Chapter 45 - Easing the Mood.

"We know how much you've done for us! You're the most sincere teacher we've ever had!" Kazu shouted.

Um? What the fuck was he talking about? Was I absent for this or something? And why is he speaking for all of us? I mean I guess technically he is the most sincere teacher I've had, but he's also the only teacher I've had.

I looked around and could see confused faces of everyone else as well.

Looks like I'm not the only one who has no clue what the hell is going on...

I could hear Rio whisper in my ear.

"Um... Leo? What is Kazu talking about?"

"I have no clue... I think he's on drugs."

"Drugs? What're those?" Rio asked, but Mr. Mispholfo started to speak shortly after his question.

"Heardstone, I appreciate your acceptance, but I don't think I could accept it on behalf of everyone else."

Kazu stood back up and began to speak again.

"Oh! Sorry! When I said 'We' I meant me and Leo! I didn't mean to speak on behalf of everyone here! Haha."

What? You meant you and me? What the hell is he on? Why does my name keep getting thrown around everywhere? You know what... Starting now, I'm charging people 1 gold every time my name gets tossed around.

Kazu...One.

"Huh? Leo, you do?" Rio asked with a confused look.

Suddenly, Ayaka started to laugh.

"Hahaha!"

I could see Taku whispering to Ayaka before she suddenly spoke again,

"Sorry! Sorry! Leo just looks so confused, like he has no clue what's going on!"

Why was she looking at me?

"Eh!? Leo?! You accepted his apology right!?" Kazu turned around and looked at me before looking at everyone else,

"I swear! We talked about it! Right! Right!?"

You swear? You're going to hell...

Soon after he pleaded, some others started to laugh.

"Haha!"

"That's such a Kazu thing to do."

The mood had gotten brighter.

Kazu...Two.

Haah, I sighed and then dropped my head down.

Mr. Mispholfo sighed and then clapped his hands.

"Haah, okay, okay."

The class quieted down and Mr. Mispholfo continued to speak,

"I see. Well, I can accept yours and Vondheart's acceptance. Thank you." He continued,

"Vondheart, you'll also receive 10 weapon points for your deeds during the mission. Everyone else will get 5 points due to the unexpected problems."

I sat back up.

Haah, at least I'll get some points. I'll have to check how much I have later...

"Leo! He gave us points!" Rio looked a little excited.

I thought you were mad? Wait...

I looked towards Kazu.

Did you say that to brighten the mood?

Kazu looked at me and waved.

Haah, I leaned back in the chair.

I feel like I've really never actually known my characters... Every day is truly surprising...

"Huh? Leo are you alright?" Rio asked.

I sat back up and rested my cheek on my hand.

"Yup."

Mr. Mispholfo continued with class as usual shortly after giving us points.

---

"That'll be it for today's class, if you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to let me know."

Haah, I stretched my arms and yawned.

"Are we training today?" Rio asked.

"Yeah, might as well. We can go do something else on the weekend or something."

"Okay!" Rio looked happy.

I figured we might as well use the weekdays for training since we'd be in class anyway. I don't need to go die-hard training like some of the protagonists in their respective novels. I can just enjoy this school life for at least a couple years.

"Hey, Leo!" Kazu came up to my desk.

"Hm?"

"Could I speak to you?"

"Sure."

"Sorry Rio! Could I speak to Leo privately for just one sec?" Kazu clasped his hands together and slightly bowed to Rio.

"Get up, get up! There's no problem! You don't have to ask!" Rio looked flustered

"Hah, Thanks!" Kazu straightened up.

Since my desk was at the corner of the classroom, Rio walked a little away a little bit and stood far enough away to where he couldn't hear us.

Kazu looked around a little before whispering to me.

"I'm so sorry for using your name earlier." He looked genuine with his apology; I mean I didn't really care, no harm no foul or something like that.

"I don't mind."

"Haha, thanks Leo." He continued,

"I only did it to ease the mood, I figured you wouldn't mind."

Ah, so he did do it for that reason. I assumed, but I didn't actually know if it was.

"Yeah, that's fine, no problem, you can give me my 2 gold anytime though."

"Eh!? You're kidding right? Haha! You're hilarious! I'm gonna go visit Gene though, are you and Rio coming with?"

"No, probably not, I've been waiting to run since class started. You'd have to ask Rio though."

"That's fine, once again, thanks for letting me use your name." He smiled before going to talk to Rio.

I mean, I didn't really let you, but it doesn't matter, he's a better man than me, that's for sure. I'll still make sure to get my gold eventually.

Hm... There's really nothing to do until whatever Kathryn needs me for... I guess I'll go train.