Chapter: 161
“I’m so sorry, Lady Alrn.”
Phoebe wore a heart-wrenching expression as if she would trade her neck if it could ease the trouble she caused me. It seemed she felt incredibly guilty for burdening me, who had comforted her.
“I tried my best to explain to a kid I met on the way back, but I guess I’m just not very good with words.”
So that’s how the rumors got spread.
After sobbing in my room, Phoebe ran into a close acquaintance on her way back. That kid took one look at Phoebe’s mess of a face and thought, “Something’s wrong here,” and then spread the story around.
Given that the two main characters of this bit of gossip are famous figures in the academy—Phoebe and me—it spread like wildfire and spiraled into a situation that no one could fix.
I felt absurdly wronged as the person involved, but if I put myself in their shoes, it’s an entertaining story.
An ability-rich, foul-mouthed noble girl bullying and making the academy’s kindest saintess cry?
And in a private space where no one could see, no less?
That alone makes for an excellent story!
The narrative itself is provocative, with clear good vs. evil angles, and there’s plenty of room for a twist or two.
If I had heard such a rumor without being involved, I would have thought, “Wow, that sounds hilarious!” I’ve certainly chuckled over many a juicy bit of gossip before.
But here I am—actually one of the main characters!
Ugh, for crying out loud.
“So that’s why I came to clean this mess up.”
Ultimately, the root of this rumor revolves around me supposedly bullying Phoebe.
So, Phoebe figured that if she and I could be seen getting along, it might break that foundation of the rumor.
In my opinion, rumors that have already spread this far aren’t going to calm down that easily.
But watching Phoebe genuinely apologize and try to fix my plight, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything negative.
‘It’s okay, Phoebe. I’m not bothered.’
“Ha! Pathetic saintess. Who are you worried about? You think I care what those pathetic little sidekicks over there bark about?”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that, but still…”
‘Sit down. Let’s just eat together.’
“Sit down. I’ll graciously allow you to eat with this certified useless crybaby.”
“Oh, yes! Thank you!”
Aww, should I order one more dish to share with Phoebe?
I already had a feeling one steak wasn’t quite enough.
Strangely, though, ever since starting training with Grandpa in practice mode, I’ve felt like I could eat endlessly.
Given how much I move around, I shouldn’t be putting on weight… right?
Could this be a sign that I’m about to shoot up in height?!
You know how they say appetite spikes during growth spurts!
Yes, that’s got to be it!
If my guess proves true, then I should eat while I can.
That way, I can grow more actively!
I can’t live my life forever being looked up at by others! I want to look down on them like Phoebe and Joy!
“Hey.”
As I stared at the menu with my eyes red, I suddenly heard another familiar voice.
Before I even lifted my head, I could tell who it was.
‘Joy?’
“What’s up? Silly noble girl.”
There stood Joy, partially covering her slightly blushing face with a fan.
*
This morning, upon hearing the gossip about Phoebe and Lucy from another lady, Joy was utterly flabbergasted and didn’t know how to respond.
Lucy, the one who would never bully Phoebe, right?
She was the type who valued Phoebe so much that she’d wear a bunny girl outfit to save her!
Why on earth would someone like that bully Phoebe and make her cry?
Could it be possible that Phoebe would cry from being slightly bothered?
She’s someone who has wandered through dangerous places as a saintess without shedding a single tear!
Honestly, it sounded more believable if Phoebe shed tears of joy after meeting Lucy instead!
Seeing the complete absurdity of the rumor, Joy firmly told the noble ladies around her to not spread nonsensical tales about Lucy and Phoebe.
But, despite her efforts, the gossip about Lucy and Phoebe swiftly spread through the academy.
The story was juicy, and the characters were renowned—there was no escaping it.
Having dealt with such nonsense time and again in high society, Joy sighed repeatedly as she saw people circulate ridiculous rumors.
How am I supposed to handle this?
Thinking about Lady Alrn’s personality, she probably wouldn’t care at all, but Phoebe certainly would.
She was bound to feel at a loss for causing trouble for someone who helped her.
So, for Phoebe’s sake, I need to dispel this rumor. There has to be a good solution out there.
As she entered the dining hall with other noble ladies, Joy froze at the sight of Phoebe sitting at a table with Lucy.
Why are those two together?
Seeing Phoebe’s expression radiate regret, while Lucy looked at her with a hint of disdain, Joy comprehended the situation.
Ah, I see. They’re trying to show that they’re on good terms, huh?
That should help prevent the rumor from getting worse.
The people willing to criticize Lady Alrn will continue to do so, but someone will certainly think, “Hold on. They seemed friendly with each other?”
Good judgment there.
Joy concluded that it was sensible, but her emotions were singing a different tune.
