Chapter 19

After the vacation ended, and she had grown accustomed to her short hair, Rabi repeatedly climbed and descended the stairs, walking briskly. She spent her break time training in a secluded corner of the unpopular school building, where not a single moment could be wasted. Without friends, she could train without any reservations.

When Rabi stood up at the end of class, the sound of people holding their breath could always be heard around her. After she hurriedly passed through the door, the calm voices of the young ladies would eventually reach her from behind.

Before she became Rabi, that is, in her past life, she recalled that the villainous young lady, a high-ranking noble, was always surrounded by lower-ranking noble young ladies called followers. However, the classroom without Rabi seemed to be lively and bustling.

If one got involved with the eldest daughter of the Heathfen family, they would be devoured whole. While it might not go that far, they would be chased around with strange cries, and it was said that one must never get involved. Rabi had heard this rumor through the stalking skills she had honed in the mansion, but she had no memory of doing such a thing. She quietly pushed her hand into her pocket, thinking, "Isn't this a bit exaggerated?"

Nevertheless, these were the results of her past extraordinary "efforts," and as Rabi, she had no intention of being hurt. That's why she could do her stepping exercises without anyone interfering. While she repeated these excuses to herself, she devoted herself to training. It was then that she heard rumors about a transfer student arriving out of season. A chill ran down her spine.

Nella left a striking impression throughout the academy. Her brown eyes, which should have been ordinary, fluttered open, causing an unusual stir around her. The phrase "heroine bonus," a familiar and vulgar term, came to mind.

In the game, Rabi, looking ragged, pitifully belittled Nella, showing her miserable appearance to the player. However, there was no need to do such a thing because Nella was no longer a maid of the Heathfen family. As long as she didn't get involved, she wouldn't have to face Nella, who was in a different class.

Rabi tried to convince herself of this, but when she saw Nella approaching on the path to the school building, she broke out in a cold sweat for no reason. Recalling her memories, their reunion at the academy was on a tree-lined road with no one around, backed by the school building. She felt as if her feet were bound, unable to run away. Could it be that the original story was trying to ensnare her?

Comparing the surroundings in her head to the game, she felt as if she was about to lose her mind. She must not meet Nella. The ten-year seal and the contract mark were supposed to be gone, yet a deep-seated fear was etched in Rabi's heart. Just being in front of Nella made her teeth chatter. Rabi was supposed to be much tougher than her past self, but her body trembled as she realized she had finally stepped into the main story of the game.

When she realized that Nella had noticed her, her throat tightened. "Ah..." She had to run. She must not start the story. But how? Nella's slender legs were approaching Rabi.

(I must have a strong heart)

She took a deep breath and exhaled. Rabi was not just a trembling girl; she lived with the word "perseverance" and congee.

"It's been a while, Rabi."

Nella's smile was twisted, but only Rabi could see it that way. This girl, who would soon be called a saint, moved her small, cute feet and approached. Rabi shuddered.

"…Yes, Nella."

Rabi gripped her slender fingers with all her might. She must not lose. For some reason, she could hear the voice of the game's monologue, but it was surely her inner voice.

"Don't be so stiff? I just happened to meet you at the right time. I was going to ask you a favor."

"…What kind of favor?"

Using the word "favor" was just a formality; Nella's request was a compulsion. Rabi spat out the words. Nella was smiling happily.

"It's a very simple favor. Hey—could you bully me here at the academy?"

Rabi must not lose.

Perhaps she was overwhelmed by the voice she heard. "That's impossible." She was surprised by her own words, which slipped out unintentionally. Nella took a moment to understand Rabi's words, blinking her large eyes several times. But more than that, Rabi was trembling violently, up and down.

(I, I'm being too strong-hearted…!!?)

This was more than just a cold sweat.