"You who have hair like a wrinkled old man and blood red eyes aren't fit to be in Roseward Academy!"
"You think you are so great just because Lady Rium has your back!?"
"You are a lowlife commoner! Don't get so cocky!"
I am currently being bullied. I just broke off from Alex and was heading downstairs when I was called out by a group of young noble ladies. I have been pushed against the walls as the three ladies yelled crap at me. Not like anything I haven't heard of course.
"What's going on here?"
"Your Highness!"
Looking up, I was met with clear blue eyes. Ah, the main attraction is here. I haven't seen him since that one time he came to the shop with his brother.
"Nothing is happening, your highness."
Oh? I could feel a smirk forming on my lips. "Prince Leonhardt. It's a pleasure to see you again."
Prince Leonhardt looked at me and smiled. "Lady Reiré. It's been a while."
"It certainly has…" I turned to the other girls and grinned as they glared at me.
"You look a little tired. Is everything alright?" Prince Leonhardt asked.
"I am quite tired. But these girls don't seem to notice that."
The ladies flinched as their faces turned pale.
"They pulled me over just to say some mean things. And now I'm late for Dance class. Lady Rium will surely be disappointed in me. Her family even pays for my tuition. Now I'll be suspended just because of these girls here."
"A-Ain't that a bit extreme?"
"Oh! But I am a lowly commoner. I don't get the luxury to skip classes like you three are doing."
"What! We were not-"
"I see what is going on," Prince Leonhardt voiced. "I shall report this to the rest of the student council. You three ladies should be ashamed of yourself. To skip class like this."
"Y-Your Highness!"
"Hurry to class! Because of you, I'm also late now!"
The three ladies bowed and quickly scurried away. My, how they run so fast.
"Please, let me escort you to your class so I can explain to your teacher," he offered.
Like I'm gonna say no to that. "That would be much appreciated. Thank you, Prince Leonhardt."
And so, I was escorted to class by the future King. I can hear it already. I can hear all the false rumors going around. This will surely get Lady Claudia to pay attention to me instead of Alex.
"How is Lady Rium?"
"Hmm?" Didn't think that he would ask about Lady Rium. "She is doing well. She's also teaching me a lot on how to be a proper noble even though I'm a commoner."
"Lady Rium and Raphael talks a lot about you. They say you are strange. You aren't even afraid to talk back to Lady Rium. They hold you very high in their hearts."
I could feel my cheeks heat up. Well, this is embarrassing. Never thought Lady Rium and Lord Raphael would think so highly of me. "Is that so. I really admire Lady Rium and Lord Raphael. They are like siblings I never had. For them to think so highly of a commoner like me is making me bashful."
"That is precisely why I wonder what's so interesting about you."
"Eh?" I looked at Prince Leonhardt to see him staring straight into my eyes.
Did I trigger something? Did I accidentally catch Prince Leonhardt's attention? When? Why? How? What? Well, that's bad… I wanted to catch Lady Claudia's not the first Prince's attention. I should say something.
"Prince Leonhardt, I am really not that interesting."
"Really? I'd say your silky white hair and ruby red eyes are really interesting. You're the first with such a unique appearance. I will say that your hair and eye color are quite elegant and beautiful despite what others say, so don't disregard yourself like that."
Ugh. I think I just cringed. For him to say such a line. He's truly the prince character. Albinos are quite rare, even in my past life. Usually albinos have terrible eyesight, but I don't, which is strange. But the fact that albinos have delicate skin that can get easily burned by the sun like a vampire, now that I have.
For now, I need to steer the topic away from me. I would like to have him as an ally, but I don't want his attention on me forever. "So what do you think about Alexandra Bailey?" She's the main heroine, she must have caught your attention already, right? You definitely can't pass on such a cute girl like Alex.
"Alexandra? Ah, the other commoner. She's quite adorable, I must say. She looks to be really timid. When I first spoke to her, she stuttered over her words."
Yes! Nice, Alex! Cuteness overload!
"She's cute and all, but she's not as interesting as you, Lady Reiré." Prince Leonhardt smiled causing sparkles to appear around his figure.
Oh no! He's using the prince charm on me! Alex, what are you doing?! I thought you were gonna capture him! Are you really gonna let me capture him instead!?
Before I can completely fall for the prince charm, we have reached the ballroom.
"Looks like we're here."
I let out a breath of relief. "Oh thank goodness."
