Chapter 133
Chapter 133
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: Raies Fleur
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Nothing.
No matter how much I searched, I couldn't find her.
Ashita must have really gone home.
...Damn it.
"I'm not great at sensing auras, but based on the mana signature, it doesn't seem like she's here."
"I see."
Swish. Rustle.
I looked up at the sound of Raies rummaging through the bushes.
But man, she's putting in more effort than I expected?
I turned my head just enough to watch Raies searching through the underbrush without moving much else.
She'd been at it without straightening her back even once.
Come to think of it, she's really pretty.
Slim figure. Tall for a woman—mid-170s cm—with a model-like build. She usually lets her slightly wavy hair down freely, but now she'd tied her jade-green locks into a short ponytail that draped over her nape.
Her lips were set in a stern line, but paired with her stunning features, it came off more aloof and noble than cold.
Since school had started, she was in uniform, but on her, it looked like a photoshoot spread.
She really looked like a model straight out of a magazine you'd spot on the street.
I found myself staring blankly.
Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, exposing dazzling white arms, and with the top three buttons of her shirt undone, her not-insubstantial chest was subtly emphasized, making my heart race as a guy.
Yet her cleavage was barely visible—must be some kind of supportive undergarment underneath.
But somehow, that made it even sexier.
It was provocative without being cheap; she clearly knew fashion.
Her skirt was fairly short, but it clung like steel plating—no hint of panties showing.
She used to strike me as a delinquent girl type, but now her eyes seemed straight and strong, yet oddly soft, giving off more of a leader vibe—a successful woman, not some thug.
Whereas Clarier had that icy glare that just screamed bitch with a bad personality.
Ah, she totally is, lol.
...No one's around, right?
I instinctively scanned the surroundings, searching for that busty black-haired beauty.
She could read minds or something, so better safe than sorry.
Anyway, overall take on Raies: she's hot, but she exudes this massive charisma that inspires more admiration than lust. She's got that special aura unique to someone who lords over others.
She has a somewhat languid air at times, but basically gives off intimidating big-sis energy?
Her beauty softens any impression of a nasty temper.
Even if she kept being high-handed with me, one kind gesture and I'd forgive her, no problem.
Case in point, right now.
She'd tried to mess with me before, multiple times even, but since she's been nice lately, I've just let it slide.
“Stop appraising her and just fuck her already.”
She’d seemed fierce at first glance, but perhaps that was only anger. Now, she gave me the impression of someone with an older sister’s warmth and protectiveness.
Though technically, I'm older.
"Then just ask her for a hug." I'd rated her below Clarier or Elisicia at our first meeting, but those two are on another level—insanely hot. Raies would be a once-in-a-lifetime beauty back in my original world.
Honestly, Raies is gorgeous enough to outshine models. Coming to this world has been a real treat for my eyes.
"Yeah, she looks pretty good to me too. Looks tasty, so hurry up and fuck her." Shut!! The hell up!!
It's been parroting "fuck her" nonstop like a damn bird.
No matter how much it nags, I'm just not feeling it.
Raies is super pretty, sure, but after that nasty argument before, she doesn't really register as fuckable material.
Besides, even if I did feel like it, how the hell would I even pull that off with her?
She's heard "beautiful" a million times and seen countless hot guys.
Plus, she's a duke's daughter. Duchess. Insanely high status.
Would she realistically fool around for one night with a guy like me?
"The empire's grand duchess at Pryunar Academy? Instructor status matches her rank just fine." Fine, say ranks match.
She still has eyes. Would she go for a lay with me?
"You're ugly, yeah." Come outside and say that, you fucker.
You're dead.
"Fix your eyes somehow and your face isn't hopeless. Or just use a skill." Huh? Skill?
"Forgot? The skill I personally taught you. Like making her cum just from touching..." ??????
That was from you?
"All holy-system stuff is from me." That smug tone pisses me off.
Out of spite, I won't listen to you.
"Tch." Scram.
"Eunuch." Yeah, enjoy.
"Summon." Yeah. Objectively, it's huge, zero damage.
"Sex skill zero." ...For real?
"...Huh? Uh... Kid. Your sex was kinda hazy consciousness-wise, so not sure." Damn... You're really getting under my skin...
