Chapter 50: Misaligned Crosshairs at My Feet
The incident at the representative committee meeting spread through the academy like wildfire.
Truth breeds rumors, rumors breed distortions, and distortions breed lies.
The simple statement “Byron didn’t join the temporary committee” morphed into various versions, such as “Byron tried to stand out again and did something strange,” or “Byron desperately tried to join the temporary committee but was rejected by Young Master Fritz.” The rumors branched out and evolved, catering to the tastes of the noble students.
Fortunately, among the rumors that were multiplying like cockroaches, there wasn’t one that said, “The theme for this year’s festival was Byron’s idea.” That statement, although not a distortion or a lie, was a rumor that Sue, who wanted to attend the ball without any trouble, would rather not have circulating.
The person chosen as the replacement temporary committee member was Giona Vercia, a viscount’s daughter from Sue’s class. Apparently, it was Silent, the Black Eagle Class representative, who had recommended her. Vercia had been strutting around, bragging to everyone, ever since she was chosen.
“Sue, report.”
“Yes, there don’t seem to be any major problems.”
Even in her lifeless state, Enzhe didn’t neglect her reports. But she barely listened to Sue’s reports, just nodding absently. Sue even wondered if she was just going through the motions.
The day after the temporary committee incident, Acrea had personally apologized to Sue for what had happened. It wasn’t his fault, so Sue thanked him for his concern.
She hadn’t had any further interactions with Fritz, but a week later, an opportunity to talk to him alone arose.
Sue was leaving the music room after receiving the piano sheet music for the autumn evaluation.
“Sue Byron Chiqmefriar.”
Fritz happened to be passing by. To her surprise, he recognized her and called out her full name, stopping in his tracks.
“Master Fritz, hello.”
Sue greeted him instinctively, and he frowned slightly.
“I’m sorry about what happened the other day.”
She didn’t know if he was apologizing because he had run into her, or if he had been meaning to apologize all along. But Sue was flustered by the fact that he had recognized her and was apologizing so formally with such a serious expression.
‘I could cry.’
All the antics ‘Sue’ had pulled to try and get Fritz’s attention flashed before her eyes.
It seemed like the usually indifferent man had been quite shocked that day.
“Hehe, I’m the one who should apologize for ruining the atmosphere, Master Fritz. You don’t have to apologize.”
Sue smiled brightly, repeating the same words she had said to Acrea.
“Really…?”
Fritz’s stiff expression softened. It seemed like her smile was working its magic today as well.
She didn’t want to get involved with Fritz, but she didn’t resent him or Granhyut or anyone else.
In fact, the person she should be apologizing to was herself.
‘Sue Byron.’
What kind of sixteen years have you lived to be hated this much?
The answer was buried deep inside her mind. But she didn’t dare to dig it up. She was afraid.
“Master Fritz, I’m really looking forward to the September Festival. I have no doubt that you’ll make it a wonderful event.”
Sue said, placing her hand on her chest, her voice calm.
“Yes, you can look forward to it. It’ll be a great festival.”
Fritz smiled confidently, like a child.
Sue looked at him, taking her time. She rarely had the opportunity to observe him like this, from the front. And she was once again impressed.
His naturally black hair, his healthy skin, his sharp eyes with double eyelids, his emerald green eyes, his well-built physique that was at least a head taller than hers.
He was truly handsome, like a sculpted masterpiece chosen by God. And he was the eldest son of a grand duke family, with no lack of talent or ability.
I’m envious. So envious!
“Oh my, Master Fritz, you’re here!”
Just as she was feeling a surge of inferiority, Vercia, who had also received her evaluation sheet music and was leaving the music room, called out to Fritz.
“What are you doing here?!”
Vercia, her face flushed, rushed over to Fritz and Sue, hiding behind her music sheets.
“You’re… right, the new temporary committee member.”
Vercia clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling as Fritz seemed to remember her.
“Yes, Master Fritz! I’m Giona! Giona Vercia! I’m Giona Vercia, and I’m on the temporary committee to help you!”
She looked up at him with the wide-eyed wonder of a child seeing stars for the first time. Even Sue could see how much she admired him.
“I see. I’ll be counting on you, Vercia.”
“Yes! Yes! Of course!”
“Then I’ll be going. Byron, you work hard too.”
