"This is yours?
"Yes, so give It to me now"
As I stood there, bemused by the absurdity of the situation, it became clear that this wasn't just a simple misunderstanding. This girl, with her unabashed demeanor and unwavering determination, was adamant that the book in question belonged to her.
But as much as she insisted, the truth remained glaringly obvious: the book was not hers.
Tears of Chronos was a unique item that wasn't specifically designed for her scenarios, although later on her story she will stumble her very own unique item together with Lucas.
With a shake of my head, I attempted to reason with her. "I don't think so," I replied, hoping to diffuse the tension that was beginning to bubble between us.
Her response was swift and forceful, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Huh! What are you talking about? That book is mine! Give it to me now!"
Despite her persistence, I couldn't help but find the situation more comical than anything else. It was clear that she truly believed what she was saying, regardless of the glaring evidence to the contrary.
But then again, she had always been one to follow her own convictions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
As I glanced at the book cover, her sudden outburst caught me off guard.
"Ah, wait, don't look!" she cried out, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
But it was too late. My curiosity had already been piqued, and I couldn't resist taking a closer look.
Dodging her futile attempt to snatch the book away, I couldn't help but almost chuckle as I read the title aloud, "How to Win Over Your Childhood Friend's Heart…?"
The realization washed over me, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in amusement.
'So, this really wasn't the Tears of Chronos I was looking for? '
I muttered inwardly; my disappointment evident as I examined the book in my hands.
'But the color and the cover of the book were the exact match as it was in the game though…'
Despite my certainty that the color and cover of the book matched exactly as it was in the game... to think it was just some random romance book.
"G-give it to me please…." Janica's voice trembled with embarrassment, her anger palpable despite the blush that still stained her cheeks.
As the onlookers in the library began to take notice of the commotion, she ignored them completely, her focus solely on reclaiming her misplaced dignity.
Did she actually buy such an embarrassing book?
Somehow, I felt a sorry for her… I knew she would do anything to win over Lucas's heart, but to rely on a book about it... somehow, it made her look both sad and cute at the same time.
Though, I didn't think she shared the sentiment with me right now, given the death glare she was giving me.
In the game, there really wasn't much to show about her personality as it was quite open and not open at the same time?
But I didn't think she would be doing things like this just behind the screens. Even if you pursued her route in the game, things like this weren't shown, although some were mentioned, it was never really shown.
Romancing her in the game wasn't exactly rocket science as well.
As a bona fide 'Tsundere' deciphering her true feelings was often a delicate dance of decoding her words and actions. Despite her tendency to spout off the most cutting remarks, there was always a hint of vulnerability lurking beneath the surface.
But this time, there was no mistaking the hostility in her gaze.
'She hates me now.'
And for her, it was undoubtedly a double blow to her pride. As a noble, even if she was on the lower end of the hierarchy, she still clung to the dignity and poise expected of her station.
It wasn't just her pride as a noble that was wounded—it was her sense of self-worth. To be caught in such a vulnerable moment, especially in public, must have been devastating for her.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. Despite her tough exterior, she was still human, with feelings and insecurities just like anyone else. And now, faced with the fallout of this embarrassing revelation, it was clear that she was struggling to maintain her composure.
Now that I found out something like this, she probably either wants to kill me now or herself in embarrassment.
To think she would go this far though… I didn't think she would be doing things like this behind the scenes. After all, I couldn't imagine her acting in such a manner with all the prideful acts she puts on.
Now I understood why she cried so much in the game when you cut off her route and choose another girl.
The way she begged for forgiveness, the way she tried her best to get back with the main protagonist, and the way she offered herself as a sacrifice for Lucas in the end… This girl really was madly in love with Lucas to the point where she would rely on a book like this.
At first, I thought her tsundere antics and possessive personality were just annoying.
But thinking about the amount of effort she puts into ensuring her love comes true, makes me appreciate her more now.
If only she were a bit more honest with her feelings, then a smoother relationship progress with Lucas would've happened.
As I slowly handed her the book, her reaction caught me off guard.
The disdain in her eyes was palpable, her glare cutting through me like a knife. But as our eyes met, I was taken aback by the sight of her flushed cheeks and lowered gaze.
"You... you're a classmate, right?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded silently, unsure of what to say in the face of her obvious embarrassment.
"Don't tell anybody about this, got it?" she said, her tone serious, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.
Despite her stern warning, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at the sight before me. Here was this girl, so fierce and proud, reduced to a blushing mess over a simple misunderstanding. It was almost endearing in its own way, like catching a glimpse of her vulnerable side.
Suppressing a chuckle, I nodded solemnly. "Got it" I replied, doing my best to maintain a serious expression despite the urge to smile.
And as she hurriedly snatched the book from my hands, her cheeks still aflame with embarrassment, I couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of fondness for her.
Despite her harsh exterior, she was just like anyone else—vulnerable, flawed, and desperately trying to protect her pride.
Initially, I hadn't planned to get involved in the intricacies of the other girls' routes. But now that I found myself inadvertently caught up in Janica's dilemma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to set things right.