Prince Leonhardt opened the doors and walked in with me following behind. Everyone was staring at us. Everyone looked to be paired up and dancing. Lady Claudia was joined hand in hand with the teacher. Since I was late, I guess she had to partner up with the teacher. I'm so sorry that I had to let you go through that, Lady Claudia.
Prince Leonhardt bowed and apologized, "My humble apologies for interrupting your class, Madam Picket."
I also bowed and apologized, "I'm sorry for being late, Madam Picket."
The teacher walked over to us and asked, "Was something going on?"
"Actually, yes." Prince Leonhardt explained our situation and Madam Picket understood. I'm so glad to have Prince Leonhardt come with me, cause otherwise, she will give me a big scolding from being extremely late.
"Well then, I hope our paths cross once again." Prince Leonhardt took my hand and kissed my knuckles.
I could hear all the gasping in the room and when I turned to look at Lady Claudia, I could see her eyes burning with fury. 'It's not what you think, Lady Claudia, I promise' was what I wanted to scream out.
"Until then, goodbye."
Once the prince released my hand, I quickly wiped it against my skirt. "I do hope our paths never cross again," I clearly and happily spoke.
Prince Leonhardt looked shocked at first, but then he smiled and chuckled. "You really are interesting."
Bad. I shouldn't have said that. What have I done? Now, he's even more interested in me.
The prince left and class continued. Everyone looked like they wanted to talk to me, but they all decided to wait so they don't get scolded. The teacher guided me to the fuming Lady Claudia. I gave her a hesitant smile as she gave me the look of wanting to slap me.
"We are currently learning the steps to the waltz. Since you are a pair of girls, one of you will have to learn the male role instead."
I smirked, "I have no idea how to dance, but Lady Claudia does."
Lady Claudia scoffed, "Of course I do. As a daughter of a Marquess I learned the waltz at the age of five."
Gotcha.
"Is that so, then you already know the female role?" asked the teacher.
"Do you think of me as some low status noble? Of course I know the female dance steps."
"Perfect. Then you can help teach Lady Reiré the female role while you learn the male role."
Lady Claudia blinked. "Huh?"
I, on the other hand, happily replied, "I have no problems with that!"
"Good."
"Wait! I have a problem with it!" Lady Claudia protested.
"Don't worry, Lady Claudia. I'm a fast learner, so I won't put you to shame!"
"That's not what I have a problem with!"
"No more arguing. Lady Claudia will learn the male role while Lady Reiré learns the female role. Now get to it. Don't waste anymore class time!" scolded our teacher.
Lady Claudia grumbled, "Yes, ma'am…"
As the teacher turned to pay attention to the other students, I reached my hand out to Lady Claudia. While Lady Claudia was upset, I am actually very excited. When do you ever get the chance to dance with your favorite character? Exactly, never. So I'm taking full advantage of this class.
"Shall we start, Lady Claudia?"
She grumbled with displeasure and took hold of my hand while her other hand went to my waist. "Stand up straight," she ordered.
I quickly fixed my posture and placed my other hand on her shoulder. This was my first time being this close to Lady Claudia. Ah, she smells so nice. I can't help but admire her smooth white skin and sparkling blue eyes. This is definitely eye candy for me.
"I will accuse you of sexual harassment if you stare at me with such lecherous eyes," she threatened.
I only giggled and acted innocent. "I have no idea what you are talking about, my dear Lady Claudia."
"I have no idea why Prince Leonhardt would take an interest in you, but don't get cocky."
"It's not like I wanted his attention," I voiced. "I'm actually trying to get a different person's attention. Specifically, one that I am looking at right now."
"I don't like you," she stated.
"But I like you very much, Lady Claudia."
She suddenly tensed up as her face turned pink. Oh? I didn't actually think she would react. "How cute."
"Are you mocking me again?!"
"I really have no idea what you are saying, Lady Claudia," I said. "But shouldn't we start moving? Madam Picket has been looking at us for quite a while." I titled my head at the teacher's direction to show my point.
"Right, just follow my lead," Lady Claudia ordered.
I did as told and we started to move. It wasn't the romantic dance that I had envisioned. Only one minute into the dance and I have already stepped on Lady Claudia's foot.
"My apologies."
I could see Lady Claudia trying to hold in her voice. If glares could kill, I'd be dead on the spot.
"I-It is fine. You don't know how to dance. It is expected that you would make such mistakes."
I probably shouldn't tease her right now unless I want an early death. Let's just try not to step on her foot again. Of course, thinking like that, I surely jinxed myself, cause, for the next hour I have been tripping over myself and stepping on Lady Claudia's feet. Once class ended, I got an earful from Lady Claudia about how bad I was at dancing and that I am not worthy to be her partner. Even though Lady Claudia messed up a few times on her part, but compared to me, I surely had no skill when it comes to dancing.
