Chapter 21 - Chapter 20 - Monthly occasion (2)

It was not long before I got completely encircled by a mass of people, mainly women around my age, but even a good proportion of men. I could see the crowds around my classmates had thinned and they were glaring at me, probably for having taken away the attention of their respective crowds.

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Numerous advances were sent my way. In the eyes of the senders, I could only see pure dishonesty, particularly in the ones who had called me handsome. It seemed like Marnie's efforts had been wasted.

Anyway, even while ignoring the clear lies aimed to win me over, I found all this attention extremely unpleasant. Considering it was all done with the purpose of becoming my partner I felt… extremely annoyed. All these people were nuisances. I didn't have any intention, nor desire, to get to "know better" any of them. It was the first time I had felt this way, but apparently it was true that archumans tended to behave like monks.

<> I tried to say as politely as possible.

The people around me were quite stunned by this revelation, but after a moment they resumed their attack more decidedly, going so far as to grab me and press themselves against my body, trying to get my attention. I felt every hair on my body stand up and my vision flicker for an instant.

I closed my eyes and clenched my teeth together. I had to keep my calm. Although my instincts were urging me to push everyone away and escape, I had to control myself. I couldn't risk hurting civilians. Anyway, I made a mental note of working on getting better at controlling my urges.

<> I said in a rude tone, while gently but firmly getting all the hands off of me.

I started walking away. Noone tried to stop me, but I could see disappointed and annoyed looks all around me. I finally made up my mind to find Faye. With a little bit of luck, her presence could help shield me from unwanted disturbances.

It didn't take long to locate her. Although smaller than the crowd which had been encircling me, she too had her fair share of attention, mostly in the form of a male audience.

She was wearing a long black dress which reached down to her ankles and left the back open. From the gown, her leg peeped out. Her hair was elegantly collected in a chignon, kept together by a floreal pin.

What most attracted my attention was the eye bags hidden under a light veil of makeup. I smiled satisfied: apparently what Marnie had told was true and she had been working hard for the sake of our scheme. Although I too had been working hard, it had been mostly for myself.

I accelerated my pace and soon appeared in her field of view, but she didn't seem to recognize me. When I tried to get near, a young man taller than me blocked my way.

<> he said trying to appear threatening.

Before he could understand what was going on, I put my hands around his arms, lifted him from the floor and put him down a little to the side.

<> I sneered at him.

He didn't mutter any word and simply looked at me with a stupefied expression. The same procedure repeated itself a couple of times before people took the hint and opened their way for me. I appeared in front of Faye, who was sipping a drink.

<> I said with a small smile.

Faye sent me an annoyed look before turning back to her drink. After a second, she frowned and looked at me once again, this time more attentively. Her eyes opened wide and then she simulated a happy smile.

<> she said, taking me by the hand and guiding me towards another section of the plaza, far away from the suitors.

<> she reprimanded me.

We had taken place at a secluded table, away from the centre of the action. A couple of times someone tried to approach us, but was rapidly driven away by Faye's disgusted look.

<> I answered simply.

Her left eyelid twitched slightly.

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Faye's anger was palpable. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

<> she muttered in a low voice, not noticing I could hear her.

I decided to change the subject.

<> I asked.

She reopened her eyes and looked at me.

<> she answered.

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I nodded satisfied. Finally her talents were bearing fruit. She seemed a little bit embarrassed by my praise, but I pretended not to notice.

<> I asked.

Her expression lit up.

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I let her continue speaking of this and that, while looking at her with a genuine smile. The more she talked, the more fired up she got. After a life spent toiling in the fields, she was finally satisfying her innate curiosity. It was good to see her so happy. Nevertheless, I understood that from this point going forward I should keep an eye on her and help her stay focused on our plan, because there was a great probability she would get side-tracked while trying to learn everything she could.

<> I intervened after some time, putting a stop to her rambling.

<> she asked with a curious expression.

<>

I could see the fire shining in her eyes. Now that she was in her natural environment, her past fearful self had completely disappeared and only the young woman ready to take on the entire world had remained.

<> she answered proudly.

Both resolved to give our all to our objectives, we continued discussing our plans until late into the night.