.....
I'm cussing out some invisible bastard in my head, and it makes me feel like a psycho.
"Instructor."
"Ow!"
When did she get so close?
No way I didn't notice her approaching like this?
"Sorry. Did I startle you?"
Raies looked even more surprised than me.
I felt bad for yelling.
"Your aura sense focuses on hostility and killing intent. Plus, not long since those sky bastards wrecked you, so radar glitch is no surprise." When are you gonna shut up?
"Time's up anyway. Anyway, fuck he...r..." ?
Bro?
.....
.....
Whew, finally quiet.
Guess it had a time limit like a smartphone battery.
"Instructor?"
Her voice sounded worried.
"Ah... Yeah. Sorry for the weird noise, Raies. Was lost in thought for a sec..."
"Yeees. Hehe."
That pleased chuckle embarrassed me.
"Looks like Ashita isn't here. Thanks for helping me search."
"No big deal."
An awkward silence fell.
She'd ended up helping me somehow, but we were still kinda awkward.
She'd picked a fight first, and I'd fired back with harsh words.
Back then I thought she was a total bitch, but her attitude now suggests otherwise.
I could guess why she came looking for me.
I saved her during the floating island incident, which probably changed her perspective.
She came to apologize sincerely or express thanks.
Or maybe her pride couldn't handle being saved by someone she hated, so here she was to apologize anyway.
Either way, commendable.
"Thanks, Raies. You should head back now. You've done plenty."
"Planning to keep looking?"
"Yeah... Don't wanna piss her off, so a bit more."
"Then I'll help too."
"No need. You must be tired—go rest."
She'd already searched for over half an hour.
A noble lady had done more than enough.
"Your legs must hurt too."
Plus, her shoes looked high-heeled at a glance.
For style, probably... Women endure these little inconveniences so well.
Those girls did too...
But Raies hesitated, then asked something odd.
"By any chance, are you dating Ashita?"
"...Does it look that way?"
Raies paused for a split second before speaking.
"W-Well, at least it doesn't look like just friends. Sorry if that was rude..."
Apologizing like this.
Worlds apart from before—totally meek now.
"If it looks that way, I'd be grateful. Ashita's pretty cute, right? From my side, I'd love if rumors spread."
I joked lightly.
Affirmation can sometimes be strong denial.
But Raies didn't seem convinced.
She might actually misunderstand.
"I'll admit I'm a bit of a scumbag, but not enough to hit on a woman with a boyfriend..."
Nila flashed in my mind for a sec, but I held it together and continued.
"...No, seriously. Not like that."
"Yeah. You're a good person, Instructor."
"Huh?"
"......"
Raies suddenly clasped her hands in front of her, fidgeting with her fingers.
The charismatic girl acting like this created such a cute gap moe. I'd love to watch longer.
But good times end, and Raies spoke carefully—but clearly enough for me to hear.
"Sorry for my rudeness before. And... thank you."
I deliberately didn't respond.
I wanted her to spell out what for, and Raies was sharp enough.
"Due to my personal issues, I lashed out at an instructor like a student should never... I've been reflecting."
She paused briefly, then continued resolutely.
"You might not trust my sincerity since I'm apologizing after seeing your skills. So I won't beg forgiveness. This might just be for my own satisfaction, but I'm sorry for my actions then. Also... you might not know, but sorry for even thinking wrongly about you."
"......"
"And thank you for saving a jerk like me without hesitation."
Raies bowed.
She looked like a different person.
Truth be told, while searching for Ashita earlier, I'd grumbled once or twice about why a noble like her was out here alone slaving away—useless. Damn it. Maybe I am trash.
Trash? Piss off.
Anyway, impressive.
Raies is a duchess.
Not just the title—she has the charm and charisma to queen it over others.
For someone like that to admit fault and apologize is incredibly hard.
Anyone recognizing their own wrongs is admirable.
Acknowledgment is tough.
Everyone rationalizes, has their own morals, can't accept subtle differences with others.
I've seen plenty like that.
Those bastards back then wouldn't even admit their faults.
The god-whatever... he was a bit different, maybe.
I smiled brightly.
"Sorry from me too. I lashed out with harsh words in the heat of the moment."
"No, I upset you first."