- - - - 0-0-0 - - - -
"Were you really that bad?" Alex asked.
"I was terrible," I sighed.
Out in the courtyard, Alex and I were enjoying the luxurious lunch that the dining hall staff had provided us.
"I stepped on Clovis's foot a few times too, if that makes you feel better?"
"I thought you had Dance class during the fifth period?" There's no way she could have danced with Prince Clovis outside of Dance class. Unless she's hiding something from me.
"Ah! Well, Alexandra in the game stepped on his foot a few times and I'm not really a good dancer myself, so I'll definitely step on his feet when I have Dance class later."
It was true that Alexandra wasn't a good dancer in the beginning, but after a few classes she became a natural, so was told in the novel. "Thanks for the encouragement, I guess."
"Don't worry, you'll get better," Alex said.
"By the way, how's your progress with Prince Leonhardt?" I asked, reminding myself of the terrible heart attack I had earlier.
"Eh? Nothing really happened yet."
I felt like a vein just popped in my head. "What do you mean, 'nothing really happened?' Weren't you trying to get his attention!?"
"Well, it's only the second day since the story started. Also, I don't have any classes with him and most of his encounters with me are during the weekend," Alex explained.
"Doesn't he save you from bullying!?"
"Well, the bullying has been split between you and me now since there are two commoners in this academy. I believe you have it worse because of your appearance."
"Curse my side character disguised as the main character appearance!" I cried.
Alex hesitantly laughed, "Ahaha… ha… ha…"
"You need to start working, Alex. Prince Leonhardt has taken an interest in me!"
"Eh! Already? Really? Shouldn't you be happy?"
"Of course not! Because of him, Lady Claudia misunderstood!"
Alex sighed, "Of course."
"Oh, would you look here? Two rodents in the courtyard. How disgusting."
I looked up from my lunch to see the brunette that first tripped me in the academy. I haven't seen her in a while. I was hoping that it would be Lady Claudia, but I got my hopes up.
"Lady Laura. I haven't seen you since the acceptance assembly."
"You know her, Reiré?" Alex asked.
"She's the first person to bully me at this academy."
"My, bully?" Lady Laura scoffed and denied, "Like I would do such a thing!"
"Then what are you doing here with your friends?" I asked as I looked to the two other girls she had with her.
"I'm just here to enjoy the sunlight. Of course that was ruined when I saw your figure. My, someone as ugly as you should just stay indoors."
Lady Laura laughed with the rest of her friends.
"Sooooo… I was right. You're here to bully me."
Lady Laura's laugh died as she glared at me. "Isn't that obvious? I heard rumors that you've gotten close with Prince Leonhardt."
I groaned, "Ugh. This again. Words travel so fast. It hasn't even been two hours yet."
"Why would Prince Leonhardt be seen with the likes of you? What have you done to seduce him!?"
"What have I done? I've done nothing. If anything, Alexandra is the one that wants to seduce him."
Alex, who was drinking water at the time, choked when I mentioned her. "E-Eh!? You're throwing me under the bus, Reiré!?"
"What do you mean? You're the one who said you wanted to go for Prince Leonhardt."
"T-That's true, but-!"
"Enough!"
"Ah…"
Looks like we both have angered the tiger. I wonder if I have to drag Alex into a run.
"You are both just dirty commoners… And you dare to lust for His Highness…"
"Ah, but Lady Laura, aren't you the same?" I asked.
Alex panicked, "Reiré!?"
Lady Laura exploded. Probably shouldn't have said that. "You dare say I'm the same as you! As an Earl's daughter, I am beyond you lowlives!" She raised her hand and slapped me across my face.
Alex gasped, "Reiré!"
I touched my left cheek and hissed. Ouch. Didn't think she's actually a lay hand on me. I wonder if I should tell Lady Rium.
I grinned, "To think you slapped me. I wonder if you're alright if I told this to Lady Rium or Lord Raphael?"
Lady Laura flinched, but she was clearly still angry. In fact, my threat seemed to have fueled her anger even more. She looked like she was gonna slap me again.
"A filthy commoner like you dare threaten me!? You seem to have not learned your lesson!"
Lady Laura raised her hand to slap me once more, but Alex stood in between us.
"Violence is bad! Don't hurt Reiré, Laura!"
"Tch! Out of my way! You are far worse than that ugly rodent. You have no respect whatsoever for us nobles!"
