“Not just that—he notices everything! He knew my pen nib was worn down before I did. He somehow knows the books I want to read and buys them for me. Whenever I have a new dress, he sends me matching accessories. It’s beyond just being observant. How does he know?”
Peeking out from behind her fan, Margit said, “It’s because it’s you, Emma. Though, honestly, Shiller’s a little creepy.” She snapped her fan shut with a flourish and added, “But yes, it’s because it’s you. Surely you’ve realized it by now?”
In the classroom’s bustling background, Emma quietly replied,
“I don’t understand anything. He hasn’t said a word to me.”
“Men are cowards,” Margit declared, tucking her fan into her pocket. “Women are much braver.”
* * *
“Lady Emma Lavidge! Over here!”
At the classroom door stood Muir, calling out loudly.
Margit, standing and shrugging, remarked, “See? Women are braver.”
Emma approached Muir, Margit following as a matter of course.
“Oh, come alone! You’re not a child!” Muir protested, glaring up at Emma.
Margit’s sharp retort silenced her instantly. “Whatever I do is none of your concern.”
“Well then, Lady Emma,” Muir said, her tone falsely sweet.
“Yes?”
“Would you stop harassing Nick?”
“Excuse me?”
Emma tilted her head, genuinely baffled.
“Ever since your engagement ended, Nick’s family business hasn’t been doing well. You’re doing something to them, aren’t you?”
“I haven’t done anything.”
“But you’re angry, right? I’m sorry! It’s my fault, isn’t it? It’s because Nick and I are so close!”
Suddenly, Muir burst into tears.
“Wait, I—” Emma, startled, instinctively raised her hand to comfort her, but Muir flinched, cowering and covering her head as if expecting a blow.
"Ah! Please don’t be angry! I’m sorry!"
"Calm down…"
"I’m so sorry! But why… why would you do something so terrible?!"
Muir cried as she apologized, creating the impression that Emma was the villain. Emma felt a heavy weight in her chest. To any onlooker, it would appear as though Emma had struck Muir.
"Please calm down," Emma said gently, though her only option was to soothe her. Any harsh words would make her seem like the actual wrongdoer.
(In the end, the loudest person always wins.)
It was the same with Nick. He would persist until he got his way, repeating his harassment over and over. The two were alike, Emma realized, feeling a wave of resignation.
But Margit didn’t see it the same way. The moment Emma’s expression darkened, Margit strode forward.
"If you’re incapable of holding a proper conversation, maybe you should leave the academy," she said sharply, standing beside Emma and taking her hand.
"W-Wait, I wasn’t done talking—!"
A nearby classmate closed the door, cutting Muir off. Though she could be heard shouting outside, a male student held the door firmly shut.
"Margit! People will speak ill of you for this!" Emma protested, trying to stop her.
Margit didn’t seem to care. "Let them. What matters is that you’re not hurt."
Her dark brunette hair brushed against Emma’s cheek as Margit pulled her into a hug.
"It’s unladylike, isn’t it? But I don’t care. What’s important right now is your smile. Do you understand?"
It wasn’t a particularly refined gesture, but it brought a smile to Emma’s face nonetheless. Knowing someone cared for her so deeply warmed her heart.
"I think… I’m happier now than I’ve ever been."
"Of course. Honestly, I wanted you to end that engagement with that scumbag as soon as possible. From now on, you’ll be nothing but happy. I guarantee it."
Escorted by none other than the future princess, Emma returned to her seat. She resolved to find some way, however small, to repay Margit’s kindness.
* * *
That afternoon, Emma was at the rose garden with Shiller.
When she recounted the incident with Muir, Shiller furrowed his brow.
"Is that so? Hmph."
"I have to find a way to thank Margit. I may not be able to do much, but…"
"Your presence is probably the best thanks you could give her," Shiller said with a smile. Surrounded by blooming roses, his expression was even more radiant.
Seeing Emma shyly turn her face away, Shiller’s lips curled into a sly grin.
"Shall we head back?" Emma asked, standing from the bench.
Before she could take a step, Shiller grabbed her hand and gently pulled her back.
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