Chapter 14- First Real Threat

By the time I exited out of our private bathroom, Lady Rium was still under the covers. I walked over to the edge of her bed and shook her shoulders.

"Lady Rium, it's time to get up."

Lady Rium murmured, "I know."

"Oh! So you are awake. You should get out of bed. Miss Abigail will be here soon."

A knock came from our door along with a familiar voice. "Lady Rium? Lady Reiré? Have you awoken?"

Speak of the devil. I called out, "We're awake, come on in Miss Abigail." The door opened and Lady Rium's maid entered.

Miss Abigail always comes every morning to help Lady Rium prepare for the day. She moved to Lady Rium's wardrobe to grab the uniform and help her master dress.

"I'll go grab us some breakfast."

Lady Rium nodded as she slipped out of bed. "Please do…"

Lady Rium hasn't really been herself and there's nothing I can do about it. She's still hung up on Lord Raphael and I can't blame her because I'm the same. I should probably send that letter to Lady Sophia sooner than later.

I walked over to my desk and grabbed the letter I wrote last night. "Miss Abigail. Can you send this to Lady Sophia?"

Miss Abigail took the envelope and nodded. "Of course, Lady Reiré."

"Thank you, I'll be heading out."

Leaving the room, I made my way out of the dorms and towards the dining hall. Miss Abigail will give my letter to Lady Sophia, I just hope she will agree to meet with me soon.

- - - - 0-0-0 - - - -

Classes started as usual and there doesn't seem to be any trouble. I was pretty on guard, but of course, I had jinxed myself. On my way to the dining hall for lunch, I bumped into the person that was the cause of my problems.

"Lady Alexis…"

She had her chest puffed out while looking down on me. "Reiré Norman. I hope you have some time to chat."

"Sorry, but I'll be meeting a friend for lunch…"

"Alexandra Bailey, I presume?"

"Y-Yes…" I confirmed.

"Don't worry. She'll be busy with Lord Philip and Lady Charlotte. Honestly, a commoner playing matchmaker for nobles? Such nonsense!" She let out a hard laugh at the thought of Alex hooking up Lord Philip and Lady Charlotte.

She's kind of ticking me off. "She's just having some fun since she gets along with Lord Philip. If you excuse me."

I walked past her but was blocked by four other girls. The look on their face wasn't good. Their eyes were just the same as Lord Raphael's. They were filled with no light, like a soulless puppet. I glanced back and hesitantly grinned, "I guess this chat must be really important…"

"I didn't look for you yesterday since the incident in the library. I thought I'd have you calm your anger before bringing you into a calm discussion."

"You mean interrogation."

Lady Alexis giggled, "Fufu, so you already know what I'm gonna ask?"

"I got a good guess as to what your questions are gonna be about."

"Then let's go somewhere more private, yeah?"

I was forced against my will as Lady Alexis ordered the four other girls to guide me to the back of the Academy. There were no other students around, but us. I feel like one of those student victims in manga that was dragged to the back of the school to be beaten up by the delinquents. With my back against the wall and the enemy in front, there's no escape for me.

"No need to be tense, I'll be quick," Lady Alexis assured.

I glanced at the four girls standing behind Lady Alexis. Is she really gonna ask about the Eyes with them here?

"Now…" Lady Alexis moved in and slammed her hands against the wall behind me causing me to flinch. "Let's start the interrogation."

So this was a kabedon… Didn't think I'd experience the all famous wall slam in this situation. But why does it have to be Lady Alexis? I rather have it be Lady Claudia.

"How much do you know about the Eye of Pride."

Straight to the point I see.

Lady Alexis stared right into my eyes and I could feel a chill crawling up my spine. I quickly screwed my eyes shut and turned my head. She's trying to control me. I remember how she would force Lord Raphael to look at her eyes, this must be how she's getting people under her control. I can't make eye contact with her.

"Look at me!" Lady Alexis demanded.

"I'm sorry but I've already devoted myself to Lady Claudia!" I shouted.

"Stop messing around!"

I felt her hands grab my face forcing me to face her, but I kept my eyes shut tight.

While I've lost my sight, my other senses have become sensitive. I can hear the amusement in Lady Alexis's voice. "You're a tough one, aren't you?"