Oh no! "Alex!" I was gonna pull her back, so she doesn't get hit, but it looks like I didn't need to as Lady Laura's assault was stopped.
"What is going on here?"
Lady Laura quivered in fear as her arm was caught by Prince Leonhardt. I don't even know where he came from, but I'm not gonna complain. His presence is quite helpful at this time.
"Y-Your Highness…."
"I'll ask again…" He glared at Lady Laura with hard cold eyes. "What is going on here?"
"Laura slapped Reiré!" Alex informed him. "I was trying to protect her and she was gonna slap me!"
"Is this true?"
"N-No…" Lady Laura whimpered.
"You dare lie to a member of the royal family?" Prince Leonhardt asked as he tightened his grip on Lady Laura's arm.
Wow… scary…
"S-Subject doesn't dare! Subject doesn't dare!" Lady Laura voiced. "This subject has made a mistake, please forgive me!"
"Tch!" Prince Leonhardt released Lady Laura and pushed her back. "You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Causing such ruckus on this campus. Are you trying to ruin this academy's reputation."
"N-No… subject is wrong." Lady Laura and the rest of the girls quickly bowed before Prince Leonhardt, looking for forgiveness.
Prince Leonhardt sure is scary. I wonder if Alex is having second thoughts of going after him. Woah! Looking at Alex, her face was completely flushed as her eyes showed only a maiden in love. She actually likes this side of Prince Leonhardt.
"Leave my sight and don't ever show yourself in front of me again!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Lady Laura and her friends quickly left the scene with their tails between their legs.
"Are you alright?" Prince Leonhardt asked.
"Yes, thank you, Prince Leonhardt," I said as I bowed my head. Glancing beside me, I could see Alex still in a daze, admiring His Highness. My god, this girl. I quickly forced Alex into a bow and said once again, "We are both thankful to you."
"S-Sorry! And thank you for your help, Prince Leo, I mean, Prince Leonhardt!" Alex shouted.
Maybe I should have Lady Rium teach her some manners as well? Because this is actually bothersome.
Prince Leonhardt chuckled, "It's the first time anyone has called me Leo. It's usually Leon. Even my family doesn't call me Leo."
Alex blushed, "I am so sorry. I have been told that I have no manners."
He only laughed, "Don't worry about it. You can call me whatever you want. I'm not that strict when it comes to names."
"And this is why the heroine gets bullied," I mumbled.
"Did you say something, Lady Reiré?" asked the prince.
I quickly denied, "Nothing."
"Um… Prince Leo-Leonhardt, what are you doing here?" Alex asked timidly.
"I was on my way to the student council room when I noticed you. You both looked to be in some problem, so I came over to see what was going on."
"That's so sweet of you, Prince Leo-Leonhardt…"
I sighed, "You might as well just call him Prince Leo from the way you're stumbling over his name."
Alex whined, "I can't help it!"
Prince Leonhardt laughed, "You two are quite interesting. Others don't usually act so informal in front of me."
Yes! He's taking interest in Alex! This is perfect!
"I am so deeply sorry!" Alex apologized.
"Don't worry about it. But you should try to learn to be respectful. Others might take it the wrong way if you act too informally," he advised.
"I shall take that advice to heart, P-Prince Leo…"
Prince Leonhardt smiled, "Good. I have to get going, but please do stay out of trouble."
Alex beamed and saluted, "Will do, Prince Leo!"
He chuckled as he walked away. Once the prince was out of sight, Alex looked at me with her big sparkly eyes.
"Did you see that?! Did you see that?!"
"Yes, I saw. I was even part of it." It was like calming down a hyper puppy.
"He let me call him Prince Leo! He's so charming."
I only sighed, "Stop falling for him and make him fall for you instead. At least you got his attention through your unmannerly behavior."
"Let's keep riding this momentum!" Alex cheered.
"Please try to do your part as the main protagonist," I begged.
Sorry for the long wait. Do understand that I don’t have a stable updating schedule as I have work so I can’t write everyday. Soon, classes will be starting and I’ll most likely have less time to write. But not to worry, I’ll still put some time into this story. While being a slow writer, I’ll do my best to try and update as fast as I can. Thank you for understanding and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Comments, critics and feedbacks are always appreciated. Thank you ^^
"I… I can't… I can't anymore!" My legs finally gave out and I dropped to my knees breathing heavy breaths.
"Reiré, hang in there, just one more lap," Lord Raphael encouraged.
I was wrong. I was so so wrong. Why would I think that Swordsmanship would be as easy as P.E class in my previous life?
