[location:Shiori's store in Amberia]
"Here you go boss lady!" Lance said handing me a large sack briming with gold coins
Holy moly đ¤
"Thanks, and here's your reward!" I tossed them a container of strawberries
"Happiness!" They beamed like little kids who were just given free ice-cream
There fruit obsession shouldn't be underestimate đ
....
[Location: Draco Academy]
It was bad enough that I was already attracting attention by being close friends with the royals of infamous kingdoms despite me being only known as a merchant with no origin.
But I never expected my reputation and popularity to have somehow skyrocketed over night.
Student boys and girls have been approaching me to be friends. My locker's been filled with pink envelopes full of confessions and proposals.
My and Nate's engagement hasn't been announced publicly yet , so naturally guys think I'm single and took their chances of proposing courtship which was driving him nuts.
To manage my situation I simple shrugged off anyone trying to so much as speak to me, and brutality rejected every bachelor that came my way.
"Lady shiori, top beauty of our school, please accept my proposal for courtship...!" A male student confessed bowing on one knee and holding a large bouquet of flowers
"Not interested!" I stated bluntly and walked away unfazed as the male's pride was completely shattered.
A month had past, I was now known as the impregnable villainess who crushes hearts and confidence of any guy or girl she meets...
Well that was unexpected, paint me as the villain just because you NPCs can't handle a rejection, How pathetic đ
I and my friends were heading to the cafeteria for lunch. People kept staring at us with mixes of fear and adoration.
"Um lady shiori, people are staring at you..." Jasmine says in a worried tone.
"Just ignore them..." I stated tiredly.
We sat down at a table with as servants took our orders.
"Don't you think it's weird? I mean I'm not even that pretty..." I gestured to my situation
I'm not from a noble family, and my engagement hasn't been announced, so why are people staring at him like I'm an alien???
"Oh please, It isn't really surprising..." Mia shrugged
"What do you mean?" I tilted my head
"Are you being serious? Your a queen of two frickin kingdoms, a popular merchant who built the second most popular Enterprises from the ground up all by herself without any financial backing and highly talented in both academics and magic affinity despite not being a summoned hero by the goddess..." Jasmine stated like I was the one being stupid
" girl, your drop dead gorgeous and loaded financially, socially and talented, Your the full package In my opinion. It's no wonder guys are practically throwing themselves at you" Mia added eating her lunch.
"That's right, anyone who marries you would be made without having to lift a finger..." Jasmine stated sipping her tea.
"And those close to you platonicallly would have perks and special access on premium products in your Enterprise..." Mia smiled as she held out the skin beauty cream I had gifted to them for half price a few weeks ago.
They have a point, however I better deal with this soon or it might become a problem later on. Nate is already at his limit. not like I can blame him. It must be hard not to tell them I'm already his finacee. Only teachers and staff are aware of our engagement.
I caress the earring on my earring tenderly.
"May I sit with you three?"
The three of us stared at the student, his lilac hair shone against the afternoon sun as his voilet gem like eyes stared at us with a calm smile as approached our table. He didn't even wait for our answer before sitting down.
I looked at this guy curious,
"There are plenty of sits, why sit with us?" I quired with
"I wanted to sit here." He replied
"Your attracting unwanted attention..." I frowned as I could feel the jealous glares from the other students
"It's not a problem if you ignore them. Let's start over, I'm Nicole Valentine."
"Shiori komori"
"Odd name, are you from the okinawa city?."
"No"
"Interesting..." He hummed
"So what brings you to our table?" Mia asked
"I heard rumors about the impregnable villainess and wanted to see for myself...."
"Oh really..." I rolled my eyes
"I just want to know the impregnable villainess better" he said
"Not interested." I shut him down
He didn't react and kept staring at me.
....
I changed into my sparing uniform and headed to class. it was my first class so I was introduced to the others.
"A pleasure, my name is Shiori komori" I bowed, ignoring the whispers the flew around
The class was led by professor Andrew, the one that ordered large amount of healing potions a few days ago.
"Alright, you'll be choosing your sparing parters randomly! Pick a piece of paper from the box" professor Andrew said.
I went over to the wooden box and picked out a number.
"I'm number 7." I said out loud
"Same" I froze, slowly turning to look at none other than Nicole himself
GOD-DAMNED IT!!!
