Second Year at the Magic Academy: Annette’s Time Travel and Ending an Engagement
NATURALLY, Emma and Annette’s classes in their second year were different. Fields of study and grades determined the class distribution. But for some unusual reason, Annette was peeking into Emma’s class.
“Annette? What are you doing here?”
“Emma! I was hoping to get your advice on something.”
Two things Emma found curious: one, that Annette had come all the way to her class deliberately; two, her restless, furtive glances. Ah-ha! Emma realized what this something was. Bernard. Without a doubt.
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WOW… It feels nostalgic to be back in this dormitory. She was in Annette’s room, in the dormitory she’d lived in during her original life. Emma looked around with interest. The only thing different was Annette herself. It was the first time she had seen such a grave expression on the other girl’s face while she consulted Emma for advice.
The things Annette asked her for help with fell into three broad categories: homework and other assignments she wanted Emma’s help with, Emma’s assistance cleaning up the messes Annette created, and topics to discuss with Ian on the morning route to school.
“The truth is… I wanted to talk to you about Lord Bernard.”
“Right, that little— I mean, him. What’s wrong?” Emma’s annoyance ticked up just hearing his name, which she refused to even say anymore unless necessary.
“Lately…he’s been inviting me to spend time with him on the weekends. Just the two of us. I’ve been politely refusing him because I don’t want to create any misunderstandings, but… Emma, did you and he perhaps squabble?”
She remained silent. As if. Emma hadn’t even seen the louse for a long time. So how could she have argued with him? He sent no letters, and on the rare occasions he caught sight of her in the cafeteria, he immediately departed—like prey fleeing from a hunter.
All it had taken for him to fear Emma was her obliquely alluding to her knowledge of his relationship with Annette on the first day of their first year. What she found truly impressive was that he had picked up on her intimation. He wasn’t as moronic as she used to think.
Listening to Annette, though, Emma realized their relationship was one-sided, with only Bernard invested. Moreover, Annette talking to her about it presented greater proof of this. I think this is the first time I actually feel sorry for him…
In her original life, the three spent a lot of time together, and Emma trusted them from the bottom of her heart, never doubting either of them. That was why she saw the cracks in their bonds so clearly in this life—ones that had gone unnoticed by her previously. Regardless, Annette’s overture was a good opportunity for Emma to ask about a few things. She started with the heart of the matter.
“Annette… Are you sure…you don’t have feelings for Bernard?”
“Huh? Me?” Annette’s big, round eyes widened even further as she blinked in surprise. Without any hesitation, she continued with her usual simple-minded innocence. “Well… I’ve thought him charming sometimes… But I’m fully aware that he’s your fiancé, Emma! I don’t go on outings with him alone or anything, so I have nothing to feel guilty about.”
“I thought as much.”
“Still…I’m not sure how to explain this… But Lord Bernard, without you, isn’t as attractive. As if half his aura disappears when he’s on his own… Actually, in hindsight, all of it does… I used to be grateful for his help, but then I realized he most likely only did that at your behest, Emma.”
Emma found it hard to label Annette’s words and tone, especially with the way she tapped her fingers against her cheek like she was seriously contemplating things. She couldn’t even work up the energy to be outraged. Wow, so in all seriousness, no joking whatsoever, I was the spice that kept their relationship alive.
Until now, Emma was under the impression that no matter what she’d done, it would have only been a matter of time until Bernard exposed his faults as well as his relationship with Annette. That was why she’d been incredibly optimistic about breaking off her engagement with him. In reality, Bernard’s passion for Annette was such that he’d been inviting her out since their first year.
Except at present, Annette had no affection for Bernard. If anything, she seemed guarded, refusing his advances entirely, not even considering him a potential prospect. Things were not looking good for him.
While Annette chattered on, happy to spend time with Emma for the first time in a while, Emma stared at the other girl and sighed.