"Is Reiré slacking again?!"
Ugh… Glancing over at the large bulky old man, I could only give him eyes of displeasure. Sir Rabade sure is tough. Giving us ten laps around the practice field right at the beginning of class.
"Put your back into it, Reiré!" He shouted.
Like hell I can! This petty body of mine is very fragile! Like I have the strength to continue!!
"Come on, Reiré, I'll run with you," Lord Raphael offered.
"Thanks, even though you already finished your laps."
Most of the male students in the class have finished their laps. It's only the females that are being waited on.
Pulling whatever little strength I have left, I began to do a slow jog with Lord Raphael beside me. After this, I'm going to start running every day, cause I definitely won't survive this class if I don't start training my body. Why the heck did I choose this class?!
Seeing Lady Claudia jogging ahead, I remembered. Right, it's because Lady Claudia took this class in the novel. What is wrong with me?
Once I finally finished my last lap, I completely crashed to the ground. I can barely feel my legs anymore. All the other girls were the same. Our outdoor uniforms were pretty much covered in sweat.
"Is that all you got! We haven't even started on the sit-ups!" Sir Rabade announced.
I cried, "There's more!?"
"Oh, this is nothing! If you're gonna complain why not just leave the academy. A commoner is not suited to be here."
I recognize that yappy voice anywhere. "Lady Claudia, thank you for worrying about me. But even if the courses here are extreme, I will do my best."
"Who said anything about me worrying about you!?!"
Lord Raphael chuckled, "I'm glad that you are making friends. Makes me jealous, I could barely make any in my first year."
I beamed, "Yes! Lady Claudia has been so sweet to me."
"I have not!" she denied. "And we are not friends!"
"Oh Lady Claudia, no need to be embarrassed," I teased.
Lady Claudia only growled and stomped away. Ah, even covered in sweat, Lady Claudia looks to be in top form.
"I understand you are fond of Lady Claudia, but please be careful when befriending others," Lord Raphael advised.
I pouted, "I understand that Lady Rium babies you, but you don't need to baby me."
Lord Raphael blushed, "I'm just worried about you. And Rium does not baby me!"
I smirked, "Ah huh. It's okay. I know you like it when all she does is pay attention to you."
He denied, "I-It's not like that."
"You don't think I notice how you blush whenever she feeds you grapes. Hiding behind a book and pretending to read doesn't help escape from my eyes. I'm surprised you two haven't gotten engaged yet."
Lord Raphael glanced away as he fiddled with his fingers. "I don't want to force her to be with me."
I sighed. "Must be nice to be loved."
Lord Raphael panicked, "W-What?! Love?! I don't know what you're talking about! Don't tease me!"
I laughed, "You're too easy, Lord Raphael. Ah, I wish Lady Claudia would feed me grapes."
Lord Raphael frowned. "Not judging, but you have a weird taste in friends."
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you dissing Alex, Lady Rium, and yourself?"
"What?! No! It's just… Lady Claudia is a bit… How do I say it? Mean? And that's a nice way of putting it."
I can't help but chuckle, "Don't worry, I know. Lady Claudia may look like she's being mean, but she has yet to actually lay a hand on me." Unlike that snob of a noblewoman named Laura. "She's being mindful of the position she's in. And besides, we are dance partners, it would be bad if your dance partner is injured."
"That is true. Each year, we'll have to dance with our partner in honor of our graduating seniors," said Lord Raphael.
"Exactly."
"But that's only during your sophomore and junior year. Freshman are still too unskilled to dance for our seniors," Lord Raphael informed.
"Eh, whatever. I need to get a drink. Break will end soon and the hellish training Sir Rababe has for us will start again."
Lord Raphael agreed. "He's really tough. Apparently, he had no mercy on Prince Leonhardt either."
"Expected of the monster teacher."
"I think you'd end up running more laps if he heard you calling him a monster teacher," Lord Raphael murmured.
I felt my blood run cold at the thought of running more laps. Yeah, I'll just refer to him as a monster teacher in my head.
Swordsmanship class ended twenty minutes early. Why? It's so the students have time to shower and change out of their sweaty outdoors uniform. My red t-shirt and black shorts are literally covered in dirt and sweat. It's really gross. I'm gonna have to wash this twice if I want to use them again. It's a good thing the academy gave us spares.
I quickly shoved my dirty outdoors uniform into my bag and took out my official academy uniform from my locker. After a nice shower, I could feel myself being revived. It's like all my aching muscles have been healed. Of course, I'd expect myself to be completely sore by tomorrow.
