Reincarnated into Two Bodies

The atmosphere in the private training chamber was as heavy as a boulder.

Through Feyt’s eyes, I watched Attila flawlessly toss a training sword into the air and catch it by the hilt, completely oblivious as she hummed a light tune of joy. But through Carine’s eyes, I could practically see the storm coming amongst my friends.

Lionne kept darting her gaze from Attila to Feyt, and then directly to Carine with a look of profound, agonizing worry.

Clarissa was practically wringing her hands raw on her broom as her eyes quietly glanced over Attila and Carine.

Even Kyro looked deeply conflicted, rubbing the back of his neck and casting uncomfortable glances at the floor.

They had been like this ever since Attila got in the room. I knew this wasn’t how they would usually act, even in front of a commoner student. They weren’t like those snobs, after all.

So I pondered why they would react such a way to Attila’s presence.

Was it the way she dressed? The way she introduced herself? Or how casual she treated everyone?

But no matter how much theory I passed back and forth in my mind, the real answer that I was trying to ignore kept showing its ugly face.

They’re totally thinking that Attila is trying to steal Feyt away from Carine!

I was stiff on both ends from the shock and utter bafflement at that thought, but it was, ultimately, the most logical conclusion. Lionne’s ‘temptress’ comment earlier already laid it out clearly; I was just trying to deny it, however hopeless that effort may be.

Rumors aside, with such an awkward atmosphere, there was no way we could train in peace. I needed to dissolve this tension one way or another if I ever wanted some serious training done.

Also, having all my friends see another friend of mine like a vile vermin wasn’t a pleasant experience.

So, I decided to use Carine to smooth things over. If the ‘victim’ in question explicitly stated there was no issue, everyone else would finally relax. I elegantly folded my arms, keeping my voice smooth and clear as I addressed the two girls in front of me.

“You both seem remarkably tense,” I said as Carine, letting my sharp gaze sweep across them both. “What are you two so worried about? Attila is a mere friend of Feyt. Her presence here today is strictly to provide an additional sparring partner, and a capable one at that. I expect you to treat her as you would each other.”

I internally high-fived myself. It was a perfect and logical explanation of why I decided to bring her along.

I expected some nods of relief; perhaps the tension would even drain. Instead, there was dead silence as Lionne and Eve exchanged a long, heavy look.

Without warning, Lionne immediately pivoted into a bright, forced smile.

“Oh! Y-You’re totally right, Lady Carine!” Lionne suddenly burst out, her voice higher than usual as she vigorously nodded. “We were just… you know, wondering if she could keep up with us! Haha… right?”

Beside her, Eve didn't bother trying to match the fake enthusiasm. She just let out a soft, heavy sigh and shook her head. When she looked up at me, her expression had softened into a deeply sympathetic, wry smile.

“Stay strong, Lady Carine,” she murmured.

Before I could even process that, the two of them quickly turned back to their work, suddenly looking incredibly busy whilst exchanging looks with each other.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

I remained completely still on the spot.

Wait a minute…

Why do I feel so pitiful right now?

It took me a moment to realize that they probably thought I was either incredibly dense or coping with a broken heart by putting on a brave front.

The thing was…

There is no coping!

I’m not dating myself!

And Attila is totally just a friend!!!

How much more truthful can I be?!

I nearly yelled out in frustration, but thankfully, I kept myself composed.

Once I managed to calm myself, I realized something.

Isn’t this… the perfect opportunity?

The rumor that Feyt and Carine were secretly dating had been a relentless headache that had followed me everywhere. But looking at the misunderstanding radiating from everyone regarding Attila’s role in Feyt’s life… a reckless plan started to form in my mind.

If I made Feyt intentionally get closer to Attila, the academy rumor mill might pivot away instantly. The new narrative would become Feyt dating his classmate that helped him in the exam, and the gossip about Feyt and Carine would finally die a swift death.

It was a great idea, genius even.

But then, my logical brain caught up, as I began thinking it through, a cold sweat began to form on both my foreheads.

I sneaked a glance at Lionne and Clarissa. If Feyt so much as brushed shoulders with Attila right now, Lionne looked ready to challenge her to a duel to the death to defend Carine’s honor.

Clarissa looked like she was a single romantic gesture away from an emotional breakdown. Triggering a fake dating rumor wouldn’t end the original rumor; it would just add more layers to it, which would include a heavy dose of drama among my friends.

And even if I somehow managed to calm them down, there was the matter of Attila's feelings.

I looked over at her through Feyt’s eyes. She was currently talking to Kyro, asking how he trained to get those muscles, with Kyro answering reluctantly and awkwardly.

I genuinely only saw her as a good, reliable friend, and she undoubtedly felt the same way. Forcing a rumor like that would completely ruin our actual, comfortable connection. It wasn't fair to drag her into my identity crisis.

So, fake dating was out.

But I still had to do something about the immediate threat: the suffocating atmosphere currently choking the life out of the room. If my friends kept viewing Attila as a homewrecker, this joint training session would be a disaster. They would either be reluctant to fight her, or go dangerously all out.

The only way to deny the "temptress" rumor was to do the exact opposite of what a guilty person would do. I had to make Feyt act completely open. If I could show them a dynamic that was so casual it was impossible to mistake for a secret affair, then maybe the room would finally relax.

But how exactly was I supposed to pull that off on the fly?

As I was cycling through a few ideas, I noticed Attila suddenly making her way across the mats. Her target destination?

The corner where Carine, Lionne, and Eve were standing.

Wait, wait, wait! Where do you think you’re going?!

Carine’s back was turned on the approaching Attila, so I could see how Eve lowered her shoulders and chin, and Lionne narrowed her eyes.

“Lady Carine!” she said brightly. “It is such an honor to meet you!”

I turned to her awkwardly, surprised by how brazen her approach was. “G-Good to make your acquaintance as well, Attila.”

“Feyt has spoken highly of you!" Attila continued, beaming. "I can't believe I'm actually meeting you in person now!”

Through Feyt’s eyes on the other side of the room, the sheer intensity of the death glare Lionne was throwing at her could have melted steel.

Before I could use Carine to de-escalate, Attila leaned in a little closer, her voice dropping into a whisper. “Actually, I have something to say. It’s a bit private. Mind leaning in?”

Eve and Lionne stiffened. For a second, I thought Lionne might actually call Attila out, but curiosity seemed to win out in her mind. Reluctantly, the two girls huddled in close, their expressions a mix of deep suspicion and subtle hostility as Attila gestured for Carine to lean in too.

“Look, I know Feyt tries to act all tough and all,” Attila whispered, “but on the walk over here? He was blushing like crazy just talking about you. He kept checking his hair on every window and was so excited to see you again. Seriously, you should go say hi to him, Lady Carine!”

Lionne and Eve instantly froze. Both of my bodies did as well.

I…

I didn’t say or do any of that at all!

If anyone was excited to meet Carine, it was you!!

On the walk over here, Attila had been the one bouncing on the tip of her toes, completely hyped up about sparring with Carine. I was just nodding along, trying to mentally prepare for the training session.

But then, a horrifying realization hit me.

Wait a minute... is she…

Is she trying to be my wingman?!