"Please stop this, Lady Alexis. I know I'm cute, but I'm already taken."

"For the love of Goddess, stop making this sound like some romance novel. Now open your eyes."

"No!"

I could feel Lady Alexis close in on me. I then flinched when I felt her warm breath against my right ear. "If you don't open your eyes, I don't know what I'll do to you."

I quivered whenever I felt her finger circling my collarbone and then she slowly trailed it up to my neck and tilted my chin up. I was so tempted to open my eyes and glare at her but dared not for my own safety. All I could do was grit my teeth and hope she gives up.

"I guess commoners are smarter than what I take them for," she voiced. "If you're acting this way, you must already know the power that the Eyes hold."

I hesitantly smiled and denied, "I don't know what you're talking about, Lady Alexis. You think too highly of me…"

I heard a sigh and felt her backing off. Did she give up? I best keep my eyes shut just to be safe.

"I guess we'll do this the hard way. I'm not letting you go until I get my answers," she claimed.

I pouted, "But I really don't know anything…"

"If you really don't know anything, why did you close your eyes?"

"Uh…" I nervously smiled, "My eyes are really weak to pretty girls."

"Quite the flatterer, I see. But you know about my powers, don't you? That's your reason for not making eye contact. You're the first to discover my abilities. I applaud you for that."

I want to keep acting ignorant, but this was my chance to analyze my opponent. "You're right. I do know about your powers. You were obviously flaunting it around with Lord Raphael."

"Lord Raphael was quite hard to control since he had a strong heart. He's not as easily manipulated as the rest of the men in this academy, but I finally got him."

I frowned, "Then how about we make a trade?"

"A trade you say?"

"Release Lord Raphael and I'll tell you anything you want," I proposed.

"Quite the offer there, but you see…"

My breath hitched when I felt her presence closing in on me again. I felt her hand against my cheek and her body pressed against me. What is she doing?

"You are in no position to negotiate with me."

I lightly chuckled, "You must really want to keep Lord Raphael if you're giving up on pursuing me."

She giggled, "Who said I'm giving you up? I'll just have to try again later. Since having someone know of my powers puts me in a pickle, I'll just have to take that memory from you. You won't remember a thing."

Seriously? She can control people and now she can erase memories too? Isn't that a bit OP compared to the Witch of Envy with her stupid water abilities? What kind of Witch does Lady Alexis have backing her up?

"Oh? Are you curious?" Lady Alexis asked.

No way… My eyes aren't even open!

"Who's to say that I can't read your mind if your eyes aren't open?"

I felt my knees go weak as my blood ran cold. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Still pretending to be ignorant? Poor little Reiré. You can't hide from me, but if you won't talk, I can just go straight to Alexandra Bailey."

Taking a deep breath, I cracked my eyes open to meet her gaze. I steeled my determination and fully opened my eyes to meet her full on.

"Ah! I finally get to see your disgusting eyes. Honestly, what an ugly color. I pity you."

"Shut up and leave my friends out of your schemes," I growled.

Lady Alexis smirked, "Feisty, but that makes it more fun when I dominate you."

I returned her smirk with one of my own. "Sorry, but Lady Claudia will be the only one to dominate me."

"Oh? Then does that mean you talk more easily if I have her under my control?"

This caused me to snarl. "I won't let you."

"I like that expression on you. Full of anger and rage."

"I'll only say this once, the Eye of Pride is in the castle sealed away where no one will ever be able to touch it. That is all I know."

"I think you know a lot more."

"Read my mind if you want, but you won't find anything more than what I've already stated," I challenged.

Lady Alexis's smirk also turned to a nasty frown. "Is that so? Then I guess I will go to this Alexandra Bailey. You two seem to have a few strange secrets together." She suddenly grinned, "I'd love to see what they are all about."

She's threatening me. She doesn't know about our reincarnation yet, but she knows that we are keeping something. I can't let someone as dangerous as her find out about me and Alex.

"Reiré?"

"Reiré! Are you here?"

My eyes widened at the two familiar voices. I turned my gaze to the corner to see both Lady Rium and Alex walking around. Crap!

Lady Alexis was delighted. "Speak of the devil. My target walked straight into my trap."

