NOVEL NEXT Chap 213: A Girls’ Day.
"Why did you let him go so easily? That idiot always thinks he can get away with everything. It's not the first time and it won't be the last—Salei loves to intimidate people with lower status." Shawu was really furious; I had never seen her so serious.
"This time he ran into an immovable wall and left with his tail between his legs." Humyr looked more relaxed; he had spent the entire trip back laughing at Salei's stupid face.
"This won't go without consequences. He'll receive a severe warning once my mother finds out. Knowing her, she'll even contact the duke—she won't overlook anyone intimidating her protégé." Areci had calmed down well after a few minutes.
"That idiot's still obsessed with me. No matter how many times I reject him, he keeps thinking he can make me his fiancée." Brendu explained why everything started; he was jealous of me.
"Is that part of his plan to steal his brother's place as heir?" Ogine asked Brendu something I didn't know.
"Yes… being the son of the second wife, he had few chances to inherit the duchy. Everything changed when the first wife died. He's been gaining the support of several influential people from his territory. The odds are low, but not zero." So that was the situation—having a princess from a neighboring kingdom as his fiancée would strengthen his claim.
"Don't make that face, I've already made my decision." She tightened her hold on my hand. "I won't let this go easily either. If I find a chance to publicly support his older brother, I'll take it." I looked at her, surprised, but before I could ask, Brendu kept talking.
"I've met him before. His brother is a friend of my older brother—they're the same age and attended this school together. I've only heard good things about him: he's kind and genuinely cares for his people, unlike his siblings who only love to flaunt their power and influence. They're the complete opposite." So she really knew him—that explained a lot.
"I just hope I don't have to go through something like this again." It already felt ridiculous to experience it once, though deep down I had the feeling it might happen again.
"That idiot almost ruined our night. I hate dealing with people like him. Why can't all nobles be like Brendu? She's usually nice—sometimes a little weird and special—but still nice." Brendu didn't mind Shawu's comment.
Areci clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Let's forget what happened for now; we can worry about it tomorrow. Let's enjoy the rest of the night before heading back." Everyone agreed, quickly changing the subject—no one wanted to spoil such a good evening.
In the end, we all went back to the academy. Everyone parted ways, and Brendu came to sleep with me using the excuse of 'making sure I was safe.'
The next morning, she went to talk with Susan together with Areci. Both were against me joining them. I didn't understand why—they insisted I go train to clear my head instead. I decided to use the time to keep improving my movement skill.
These days, I've nearly mastered it. Two or three out of ten attempts now end with me intact; the rest usually cost me a hand or a foot. My understanding of the spatial affinity has improved significantly. "Seems it wasn't a waste after all…" The reward from the Fallen Hero's dungeon had clearly boosted my progress.
Susan's Point of View
"What did you just say? Salei tried to intimidate Maki?" My daughter appeared at my house early in the morning with Princess Brendu to bring me that news. "How did that happen? Is anyone hurt?" Knowing both their tempers, they must have fought—and of course, my protégé probably kicked that spoiled brat's ass.
"It all started because of Salei; these were the reasons…" the princess explained. So it was jealousy over Brendu—and probably also jealousy over Maki's recent rumors. Salei's a pampered child who loves being the center of attention and can't stand seeing someone else take the spotlight.
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"That brat." I rubbed my forehead, thinking of a punishment. I could expel him from school, but I don't want to make an enemy of his father, and it's his final year. Maki wasn't hurt badly enough to justify that, so I needed another solution. "I'll think of something. By the end of the day, that boy will receive a formal summons, and his father a letter about his behavior."
I'd already sent several letters to the duke and issued multiple fines for his son's conduct. It rarely reached physical confrontation—most people he bullied never dared touch him because of his status. This time, he ran into someone who couldn't care less about rank within the academy.
The princess and my daughter told me how the fight went. Maki had explained everything to them before. In the end, he restrained himself due to the difference in status; he avoided causing serious harm, focusing instead on humiliation and sharp words.
