NOVEL NEXT Status quo
There has been a slight change in my daily attire. It is not noticeable as most of it is under my clothes. Every morning, Sylvia assists me in wearing the bodysuit underneath my dress. It could also be worn even with clothes on so that is how it is usually done. I loathe showing my naked body so this is a blessing. For the sword, it is usually Melanie who carries it. Although if I were to get kidnapped, Sylvia and Melanie would not be present. Both could easily help me. Should I purposefully make them leave? Hmm, no. I will let the world decide. There will come days when I will be alone after all. Especially on Sundays.
“Is there something wrong, mistress?”
“Do not worry about it.”
I could feel my mood getting worse on the thought of Sunday. A horrible day for me. Sylvia has probably sensed my declining mood.
“Come. Let us go to class.”
It was an uneventful day. It has been a few days since I stopped harassing Lyn thinking that those girls would resume soon. However, they still have not done anything these past few days. As the day is ending, Juliet finds me.
“Miss Athena!”
She runs up to us. We were already outside of the school so the number of students that could see us were few.
“Juliet? What are you doing here?”
“I was actually going to the market again! Good thing I found you though!”
“Has something happened?”
“Agent Juliet reporting for duty!”
Where did she learn these agent stuff? Also, why is she saluting?
“I am here to report on an incident that has happened today! Those girls are back and have started to harass her again!”
“I see. I had the notion that they were going to stir trouble again. What have they done now?”
“Hmm, they’re hiding her stuff.”
“That’s all”
“No, they have been destroying them! Before they were just hiding it but some of her things have been destroyed!”
“They have not done anything physical to her?”
“Nope! I mean, she did get first place right? Everyone knows that she is strong!”
Juliet points at the sky as she poses.
“Yes. That is true. Which is why they have resorted to such banal tactics. What about her then? Has she said anything?”
“Uh, I never saw anything actually. All I knew was that some of her stuff was already destroyed. Things like notebook, pictures, pens, and her school supplies.”
“Are they targeting her personal belongings?”
Juliet took a bit to think about it.
“I think so? They didn’t really touch any of the school books, desks, chairs and anything that the school gave us.”
I see. They are at least making sure to not earn my ire.
“So, what does she plan to do?”
“Nothing. She wouldn’t even tell me anything. I’m her best friend, you know!?”
Ah, the waiting game once again. Typical.
“I see.”
“Hey, miss Athena.”
“What is it?”
“Can you help her out?”
Juliet pleaded with me.
“No.”
“Aww.”
Juliet slumps down with my refusal.
“Hmm, here I thought you would try to make me agree.”
“Hehe, you underestimate me! I already know how that will go!”
“Hmph.”
“Well, don’t worry about it. I wasn’t really serious. I can’t really do anything against them anyway.”
“If they mess with you, I will allow you to tell me.”
“Really!?”
Juliet looks at me with bright eyes. I can also see a plan going through her mind.
“I will remind you that if you were the one seeking the trouble, I will ignore it. Do not think that I would help you out if you purposefully provoke them into messing with you. You may try but do know that I have eyes throughout the school.”
“Aww.”
Juliet slumps again.
“Is that all then?”
“Uh, wait. Then, do you have any advice on what I can do?”
“Wait.”
“Huh?”
“Just wait. They will make a mistake and they will be put against the wall.”
“Really?”
“Yes. If you take some time to think about it, they are playing a risky game. One that could easily be noticed by certain individuals.”
“Huh. Okay.”
“Yes. Do make sure to keep me updated on the proceedings.”
“Got it!”
“Off you go then.”
“Okay! Goodbye!”
Juliet runs off. Should I warn her? No, Juliet never gets kidnapped in the game. She has too many connections around the city. We return to the dorm. The days pass as usual, Juliet keeps me updated on the situation. Those girls are now going so far as to destroy her clothes. Splashing her with adhesives and other corrosive liquids. Hmm, that may have been their other choice. They must have bought those from somewhere else as Melanie was not informed of their purchases. Then, something surprising happens.
“Miss Athena, there was a letter on your desk.”
We go to the school at random times. This was a day where Melanie was there earlier than any other student. She found a letter on my desk.
“I haven’t opened it but I’m not sure if you wanted to read it in class so I waited for you here.”
We were in a corner of the school where very few students go to.
“I see. Good work Melanie.”
I take the letter. It is in a simple envelope with no design. A love letter seems unlikely. A letter of challenge was never a thing in this world so that is also crossed out. I open it and read through it.
“Miss Eterna, I would like to speak with you about some matters of concern. I will be waiting at this specific room. I wish for your time after class. Thank you, Viscount Frost’s daughter.”
“The daughter of the viscount? What does she want?”
“Hmm, what shall I do?”
“Will you meet with her, mistress?”
“I am interested in this matter of concern that she has. Hmm, fine. I will allow her the privilege of my presence. Melanie, make sure to inform her that I will be there by the end of the day.”
“Got it!”
Now, what could she possibly want? How interesting.