318 Chapter four, 2017, revolt: 8 (1/2)

'This is bad.'

Ulf walked Noriko back to her home. Not that it was really needed, but given the escalation of their conflict with the headship Ulf didn't want to take any chances.

That conflict, however, wasn't what was bad.

By his side Noriko shook, and tears threatened to leave her eyes. Not grief, not even sadness.

”How dare they!” Fury got the better of her and she shook again.

Ulf smiled. Christina was right, and hers was the world of appearances. Thirty years younger and he would have flatly refused to do less than his best, but he saw all kinds of problems if he suddenly scored among the thirty best.

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'I'll do as you say, but not for the reason you think.'

Christina's was the world of appearances. His was one of group dynamics. If his results improved too drastically he might garner a greater reputation as the foreigner with knowledge, but at the cost of resentment, since he so obviously kept the most important parts to himself.

'Well, I guess it's about appearances after all.' Ulf grinned and sent Christina a mental ironic nod.

”What are you laughing at?”

Ulf looked down at his side where Noriko still hadn't let go of her rage.

”Sorry,” he said, ”but I guess Christina is right about this.”

”Of all selfish...”

”Noriko, it's selfish, but she's right. I'll do as she says for my own benefit.”

”What?”

He needed to change the topic before she exploded again. Without thinking he patted her head, and she shook him off with an irritated twist of her head.

”Noriko, after high school, what are you going to do?”

She didn't even break a step. Noriko might look a child, but as far as Ulf was concerned she was one of the most adult second years in the school.

”University.”

Which was the answer Ulf had waited for. He opened his bag and took out a small plastic bag inside.

”Want a look at these?” He handed Noriko the small one.

She just gave him a quizzical stare when she accepted it.

”Toudai. Some information. I believe you have the grades to do it. I've heard the entrance exam can be a bit harsh, but you should be able to pass it.”

Noriko smirked, but she silently put the papers in her bag.

”No reaction?” Ulf tried.

She gave him a glare.

'What did I do now?'

”So you just want to send me off there doing whatever you want wherever you'll spend your life after high school?”

'I didn't mean it that way.' ”Sorry. I just thought you might be interested. It's supposed to be a good university.”