Chapter 87
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Pat Pat
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Tristan standing before her looked utterly different from the last time Wendy had seen him.
It was hard to simply say he had lost weight.
His sharp jawline and cold gaze blended with his obsidian-black hair, creating an indescribably intellectual aura.
Even Wendy found herself momentarily entranced, staring at Tristan's face.
It was astonishing how much the count had changed in such a short time.
Wendy
The decadently handsome black-haired young nobleman standing before her slowly opened his mouth.
How long do you plan to stay like that?
Eh?! S-Sorry!
Realizing she had been staring too intently, Wendy hurriedly stood up from the floor.
She brushed off her clothes and quickly straightened her hair.
She couldnt afford to show such an unsightly appearance before him any longer.
She had so much she wanted to say.
She wanted to share the joy of their reunion.
She wanted to ask how he had been.
How things had been without her there.
Whether he had felt her absence
Wendy had to choose one from the countless words swirling in her mind.
Finally, her mouth opened.
Um
?
Y-Youve lost a lot of weight?
What the hell. Of all the words she picked and chose, it had to be that one. She had so many others!
Wendy screamed inwardly.
But Tristan merely asked back as if it were no big deal.
Does it seem that way?
Y-Yes! I-Its just that your health I was worried about your health, my lord! Im so sorry I couldnt take care of you while I was away. As your exclusive maid I Im sorry
Theres no need for you to apologize. And I am in perfectly good health.
R-Right! I actually thought you looked like a prince, and I liked it!
Wendy had no idea what she was saying.
It was as if her mind had broken; all the words she wanted to say came spilling out irregularly.
Even with her rambling on like that, Tristan didnt seem the least bit annoyed.
If anything
Heh
Huh?
For a moment, Wendy thought she had seen wrong.
Very briefly, Tristan had smiled.
Words that dont suit me. No, perhaps words that are too good for me. Especially for this body of mine.
N-No! Not at all! You deserve it completely. You look like a prince, my lord. More handsome than any prince in my eyes So please dont say such self-deprecating things
That was Wendys true feeling.
To her, Tristan was no different from the prince on a white horse who had changed her life.
Now, even those unaware of the circumstances would have no choice but to agree with her words upon seeing his appearance.
She had no idea how her praise sounded to Tristan.
He merely muttered with a slightly complicated expression.
I see Understood.
Ehehe
Wendy beamed.
She had missed this. These days of chatting alone with the count were so dearly missed.
Moreover, seeing Tristan smile sent shivers of joy through her.
It was a privilege only she, his exclusive maid, could behold.
I wont yield this to anyone
However, their brief reunion was cut short by a voice that rang out right after.
Miss Wendy! What are you doing here?
Sias words caught in her throat upon spotting Tristan.
At first, she didnt recognize him, but once she saw the obsidian-black hair and cold eyes, she realized who it was.
There was only one man in this school with such distinctive features.
Chairman? Is that really you, Chairman?
Indeed.
I almost didnt recognize you. Your appearance its changed so much
Sia couldnt stop staring at Tristans face, her mouth agape.
She knew it was rude, but she couldnt help it.
In truth, Sia had noticed before that he was losing weight.
Each time she saw Tristan, his jawline had grown sharper bit by bit.
And the face emerging from that was far from unattractive.
But the Tristan she met again after just over ten days was nothing like what she had imagined.
She hadnt expected him to become this handsome.
His long eyelashes and slender jawline made him look like a noble young lady steeped in melancholy.
Yet Tristan was a man.
The only man Sia had ever seen to whom the word beautiful truly applied.
Tristan spoke to Sia, who was silently staring at his face.
Is there something on my face?
N-No! Sorry! I was just lost in thought for a moment But what are you two doing here?
W-We just happened to run into each other and were greeting one another!
Wendy quickly answered.
Having her master make such excuses for her would be a grave discourtesy.
I see? Perfect timing, then. I actually had a favor to ask the Chairman.
A favor?
Yes. With exams coming up soon, could you handle the office cleaning for a bit? A students duty is to study. Id be so grateful if you showed some leniency.
Sia made a bold request to Tristan.
Something Wendy could never dream of doing.
Wouldnt he scold her for this?
Wendy clutched her chest in worry, but Tristan simply nodded readily.
You have a point. Ill handle the office cleaning until the exams are over.
Thank you, Chairman. But if you dont mind, one more thing?
Was there more?
Wendy tilted her head.
Speak.
Well We want to study together, but theres nowhere suitable. The reading rooms are full, and the cafes are too crowded. So, if its okay, could we study in your office after hours and then leave?
?!
Wendy flinched.
Sia still hadnt given up.
She was making this request with the possibility in mind that she might discover something in the office.
Of course, if Tristan refused, that would be the end of it but once again, he nodded.
As long as you tidy up afterward.
! Thank you so much, Chairman!
But keep one thing in mind.
Yes?
Since Im granting you this much convenience, there must be corresponding results.
Tristan notified them in a low voice.
If you plan to study in my office, Ill assume youre prepared to take first place in the exams. If none of you achieve first
If not?
Sia swallowed hard.
Then youre both expelled.
Wha?!
Wait! Thats too much!
Of course, its a joke. If you dont get first, youll handle office cleaning until next semester.
Huh?
Still want to do it?
Sia, briefly flustered by the sudden joke, soon bristled with determination and shouted.
O-Of course! Just watch! Well take first and second place!
I look forward to it.
Tristan looked down at the two with a relaxed expression.
That gaze made Sia feel embarrassed yet annoyed, so she turned her head away.
Then well be off! Miss Wendy, lets hurry and study!
Y-Yes
Sia strode away.
Wendy felt a pang of regret at the short meeting but had no choice except to bow her head in farewell.
Huh?
Someones hand rested on Wendys head.
A warm hand gently stroked her hair. Then, a familiar voice reached her ears.
Wendy.
!
Only then did Wendy realize the hand patting her head belonged to Tristan.
Her small heart pounded as if it might burst.
But that moment wasnt long.
Perhaps just ten seconds or so.
In that brief instant, unseen by any eyes, Tristan spoke in a voice only she could hear.
If you take first place, Ill grant you one wish.
No sooner had he spoken than the hand left Wendys head.
Then strive hard.
Wendy raised her head.
The lingering warmth on her head and Tristans retreating back left a deep imprint in her heart.