But isn’t it a bit odd that it’s Phoebe who’s sharing a meal with Lady Alrn?
I should be the one in that spot! I’ve had my eyes on it all along!
Phoebe! I know you’re my friend, but taking this from me is a bit much, don’t you think?!
Joy’s relationships are broad yet superficial.
Being the noble daughter of the Partran family, countless people are vying for her side. But honestly, few care for Joy herself.
Most noble ladies seek out a friendship with the daughter of the Partran family, not necessarily with Joy.
Joy isn’t oblivious to this fact. She’s not foolish enough to fall for the sweet nothings whispered in her ear.
So, she doesn’t consider them true friends.
How can she call them friends when, the moment her title is gone, they scatter away like withered petals, leaving her to stand alone?
To date, the few people she could genuinely call friends are those like Arthur or Phoebe, who don’t care about her status.
Recently, however, she wanted to add someone new to that small group.
Lucy Alrn.
The one who saved her life not once but twice.
The person who reached out to her while she was trapped in trauma, unable to move forward.
Someone who, even in front of her noble lady title, wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, turning out to be rude and mischievous, yet also deeply caring and noble.
Joy wanted to call someone like Lucy her friend. She wanted to see Lucy laughing and playing with her.
She had even drawn up plans with her brother to make that happen.
First, she would ask Lucy, who usually eats alone, if she’d like to join her for a meal.
Lucy would most likely grumble something like, “Can’t even eat alone?” or “Can’t believe a pathetic noble girl like you is bothering me.” but surely she wouldn’t send her away.
If that could get started, then they’d naturally become meal companions.
Then they’d strike up conversations, promising outings together.
They could explore new places and enjoy delicious food together.
During the upcoming break, Joy would invite Lucy to her territory for a pajama party!
Unlike Arthur, who can’t act like a friend because of political issues, and Phoebe, who’s always busy, Lucy has no requisite duties to hold her back.
Before entering the academy, she was notorious for being a troublemaker. If she wanted, she could definitely be carefree.
To put it another way, if Joy could be friends with Lucy, she could finally fill the fantasies she had about friendship that she had thought about while reading various books.
So, Joy was keeping an eye out to bring up the idea of dining together with Lucy to kickstart her plan.
Up until now, she had just been waiting for an opportunity.
Her brother, who had been counseling her, would look at her each time as if he found it frustrating, but there was nothing anyone could do.
What if she got rejected?!
What if she heard something like, “Why should I eat with you? You’ll ruin my appetite!”
She felt like her heart would shatter into pieces!
Despite her bold exterior and her noble title, she was a timid soul inside, and thus could only wait for Lucy to suggest dining together first.
Of course, that never happened before now, so the first step of Joy’s plan remained unfulfilled.
Yet, at this moment, Phoebe was trying to steal that achievement of being the first person to share a meal with Lady Alrn from Joy.
Joy knew that Phoebe had no ill intentions! She understood that all Phoebe had was good intention in her heart.
But from Joy’s perspective, feeling envious was inevitable.
Phoebe was about to realize a scenario Joy had only imagined!
What to do?!
At this rate, Phoebe’s going to steal Lady Alrn away from me!
Eating together, hanging out afterward, getting to know each other, planning to have fun during the upcoming holiday, and then cheerfully calling each other by name in the second semester!
No way!
I met Lady Alrn first!
I was the one who first aimed to befriend her!
There’s no way I’m letting Phoebe take that from me!
With her worst fears swirling in her mind, Joy pulled out her fan and sought permission from the other noble ladies.
She was going to go talk to Phoebe.
Given her appearance, no one could stop a noble lady from the Partran family.
With the other noble ladies’ consent, Joy set her feet in motion.
Though impulsively stepping forward, her mind was a chaotic mess.
Since I said I’d go over there, I need to go, but what on earth should I say when I get there?!
“You heard the rumors?”
No! If I say that, the mood will drop like a stone.
“Wow, you’re working hard, huh?”
That wouldn’t work either!
I need to pretend like I didn’t hear it! Come on, Joy, you idiot!
So…
What’s the best thing to say?!…
Lost in thought, Joy arrived right next to Phoebe and locked eyes with her.
“Hey.”
“Joy?”
“What’s up, silly noble girl?”
Now that I’ve broken the ice, I need to say something, anything!
I need to say something right now!
So…
It’s…
“Can I join you for a meal too? You two?”
The words tumbled out of Joy’s mouth before she even realized it.
“Of course, Joy.”
“What’s wrong with you, silly noble girl? Can’t even eat properly anymore? Sit down already; stop standing around like a fool.”
Upon hearing that, the two easily moved aside to make room for Joy at the table.
I did it!
I actually pulled it off!
Joy cheered internally as she casually settled into her seat next to them.
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