Chapter 86

"Originally, there were no rules at the Vruhel Academy that required female students to wear the female uniform or prohibited them from lying about their names or status."

Gilbert, who had been sitting in the seat where Lean had been until a moment ago, began to speak. In front of him, Cecilia had her eyebrows furrowed. Around them, Lean, her parents, and even Hans were gone, having scattered to go on dates or sightseeing.

"I know that much, but what does it matter? Does it have anything to do with Father and Mother knowing about the male disguise?"

Cecilia, looking uneasy, was calmed by Gilbert with a "Well, just listen."

"So, what we're doing now is not a problem according to the rules. The issue here is the existence of Lord Clements, who manages the academy..."

"Clements?"

"Even if there are no rules, it would be a big problem if a duke's daughter were to come to the academy in male disguise, and even more so if she were to lie about her status. The rules probably didn't exist because there had never been a precedent before..."

At Gilbert's words, Cecilia leaned forward.

"But, it's not a problem now, right?"

"Yes. That's why I kept it quiet."

"Kept it quiet?"

"By the power of authority and money."

Hearing such an outrageous statement, Cecilia fell silent. Gilbert continued, noticing her shocked expression out of the corner of his eye.

"I knew that the heir of the Clements family was a gambling addict and would be in financial trouble. So, I prepared the money in the form of financial aid and asked him to keep quiet in return. However, the amount of money I could move was limited..."

"So, you talked to Father and Mother about the situation?"

"Well, there had already been talk of offering financial aid to the Clements family when Cecilia was to enter the academy, so I added conditions to that."

According to the story, the conditions given to Lord Clements were:

1. "Keep quiet about our daughter's male disguise until someone asks."

2. "Make sure she can live comfortably as a male student."

So, if the king were to ask, "Is Cecilia disguised as a male and attending the academy?" he could answer "Yes." Since the Silvius family had requested it, he wouldn't be held responsible for anything that happened. For the Clements family, keeping quiet would mean receiving a large amount of financial aid. Of course, they would choose to remain silent.

"Lord Lucinda and Lord Edward are childhood friends of the king. They probably think that even if they do something unreasonable, it will be forgiven."

Hearing this, Cecilia leaned forward.

"Wait! What did you tell Father and Mother? You said you explained the situation, but you didn't tell them about your past life, did you?"

"Of course not. No one would believe such a ridiculous story."

Cecilia, who had called her stepbrother a "ridiculous story" in the past, clutched her chest.

"I told them that 'Cecilia wants to enter the academy under a false identity to broaden her horizons.'"

"Really? ...Did they both believe it?"

"Lord Lucinda even shed tears of joy, saying, 'Finally, she's showing the awareness of a queen.' Lord Edward said, 'If you're going to be one of the people who move the country, you need to broaden your horizons! I'll give you as much money as you need for that!'"

"...Father, Mother."

She had always known they were indulgent, but this was quite excessive. Normally, such excessive indulgence would have turned Cecilia into a spoiled and selfish woman, but this time it worked in her favor. Cecilia leaned back in her chair, looking relieved.

"But, if you had told me earlier, I could have been more relaxed!"

"That's the point."

"Huh?"

"If you had known from the beginning that the Silvius family was backing you, you would have done even more reckless things. That's why I didn't tell you. If you had been any more relaxed, I wouldn't have been able to cover for you."

Hearing this in a serious tone, Cecilia shrank, feeling guilty. Gilbert sighed deeply, looking exasperated, and lowered his gaze to the cup in front of him.

"Well, now that you know, there's nothing we can do. But, from now on, act as if the Silvius family isn't backing you. If something happens, you won't be the one held responsible."

"...Hey."

"Hmm?"

Gilbert's face lifted at Cecilia's question. At that moment, Cecilia's gaze dropped.

"Can I change the subject a bit?"

"What's wrong, Cecilia?"

"I've been thinking... Does the way you call me sound like it's going to stick?"

Cecilia asked hesitantly. "The way you call me" referred to Gilbert calling her "Cecilia" instead of "sister" since the day he first called her by name. She had wondered about the change in his attitude but had been too embarrassed to ask until now.

"Is it not okay?"

"It's not that it's not okay. It just doesn't feel like 'sister' when you call me by my name."

"Well, I don't actually think of you as a sister."

Gilbert smiled, looking troubled. At that moment, Lean's words from earlier came back to Cecilia's mind.

"That definitely looks like he likes you as a woman."

"To Gilbert, you're just a cousin who lives with him!"

(Could it be that Gilbert can't think of me as a sister because I'm not reliable...?)

Lean's words made her flustered. Although she thought it was unlikely, her neck felt hot, and her face flushed. Her mouth felt dry.

"What's wrong?"

"Wh-What's wrong!?"

"You look strange."

His hand reached out and touched her cheek. Startled, she shrank back, and her cheek was pinched.

"Hehe, an even stranger face."

"---!"

This kind of touch, which would normally not bother her, made her body stiffen because of Lean's words.

"Are you really okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

"N-No... um..."

"Do you have a fever?"

Gilbert stood up and placed his hand on Cecilia's forehead to check her temperature. His cool hand touched her forehead and then her neck, which was probably the hottest part.

(Oh!)

It was always like this. The distance was always the same, yet...

"A little higher than normal."

He said this with a casual attitude and expression. Cecilia clenched her fists on her lap, looking at his expression.

(No, no, this is bad! It's bad for Gilbert, and it's making me self-conscious!)

It was too much to let her emotions get the better of her. Cecilia stood up abruptly.

(I need to clear this up!)

"Hey, Gilbert!"

"Hmm?"

"Lean said something strange..."

"Strange?"

If he denied it, they could continue to be comfortable as step-siblings. Cecilia opened her mouth with this in mind.

"Lean said that Gilbert likes me..."

"..."

At Cecilia's words, Gilbert froze in surprise for a moment. Then, as if he had realized something, he let out a troubled smile.

"Why? That's nothing new, right? I've always said I like you."

"No, it's not that! Lean meant that you might like me as a romantic partner..."

(What?)

As if the heat had left her mouth, Cecilia quickly became calm. She re-evaluated what she had said.

(Am I saying something really embarrassing...?)

Sweat burst out all over her body. Her breath was hot, and even her clenched hands were trembling. What was she trying to confirm?

Afraid to see Gilbert's expression, Cecilia closed her eyes tightly.

"S-Sorry! Of course, that's not true! I mean, forget it! I'm sorry for asking such a strange question—"

"So, that's nothing new, right?"

"Eh?"

Interrupted by his words, Cecilia's eyes wavered and turned to Gilbert. He had a faint smile on his lips and was staring at his coffee. His gaze was surely reflecting himself in the surface of the coffee.

"I've never used 'like' in any other way than that."

His gaze lifted and met Cecilia's.

"I really like you, Cecilia."

Gilbert's eyes slowly narrowed, and his cheeks gradually turned pink. Watching the light blush, Cecilia's mind exploded.

(If I didn't realize it now, I'd be really dense, wouldn't I? [laughs])

I hope the fans of Gilbert and Cecilia will be happy.

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