Feeling slightly cold from only having a towel wrapped around me, I quickly moved towards the changing room. In the process, I bumped into Lady Claudia who had already got into the academy's red blazer and black skirt. She looked at me with hard cold eyes as she crossed her arms. Her black hair was also wet and straight. Hmm? What happened to her drills?
"Lady Claudia… Did you always have straight hair?"
"Is that what you say to me after rudely bumping into me?"
"Ah." I bowed my head and apologized, "My sincerest apologies for bumping into you. Now, what happened to your drills, I mean, curls?"
"It'll automatically curl once my hair dries," she answered.
Oh… She actually answered. And kindly too. Does her personality change when her hair is straight? "Is that so…" Straight-haired Claudia. I need to burn this image into the back of my head.
"Will you stop staring at me like that," she demanded. "A commoner like you has no right to gaze upon my beauty."
Nope. Still the same Lady Claudia.
"And don't you need to get changed? You'll be late for class," she warned.
"Ah!" Panicking, I moved past her to quickly get changed. One thing I understand about this academy was that being late was unacceptable. It's way more strict than the schools in my previous life. The anime and manga never mentioned this part about being in another world! I'm putting much more effort than my previous self ever did in high school!
By the time I finished changing, everyone was already gone. I should make haste like the other students and get to my next class. Luckily, it's cooking, one of my strong suits.
"Ah! Hey, Reire!"
As I made my way towards the Cooking class, Prince Clovis called to me. Yes, Prince Clovis is in the same Cooking class as me. Why would a prince want to learn to cook? Well, he's just here for the food. He's the only boy in the class and we female students treat him like a younger brother, because that's the vibe we get from him. He's so adorable and precious that many female students have been giving him snacks.
"Hello, Prince Clovis," I greeted.
"Your hair is wet."
"I had a shower after my Swordsmanship class," I informed him. "We had to run ten laps, do twenty sit ups, fifty sword swings and so on."
"Sounds exhausting."
"You could say that again. I'm eager to do some baking."
"Reire's baking is always good," said Prince Clovis.
"Thanks."
We both entered the class and sat down at our stations. The class consisted of six mini kitchen stations and four students were assigned to each station. Prince Clovis and I are at the same station with two other girls. They are of Baron rank, so they don't do anything outrageous to me like all those other snobby nobles. And also the fact that Prince Clovis and I are friends has something to do with it too.
"I wonder what we're gonna make," Prince Clovis voiced.
"It'll probably be something simple for first timers," I answered.
"Today, we will be learning how to make scrambled eggs," announced the teacher.
Excuse me? Isn't that a bit too simple? Even a nine-year-old knows how to make scrambled eggs. This will be easy.
Nope, this was not easy.
"Fire! Fire!"
"Hurry and put out the fire!"
"Prince Clovis! Put down that pan!"
How the heck did Prince Clovis set the eggs on fire? I only took my eyes off of him for one minute. ONE minute.
Prince Clovis whimpered, "Reiré, how do I unburn the eggs?"
This kid…
- - - - 0-0-0 - - - -
"Well, the game never mentioned him cooking before. He probably never cooked in his life," Alex said.
"Did you not hear what I said? He set the EGGS on FIRE! I was not exaggerating. He literally made the eggs go up in flames and I don't know how."
Once classes ended, I met up with Alex and we walked back to the dormitories together. I would have met up with Lady Rium, but she went to see Lord Raphael. It's better for me not to intervene with a girl's love. So as Alex and I were walking back, I explained my tragic quest of cooking eggs with Prince Clovis.
"If this was the twenty-first century, the fire alarm would have gone off and we would be evacuated from the building."
"I feel like your side is more interesting than my side," Alex voiced.
"Really? I would rather have a calm school life than this. It's only the second day as well," I complained.
"We're in another world. It's better to experience everything that's fun. Now, let's go get some dinner to cheer you up," Alex insisted.
"I rather be in a world where magic existed," I grumbled. "This was nothing like how the anime showed me!!!"
"Yes, yes, life just sucks that way." Alex gently pushed me towards the dining hall.
"Ugh, weekend, please hurry and come," I begged.
"We're only day two into the week and you're already wanting it to be the weekends?"
The calendar works similarly to the one in my previous life. There are twelve months in a year and seven days in a week. This world doesn't use the terms like Monday or Tuesday, instead, they would say first day of the week for Monday and second day of the week for Tuesday. It's honestly more work, but what am I to do? Not like I can suddenly change the way they call the days.
