|| Next Placeholder

T/N: Today Id like to give another huge thank you to my repeat Cookie Donor, Wilder! Thank you so much for the sweets~!

This is where the wolf appeared, Henry-Oniisama says, guiding us to the spot that the wolf was first sighted within the academy.

..I look around, but there doesnt appear to be anything particularly special about this place. The trees here are just like all the rest towering in the back of the school grounds.

Maybe they left something behind, Gilles murmurs, scouring the forest floor for clues.

I doubt it. Gilles sounded more hopeful than certain, so he must also realize theres a small chance of finding anything.

I can easily imagine that the wolf was moved here with magic, and such a spell wouldnt have left any traces. If this really was caused by people originating from the Duelkis Kingdom, theyd certainly know the layout of the academy well enough to manage at least this much.

Lets take a look around too, I suggest just in case, looking over at Henry-Oniisama. A troubled troubled expression crosses his face.

I know this doesnt mean much coming from me, but. just. dont do anything dangerous, okay?

Ive already been put in danger plenty times before.

But this time were messing with foreign powers. Lets just trust Duke to take care of things.

Not the king, but Duke-Sama? I ask, searching his face. Henry-Oniisama, did Duke-Sama say something to you?

At my question, he seems slightly anxious somehow.

What did I do now? I hear a deep voice laughing out from behind me.

..As always, he sure shows up with impeccable timing.

I slowly turn to look towards the newcomer.

Nothing, Im sure, I say coyly.

Duke-Sama looks amused for a moment, but then as his eyes flick around, taking in the scene and my own expression and his gaze turns stern. He doesnt say anything further. His clear blue eyes just stare straight into mine.

Were investigating the wolf incident, I say after a few moments of silence, unable to bear the pressure of his gaze any longer.

At my words, Duke-Samas eyes widen perceptibly. At the same time he jerks his head to look over at Henry-Oniisama.

Didnt I tell you not to say anything to her about this?

Dont look at me. Ali was the one who brought it up. You know how she is, Henry-Oniisama says, raising his hands defensively.

And you should know how dangerous this situation is.

Yeah. I do. But if you want to complain, take it up with Eric. How was I supposed to know hed blurt it out like that? Henry-Oniisama says a bit bitterly.

..In other words, because they didnt want me getting caught up in something dangerous, these two tried to purposely keep me in the dark.

How rude. Im pretty handy in a tough situation! Sure, with one eye now I might be a bit weaker than I was in my prime. But still, Id be a valuable asset in any emergency.

Please. Tell me what you know about the wolf incident.

No. Its too risky this time.

Its me were talking about, right? Ill be fine.

You really think Id willingly let the woman I love throw herself into danger? Duke-Sama asks, his serious eyes seeming to pierce through me. I can feel myself losing my nerve under that exquisite gaze.

Why? Why am I always so weak when it comes to this mans eyes?

I let out a small sigh. I may be stubborn sometimes, but Im no fool.

..So youre saying that the risk this time is incomparable to anything weve faced until now?

Duke-Sama continues to look at me, but doesnt reply.

Does the king know? Gilles interjects.

No, Henry-Oniisama says, shaking his head.

To think that even the king doesnt know.. Does that mean that Duke-Sama is investigating this incident on his own?

It really is true that ignorance is bliss. The more intelligent you are, the more youre forced to focus on unpleasant things. It makes me wonder if intellect is really a blessing or if its actually a curse?

It truly is so much better to be oblivious sometimes.

But even so, I cant help but want to continue learning. Theres so many amazing things out there that I still dont know about. How could I just let them pass me by? I want to know! To experience them for myself. I guess thats just my nature.

There is still one more thing that Id like to ask about. Are there any people outside of this country that know what Liz-san is?

That, I still dont know, Duke-Sama says, his brow furrowing.

I see.. Very well, then Ill be taking my leave now.

Alicia.

As I am turning to walk away I hear Duke-Sama softly calling out to me.

Its just my name. Its obviously nothing special; Ive been hearing it for years! And yet why does hearing it make my heart flutter?

I turn back to look at Duke-Sama and see him staring straight at me with eyes filled with gentle affection.

Someday, I hope youll let me hear your feelings.

His tone is serious while his eyes bore earnestly into mine. For a moment, we just look at each other, but then he turns and saunters away.

It had been my intention to make a grand exit, leaving him in my dust, but he beat me to it. Again.

Just what do I have to do to win against this man?

Wearing a dumbfounded expression, I can do nothing but watch him walk away as I ponder the meaning behind Duke-Samas parting words.

My feelings..?

My feelings about what? I send a quick, questioning glance over at Gilles. From my expression, he seems to understand instantly what I must be thinking about.

You can be scarily insightful and wise sometimes, but when it comes to love youre such a child, Gilles mutters, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

Can I make the same request? Ali, do us all a favor and tell Duke your thoughts, Henry-Oniisama blurts, laughing gaily.

Yeah. Alicia, youve never told Duke about your feelings even once..

Always professing his heartfelt feelings without knowing what Ali thinks of him. what agony must he be going through?

Hey, isnt this two against one? Thats not fair.

The popular, perfect, handsome prince is being toyed with by such a wicked villaines Gilles freezes, clapping a hand over his mouth as if he could stuff the word back in.

..Too late, Gilles~ I heard it loud and clear. I can feel a huge, triumphant grin already spreading across my face.

At the same time, the look on Gilless face is simply priceless. His expression is so stiff and I can practically see his cheek spasming with the effort to keep the embarrassed scowl off his face.

To think the time would come when the High-and-Mighty Gilles would call me a villainess with his own two lips.. What a truly delightful day.

Ali, you have got to be the only young lady whod smile like that after being called villainess to her face, Henry-Oniisama tells me dryly. With a solemn expression, Gilles nods his head vigorously in agreement.

T/N: You know, I am all for romance. I love romance stuff. But lately, Duke has not been doing it for me T-T Hes been a bit too controlling for my tastes. Dont get me wrong, I love an obsessive and jealous fictional beau as much as the next fangirl, but Ali deserves more respect than this. I hope he steps up his game soon and learns to include her, cause if he thinks keeping things from her is going to keep her safe, then he has another thing coming for him!

On a completely different note though, I literally love Henry and Gilles. Their interactions with Alicia are so cute When Gilles accidentally said the v word at the end there, I just about died XD