Chapter 24: The Lady and The Nobody
It was already later in the evening when Claude returned home. Since Levin was being hard on him, he could not stay at the laboratory and continue his research. It annoyed him at the fact his own father won't even help him ask Levin to allow him to continue the research.
"Is something wrong Young Master?" Walden asked as he witnesses the boy with such an annoyed expression in his face.
Claude sighed as he felt defeat about the subject, in the end, he can't do anything about it and just let it be. "I'm fine Walden, just annoyed they won't let me work on the research."
"I see you finally home..."
It surprises Claude to hear the familiar voice, when he saw who was standing by the corner he could not believe his eyes and became mute.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" Aria asked
Claude shook his head as he tried to snap back his sense, "What are you doing here?"
"I'll be staying her sense the School Ranking started," she answered
"Wha- What?" he said
"It's true Young Master, Lady Aria has indeed been staying here for the past three days. Since she goes out and trains sometimes at night." Walden explained
"How come I didn't know about this?" he asked
"You've never asked Young Master." Walden replied
Claude faces pam himself after realizing how foolish he was, "I'll head upstairs..."
The next day, Claude went for his usual run however it was different this time since Aria was with him. He felt awkward running around the academy with her, he has not seen her for years and he could not explain the strange feeling being with her.
"Aria me and Claude will be heading to the main house tomorrow, will you come?" Levin asked
The three of them were sat around the table having breakfast, Claude was surprised hearing his father words. He has actually forgotten about his promise to his grandfather. It disappointed him after finding out they'll be heading to the main house. It just means he won't be able to work on his research.
"If it's alright with you Uncle," she replied
Claude got up from the table a soon as he finished his meal, "I'll be going then."
"Thank you for the meal," she said as she went and followed Claude out of the house.
The school ground was already packed with students as they were all confused and surprised at what they were seeing.
"Who is that kid with Lady Aria? How come they are walking together?"
"Isn't he the nobody that finished all his matches in less than a minute?"
"Could they be possible be dating?"
For Claude the comment meant nothing to him, he was the person who doesn't care about anything at all. However, the person next to him seems to felt the situation differently. She did not expect her appearance walking with Claude would bring such embarassment to her. The fact no one knew that they are actually cousin.
As they continue heading toward the main building. Aria expression changes as she heard some unpleasant comments.
"Hey, check that out."
"Could Lady Aria be trying to win his favor in order to make her status at school even stronger."
"Since she has no chance to top the Academy Ranking, it's best to be on the winning side they always said. From what I heard, that kids pretty smart since after a long time someone actually perfects the written exam."
Aria was the type of person who care less about gossip about herself. However, the fact she was with Claude and hearing the unpleasant comments about her made her upset. She was weak indeed but she has tried her best to become strong.
"I need to go..." she soft whisphered to Claude who didn't say a word back.
Claude continued ahead with no change of expression from what just happened. For him, things like this are bothersome and meaningless yet it surprises him that Aria for once was actually affected by it.
He sighed as he wonders if she was doing fine. Despite he doesn't care about her, in the end she was still his family.
"Claude..." A voice yelled from behind him.
He ignored the person and continued walking, he didn't need to turn around to find out who it was.
"Claude, are you related to Lady Aria in some ways?" Leo asked after chasing after him.
Claude didn't say anything and continued walking. Of course, Leo, in the end, didn't ask about it again since he knew Claude personality was always like this. But he couldn't help wonder why they were seen walking together. Could it be just a coincidence that they were walking side by side or the rumors are just bad mouthing Lady Aria?
Leo, of course, knew all the rumors about Lady Aria and her cousin at school. The fact they are from the main clan, they seem to be powerless over others. Since his family is under them, of course, he dare not say a word but instead tries to find ways to fix it. But what can he do when he himself was also being bullied in the academy.
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