"Oh, by the way, Lady Rium is holding a gathering in the Pink Rose's courtyard on the sixth day of the week. She invited me to come, so I thought I'd extend the invitation to you as well."
"Sixth day of the week? Can't you just call it Saturday?"
"But people won't understand if we use terms from our previous life," I said.
"It can just be between us, it's easier that way."
"You have been Alexandra for fifteen years. Aren't you already accustomed to the way things are in this world?"
"But remembering how easy the dates are in my previous life has me thinking in the twenty-first century way."
"Well, fix your way of thinking or else you'll expose our identities," I warned.
Alex chuckled, "Don't worry. Those nobles will think it's just because we're commoners. They're too dumb compared to our twenty-first century knowledge."
"I can't disagree with you on that. But don't forget, we died young in our previous life. Compared to the adults in this world, we don't have enough experience and too little understanding of this world, especially you since you died at the age of thirteen, so we should move forward carefully."
Alex sighed, unable to go against my thinking. "Alright."
"So will that be a 'yes' on Saturday?"
Alex grinned and gave me a thumbs up. "Anything for my isekai comrade!"
"Great. I'll let Lady Rium know that I'm bringing a plus one."
"It'd be great if I could become her friend. She's my favorite rival after all. If I was reincarnated as a boy, I would totally steal her from Raphael," Alex voiced.
"LORD Raphael," I corrected.
"No one's gonna hear. You need to relax."
I only sighed, "People are gonna misunderstand your relationship with Lord Raphael."
Alex only chuckled, "It's fine, it's fine. Let's hurry to the dinning hall and get dinner."
"I feel like you only think about food…"
"Cut me some slack," she whined. "I just had Horseback Riding and taking care of the horses really pooped me out, mentally."
I gave her a questioning look. "Taking care of horses?"
"The teacher said we can't ride any horses until we bond with them. While horses are cool and magnificent, they are quite scary up close. One almost bit me."
"Isn't Alexandra good with animals though?"
Alex gave me an annoyed look. "She's the protagonist, do I look like the protagonist to you?"
I gave her a blank stare and replied, "Yes, Alexandra Bailey, protagonist of Fight for Love and Acceptance. You DO look like the protagonist and you ARE the protagonist," I emphasised.
"Ah…"
"Don't tell me you actually forgot?"
She burst out crying, "But I'm only a thirteen-year-old otaku from another world that's actually really bad with animals! Even though I love them so much, they always bark or hiss at me!"
"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that," I replied with a monotone.
"Please act like you sympathize with me!"
"Even if you tell me, my family owned a dog and we even owned a horse as well. I did a lot of horseback riding back when I was ten in my past life."
"Eh! You rode horses before?"
"I did a lot of derby and I've even won a gold medal before," I informed her.
"Why do you sound like more of a protagonist than me?"
I only shrugged, "You tell me, Miss protagonist of Fight for Love and Acceptance."
Alex whimpered, "What kind of otaku are you?! The otakus I know were a bunch of shut-ins like me!"
"I may be an otaku, but I still had a life you know."
"I think our roles should be reversed."
"Oh, heck no," I protested. "I don't want to be caught up in all this love drama that's gonna be happening soon. I like my side character."
Alex grumbled, "More like a 'cheat' character."
I felt my right eye twitch from irritation and I pinched her cheek. "Say that again."
"It hursh… L-Lady Raeré, ish hurts! I'm sorry!"
"Thought so." I released her cheek and walked ahead.
"You are so mean," she whimpered as she rubbed her reddened cheek.
"I'm doing this out of love," I said.
"What love? That was not love from what I saw in your eyes."
I sweetly smiled at her. "No, that was certainly my love for the protagonist from my favorite novel. So I'm using this love of mine to correct you so you can act just like the protagonist."
"Gross."
I glared at her and asked, "What was that?"
She flinched and quickly said, "N-Nothing! I said nothing!"
I sighed, "Every time I talk to you, my impression of Alexandra is slowly fading away."
"It's not my fault I don't act like the cute maiden in love like Alexandra from the game. Her character is just impossible to match. She's super smart, likes animals, loves children, nice to everyone, selfless and is very good looking too. She's pretty much an angel. She's too perfect."
"Isn't she also the timid girl that has trouble speaking out confidently and can't stand up for herself? That doesn't sound perfect to me."
"Huh? Well, in the game she was very timid at first, but once she got closer to the male leads, she became very open, spoke her ideals and stood up to the rival characters as well."
"Hmm…?"
