Chapter 381: Amael Is Popular?
Chapter 381: Amael Is Popular?
A few days had passed since the engagement day between Elizabeth and me. The day had been a whirlwind of events, marked by introductions to nearly everyone, except for the two
notoriously unpredictable individuals, Alvaro and Cyril.
The day had begun on a promising note with pleasant discussions and greetings alongside Elizabeth. However, my mood took a drastic turn when Earth Tepes, whom I knew as Jayce, made his appearance. Living on the same island as him without the ability to exact my revenge was a bitter pill to swallow. It would have been easier if I weren't an Olphean, but my status came with responsibilities. Should I act on my impulses, Christina would bear the brunt of the consequences, and I'd inevitably antagonize Duncan Tepes, a demigod.
In the end, on Cleenah's advice, I decided to bide my time and remain composed. An opportunity for retribution would eventually present itself, and for now, there were more pressing matters at hand.
One such matter was my first quarrel with Elizabeth. We even broached the topic of ending our engagement when the opportunity arose. Imagine my shock when, shortly after this heated discussion, she attempted to initiate intimacy. It was my second time experiencing sex, both times with Elizabeth, and how could I describe it...
It was a euphoric sensation.
I had never felt such overwhelming pleasure before, and I began to grasp what Elizabeth meant by drowning negative emotions with something more powerful. She was entirely correct; after our encounter, thoughts of Earth evaporated from my mind, replaced entirely by a haze of pleasure that lingered until the end of the party. Judging by Elizabeth's expression, it seemed this method had always worked for her to curb her urges.
Now, our relationship had grown even more complex. I was at a loss on how to navigate it.
Elizabeth's indifferent attitude was particularly troubling. When she lost her virginity to me, she had been emotional, shedding tears and reacting strongly. But as time passed, she seemed to act as if nothing mattered anymore, as though she wasn't even in love with me. This nonchalance only heightened my concerns for her well-being.
Something was clearly amiss, but I was unsure how to broach the subject with her.
Anyway...
Classes resumed today. I donned my uniform, straightened it, and left my room, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
Christina had already departed for the palace to attend to kingdom matters alongside the other nobles.
"Your Highness, I've prepared breakfast for you and Lady Annabelle," Blaire greeted me warmly as I entered the dining room.
"Shouldn't you be with Christina?" I asked, puzzled.
"Um, yes, but Lady Christina left very early this morning and didn't inform me beforehand. She asked me to stay here to avoid any inconvenience," Blaire explained, slightly embarrassed.
Christina had been working tirelessly since our mother's passing. I just hoped she wouldn't overextend herself.
Annabelle joined me at the table, taking her seat. Samara, per my instructions, stayed with Christina to protect her. As for Myrcella... I would see her soon enough.
"As always, you and your mother have outdone yourselves with the cooking," I praised, savoring the fruit basket adorned with a hint of honey and a medley of spices that created a delightful combination.
"Thank you, Milord," Blaire responded, beaming with happiness at my compliment.
"You didn't encounter any problems outside, did you?" I asked. Being a Half-Elf, Blaire often faced discrimination. I had known her for over seven months, and as Christina's maid, I had grown to care a bit for her.
"N-Not really, Your Highness. Rest assured," she replied quickly, though her awkward smile betrayed her words.
A blatant lie to avoid troubling me. Likely, she had faced issues with those insufferable Elves. Despite my efforts to humiliate and diminish their pride, it never seemed to be enough.
I contemplated targeting bigger figures like Lykhor, Alvara, Kendel, or Aerinwyn to enact real change. However, they were formidable opponents, especially the latter three.
My desire to help stemmed from my friendship with Gladys, who had suffered greatly in the Teraquin House as a Half-Elf. Now, it also concerned Blaire and Samara. If Samara chose to stay in her homeland in the future, I would not tolerate any discrimination against her.
"Oh, Milord, I almost forgot. Lord Rodolf asked me to deliver a message to you," Blaire interrupted my thoughts, her expression turning serious.
I frowned slightly. "Rodolf Moonfang?"
"Yes," Blaire confirmed with a nod.
Rodolf Moonfang.
Our interactions had been few and far between, and that was by design. Rodolf was dangerous, unpredictable, and incredibly strong. Antagonizing him would be foolish, given the other adversaries I already had to contend with. His mere presence demanded my respect and caution.
Among the Second Years, I unequivocally considered him the strongest Pretender.
"What did he say?" I inquired.
"Lord Rodolf said that he can help you with Lord Connor. I don't understand what it means though..." Blaire muttered, looking confused.
I finished my breakfast in contemplative silence before preparing to leave.
"Can I come with you, Edward?" Annabelle asked as I stepped out.
"No, you should study-"
"I'm tired of studying! Please, Edward! I'm not a little girl anymore! I just want to see how the academy looks!" Annabelle pleaded, her gaze upset and insistent.
She had been training and studying diligently all this time. She deserved a chance to enjoy
herself.
I smiled and relented. "Alright."
***
As I walked towards the academy, I attracted a multitude of gasps and whispers from onlookers. Most hadn't seen me since the examination stadium, and my appearance had changed significantly since then. The images used in the news still depicted my former self.
"Kyaa! It's Lord Amael!"
"He looks like Lord Connor but with a wild aura! I'm so into it!"
"The most handsome man I've ever seen~"
"He is a Prince after all!"
"Senior Amael!"
"I love you!"
"I would gladly be your concubine!"
"By the way, who's that girl with him?!"
"Isn't she too beautiful?!"
"Is she Lord Amael's new lover?!"
"She seems a bit young though..."Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"Maybe Lord Amael is into unripe fruits."
I grimaced at each remark.
[<Aren't you popular, Amael?>]
Cleenah giggled.
Yeah.
But their remarks were giving me second-hand embarrassment.
"It's amazing, Edward!" Annabelle clearly pleased by the last remarks, grasped my arm,
taking in the sight of Trinity Eden Academy up close.
She was dressed in a casual skirt and blouse, posing as my servant for the day, though the real
intention was to give her a glimpse of the academy.
"Glad you like it, since this place has become my personal hell," I replied.
The academy was filled with too many nuisances, and recently, a new one had joined the fray.
No need to say who the fucker was.
Please, let this second semester be bearable.