The rumors.

They were still roaring about.

I had been spending my classes today in complete and utter stillness. My focus was gone, my attention scattered, my mind somewhere far away.

Even during practical classes, my mind was elsewhere. Today was horse-riding, which I did… surprisingly decently at. Carine’s horse-riding was scheduled for the morning, while Feyt’s was for noon, so I managed to grab some essentials from Carine’s memories to help Feyt keep up.

That… was probably the only time my mind was actively learning stuff.

Other than that, my entire being was preoccupied debating myself about this rumor.

I had always wanted to distance myselves from each other and throw that lovebirds rumor down onto the train tracks. So, this new rumor about me actually hating my own guts was working in favor of that, somewhat.

Still, I wasn’t gonna just sit down and be labelled as some tyrannical elitist noble who beats up her retainers.

I had standards, you know?

The problem was, even if I wanted to, I hadn't the faintest idea how to scrub away the stain of this latest rumor. Standing in the courtyard and shouting my innocence felt like a tacit admission of guilt. On the other hand, trying to plead my case to my inner circle felt pathetic… and likely futile.

Thus, my predicament.

I could still hear several students being conflicted about the two rumors, debating which one was true. Some even believed both to be true somehow. Honestly, I wished they’d all just find a hobby that didn't involve me.

Before I even realized it, classes for the day had ended.

As students began packing up their stuff and heading out of the class, I kept my eye on Ravilenna for a moment. Seated near the front of the class, she was glancing at me throughout the day. Even in my semi-conscious state, I still noticed it.

I thought she might try another jab at inviting me to this gathering of hers, but before I could speculate further, she packed up her stuff and left the class without as much as a glance.

Huh… Was I just imagining things?

I shook off the thought and turned to my own circle. Eve was already prepared to leave, but Lionne remained rooted to her seat. Her usually vibrant, faded pink hair seemed to droop, and she was staring at the grain of her desk like it owed her money.

“Lionne? Are you alright?” I called out.

She flinched awake.

“L-Lady Carine!” she stammered, her hands flying to her books. “F-Forgive me! I’ll pack up right now, no—immediately!”

“Calm down, Lionne, I don’t mind waiting,” I said in my absolutely most calm tone ever. Though I doubt it was that much different from my usual tone.

“I-I can’t possibly make you wait, Lady Carine!” She punctuated the sentence with a small, awkward chuckle as she continued to stuff her books in with such speed that I worried they might crease.

Then, she snapped to attention, a brittle, high-tension smile plastered across her face. “Alright! Good to go! Should I go ahead and clear the path to the dorms for you, Lady Carine?”

She was back in “work” mode, but I could tell with barely any scrutiny that she wasn’t her usual self.

“That won’t be necessary,” I replied, keeping my voice stable. “I’ll be heading straight back to my quarters. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Lady Carine,” Eve said with a warm smile.

“S-See you, Lady Carine,” Lionne said with a forced smile.

I watched them go as I began making my way out of the class as well.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

I really need to sort this rumor out sooner rather than later.

—

I headed for the exit closest to my dorm trail. The dorm, as exclusive as it may be, was annoyingly very far from the main building. Just the thought of having to climb two whole sets of stairs to get to my room once I was there was… a bit exhausting.

I thought I had put the days of my family garden behind me.

As I made my way through this familiar, long walk… I noticed a figure.

A woman stood near the tall, arched windows of the corridor, bathed in the amber glow of the afternoon sun. She was a striking silhouette, her hair a waterfall of vibrant red that reached down to her hips, flowing with every movement. She wore a white uniform, a meticulously cared-for one.

As I approached, she straightened, her posture shifting into a display of perfect, practiced etiquette.

She waited until I was within the appropriate social distance before she inclined her head in a deep, fluid bow.

"Greetings, Your Grace," she began, her voice melodic and refined.

Your Grace?

"A pleasure to find you in such a quiet moment. I am Alishia, of House Vassireid."

I maintained my composure, though I remained wary of her. I was a bit irritated for the day, so I just wanted to be done with it.

