NOVEL NEXT Mutual Courting
People say that rest is for the weak and I agree with that statement. Because I am currently resting and I am really weak. Two weeks have passed since then. Head maid and Sylvia were taking care of me. Constant massages to make sure that my muscles were still somewhat active. But there would still be some weakness in my body. Something I would just have to endure.
“Milady, I must return.”
“I know.”
“I shall be back next month for the task the master has for you.”
Right, there was that thing next month. It would be truly unpleasant so I must prepare myself. I do not reply to her as she leaves. Sylvia returns and assists me in getting ready.
“How do you feel, mistress?”
I move my body in various places. The pain in my stomach area has lessened by a lot. It is almost unnoticeable.
“No problem. It does not hurt anymore.”
I know that I still have not fully recovered but this is enough to make sure that I can stay awake no matter what I do. After tidying up, we went towards the school.
“Melanie, you do not need to look out for other people when I have fun with the commoner.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yes. I want to see what some entitled rats plan to do. So, what better way than to let them bring themselves on a silver platter.”
“Got it!”
“What about the task I had for you Sylvia? Were you successful?”
“…Yes.”
There was a slight pause to her answer. My conjecture would be that she did it but held back a fair bit, which is fine I suppose.
“Good. Do remember that exams are almost upon us. Do not fail.”
“Yes, mistress.”
We arrive at school with some time to spare so we set out to search for Lyn. After a quick walk, we find her sitting at a bench at the courtyard. Normally, I would avoid these places since there are a lot of witnesses but not anymore. So, I blatantly walked up to her. She looks up at me as I smile and dump a bunch of dirt on her head. She does not react and continues to stare at me until she finally says something.
“Are you okay now?”
Huh? Why is she asking?
“Whatever do you mean?”
Lyn sighs as she stands up and looks straight at me.
“You can’t fool me. I already know why you’ve been gone this whole time. So again, are you fine?”
I look at Sylvia but Sylvia shakes her head, Melanie does the same. I am utterly confused as to why she would even care for my well-being.
“I am.”
I answer her in my confusion. She nods and starts to walk away before turning back.
“Don’t worry. Those two didn’t tell me. It was the Frost girl.”
After that message, she walks away. It comes to no surprise that Blanche Frost figured out what happened to me. But why would she tell Lyn? And why would Lyn care? I ignore these questions and move on. It is not something I have to think about. We arrive in class and I sit on my usual seat. Some of our classmates are here. The prince and his boyband are currently not here as well as the villainess group. Melanie and Sylvia are around me doing their own thing when someone approaches. Blanche Frost arrives and stands near me as the classroom falls silent. The silence stays for a while until a brave soul speaks to Blanche.
“Miss Frost, why are you there?”
I decide to stay silent as I stare at her. I do not know what she is thinking and I am interested in her answer.
“What do you mean?”
She tilts her head as she asks that question. Quite cute.
“Oh. Um, why are you standing by the duke’s daughter?”
Everyone is silent as they await her answer.
“I have decided to follow the duke’s daughter.”
Some girls squeal for some reason. Why are they squealing? What is happening?
“W-what does that mean?”
Blanche tilts her head as she thinks.
“In more concrete terms, I am currently-. No, that is not correct. She has-. Hmm, that is not the correct response either.”
Even I am confused on what answer she has. So, I decide to stay silent and wait. Then, after a while. She looks back at the girl who asked and answers.
“We are currently courting each other.”
“Huh?”
It was a unanimous response. Everyone, including me were flabbergasted. But she did not stop there.
“I am by no means competing with the prince. I have already informed the duke’s daughter that should our arrangement come to pass that I will be her concubine.”
She said it. She really said it. Blanche looks straight at me as she says all of that. Is she challenging me? Is this her way of backing me to a corner? Excellent job. I look around and see the all of them looking towards me. Are they expecting a response?
“What we do in our own time is our business.”
The girl nods as they drag Blanche to a corner of the classroom. She looks confused as she gets surrounded by some of our classmates. I decide to ignore them and stay on my seat.
“Woah. Is it true, miss Athena? Are you going to hook up with her?”
Sylvia stays silent while Melanie looks interested. I could hear some squeals from a certain direction but I choose to ignore them.
“That will be something for the future.”
“Wait, does that mean we’re also concubines?”
Melanie whispers to me. I stare at her.
“Hehe, it was just a joke.”
“I may consider it if you are interested.”
I put my hand on her chin.
“But you do understand that I do what I want. So, make sure that you are fully prepared if you decide to be on my bed.”
Melanie nods multiple times as she backs away. Sylvia is still silent and I choose to ignore her. After a while, the prince and his boyband arrive. Then, the villainess group arrives. They glance at me as they enter. Whatever plan they wish to do interests me. I am waiting with excitement. As expected, the talk of our mutual courting has already spread throughout the whole school.