Chapter 16

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 16

Chapter Title: Turning Down Suitors

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"My, what rude people."

"Tell me about it. Whether she grants the request or not is up to Lucia. It's ridiculous how they act just because she refused."

Christine and Bianca clicked their tongues at the female students' rude attitudes.

"Haha, can't be helped. It's an everyday thing."

"Lucia, this isn't funny. Because you always laugh it off, those girls think you're a pushover."

"Exactly, Lucia. In times like this, it's better to speak your mind than stay silent."

"Hahaha..."

No matter how much they scolded her, Lucia just let out a hearty laugh, so the two sighed.

"Herwin must have it rough too. If people are bothering you like this, imagine how he feels."

"Actually, isn't it the opposite? Honestly, Herwin isn't easy to approach. That's why so many people ask you to introduce them."

"Is that so? Well, I found Herwin intimidating at first too. He was famous and intriguing, but even more unapproachable."

Bianca flashed her characteristic cheerful smile.

"By the way, Lucia. I've got something I'm curious about."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"You've never liked Herwin even once?"

Lucia's heart skipped a beat. Worried she might have betrayed some agitation without realizing it, she shook her head.

"No. Why do you ask out of the blue?"

"No reason. Herwin's just so exceptional. I figured you might have liked him at least once."

"Bianca, if Lucia liked Herwin, would she be dealing with this right now?"

Christine mildly scolded Bianca.

"Even today, three girls have already asked her to pass messages to Herwin. Who would just stand by and watch other women approach the guy they like?"

"That's why she's turning them all down."

"Refusing is a given. Lucia's never snapped at anyone no matter what they've asked of her so far."

It was true. Even in situations like the one just now, Lucia had never shown irritation or anger.

Most people backed off politely after a gentle refusal, but occasionally there were those who got annoyed, whining that she couldn't even do that much—like those girls earlier.

Even then, Lucia maintained the exact same demeanor throughout.

"Hmm... So if you don't like Herwin, why not grant the requests? You could accept one once in a while."

"Because Herwin would hate it. And if someone truly wants to get close to him, they should have the guts to tell him themselves."

Bianca nodded as Lucia explained calmly.

"...Yeah, that makes sense."

It was an excuse, but not entirely a lie. That was the real reason she'd refused every such request.

No one would like seeing someone approach the person they care about—especially if they had to make the introduction themselves.

She didn't show it, but those requests always made her uncomfortable.

Lucia always stayed on guard against her emotions taking over, striving to treat others as objectively as possible.

Sometimes she felt jealous of the women approaching him and wanted to get in the way.

But she held back because that was one of the behaviors Herwin despised most.

So even when rejected women approached Herwin directly, Lucia stayed quiet.

She knew he wouldn't easily accept them anyway, and if he did, it meant he was interested—nothing she could do about that.

She could barely control her own feelings, let alone someone else's.

'Of course, if that ever happened... it'd hurt.'

Fortunately, nothing like that had ever occurred. But if it did...

She didn't want to dwell on it.

Bang!

An explosive sound rang out, and the three women snapped their heads up.

Dust was billowing from the training ground ahead.

"What was that?"

"I think Herwin was over there."

"Ah! I can see it now!"

Bianca pointed at the dust cloud dispersing like fluffy cotton candy. Two silhouettes emerged within.

One was a massive build nearing 180cm, the other slimmer, around mid-160cm.

Waaaaah!

The students encircling the training ground erupted in cheers.

Whoosh—

With the sound of air slicing, the dust cloud astonishingly split in two.

Clang!

The swords clashed, scattering the remaining dust in all directions and fully revealing the pair.

"Wow, Duchess's Daughter Lydia is incredible."

"Evenly matched with Herwin. Impressive."

The top two in the first-year Swordsmanship Class were Herwin and Duchess's Daughter Lydia—Arista.

Both were remarkably on the cusp of the Sword Expert realm.

"Urk!"

At that moment, victory was decided.

Herwin had struck the weakness first. The win was his.

Once the fierce bout ended, the onlookers applauded.

The two caught their breath, then bowed to each other and chatted.

Whether exchanging feedback or not, they both looked thoroughly enjoying themselves, smiling.

"They're the picture of a perfect couple. They suit each other so well."

"Both too flawless to envy. Like fate from above."

"Doesn't Young Lord Peneus match better with Duchess's Daughter Lydia? Lady Agnes is such a mismatch."

Other students watching like Lucia murmured that Herwin and Arista were a great pair, subtly disparaging her.

