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T/N: Today Id like to thank my Cookie Donor, Artur! Thanks for the snacks~!

Slowly, I open my eye. As soon as I do, my vision is enveloped in green. And as I take in a deep breath, clean, fresh air enters my lungs.

Were in.. a forest? Everywhere I look, I see nothing but trees. There are no signs of civilization anywhere.

Where did you take us? Gilles demands, still looking around.

Relax~ Were still within the academy, Mel says, a leisurely smile lazing about on her face.

I knew it. There is something off about her. I knew she was going to pull a stunt like this.

Since theres no other people to overhear, we can talk as much as we want now~!

Talk about what? I ask, eyeing her distrustfully.

Like~ I~ said~! Relax! Theres no reason for you to be so guarded.

Theres plenty reason, Gilles insists sternly before I can say anything.

Mels cheeks puff out in a bit of a pout as she turns sullen eyes on Gilles. The expression is extremely cute on her.

.I just cant see how this creature could possibly be 18.

Youll both be fine~!! I really like Ali-Ali after all.

How can you say that when you hadnt met her before today?

But Ive at least seen her before. She is famous after all.

You like her just from that?

Well, yeah~! And if its for Ali-Ali, Id be willing to do any~thing!

Theres no way Id believe that.

What can I do so that youll trust me? Mel asks, pouting again.

Their conversation about me continues without a hitch despite me not saying a word.

But theres something that I dont understand. Why does Mel like me in the first place? Weve never even spoken before today. Or, if we have, it couldnt have been that important since I have no recollection of it.

Hey! So what happened to your eye!? Mel asks, looking in my direction. Her expression is positively brimming with curiosity.

What is it that you even like about me? I ask, completely ignoring her question.

Since shes older than me, I realize that I should speak more politely to her but. after two years of not talking to anyone, Ive gotten out of practice. It just doesnt come naturally anymore. I guess it cant be helped. Itll come back to me eventually.

I asked first~! But, if you dont really feel like talking about it, thats fine. Anyway, the first time I saw you was in the old library. Back then, I just thought you were a smart girl and that was it. But then I saw you at that tea party. and I was mesmerized. My whole body felt enthralled by you! she says as an ecstatic, rapturous expression slinks onto her face.

One second her eyelids are practically fluttering at the memory, but the next her face is hard and angry.

I hate! Hate! Hate.!! Liz Cather. Shes so annoying! The way she goes around acting all goody-goody is just nauseating. Blegh!

Mels face is slowly getting redder and redder. She really is just like a child.

If youve just brought me here to whine and rant to me about such trivial things, then Ill be taking my leave, I say and move as if to walk away.

Im not the only one who hates her, you know, Mel continues in a calmer, lower, insinuating tone. Her expression actually looks fairly mature and serious now.

Ali-Ali, I just love how pragmatic you are. After that tea party two years ago, you had already stolen my heart. But today Ugh! When you sent Jane flying with that punch, that was too awesome!! I fell for you all over again! Like BAM! And you know? That girl just adores Liz Cather. She practically worships her.

Mels mood keeps changing so fast that shes practically giving me whiplash. One second her eyes have hearts in them and shes staring at me hotly, and the next shes staring at nothing, looking like shes ready to beat someone up.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to tell you that Im definitely, 100% on your side, Ali-Ali.

Thanks, but no thanks. I dont need allies, I say sweetly, shooting her down with a smile.

What are you doing out here? I suddenly hear a familiar voice call out. It sounds clear, crisp, deep sexy. and charmingly masculine. Is that. Duke-Sama?

I look in the direction that the voice came from.

Huh. I get the feeling that hes gotten taller again. His hair is also shorter than before and his piercings have increased. A new jade green earring is now gleaming proudly next to his original blue one. He seems to be surrounded by a glittering aura so bright that I can hardly bear to look straight at him.

It appears that a person can change quite a lot in only two years.

Ohh~ look at that sharp chin! And those gorgeous eyes like the sea! Wow, his skin is such a pretty tan color too. And those muscles are drool-worthy.!! Mel says lustfully, her eyes staring spellbound at Duke-Sama.

Mel You like Duke-Sama?

Of course not. But since youre not saying anything, Im just taking the liberty to express your thoughts for you!!

I wasnt thinking any of that though?

But hes your fiance!?

I dont think he is?

Shes right. Im not, Duke-Sama agrees immediately. Mels already big doe eyes go even wider.

Then, that rumor..

I did propose that we get engaged, but our betrothal was never finalized because Alicia, my important finacee-to-be, was inexplicably absent.

At Duke-Samas words, I let out a breath that I didnt even realize I was holding.

Thank goodness..

Wait, since Duke-Sama is here, then maybe I can finally ask about Grandpa Will!

Doesnt Ali-Ali look totally relieved to hear that? Mel notes, a strange look on her face as she stares at me.

Duke, what are you doing out here? Gilles asks a bit suspiciously.

I could feel Alicias presence, Duke-Sama says by way of an answer.

True~! She does give off quite the spectacular aura~ Mel sighs happily.

She is beautiful, Duke agrees.

Uwah! I never thought Id hear you say something like that, Duke! Wow. To think that you can actually make that kind of sweet, tender expression. Ali-Ali must be really special to you~ Mel cries in a sing-song voice.

You must have been frowning a lot when you werent able see Alicia. The wrinkle between your eyebrows looks permanently etched there now. Even Gilles cant resist the chance to take a jab at Duke.

He really was!! You should have seen him!! He walked around with this terrifying black aura surrounding him all the time! It was like, Do not approach me. OR I WILL KILL YOU. The last part Mel says in a deep, sinister voice before she breaks out in a fit of giggles.

Mel, whats your relationship with Duke anyway? Gilles asks curiously.

While I was lost in thought about Grandpa Will, the conversation seems to have run away without me.

It seems that Gilles has dropped his guard against Mel already. Though, that might be in appearance only.

Dukes my master! Mel answers with a cheerful smile.

What!? Gilles and I say together.

Does that mean that Mel is Duke-Samas servant?

Somehow, my thoughts are in such a disarray now that I cant even tell down from up. My brain feels like its melting from information overload.

Thats why Im so interested in the girl that Duke fell in love with!! Ufufufu, Mel says, chuckling in that uncomfortable, ominous way again.

Though, thats not the only reason. Cause Ive fallen for Ali-Alis beauty and brains too~! Mel declares and roars out laughing again in satisfaction.

.I really cant keep up with her mood swings.

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T/N: I just about died laughing when I saw Mel dictating Alicias thoughts about Duke XD I hope my translation was able to do that part justice. I nearly choked when I read that part in the raws hahaha. And in general, I seriously love how crazy and all over the place she is! Writing her dialogue is super fun~!

Haha, now that we know that Mel is 100% on Alicias side, what do you guys think? Is she friend or foe!? And has she really fallen for Alicia? Or is she just trying to get a rise out of Duke?