Chapter 86
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Repetitive Exercise
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However I look at it, I dont like it.
Bella, sitting across from me, was staring at me with clear dissatisfaction.
Her slightly flared silver hair seemed to mirror her discomfort.
But I hadnt done anything.
What is it?
Did you really have to lose all that weight?
...?
I asked her back, wondering what she was talking about.
Is there a reason I shouldnt have?
A reason you shouldnt? No. There isnt, but just. Werent you fine a little plump? What do you think, Blanche?
Yes. Well. I think you look good.
Huh? Really?
Blanche had seen me before I gained weight, so maybe that was why. She answered indifferently, her eyes wide.
No, but hadnt Bella been the same?
I couldnt understand why she was so displeased.
Not only had I successfully lost all the fat, but Id also built a balanced physique.
It had taken time to go from obese to normal weight, but once I reached normal, the muscle came on easily.
Id pushed my body to the limit every day, so the diet had succeeded in short order.
Thanks to my efforts, Tristan had completely transformed into a different character.
Naturally, the first thing I noticed was how peoples gazes had changed.
Even today, on the way here, the students stares had been piercing. Especially the girlstheir looks were quite complicated.
Childhood Tristan had been a beautiful boy mistaken for a girl. My current appearance was a youthful androgynous man.
If I grew out my hair, people might really mistake me for a woman.
..
..
...
And that was it.
Tristans cold eyes now carried a sensual allure that drew you in.
No wonder the girls eyes drifted this way.
The fear and contempt theyd once directed at me had turned to fondness and admirationit was hard to get used to.
Yet the people closest to me reacted just the same as always.
No, they seemed to disapprove of my change even more.
If I had to point out a flaw, your body still looks a bit lean. If youd like, Count, I could teach you some proper exercises.
Wait. Whats that nonsense? Whos trying to teach whom here?
Helga, sitting beside me, reacted to Blanches words.
And whats wrong with the Counts body? Lean? Have you even seen it?
You can tell at a glance. Trained bodies show it.
Heh. Looks like you only glanced. I saw it for real, and it was amazing.
Cough, cough! What, what did you see?!
Lady Bella!
Blanche patted Bellas back as she choked on her water.
This could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, so I spoke up.
Helga. Enough with the useless talk.
Count! What the hell did you show your bodyguard?!
Bella fixed me with eyes full of suspicion.
I had no obligation to answer, but being honest might be better. I hated complications.
I just did some exercise in the office.
Exercise? What kind of exercise in the office?
Ordinary repetitive exercises. I wanted to work up a sweat.
Hmm. So the Count secretly did repetitive exercises alone with this bodyguard in the office? Until you were sweating?
Bellas words werent wrong, but agreeing would make things awkward for me.
I decided to calmly correct her suspicion.
Not wrong, but I was the only one exercising. She just stood there.
I see. I misunderstood and thought lowly of her without knowing.
.
I rubbed my temple.
It was hard to meet Bellas icy gaze squarely, but more than that, I inwardly sighed at my pitiful situation.
To ease my frustration, I turned my gaze outside.
White snow was falling beyond the window.
The snow-covered grounds of Meikahel University stretched out in view.
We were at a terrace seat set up in the student cafeteria.
Not long ago, Id poured a fortune into remodeling this place.
The outdoor seating created in the process was separated from the indoor seats, ensuring privacy.
The reason we ate here was simple.
We didnt want attention during meals.
Even before, when Bella and I ate together, the students stares had been intense.
And today, Blanche and Helga were with us too. Though overshadowed by Bella, both women were beautiful enough to draw eyes.
Add my slimmed-down Tristan to the mix, and it was complete. Everyone had stared at us on the way here.
Itd take time to get used to this attention.
Whether she knew my thoughts or not, Bella smiled slyly and asked.
Why? Want to do some repetitive exercise with me too, you lowlife Count?
Think whatever you want.
That was when it happened.
Knock knock.
Excuse me!
With the knock, the muscular head chef poked his head in.
Unlike his cowed demeanor last time, his face now beamed with a bright smile.
As he set the food on the table, he said.
Thanks to you, Chairman, we could even remodel the cafeteria. I dont know how to thank you.
Skip the thanks.
We have to give thanks where due! Besides, didnt you get caught in needless misunderstandings because of me?
Previously, when the chef had knelt in gratitude, students had protested.
Theyd thought I was shutting down the student cafeteria.
To outsiders, it was a misunderstandable scene, so in a way, it was natural.
If the chef hadnt actively cleared it up, students mightve protested in the courtyard by now.
Of course, even if they had, Id have found it laughable.
No matter. Im used to misunderstandings.
Im grateful for your understanding. By the way, Chairman, you look great having lost the weight! Ah! Of course, you had a fine figure before too!
No need for flattery. Go.
Yes, sir! Thank you! Enjoy your meal!
Once the chef left, Bella spoke up.
Hmm. In the end, everyone thinks you look better slimmed down, huh.
Dont you think now is better? The way people look at you has changed a lot.
I know, Blanche. Thats why Im unhappy.
Bellas odd words made me ask this time.
Unhappy?
Yes. All the people who used to show hostility to the Count are now fawning over his looks and showing favor. I dont like that.
Hearing her out, I could understand Bellas point.
Since slimming down, even I had trouble telling who disliked me.
If theyre going to show favor, they shouldve done it from the start. Sigh. I preferred when the Count was fat. It was more relaxing. Now hes unnecessarily handsome, and I cant even distinguish those people anymore.
Handsome?
Ah?! Wait, thats not what I
Bella made an oh no face at my question.
Blanche, Helga, and my gazes focused on her.
So what I meant was.
Bella trailed off, her fingers fidgeting.
The ring Id given her before was still on that hand.
To help the still-dishonest girl, I decided to lend a hand.
Youre not mistaking me for handsome, are you?
Y-yes! Thats exactly it! Im worried weirdos will flock because they mistake you for handsome! Thatd be trouble for you too, right?
Yeah. That would be trouble.
So get ugly again.
?
Get so ugly no one wants to approach you.
No, what was this woman saying?
She threw a childish tantrum, determined to push her absurd logic.
Argh, or Ill spread rumors youre a lowlife. Then your infamy will rise again. Scary, huh?
There was only one way to handle this.
Ill be right back from the restroom.
Ah! Dont run away!
Ignoring Bellas shout, I left the terrace.
Pondering how to deal with this dishonest tomboy princess.
Ah, right. Maybe splashing water on my face would help.
With that thought, as I turned the corner, I felt a shock like bumping into a small animal.
Kyaa!?
She fell on her butt with a small scream.
S-sorry!
A cute girl with reddish hair in twin braids apologized to me.
The moment I saw her face, I felt glad, of course.
It had been quite a while since Id seen my exclusive maid, busy as Id been.
Then, as our eyes met, her mouth fell open wide.
Huh? Huh?! Count?!
Wendy looked up at me with watery eyes.