessica, replying while slouched in her chair and sipping juice through a straw.

"That's rude. This isn't like the Edim I know."

Edim had really changed. Jessica pushed those thoughts aside, realizing how stressed Edim must be.

"You're not studying for exams, right? Is it for work?"

"Yeah, something like that."

Edim seemed exhausted, like a weary soldier returning from battle. The upcoming task must be incredibly stressful. Jessica wanted to lighten her mood.

"I see. But you're just a newbie. You shouldn't take it so seriously. Let the experts handle it. If something goes wrong, your superiors will take responsibility."

"Ha! My superiors never take responsibility. They just shift the blame."

"Really?"

"Yes. And delegating the task? Just thinking about it gives me chills. They're not just useless, they actively hinder me."

"Okay."

Edim's outburst made Jessica nod in agreement.

Edim must really hate her superior. She was still muttering complaints.

"So, it's the person you mentioned before, right? That must be tough."

"Exactly! It's a nightmare!"

That explained why Edim was trying to handle everything herself. The superior she'd described sounded terrible.

But still, could Edim manage everything on her own? Diplomacy required specialized knowledge.

"Edim, your major isn't diplomacy, right? Can you really handle this?"

"Jessica, it's not about whether I can or can't. I have to. That's why I'm studying in the library."

"Reading a few books isn't enough."

"It's not enough!"

Jessica wanted to stop her, but Edim's job required her to do it. If she couldn't refuse, maybe Jessica could offer some advice.

"Who are you negotiating with?"

"Jessica, that's classified."

"I understand. Just tell me what you can."

"It's our first negotiation with this group. We have no prior experience with them."

"Are they friendly?"

"No. They're hostile."

"Hostile? That sounds tough. Is it just a greeting, or a complex negotiation?"

Edim nodded seriously.

"It's a difficult negotiation?"

Edim nodded again.

"That's a high hurdle."

Was it really okay to let an amateur handle such an important task? Jessica was worried for her friend.

"Edim, I'm not trying to scare you, but diplomacy is tough for amateurs. We've studied many historical failures, remember?"

"Failures?"

"Like the 'Rekiiki Tragedy.' Even a renowned diplomat like Rekiiki angered a king and got boiled alive."

"Don't scare me."

"But it really happened. Edim, you should reconsider."

"Reconsider what?"

"I think you should let someone else handle it. Tell them you can't do it."

"Impossible! Jessica, you have no idea how impossible that is."

Edim shook her head vigorously. It was as if refusing would result in her death. Was her superior that scary? 

"Maybe we should ask Tilea-san for help."

"Absolutely not! What if she thinks less of me?"

"Edim, you're misunderstanding Tilea-san. She won't think less of you for asking. Let's ask her for help."

"Jessica!"

"Ugh!"

Edim suddenly grabbed Jessica's chest, squeezing it hard. 

"Your shallow thinking... Just because of your flat chest or something!"

"E-Edim, stop..."

The groping was making Jessica uncomfortable.

"Jessica, don't do anything unnecessary."

"But..."

"Answer me!"

"Yes..."

Hearing her response, Edim finally released her grip.

"Now, I need to get back to my research."

"But you haven't even rested for five minutes."

"Damn, I've wasted five minutes. I need to get back to it. Jessica, don't disturb me anymore."

With that, Edim quickly left the break room.

"What is driving you to this point, Edim?"

This wasn't good. Edim's mental state was deteriorating.

Jessica decided she needed to talk to Tilea-san in secret to help Edim.

**◇◆◇◆**

A few days later, Jessica visited Tilea-san without telling Edim.

"Jessica-chan, welcome."

"Hello, Tilea-san."

"Long time no see. How have you been?"

"Good, thanks to you."

"That's good to hear."

As Jessica entered the restaurant Belm, Tilea greeted her with a smile. As always, she was beautiful and kind. If only she could stay quiet, she'd be a perfect older sister.

"So, what brings you here?"

"I have a favor to ask."

"Anything. Tell me."

"It's about Edim..."