Chapter 68

The next day, I was afraid to go to the academy.

Not only was I worried that everyone’s perception of me might have changed after I put on the act of being the haughty Reika, but I was also afraid that if the incident where I verbally lashed out at Tachibana in the salon had spread, I would be completely isolated!

Moreover, just thinking about how angry Tachibana might be... it was terrifying!

I entered the classroom, eyes darting around, on guard for any enemy attacks.

He wasn’t there yet. But I couldn’t let my guard down.

"Good morning, Reika-sama."

"Good morning, Reika-sama."

My friends greeted me with smiles. They were good smiles. Maybe it was because I had finally let out all the pent-up frustration I had been holding in.

"Good morning."

I sat down at my desk. People started gathering around me.

"Hehe, it felt so good yesterday, Reika-sama."

Seika had a mischievous smile. At the far end of the classroom, a girl from Manaka’s group, who was in the same class as me, averted her eyes in fear the moment our gazes met.

I’ve gone too far, haven’t I?

"Hey, everyone. They seem to have learned their lesson, so let’s stop this. I’m fine because they apologized."

"But—"

"If the girls keep clashing, it won’t leave a good impression on Tachibana-sama, either."

Everyone looked startled.

I shouldn’t be the one saying this, considering I started the fight with Tachibana.

"If Reika-sama says so..."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded. Good. The Tachibana effect is powerful. On the other hand, if they found out I was Tachibana’s enemy, they would probably distance themselves from me right away.

"Kyaa, it’s the Emperor and Ensho-sama!"

"Huh?"

Tachibana and, for some reason, Ensho entered the classroom. Oh no, is this my death sentence?! Am I going to the guillotine?!

I waited, heart pounding, for their move. Oh no! They’re coming this way!

The students around my desk, trying to be helpful, moved aside to let them through. Tachibana came right up to me.

My stomach... it’s...

Suddenly, Tachibana gave me a light punch on the head.

"Ouch!"

It hurts! I’m against violence! And I made a weird sound!

"Yesterday’s incident, I’ll consider it settled with this."

As I held my head and groaned, Tachibana said this and then walked to his own seat.

Huh?

"Ah, I’m sorry, Kishijou-san. I need to talk to you for a moment, is that okay?"

The girls around me squealed. Deja vu.

But this time, I can’t refuse. For the sake of a peaceful and uneventful academy life.

I was led to the same spot by the stairs as last time, while my friends, who were still under the mistaken impression, watched with envy and jealousy. I rubbed the top of my head as I was led away.

Scary... Is this guy going to be my executioner?!

"Is your head okay? Masaya doesn’t usually hit people like that. But it’s his way of apologizing, I guess."

"Apologize?"

Hitting someone on the head?

"Masaya and I talked after yesterday. We both realized we were a bit irresponsible and felt sorry for it. But Masaya is stubborn and can’t apologize straightforwardly, so he said it in a roundabout way."

What’s that supposed to mean? He’s still the disappointing emperor.

But if that’s the case, does it mean Tachibana isn’t angry with me anymore?

Does it mean I don’t have to make enemies with Tachibana’s fans?

"I’ve already explained to the people who were at the salon yesterday. It was our fault for making Kishijou-san angry. Fortunately, there weren’t many people there, and I’ve made sure the rumor won’t spread."

"Thank you."

"And I’ve also reflected on my actions towards Kishijou-san. I’m sorry."

Ensho bowed his head.

Wow, being apologized to makes me even more scared!

"Um, can we consider yesterday’s incident as if it never happened?"

I asked hesitantly, and he nodded, "Of course."

Is he really telling the truth? Is there something else going on? It’s suspicious.

"That face, you’re really suspicious, aren’t you? Do I really seem that untrustworthy?"

Well, I can’t say I don’t trust him at all, so I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. It’s a very useful skill.

"I really feel bad about it. Including the punch on the head just now, I think it’s fair for Kishijou-san to hit me back."

Eh, is he going to use this as a threat later?

I do want to reduce the burden on my stomach and avoid getting gray hair, but...

I’ll refuse for now because it’s suspicious. I’m a lady, after all. Violence is out of the question.

"I can’t let it go unless I do this. Feel free to hit me. In return, it’s settled, just like Masaya said."

"Really, no hard feelings? And no threats later?"

"I won’t."

Hmm, should I hit him without hesitation?

Ensho tilted his face forward a bit, making it easier for me to hit him.

Okay, then.

"Oof!"

I punched him in the stomach.

I wouldn’t hit someone in the face, that’s too obvious. If I’m going to do it, it should be in a less visible spot. That’s the basic rule.

"Then, this is really settled, Ensho-sama?"

Ensho, holding his stomach, nodded silently several times.

Great!

I left Ensho there and returned to the classroom, feeling relieved.

I don’t understand everything, but I’ve avoided the guillotine! The Queen of Rococo won’t become a Dullahan!

Today, as a reward to myself, I might treat myself to a high-calorie Anathole cake.

With the trouble resolved, I was in a great mood every day.

Sakura asked me to look into Aizawa-kun and his junior.

Hmm, they seem to be close, but I still can’t figure it out, so I decided to ask Aizawa-kun directly.

I followed him and, when he was alone, I quietly called out to him.

"Aizawa-kun, Aizawa-kun."

"Whoa! Kishijou-san?! What are you doing here in the shadows?"

There’s no need to be so surprised.

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Plainly speaking, what’s your relationship with Toriumi-san?"

"Wh-What?!"

Aizawa-kun looked startled. Oh?

"Why are you asking, Kishijou-san?"

"I was asked to find out."

"...Sakura. Kishijou-san, you seem to be close to Sakura. She’s usually very shy with people."

Shy? That queen of sarcasm? Does Aizawa-kun not know Sakura’s true nature?

"I can’t reveal who asked me. So, what’s the answer?"

"Um... it’s nothing."

"Just a senior and junior relationship?"

"Um..."

You’re being indecisive. Did you receive chocolate from her on Valentine’s Day? Was it a token of appreciation or a true confession?

"...The card said something like that."

What! So Sakura’s intuition was right! I’m sorry for underestimating her.

"Don’t tell anyone."

"Of course. So, what happened?"

"I turned her down, saying I was sorry. Toriumi-san said she understood, and it was supposed to be over. But the other day, my sister mentioned in front of Sakura that I had received chocolate from a junior this year. She apparently went into my room without permission and saw it."

"Oh no."

"That’s why Sakura asked why I was hiding it."

Wow, Sakura’s pursuit. Scary.

"Since then, I feel like Sakura has been angry with me. What should I do?"

"Hmm. How about asking her out on a date?"

"A date?!"

"Yes. Recently, Aizawa-kun has been busy with track and field practice, and I think Sakura is feeling lonely. If you ask her out, she’ll surely be happy. For the location, how about the boat at Inokashira Park? It’s a popular spot for couples."

"A date... we’re not at that stage yet... But okay, I’ll ask her. Thanks, Kishijou-san."

"You’re welcome."

I saw Aizawa-kun off with a smile.

Wow, I did a good job.

I also got information about Toriumi-san from Rina’s subordinates, but I don’t need to use it now.

May the classic childhood friends couple be blessed!