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Chapter 5 - Tour

Xylia began the tour by showing Aciel the different buildings around the campus.

She first brought him to the soccer field, where all five structures could be seen standing magnificently in the distance.

"The first building is for the faculty members," Xylia explained calmly. "The dean's office, infirmary, cafeteria, guidance counselor's office, professors' lounge, and the director's office are all located there. There's also a large meeting room inside."

She was not even sure whether Aciel was listening to her.

But honestly, she no longer cared.

She simply wanted the day to end so she could finally go home and rest. Everything that had happened since morning had already drained her mentally and emotionally.

"The second building is for first-year students and sophomores," she continued. "The third building is for juniors, while the fourth building is assigned to seniors like us."

Aciel silently observed the buildings one by one.

The university was completely different from the men's campus.

Everything about the environment felt softer and calmer. The buildings followed modern Nordic architecture, filled with large windows and elegant structures that instantly attracted attention. Unlike the dark and intimidating atmosphere of the men's university, this campus carried a peaceful and feminine charm.

The colorful exterior designs made the place feel lively instead of gloomy.

"How about the fifth building?" Aciel finally asked. "What's that for?"

"That building is for university clubs and the student council room," Xylia answered. "Tomorrow, the clubs will approach all of you for recruitment, so I suggest choosing activities you're genuinely interested in."

Aciel glanced at her.

"I assume you're not part of any club since you're the president."

Xylia immediately sensed the sarcasm hidden beneath his words, but she ignored it and answered calmly anyway.

"Yes," she replied. "As student council president, I have to remain fair to everyone. I'm responsible for approving each club's budget and activities. If I joined a specific club, people might think my decisions are biased."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"The other council members are allowed to join clubs because I'm still the one making the final decisions."

Aciel suddenly chuckled softly.

"Then you also have to consider the clubs your council members belong to," he pointed out coldly. "That still doesn't sound fair."

Xylia stiffened slightly.

"No," she answered carefully. "My decisions have nothing to do with friendship or favoritism. Everything is based on proper judgment."

Aciel looked at her meaningfully.

"That's funny," he said lazily. "You refused to join clubs because students might question your fairness. But you still allow your council members to participate in them."

He tilted his head slightly.

"Do you seriously expect people not to think you're giving their clubs special treatment?"

Xylia fell silent.

She had not considered that possibility before.

Aciel's words irritated her because they were logical.

She was the one who suggested allowing the other council members to join clubs while excluding herself from them. At that time, she genuinely believed it was the fairest decision.

But now…

for the first time—

someone had found a flaw in her reasoning.

And she hated making mistakes.

As president, every decision she made had always been carefully calculated. She could not allow anyone to see weaknesses or errors in her judgment.

"Whatever," Aciel muttered after noticing her silence. "I'm just stating facts."

He shoved his hands inside his pockets.

"So where are we going next?"

Aciel could already sense Xylia growing uncomfortable, so he deliberately changed the subject before she became more upset.

He knew he was being harsh toward her.

But he could not help it.

Women like Xylia irritated him the most.

Perfect on the outside.

Polite.

Elegant.

Untouchable.

Yet he was convinced people like her always hid something ugly underneath.

Eventually, Xylia brought him to the university garden.

For the first time since the tour started, Aciel looked genuinely impressed.

"Well," he admitted, "I didn't expect a garden this beautiful to exist inside a campus full of women."

A faint smile finally appeared on Xylia's lips.

"Let's just say someone who really loves flowers helped maintain this place," she answered proudly.

The garden was breathtaking.

Connected hedges and neatly trimmed bushes surrounded a field of moss-covered grass untouched by dirt or decay. Toward the far end stood a magnificent greenhouse, almost like a hidden garden within another garden.

The flower beds were clearly the pride of the entire place. Every flower was carefully arranged and perfectly maintained, creating a miniature world filled with vibrant colors and delicate beauty.

Archways covered in blooming flowers guided visitors naturally through the pathways, while climbing vines slowly reclaimed parts of the garden as if nature itself refused to stop growing.

And above everything else—

the greenhouse stood majestically in the background, quietly demanding attention from everyone who entered.

Even the flower beds and hedges could not surpass its beauty.

Xylia continued guiding Aciel around the campus afterward.

Although Aciel listened carefully because the university would be his home for the next year, he still made no effort to hide his coldness toward her.

After the tour ended, everyone returned to the auditorium where food and drinks had been prepared for the students.

The university gave everyone time to rest and socialize with one another.

"So?" Simon asked the moment Aciel returned. "How was your experience with the president?"

Aciel smirked faintly.

"Nothing special."

Simon sighed internally.

He still could not understand why Aciel disliked Xylia so much.

Meanwhile, Chelsea immediately approached Xylia the moment she returned.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm fine," Xylia answered softly. "I'm just tired."

Before Chelsea could respond, Xylia's phone suddenly vibrated inside her pocket.

She pulled it out and frowned slightly after reading the message.

It was from her mother.

Come to the student council room immediately.

Xylia quietly sighed before excusing herself and leaving the auditorium alone.

At the same time, Aciel also felt suffocated by the crowded atmosphere inside.

Since the students were currently on break, he decided to head toward the rooftop to be alone for a while.

Xylia had not brought him there during the tour, but she had at least shown him the directions earlier.

As Aciel walked through the hallway leading to the stairs, he noticed the student council room.

The door was slightly open.

Curious, he slowed down and glanced inside.

His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Xylia standing across from an elegant woman who appeared older than Dean Romero.

The woman wore a luxurious red dress, and her hair was tied neatly behind her back. She was undeniably beautiful, but her sharp expression made her appear strict and intimidating.

"Hello, Mother," Xylia greeted calmly. "What brings you here?"

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