"Lady Vassireid, then. To what do I owe the honor of an ambush this fine afternoon?"

Alishia rose from her bow, her expression a mask of an elegant smile. She chuckled lightly. "This is hardly an ambush, I assure you. I merely hope for a moment of your time.” She extended her hand. “I am here to extend an invitation to our tea circle this evening personally."

I let out a tired breath.

Not this again.

I was about to voice out a direct rejection to get things over with. But she began first.

“The tournament is approaching quickly, isn’t it?” she said, her tone shifting from formal pleasantries to something more grounded. “But despite how close it is to happening, the academy has yet to chirp even the slightest bits of rules, haven’t they?”

My eyebrows raised. She wasn't wrong. So far, the only information we've had about the upcoming tournaments has come from whispers, expectations, and rumors. There weren’t any official announcements for it, not even a quick mention.

She took a half-step closer, lowering her voice.

"However, as someone who has experienced it before, along with my associate, we would like to hopefully share some of our insights into last year’s tournament. We believe such information could prove useful to someone such as yourself; thus, my invitation."

I looked at her face to search for any sign of mischief. As a Ducal heiress, I knew that hospitality from someone like her was rarely free. They were in it for a favor, or perhaps to find a way to bring me down. But from what I could tell, she looked at me like a peer with a problem she could fix.

"We’re gathered at the western garden. It’s far quieter than the common areas, and I can promise the tea and confections are a significant improvement over the academy's standard fare.”

I weighed the exhaustion of the day against the potential of actually clearing my name.

I thought back on the long walk to the dorm… the tea and snacks being offered… and eventually, the latter won out.

Having a quick listen wouldn’t hurt.

"Very well," I gave a small nod. "Lead the way."

"It is my pleasure," she said, her voice brightening. She stepped aside, yielding the path with a graceful gesture before falling into step beside me. "This way, if you please. I believe you’ll find the conversation and the cakes quite worth the detour."

—

On the other side of the main building, I was exiting the hall as Feyt.

Usually, I would walk alongside a few of my classmates or Attila before we split paths, but I was to walk alone today. They all apparently have something to do.

I was following Alishia as Carine in perfect silence as I continued my path as Feyt. And that was when the silence was broken.

The rhythmic clicking of standard-issue academy boots warned me of an approach, and sure enough, turning from a corner sharply was a girl in a white-collared uniform. She came sprinting toward me, her face a frantic mask of desperation. She was clutching a small brown paper bag to her chest like it contained her family’s life savings.

She skidded to a halt before me.

Instead of a picture of elegance like Alishia, this time, this was a frantic girl.

She ran up to me, holding a small brown bag under her arm, her voice frantic.

“H-Hey, you’re Feyt, right? Lady Carine’s attendant?”

“Attendant?” I parroted. “I… guess you could say that?”

At least it's better than a boyfriend.

She nodded as if to confirm something to herself and thrust the brown bag toward me with both hands.

“Please! You have to deliver this to Lady Carine. It’s crucial that she gets her hands on it!”

“Huh?”

I received the bag without much thought as she pushed it onto me.

“Huh?” I reached out, my fingers closing around the rough paper before I’d even processed the request. It was surprisingly light. “What is this—?”

“Don’t open it!” she squeaked, her eyes widening. She stepped back as if afraid of the bag. “It’s strictly for Lady Carine’s eyes only, okay? No one else should ever see it!”

“Uhm, listen, I have to know what’s inside to—”

“—Thank you! You’re a lifesaver!”

Before I could get another word out, she spun on her heel and bolted past me, her footsteps echoing down the corridor in a frantic pace.

“Wait!” I called out, turning around, but she was already a blur disappearing around the corner. “I didn’t even catch your name... Ugh.”

I looked down at the mysterious brown bag in my hand.

Since Carine is me, I should be able to take a peek. But I had a feeling this wasn’t the type of thing I should open in public.

So, with reluctance, I held on to it as I continued to make my way to my dorm.