NOVEL NEXT Difference in mindset
The exam day ends as I spend time in Emilia’s office. I bid farewell to Emilia as I return to the classroom. As I arrive, I see someone standing by the door.
“Prince.”
“Come to that room, alone.”
The prince walks away. I look at him for a moment and enter the classroom. Sylvia, Melanie, and Blanche are all together. They notice my presence as the classroom turns silent. A common occurrence.
“Did you do well?”
“Of course.”
“Yes, mistress.”
“I was pretty nervous but I think I got all of them.”
“Good. I do not need to remind you on what you should do.”
All three of them nodded in unison.
“Anyway, my brain is tired. Can we go back already?”
“No.”
The three of them looked confused.
“A certain personage has demanded my presence. As such, I must go.”
I say it a bit louder to make sure that everyone hears it. I know a certain group that would be interested after all.
“A certain personage? But the only one who can… I see. That is how it is.”
Blanche realized quickly while Sylvia is calm as usual. Only Melanie looks confused. Sylvia whispers to Melanie as she finally understands.
“Oh.”
“Do you require my assistance? Do not worry, I have no issues on such an action.”
Blanche looks motivated for some reason.
“No need. I have been requested to do so alone. You may accompany me to the door but it will only be between both of us. Do you understand?
“I understand.”
“Do not worry yourself. There is nothing they can do to me.”
At least, for now. We start walking towards the same unused classroom as before.
“Melanie, you do not need to keep watch.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It does not matter who tries. Let them be and do not react.”
“Got it!”
We arrive in front of the door. The prince’s boyband is waiting outside the room as well.
“Mistress, if anything happens. Please call for me.”
I look back to Sylvia hiding my surprise.
“Hmph, you had best not fail to do so or else.”
“Yes, mistress.”
Sylvia and Blanche face off against the boyband as I enter while Melanie is hiding behind the other two. I close the door behind me as the prince is standing inside.
“Whatever you plan to do here, I suggest that you keep it short.”
I do not wait for him to speak.
“You!”
The prince looks angry at my words as I look back at him expressionless.
“Well? Save your anger for someone else. Stop wasting my time.”
His face shows anger once again but he quickly suppresses it.
“Why are you doing this, Athena?”
His words are too vague.
“You would need to be clearer with what you are saying.”
“All of this. Why do you even need to be here if you are not going to take it seriously!?”
“Oh? What are you trying to say?”
“Do you not understand!? If you are not going to take this place seriously, why do you even bother coming here!?”
“Are you telling me that I should leave?”
“No! It is just that, I want you to take this seriously.”
The prince’s anger subsites as he continues.
“We are in a school and we are learning. So, we should participate.”
“I am participating.”
“Not like this. People look up to us. So, we must set a good example.”
“I am setting an example. I am showing everyone about power.”
“No. We should show them that we are just like everyone else.”
“Do you not understand, Prince? I am just like everyone else. Do you not see how nobles treat commoners? Do you not see the difference oftheir status? Even with us nobles, those with lower positions are forced to bend their knee to those higher than them.”
“I know that. That is why I want to change it.”
“You are free to do so. However, I will take no part in your game. I will do as I wish.”
“Why do you act like this, Athena? Your father would not be happy about this!”
“Ah, you are learning fast. Using my father, a man who has authority over me to threaten me to submission.”
“That is not what I meant!”
“Do not worry. Go ahead. Tell my father, see how he reacts. I want to see what happens!”
I smile as I lean over. I can see him become uncomfortable. This is not my usual smile. It is a smile of utter excitement.
“T-then, if I tell you to stop. Will you stop?”
“So, you are now using your own position against me. Hah! That is a mistake. You have no authority over me. We are betrothed. That means that I am equal to you. Even if you make a commotion, even if you complain, you cannot control me!”
The prince’s face contorts as I rebuke him.
“So, there is only one choice for you.”
The prince’s face turns to confusion.
“Go tell the king and queen. Tell them to make them stop. Cry to your mother and father and beg them to stop me. Go and do it! Use your family’s power to suppress me!”
“I-“
The prince stands speechless. So, I turn around and walk away.
“Wait!”
I reach the door and look back at him.
“If you cannot even do that. Then, you have no hope of controlling me.”
I open the door and leave. Signaling to the others to follow. We leave the prince and his boyband to lick his wounds.
“Melanie, did you hear us?”
“No. We did hear shouting but we couldn’t understand what it was about.”
“I see. What about other pests?”
“I could feel other people were there.”
“Good.”
Now, I have made the prince mad. I do hope those rats would convince him. It will be an interesting spectacle.