"Then it's settled. Don't be late when the time comes, okay?"
Walking down the vast corridor, Sylvia ended the conversation and closed the space window in front of her.
A tinge of reluctance lingered as her beloved's face vanished from view. Yet, she quickly reminded herself that their date at the School Festival was just days away. This momentary pang of loneliness could simply be anticipation building.
"Who would have thought I'd become like this?" She mused to herself.
The absence of his face felt strangely empty but the thought of their date brought a smile to her lips.
His image dominated her dreams at night.
And if a day passes without thinking of him, something will start to feel amiss.
These feelings, so often portrayed in girls' manga, now resonated deeply within her.
Sylvia finally understood what it meant to truly like someone.
Never had she imagined herself falling for anyone before.
But this new side of herself didn't frighten her.
"Just like Fang Li said, I'm just an ordinary girl," She declared, a cheerful tune replacing any hint of gloom.
Her world-class voice echoed through the pristine corridor as she continued her walk.
This was Queenvail Academy, the prestigious institution where she'd just finished a concert.
On her way to the Superintendent's office, she'd taken the opportunity to call Fang Li.
Now that the conversation was over, she could finally finish her walk.
She reached the end of the corridor and approached a room with a pair of massive double doors.
"Kacha..."
The automatic doors slid open silently, revealing a spacious office. Three of the four walls were entirely glass, creating an almost sterile environment.
Only a single desk sat by the window at the back, lending a sense of coldness to the room.
Behind the desk sat a woman wearing full-rimmed glasses.
She looked up as Sylvia entered, a calm voice greeting her.
"Back already?"
This was Petra, the Superintendent of Queenvail Academy, a woman of immense power and influence.
As the operating head of Queenvail Academy and the leader of the Integrated Enterprise Foundation, Petra held the highest authority within the institution.
She was also Sylvia's manager.
In fact, Petra managed all the top idol stars at Queenvail Academy, a testament to her intelligence and capability.
However, Sylvia's gaze lingered on the other occupants of the office.
Five girls stood before Petra, all clad in Queenvail Academy uniforms, each radiating a unique blend of beauty and charm.
"Si... Sylvia?!"
The five girls gasped in unison.
Sylvia couldn't help but smile.
"Hello, Rusalka girls. Long time no see."
The five girls were none other than Rusalka, the second-in-command of Queenvail Academy, a world-famous rock band renowned for their immense popularity. They had even gone so far as to stalk Sylvia, determined to dethrone her, and in the process, had captured photos of Fang Li and Sylvia together.
"Miluse, Paivi, Monica, Lila, and Mahulena— all of Rusalka are here," Sylvia greeted each of them individually.
Academically, Sylvia was their senpai, belonging to an older generation of students.
However, led by Miluse, the girls, except for the more reserved Mahulena, assumed defensive postures, as if preparing for a confrontation.
"Sylvia Lyyneheym..." Miluse said, her voice wary and tense. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to take a leave of absence," Sylvia replied, her cheerful smile unwavering. "I didn't expect to see all of you here. Are you also taking leave to enjoy the School Festival?"
It wasn't one of the Rusalka members who answered, but Petra.
"I called them here," Petra explained calmly. "Rusalka must sign up to participate in the upcoming Gryph Festa, which is why they are here."
Sylvia understood immediately.
For Queenvail Academy, the ranking in the Festa wasn't the primary goal. It served as a world-class stage to enhance their visibility and popularity.
Therefore, students from Queenvail Academy typically opted to participate in the star battle competition. A high ranking could launch even the most obscure students into instant stardom.
Both Sylvia and Rusalka would be participating in the Festa.
However, Sylvia usually only participated in the Lindwurm Festa, having competed twice before and even achieved second place in the last competition.
Rusalka, as a five-member group, naturally participated in the Gryph Festa.
"Then you all need to keep it up!" Sylvia encouraged the entire Rusalka group.
"I'll be cheering for you, and I hope you all achieve excellent results."
Her genuine encouragement seemed to soften the Rusalka members, who reluctantly mumbled, "Wú."
They considered Sylvia a rival, yet her calm confidence made them feel as if she were on a different level.
Petra, however, remained unfazed by the interaction between Sylvia and Rusalka.
She adjusted her glasses and looked at Sylvia, asking,
"Let's put that aside for now. What did you mean by asking for leave?"
Sylvia turned her attention back to Petra.
"It's exactly what it sounds like," Sylvia said directly. "I'd like to take three days off during the School Festival. Could you help me arrange my schedule?"
Petra fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"Is it because of Fang Li from Jie Long?"
(End Of The Chapter)
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