章 31: Chapter 31
She was also the one who was currently tutoring the student council president as her disciple as well secretly.
One could note how important a character she is by the fact that she was the master of the main character.
The class started when she just introduced some basic things about the academy and its rules.
One last time she eyed everyone, her gaze flickering at me….?
Maybe not…
She left.
The next class on the schedule was one that I had been eagerly anticipating: combat class. The academy was renowned for its skilled sword masters, and I hoped to have the opportunity to learn from one of them and perhaps even acquire some special techniques. As Kris and I left the classroom, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. As we made our way down the largely empty hallway, I saw Caroline approaching us with a serious expression on her face, void of any emotion.
'Don't tell, she murdered someone along the way…'
Her expression was just like that.
Kris also saw her, her eyes sharpened as she also probably sensed strength from Caroline
Caroline stopped in front of us, glancing at Kris for a moment before turning her attention back to me. She towered over me, and I couldn't help feeling intimidated by her tall stature. Without a preamble, she spoke.
"Ellis, be my woman. Marry me."
I was caught off guard by her sudden declaration. "Um...what?"
Caroline noticed my confusion and explained, "Ellis, I want you to marry me. My full name is Caroline Schultz, and I belong to the Schultz family. It is an age-old tradition in my family that we either find our mate by defeating them in battle or marry someone whom we deem worthy - someone who could defeat us. I have been through many duels before coming here, and I have always been victorious. But the day we clashed, my heart raced faster than ever, and I couldn't stop looking at your beautiful face. I felt a deep lust rising within me, and I knew I would do anything to make you mine.
According to the traditions of my family, if you were a beastfolk like me, I would have already married you and you couldn't object. But you're not a beastfolk, so that doesn't apply. I was troubled because I couldn't bear the thought of not being with you just because of our different races. So I realized the most proper and appropriate thing to do would be to court you like a proper lady and make you understand my feelings for you.
So...," she said, taking my hand in hers and bringing it to her nose to sniff deeply before exhaling. "I want you to be mine, Ellis."
I bet I saw her wolf ears twitch a bit, my pheromones were strong, and smelling them so closely won't be the best case for her as well.
A blush already forming on her cheeks as she continued
I was in a difficult situation. On one hand, I didn't want to hurt Caroline's feelings or affect the future plot by rejecting her. On the other hand, I was not attracted to her in the same way that she was to me. Kris, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
"Ellis, you don't have to do anything that you don't want to do. Just because Caroline is from a powerful family doesn't mean you have to marry her. You have the right to choose your own partner."
Caroline's expression turned cold at Kris's words. "Lady Kristine, I am well aware of Ellis's rights. However, I am also aware of the traditions of my family. If Ellis were to reject me, it would not only be a personal affront, but also a slight to my family's honor. I implore you to reconsider, Ellis. Give me a chance to prove my love for you."
I looked back and forth between the two of them, feeling the tension rising. I didn't want to cause any more conflict or hurt anyone's feelings, but I also couldn't force myself to feel something that I didn't.
'Now, what should I do? I had such a possibility in my mind once but it was a very rare chance for me to believe that Caroline, being a beastfolk, would be open to the idea of being with a demon like myself. However, seeing the sincerity in her eyes and the depth of her feelings for me, I couldn't help but consider her offer. Rejecting her could potentially harm the future plot, but I couldn't ignore the risk of getting involved with a heroine as well. '
I was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to Caroline's intense confession of love. Meanwhile, Kris grabbed my hand tightly, interjecting in the conversation.
'What the fuck are you doing Kris???' I thought to myself, as Kris was complicating the situation.
Caroline's gaze sharpened as she saw this. She spoke coldly to Kris, "Lady Kristine, I ask you to not interfere in this."
"Hmph, Ellis is not interested in you so stop forcing her."
"it is not your decision to make, Lady Kristine."
Caroline spoke coldly but still addressed Kris properly in public to not rise the tension.
Public?
I realized the crowd was gathering due to these two beauties and the last thing I want is for Freya to come here as well.
I knew I had to act quickly to avoid drawing the attention of the growing crowd. I took both of their hands and led them to a quiet location where we could discuss the situation privately. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of panic building within me. I had to find a way to defuse this situation before it spiraled out of control.
There were sparks between the two the whole time.
Kris was careful to not let her friend get caught up in the moment and agree to something that could potentially cause trouble. As a princess, she was well-versed in politics and had been playing the game since birth. This wolf girl might have been trying to gain access to Kris through her friend, or perhaps she simply wanted to use her friend's body before discarding her and leaving her brokenhearted. Kris would never allow her friend to be taken away by a stranger like this. I turned to Caroline and tried to gently decline her offer, explaining that while I was flattered by her feelings, I could not reciprocate them. She listened attentively, her expression softening slightly. However, Kris couldn't help but interject, reiterating her belief that I was not interested in Caroline and urging her to back off.
The situation was becoming increasingly complicated, and I knew that I needed to find a way to resolve it before things got out of hand. I took a deep breath and tried to calm the situation, explaining that while I respected Caroline's feelings and the traditions of her family, I could not accept her proposal. Kris seemed satisfied with my response, but Caroline looked disappointed.
I knew that my rejection would likely have consequences, but I couldn't bring myself to marry someone just for the sake of tradition. I hoped that Caroline would understand and be able to move on, but I knew that only time would tell. In the meantime, I just had to hope for the best and try to avoid any further complications.
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