"Then we're both at fault—call it a draw?"
Raies cautiously lifted her head, stared piercingly for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"You really are kind, Instructor."
"Hm? Well... I see myself as pretty trashy."
"No way. Plenty use apologies for their gain. And not touching women with partners? That's proper mindset."
"?"
Proper? Isn't that basic decency for any decent person?
And I'm normal.
...Probably. At least on the surface.
"Your face says that's just normal."
What face is that?
"Right? It's so obvious... yet some people don't get it."
Raies murmured with a hint of sorrow, gazing at the sky.
Her body trembled slightly, that blend of beauty and fragility stirring an urge to protect her. I lost my words.
Yeah.
Her fiancé was a cheater.
But the tremor was brief.
Raies lowered her head with a bright face.
"Instructor. Got time? I'd like to apologize properly for before."
"Sure. Fine by me."
Gold told me to hole up yesterday, and ignoring Raies when she's struggling like this would make me too much of an ass.
Least I can do is lend an ear.
My sloppy attire might be the only issue.
"Hehe. Thanks. I'll guide you to a nice place. Um... sorry, no servant, so we walk a bit—okay?"
"Of course. But you okay walking, Raies?"
"I'm not that fragile."
Raies stepped off lightly, as if saying follow me.
I trailed her back in silence.
We'd sorta made up, but no natural topics, so silence reigned for a while.
Raies broke it first—top-tier socialite consideration.
"Heard the royals are awarding you."
"??? No clue."
"Gold bro probably wanted to surprise you."
Raies chuckled, walking a person-length ahead before slowing to match me.
"Also heard nations and groups want to meet you."
"News to me."
Really never heard.
Objectively, I shone on the island, so fame makes sense.
"You're so good at lying."
"Huh?"
"Even my meager info net knows, but with your network, no way you don't."
I tilted my head at her playful smile.
Testing me? She seemed to genuinely believe I had intel sources.
"Why think I have a network?"
"Huh? You knew about... what I desperately hid."
Ah, right.
Last time I provoked her, I mentioned her boyfriend cheating.
"Before the island, you'd never met me, yet you knew my info. Must've scouted influential Pryunar students ahead. Thinking back, that meeting wasn't coincidence—gave me chills about my dumb attitude then."
"...I see."
Fair for her to assume that.
Her fiancé cheating isn't something to brag about, nor share widely—shocking I'd know.
High status too; scandal fears must've been huge.
Probably suspected her circle over who spilled.
But Raies skipped how I knew, changing topics.
"Academy's discussing your award too."
"Crazy how much buzz without me knowing."
"You're the floating island hero. Deserves it."
"I see."
No real response.
Someone pointed out I overuse that before—true.
Handy fallback phrase.
"Instructor. Carriage?"
Guess the short walk was to the roadside for the carriage.
Other noble ladies force carriages everywhere, but duchess with common sense—nice.
"Yes. Where to? Floating island?"
"No. Hehe. They prioritize academy students, so crowd skews young. I know a great restaurant..."
That instant.
Mid-sentence, Raies's eyes widened.
Then she shuddered dangerously, breathing ragged.
What? What's wrong?
Following her gaze, a couple arm-in-arm strolled by.
Girl was... typical party slut type. Guy... average?
Dark hair, a bit long with bangs over one eye—similar to me otherwise.
Huh?
Don't lowball me?
Where you from, fucker.
"Holland!!"
Raies shrieked and dashed toward them.
Glancing, guy's face paled; girl went from confused to smirking.
...Aha.
Even clueless me gets it.
Those are bitch and bastard.
I quietly followed Raies.
Guy—Holland—eyed Raies rolling his eyes around.
"R-Raies. Isn't it class time..."
"Who cares?! Who's this woman?!"
Girl frowned at the pointing finger, then sneered.
You don't know her family...?
I don't exactly, but empire duchess? Massive influence.
Or confident in her own?
Even with Loveheart's crap intel on politics, duke house is Ten Great Families tier to tangle with, right?
Mystery girl smirked stickily, blatantly linking arms with Holland.
"What, babe? Stalker ex-girlfriend~?"
"N-No..."
Holland clearly panicked.
Raies trembled shockingly.
"You told me before."
"Raies, hear me out."