"Lady Rium, Alex, close your eyes!" I warned

"Too late!" She fully turned to them and I noticed how the round pink jewel hung from Lady Alexis' neck by a golden chain began to glow.

"Not if I can help it!" I charged and tackled her down to the ground.

She yelped in pain when her back hit the ground with me on top of her.

Alex gasped, "Reiré used tackle! It was super effective!"

"This isn't the time to use a pocketmon reference!" I scolded.

Looking at Lady Alexis, I got a clear view of the jewel. It was literally an eye with a pink iris. Creepy I must say. So that's one of the Eyes of the Seven Deadly Sins. I should take this. I grabbed hold of the Eye, but Lady Alexis grabbed my wrist.

"I won't let you take my Eye!"

Shoot! I tried to get her grip off of me, but she wouldn't let go. The Eye began to glow in my hand and I knew she was using her powers. I'm at a disadvantage here. I let go of her necklace and ripped my wrist away from her. I stood up and ran while pulling Alex and Lady Rium with me.

"Don't let them escape!" I heard Lady Alexis command.

Glancing back I could see her followers chasing after us. This was going worse than I had predicted. To think I made an actual enemy with a noble and one that holds the power of a Witch too. The only way to fight fire is with fire. I need to get my hands on the Eye of Pride to take Lady Alexis out. That's the only way to deal with her manipulative powers.

We ran into the academy and hid in an empty classroom. Hopefully, those controlled noble girls will give up and return to Lady Alexis's side. To think I would get myself in this situation. This never even happened to Alexandra in the novel either! The story is a complete mess!

"Are you alright, Lady Rium, Alex?" I asked between heavy breaths.

"Yeah… nothing… nothing like a little exercise," Alex wheezed.

"I am also alright," said Lady Rium. "Would you mind explaining what just happened? Why were you with Alexis Pearl?"

"She wanted to talk and tried to manipulate me as she did with Lord Raphael," I replied. "I didn't give in so she tried to threaten me instead, which didn't turn out so well either."

Lady Rium growled, "How dare she try to threaten my friend! She already took Lord Raphael from me and now she wanted to take you too!? Just what have I ever done to her!?"

I gave her a sad smile, "You have done nothing wrong, Lady Rium. Lady Alexis is just a bit greedy."

"So what should we do now?" Alex asked. "We can't hide in here forever. Lunch period will end soon.

"Ah, that's right. What were you two doing coming to the back building?" I questioned.

"What else? To look for you, of course," Alex answered. "We were supposed to have lunch together in the courtyard, but you never came."

"That's when she bumped into me and we decided to look for you," said Lady Rium. "Someone said they saw Alexis take you to the back building with a group of girls so we hurried over," she explained. "I'm just glad you aren't injured."

"Is that so? Thank you, Lady Rium and I'm sorry for worrying the both of you," I voiced.

Alex smiled, "Things seemed to have gotten heated between you two. It's a good thing we showed up, right?"

I returned her smile. "Yes. I really appreciate you two coming to look for me. With that said. Lady Alexis is a dangerous person. If you do interact with her, please don't make direct eye contact."

"How come?" questioned Lady Rium. "Not making eye contact is like running away, no?"

"I can't explain, but please trust me. Making eye contact with her will just spell more trouble."

"I don't think a mere viscount noble can be dangerous to a duke's daughter such as I, but I trust you, Reiré. I'll do my best to not meet her gaze."

I'm just happy she didn't push for an explanation. "Thank you, Lady Rium, for trusting me."

"I've said this once, and I'll say it again, I trust you with my life, Reiré."

I want to cry… I really really want to cry… Actually, I think I'm already crying. I can feel something wet rolling down my cheek. Yep. Those are tears alright. I sniffled and wiped my eyes.

"Why are you crying?" Alex asked. "Are you that emotional after confronting Alexis?"

"Hey! That was one of the scariest situations I've ever been in, okay!" I defended myself.

"Oh, Reiré…" Lady Rium pulled me into her embrace and I can't help but hug her back. I feel ashamed of myself for dirtying her uniform with my tears, but I truly wanted to feel the warmth of another person.

