chapter 10
chapter 10
No More Frailty
After school, just as Lucia picked up her bag and leaned on Asel to stand, Isadora approached with a bright smile.
“Oh my, let me support you, Lady. I must have been too absorbed in class earlier… I was worried you might have been hurt. I’m sorry.”
With the kindest smile in the world, Isadora made sure everyone around could hear her.
‘What is wrong with her now…’
Lucia tried to hide the goosebumps on her arms, but Isadora didn’t even give her a chance to refuse.
“It’s fine…”
“Oh no~ at least let me show my sincerity.”
Before Lucia could reject her, Isadora’s slender hand firmly grabbed her arm.
Lucia tried to pull away, but it was useless. Despite her delicate appearance, Isadora’s grip was unexpectedly strong.
‘Is she not letting go?! Is she planning to push me down the stairs or something?’
Students were still watching. If she forcefully shook her off, tomorrow’s headlines would surely call her an arrogant grand duke’s daughter who rejected kindness.
Why is she so strong?
Lucia glanced to the side, hoping for help.
But Rosaria showed no interest at all, focusing only on adjusting her clothes.
‘Wow, the noble princess truly lives up to her name. Your childhood friend is being dragged away, and you don’t care? Just keep fixing your outfit all day.’
With her strength drained by Rosaria’s indifference, Lucia ended up being dragged along until they reached the end of a quiet corridor.
“…You can let go now. No one’s watching.”
“What’s wrong, Lady? Are you still upset about earlier?”
Isadora widened her eyes innocently.
“…You weren’t pretending to be friendly for others to see, were you?”
“Why would I?”
“……”
“Why would I need to do that?”
Her harmless expression left Lucia speechless.
‘You mocked me just hours ago. Did you lose your memory?’
“…Do you have split personalities or something?”
“That’s too much. I’m just apologizing sincerely.”
Despite her gentle tone, her grip remained tight.
“I said it’s fine! Just let go!”
“No. Are you rejecting my kindness?”
“No, people are watching!”
“What are you thinking? It just looks like I’m helping you.”
Right.
Not split personality.
Just a complete psychopath.
‘Fine. Hold on all you want.’
Whispers followed them as Lucia forced a pitiful smile.
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell my family.”
“Oh? You think that’s why?”
“Then why?”
“…Just because?”
‘Yeah. Definitely crazy.’
Finally, they reached the dorm.
“Thanks. I’ll go now.”
“Shall I take you to your room?”
“No.”
“Alright.”
‘No thanks. I’ll skip tomorrow.’
Lucia hurried inside and collapsed on her bed.
‘One broken personality, one with split personalities…’
Even the classmates were strange.
At least her roommate was normal.
Lucia glanced at the closed door.
Breaking the teacup… that was her fault.
Maybe she overreacted.
Her roommate was actually reasonable.
After changing, she carefully checked the living room and went to bathe.
Hot water washed away her fatigue.
The next morning
She stepped out—
Silence.
Her roommate must be a model student.
Then—
A note.
Maybe an apology?
Lucia read it.
[Not arrogant—disgusting. How can your behavior be so lacking in dignity? If you are a noble, act like one.]
“…What?”
She froze.
Disgusting?
She checked herself in the mirror.
Nothing wrong.
Wait…
Was it because of Isadora yesterday?
“…Unbelievable.”
She left, glaring at the door.
In class—
Isadora smiled again.
Because of you!
Then—
Rosaria spoke coldly.
“You’re late again. Your intelligence must be declining.”
“I’m actually quite smart.”
“Your confidence is admirable.”
“Then applaud me.”
Ignored.
Rosaria sipped tea.
“You’re unpleasant to look at today. Stop staring.”
“…What?”
Now appearance too?
Lucia lifted her chin.
“I’m actually quite popular.”
She exaggerated her expression.
Rosaria’s face twisted in shock.
Lucia’s confidence faltered.
‘Right… my mistake.’
“…Sorry.”
She looked away.
That piercing gaze followed her.
‘If looks could kill…’
Then Isadora approached again.
“Your Highness, Lady, you both look radiant today.”
Lucia nodded slightly.
But—
Isadora grabbed her arm again.
“I was worried all night after escorting you.”
Whispers spread.
“Thank you, but I can walk on my own.”
“I worry too much.”
‘You are the problem.’
Isadora left.
Then—
Rosaria spoke coldly.
“You really do everything, don’t you.”
“I’m tired too. You saw what happened.”
“I did. You looked very obedient.”
“What was I supposed to do in front of everyone?”
Rosaria’s gaze fell on her arm.
“Disgusting. Filthy.”
Lucia froze.
“…Maybe you’re right.”