Chapter 5

And so, after a series of events, a while passed.

"…I never thought you'd actually get on."

Adi, who was pedaling the bicycle, muttered under his breath. Behind him was Patrick, the student council president of Cattleya Academy, his smooth hair fluttering in the wind as he sat on the bicycle's rear rack, exuding an air of elegance even in that position.

By the way, the reason why things turned out this way goes back a few minutes. With the resolve to face rejection, Mary invited Patrick, and to her surprise, he agreed. Before they knew it, they found themselves in an empty lot within the school grounds, also known as the bicycle parking area. Patrick was looking at the two bicycles parked in the corner with great interest, while Mary and Adi, finally coming to their senses, were at a loss for what to do.

Originally, the purpose was for Patrick and Mary to ride together. Even if they couldn't display the same level of luxury as in the original game, the sight of them riding home together should hurt Alicia. However, Patrick, being of noble birth, had never ridden a bicycle before, and Mary couldn't possibly carry him. Thus, it naturally fell to Adi, Mary's servant, to ride with Patrick. But was this really the right decision? Or perhaps the whole idea of commuting by bicycle was a mistake to begin with.

"By the way, taking His Highness Patrick on a bicycle, maybe I'm doing something really bad… What if the Dice family sues us…"

"Don't worry. I said I would ride. Besides, I've always wanted to try riding a bicycle."

"Really? I didn't expect you to be interested in bicycles."

"Yes, someone once told me that the wind feels good… I mean, Alicia… no, a certain person."

"Ah, a certain person, I see."

Adi pretended not to notice as Patrick deliberately cleared his throat to cover up. Mary, who was riding alongside them, also pretended nothing was wrong, but inside she was surprised by Patrick's change and even sent a compliment to Alicia. The student council president showing interest in a commoner's mode of transportation suggested that Alicia had a greater presence in Patrick's life than Mary had anticipated—perhaps even more than the pure and somewhat naive Alicia herself realized.

The original game is a system where the player becomes Alicia and lives the school life. Only Alicia's feelings are known, and how others feel about her can only be inferred from in-game conversations and a numerical value called affection. It seems that in the main game, Patrick is even more infatuated with Alicia than the impression given in the game. The stark contrast between the game's cool and composed Patrick, who even whispers sweet nothings, and the obvious cover-up now, made Mary slightly raise the corners of her mouth, finding it unexpectedly amusing.

Then, glancing ahead, she saw a familiar figure in the distance. A girl with golden hair gently swaying in the wind, moving her slender limbs gracefully, wearing the uniform of Cattleya Academy, a symbol of nobility, yet walking alone outside, carelessly. It was undoubtedly Alicia.

No other Cattleya Academy student would walk home, and it was unthinkable for her to go out without an escort or a bodyguard. Seeing Alicia's unusual figure, Mary tightened her grip on the handlebars, determined to proceed as planned. According to the game's events, they would pass by Alicia, who would notice them, be hurt by their affectionate appearance, and then misinterpret the situation, putting distance between herself and Patrick.

It should work out.

…It should, work out.

…Will it really work out?

Feeling a bit of unease due to the subtle change in the current situation from the original game, Mary thought. In the original game, they would be in the Albert family's carriage, with Mary and Patrick sitting close together, creating a scene that would lead to Alicia's misunderstanding. But now, Patrick is riding with Adi, and Mary is riding alone.

If Alicia were to misinterpret the situation as "How affectionate, maybe they are…" as in the game, in this case, it would be between Mary and Patrick, not…

"Stop, don't think about it anymore, Mary… You have to believe in yourself."

Feeling a chill at the thought of the scene, Mary scolded herself. What good would it do to lose confidence now? The plan was already in motion, and as the daughter of the Albert family, once a decision was made, it had to be seen through.

Yes, it should work out. Alicia will surely misinterpret this scene.

…Well, even if the misunderstanding is a bit different, it's fine.

The important thing is to interfere with Alicia and Patrick's relationship. If Adi gets involved, it can't be helped. He will be a noble sacrifice.

With these thoughts, Mary was about to pass by Alicia…

"Ara, His Highness Patrick."

"Ah, Alicia. Sorry, Adi, stop the bike."

"Yes!"

The bicycle screeched to a halt, and Mary instinctively applied the brakes as well.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

Alicia bowed, her greeting somewhat awkward and unaccustomed, but knowing her background and personality, it might be endearing. Indeed, Patrick, who would normally scold someone for an awkward greeting, simply nodded in response. His gaze, usually calm and expressionless, was now soft and gentle.

Alicia, unaware of Patrick's gaze, tilted her head curiously at the three of them.

"Why are you riding bicycles today?"

