I tamed the female lead

Chapter 16

I didn't know how Astéria heard about the whole incident. Maybe it was why Orange disappeared the day before but once in class, Astéria came to me in front of everyone. People stopped talking immediately and everyone stared at us waiting for what was going to happen.

"I came to apologize."

I frowned

"Apologize for what?

-I heard that you got a letter in my name with erotic topics in it. But I would like to clarify that I wasn't at the origin of that letter."

I looked around and saw that everyone was listening. Therefore I got up and told Astéria to follow me somewhere else. We left the classroom and walked to an empty staircase.

"Sorry, I didn't really think this was an appropriate conversation to have around others."

Astéria didn't wait a second and apologized again. She seemed restless for some reason. Was she scared for her reputation?

"I am so sorry about this. I would never send a disrespectful letter to you. You have been really nice to me and I don't want you to think that I would do anything to hurt you."

She was so agitated that I had to calm her quickly:

"Don't worry about it. It's really fine. I knew it wasn't you and immediately forgot about it."

Astéria didn't seem convinced.

"I promise you I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable.

-I know. You would never send me such a letter. It's fine.

-Are you okay?

-I am thank you for asking. You don't have to worry about me."

Astéria pinched her lips before asking:

"I don't want to intrude but I can't help but worry. Are you being bullied by any chance?"

I smiled:

"No. Everything is fine."

This conversation was rather awkward. Astéria didn't seem to believe anything I was saying and couldn't stop looking at me with those worried eyes. I had no idea why she was behaving this way and I couldn't help finding this funny. The cold hearted killer was acting all protective over me. I knew it wasn't honest but it was still fun.

"It was just a very bad joke. People here are rather bored. I don't pay attention to it.

-They are jealous."

I laughed:

"Yes, that's what I thought too.

-But may I ask how you knew that the letter wasn't from me?"

I shrugged:

"I knew you would never send me such a letter."

Astéria smiled:

"How could you know that? Did you read it?

-No, but why would you send me a letter with erotic topics? Moreover, the handwriting on the envelope was too weird. I know that yours looks amazing.

-How?"

I shrugged again:

"I don't know. You just look like someone with gorgeous handwriting.

-I am honored to have such high standards in your eyes.

-You're welcome.

-I still feel bad about this whole story, however. I can't help feeling that everything happened because of me. May I invite you to dinner at my mansion to make up for the inconvenience?

-You don't have to. It's really fine. Anyway, let's go back to class."

Astéria followed me without a word and we got back to class. People couldn't stop whispering when they saw us but I soon forgot about the glares. As soon as the lecture ended, I left for the library. I didn't read that much during the last days, preparing for the sports day and I needed to recharge a bit. I found a comfortable looking corner and surrounded myself with books before completely immersing myself in them. I stayed there until Orange came for me to eat. She helped me put back the books in place and we joined Azore at a table. There was something weird but I didn't notice straight away. We talked and ate but I couldn't focus on the meal, still feeling that something was wrong.

I looked up and noticed that people quickly turned away. The glares that I got so used to disappeared and that was what was making me uncomfortable. People didn't dare look at me for some reason and they didn't even dare talk too loud. The whole cafeteria was plunged into silence and I had no idea why. Seeing me all lost, Orange asked if something was wrong but I just shook my head:

"Nothing. I was just imagining things."

Azore who didn't notice the atmosphere before either looked up and frowned:

"It seems people finally got bored of gossiping."

Azore seemed satisfied.

"I guess Astéria's speech had its effect."

I frowned:

"Who's speech?"

Azore frowned:

"You didn't know?

-About what?

-After class Astéria blocked the whole class and made us understand that she would get anyone expelled who dared bully you. She looked really serious and people seem to have taken it seriously."

I was surprised. I had no idea this had happened. Seeing me all confused, Azore was surprised too:

"Weren't you the one who asked her to? You guys talked for a few minutes.

-I didn't tell her anything. She just apologized and that's all."

Azore shrugged:

"Then I don't know. She must have noticed by herself.

-But why would she do that?

-What do you mean? She just did the right thing.

-I guess you're right. I should thank her later today."

Azore didn't seem to think a lot about Astéria's actions but I still found it weird. Astéria never did anything without a goal. Did she need me for something? Did she need my reputation to be intact? Did she need me to be indebted to her? Maybe I should do something for her quickly to avoid owing her later on.

Just as I thought, all the bullying stopped after our conversation with Astéria. Iris still didn't talk to me but people stopped laughing and they didn't even dare look at me anymore. There was a weird atmosphere at school and I didn't know what to think about it but it wasn't that bad. As promised I took advantage of the situation to go meet Astéria and thank her for helping me. When I came to her, Astéria seemed to already know what I was going to talk about but she still waiting for me to start the conversation:

"I heard that you told people to leave me alone after class. Am I right?

-Yes. I am sorry if I overstepped.

-You didn't. Thank you for helping me. I am truly grateful. If there is anything I could help you with, let me know.

-I didn't help you with any motive in mind. Moreover, you have already helped me a lot in the past.

-Have I?

-You didn't mind being my opponent in sparring, you made sure I wasn't hurt by that other girl not wanting to be my partner, you told her not to start rumors about me and you even came to me to make sure I wasn't hurt by what was being said. I owe you a lot."

I blinked a few times. I completely forgot about all of that.

"That doesn't count. I only did what I had to. I would have hated myself if I didn't do it.

-It may not count for you but to me you are the first person to ever look out for my feelings."

Astéria was being really honest with me. She was never cared after as a child but I never thought she would be so honest with me. Was she really grateful? Or did she need something?

"I am sorry to hear that. Your feelings are just as important as anyones. You should never forget that.

-See, this is the reason why I helped you without thinking about it for a second. I am grateful for your existence."

I tilted my head. Did anyone ever tell me something so sweet? Especially the big boss of this book? Orange didn't talk a lot. She showed me her heart time and time again through her actions and even expressed her care through words but even she didn't ever say anything of the sort.

"That's..."

I was speechless. Could this not be an act? How? Astéria saw how troubled I was and smiled:

"You don't have to answer. I just wanted you to know."

She left and I just stood there for a few seconds. What had just happened? I had no idea but didn't have time to think about it because I heard other footsteps. I thought it was Astéria coming back but then I saw Alastair. I didn't see him for days and I didn't miss him at all to be honest. I even forgot he existed.

"Greetings your Highness."

Alastair quickly greeted me seeming worried:

"Are you okay?"

I tilted my head:

"Of course I am. Why are you asking?

-I heard about the rumors.

-What rumors?

-That you were being bullied."

I raised my eyebrows:

"Are there such rumors going around?

-Is it true?

-It isn't. Some people were just jealous of me but I could manage.

-Who are they?

-Why would I tell you?

-Let me help you. You need my help."

I frowned:

"Do I look like someone who needs your help?

-Poehina, you can't handle bullies alone.

-I beg to differ. I do not need your help, your Highness.

-Please don't call me that."

I shook my head:

"Are you worried about me or do you just think that I can't do anything without your help?"

Alastair froze:

"That's not what...

-If it is the former then thank you I am fine but if it is the latter then I don't need you in any aspect in my life.

-But then why did you ask Astéria for help?

-I didn't. She is just someone I am close to. Close enough for her to notice days before you did."

I left and heard Alastair calling my name as I was going away.