Chapter 49 - Chapter 49
It has been a month since Katrina-sama and the others left the academy. So much has happened in such a short time that I haven't had a moment to brood or feel down.
Above all, the official announcement of my contract with the Spirit of Darkness and my state of mana depletion caused quite a stir around me. However, the reactions have been generally positive. Much of that is thanks to the groundwork laid by His Highness, my parents, and Theodore-sama. I also stood at the forefront to clear up misunderstandings about the Spirit of Darkness and seek people's understanding.
As a result, the malicious rumors that had spread throughout the academy vanished in an instant. In fact, classmates who had kept their distance came to apologize, and the awkward gap between us seems to have narrowed significantly.
"They certainly changed their tune quickly, didn't they?"
Abbott-san and I were sitting on a bench in the courtyard, taking a breather. She muttered this with a frown, likely remembering the female students who had greeted me so deferentially in the cafeteria earlier. Not long ago, those same girls were whispering rumors the moment they saw me.
"That's just how it is."
"My, you don't seem very bothered by it."
"No."
For a noble, the ability to read the situation is paramount. You align yourself with those who have value and power. It's a common occurrence and not necessarily a bad thing. Though, being as blatant as they were would usually cost someone their credibility. Ideally, even if you're cursing someone in your head, you should never let it show. Even now, they appear friendly, but who knows where their true feelings lie? They're likely all hiding them.
A small sigh escaped me. But one thing was certain.
"If I worried about every little thing, I wouldn't last long as a noblewoman."
Abbott-san blinked in surprise at my bluntness. A moment later, she burst out laughing.
"Yes, you're absolutely right. No doubt about it. ...Still, Miss Marcel, you've started to look much better lately."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. You look like you've moved past something."
Moved past something. That might be true.
Deep down, I had always wanted to break away from them, but part of me thought it would be impossible. I feared that we were ultimately the same, and that I would end up following the same future as before. Looking back, I was terrified of that. I even worried that His Highness would realize it and come to hate me.
And then there was the matter of being his fiancée. I wondered if someone like me, who had committed such mistakes, truly deserved to stand by his side—especially when I lacked the mana that was once my only pride. For a long time, mana was everything to me; it was the reason I was chosen as his fiancée and the only thing that allowed me to stand beside him.
But His Highness told me he wanted me by his side just as I am. I believe that gave me great strength.
"I'm glad to hear that."
Seeing my expression, Abbott-san gave me a gentle, soft smile. I could tell her words came from the heart. Someone you can talk to honestly—I truly realize now how irreplaceable and precious such a person is.
"Having you there meant a lot to me, too, Abbott-san. After becoming friends with you, I learned for the first time how fun academy life can be."
"Miss Marcel..."
Abbott-san stared at me blankly for a moment, then her lips slowly curved into a smile. She turned away to hide her slightly flushing cheeks and muttered softly.
"Goodness, don't say things like that. It's embarrassing."
"That's why I'm looking forward to going to the bookstore and the cafe we promised today."
Yes. Today, I was going to the bookstore with Abbott-san as we had planned. We also promised to go to a cafe that's currently popular with the girls, which a classmate told us about.
"It's my first time going with a friend... I'm excited."
Abbott-san nodded at my words, still looking away shyly. I found her bashfulness quite charming.
Just then.
"Wait, Rachel-san, are you going to a cafe?"
A bright, surprised voice came from above us. Abbott-san and I looked at each other.
Who is it? The voice sounds familiar.
I slowly turned around to find Anna-san standing there with a beaming smile.
"Hello!" Anna-san chirped, moving in front of us with her adorable face full of energy. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping! I was going to say hello, but then I overheard you," she said, pressing her hands together in front of her face apologetically.
"No, don't worry about it... I'm sorry we didn't notice you. Oh, this is Anna Carroll-san. She's..."
"I'm Anna Carroll. I'm in the class next door, 2-B."
"...Natalia Abbott."
Abbott-san introduced herself hesitantly, seemingly bewildered by Anna-san's cheerful aura. Anna-san didn't seem to mind at all as she looked back and forth between us.
"By the way..." she started, tilting her head cutely. "Can I come along on your outing too?"
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