The Gloomy and Timid Princess Heads to the Academy

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“That girl named Cecilia. What do you think?”

There was no need to ponder the intentions behind Ho-yeon’s question. Just looking at her expression screamed that she found it distasteful.

Though she pretended to ask with a calm demeanor, she was not good at hiding her emotions.

Concealing her tone and nature was nearly impossible, but she hardly bothered to mask her feelings.

“I think Cecilia is okay. Her personality is friendly, and she speaks softly. Plus, being an elf is rare around here, so I can’t help but notice her. She seems like a good person.”

“Is that so? So that’s how it is…”

Even now, it was evident that her jealousy meter was rising just from hearing my words.

“…So it’s true you’ve only been looking at Cecilia. Ah… I get it.”

Ho-yeon was unhappy that I was giving attention to Cecilia. It was the same during the party and whenever I spoke to Exipri.

Her jealousy was definitely not something meant for a friend. She insisted on being friends, but it felt like she was confused about her own feelings.

“However, you definitely cannot be a friend like that.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

She seemed clueless about what I meant.

“Your personality is too bland. Your words are so soft and round… I guess it’s not fun? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not friends with you for entertainment. Cecilia might be a good person, but she doesn’t seem like a good friend.”

In fact, even in the original work, Cecilia was not particularly popular. Besides some elf concrete fans, her following was not that thick.

“…Really?”

My words seemed to have piqued her interest for a moment as the black fog of jealousy lifted, but that moment was fleeting. She still seemed displeased.

“Hmph. You think that’s going to soften me?”

Though she was pretending to act angry, her irritation was mostly gone. Still, she felt bad, so I figured I should properly apologize.

“I’m sorry, I won’t look away from you anymore.”

I wasn’t sure if this even required an apology, but if it helped alleviate her anger, then why not.

“…You promise?”

“Of course. And how could I look away? The prettiest person is right here beside me.”

This was no feigned sentiment.

In terms of simple looks, no one compared to Ho-yeon, even when compared to other heroines. Unless we’re talking about captivating features or attributes.

“…Eh?”

Her face turned red from the unexpected compliment. The black aura that enveloped her had cleared, leaving only a flustered Ho-yeon.

“Uh… well… I mean… Ugh. Anyway, just follow me!”

In the end, she seemed weak to compliments, but I seriously wondered if it would be possible to have her by my side while forming relationships with other heroines.

There had to be a limit for her, and crossing that line would surely send Byeolbi or Jeongho rushing to this continent.

But I couldn’t just separate from her, as there were too many uncertainties.

This was a tough dilemma. I had no idea how to proceed. Is there even a way to maintain my relationship with her and form a harem?

Maybe I should just form a bond with Ho-yeon and ask her to reconsider invading her parents’ territory.

…I don’t know. I’ll just have to follow what I believe is the best path.

And since there is still some time to act, a way out might appear later.

For now, it seems best to build a strong enough relationship with Ho-yeon.

With that thought in mind, I followed her.

– – – –

“Oh, Ho-yeon, and Dokan. We meet again here.”

I couldn’t understand what Dokan was thinking when he said that, but for some reason, I didn’t feel particularly bad about it.

“Oh, Cecilia. Are you here alone because Exipri went somewhere?”

Even while he was having a friendly chat with Cecilia, I didn’t feel that uncomfortable.

Dokan was being polite and curious enough to engage in conversation.

“Oh, she had prior commitments. So I’m alone… If it’s not too much trouble, may I join you?”

Probably with Camilla and her group. I didn’t hold any lingering feelings after receiving a formal apology, but… I still didn’t want to see them.

By the way, sharing a table… That was something to think about.

“I’m fine with it… but what about Ho-yeon?”

Dokan readily accepted, but I couldn’t just say yes without consideration. Talking is completely different from eating together.

…But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad? I know better than anyone how lonely it can be to eat alone, so I wanted to help if I could.

Moreover, I understood all too well that guys naturally get drawn to pretty and tall girls, so I didn’t think Dokan would crush on Cecilia.

After all, I said I thought I was the prettiest.

Hearing that didn’t exactly fill me with joy. I was really indifferent about it. But since I said that much, it seemed okay to slip in Cecilia.

“One is fine. I grant permission.”

“Thank you for your kindness…! I was worried about having to eat alone… What a relief.”

She talked like eating alone was wrong. What’s wrong with eating alone?

Sure, it might not taste great, but sometimes you might want to eat alone. I felt a bit annoyed, but I decided to be magnanimous.

With that settled, I picked a suitable table and sat down.

As I ate, I glanced at her plate and felt a strange sense of discord.

Her plate was filled to the brim with meat. Aren’t elves usually vegetarians or something?

It was a rather prejudiced thought, but since stereotypes seem to have an actual impact in this world, I was curious.

Can I ask…

“Cecilia. I have a question.”

“Ah… Yes, Ho-yeon. What is it…?”

I could sense some hesitation in her tone, but it wasn’t as overt as before. It felt more like a hint of fear?

“Don’t elves… um, not all of them are vegetarians? I’m asking because I don’t know as I come from another continent.”

I’m not a racist. I’m genuinely curious.

“Ah… I see. From another… continent. Yes. It’s true that some books describe our race as vegetarians, but I’d like to say that’s completely incorrect.”

Her attitude became resolute, somehow.

“Do you know that our race is born from the World Tree of Mother?”

“I know that from books.”

“Yes. That’s why we tend to shy away from eating plants. We don’t completely abstain from it, but… could you understand if I compared it to eating monkeys or chimpanzees?”

Whoa, that’s definitely a bit much.

“I understand.”

“However, we do like the fruit of the World Tree that lacks the blessing of the goddess. Though we can’t eat it… it seems to have great effects on spirits. After all, the World Tree is mostly in a state blessed by the goddess.”

I wondered if it was necessary to tack on that last remark… Well, she is rather talkative, so I guess I’ll let it slide.

Now that I confirmed one curiosity, it was time to verify another.

“And… um.”

I could call her just Cecilia, but calling Dokan just Dokan felt a bit awkward. It felt weird to just say “you.”

What do people outside call him?

Oh. That’s it.

“Companion. What you said to me earlier was sincere, right?”

“Uh… you mean that?”

It sounded a bit strange, but it’s still okay.

“Of course it was sincere. How could I say such words casually? Doing so would be inviting divine punishment.”

“The goddess doesn’t punish just for lying. By the way… may I ask what you mean?”

Ah, I had a hunch. It seemed this girl was completely oblivious.

“Oh, it’s nothing important, Cecilia.”

Isn’t the fact that it’s not important that I said I’m the prettiest? I can’t just let that slide.

“What do you mean it’s not important? That I’m the most beautiful? Or…”

“Ah, yes! It’s true I did say that. That Ho-yeon is beautiful.”

She hurriedly confessed the truth, which was a relief since I was worried that if she just kept quiet, she might spill that I called Cecilia boring.

I didn’t want anyone next to Dokan, but I didn’t want him to be completely isolated. I just wanted him to focus on me.

“Uh… I see.”

The atmosphere became awkward because of me, but I didn’t feel guilty. When you think about it, the source of this mess was Dokan anyway.

So, I truly had no reason to feel sorry.

He should have focused on me from the beginning.

“…Ahem. Well, it seems dinner is ending, so let’s part ways here, Cecilia.”

“Ah… yes. I had a lovely time, Dokan.”

“Take care.”

The moment Cecilia left, Dokan shot me a slightly resentful glance.

“Ho-yeon…”

“This time, you were in the wrong. How can that not be an important topic?”