"That woman was the last, you wouldn't anymore..."
"Th-That was, uh..."
"Babe. You're so skilled, huh? Fucked a lot besides me?"
In the midst, oblivious—or deliberately provocative—teasing Holland's belly.
Raies ignored her.
Just stared at Holland, trembling, then sniffled.
"How could you... to me, how..."
"No, she's actually..."
"I warned you. One more time, I'd tell both families."
"......"
Emotion drained from Holland's face.
No, that's suppressed rage, about to erupt.
"For our future, I'd uphold that promise..."
"Don't make me laugh, Raies."
"...Holland?"
Spitting it out, voice thick with irritation.
Raies looked stunned, like mishearing, but Holland smirked fully. Not truly evil—more like a loser's imitation.
"You in a position to say that?"
"What..."
"If you'd accepted me once, none of this. But you always ignored me. Off meeting noble heirs from good families."
"...!"
Raies's shocked expression.
Noble heirs...?
Then, a system window popped before my eyes.
Character profile.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Raies Fleur. Empire duke house heir. Born to a family rivaling Ten Great Families prestige, yet humble, great leader, excellent skills. Un-noble-like, felt love in arranged marriage, cherishes fiancé deeply. But fiancé has multiple lovers; she recently learned truth. Whatever they discussed, unlike his paranoid suspicions, she's pure. Ah, this.
...Why auto-pop?
"Kid." "......"
"Chanc...e..." Aha.
Showed this and used up all energy for two words, you fuck?
What chance?
Exploit her despair? Fuck off.
Holland was grilling Raies live.
"Huh? Speak up. I sneak around at least—you?"
"Holland..."
"Fucking those dirty nobles, right? Duke's daughter doesn't value her body! If out, who's worse off..."
Holland paused.
Teardrops fell from Raies's eyes.
Loser's face showed guilt.
But fleeting; he bellowed.
"What right you got to cry? I'm the one who wants to!"
Even more aggressive.
Couldn't watch anymore.
Raies looked ready to collapse.
"Enough."
Honestly, hate meddling in lovers' quarrels.
Old saying: don't interfere in love fights.
But this was one-sided beating.
Leaning on kindness, filthy assault.
"...What, Raies. New guy?"
Holland dropped the sneer, face uneasy unlike before.
...What this fucker?
That moment.
"Ye-Yedre?"
The slutty girl said it, face terrified like she hadn't expected me.
How do you know me?
Floating island save shouldn't be public beyond bigwigs, right?
"Ye...dre?"
Holland paled simultaneously.
Good. That's it.
Dunno details, but I'm apparently infamous—scary way.
Time to use it.
I grinned.
"Hello. I'm Yedre, Pryunar Academy's new instructor..."
I stared down the couple.
Seeing them gulp, I smirked wider.
"...What business with my student?"
"Kid." ?
"That plain girl too..." .....
This consistent bastard...?!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Gold glared arrogantly at the photos on the table.
Repelt smiled as if soothing his lord.
"My lord."
"Repelt."
"More 'can't you do another matchmake?' from them, huh."
"Yeah... Something like that."
Similar? Repelt tilted his head.
Hart house young tiger. Gold Hart.
Early heir pick, stellar commerce record.
Plus top martial prowess—prime groom material.
Such photos common.
But today, extra displeased.
'Soothe lord too is vassal duty.'
Usually Yulis's job, but she's recovering—so his turn.
Repelt ventured carefully.
"I get you're annoyed, but like always, handwritten note or casual meet...?"
Decent houses bolstered by Hart prestige—not easy to ignore.
But Gold shook head firmly.
"No value in fame-chasers."
"Haha. Politics all like that, no?"
"I'm used to it, but..."
"...?"
Repelt puzzled.
"Not your matches?"
"Brother's."
"......"
"Heard about island and him at Hart house—lately surging..."
"My lord."
"?"
Repelt beamed flower-like.
Long-time subordinate's unseen smile made Gold blink; Repelt said:
"Toss 'em."
"Good."
Gold's face bloomed too.
They dumped photos, fetched back, lightning-torched, Repelt shield-smashed remnants.
Even 'Clarir Snow Blija' among them.
But they ignored.
Thus, Dre's matches all flew away.