Before coming to the Hundred-Academy Exchange Meeting, Vivian had asked her personal maid a particular question-how to make two people grow closer.
After pondering for a moment, the maid had given a concise but powerful answer:
"Rewards are important. Whether it's a material gift or emotional affirmation, an appropriate reward can make the other person feel valued and cared for."
Vivian had firmly committed those words to memory.
And Greg had taken first place in this Preliminary Debate. To her, it was the perfect opportunity to reward him.
Although that reward could have been something material, such as a precious magic item or a lavish meal, after much consideration, Vivian had decided that a walk with her was probably the reward Greg wanted most.
After all, he had specifically waited for her at the Academy gates last time for exactly that reason. Though the Demon King Cult had disrupted that walk, this would make up for their unfinished date.
She was very pleased with her decision.
"Um... Vivian, are you sure you haven't misunderstood something? I really do admire you, but I honestly don't like you that way yet!"
Walking beside Vivian, Greg finally couldn't help speaking up.
At his words, a faint smile curved Vivian's lips, and she replied calmly, "Mm, I know."
You don't know a damn thing!
Greg ranted inwardly.
Whenever he spent time with Vivian, he could clearly sense that she had misunderstood something. Yet every time he tried to explain, he found himself trapped in a situation where anything he said only seemed to prove her right.
The more he denied it, the more Vivian thought he was simply embarrassed.
The more he explained, the more Vivian believed he was trying to hide his feelings.
And if he agreed, that would only confirm everything outright!