Chapter 17

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 17

Chapter Title: An Overheard Confession

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“Wow... she's a real siren. Seducing not just guys, but girls too.”

“Tough rival. It's not easy to get that kind of reaction out of Lucia.”

“Lucia, your face is red.”

Once Arista left, her friends finally started chatting about her behavior.

Just moments ago, it had looked for all the world like she was trying to seduce Lucia.

It was astonishing that Lucia, who hadn't so much as changed expression despite Brian's relentless efforts, had blushed at a single smile from Arista.

Lucia rubbed her cheek, wondering if her face really had turned red.

Herwin, who had been quietly watching the scene, wrinkled his nose.

He glared at the spot where Arista had disappeared, clearly displeased by something, then abruptly turned on his heel.

“Herwin! Where are you going?”

“Gonna wash my face real quick.”

“Ah, then I'm coming too. Guys, I'll grab some water. Head out without me if I'm late, okay?”

Lucia hurriedly grabbed her empty water jug and followed after Herwin.

Herwin halted his long strides when he heard her coming along.

Only after Lucia caught up did he adjust his pace to match hers, walking slowly together toward the faucet.

Their friends caught a glimpse of Herwin smirking at her words. His face carried a relaxed, gentle air. It was definitely different from how he was around Arista.

“Herwin might ignore everyone else, but he always looks out for Lucia.”

Ethan nodded in agreement with Christine's words.

“Look at him matching her stride. Last time we walked together, he told me to keep up myself. What's with the favoritism?”

“You think you're as cute as Lucia? I'd do the same.”

“What? You saying it's 'cause I'm not a girl?”

As Brian and Ethan bantered foolishly, Bianca's calm voice cut in.

“No, Herwin doesn't act like that with other girls. He only treats Lucia that way.”

Her usually smiling face hardened into a blank expression as she stared after the now-distant pair.

“Oh, look at the time. Break's almost over. Should we head in first?”

It was best to leave now for the next class. Since Lucia had told them to go ahead, the two would catch up on their own.

As they packed up to leave, Ethan spotted something.

“Huh? Herwin left his towel behind.”

“Didn't he say he was going to wash up? He won't have anything to dry off with...”

“He'll figure it out. Let's not worry and go on ahead.”

While they debated what to do with Herwin's towel, Bianca took it from Ethan's hand.

“Give that here. I'll take it to him.”

“You sure? You'll be late for class if you chase after them now.”

“It's fine, it's fine. What's one tardy? If he shows up soaked, the girls will freak out.”

“Ah, yeah. Good point.”

“Want to come with me?”

Christine grabbed Bianca as she started to leave.

“No, it's okay. I'll go alone. You guys head in.”

Bianca brushed off Christine's offer and hurried after Herwin and Lucia.

Splash, splash...

Lucia filled her jug at the water basin.

“Herwin, all done...”

Having finished her business, Lucia turned to call him—but the words died on her lips.

Herwin wasn't just splashing water on his face; he'd soaked his hair too. Rivulets streamed down from his hair, tracing his sharp jawline.

Watching him close his eyes and cool off, she unconsciously swallowed hard.

“Did you just call me?”

Herwin shook out his hair roughly and straightened up.

His red eyes seemed as damp and glistening as his hair and face.

A red alert blared in her mind. He looked even more dangerous than usual, so Lucia hastily held up her water jug to block her view, avoiding his gaze.

“D-did you wash up...? I'm done here...”

Lucia was grateful no one else was around.

Her face must have been beet red. Even her hands gripping the jug had turned pink.

She'd always worked hard to hide her crush on Herwin from others.

Being the type whose emotions showed plainly on her face, she'd made every effort to control her expressions and keep from blushing no matter how flustered she got... but not this time. Not right now.

Thank goodness for the unspoken rule she had with Herwin.

When she lost control of her feelings like this, he'd pretend not to notice—look away or change the subject.

Others might find it a bit cold, but to Lucia, it felt like his unique way of being considerate.

If he'd looked flustered or uncomfortable seeing her red face, she'd have been even more embarrassed.

Lucia pressed her forehead against the cool jug, waiting for the heat to fade.

After deep breaths finally calmed her racing heart, she mustered the courage to face him.

“Sorry. Did I startle you?”

Her beet-red face had cooled to a more presentable flush. Forcing a smile, Lucia met Herwin's eyes—then froze.

Normally, he'd brush it off with something like, It's fine, let's go, and look away. But now, he was wrinkling his nose and glaring at her.

It was the face he made whenever he was annoyed.

Herwin strode toward her.

“Wh-what? Why are you coming closer?”

Lucia panicked at his unusual behavior. Her heart, which she'd just calmed, started pounding again.

“D-don't come any closer!”

Her shout made his eyebrow twitch, but he didn't stop.

Forced back by his approach, Lucia had nowhere to go.

Thud.

She hit the wall. Her slender shoulders trembled. Peeking through slitted eyes, she saw Herwin's face right in front of hers.