Fritz smiled at Sue and left. She didn’t know what he meant by “work hard”, but that wasn’t important. Vercia, ignoring Sue completely, followed Fritz as he walked away.
Sue watched them go, then swallowed dryly.
***
Lunchtime arrived, and Sue headed to the dining hall alone. Enzhe was at the glass garden, Melaine was with her followers, and Noel was absent again, so she had no one to eat with.
Sue arrived at the dining hall, grabbed a lobster set meal, and looked for an empty table. It was crowded today, so it was difficult to find a seat. All I need is a table and a chair.
“Want to eat here together?”
A voice suddenly reached her ears as she reached a secluded corner. Her heart sank at the sound of his gentle, kind voice.
“Master Acrea.”
Sue turned towards the voice, forcing a smile. And there he was. The second of those chosen by God.
“You don’t have to be uncomfortable.”
Woo Acrea was looking up at her with gentle, cat-like eyes, his chin resting on his hand.
“Master Acrea, why are you eating alone…? Where’s Master Fritz…?”
“We’re not a package deal.”
Acrea smiled passively.
“If you don’t have a seat, why don’t you sit here? I don’t mind.”
“Yes, thank you for the offer.”
Sue had no reason to refuse, so she sat down across from him. The moment she did, she felt the stares of the other students piercing her like arrows.
‘This is going to start another rumor.’
It was predictable.
What do Fritz and Acrea mean to these students? Sue felt a sense of futility, even though she already knew the answer.
“Lobster set meal. Looks delicious.”
“Master Acrea, you ordered… lamb steak?”
“Yes.”
Lamb steak was known to be the worst dish at Full Bloom. Had he lost his sense of taste along with his emotions? Sue clicked her tongue inwardly and picked up her spoon.
They ate in silence. Neither Acrea nor Sue tried to start a conversation. Enzhe was the only one who got upset when they were silent. The meal with Acrea was surprisingly comfortable, aside from the unpleasant stares from the other students.
As Acrea was halfway through his lamb steak, he asked casually,
“Are you feeling better, Byron?”
Sue didn’t understand what he was talking about at first, but she answered reflexively,
“Yes, as you can see, I’m healthy. Thank you for your concern.”
She understood the meaning of his question as she answered. He was asking about the incident at the ball. They hadn’t had many opportunities to talk, but Acrea had never asked her about it before.
Honestly, Sue didn’t remember much about that day. When the snake curse activated, she could only focus on enduring the pain. But she vaguely remembered forcing herself to stay conscious and telling Acrea that she was “weak”.
I should have sent a gift to the Acrea residence to thank him for helping me.
She had been so out of it that she had completely forgotten about Acrea. Feeling embarrassed, Sue poked at her food with her fork.
“I see. That’s good. …Oh, right, Byron.”
“Yes, Master Acrea.”
“Your reputation is… quite bad, isn’t it?”
Sue froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She felt a lump forming in her throat.
‘Is he picking a fight?’
Her eyes darted around frantically, despite her inner desire to retort back.
What? Is he trying to get me sent to the guillotine? A year early?
She knew he wasn’t that kind of person, but she couldn’t help but think that. She didn’t even know why he had suddenly invited her to eat with him, knowing her reputation. Well, he was just being a gentleman, as he was taught… Then is he really picking a fight? No, that can’t be it…
“Haha… Sorry, Byron.”
“…!”
Sue snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of his casual laughter.
“I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. I’m not really interested. I apologize if I overstepped.”
“Ah… Yes…”
Sue forced a smile. Acrea’s gentle voice was very reassuring. But he should know that his words could send her on an emotional rollercoaster. Sue tried to calm her racing heart.
To be honest, as she was chewing on her lobster, she had a ridiculous fantasy. Fritz had remembered her, and Acrea had invited her to eat with him. Maybe if she became friends with them, her life would be much easier next year? It was a crazy thought.
‘No matter how I look at it, it’s best to stay as far away from the grand duke trio as possible.’
With that thought in mind, Sue forced another smile. She needed to change the subject.
“Master Acrea, are Lady Enzhe and Master Fritz still… not talking?”
Acrea seemed to sense her intention but didn’t say anything.
“Yes, it’s something we’re all aware of.”
“That’s right…”
Make this pain go away… pleaaase