Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Show Times Show Equals Show
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"I'm sorry about what happened before, Ian Drakhin."
Selena's sudden apology left me standing there in a daze.
She was bowing so deeply that the top of her head was visible.
Her posture was impeccably polite, without a single flaw, but I kept my mouth shut and pondered carefully.
The "previous incident" obviously referred to the class trial.
The one where she had branded me a black magic user.
But no matter how I racked my brain, something felt off.
She hadn't uttered a single word all this time, completely washing her hands of it, and now she suddenly shows up apologizing?
Having been the victim through it all, I couldn't help but suspect her motives.
I glanced around subtly, and my classmates were staring at us with shocked expressions.
Dania, trailing behind her mistress, wore a blank face, offering no clues about the situation.
I cautiously asked Selena, who was still keeping her head bowed.
"Sorry for what, exactly?"
"Because of me, you nearly got branded a black magic user. That's what I'm apologizing for."
...Is she being sincere?
No way in hell.
A woman who had deliberately tried to frame me as a criminal suddenly having a change of heart? Ridiculous.
For now, I wouldn't drop my guard. I needed to uncover her real intentions.
"Lift your head. It's awkward with everyone watching."
"...No. I know this isn't something I can brush off lightly, so I can't."
"It's fine. You can raise your head."
"..."
She remained bent at the waist.
"If you're really sorry to me, at least lift your head. I'm asking you."
At my earnest plea, Selena slowly straightened her upper body.
But the look in her eyes as she faced me wasn't that of someone begging forgiveness.
Instead, it brimmed with disgust, like she was staring at something loathsome.
Exactly like before.
That's when I grasped her true aim.
...Ha, you snake bitch.
This apology was nothing but a political performance.
A show purely to polish her own image.
I knew full well she'd framed me on purpose, but the others didn't.
The students saw it as a simple mishap born from her excessive wariness of men.
But it wasn't trivial—plenty thought Selena had gone too far this time, and this apology was clearly meant to quash that sentiment.
Even with her back to everyone, safe from prying eyes on her expression, she'd deceive me like this?
I itched to slap her silly.
But I couldn't.
Hitting the heiress of a massive conglomerate in public wouldn't end lightly.
And if I called out her face, the kids would buy her lies over mine, no question.
"What's going on?"
"Selena just apologized."
"First time seeing her so polite to Ian!"
The performance was working perfectly.
The classmates admired her from behind, marveling at the sight.
Mostly gushing over how impressive it was for a young lady of high standing to apologize so sincerely.
My gut twisted, but I swallowed my rage and forced a smile.
The best counter to a show was another show.
"It's okay. You didn't mean to, right?"
My unexpected words creased her brow deeper.
But she replied calmly, hiding her feelings from the others.
"Thank you for saying so."
"It was rough at first, but I've decided to understand. Everyone messes up sometimes."
"..."
The surrounding students murmured.
Sure, Selena bowing despite her status was something, but they were floored by my boundless magnanimity even more.
A natural reaction.
In their eyes, I'd nearly met an unjust end, yet here I was smiling and accepting it.
Whether she'd read my intent or just hated looking at me, Selena's face stayed grim.
"I thought it might ease the ordeals you've been through, so I'm sending a gift to your dorm as a token of my apology. I hope you like it."
Pulling off that polite tone with such a venomous glare—in a way, that took skill.
"Of course, I'm not trying to buy forgiveness with money. It was far too grave for that. I just hope you sense even a fraction of my regret."
A gift? Made me nervous—what if it was rigged?
I'd check later at home. For now, I kept up the saintly act.
"I'm really fine, I swear."
The classroom vibe seemed warm and fuzzy on the surface.
If this were a teen drama, the background characters would be applauding.
Great that my rep with the class improved, but quitting here felt like a missed chance.
"Can I take that as you accepting my apology?"
Gotcha.
I stuck out my right hand with a bright smile.
"Sure. Let's shake on our reconciliation?"
Seeing my hand, she bit her lip.
No chance she'd welcome a touch from a man she loathed worse than vermin.
But could she refuse now?
In front of all these eyes, after approaching me first with an apology?
"...A-alright."
I snatched her hesitantly advancing hand.
"Ooh!" came the sounds from around us.
But her face mattered more to me than that.
A tiny "Eek!" escaped her as she fought the impulse to yank away.
I gripped tighter on purpose, toying with her hand.