"That's a rather interesting sparing uniform...?" He said staring at my clothes. I wore a plain white collar shirt and cream shorts
"They function, that's all that matters..."
"If you say so..."
We did a few partner stretches before proceeding to spar.
I had held back so as not to cause a scene. at first I thought that his was trying to predict my movement but no...
His skills although plain, are refined. it's refreshing...
I swiftly dodged his sword, it's tip barely grazing my throat. That's when I swung my sword as our weapons clashed with a sharp clang.
The teacher blew a whistle for us to stop as I and Nicole panted to catch our breath, adrenaline still pumping in my veins
He's good but Chris is still better to spar with
"Thankyou for a good match" he said
"Thankyou for a good match " I replied as I stretched my arms in the air
"Your sword style is impressive..." He complimented
"Thanks"
"But I hate your style, it's too simple. It's like looking in the mirror. " He then walked away with a slight frowne on his face.
What was that all about?
...
I stood outside of campus , dressed as casually as I could.
"I wonder what his problem was?" I asked myself as I stared at nothing in particular.
Just then a cough brought back my attention. I turned to see Oliver ending towards me.
Flashback
I sat in the student council room waiting for Nathaniel. He'd been looking gloomy all week, I'd try talking to him a few times but he'd always get swamped up in work.
"Hey Oliver, have you seen Nate today?"
"I believe he's in a meeting with the commoner class students, something about improving the bugget on their boarding costs...." He replied as he read threw some files
"I see...." I stared blankly at the display of cakes and sweets spread across the table, I didn't even have the appetite to enjoy my beloved cakes today
I held mochi close as he wiggle in my grasp
"Hey, are you perhaps free this evening..." Oliver asked cocking his head to the side
"Huh?" I blinked
Flashback
There he stood leaning against a piller, looking over at my outfit.
"I said wear something causal. Are you trying to make a fashion statement?, what even is that?" He rose a brow
"It's called a hoodie, look it up" I deadpanned.
He shrugged and we walked out of the campus and into the streets.
We reached the town square and stood in queue for ice-cream. The sweet dessert instantly became a hit and is now sold everywhere by goblins from my kingdom.
This way humans and monsters can coexist and it boosts word of my kingdom.
"Two vanilla ice creams please" Oliver ordered
"Here you go..." The goblin vendor said with a bright smile as he handed us out ice-cream, We walked away and sat by the fountain.
"So why did you call me out here?" I asked licking my ice cream
"I wanted to talk.."
"We could have spoken at the campus..."
"It would attract rumors and unnecessary attention." He stated bluntly
"I see, so what is it you wish to talk about?"
"I'm sure you're aware of the recent kidnapping and phantom attacks ls lately..." He started.
Ml
"What about it?"
"All the victims were either demi humans or low status students, meaning someone is behind this"
"Who are you suspecting?" I asked blankly
"Only teachers and staff members have access and keys to every area of the campus, my guess would be that it's a teacher or maybe a student..."
"And why tell me? I could be the imposter for all you know" I said
"I know you're not the imposter. I'm telling you as a precaution as well as a nudge for you to help solve this case, four eyes are better than two, right..." He said finishing his frozen treat
I stared at him for a good long moment.
"Does Chris know about any of this?'
"No. He doesn't, I don't need him thinking about such while preparing for his recital...."
Knowing Chris, he'll probably want to find the culprits himself which may cause him to act reckless. It's understandable that Oliver wants to keep him in the dark.
"I'll see what I can do..." I sighed
By evening, we were heading back to campus
"Thanks for today's date, the ice-cream was yummy..."
"It was my pleasure, and please keep this information between us, can't have your fiancee getting agitated with me" he smiled before staring at the path ahead
"Your fencing style is a mystery, it's too simple, sure you've got the basics down but that's about it, it's painful to watch and yet I couldn't take my eyes off you..." He spoke
My cheeks flushed a bit " you saw?"
"We're in the same class so yes? You were up against master Nicole if I'm not mistaken...." He chuckled lightly
"Um thanks...." I said sheepishly
"But I still hate it..."
"Huh?"
"My style is also like yours, basic, simple and plain, how unfortunate..." He frowned
"I don't think it that way, you see...." I turned to him with a smile genuine smile
"I actually like your fencing style..."