Not far away, the words reached her ears faintly despite the din.

It'd be a lie to say it didn't sting, but arbitrarily shipping Herwin with Arista didn't make her uneasy.

'They're worth envying.'

If anything, she'd feel jealousy toward women with ulterior motives sidling up to Herwin—not Arista.

"Haah, sparring's got me parched."

"So hot! Craving something cold."

The class ended, and the group gradually approached Lucia's spot.

Brian and Ethan reached the stairs first.

"Did we keep you waiting long?"

Brian wiped his streaming sweat with a towel, flashing a gentle smile.

Handsome enough to rival Herwin, he drew soft cheers from nearby girls.

"Not really."

"Good work, you two."

Bianca and Christine welcomed them.

"Keeping such lovely ladies waiting in this blazing sun—I'm ashamed."

"Ugh, take that cheesy nonsense to those girls over there."

"……..."

Bianca shuddered at Brian's corny line, rubbing her goosebumped arms, while Christine scanned him head to toe with rare contempt.

He was the type who adored women, his actions matching his looks—he flirted instinctively.

Like the dramatic catch of nearly-falling Lucia on day one.

But after the start, he never acted that way with the group.

Maybe he realized his charms fell flat, or he was fine as friends—he behaved like any normal guy, akin to Herwin and Ethan.

Though he slipped unconsciously sometimes.

This time seemed pure jest, ending with Brian chuckling and shrugging.

"You both did great."

Lucia greeted them belatedly. Brian, still toweling sweat, looked down at her—water bottle in hand.

"Mind if I have some?"

"This? My lips touched it—is that okay?"

"Of course. Throat's killing me."

"Yeah, must be thirsty. Here."

Lucia handed the bottle over readily.

"Don't chug it all—save some for me!"

Ethan, sweltering beside them, latched onto Brian.

"Got it, hold on."

Brian uncapped and tilted the bottle to drink. Lips nearing the rim—

"Ah!"

Suddenly, someone snatched it.

Turning around, Herwin stood there—arrived unnoticed.

He chugged the water Brian had eyed.

Brian and Ethan gawked in disbelief.

"Ahh, feels alive."

"What the—?"

"You drank it all?!"

Brian and Ethan glared as Herwin sighed in relief.

Herwin rolled his red eyes at their glares, then lightly tossed the bottle into Lucia's hand.

"Finder's keepers."

"Total thug."

"You jerk! How do you down the only bottle?!"

Herwin let the raw barbs slide off.

No point fuming—the water was gone.

"Herwin messed up. Want this instead?"

Arista appeared behind Herwin, water bottle in hand—Ethan whooped.

"Arista's the best! No comparison to that cheapskate."

"Thanks, Arista."

As Ethan gulped thirstily, Brian flashed a flirtatious smile beside him.

Arista chuckled and swatted him lightly—no flirting—then eyed Herwin competitively.

"Lost today, but next time, I'll win for sure."

"Give it your all. Still won't beat me."

Herwin quirked his lip provocatively. For his brusque nature, such teasing proved he was close with Arista.

Arista Lydia. Same class, yet no real connection—no substantial chats.

The boys bonded via swordsmanship class, but the three girls? Just nod-hello classmates.

Watching Arista explained her unisex popularity.

Pretty, smart, athletic, easygoing. Not a single flaw.

Absentmindedly gazing—eyes locked.

Lucia flinched instinctively. Her soft lilac eyes pulled her in inexplicably.

Normally, avert or awkward smile—but she stared piercingly every time.

This time too, unyielding stare—Lucia cracked.

"Um... something on my face?"

"Huh?"

"You kept staring, so I wondered..."

Lucia smiled awkwardly, but Arista stared blankly. Awkwardness mounted, sweat trickling.

"Actually, felt it since enrollment day."

Arista finally spoke, leaning close.

"You resemble someone I know."

"Someone you know? Who...?"

"Hmm, don't know the name well—just crossed paths once... but you look alike. Especially these eyes."

Arista's hand neared Lucia's eye.

Beauty closing in—Lucia shrank back. Purple gaze seemed to scan her thoroughly.

"Notice every time, but your eyes are stunning. Like a clear lake."

"Th-thanks..."

Praise or her radiant smile—Lucia's cheeks burned.

"Arista! Time to head out!"

Her group called from afar.

"Ah, gotta go. Catch up later."

Arista waved goodbye to Lucia and rejoined her friends.