Chapter 22: Convincing Jeryon
Shani carefully read through the contract.
In her previous life, her entire life had been ruined because of a single signature. That experience had made her much more cautious.
Even so, she remained remarkably calm for someone sitting in front of the Headmaster. Neither the Headmaster nor Mercer said a single word while she read.
About ten minutes later, Shani still couldn’t find any clause stating that she would receive the benefits only if her rank dropped.
The contract simply stated that Jeryon’s partner would receive those benefits.
She fought the urge to smile. She had to keep looking miserable. "All right... I’ll sign it, Headmaster."
The golden-haired man, who looked like a middle-aged version of Jeryon, gave her a reassuring smile before signing the contract as well.
There was no small talk. Class was still in session.
Shani took her copy of the contract, bid the Headmaster farewell with Mercer, and returned to class.
Meanwhile, the Headmaster stared at the name Shani Rowan written on the contract.
"She’s far too calm for someone whose rank is supposedly about to fall."
He turned to his assistant. "Look into that student’s background. Shani Rowan."
...
By the time Shani and Mercer reached the first floor of Panther Building, the receptionist informed them that Mercer’s drink order had arrived.
Twenty-one drinks had been neatly packed inside two instant preservation boxes to keep them cold.
"I’ll carry this one, Sir," Shani said as she picked up one of the boxes.
Mercer could have asked the receptionist for help, but since Shani had already headed toward the elevator, he reluctantly carried the other box himself.
While walking, Shani completed a transaction with the system and immediately purchased an Elite-Grade Sedative Potion.
Even though she now owed the system 40,000 Credits, the smile on her face never faded.
They arrived on the fifth floor, and Mercer led the way down the hallway.
Shani swiftly cracked open the lid of her box, peeled back the seal of one drink halfway, and poured the sedative potion inside.
By the time they entered the classroom, Mercer began handing out the drinks from his box.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Your classmate, Shani Rowan, is treating everyone to drinks."
The students looked confused.
Hazel had told them to study on their own while Mercer and Shani disappeared for nearly half an hour.
Now the two of them came back carrying drinks.
Still, seeing that they were from a trendy brand known for improving focus, everyone gladly accepted one.
Shani smiled at her classmates.
At the same time, she quickly took out the drinks meant for herself and Jeryon, leaving the rest for the others to grab.
Right in front of Jeryon, she peeled open the seal of his drink before handing it to him.
"This is for you, partner," she said with a bright smile.
Her sparkling crimson eyes and flawless smile distracted Jeryon for a brief moment.
He accepted the drink and absentmindedly took a sip before placing it beneath the desk with his belongings.
"You really want to be my partner?" Jeryon asked.
He looked back at her beautiful face. But instead of smiling, Shani was staring sadly at the drink he had just set aside.
"Don’t you like it?" she asked anxiously.
Jeryon didn’t answer. He was afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Shani forced a smile. To Jeryon, it looked like the smile of someone trying to hide deep disappointment.
’Was that drink really that important to her?’
"I want to be your partner. That drink is a symbol that we’ve become partners. You have to finish it."
She picked up her own drink and finished it in one go. She was prepared to do whatever it took to make Jeryon drink all of his.
Jeryon blinked in surprise, utterly confused by her sudden behavior. At the same time, he found it oddly amusing.
Without another word, he picked up the drink and emptied it completely.
Shani immediately choked. She hadn’t even gotten the chance to begin her emotional pleading.
After coughing for a moment, she let out an involuntary laugh.
Jeryon elegently wiped his mouth with a tissue, then handed another one to Shani while shaking his head. ’My partner is really strange, but...’
"You can’t be my partner," Jeryon suddenly said.
Shani froze halfway through wiping her mouth. She stared at him in horror. "Why?! I want to be your partner!"
Jeryon shook his head and started walking toward Mercer, who had just finished distributing the drinks.
Shani grabbed his arm. "My rank and qualifications are the lowest in this class. I’m not even sure I’ll survive here for two months."
She looked straight into his eyes. "I’m not afraid of your condition."
Jeryon paused. Until now, he had only seen Shani as a beautiful, cheerful, slightly weird girl.
But at this moment, he saw unwavering determination in her crimson eyes.
"At the very least, I’ll be able to brag that I was once the Second Prince’s partner." She chuckled, and just like that, the serious atmosphere vanished again.
For a brief moment, only silence enveloped them.
"...Fine. But you have to be prepared for the consequences." Jeryon finally gave in.
Still, he was convinced that Shani wouldn’t be smiling like this after her energy was drained.
Every one of his previous partners had started out hopeful too.
But then... The fear. The anger. The hatred. Those expressions were still deeply engraved in his memory.
Jeryon returned to his place.
Meanwhile, several students wanted to ask about the free drinks and about Shani.
They suspected her sudden behavior had something to do with becoming Jeryon’s partner.
Before anyone could speak, Mercer addressed the class. "Now, everyone, stand in front of your egg!"
"Place both of your palms on its surface. Today’s schedule only includes Resonance, so don’t worry about running out of time. "
The students immediately forgot the questions on their minds and eagerly followed his instructions.
"Feel the energy inside the left side of your chest. Guide that energy into your hands. Then regulate it into the egg..."
From the corner of his eye, Mercer noticed a brilliant glow.
When he turned toward it, he realized the light was coming from Shani and Jeryon’s artificial egg!
...