CH 4

God King7-9 minutes 23.04.2023

Two days after the broken engagement, Bridget felt terribly uncomfortable as she walked through the hallways, sensing gazes from all around her as she moved to another building for the next curriculum.

(“It seems like everyone in the academy knows about me now…”)

Despite this, she maintained her stoic expression, cutting through the air as she walked with determination.

No matter what they said or how they laughed at her, she didn’t want to give in. But in reality, she was already close to breaking.

(“What should I do from now on?”)

Having fallen from the position of a royal fiancée overnight, she was now an embarrassed young lady who had been publicly discarded.

As Bridget turned the corner of the hallway, she felt a sudden impact on her shoulder and stumbled slightly. It seemed that she had collided with a male student walking towards her.

As soon as she realized this, Bridget opened her mouth without thinking.

“Where are you looking while you walk? You rude person!”

Glaring sharply at him, the male student’s face contorted, and he hurriedly ran away without a word. The students who witnessed this small commotion whispered among themselves, and Bridget quickly left the scene.

(“Why do I always talk like this…?”)

She felt her eyes getting hot. But if she cried, she knew it would only make her a laughingstock—so she clenched her lips and endured it with all her might.

It had been years since Joseph had said he liked haughty and arrogant girls. To suit his preferences, the timid and quiet Bridget was gone. In her place stood an arrogant woman who used her position as the prince’s fiancée as a shield.

Because of that, her unwanted nickname “Red Fairy” became even more fitting.

Even earlier, she had actually intended to say “I’m sorry.”

“…Sigh.”

She let out an unintentional sigh.

(“I can’t even talk normally…”)

She could speak more gently with the familiar servants, but she knew that she was hopeless in her current state. The habit was deeply ingrained and didn’t seem to be going away any time soon.

Bright sunlight streamed in through the academy windows. Even as she looked up at the brilliant blue sky, her mood didn’t clear.

The face of the girl reflected in the window was so garish that she was disgusted by herself.

“Are you listening, Yuri Aurealis?”

Bridget stopped upon hearing the voice coming from ahead. Although she knew she didn’t need to hide, she concealed herself behind a pillar, holding her breath.

Peeking fearfully, she saw the backs of several figures in the hallway.

Joseph and Lisa were there. The humiliation and sadness from just two days ago suddenly overwhelmed her, and she clenched her fists in front of her chest.

“Of course, I’ve been listening since earlier, Prince Joseph.”

“…You’re rude. To show such an insolent attitude when facing royalty.”

Then, she recognized the boy standing in front of Joseph and Lisa.

A person whose name was known to everyone in the academy—Yuri Aurealis. He was arguably more famous than even Prince Joseph.

(The young master of the “Water Clan”…)

The Aurealis family, a prestigious family primarily known for their many talented water magic users, held a high rank as a ducal house. Although Bridget had met Yuri several times, they had never really talked to each other personally. However, Bridget couldn’t help but be aware of Yuri’s existence.

(“The Meidel and Aurealis families are often mentioned together”)

Both families are known for their expertise in fire and water magic, and they have many members with red and blue hair. However, while Bridget contracted with an unknown, Yuri is an unprecedented young man who contracted with two high-ranking spirits at the same time, even though he is the fourth son of the Aurealis family.

In these families with strong magical bloodlines, only the eldest son or daughter with a contract with a high-ranking spirit is eligible to inherit the title. Yuri is rumored to be the one to inherit the Aurealis family. The eldest son has also contracted with a high-ranking spirit, but Yuri’s outstanding performance overshadows that.

Yuri is known for his ruthless and uncompassionate attitude towards others. Even now, his eyes looking at Joseph and Lisa are devoid of warmth. It is not far-fetched to say that there are countless girls who have been crushed by approaching him.

He is known as the “Ice Blade” because of his cold demeanor and untouchable abilities.

(“I’m disliked too… “)

Perhaps that was the only common ground between Bridget and Yuri. Of course, most of the evaluations of Bridget were ridicule, while those of Yuri were based on admiration and jealousy.

And now, Joseph seemed to be picking a fight with the young duke.

“Then apologize to Lisa. If you heard what I said, you should be able to do it, right?”

“…I cannot comply with your request, Your Highness.”

With sleek blue hair and narrow, yellow eyes, Yuri was a breathtakingly beautiful young man. His fair complexion and refined features make him look almost like a woman at first glance, and he is not very tall. Yet, even Bridget, who is only peeking from the shadows, is overwhelmed by his powerful presence.

Perhaps it is because his eyes are so cold and indifferent. It is as if he could slay her opponent with just one look.

“I have not been particularly cold towards the Baroness of Sermin. If anything, I treat her just like any other person.”

“How dare you… She’s a lady whom I, a member of the royal family, am close to!”

“Does that have anything to do with me personally?”

Yuri furrowed his brow, seemingly uninterested, while Joseph growled in irritation. However, Bridget could now understand the situation through their exchange. She silently exhaled.

(“Joseph is angry at him for being cold to the Baroness of Sermin…”)

How ridiculous, she thought. Was this how Joseph would continue to oppress those around him? Just like he falsely accused Bridget of bullying Lisa and condemned her.

Where did the kind and compassionate Joseph from their first encounter go?

As she thought about this, Bridget felt as if her eyes met Yuri’s beyond Joseph’s back. She tensed up and quickly pulled back her head.

(“Was I noticed?”)

If it was known that she had been eavesdropping, it would be more than just a matter of bad reputation. Bridget carefully left the scene without making a sound.

Joseph’s yelling could still be heard from behind her. People seemed to be gathering around them gradually. She thought that, like her, Yuri would be made a spectacle in front of the students. However, she also believed that he would not become a pathetic laughingstock like she had.

Yuri, who would not waver no matter what Joseph said, maintained his conviction.

(“Cold, aloof, and without any amiability…”)

―But, she thought, maybe that awkward way of being…

Might be just a little cool.