chapter 12
chapter 12
Watch Your Wrist
Lucia thought she had endured enough. Ever since the debutante, even walking around like a sick chick leaning on a staff.
‘Now’s the time to show the dignity of a so-called barbaric grand duke’s daughter.’
It was the perfect day to duel the pretentious Isadora in front of everyone.
Lucia adjusted her grip on Asel. The cold sensation rising through her palm felt distinct against the warmth of spring sunlight.
Looking ahead, Isadora and Rosaria were both staring at her with slightly parted lips, stunned.
Perhaps the word “duel” was too intense for ladies who had only lived in sheltered environments.
Scratch— scratch—
Clink—
Asel, wrapped around her wrist, made a light sound.
‘…So that’s why their expressions froze…’
Lucia turned her head slightly.
It was a spacious library, fitting for a noble academy.
Even after school, a few students remained at long tables, studying, while shelves packed with books stretched high like trees.
Beside her, Isadora was diligently reading and taking notes.
Lucia stared blankly at her own empty paper.
‘I was fine until I proposed the duel…’
A long sigh escaped.
‘Someone could’ve at least warned me.’
Lucia glanced at the silver bracelet around her wrist, blaming her earlier impulsiveness.
After the bold duel declaration—
“Lucia and Isadora, follow me.”
The professor led them to the office.
Placing a stack of papers on the desk—
Thud.
“Reflect on your behavior.”
Both of them brought their hands together like guilty students.
“Lucia.”
“…Yes.”
“To propose a duel during class… in front of everyone…”
A short silence.
“…Be careful.”
Lucia couldn’t lift her head.
“Duels require proper procedure. Submit an application and pass review. That is academy policy.”
“Both of you receive two penalty points.”
“…Understood.”
They answered quietly.
Lucia looked down at the notice in her hand.
She hadn’t even known there was a process.
“After school, go to the library and write ten pages of reflection or a report on magic.”
“…Yes.”
When they left—
Rosaria stood outside, arms crossed.
“…Are you an idiot?”
“What?”
“Don’t you read notices?”
The papers in her hand rustled mockingly.
“…Has your intelligence really declined?”
Lucia ignored her and walked past.
The papers felt heavy.
“Having trouble concentrating?”
“…Huh?”
Lucia snapped out of her thoughts.
Isadora was watching her.
‘I have nothing to reflect on…’
Still—
“Just thinking what to write.”
“You can just copy from books.”
“I will.”
At her sharp tone, Isadora smiled faintly.
Unpleasant.
Lucia focused on writing.
Pages slowly filled.
Students gradually left.
Silence deepened.
She glanced sideways—
Isadora immediately met her eyes.
“Why are you looking?”
“I wasn’t. Stretching.”
“Suddenly?”
“Yes.”
Isadora’s smile deepened.
“You were bold earlier. Quiet now that we’re alone.”
Lucia leaned back.
“You’re quite gentle, enduring being called a coward.”
“I didn’t endure. It’s because of penalty points.”
“Oh~ I see.”
Silence.
“Can you sit farther away?”
“No.”
Lucia returned to writing.
After three pages, a librarian suggested more books.
Lucia stood.
Walking between shelves, she searched.
Dust covered old books.
Finally—
Found them.
As she reached up—
Footsteps.
She froze.
“…Why are you following me?”
“We might need the same books.”
“You could’ve stayed.”
“What if you couldn’t find them?”
Warm breath touched her neck.
“…I found them. Go back.”
She stepped aside—
Isadora stepped closer.
Lucia moved back—
Her heel caught the ladder.
Thud.
“…Ugh.”
She fell.
Her skirt shifted upward.
Her heart pounded.
She quickly adjusted it, hands trembling.
As she tried to stand—
Isadora grabbed her wrist.
‘What…?’
Isadora lowered herself calmly.
Lucia avoided her gaze.
The warmth of another’s hand.
Her grip tightened.
“Ugh…”
Lucia tried to pull back—
But hit the shelf behind her.
“Why so sensitive?”
Her voice was gentle.
More unsettling because of it.
“…Let go.”
“What if I don’t?”
“Isadora…”
Her voice was steady.
“Mm.”
But the grip didn’t loosen.
“What are you doing?”
She didn’t know where to look.
Her breath quickened.
Isadora smiled faintly.
“Why are you so cautious?”
“Let go first.”
“Impressive.”
Her grip moved slightly upward.
Fingers brushed her palm.
Then—
A memory.
“Be careful.”
“She’s interested in you.”
“Watch your wrist.”
Sophia’s warning.
Her heart pounded violently.
Isadora leaned closer.
“Lucia.”
Her voice was calm.
“Don’t act recklessly next time.”
“…Or?”
“What will you do?”
“…Lucia.”
Their eyes met.
“Let go!”
Lucia struggled—
But the grip tightened.
“Ugh—”
“If you make noise, others will come.”
Her head tilted.
“I don’t understand.”
Her gaze scanned Lucia.
“Why challenge a duel when you can’t use magic?”
“…No.”
“So you won’t tell me.”
Lucia bit her lip.
“This… you can’t even break free.”
Isadora brushed her silver bracelet.
Lucia flinched.
“Hmm?”
She noticed.
Lucia pressed herself against the shelf.
Her breathing grew uneven.
“…Hey…”
A voice.
Both turned.
Catherine stood there, frozen, holding books.
The scene looked suspicious.
Isadora immediately let go.
“Oh my.”
She extended her hand.
“Are you alright? You fell.”
Lucia stared at that hand.
Catherine approached.
“A-Are you okay?”
Isadora smiled gently.
“Luckily I found her first.”
Disgusting.
Lucia bit her cheek, then slowly took her hand.
For a moment, her legs weakened—
But Isadora helped her stand.
To Catherine, it looked caring.
“Be careful, Lucia.”
Her whisper was soft.
“You might get hurt. You’re weak, after all.”
Then she left.
Her footsteps faded.
The air felt heavier.
Catherine approached.
“Are you really okay?”
Lucia clenched her fist.
Of course not.
Holding her wrist, she stared at where Isadora disappeared.
“…I’m fine, Catherine.”