"I'm glad my protégé isn't just a musclehead in situations like this. If he'd hurt the boy seriously, even I would've had trouble avoiding a lawsuit from his father." After all, his son was also under my protection as a student, even if he was the idiot who started everything.
"Maki's very smart despite spending ninety percent of his day training. He's mature and capable for his age." Brendu nodded, pleased by my words.
"I imagine those are some of the qualities that made you fall hopelessly in love with him." The princess's eyes went wide, her cheeks flushed red, and my daughter covered her mouth, laughing. "I'm the academy's director—every rumor reaches me, and Maki's my protégé." I winked at her, making Brendu's pale face even redder.
"Well… at first it was just curiosity about his strength and appearance. But as the days passed and we got to know each other, everything changed. Maki has a huge heart—as big as his strength and beauty." I'd never seen the princess speak so warmly about anyone; she was usually sarcastic.
"You're lucky—Maki has everything big." Areci made a teasing comment, achieving her goal of turning the princess's face completely crimson.
"We haven't reached that stage yet, and you know it—not yet…" Brendu caught the meaning too late and gave my daughter a shove on the shoulder, both bursting into laughter.
Watching them laugh and play reminded me of their early years when they were inseparable with Shawu. The three of them used to go everywhere together, full of life and confidence. They all came from strong families, had fiery personalities, and possessed great power. It was a shame Brendu had been forced to distance herself a bit to build ties with nobles from her own kingdom.
I was happy to see their bond hadn't faded, that they were still so close. Maki had unknowingly strengthened their friendship too. That boy attracts good people—and trouble—wherever he goes. His presence at the academy has made this year far more interesting. He even saved a group of students who'd have been victims of negligence from the maintenance agency.
"Why didn't you call Maki here? I'd have liked to hear his side of the story." Just as I asked, I saw Shawu coming down the stairs in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes. She sat on a couch near us, dozing off, occasionally jerking awake.
"We didn't want to involve him in this kind of matter. We know how boring he finds these things, and honestly, we felt guilty dragging him into it." I stared at my daughter, unconvinced. "Well… also because we wanted a girls' day. It's been ages since I spent a full day with Brendu and you, Mother." Areci looked genuinely happy.
Half-asleep Shawu finally woke up after I shook her gently with my Imra.
"I'll take this case seriously. I'll speak with the duke later to inform him of his son's latest behavior and reach a fair compensation and punishment for Salei." They both agreed. I couldn't let this go as if nothing had happened—doing so would make me an incompetent director.
I clapped to get their attention. "Let's start by going up to the terrace. Tea and cookies will help lift our spirits." They stared at me, surprised. "You wanted a girls' day, right? I might not stay all day, but I'll give you my morning at least." They squealed with excitement, jumping up as we headed for the terrace.
"By the way, where's that troublesome boy?" I wanted to know about my protégé.
"He's probably training or eating at some new restaurant. That's all he does in his free time—train, read that huge book, or eat. I'm always amazed how simple and dedicated he is." Brendu rubbed her forehead as she spoke.
"That sounds like Maki. I want to eat ceviche again—it was delicious." A few weeks ago he'd brought me a container of that dish—it was spectacular. Brendu and Areci both swallowed hard at the memory.
"Ceviche? What's that? When did Maki make it? He never invited me." Shawu looked confused.
"He didn't save you any as punishment for selling his information." Shawu froze, processing my daughter's words, while Areci giggled. "Don't worry, he'll invite you soon—it was just a one-time punishment." Shawu still looked puzzled and a bit sad, making the rest of us laugh.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. "Cheer up. Later we'll relax in my private jacuzzi for our girls' day." All three of them squealed again. It was going to be a wonderful day with these young women. Sometimes I forget how young they still are; their status and responsibilities made them grow up fast. One question lingered in my mind, though—what wine should I drink today?