Chapter 3: The rivalry
1467 Words
Because of what happened yesterday, I missed my Combat Art and Physical Arcania classes.
The next morning, I was summoned by my teacher before the start of the morning lecture. She scolded me and warned me against skipping class without a valid reason, reminding me that students are only permitted to be absent in the event of an emergency or illness.
I could do nothing but lower my head and listen to the lecture from Miss Sakura.
Miss Sakura is our class adviser, and she keeps a watchful eye on us even when we aren't in her class.
"If you understand what I've said, go back to class. You only have 15 minutes before the lesson begins."
I was surprised that she was letting me go, as I had expected to be punished for my actions the day before. "Huh? Wait, Miss Sakura, aren't you going to punish me for what I said yesterday?"
"Huh? Oh... are you referring to your remarks about the palace and your insults toward the princes?"
According to her, many faculty members had insisted that I be disciplined, but the request was overruled by the Principal, who had been present when I made those comments. I was stunned. "What? Principal Lelouch was in the room yesterday?"
The Principal of the Imperial Academy is the Emperor's brother, so it was shocking that he didn't punish me.
"Don't worry about that anymore. The Principal knows what he is doing, and he saw that you had no intention of destroying the palace, right?"
"Of course, I wouldn't do anything so terrible. I didn't mean anything bad by it; I was just answering the question asked of me," I explained anxiously.
Miss Sakura just smiled and tapped my shoulder. "Okay, okay, go back to class and live your life steadily." She pushed me out of her office as she said it.
I smirked, wondering why she told me to "live steadily." I wasn't sure if it was a word of wisdom or a warning.
A few minutes passed, and out of fear, I hesitated to enter the classroom, standing instead before the large doors. Despite being told there would be no punishment, I was still terrified to face the class—especially the princes.
I'm nervous, I thought. I know they were angry when I called them abusive and arrogant. I have no idea what's going to happen to me. I sighed in frustration. " Why do they even have to take classes with us ordinary students?"
Just then, I heard a cough behind me. A chill ran down my spine, and I immediately spun around.
"Huh?"
" Wait, no.. No no no no! This is imposible. Why?
Why are they standing behind me? " I whispered to myself, nervous and completely taken aback.
My eyes widened as I saw the three princes standing right in front of me, along with some of my other classmates. I couldn't believe it; they must have heard everything I just said.
"G-g-good morning."
"Well, well, did I hear that right? After insulting us, you want us removed from the classroom?" Xian said.
I immediately tried to explain and denied the accusation. "T-th-that's not what I meant, Your Highness."
Xian stepped toward me, not hesitating to lean in close to my face.
"Abusive and arrogant? You're right. I am arrogant, especially toward the weak and the worthless. If you are one of those with no talent and you're weaker than me, you don't even have the right to stand in front of me," he declared boldly.
My knees nearly buckled from fear. I knew he was angry and could hurt me at any moment. I shook my head, trying to warn him. "Miss Sakura said I wouldn't be punished by the school just for having an opinion. If you do anything to me, that would be a violation of school policy," I stammered.
As I was speaking, he slammed his hand against the door, making me flinch and close my eyes in terror.
"Punished? I dare you to report me to them," he retorted.
I couldn't handle his aggression. I was so afraid that I could barely move my arms, and my chest felt tight. A moment later, Prince Alden reached out and grabbed Xian's shoulder, trying to reason with him.
"Calm down, Xian. You know Father won't be pleased if we cause trouble at this school," he said.
"Huh? I'm not doing anything to her... for now," Xian replied.
"But Xian, if you punish or hurt her, it only proves that what she said is true."
Alden explained that the Emperor's orders were clear: they were to mingle and live among the others to understand what it meant to be a citizen. Prince Alden believed in the perspective I shared yesterday; if they were to retaliate or punish me simply for my opinion, it would only prove that they were abusive and thin-skinned.
"So, it's best not to blow this issue out of proportion. I'm sure this Miss Sharmaine has the skill and intelligence to back up her words," Alden said.
"Ha! Skill and intelligence? I'd like to see that."
Xian grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him as he smiled. "Show me if you have the right to insult me."
While this was happening, Prince Daniel walked over and opened the door. "How long are you going to block the path? You're wasting your time on worthless things," he said coldly.
He entered as if he didn't care about us at all, and the rest of our classmates followed. Xian let go of me and walked inside, leaving me standing there, still shaking from fear.
Prince Alden and I were left outside the door. Seeing that I was trembling, he tried to calm me down. He reached into his bag and handed me a lollipop. "Here, this should help with the tension." He took my hand and forcibly placed the lollipop in it.
I didn't know if he was serious, but I couldn't help but find him weird. A lollipop? How is a lollipop supposed to take away my fear? I wondered to myself.
A moment later, he walked inside, and seeing Miss Sakura approaching, I hurried into the room so I wouldn't get in trouble.
Minutes passed, and class went on. Nothing changed; everyone treated me the same. I don't know, but I felt uncomfortable having the princes in class after what happened. I sighed, disappointed in myself. I had only been here for a month, and I was already in trouble with three princes—and unfortunately, I had to endure three more years with them at this school.
During the lecture, Miss Sakura asked us to take out some paper. "Okay class, we're having a surprise quiz. Take out your paper."
Everyone was shocked, and many of my classmates complained.
"But Miss Sakura, you've only been lecturing for three days. Shouldn't the quiz be on Friday?"
"You didn't mention yesterday that there would be a quiz. Can it be tomorrow instead?"
"If I told you yesterday, it wouldn't be a surprise quiz. Enough complaining—take out your paper."
Miss Sakura explained that students must always be focused and prepared. Most of them only studied on Thursdays to prepare for quizzes. Honestly, studying wasn't a problem for me because I kept up with the lessons, and since I didn't have other hobbies or distractions, I could focus entirely on my studies.
As I was taking out my paper, I noticed Jessica leaving her seat next to me. When I looked over, Prince Xian was already there, getting ready for the quiz.
"Wh-wh-what are you doing here?"
"Nothing. My spot was too bright, so I swapped," he said.
I looked at Jessica, and based on her reaction, she was apologizing to me. I couldn't understand why he would swap seats with her, so I reminded him that our seating arrangement was alphabetical.
"You can't just move Jessica from her seat because you want to," I added.
"What are you talking about? I asked that girl, and she agreed. I didn't threaten or force her, so you can't say I'm abusing my status as a prince," he replied. "And don't worry, I won't be here long. I just want to take this quiz from this seat so I can see if you're fair."
"Fair?" I asked.
He looked at me with a smirk, his arrogance evident as he declared our battle. "According to the records, you excel in academics, so I thought it would be a good place to start our competition."
"Competition? Wh-wh-what are you talking about?" I asked anxiously.
"Didn't you hear? From now on, we are rivals at this school, and I challenge you to surpass me," he said with a smile.
- Writer