"You're right, I'm sorry," Alex apologized. "I shouldn't be joking when we're all in this situation. But you can't be crying at a time like this."

I sniffled and retracted myself from Lady Rium. "I know, I know…"

"I assume she's gonna come for me next since she didn't get what she wanted from you."

I nodded. "Be very careful around her, Alex."

"What is it that Alexis wants from you two?" Lady Rium asked.

Alex and I glanced at each other before looking at the noble. I don't want to drag Lady Rium into this, I really don't. I don't even think she will believe me if I explained how Lady Alexis can control people and is after the Eye of Pride. And even worse, if she asks why Lady Alexis would ask a pair of commoners, I'll have to explain how we have knowledge of this world from a game and novel in or past lives. Everything will get too complicated and the plot will derail itself… wait… is it so bad to change the story like this? Would it be so bad to have one person know of our situation in this world? It's not like this world will self-destruct, right?

Alex voiced, "Lady Rium, do you believe in magic?"

My eyes widened in shock and I looked at Alex to see a determined face. She had decided to tell Lady Rium the truth. She was ready to face the consequences of her actions. In all honesty, this was the first time I felt like Alex was giving off the protagonist aura.

"What kind of question is that? Of course not," Lady Rium answered.

"Well, what if I said it exists?" Alex asked.

"I'd think you're crazy," she replied.

I took a deep break and said, "Lady Rium… you know the story of the Seven witches, right?"

"Of course. I saw Lord Raphael reading a book about it. He rambled on and on about that fairytale back when we were young."

"That's not just a fairytale, it's actually a true story," I said. "Lady Alexis possesses one of the Eyes of the Seven Deadly Sins which gave her the power to control people and read memories."

Lady Rium gave me a blank look.

I waited for her to say something, but the awkward silence continued.

"What Reiré said is all true," Alex voiced. "Please believe us. Things like magic actually exist in this world!"

"Is that why you asked me to not make direct eye contact with Lady Alexis? Because you're afraid she's gonna control me? Is that why Lord Raphael acted the way he is now?" Lady Rium inquired.

"Yes," I answered.

Lady Rium sighed, "Such nonsense…"

I bit my lower lip and looked down at my shoes. I didn't want to see what kind of face she was making. She probably thinks Alex and I are crazy. I wonder if she's disappointed in me?

"But I can't entirely deny it."

Shocked, I looked up at Lady Rium. "Eh?"

"I mean, if I deny such a fact, it's like I'm saying that our Goddess is also a fairytale, no? After all the Witches of the Seven Deadly sins came from our Goddess."

"Really? I didn't know that," Alex voiced.

Lady Rium huffed, "Then you need to reread the lore. I pretty much have all the details of the lore memorized thanks to a certain someone." A sorrowful look glazed over her eyes.

"So you believe me?" I muttered.

She gave me a soft smile and said, "You've always avoided certain topics and would sometimes make excuses just to run from a conversation."

I blushed at her words.

"But you've never once lied to me, have you?"

I shook my head, "No…"

"Then I believe you. Because we are friends." Lady Rium suddenly smirked, "And the fact that you are a bad liar."

I pouted and denied, "I am not a bad liar!"

Alex giggled.

"And what are you laughing at," I grumbled.

"Oh nothing. So, what now?"

Lady Rium went to the door and peeked outside. "I don't think those girls are looking for us anymore…"

"Well, Lady Alexis can confront Alex and I at any time, we just have to be careful," I said. "For now, should we get lunch? I'm actually starting to get hungry now."

Alex sighed, "Is food honestly all you can think of right now?"

"That scenario got me all hungry. I need food to think and strategize."

"Reiré is right. It's not good to think on an empty stomach. I'm sure Alexis wouldn't try anything when there's a big crowd," said Lady Rium.

Alex looked to be doubtful, but her faces turned slightly red when her stomach growled. "You know what? I'm also hungry."

I chuckled, "Then it's decided. Let's go grab some food. Remember, no eye contact with Lady Alexis."

Alex saluted, "Yes, ma'am!"

"Understood," Lady Rium voiced.

The three of us prepared ourselves and left the empty classroom for the dining hall.

章 14: Chapter 14- First Real Threat

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章 14: Chapter 14- First Real Threat

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