CH 51

The bell rang, signaling the end of the last class of the day.

“That’s all for today.”

The teacher slammed the book shut, said a few leisurely closing words to the somewhat distracted students, and walked away. As the students watched the teacher walk out the classroom door, they erupted in an uproar.

“Finally, it’s over!”

“Are we going to play now?”

“Let’s go study in the library!”

I tried not to listen to the excited voices of the students who were looking forward to the after-school activities. Yesterday, I had been able to establish a one-way friendship with Alfred, but I still hadn’t been able to find out where he was because I couldn’t keep track of his activities as a senior student.

Well, it’s okay, because sooner or later I’ll be able to make it look like I’m getting along with Alfred, so I can show everyone that he doesn’t hate me. As long as I can do that, the people who think I’m unapproachable will probably flip out.

I stuffed my textbooks tightly into my bag and was about to leave the classroom when someone called out to me from behind.

“Viscount Dreschord. May I have a word?”

“Yes?”

When I turned around, I saw a girl with beautiful black hair shimmering in the evening sun shining into the classroom.

“Is there something you have to do after this?”

“No, I don’t have anything.”

I answered, stammering a little at the sudden question. What do you want? I reflexively told the truth, but I should have said I had some business to attend to…….

“Well, then why don’t you come to my salon now?”

“Salon?”

“Yeah. I’ve been able to use the room I applied for before I entered the school. We’ll be having tea parties and chatting there.”

“Haha…….”

In the end, it’s like the tea ceremony club in Japan, where people eat sweets and talk after school without doing any activities…….

“What do you think?”

Claire looked straight at me with expectant eyes and asked me. I’m sure she hates me, but she’s asking me out like this. There is a high possibility that this is a trap. And I don’t want to cause any unnecessary misunderstandings with Mist or Alfred. My answer is no, of course.

“I’m not feeling very well today, so if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to leave.”

“Okay…….”

Claire’s shoulders slumped so clearly that everyone could see it. How depressed could she be……? What kind of trap was she trying to set me up for, to be that depressed? I shuddered in fear at the thought of what might have happened if I had gone. Well, I’m starting to feel guilty now so I should just say something and go home.

“I’m sorry. I’d love to go, but I’m not feeling well…….Then I’ll be leaving.”

“No, it’s okay. You didn’t say a word today, and you were looking around with a pained expression on your face. I just thought it was because you didn’t have any friends. I’m sorry for being so uncaring. Go home and get some rest.”

You’re right! I looked at the people around me and envied them because I had no friends, so I looked pained, and I couldn’t say a word because I had no one to talk to! I tried not to let my words of anger overflow out at Claire, who had mercilessly gouged out my wounds, and managed to only say goodbye.

“Yeah, that’s…….”

“All right, bye.”

I was about to leave when I spotted a beautiful blonde girl waiting for me at the classroom door. There are still many students in the classroom, but I’m the only one who can see her…….I don’t know what to think, but she’s waiting for me. I wonder if she wants to ask me to play. But if Alice asks me to do something here, I might be considered a royalist.

I called out to Claire, who was preparing to leave.

“Excuse me, Lady Alcala. I was wondering if I could accept your invitation to the salon?”

Claire looked surprised at my words, then answered happily.

“Really?”

Whoa, how happy are you? I don’t know what kind of trap is being set for me…….

“Really.”

“I’m glad to hear it, but are you feeling alright?”

“Yes, I am. I’m feeling better now that I’m talking to you, Lady Alcala!”

“Oh, really? I’m glad to hear that. Shall we go then?”

“Yes!”

Alice was aghast when she saw me leaving the classroom with Claire. I’m sorry Alice. It’s too risky for me to be considered a royalist. I’d rather go to Claire’s salon knowing that it’s a trap. Besides, once I get out of the trap, it’s over, but once I accept Alice’s invitation, it will continue.

Thus, I headed to Claire’s salon with Alice watching my back.