I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 88
“Ah, Illein.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“Please take good care of Rodein. It will take him some time to adjust to everything.”
“…Yes!”
Professor Sharian said this simply because he wanted to offer Illein a good connection. Rodein was the Second Prince and the most favored son of the current Empress.
Catching Rodein’s eye could benefit her later, especially if she applies to become a court official. With a bit of luck, she might even be selected as an administrative officer in the palace. With even more luck, she could aim for a position as an advisor.
Professor Sharian had a soft spot for those with the water affinity. It was rare, and students like Illein, who not only had the water affinity but also maintained top ranks and always put in effort, were even more valuable.
“Alright then, everyone, please focus on your studies.”
With that, Professor Sharian left the classroom.
– Rattle!
As the door closed, the sound of chairs scraping against the floor filled the room.
The screech of desks and chairs being moved made Rodein frown. Nevertheless, he naturally greeted the familiar faces approaching him.
“Am I that welcome here?”
“Wow, seeing you here is quite a surprise.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“Someone who’s always so busy is here?”
“Did you really come for the investigation?”
“Of course!”
He said this cheerfully, shrugging his shoulders.
Illein was about to gather her things to switch seats with Damon, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd around Rodein.
At that moment, Rodein grabbed her crystal wand and asked.
“Where are you going?”
“Um, I’m just trying to move seats.”
Damon then grabbed Rodein’s wrist and said.
“Don’t handle the wand so roughly! You know that’s impolite.”
Damon gave Rodein a friendly smile while glaring at him.
“Damon, I’ve noticed since last time, you seem quite close with the Thierry family?”
“You’re close too. You’re engaged to one of my relatives, after all.”
At Damon’s remark, Rodein found himself inadvertently blurting out.
“Well, that……”
Wasn’t really my choice.
He was momentarily surprised that he almost said that aloud. Political standing was far too important.
A mistake like that could have been a serious issue in the imperial court. The fact that Rodein almost made such a blunder was surprising enough.
When he looked at Illein, she seemed as intriguing as a fox living in the Arctic, with her thick fur. Her teardrop-shaped beauty mark made her appear even more alluring.
“Still, don’t move.”
Rodein said this, now focusing on Illein.
“I actually like my new partner. I’d like us to become quite close.”
Rodein glanced back, expecting Edwin to be fuming and ready to take out his anger on him.
However, Edwin was lying on his desk, maintaining a remarkably calm demeanor.
“……?”
Rodein was somewhat taken aback, wondering if Edwin was not interested in Illein.
Meanwhile, Damon was trying to help Illein switch her seat again.
“I saw Lady Illenas for the first time yesterday, so I’m a bit interested.”
Damon tightened his grip on Rodein’s wrist at those words. Edwin also furrowed his brow and started glaring at Rodein, making Rodein smile wryly once more.
It was incredible how interested these men were in Illenas Thierry, while being so clueless.
“So, I’m also trying to get along well with Lord Illein.”
He said this while patting Illein’s hair.
“You want to stay close to me, don’t you?”
“Huh?”
“Illein!”
Despite Rodein’s almost threatening tone, Illein, struggling but forcing a smile, nodded.
“Yes, please take good care of me too.”
The atmosphere in Class 1 was quite peculiar. On the surface, it seemed very friendly. Everyone was favorable toward Illein because of what she had gone through due to Willai previously.
By her side was the reliable ally Damon, and in Class 2, Melias often visited to check on her.
Although Thierry Barony was not wealthy, those who cared for her were among the powerful and influential central nobility.
Additionally, Edwin, despite his pretense, always helped her whenever she was in trouble.
Now, even the Second Prince Rodein was being favorable toward her.
Everyone on the surface thought that Illein’s recent hardships had led to better times.
Had the Belaine Academy been highly competitive and seen each other as rivals, such an atmosphere might not have existed.
However, most students here weren’t that competitive. They were nobles who had little time for fierce academic rivalry.
Most of them were heirs to families they would lead after graduating from the academy.
For these students, a diploma from Belaine Academy was merely a trophy, a proof that they were among the top 5% in the Empire.
In the end, their future wouldn’t be determined by their rankings here.
