Chapter 94: The Prince and the Cafeteria Peasants
Emile stopped in front of the cafeteria, his face distorted in disbelief as he jabbed at his phone. The call connected with a beep.
"Cousin, what’s this about military training?!" he said, agitation evident in his voice.
On the other end of the line, Jacklin sighed. "You didn’t know?! Seriously? The way you acted, insisting on going to uni here, I thought you were completely aware. Well, it doesn’t matter now. Calm down. It’s not like you are being drafted. Girls are attending, too, you know. It’s nothing like those wilderness survival shows you are imagining."
Emile paced in a tight circle, his fingers tugging at his curly hair. "Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure about that? Can’t you get me an exemption or something?!"
"What exemption?" Jacklin said with a huff. "Everyone has done it. I’ve done it! Are you saying you are less than us girls?"
"You are talking about girls! Of course, they go easy on them! But me! I’m a guy! I’ll be dead before the first day ends!" Emile retorted.
Jacklin clicked her tongue. "Fine, fine! I don’t have any connection that high up. But let’s do dinner tonight. I’ll ask little Uncle to come too. Maybe you can plead your case with him. He might know someone who could help you..."
"I doubt it", Emile cut in, kicking a stone. His voice grew soft, resigned. "He just ignores me like always..."
Jacklin was silent for a moment, and then her tone softened. "Still, you are his sister’s son. If you just try...be polite, behave a little, maybe act a bit obedient for once, he surely helps you. Anyway, you have nothing to lose."
She didn’t say it aloud, but her real motive wasn’t entirely Emile’s relief. She was hoping to drag her uncle near QC University. Maybe, if they were lucky, they could catch sight of Asena. Or ask about her. With her eye-catching look and style, that girl had to be standing out like a rose in a gravel pit. Someone must know her. She had the makings of a campus idol, for sure.
"Okay... text me the time and place..." Emile said with a huff.