Chapter 20

"Are you saying that I, the student council officers, have been bullying Alicia out of spite for Patrick being taken from me?"

"A-aah..."

"In other words, this Mary Albert, having had her man stolen by a country girl, not only gave up on her studies but also resorted to petty harassment... Is that what you're saying?"

The student council officers widened their eyes at Mary's cold voice, clearly unsure of what was happening. The current state of Mary, who seemed to exude a chill that could almost be felt, was surely different from the 'Mary' they knew. They only knew the 'eccentric young lady' who would respond to her attendant's teasing with her own light-hearted remarks, calmly ignore any gossip, and even commute by bicycle.

"I don't like it. You think I'm the kind of woman who would do such a thing?"

"M-Miss Mary...?"

"To dirty uniforms or vandalize desks, this Mary Albert would never stoop to such petty acts."

"Huh?"

"But it seems no matter how I explain, you won't believe me. Why don't you experience it for yourself?"

Clapping her hands as if she had a brilliant idea, Mary smiled happily. However, her eyes remained cold, still radiating a chill.

Beside her, Addy remained calm, as if this was all expected, and began to soothe Alicia, who was panicking at Mary's changed demeanor. Patrick, unable to bear it, was covering his mouth, his shoulders trembling in a way that suggested he was at his limit.

"I want you to experience firsthand what happens when you take something from this Mary Albert. Then, I'm sure you'll understand."

With a subtle hint that she wouldn't stop at mere harassment, Mary let out a soft laugh. Her elegant laugh only served to make the already cold atmosphere even colder. Mary had no intention of easing the tension, and the first-year secretary, intimidated, could be heard holding her breath, but Mary didn't even glance at her. She spoke coldly and matter-of-factly, looking straight at the men in front of her. There was no hostility in her eyes, but neither was there the warmth one would show to a classmate. It was a cold, unfeeling gaze, devoid of any compassion.

"Shall we start with someone? If you prefer, I can take all of you at once. I'm sure I'll be more entertaining than a country girl."

Smirking, Mary glanced at Addy, who nodded as if understanding her intentions. The student council officers, who had been frowning, all shuddered in unison. Their faces were a mix of fear and confusion, and the determination they had shown moments ago was completely gone. They looked pale and pitiful.

But it couldn't be helped. They had finally realized who they were dealing with. Even if it was out of a noble sense of duty as student council officers, they had been about to condemn the daughter of a noble family. And even if their arguments were just, they now understood that it could lead to a reversal of fortune and potential ruin.

Patrick, who had already understood the situation, was covering his mouth and turning away, his shoulders trembling in a way that suggested he was at his limit. Alicia, finally realizing the situation, glared at him, her puffed cheeks making her look less cute.

But despite the situation, the advisor, who usually deferred to the student council officers, raised his head and said, "You repeatedly act in ways that are unbecoming of a young lady. As a teacher, I must say your behavior is unacceptable."

"Really, how harsh. I admit I'm considered eccentric, but I don't think I've caused any trouble. I've never been a burden to the teachers, not even once."

"But your actions could tarnish the reputation of Carelia Academy. As a student of this academy and a young lady of the Albert family, we have always hoped you would act with proper awareness."

In other words, they were saying her bad behavior was the reason for their suspicion. Mary's lips twisted again at the teacher's words. How amusing.

"Are you saying I'm not ladylike enough, that I don't seem like an Albert daughter?"

"Yes, that's it. Your actions are—"

"Are you saying my father had a child with another woman? Or that my mother opened her legs to another man?"

"Wh-what, no...!"

"Oh, then perhaps my parents unknowingly raised another woman's child. If that's true, the Albert family crest should be a cuckoo."

Mary laughed merrily. The crowd around them, which included those who had gossiped about Mary being an 'unfit Albert daughter,' stirred. Of course, no one suspected the Albert couple of infidelity. They were known to be a loving couple, always smiling at each other. Young ladies often admired them as the ideal couple.

No one would dare to suspect such a couple, let alone voice it out of fear. And of course, everyone knew the Alberts loved their children, including the 'eccentric' Mary.

That's why, when Mary asked, they realized they had been disrespectful to the Albert couple.

"That's..."

The vice president weakly murmured. He was a well-liked and kind-hearted person who supported the busy student council president. He was gentle and warm, but he could be ruthless when it came to protecting what he valued. His pitiful voice was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.

Mary sighed, "You might even get stabbed by a fan of the vice president."

The men in front of her, and even the onlookers, held their breath. Just a few days ago, they had been gossiping about her, but now she had become an object of fear. Neither situation was pleasant. Their faces were pale with fear, and they trembled at every move Mary made, even her sighs.

It was only natural, given that they had made the Albert family their enemy. But from Mary's perspective, who had only been defending herself, this sudden fear made her feel like the aggressor, which was unpleasant.

...That's why I've been living a peaceful life until now.

Even if I heard gossip or was laughed at for not being ladylike, it was true, and most importantly, I knew how things would turn out.

I, who had been letting it all slide, was now in this situation.