For some reason, I-I'm… I'm feeling downcast?
My heart skipped a beat.
W-W-W-W-W-W-WHA- NO WAY!
H-How could I have ever WANTED to kiss her?!
N-N-N-NEVER!
It's just that her lips looked very pretty and soft… That's it! I swear!
Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat, ready to speak, but upon looking at the Lancera that was still on the ground grasping her toe, I found that I couldn't say what I had initially planned.
It would be too cruel…
And… and she looks like she's in a lot of pain…
And even though I'd hate to admit it, I know that it's my fault she's like this.
To be honest, Lancera isn't so bad—besides her villainess characteristics.
She's a good person!
Slowly, my sense of falsified detest for the girl weathered away, but I was still conflicted.
It was only when the academy bells rang, signaling the end of the period that I finally came back to my senses.
The scent of the fresh green grass nearby wafted into my nose, refreshing my mind.
After much hesitation, I finally squatted down and held out my hand. "H-Hey… C-Can you stand?" I asked weakly.
She didn't answer and looked at me with her large violet eyes for a few seconds, her cheeks puffed up, before tentatively taking my hand.
Cute…
That was the first thought that came to mind, but I quickly shook my head.
S-S-S-She's not cute at all! AT ALL! YOU HEAR?!
Leaning against me for support, I heard Lancera chuckle. "This reminds me of when we first met…"
The first time we met…
I jolted as I realized what she was talking about.
The time that I "accidentally" bumped into her and caused her to fall!
"Accidentally…"
I gulped, unable to meet her eyes.
Thankfully, the girl spoke soon after she stabilized herself. "So, don't you think I deserve compensation? My foot's still in pain, you know?"
I jolted again.
Ahh…
I messed up.
I was too impulsive.
I can't say anything against her at all…
"… Fine. What do you want?" I pressed my lips into a thin line, my eyes reluctantly glancing back at her.
"There's a festival in town a week from now… the Golden Song Festival, celebrating the Spring Equinox…" Lancera's cheeks were slightly flushed as she continued to look into my eyes, her face full of determination.
A-A-A-A-A DATE?!
That was my first thought. A date. It's a date, right?
A festival. Next week.
I blushed.
But then, I realized something.
A festival. In town. Next week ---> a festival with commoners during the week before our spring exams.
I still need to review (four semesters worth of work) for my dreadful animal behavior class.
And on top of that, I abhorred going to places with too many commoners. Besides, it would be an unsightly situation if news got out that I, Asura Claremont, a high ranking noble, was at a commoner's festival.
As if sensing my hesitation, Lancera hurriedly continued, "The event organizers have prepared extensively as this is the first Golden Song Festival. The festival will mainly include performances by travelling magicians and the like, as well as various famous merchants from around the continent. It will be a good experience. You don't have to expose your identity either because it's a masked event. The event is on the evening of a Saturday, so you don't need to worry about school."
I gritted my teeth. Lancera's explanation eliminated some of the problems I had with going to the event, but not the most important one.
Again, I reiterate, I hate going to places with too many commoners. The same way I hate nobles.
I'm really too pathetic, hating the only two groups of people that exist in this continent.
But I really can't help it either, with all the horrendous experiences God punished me with.
On the other hand, if I don't go, I-I… I might not have another chance to be on a date with Lancera.
Although I've only recently been aware of my feelings, I know for sure that I am really, really in love with this girl. This accursed villainess who is perhaps the only one that can accept me for who I am.
It isn't time to be tsundere.
I stared into the violet-eyed girl's eyes.
I need to make a decision.