It's understandable that Alicia was confused. After all, two of the most prestigious nobles at Cattleya Academy were riding a commoner's mode of transportation.

In response to Alicia's question, Patrick cleared his throat and glanced at Mary, as if to say, "You handle this." It seemed he couldn't say he got interested in bicycles while talking to Alicia.

Mary, surprised by Patrick's clear attitude, thought about the game, where he would spout sugary lines to charm female players as his affection increased. Now, he seemed to be caught between his sweetness and pride, which was also charming in its own way.

But now wasn't the time to think about that. So, Mary fabricated a reason, "I thought it would be good exercise," and smiled gracefully, moving away from Alicia and Adi. "Oh, I need to talk to Adi for a moment," she said, pulling Adi away by the arm, creating some distance. It felt like a matchmaker saying, "The rest is up to the young couple."

Once they were far enough away that their voices wouldn't be heard, Mary stepped on Adi's foot, who was looking awkwardly away.

"Ah, those two are a good match… Miss, stop stepping on my foot and look at them."

"I have one question. Why did you stop? You knew about my plan, so why did you stop the bicycle?"

"Haha, Miss, look, His Highness Patrick is blushing. Alicia is simple and cute, a type he hasn't met before."

"…We need to have a talk, with Father involved."

"I'm sorry. No matter what your plan was, I couldn't disobey His Highness Patrick's orders!"

Adi bowed deeply, and Mary, feeling dizzy, held her forehead. Indeed, as a servant from a noble family, Adi couldn't ignore Patrick's orders. She understood that. But there was also her own order, and how was he handling that? Also, it seemed his internal hierarchy was off. Of course, her father, the head of the Albert family, should be at the top, but she felt she was considered below Patrick…

Seeing Mary's suspicious gaze, Adi, realizing it was bad, laughed nervously.

"Miss, they're calling us. Let's go back and cheer up."

"Come on," Adi smiled. His awkward smile was clearly an attempt to please, and Mary, losing the energy to be angry, sighed and said, "Fine."

Thus, they returned to Patrick and Alicia. It seemed their conversation had been lively, and they were only just now noticing Mary's return. Alicia looked happy, and Patrick seemed a bit embarrassed as they turned to Mary.

"Shall we go, His Highness Patrick? Good afternoon, Alicia. See you tomorrow at school."

"Ah, about that…"

As Mary said goodbye to Alicia, Patrick called out to her. Mary, of course, widened her eyes in surprise, and when she looked at him questioningly, Patrick cleared his throat.

And so, this happened.

"Riding it myself is a different experience. It's indeed good exercise."

"Amazing, His Highness Patrick, to be able to ride it so quickly, and with me on it!"

"Don't get too excited, it's easier than riding a horse."

Watching the two of them ride happily, Mary sighed deeply. She elbowed Adi in the side out of frustration, and he let out a "Ugh…"

"Feeling like I've lost a match, a bet, and a wager all at once."

"I understand how you feel, Miss. Please hold on tightly."

"Yes, if I fall off, it would be too humiliating."

Sighing, Mary wrapped her arm around Adi's waist.

Incidentally, Mary was now sitting on the back of the bicycle Adi was pedaling, a typical two-person ride. Next to them, Patrick and Alicia were also riding together, creating a scene that, while unusual for nobles, seemed youthful and lively. Indeed, Patrick and Alicia looked happy, and when the bicycle wobbled, Alicia would cling to Patrick, creating a sweet and bittersweet scene to watch. In contrast, Mary and Adi looked defeated, with Mary's eyes lifeless and Adi's smile strained from the negative aura behind him.

After a while, they reached the city, and both stopped their bicycles.

"Thank you for the ride, His Highness Patrick. Thank you, Miss Mary and Adi."

Alicia bowed deeply, and Mary smiled and said, "Don't mention it." The pleasant wind blew, and she nudged Adi's waist a few times, sometimes threatening him with her father's authority, and finally accepted her defeat with a smile that, to an outsider, might seem elegant. …Upon closer inspection, her eyes were still lifeless.

Regardless, Alicia smiled happily, and Patrick looked satisfied. The pure and innocent girl and the prince watching over her created a scene that left Mary feeling thoroughly defeated, as if she had lost before even trying.

Furthermore, for some reason—probably to see Alicia to her destination—Patrick even said, "This is fine." This was not just interference but also watching them enjoy a two-person ride and a city date. It was more than a defeat; it felt like she had been cheering for Patrick as his second.

Thus, Mary watched the two of them leave, talking happily, with lifeless eyes.

"What did I want to do…?"

Hearing Mary's words, Adi, feeling some responsibility this time, looked away awkwardly.