The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

“ARE you going to leave the academy tomorrow after the ceremony?” Ash asked as he ate a piece of meat. 

It’s because they would finally be allowed to leave the academy after the opening ceremony tomorrow.  But not all could attend the ceremony.  At least those who would pass the week-long training could.  But those who couldn’t would have to leave the first thing in the morning.  Which was kind of harsh, by the way.

The result of their week-long training would be sent to their Terminal later this evening.  And yes, they would finally be able to use their Terminals.

Ash was not worried that he wouldn’t pass.  He knew that he had done fairly well this past week.  In fact, he had almost always been at the third place during their training.  He was not dissatisfied with that.  Because he never once thought that his rank in this week-long training define who he was as a person.  Unlike some noble lord with the surname Lancaster.

Although that was probably because he was a commoner and couldn’t understand the politics of the nobles.  But that didn’t mean that he could understand that guy’s petty moves.  Like letting his minions annoy Reas just because the other was in a higher ranking.

Speaking of that guy, Ash hadn’t heard him apologized yet to Reas.  What, with that stint he pulled with the virtual pod.  Most importantly, that guy wasn’t even punished for it. 

Knowing the general, he definitely wouldn’t let this pass.  But considering how Cyrus wasn’t still punished, it’s one of two things.  It’s either because the general still hadn’t found an evidence to pin the whole thing on Cyrus or it wasn’t the guy’s fault all along.

If it was the former, then the general would definitely not let Cyrus off once he found out that he was indeed behind the whole thing.  Cyrus wouldn’t just be banned from studying in this military academy.  He would definitely be mocked by the upper nobility.  With how the general was, he would definitely not let Cyrus get away with a simple expulsion after doing something like that under his nose.

But if it was the latter, then, things might get too complicated.  After all, it meant that a third party was involved. 

“Yeah.”

Reas’ short response to his question earlier cut short Ash’s thoughts.  He looked at his room mate sitting opposite him, a bit surprised.  Because he thought that the other would remain at the dormitory.

“You’re not going home to Palioxis Galaxy, right?”

Reas only gave him a look as if he was asking a very stupid question.  But at the end still answered, “I’m going to meet my brother.  He’s also studying here at the capital and living off-campus.”

Ash was a bit surprised hearing that the other had a brother.  Probably because they had never really discussed their families that much.  This was actually the first time that Reas told something important about himself.  He felt a bit moved.  Did this guy finally consider him as a friend?

“Can I go with you?” he asked, because he was really curious about this ‘brother’.

“No,” Reas responded.  The way he gave his answer was even much faster than a streak of lightning.

Ash pouted.  “And here I thought we’re getting closer.”

Reas answer to that was only a raised brow.

“Is this brother a younger brother that’s why you’re being so protective?” Ash asked in curiosity.  “Because that’s totally misplaced, you know?  For the past week, haven’t you felt how harmless I am?” 

And then, he made a puppy dog-eye gesture to show just how ‘harmless’ he was.

“If you’re harmless, then, there’s probably no innocent people left in the world,” Reas said, finishing up his meal.  “And he’s not my younger brother, he’s my twin.”

Although if Astrid was here, he would definitely say that he’s the older one.

Ash was about to react to the first part of what Reas said when he heard that last part.  His curiosity was instantly piqued the moment he heard that the other had a twin.

“You have a twin?  Which school is he attending?” he asked.

“A performing arts school,” Reas only said, not really elaborating.

But that was enough for Ash to feed his imagination.  He wasn’t sure how many performing arts schools were there in the capital.  But he knew that people who were students were mostly wanting to be an actor or a singer.  Was it the same for Reas’ twin?

He suddenly imagined a guy with the same face as Reas acting in movies and stuff and he almost couldn’t help but laugh.  Because really, with this guy’s cold attitude and mostly indifferent expression, he couldn’t imagine someone with the same face behaving the exact opposite. 

Someone wanting to be an actor or a singer would definitely not act the same way as Reas.  That only made Ash want to meet this twin brother even more.

“Can’t you really let me meet your brother?” he asked again.  “Come on, it’s not as if I bite.  Don’t you want to introduce the only friend you met during training?  I’m sure your brother would also be happy to meet me.”

[That’s not really what I’m worrying about.] – Reas answered in his mind. 

The most worrying thing was if this guy turned into one of those people who instantly liked Astrid in that way the moment they saw him.  If that were to happen, it would be too troublesome.  Especially since he was indeed starting to think of the other as a friend.

He was about to reject Ash when a voice suddenly spoke beside their table.

“Sorry, Ash, you can’t go and meet his brother.”

Both raised their head and saw Hildred smiling down at them.

“Why?” Ash asked, not even minding the other’s sudden appearance.

“Have you forgotten?  You’re going to meet Lele,” Hildred said referring to Leland – Ash’s older brother.

Ash pouted.  “Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that.”

Hildred looked at the kid’s disappointed expression and almost wanted to say; ‘You should be thankful I reminded you..  If Wulf found out that you met Astrid before he could, he’d definitely torture you under the guise of training.’