“I’m so sorry, Miss Alrn.”
Faybi looked as though she’d gladly offer her neck if it would make things better, her face full of guilt. She seemed deeply upset at the thought of causing trouble for me after I comforted her.
“I tried to explain things to the girl I met on my way back, but I guess my words weren’t enough.”
So that’s how the rumor spread.
On her way back from my room, Faybi, still in tears with a face all messed up, ran into one of her close friends. The girl, seeing the state Faybi was in, naturally assumed something had happened and began to spread the story around.
Since the two people at the center of the rumor—Faybi and me—are fairly well-known in the academy, the story spread like wildfire. It grew to the point where no one could control it anymore.
As the person involved, it feels incredibly unfair. But, if I look at it from another perspective, it’s a pretty juicy rumor.
A capable but foul-mouthed girl bullying and making the academy’s kindest, most virtuous student cry?
And in a locked room where no one could see?
It’s already a fantastic story.
The content is provocative, the line between good and evil is clear, and there’s plenty of room for embellishment.
Honestly, if I heard this kind of gossip without being involved, I’d probably think, "Oh, that’s juicy!" I’ve thought that way when reading scandalous gossip before.
But now I’m the one in the middle of it.
Ugh, damn it.
“So, I came to try and fix things.”
The gist of the rumor is that I bullied Faybi. Faybi’s idea was that if the two of us were seen getting along, we could at least undermine the basis of the rumor.
I seriously doubt that something like this, once spread, can be put to rest so easily, though.
But watching Faybi, who was genuinely sorry and trying to help me, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything negative.
‘It’s okay, Faybi. I don’t mind.’
“Heh, pathetic saint. Who do you think you’re worrying about? You think I care what those lowlife losers are saying behind my back?”
“If you’re truly fine with it, then I’m relieved, but still...”
‘Sit down. Let’s have a meal together.’
“Sit. I’m feeling generous, so I’ll eat with you, you useless crybaby.”
“Ah, yes! Thank you.”
Hmm. In that case, should I order something extra since I’ll be eating with Faybi?
Honestly, one steak didn’t feel like enough anyway. This works out nicely.
Lately, no matter how much I eat, I don’t feel full. Ever since I started training with the old man in practice mode, I’ve been like this.
Considering how much I move around, I doubt I’m going to gain any weight, though.
Could this be a sign that I’m about to grow taller?!
They say your appetite increases during a growth spurt!
Yeah, that’s probably it.
It better be!
If my hunch is right, I need to eat as much as I can now to maximize my growth.
I can’t stay this short and stubby forever!
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Someday, I’ll be the one looking down on people, just like Faybi and Joy!
“Excuse me.”
As I was scanning the menu, lost in my thoughts, another familiar voice reached my ears.
‘Joy?’
“What’s up, you airheaded noble?”
There stood Joy, slightly hiding her flushed face with her fan.
That morning, after hearing the rumor about Faybi and Lucy from another noble lady, Joy was at a loss for words. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
There was no way Lucy would bully Faybi!
This was the same Lucy who valued Faybi so much that she even wore a bunny girl outfit to save her!
Why on earth would someone like that make Faybi cry?
And besides, is Faybi even the type to cry over a little teasing?
She’s a saint who’s traveled through the roughest places without shedding a single tear!
It makes more sense that Faybi cried tears of joy after seeing Lucy than her being bullied.
After confirming that the rumor was total nonsense, Joy told the other ladies around her not to spread such nonsense.
But, rumors about Lucy and Faybi spread rapidly through the academy. Given how provocative the story was and how famous the people involved were, it was inevitable.
Joy had dealt with these kinds of rumors many times in social circles, and seeing people gossiping endlessly made her sigh.
How on earth am I going to fix this?
Knowing Lucy’s personality, she probably wouldn’t care at all. But Faybi was different.
Faybi would feel awful about causing trouble for the person who helped her. That much was clear.
So, for Faybi’s sake, Joy had to clear up the rumor. But how?
As Joy entered the dining hall with the other noble ladies, she spotted Lucy and Faybi sitting together at a table, and she froze.
Why are those two...?
Joy immediately understood what was happening when she saw Faybi’s apologetic expression and Lucy’s disdainful look.
Ah, they’re trying to show everyone they’re on good terms.
It’s a good idea. It should at least help stop the rumor from getting worse.
People will still gossip about Lucy, but at least some will start saying, “Aren’t they getting along fine?”
