After I told Emma about how I would make sure the orphanage owner gets fired from her position and be replaced with someone of a more caring nature using my connections (she had known I'm a noble since the whole Alex story), Emma agreed to tell me tales from her childhood.
Though it was full of reminiscing stories about where she and Anastasia played. I could gather from her tone that Anastasia hated the life of an orphan. She absolutely wanted to be a noble.
Someone who had power and money.
It further convinced me that Anastasia and I don't have to be at odds with each other.
Why make enemies when you can make friends?
That evening I left the inn, and Emma made me promise to come by again someday where she would treat me to a meal. She is... very friendly.
I went home and was about to start my dinner at the dining table when Elaine's father slammed his fist down the table.
'Are you really going to keep quiet like this?'
???
What on earth, or whatever planet this is, was he talking about? Seeing my confusion, Elaine's mother then said, 'Your suspension. How could the daughter of a noble behave like a brute like you and embarrass our family?'
Ah. That suspension.
Right, I almost forgot that I was suspended from school right after it started.
'Should I have stood by while seeing an injustice?' I quickly try and make up a reason so I won't get into trouble.
'Injustice? You punched another noble in front of the whole class. Where are your manners Elaine?!' shouted Elaine's father.
'I saw that the commoner was getting bullied and felt that it wasn't right. So I saved her. I thought you would understand that I was trying to hold up the family name.' Truthfully I just wanted to punch the girl.
Seeing that I had no ounce of guilt as I was sipping my tea, Elaine's father was flabbergasted. Elaine's mother, on the other hand, went quiet.
Then, a few seconds later, after the silence, she spoke, 'I never knew you cared about justice.'
'Justice? Who cares about justice? She should be punished!'
'Vince. That's enough.' Elaine's mother looked at me with a poker face. I can never tell what she's thinking.
'Enjoy your meal, Elaine. Let us go, marquess,' she then got up from her red velvet cushion seat and practically dragged the marquess with her.
Elaine's mother seemed not to want to make trouble for me which I appreciate. However, there was still that distance that seemed to draw a line between us, which probably made the previous Elaine feel lonely. Fortunately for me, it helps that we're not very close, so she won't figure out who I really am.
ᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢᓚᘏᗢ
The week went by fast enough. My suspension came to an end, and I was able to go back to the academy.
Classes were not very interesting as they only talked about magic theories I can't seem to grasp. I struggled to open my eyes during those classes, which reminded me of my previous life. Sigh... I used to be such a diligent student, but now it seems like I do not have the energy to care about grades anymore.
One thing did catch my eye. In front of me, to my left, Anastasia was peeking glances at me. I had not talked to her since the incident which led to my suspension.
That's why during lunch break, I chose to confront her.
'Anastasia, it seems like we are due for a talk,' man those etiquette lessons were starting to affect my speech.
'Yes. I-I wanted to ask you something,' her eyes seemed not to be able to meet mine, looking at the ground as she spoke.
I continue to be silent, waiting for her question.
She took a deep breath and finally gathered up the courage to look me in the eye.
'Why did you help me?' she asked.
Oh. So it was just about that? Hmm... This might be a way for me to establish a connection with her.
'Anastasia, aren't you tired of this? Having to compete with each other? And for what? A man's, no. Not even a man's, but a boy's affection?'
'What do you mean?' she furrowed her eyebrows at me.
'To tell you the truth, I do not mind you having Alex. In fact, I would gladly help you. In return, I just want you to help me as well.'
'Help you with what?'
Looking around, even though we weren't exactly surrounded, there were other students in this class, and I could not have others listening to our conversation. So I grabbed Anastasia's hand and led her to the training grounds where we first demonstrated our magic. The place was perfect since no one was around.
I then explained everything to Anastasia; my feelings (or lack thereof) for Alex, my talk with the king about how danger would come to destroy the kingdom, and what I've been trying to do to prevent it from happening. Of course, I left out the part where I'm another soul in Elaine's body.
We then reached an agreement. I break off my engagement with Alex in the future, and she will help me with finding Nyle.
Yes, I want her to find Nyle. She is the only person Nyle might not be wary of since she is not a noble. I still need Nyle to give me information that might help me find the culprit behind all this.
With that, the bell signaling the end of our lunch break rings throughout the campus.
'One more thing before we go back to class. I wanted to say thank you for helping me before. You're not as bad as I thought, Elaine Castelle.' And with that, she turned the corner and left for class.
Wow, she knows how to make an exit. No wonder she's the protagonist.