His damp skin from washing made him look incredibly dangerous.

“Why are you doing this all of a sudden...”

Her voice shook like she was terrified.

Smoothly...

Herwin's rough fingers gently stroked her cheek. Lucia's blue eyes spun in confusion.

What... what is this?!

His touch, caressing her cheek like a lover's, was so tender.

Aside from holding hands as kids, this was their first real physical contact.

“Has your face always gotten this red so easily?”

“M-my face?”

“Yeah. It's still red. Like a tomato.”

His cold expression softened into a chuckle—a rare smile he only showed close friends.

“Ah, it's getting even redder.”

“S-stop teasing me! This is your fault!”

Feeling teased, Lucia yelled.

“Seriously, don't. My heart's gonna explode.”

“...You still like me that much?”

Herwin's eyes turned serious as he asked. Lucia tamped down her bursting heart.

“Yeah. I like you so much... it drives me crazy.”

It was her first confession since arriving at the academy. Herwin's face hardened slightly as he slowly pulled away from her.

“Sorry.”

“It's fine. I didn't say it to hear your answer. Well, I wouldn't mind, but...”

Lucia had no idea what she was even saying.

“Don't act like that unless you actually like me. You're just confusing me...”

An awkward silence fell. Usually, confessions like this blew over quickly... but not today.

Herwin frowned, deep in thought. Then, as if he'd sorted it out, he met her eyes.

His hand brushed her cheek again, then gently pinched the soft flesh.

“Uh-heh?”

“You stop blushing at the drop of a hat. People will get the wrong idea.”

“Wh-when did I...? Yuh ony... (When did I? It's only you...)”

With one cheek squished, Lucia mumbled incoherently. But Herwin seemed to understand perfectly and released her.

Crack...

A faint sound like a twig snapping reached her ears. Herwin whipped his head around, and someone emerged.

“There you are! Finally found you!”

It was Bianca from behind the building, panting as if she'd run there.

“Bianca! What brings you here? Didn't you go ahead?”

“I was going to, but Herwin forgot his towel. Here.”

“...Yeah.”

Herwin eyed Bianca suspiciously for a moment before reluctantly taking the towel.

Lucia eyed Bianca warily too, her heart pounding. Herwin's subtle wariness toward her only heightened the tension.

Did she... overhear?

The timing was too perfect; Lucia worried she'd caught the confession.

“Come on, guys, let's hurry. Next is history class. The professor's super strict.”

Unlike her fears, Bianca seemed oblivious, acting perfectly casual.

“What are you waiting for? Let's go!”

Bianca wedged herself between Lucia and Herwin, grabbing both their arms.

The instant her hand touched his arm, Herwin shook her off.

It was so bluntly cold that even Lucia was shocked, let alone Bianca.

“I don't like strangers touching me.”

Herwin lowered his voice, giving Bianca a chilling stare. The height difference made him intimidating.

“Ah, sorry. That was thoughtless of me. Won't happen again.”

“...Fine.”

“C-come on. We'll really be late. Lucia, let's go!”

Bianca flashed her usual bright smile, lightening the mood in an instant.

She tugged Lucia's arm and hurried off. Herwin followed behind the two skipping along.

Late that night, in the girls' dorm.

As usual, Lucia gathered with her close friends in one room, chatting about this and that.

“Yawn... I think I should head to bed.”

“What? Already? It's barely 9.”

“Must be tired from running around today. Sorry, but I'm turning in.”

With one person leaving, the gathering fizzled out.

Soon, they all headed to their rooms one by one. Lucia stood to do the same.

“Um, Lucia.”

“Yeah?”

Bianca approached cautiously.

“Got a sec? Need to talk.”

“Sure. What's up?”

“Well... not here. Let's move somewhere else.”

Her vague words felt off somehow.

A vague unease settled in as Lucia followed her, suddenly recalling the afternoon incident.

Did she hear it after all?

There was no other reason for Bianca to pull her aside like this unless she'd overheard the confession to Herwin.

Lucia inwardly scolded her carelessness, biting her lower lip and trailing Bianca like a guilty culprit.

They arrived at a small storage room at the end of the hall.

Bianca glanced around before carefully shutting the door and stepping deep inside.

“Sorry for dragging you here. But I didn't want anyone overhearing.”

“It's fine. So, what is it?”

Outwardly calm, Lucia's insides were a storm.

She clung to a shred of hope that it wasn't about that.

“I'm really sorry, but... I overheard you confessing to Herwin today.”

Lucia squeezed her eyes shut at Bianca's careful words.

God, no.

“I tried pretending not to notice so you two wouldn't get awkward... but it's been bothering me.”

Bianca glanced at Lucia's face.

“Didn't you say you never liked Herwin?”

She was referring to their earlier chat on the stairs.

Lucia wrestled internally, agonizing over her response.

She could deny it, claim it was a misunderstanding... but Bianca had heard it directly.

In the end, confessing the truth was her only option.