CH 72

“That’s all for today.”

The last class is over.

As soon as the teacher walked out of the classroom, Alice stood up, glared at me suspiciously, and walked out of the classroom. It was obvious that she was angry, because after that, she was half an hour late for her next class.

She must have glared at me and walked out of the classroom to call me to come to the back of the school building. Well, I’m going to ignore it. Claire is more important than that.

In the end, Claire didn’t say anything to me until the class was over.

When I got to this point, I was wondering if I could go home and change my clothes in time to go to the party, or if there really was even a party. But I didn’t want to say what I was thinking and get my heartstrings pulled, so I decided to just wait.

“Well, Chris-kun, I’ll see you tomorrow~”

I replied politely to Mist, who confirmed our appointment for tomorrow with her bag in her hand.

“It is my pleasure.”

Mist nodded her head in satisfaction, then waved cheerfully and walked out of the classroom.

Whether or not things would go well tomorrow would determine if the problems related to the midterm test would be resolved successfully. For that reason, I need to make an appointment with Alice today.

While I was alone with my enthusiasm, I saw Claire approaching. Her black dress shone in the orange-colored classroom, and combined with her good looks, she looked as beautiful as a famous painting.

“Chris.”

“Lady Alcala, is this about today’s study session?”

I felt annoyed to be wasting my time talking with Claire, so I asked her straight away.

“See you soon, Lady Alcala…….”

I thought it was because she had failed to stop me, but I denied it, thinking that she would not have bothered to call out to me if she wanted to stop me, given the words she had muttered.

If so, what was the reason for her unhappiness? Was it because I had pushed the timing too far, since she hadn’t told me she was turning down the study session until the last minute? Or is it because she’s angry that I didn’t compliment her on her dress like a normal girl?

Both reasons seem to be unrelated to the content of the murmurings. In the first place, it is polite as a nobleman to praise, but Claire gets angry when I praise her. I’m not sure what to do.

“……I was going to ask you to join me for a study session today.”

As I was pondering this, Claire looked somewhat resigned and replied with her shoulders slumped. Somehow, she gives off the vibe of an abandoned dog, which makes me feel guilty. What the hell is this? I mean, are we going to have a study session?

“Yes, you’re right. We had an appointment. Shall we go?”

“……Oh. Yes, Viscount Dreschord…….”

Why the sudden change from name calling? No, I wanted to, but I’m not happy about this!

“Haha……. So I’m on my own in the end…….”

I don’t understand. Am I supposed to teach her how to study from now until the midterm exam? Seriously? I really feel like I’m going to die from caring too much.

“Excuse me, but, well…? Did I do something to offend you, Lady Alcala?”

Claire’s face darkened even more when I asked her about it out of sheer embarrassment and concern for the future. Wait, seriously, what am I supposed to do…….?

I looked around and noticed that some students who were leaving stopped to look at me curiously. Oh, no. I’ve got to do something before they start some crazy rumor that I’ve made Claire depressed or something.

“Oh, by the way. Why are you dressed so beautifully today?”

I managed to twist the words out of my throat, trying to change the subject. Claire gets angry when she is praised. It’s easier to deal with an angry Claire than a sullen Claire like this. Besides, when she’s angry, she’s the same as she’s always been, so I’m sure the classmates will think it’s just a regular thing.

“How can someone who is far away from me call me beautiful? In the first place, I’m a famous warrior princess. I am far from being beautiful. It’s not only a misunderstanding, but also my ears are ruined…….I wondered why I had been so excited. I thought that if you were as strong as or stronger than me, you might be able to help me, but I don’t think so. I feel like there’s no point in living at all.”

I’m scared! You’re mumbling something awful all by yourself! I looked helplessly at my classmates around me for help, and they all ran away. Damn it, don’t run away! You don’t care about me? I’m the one who has to take care of this bomb! I looked back at Claire and saw that she was reaching for her ear.

“Wait a minute!”

I grabbed both of Claire’s wrists with all my might.

“What the hell are you doing, Viscount Dreschord?”

“You know what I’m doing. I don’t want you to ruin your ear so I thought I’d stop you.”

Claire gives me a dumbfounded look.

What the f*ck! Your face! Are you serious? You’re too psychotic! I don’t really care if Claire loses her ears, but if she does now, it’ll definitely be my fault! If that happens, I won’t be able to do well at the school, I won’t even have a place to stay! I have to do something soon!

“No, you have to stop right now!”

“Why?”

Even though she asked me that, Claire’s hand showed no sign of weakening. Whatever! Seriously!

“If Claire loses her ears, I’m in trouble!”

“Yes, what did you just say? My ears are ruined. Try again.”

“I said I don’t want Claire’s ears to be ruined!”

“Ah!”

When I said exactly what I was thinking, Claire made a strange noise, and then her arms suddenly weakened and stopped.

What was that sound? Well, I don’t really care, but it helped.