TMM 4

The following year, Mariabelle enrolled at the academy.

She did not enter the dormitory, choosing instead to commute from home. Given how doted upon she was by her parents, it was only to be expected.

She selected the same general course as Alicia, and before long, Alicia’s friends began to gather at Mariabelle’s side instead.

Soon enough, it became natural for the three of them—Joshua, Mariabelle, and Alicia—to take their lunches together.

Mariabelle was always the center of the conversation. Alicia could not bring herself to join in between the two of them as they spoke so animatedly, and so she merely listened with a polite smile.

Even so, Alicia was still content.

That was because, both at home and at the academy, Mariabelle herself had never mistreated her.

It was true that Mariabelle would sometimes say, “How lovely,” about Alicia’s belongings, but it was Thomas and Deborah who had taken them away.

Mariabelle herself had never struck Alicia, nor had she ever raised her hand against her.

However, about two months after Mariabelle’s enrollment, the situation began to change.

When the morning classes ended, a classmate named Lily called out to her.

“Lady Alicia, you haven’t been dining with His Highness very often in the cafeteria lately, have you?”

“We still dine together once a week,” Alicia replied.

She did not understand what Lily was implying.

“But His Highness eats with Lady Mariabelle every day,” Lily said, fixing Alicia with a worried look.

“What? Is that… really so?”

“Oh my, do you doubt my word? Then why not go and see for yourself right now?”

Though her words were framed as concern, the mocking edge in Lily’s expression was unmistakable.

Only then did Alicia realize she was being ridiculed.

She had thought of Lily as a friend. Perhaps she alone had done so.

Even so, anxiety took hold of her, and Alicia hurried toward the cafeteria.

Behind her, she heard the suppressed giggles of female students. Startled, she turned to see a group of girls gathered around Lily.

(I’ve been looked down upon…)

Tears threatened to well up, but timid Alicia could not bring herself to retort. She turned back toward the cafeteria.

By the time she arrived, Joshua, his classmates, and Mariabelle were just rising from their seats.

It seemed Mariabelle had grown close to Joshua’s friends as well.

Joshua had never once introduced Alicia to them.

Breathing hard, Alicia reached the cafeteria. Mariabelle noticed her at once and waved cheerfully.

“Elder Sister!”

At that clear, ringing voice, everyone in the cafeteria turned to look, their gazes settling on Alicia as she struggled to catch her breath.

Overwhelmed by the attention, Alicia felt an urge to flee.

Joshua, having noticed her, walked over.

“I’m sorry, but I have a class now. Let’s have a meal together another time.”

“Yes, please. I would like that.”

She answered with a clinging feeling in her heart, and he nodded.

As he left with his friends, Mariabelle following after them, Alicia called out to her.

“Mariabelle, I need to speak with you for a moment.”

“What is it? It’s rare for you to want to talk to me, Elder Sister.”

Mariabelle smiled innocently.

Together, they made their way to a small pavilion in a secluded garden. The moment they sat on the bench, Mariabelle spoke.

“Is something wrong? You look pale.”

Her tone was full of concern.

“Listen, Mariabelle. I have a favor to ask. When I’m not there, I’d like you not to dine with His Highness.”

Mariabelle looked genuinely startled.

“Eh? Why would that be? It’s not as though I’ve been dining alone with him. Today, his friends were there as well. I don’t recall doing anything improper.”

It sounded perfectly reasonable, and yet the words “today, his friends were there” caught at Alicia’s heart.

“Then since when have you been dining with His Highness without me?”

At Alicia’s question, Mariabelle tilted her head.

“Let me think… One day, when I went to the dining hall alone, His Highness happened to be there. Since then, whenever our schedules align, we eat together. Of course, we’re hardly ever alone.”

“Hardly ever? Then there are times when you’re alone together?”

“Sometimes.”

Alicia could scarcely believe her, as Mariabelle spoke without the slightest trace of guilt.