Chapter 24: I Tried Being the Center of Attention at the Academy.
《Serios’s POV》
Since enrolling in the academy, I’ve instructed Liese and Faina to focus on their studies for their own advancement, telling them not to worry about me, so I often end up alone.
Inevitably, in noble society, my old bad reputation still circulates, so no one tries to approach me. More than anything, it seems the fact that I clashed with those high-ranking nobles at the entrance ceremony quickly became a rumor.
When someone like me walks around, I draw gazes.
“Again…”
Ever since my school life began, I don’t even know how many times I’ve encountered this kind of situation. In front of me, several male students I don’t recognize are standing in my way, staring intently at me.
“Aegrid-dono, we’d like to talk to you for a bit, if you don’t mind?”
The boy who seemed to be the leader started with that. Cold gazes and a subtly tense atmosphere. Behind him, his cronies, arms crossed with similar attitudes, were waiting.
“Talk?”
While frowning, I asked back in a feigned calm voice. Then, he, while crossing his arms, looked me up and down as if sizing me up.
“You, you’re always with Lady Liese, aren’t you?”
“…Yeah, well. What about it?”
I can pretty much guess where this exchange is headed. What they want to say, and what kind of false accusations they’ll make.
“We think you should refrain from actions that would trouble her, you see.”
“Trouble? Me, to Liese?”
Not understanding their intentions, I unintentionally widened my eyes.
But, it quickly clicked. In short, their goal is to “interfere with the relationships surrounding Liese.”
Since coming to this academy, Liese instantly became a figure who draws attention.
In addition to her excellent grades, her beautiful appearance. Furthermore, in the Written Exam, she scored higher than the princes, and in the practical exam, she showed a fight on par with Gard.
It was natural for her to become a topic of conversation among the male students as the “Prodigy of the academy.”
However, because she always accompanies me as my attendant, jealous gazes are focused on me.
“For a noble like you… with a bad reputation from the past, to be next to such a Prodigy, isn’t it a bit unsuitable?”
At the male student’s words, I sighed inwardly.
“Ah, so that’s what this is about.”
In other words, because I’m next to Liese, these guys probably think they can’t get close to Liese.
This attitude of getting jealous and picking fights on their own accord, honestly, I’m fed up with it.
“This has nothing to do with you guys, does it?”
When I retorted calmly, the boys’ expressions tensed.
“We won’t let you say it has nothing to do with us. We just want to show our standing as suitable partners for her!”
“…Is that so. Then go ahead and do as you please. However, stop bothering me. Or do you bastards think that as long as it’s at the academy, it’s fine to be disrespectful to a noble?”
When I said that in a low voice, they backed down with bewildered expressions.
Even after that exchange ended, I could feel scattered jealous gazes in the classroom and hallways. The boys’ attitudes remained unchanged, and sometimes I could even hear them badmouthing me.
“Isn’t it unfair that Aegrid-dono is next to Lady Liese?”
“Her talent is wasted. Serving a guy like that.”
“How on earth did he win her over?”
“No way, did he threaten her?”
Amidst these unsettling speculations flying around, honestly, I can’t help but think that if they have time to worry about such things, they should just put in some effort themselves, but I guess this is reality.
But what’s even more perplexing is Liese’s own attitude.
No matter how much attention she receives at the academy, she remains by my side, unchanged. And her gaze is so intense, it’s almost indescribable.
After school, as I was walking down a quiet hallway, I was suddenly called out to from behind.
“Lord Serios!”
When I turned around, Liese was standing there. With a smile on her face, she was looking straight at me.
“What is it, Liese?”
“You must be tired today. Is there anything I can help you with?”
I hesitated for a moment at her offer. But I quickly shook my head.
“No, I’m fine. I don’t have any particular errands, and I’m just about to return to my room.”
“Is that so? In that case, may I accompany you to your room?”
For some reason, her words made my chest feel uneasy. Her earnest eyes felt as if they were trying to tell me something.
Even on the way back to my room, she kept staring at me from a step behind. Not understanding the meaning of her gaze, I sighed inwardly.
(Lately, I feel like the way she looks at me has changed…)
Liese has always been devoted, but lately, the distance between us feels even closer. It’s as if she’s trying not to miss a single one of my actions.
Could it be that I’m being watched? Did I do something to make her suspicious? Honestly, maybe those guys whispered something to her.
(What she’s feeling amidst this school life… I don’t understand.)
However, her attitude is undoubtedly further fueling the jealousy of the surrounding male students.
I returned to my room, thinking I could finally relax, but Liese remained standing at the entrance, looking at me.
“What is it, Liese?”
“Lord Serios, I…”
The moment she started to say something, I heard the voices of male students from the hallway.
“Is that guy monopolizing Lady Liese again?”
“We need to somehow create a chance to get closer to her…”
Liese, noticing those voices, frowned. Then, she glanced back at the hallway, and turned back to face me again.
“Lord Serios, as your attendant, I want to stay by your side forever.”
I still can’t understand the true meaning of those words. But I could sense the unwavering feelings dwelling in her eyes.
“Yeah. But I think it’s wonderful that you’re working hard for yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard. Good night.”
The jealous gazes from those around us, and her intense gaze, all contribute to the incomprehensibility surrounding me. Amidst that, while wondering what I should do, I encouraged Liese and bid her farewell.