Her lips quivered like curses were seconds from spilling, but mindful of the stares, she stayed silent.
Then the classroom door swung open.
Michelle emerged, blinking at the unforeseen mood.
"Kids. W-what's happening?"
"Teacher! Selena and Ian just made up!"
The bubbly student piped up, and Michelle cried out.
"Really?"
Her face bloomed with joy.
No wonder.
Michelle cared more about class harmony than global peace.
Hearing we'd buried the hatchet—after constant snarling—was crypto-pump-level joy for her.
"You did the right thing, kids!"
She scurried over, buzzing with excitement.
"Do you know how worried your teacher was? Sharing a class is destiny, but your fights had me so torn up. How'd you reconcile? Who brought it up first?"
Selena spoke grudgingly.
"I-it was me..."
"Selena! You finally came around. That's friendship—praise the good, help the flaws, grow together. You've seen it now, right? Ian's qualities you overlooked before? Teacher's thrilled!"
Bouncing like a kid, Michelle hugged Selena, overflowing with feeling.
Selena, speechless before her teacher's pure delight, was a sight.
"I'm so relieved... truly."
Emotions swelling, eyes misty, she turned to me.
"Making up means you get her side too, Ian? Good boy. Forgiving ain't easy; I'm proud. C'mere."
She hugged me tight, same as Selena.
Pure teacherly love for her pupil, nothing romantic.
After patting my back awhile, she pulled away.
"Now, you two hug it out."
"Huh?"
"Pardon?"
The fired-up teacher brushed off our fluster.
"You bridged an abyss everyone thought uncrossable. You're closer than the rest now. Hug to celebrate."
Selena's expression rotted.
Worried she'd snap and deck Michelle.
While Selena inwardly cursed, I silently cheered the teacher.
Thanks, Michelle! Won't squander this chance!
A prime shot to torment Selena.
I marched up and yanked her into a hug.
"Kyaaah!"
Ignoring the scream stabbing my ears, I clamped my arms tighter.
"Let's get along from now on, Selena."
"W-wait! Let go, please! Aaack!"
"Well done, Ian. Bold move looks great."
"Teacher! Pull this guy off! He's groping me!"
"It's a reconciliation hug."
Michelle grinned warmly despite Selena's thrashing.
"Aaah! Get off already!"
"No shyness, Selena—hug back. There."
Michelle guided her flailing arms around me.
But they stiffened, quaking midair.
I crushed her harder deliberately.
Her body's softness registered, but no thrill.
Just her revulsion was the fun.
"Eek! Please, enough!"
To her, probably like cuddling a mud-smeared pig or ape.
I prolonged her agony till her cries faded, then released.
"Hah... hah... haaa..."
Selena shuddered, ghost-pale and terrified.
"Um... I need... the shower room."
Does this lunatic think I'm actually filthy?
Still, her wobbly wall-cling walk was sweet payback.
Dania shot me a glare, then helped Selena exit.
Whatever. Your lady picked the fight.
Morning homeroom rolled on without them.
After announcements, Michelle teared up again, ranting on friendship's essence.
Sorry, teacher—I was lost in Anna thoughts, caught zilch.
The school day wrapped up.
Couldn't mess with Dania thanks to the pact, so nothing wild.
Doesn't mean zero excitement all day.
Today, I'd verify if Anna was truly enchanted.
I dodged the crowds, ducking into a dim alley.
A quick peek let me scope the gate unseen.
...Perfect. Stakeout spot.
Tense, I eyed the gate.
Tail her quietly when she emerges.
But.
"..."
No sign.
Thirty minutes gone, still no Anna.
I'd bailed class way ahead, yet no trace near the gate.
Then it clicked.
...Club activities?
I'd learned during my lockup she did clubs.
Peak after hours, so it fit her delay.
"Damn, brain fart."
Regret slipped out aloud.
No clue on end time or club type.
Head home, retry tomorrow?
I shook my head.
Anna might know my Michelle link—and the enchantment.
That nagged; no sleep till confirmed.
Wait it out.
Bag down, I hunkered silently.
Hours later, I cursed my call, smacking my skull.
...What hour is this?
Clock read nine p.m.
Alley pitch-black, zilch visible.
One-two hours max, not five like an idiot.
Bag up, heading out—then froze.
Streetlight caught lone-walking Anna at the gate.
...Thanks for the timing.
I let her pass, then shadowed from distance.