"I'm truly sorry, milady," I began, bowing my head slightly in deference to her. "To think I would make such a mistake. It's just that the book seemed very similar to what I was looking for."
Her reaction was immediate, a mix of surprise and confusion. "H-huh? M-milady?" she stammered, clearly caught off guard by the title.
It was one of Janica's many weaknesses—her desire to be treated with the grace and dignity befitting her noble status. As someone who took immense pride in her lineage, any suggestion that she was anything less than a proper lady could easily fluster her.
"U-uh, are you a noble, perhaps?" she ventured tentatively, her uncertainty evident in her voice.
"Yes," I replied calmly, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Please don't worry about today's events. Not a single word will come out of my mouth, I swear it on my family's name."
For nobles, their family name was sacred—a symbol of honor and integrity. By invoking my family's name in my oath, I hoped to convey the seriousness of my commitment to keeping her secret. It was a gesture of trust and respect, one that I hoped would reassure her of my sincerity.
Although my assistance didn't alter the situation drastically, it seemed to have a calming effect on Janica, at least momentarily, amidst the chaos of the ordeal.
"I-I see. Thank you," she said, a hint of relief evident in her voice, though her skepticism lingered. Despite her lingering doubts, she seemed genuinely grateful for the reassurance.
"Uh-uhm, if it's not too much to ask, may I know your name, sir?" she inquired tentatively, her mannerisms mirroring those of a noble, albeit with a touch of uncertainty.
Suppressing a laugh, I introduced myself, amused by her attempt to maintain the facade of nobility. "Riley, Riley Hell," I replied, watching her closely for any sign of recognition.
"Riley Hell..." she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly as she attempted to place the name. But as expected, the Hell family wasn't exactly renowned for its prestige or prominence. We were merely counts of a remote border region, far removed from the glitz and glamour of high society.
"I'm Janica, Janica Mortelina," she said, her smile brightening as she extended her hand in greeting.
In accordance with noble etiquette, I took her hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it.
The gesture elicited a blush from Janica, but her smile remained, illuminating her features with genuine warmth. It was clear that playing the part of a noble held a special allure for her—a longing born from years of isolation and longing for a world she had only glimpsed from afar.
Considering there weren't really much noble families close to her hometown this was probably the first time she could act as such.
With time ticking away, I knew I had to find a way to gracefully exit the conversation and continue my quest for the Tears of Chronos. Luckily, I had just the thing to divert Janica's attention and make my escape.
"By the way, Lady Janica, could that book be for Lucas?" I asked casually, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"H-huh? What are you talking about? How could this book be for L-Lucas? Sure, we're childhood friends, but there's no way—... wait, how do you know Lucas?" Janica's tone shifted from embarrassment to curiosity in an instant.
"I've become acquainted with him recently," I replied smoothly, keeping my expression neutral. "Based on my initial impression of you two, I thought perhaps the two of you were lovers, but I guess that's not the case?"
"R-really?... I-I mean, how could you think such a thing? There's no way I would be like that towards a commoner, you know," she protested, though her eyes betrayed a hint of amusement.
If only she could be more honest with her feelings instead of avoiding eye contact or trying to mask her emotions with that telltale smile. Her reaction was as transparent as glass, and it only served to confirm my suspicions.
"Do you like Lucas, Lady Janica?"
"HuH? Th-there's no way," she stammered, her denial ringing hollow.
It was becoming increasingly clear that honesty wasn't Janica's strong suit. But before I could delve any deeper into the matter, I decided to throw in one final question to test her reaction.
"Then you're fine with Princess Snow claiming him?"
"Huh?"
Janica's confusion was evident, and for a brief moment, I detected a flicker of something in her expression—a hint of uncertainty, perhaps?
But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by a mask of indifference.
"What are you talking about?" Janica's question came quick and sharp, her surprise evident.
"Perhaps you didn't know? Lucas and the princess are having a very splendid lunch date right now," I revealed, a small smile playing on my lips as I watched her reaction closely.
"I see..."
Her response was clipped, and I noticed her grip on the book tightening, causing it to crumple slightly in her hands.
'Damn…'
I couldn't help but marvel at her strength—just how strong was she? I guess that's to be expected of a top knight student?
Probably around a C to B rank strength stat?
As Janica slowly made her way towards the cafeteria, she glanced back at me.
"Sir Riley"
"Please, Riley is enough."
"Th-then you can call me Janica," she added, her cheeks flushing slightly as she bowed her head.
"Thank you," she whispered softly, her expression one of genuine gratitude, before hurriedly trying to make her escape.
Watching her hurried retreat, I couldn't help but feel a rush of amusement.
She was like a whirlwind of contradictions—fierce yet vulnerable, stubborn yet endearing. It was enough to make me want to laugh out loud, but I managed to restrain myself. After all, we were still in the library, and decorum had to be maintained.
But as I watched Janica disappear into the crowd, a sense of longing stirred within me. She truly was a captivating woman, and I couldn't help but wonder what drama would unfold with Lucas right now.
However, I had to remind myself of my priorities.
Tears of Chronos… I made this item wait long enough.
'Now then where is that book?'