"Why? Was she different in the light novel?" Alex asked.
"No, it's not completely different. She does become somewhat open after befriending the male leads, but she was still very timid. She only stood up to the rival characters near the end of the book, so she was still pushed around a lot by the other characters even if she befriended the male leads."
"Okay, maybe not exactly perfect because a completely white washed character is unrelatable, but it's impossible for me to act like the saint that Alexandra is."
"I wouldn't call her a saint, but I get your point."
"And besides, I'm Alexandra now, so the game and the novel Alexandra don't apply to me anymore."
"That is true, but because of that, I'm worried about the story's progression."
"Come on, we were reincarnated! We don't have to follow the story exactly. I honestly just want to live my life to the fullest, after all I died at the age of thirteen! I want to fall in love naturally, not because of some plot device. Having the game or novel knowledge is just an advantage for us to survive during our rough academic years. Once we graduate, these plot lines won't affect us anymore."
"You're right, but I think you meant the plot lines won't affect 'you' anymore because, as a side character, it doesn't affect me in the first place."
Alex rolled her eyes. "My mistake."
I giggled at her expression. "Let's pick up the pace and get to the dinning hall. I still have untouched assignments to do."
"You and me both."
"I'm just happy that it's only Algebra, History and Language that gives out homework."
"Yeah, this world's academic system is so different. To think that we have to take seven classes every weekday. Don't they do rotations? I've only ever taken five out of seven classes in middle school and they change each day."
"High school is pretty similar like that too. This world has it tough on us teenagers."
"No kidding," Alex agreed. "And this academy is my first high school experience."
"I know what high school was like, so I have been managing. I was so close to graduating high school and even got into the college I wanted. But I just had to go and face Truck-kun! That bastard!" I cried.
Alex gave me a confused look. "Truck-kun?"
"You know, the isekai memes. I got hit by a truck, that's how I died."
"Eh? You too?"
"You mean, you got hit by Truck-kun too!"
"Yeah," Alex sighed as she got a pissed off look on her face. "Some girl stupidly walked out onto the crosswalk when the light was still red and a truck that was driving way past the speed limit was approaching too. I rushed out and pushed her, but I ended up getting slamed by the truck and dying in her place." Huffing, she cooled off and said, "While I'm upset that I died in her place, I do hope that girl is doing alright, even if she was stupid. She better be paying attention to her surroundings. I literally gave my life to a stranger."
Hmm… Hmm? I halted in my steps and froze. Alex stopped walking as well and turned to look at me, "Reiré?"
Hmm!? I was suddenly getting cold feet. "By any chance…" Please tell me it's not what I think it is. "Did you… Did you happen to be by Golden Street?"
"Huh?" Alex's expression became irritated as she remembered how she died. "Forget 'happen to be by,' it WAS Golden Street. That's where I saved that stupid tall girl and got run over by a truck."
"I… I see…" I was sweating. Why? Because I was that 'stupid tall girl' that walked out onto the crosswalk when the light was red. And I think I vaguely remember someone yelling out to me and pushing me too. What kind of development was this!? To think that we are both from the exact same area! I thought she'd be at least from a different country because she knows a different Fight for Love and Acceptance. Should I mention it? That the girl she thought she saved was actually standing right beside her and the cause of her death as well? Nah, let's just keep quiet about that.
"By the way, how did you know it was Golden street anyway?"
Crap!
Alex gave me a suspicious look. "Were you… perhaps…"
Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap! "I… I…"
"Hmm?"
"I ah… I… I wonder what's for dinner!" I quickly walked ahead, avoiding Alex's eyes. God, I feel really guilty, but I just can't face her. It's fine anyways. We both died together and ended up in the same world. I'll just look after her until I no longer feel guilty for accidentally killing a thirteen-year-old. And besides, she thinks she saved me, I can't tell her that her death was in vain. This was a good thing I'm doing. A perfectly logical thing I'm doing. Let's not mention our deaths ever again.
"Reiré! Slow down! You're walking too fast!"
"Oh, I am so hungry. Dinner sounds so good right now, right Alex? I wonder what they are serving."
"You're suddenly acting strange, Reiré."
"What do you mean, Alex? This is just how I act when I'm hungry, so let's hurry it up."
Am I a cruel human being? No. Am I a selfish human being? Oh, most definitely yes. For my own safety, I shall keep this as a secret from Alex.
Thank you for reading But a Side Character... or not? Feel free to leave a comment, feedback or vote if you enjoyed the chapter. Hope you all have a nice day ^^
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