It was a smart move.
Joy agreed with that rationally, but her emotions were telling her a different story.
But... I wanted to be the first to eat with Lucy!
That seat should’ve been mine! I’ve been eyeing it for so long!
Faybi, you’re my friend, but isn’t this a bit much?!
Joy’s relationships were generally wide but shallow. As the daughter of the Patrane Duke family, countless people vied for her favor. But very few truly cared about Joy herself.
Most people just wanted to be friends with the Patrane Duke’s daughter, not Joy.
Of course, Joy was fully aware of this. She wasn’t so foolish as to be swayed by empty flattery.
As such, Joy didn’t consider those people her true friends.
How could she call them friends when the moment her title disappeared, they’d scatter like fallen petals, leaving her a lonely stem?
In fact, there were only a few people Joy could call true friends—people like Asa and Faybi, who didn’t care about her status.
And recently, she had found someone else she wanted to add to that small list.
Lucy Alrn.
Twice, Lucy had saved her life.
Lucy had extended a hand when she was stuck, unable to move forward because of her trauma.
She was rude and sarcastic, even to a duke’s daughter, never hesitating to speak her mind. But beneath that harsh exterior was someone deeply caring and noble.
Joy wanted to call Lucy her friend. She wanted to see Lucy laugh and have fun with her.
She even devised a plan with her older brother to make it happen.
First, she’d ask Lucy, who always ate alone, to join her for meals.
Lucy would definitely grumble something like, “Can’t eat by yourself?” or call her “that useless airheaded noble,” but she wouldn’t push her away.
From there, it’d begin.
They’d start eating together regularly, gradually talking more. Then, Joy would suggest going out together.
They’d try new foods, explore places, and during the break, she’d invite Lucy to her estate for a pajama party!
Unlike Asa, whose gender and political status made true friendship tricky, or Faybi, who was always busy with her duties, Lucy had no such obligations.
Before coming to the academy, she was known as a troublemaker. She had plenty of freedom, which meant she could easily spend time with Joy.
In other words, becoming friends with Lucy meant that Joy could finally experience the kind of friendship she had always dreamed of.
So every time she saw Lucy, Joy had been waiting for the perfect moment to ask her to eat together. It was all part of her grand plan.
The only problem? She’d never actually asked.
Her brother constantly shook his head in frustration every time she mentioned it, but what could she do?
What if Lucy rejected her?!
Hearing something like, “Why would I eat with you? You’re ruining my appetite,” would break her heart!
Despite her confident appearance, Joy’s heart was fragile. She couldn’t bring herself to make the first move, always waiting for Lucy to ask instead.
Naturally, that hadn’t happened. So the first step of Joy’s plan remained unrealized.
But now, here was Faybi, about to claim the honor of being the first person to eat with Lucy!
Joy knew Faybi didn’t mean anything by it. Her intentions were pure.
But that didn’t stop Joy from feeling envious.
Faybi was about to live out the moment Joy had only ever imagined!
What should I do?!
At this rate, Faybi will steal Lucy from me!
First, they’ll eat together, then they’ll hang out, and before I know it, they’ll be best friends, spending holidays together and calling each other by their first names...
No way!
I met Lucy first!
I got to know her first!
I’ve been planning to be her friend from the start!
I can’t let Faybi take that away from me!
Filled with the worst-case scenarios, Joy quickly pulled out her fan and excused herself from the other noble ladies.
She told them she was going to speak with Faybi.
No one would dare stop her—the daughter of a duke—so they nodded in agreement, and Joy made her move.
Even though her steps were impulsive, Joy’s mind was a whirlwind.
What am I supposed to say when I get there?!
Should I pretend I didn’t hear the rumor?
No, that’ll just make the mood awkward.
How about, “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”
Nope, that’s just as bad!
Ugh, why am I like this?!
As Joy arrived at the table, Faybi noticed her first, their eyes meeting.
“Excuse me.”
“Joy?”
“What’s up, airheaded noble?”
I have to say something. Anything.
But what?!
Finally, Joy blurted out the words she’d always wanted to say.
“May I join you two for lunch?”
“Of course, Joy.”
“What, can’t eat on your own now, airhead? Ugh, fine. Sit down. Don’t just stand there like an idiot.”
Both of them welcomed Joy to the table as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I did it!
I actually did it!
Joy sat down beside them, managing to hide her excitement while celebrating internally.