The next few days were uneventful, far too calm compared to before. For Alistair, it was a much-needed period of rest.
Of course, this could just be the "calm before the storm." Soon, he would be heading to St. Lux Academy. He wasn't sure when the next "Twilight Hour" would occur. This exchange program was set to last for about a month; typically, such programs lasted six months to a year—one or two full semesters—not a mere fraction of a term like this.
It felt fragmented. The discrepancy in curriculum stages could easily cause grades to slip. There were many other downsides as well; he had no idea what the higher-ups were thinking.
During these days, Alistair successfully ingratiated himself with the Tsubakihara family. After putting in some effort, he managed to raise the family's acceptance of him, allowing him to become a regular guest in their home.
"You're starting at our academy tomorrow. Over 95% of the students are girls—feeling a bit nervous now?"
Nina Tsubakihara watched Alistair's troubled expression and teased him playfully.
After a few days together, her impression of him had improved significantly. Aside from being a bit dense at times, he was quite a catch, and his wealthy background made her rather interested. However, she wasn't the only one; her sister, Yuna, also seemed to have a slight interest in him.
Yuna was the polar opposite of her sister: introverted, shy, and a bit socially anxious. It didn't affect her daily life, but she was a headache when it came to socializing. Fortunately, Yuna loved reading; as long as she had a few books, she was never bored.
Their mother, however, was worried about one thing: Yuna's future love life. Given her current state, she'd likely struggle to even date in college. Yuna was highly resistant to men; she could manage basic communication, but if a conversation lasted more than a few sentences, she'd find an excuse to flee.
As for Nina, their mother wasn't worried at all. With the skills she displayed, as long as she was cautious, she'd definitely find an excellent partner.
"It's not that... okay, fine, maybe a little. It's my first time in a girls' school. It's less nervousness and more excitement. I've heard you talk about the situation inside so many times—while I feel I can handle it, man proposes but God disposes. I might have to rely on you to look after me, Nina-san."
Alistair stammered out a few words, deciding to stick to pleasantries. What truly made him nervous and excited was the "Twilight Hour." After all, if things went wrong, he might be "erased." His previous conclusions were just theories, not facts.
"No wonder you brought two fruit baskets this time. These are much more expensive than the cakes and cookies you brought before. Trying to 'bribe' the Vice President, are we?"
Nina joked. In this country, fruits and vegetables were often more expensive than meat.
"That depends on whether you accept the 'bribe,' Nina-san."
Alistair replied with a gentle smile. Over the past few days, except for the silent Yuna who spent her time reading, both Nina and their mother, Myra Tsubakihara, had seen their affection levels rise significantly under Alistair's "Aura." However, the ability seemed to have weakened; the "very close friend" level appeared to be the current limit.
Regarding Myra, Alistair couldn't help but marvel. A beautiful mother truly leaves no room for ugly daughters. Myra was in her late thirties or early forties, yet she looked barely twenty-seven or twenty-eight, possessing a unique, seductive allure.
It was different from Yuria's overt silver-haired provocativeness or Shima's enchanting charm. Myra's seductiveness was... hard to describe. She looked perfectly proper, yet every gesture and movement leaked a subtle sense of lewdness that piqued one's curiosity and desire to explore.
The Tsubakihara sisters didn't have that yet; they merely inspired desire through their voluptuous bodies. In terms of personality, Nina was like fire—passionate and open—while Yuna was like ice—cold and reserved. He wondered if they would stay that way in bed.
"If it's free, of course I'm taking it! Thanks for the treat~" Nina chirped, then turned serious. "In all seriousness, if President Kannonzaka really targets you, I can't guarantee I can protect you. Right now, this academy might as well be named after her. Almost half the school from top to bottom answers to her. If she decides to go all out against you, just don't come. Take a leave of absence. If you do come, don't resist. She loses interest quickly in people who don't fight back. Those are the only two ways I can see keeping you safe."
"No other way at all?"
Alistair didn't want to be hounded. His current "power" wasn't enough to openly resist. [The World] lacked fine control; if he threw a punch, he might literally disintegrate someone, which would be a massive disaster.
"None. Either let her bully you for a few days without resisting, or stay away. As long as you're on campus, she has eyes everywhere. You can't hide. And with your build, she could easily have a few people carry you right to her."
Nina shook her head, showing her helplessness.
"Sigh, when it rains, it pours. Problems everywhere."
Alistair leaned back into the sofa, looking utterly defeated. He had tried to get Hisa to "communicate" with the Chairwoman, the elder Kannonzaka, thinking a friend was better than an enemy. To his surprise, she didn't bite. While she promised some restraint, it was clearly perfunctory. At most, the bullying wouldn't be blatant under a teacher's nose—but the President could just make the teacher leave.
That troublesome woman. If I get the chance, I'll definitely break her.
Alistair thought to himself. He had seen photos; both the Kannonzaka mother and daughter were top-tier beauties. Damn this growing lust.