There was a pause of silence, the dawn breeze blew as our hair swayed within its range.
He tensed for just a moment, a small broken smile crept up on his face
"Someone told me that once, and I've hated it even more ever since..." He said with annoyed smile.
"You know, believe it or not, I'm actually the most heartless person on earth, even if all of humanity gets wiped out in a gruesome event, as long as it's not from my kingdom or anyone close to me, it won't faze me." I stated bluntly
"That's purely scum" he said
"I'm aware thanks, but you see... things that no one notices, cares, or bothers about, those are the kind of information I find interesting. that's why I said that...I like your fencing style... "
He looked over at me like I was crazy before chuckling darkly
"Your weird" he said
"I've been told that a lot" I shrugged
"Ok then, Goodbye, lady shiori..." He said entering the campus.
I smiled as we walked
..... ....
In another part of the building, Nate stood by a window watching the whole thing. The thought of His precious fiancee taking interest in another man, infuriated him to the core.
He stared at the present box amber had given him recently, inside was a water affinity bracelet. It's aqua colored pearls glinted under the evening light, however Nate didn't pay a dime of attention to it.
He wasn't one to be interested in trinkets, and that had nothing to do with his suspicious about amber.
Although he found himself staring at the mirror once or twice, just admiring the earring gifted from his cute fiancee, caressing it like a sacred treasure. Random times finding himself grinning like a fool.
Sure shiori wasn't the type to cheat, he trusted her more than anyone else. It was them didn't trust.
Those bastards that dare try to pursued his fiancee.
But no matter whom...
He won't give her up to or for everyone else....
........
Axel was currently trapped in a prison cell.
"Damnit!" He cursed as his fists banged the bars in fustration. Turning to someone in a cloak
"Are you alright miss?" He asked
"Your seriously asking that now?" Lila glared at him.
"Oh, sorry " I muttered embarrassed
Flashback
He had his sword barely grazing the figure's neck
"Don't move if you value your life" he threatened
"I have you know that I have no intention of dieing, I'm quite comfortable and enjoying this life. Especially after meeting her. Plus reincarnation is such a drag..." The figure spoke casually as his eyes had a dark glint.
Sensing the danger, axel leapt back a few feet a stood in a stance.
"My, what a pretty sword you've got, it's so heavily enchanted, I bet it would fetch a hefty price" the figure grinned as he walked out of the dark.
His silver hair shone as his eyes had a mischievous glint in them.
"I'm actually in a hurry so I'll make this quick, but first..." He read into axel's memory as a bright smile appeared on his face.
"My my, how fortunate! I guess I'll go easy on you for your master's sake..." With that he shoved the mouse ninja in his chest as he flew into a wall before collapsing on the ground.
"Bye bye mousy" the figure disappeared into the darkness. Once he was gone, Lila who was wearing a hood came to axel's aid a helped him up.
"Are you alright?" She asked
"Who are you?" He quired
"Be quiet, we have to leave this place now!" She shushed him.
"Hey! Whose there?!" A guard called out.
"Did some lab rats escape?!" Another yelled
"Look that one has a strange sword!" The third one said
"Oh shit!" Lila cursed
Flashback ends.....
Some guards had hear the commotion and locked them in the dungeon cell underground...
"So Why are you in draco city anyway?"axel asked
"I saw a mission concerning demi human smugglers in draco city, since I heard lady shiori started school at the academy, I took the job..." She replied
"I see, alright. Kui!" He summoned a short sword from his wrist before using it to slash the bars as the whole thing cut open
"If me reports are correct, then We might see something unsightly on our way out, I hope your prepared"
Lila nodded "lead the way..."
They walked deeper into the dungeon, stopping at a metal door, Opening it their eyes widened in horror. Inside was a laboratory with living experiments breathing in glass containers.
"How horrible, there demi humans, some are even human!" Lila threw up as axel was purely disgusted.
"it would seems like they were performing humanoid experiments, trying to increase ones mana and magic" axel said as he read the journal on the floor.
"Who did this?" Lila frowned but turned to axel surprised when he unsheathed his sword
"What are you doing?"
"Putting them out of their misery, I'll destroyed every piece of experiment here and relieve these people from their suffering." He said slicing the containers as the fluid poured out. Lila joined him.
The two walkef out of there, but not after setting the place ablaze....