IBYK 08

Chapter 08

“What… was that just now?”

“Are you saying Rose’s last name is Blein?”

“I never heard there was another young lady in the Blein family besides Ebony-senpai.”

Camilla was confused.

‘What is all this about?’

Rose is a Blein? Ebony Blein’s younger sister?

It didn’t feel real.

The murmurs of those around her made it even harder for her dazed mind to focus.

Standing there in a daze, Camilla suddenly thought of Vanessa.

‘Vanessa!’

Although she had been reluctantly pushed to go to Rose…

Camilla thought of Vanessa as her only way out of this situation. She quickly turned her head.

“Could it really be Ebony-senpai’s younger sister?”

“Wow. Maybe they didn’t mention it on purpose when introducing her to embarrass us? This is so funny.”

Sesia’s face was red. Hailey was laughing, clearly surprised. And…

“Hmm~”

Vanessa looked toward the door Rose had exited with an expression of interest.

Thump-

For a moment, Camilla’s heart sank.

Even if just for a short instant, it felt like she was somewhere completely else.

‘I have to go back.’

As soon as that thought struck her, Camilla hurried back to her seat.

But even as she returned, the three of them didn’t glance at her at all. That sight tightened the anxiety in Camilla’s chest.

“Ah, so she’s from the Blein family.”

Camilla said it as casually as possible. As usual.

She sat beside Sesia, turning her body back toward Vanessa and Hailey as she always did.

“That really surprised me. You guys too, right?”

Camilla tried to smile as if nothing had happened. But there was no response.

“…Guys?”

The three of them just stared at her silently. Their gaze made Camilla tense without realizing it.

“Pfft.”

Then Vanessa let out a small laugh.

“Why are you so nervous, Camilla?”

Vanessa’s laugh and words instantly melted away the tension.

A mix of relief and the kind of smile that almost brought tears made Camilla look quite comical.

“Blein, huh.”

But the feeling of unease sprouted again. Vanessa seemed interested in Rose.

‘What is Vanessa interested in, anyway?’

Camilla recalled when she first tried to get close to Vanessa Muniel at the high academy.

Back then, Vanessa had answered:

“Hmm. I’m really interested in Latula.”

That’s right. Vanessa had been interested in Latula from the start.

Among all the girls dreaming of Orode Academy, almost none would not be interested in Latula unless they were exceptionally unusual.

But now, in front of Vanessa appeared Solia’s own Ebony of Latula and her younger sister, Rose.

‘It can’t be… right? It won’t be.’

Camilla pushed the thought away. But still, unease didn’t vanish, and she was forced to face a situation she didn’t want to.

“Camilla.”

“Hmm?”

“I think I’ll move over a bit.”

“…Huh?”

Vanessa pointed with her index finger.

It was to the exact opposite side from where Camilla was sitting.

“Van…essa?”

Camilla called out desperately, hoping she wouldn’t. But Vanessa just smiled silently.

“Hurry.”

Before Rose arrived.

Clack-

Ebony’s steps were quick as she led Rose.

When they reached a quiet spot, Ebony held Rose in her arms and gently patted her back.

“Rose. Stop crying now. What if you faint?”

Ebony was worried. She never expected to see Rose shedding such big, heavy tears.

Even though she tried to comfort her, Rose cried so sadly that all Ebony could do was wipe away her tears.

“Was it because of that student who was standing in front of you earlier?”

Rose slowly lifted the face that had been buried in her palms.

The small face, red from holding back tears, looked so pitiful that Ebony couldn’t help but stroke Rose’s wet cheek.

“It’s just… I was surprised. Don’t worry, it’s nothing. Don’t worry, sis.”

Rose wiped her damp face with her sleeve. Ebony quickly held her arm in concern, but her delicate skin had already turned even redder.

It was clearly more than ‘nothing’ to anyone who saw it. Ebony let out a small sigh.

‘Ebony. When Rose goes to the academy, make sure you take good care of her. I know you’ll do well, but… you know what I mean.’

Her father’s words came to mind before sending Rose to the academy.

Ebony had never expected Rose to be crying on the very first day.

She had come early with Michel to prevent any mishaps before the first class even started.

‘And yet, something already happened in the meantime.’

“Who was that student?”

“Sis, I’m really fine.”

“Michel, do you remember?”

Ebony, of course, reacted sharply. Rose, with tears gone, quickly tried to stop her from overreacting, looking flustered.

Then, when Rose met Michel Schmidt’s gaze, she blushed shyly.

“Oh, right. It’s been such a long time for the two of you, hasn’t it?”

Ebony composed herself for a moment.

The Blein and Schmidt families had maintained a close relationship for a long time.

Because of that, Ebony and Michel had been close since childhood and were even engaged.

“Since Rose got sick, we haven’t seen each other much.”

Ebony let out a sigh, brushing her red hair back and wrapping Rose in her arms with a bright smile.

“Michel, remember? This is our Rose. It’s been a while since you last saw her, right?”

“Hello, brother.”

Rose bowed slightly, her under-eyes still red. Her delicate frame, beautiful face, and pure aura reminded Michel of her younger self.

‘Michel, big brother!’

Even as a child, she had been cute and pretty. Now, as an adult, she still looked like an adorable younger sister.

“Hello, Rose. It really has been a long time.”

“You’ve become so handsome, brother. I heard from sis that you became Solio of Naidel too.”

“Uh? Uh, yes, that’s right.”

“That’s really amazing.”

Rose clasped her hands together and smiled shyly. Michel felt embarrassed by her innocent compliment and didn’t know what to do.

“Rose, that’s natural.”

Ebony tossed her long hair with pride and confidence.

With her calm and graceful movements, she radiated self-assuredness.

“After all, he’s Michel Schmidt, the eldest son and your fiancé.”

Ebony said that, standing beside Michel.

Gentle and kind Michel and confident, lively Ebony. They looked like a perfect couple.

“Yes, they match really well.”

Rose clapped softly in agreement, then looked quietly into Michel’s amber eyes and spoke again.

“I’m really envious of such a wonderful fiancé.”

Michel just smiled sheepishly.

Rose blinked at him.

‘It can’t stay at just this, can it?’

Their long-standing engagement had built a deep, familial-like bond.

Their relationship must be very close.

‘Michel, didn’t you say taking that medicine causes Stoneum disease?’
‘Ebony, lower your voice. Did you add the right amount? Not less, right?’

Michel Schmidt was the accomplice who administered the poison. Even with a gentle demeanor, he was the Solio of Naidel and eldest son of the Schmidt family.

“But sis, why are we in the classroom now?”

There was nothing more to do here.

Rose chose to close the situation neatly.

Ebony, who had briefly forgotten earlier, widened her eyes again.

“Oh, right. I told you to tell me if anything happens at the academy, didn’t I? So tell me. Who bullied you?”

“…Ah, that’s…”

“No need to hide it. I remember the face clearly.”

He was quite tall, with dark blue hair.

If they went now, they’d find him immediately.

Even now, Rose seemed ready to chase after him, but she grabbed Ebony’s uniform tightly.

Ebony’s elegant silk blouse was crumpled in Rose’s hands.

“Wait, sis.”

“Let go, Rose. We have to go check.”

Despite Rose’s attempt to stop her, Ebony headed toward the first-year classroom.

Rose clutched Ebony’s arm tightly, subtly turning to look at Michel standing one step behind.

Her gaze was desperate.

‘Michel, big brother.’

Seeing that pitiful look asking for help, Michel flinched, unsure what to do.

Rose’s plump pink lips moved slightly.

‘Please help me.’

She was asking him for help. How could anyone resist those eyes that seemed to trust only him?