“B-Bell-kuuun?! What is the meaning of tha— Bwergh?!” Charles shouted.
Unable to stay still after that shocking revelation, Charles freed himself from the wall and crawled toward the group like a zombie. However, none of the students looking on were even glancing at him, and they trampled over him as they went on their way. In other words, he was crushed underfoot.
“Is Rion-san really going to be wed, Bell-san?!”
“Who is her betrothed? Which prince?!”
“I am certain that whoever it is, he is a wonderful man! A noble from a major power... No, he simply must be royalty!”
“You said that you two were planning to graduate early to be in time for the ceremony. Does that mean she has been engaged for a while now?! And you knew all this time, Bell-san?! I would positively love an invitation!”
“Ah, stealing a march on us like that is simply rude! I would love one too!”
The crowd of girls had surged forward, surrounding Bell and flooding her with questions.
“Uh...” Bell let out. She could do nothing but regret her loose lips as she realized she’d made a mistake.
I guess there’s at least a silver lining to all this since Rion’s not here right now. Also, not that this has anything to do with anything, but why are all the students here speaking like pampered rich girls, even the ones who usually talk normally?
For a moment, Bell was terrified that they were infected by the speaking style of her underling from the same dorm, but she quickly realized that could not be true. Most likely it was their status as representatives of the diamond generation that was making them revise the way they talked. In essence, they believed that Bell was now unequivocally their social superior, so they thought they should be as polite as they could. Of course, there was room for interpretation regarding whether their idea of polite speech was actually that, though.
I’m shocked that they’re this interested, Bell thought. I guess he’s famous and basically like a noble, and in a position of power to be able to negotiate on a national level. But she’s getting married to her brother, even if they’re not related by blood, so I don’t think that information should really be spread.
For the moment, she decided that giving out Kelvin’s name was no good. And so, with that conclusion, she decided to reply to the questions with vague answers just to calm everyone down. But before that, she shot a glance over at Dorothy, who had crushed a cup in her grip. She wasn’t speaking, but the many veins twitching on her forehead were a great indication that she was totally incensed.
Oh come on, why are you of all people reacting like that? Bell thought. Unlike these other lookie-loos, you knew everything from the start, didn’t you? You realize I can’t be forced to look after you too, right?
Even so, out of consideration for Dorothy, Bell resolved to take the reins of this conversation and settle things without a fuss. She told everyone that the wedding had been set in stone even before Rion had entered the academy, and she kept Kelvin’s name secret, though she did reveal that her betrothed was influential enough to negotiate on a national level. She hated that it sounded like she was complimenting Kelvin, but she couldn’t harm Rion’s reputation for no reason, so she bore it.
“My oh my! So even from your perspective, Bell-san, he is such a wonderful person?!”
“Well...I guess. So there’s no need to worry. No. No need at all,” Bell replied. She furrowed her brow but forced a smile. She was bearing a lot. “But I would like you not to bother Rion with incessant questions about this. She’s very nice, so she won’t mind, but I don’t know if he will. Look, people aren’t crazy about others intruding into their private business, are they? If it turns out he does mind, I believe it will turn out badly for your families or homelands.” Bell looked oddly animated as she said that last line. She smiled as she threatened the crowd, as if to vent all her many frustrations. Her smile truly came from the heart.
“Urgk... Certainly, that makes sense. I would perhaps react the same way...”
“Let’s keep this conversation between us and watch over Rion-san with warm eyes. I’m sure that will be for the best.”
“Yes, indeed,” agreed the rest of the crowd.
Bell’s intimidation had been perfectly effective. As if all their curious energy had been a lie, the crowd of students quieted down. The girls adored gossip and love stories, but not enough to expose their families or homelands to danger. They also realized that they wouldn’t be able to get any more information out of Bell, so they politely said their thanks and dispersed.
“Whew. I somehow managed to get out of that without much fuss...” Bell muttered.
“Well done, Bell-dono,” said Graham. “I would have loved to help, but I was cowed by their energy and couldn’t say a word. I am ashamed.”
“Ah, well, er...yeah. I was being careless just now, so no need to feel guilty or anything,” Bell replied.
Meanwhile, Dorothy was still silently incensed, the veins on her head twitching.
“So...what’s wrong with you, Dorothy?” Bell asked. “Even I’m a little worried after seeing you silently crush a table.”
Dorothy might have looked physically weak, but her grip strength was able to easily turn not only a glass cup but also a wooden table to powder. Still, such a thing wasn’t exactly rare. If they had the mind to, either Bell or Graham would be able to do the same. The problem was why she’d done it.
After a moment more of silence, Dorothy replied. “My apologies. Rion-san already told me about her marriage. Indeed, we are roommates, so I would naturally be informed. Her face as she spoke so happily about it was the very picture of an angel. No, a goddess. Of course I congratulated her. As a friend—a best friend—I wished Rion-san happiness. But...”
Dorothy’s eyes snapped open, slightly shocking Bell.
“I cannot accept that he is her betrothed! If he loved Rion-san alone, I would have allowed it with great reluctance. But! Look at how many other fiancées he has! Even Mel...san is among them! My heart was supposed to have been purified, and yet I am boiling with rage! My heart is telling me to never forgive him! I know that the wedding of my greatest friend is something to be celebrated! That is what my head is telling me! But... But...my soul will not allow it!”
Dorothy delivered that monologue quietly so that no one could overhear, but she still managed to proclaim it so fervently it could crack the earth. It conveyed her feelings perfectly, which was why Bell was so troubled.
“Graham...is this my fault?” she asked.
“All things must pass,” he simply replied.
“Hey, don’t you give me that enlightened face and leave me behind,” Bell argued.
“Of course, I haven’t said any of this to Rion-san,” Dorothy continued. “I would never rain on her parade like that. But... Indeed, that is exactly why I wanted to vent like this to someone!”
Wait, she’s still going? Bell thought.
“No, this can’t be allowed. I realize now that I’m feeling refreshed, having sorted out my feelings,” Dorothy continued. “I need to clash these complicated feelings with someone or I won’t be able to remain calm. Not at all. So I’m going to participate.”
“Uh...participate in what?” Bell asked.
“The objection system, of course,” Dorothy replied. “That is the only way to strike back at him without ruining Rion-san’s special day. It won’t be revenge for the exhibition match, but depending on the results I will acknowledge their wedding. I will see for myself whether or not he’s worthy of Rion-san!”
It took Bell a moment to remember to reply. “I see. Well, do your best.”
Well, he’ll be happy about this, so I guess I can leave it alone. She’d be too much work anyway, Bell thought.