Chapter 117: Player 'Dragon' invites you to board the vehicle.

The students of Rhine Magic Academy had all been fully mobilized. They had never imagined they could spend their school anniversary doing what they truly enjoyed, and it was all thanks to Ruby, their versatile teacher. Filled with gratitude, they worked hard to decorate their classrooms.

Meanwhile, Ruby was busy in the laboratory. He had obtained a large amount of gunpowder materials from the pink-haired girl and synthesized them using special methods. In the end, he packed everything into a large box. Since meeting Eve, he had never worried about research materials again. Although it might seem like he was taking advantage of her, Ruby did his best to make it up to her.

“Is this what fireworks are?”

The girl, who had changed her hairstyle today—her pink hair tied into twin ponytails swinging playfully behind her—asked brightly. Ruby had originally thought that after what happened last time, Eve might feel awkward and avoid him. Unexpectedly, she was just the same, waiting for him here every day.

“They’re only called fireworks when they bloom in the sky,” Ruby replied as he checked the integrity of the box of fireworks, brushing off her small hand that was about to secretly ignite the fuse with fire magic.

Seeing Eve pout in dissatisfaction, Ruby could only use the remaining materials to make a small sparkler, called a "fairy wand," and gave it to her. After lighting it, the pink-haired girl’s face finally broke into a happy smile as she watched the golden sparks.

“Is this for me?”

The small sparkler soon burned out, leaving Eve somewhat reluctant to part with it. She looked at the large box, thinking that with the leftover materials, such beautiful things could be made, making her even more curious about how stunning Ruby’s carefully crafted fireworks would be.

“No.”

“For whom then?”

“For Mayuna.”

“You… Hmph. You already have me, yet you still go chasing after others. So ungrateful.”

Eve knew exactly who Mayuna was—the white-haired girl who always competed with her for Ruby’s attention. She didn’t understand why Ruby spoiled her so much and indulged her whims no matter what.

“So I’m telling you, I really don’t have those kinds of feelings for you.”

Ruby had lived two lifetimes and never encountered someone so difficult to communicate with. No matter how much he explained, Eve was convinced he liked her.

“I get it now. You like me and others at the same time, you flirtatious scoundrel! Go to hell!”

Eve, seeing Ruby’s serious expression, suddenly realized something. Angry, she grabbed something from the table and threw it at him. Ruby liking her was certain, so it must mean he was a philanderer.

“What if I actually fall for someone else?”

Ruby grabbed Eve’s hand to stop her from throwing dangerous items. Since words couldn’t convince her, perhaps letting her dislike him was for the best.

“W-what? Why are my eyes… Are you making tear gas again?”

Eve was stunned. Although the other world lacked monogamy, she didn’t want to share the one she liked with anyone else. The sour feeling in her heart made her face feel wet. After wiping several times in vain, she ran out to clean her tear-streaked face.

“See? I told you it would end up like this.”

After Eve left, Dragon finally opened his eyes and gave Ruby a mocking look. Seeing Ruby ignore him, he changed position, stretching his body like an arm over Ruby’s shoulder and patted him as he continued, “The forest is so vast, why hang yourself from just one tree? Follow Dragon-sama’s lead, and I guarantee you’ll become the new king of harems.”

“No interest.”

Ruby’s past nationality was irrelevant now. He carried the entirety of Earth’s cultures within him. Whether monogamous or polygamous, all were part of Earth’s history. Yet, aside from a certain someone, he had never truly been moved by any other.

“Is this a matter of interest? Do you want to see those sad expressions again? That mermaid, that poisonous dragon—they all show that look after you cruelly reject them. There’s no peaceful way out.”

Dragon, a cunning fellow, knew exactly what Ruby was thinking. As someone who had been through it, he naturally tried to pull his partner into the wild ride.

“Enough. I’m not good at these things.”

Ruby shook his head, ending the topic. His romantic fate hadn’t even begun yet; there was no need to think so far ahead. But if possible, he hoped never to see Eve’s tearful expression again.

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P.S. I wasn’t feeling well today and went to the hospital. I have mild gastric ulcers, so the update is late. Apologies.

P.S. Thanks to book friend Odst for the 2000 reward, also to Shang Ruo Shui Liu Ren Ruo, Mr. Mantoujun, Pa Shi Yao Fan Shui Shui Oh, book friend 20170203094630780 for 500, Apollinaire, and Vanilla＊Feng for 100 each.