side. Anastasia (4)

Ever since the incident at the Cultural Festival, my relationship with His Highness had utterly collapsed. He no longer spoke to me, and I felt no desire to speak to him. If our paths happened to cross, we exchanged nothing more than a perfunctory bow.

Just as His Highness had come to loathe me, I no longer held the slightest interest in him, nor did I intend to waste my breath on that woman. I had strictly cautioned my friends as well, so I doubted any of them would be foolish enough to act on their own.

One day, while this cold status quo continued, His Highness abruptly dragged me out of the classroom. I assumed it was regarding the matter of that woman’s pen being burned this morning.

I had no idea what twisted logic they were using, but apparently, I had been cast as the culprit. A servant had been in my room at the time and could have verified my presence, but it seemed such basic reasoning was beyond His Highness’s reach.

To think that the man destined to be our future King is like this...

"Anastasia! That’s enough! Have you no shame, harassing the kind-hearted Amy by burning her pen?"

"Your Highness, I have done no such thing. Furthermore, I have strictly forbidden my friends from engaging in such behavior."

"Given the circumstances, it couldn't have been anyone but you."

"He’s right, Lady Anastasia. No matter how cute Amy is, jealousy is a hideous look on you."

It wasn't just His Highness—it seemed even Prince Claude had turned into a fool. I wondered just how far that woman intended to lead these men into ruin before she was satisfied.

I let out a heavy sigh. From behind the cluster of men, the girl peered at me and flashed a provocative smirk.

Ah, so that’s how it is. How utterly trivial.

"It is quite distressing to be accused without a shred of evidence. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lecture to attend."

I offered a bow and attempted to head back to the classroom, but Leonard grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks with brute force.

"Wait. We aren't finished talking."

"Leonard von Jukes. I did not give you permission to touch me. You are a mere Viscount; do not lay hands on a member of a Ducal house without leave."

"Shut up! I'll let go once you confess your crime!"

"Is that a threat?"

"It’s your own fault for not admitting it! No one else would ever bully Amy!"

Apparently, they had decided on my guilt first and simply blinded themselves to any facts that didn't fit their narrative. The fact that a man like this was set to join the Knight Order—and was a top candidate for Captain, no less—was a grave concern for the realm.

Had it been him alone, I might have managed, but being cornered and subjected to such treatment by an opponent who far outclassed me in both size and strength was, in truth, terrifying.

I suppose it’s time to ask Father to pull some strings.

Just then, Allen approached with loud, heavy footsteps.

"Pardon the interruption! It is nearly time for the lecture to begin!" Allen said, dropping to one knee.

"Tsk. Fine. Let’s go."

Their interest seemingly dampened by the interruption, His Highness and his entourage filed back into the classroom.

Had he... just saved me? Does that mean he was the one back then as well?

"Allen, you—"

"Lady Anastasia, it is time for class."

Allen cut me off and hurried toward the room. My heart was hammering against my ribs like a frantic bell, a lingering echo of the fear I'd just felt. For a long moment, I could do nothing but stand there, dazed.