How did Alfred managed to resist her charms?
If a girl as charming as Layla was devoted to me, I would have fallen for her a long time ago. But it's not like that, and I'm glad it's not. I don't need any more complications in my life.
[<Does that mean I haven't devoted enough to you?>]
'You are apart.'
[<Why!>]
I shook my head to clear it and turned to Layla, who was sitting next to me on the bench.
"What are you sitting here for? Class will start soon," I asked her.
"Hm? Class starts in an hour. They informed us yesterday in class," she replied.
I groaned inwardly. I had woken up early for nothing. Yesterday, I was in the infirmary and missed the class announcement. I should have checked my messages and calls.
I should have checked them, now I am embarrassing myself in front of Layla out of all people.
[<Karma.>]
[Karma.]
What were Alfred and Thomas doing leaving their room?
They're probably on a date, so leave it alone.
"I know class starts in an hour, I just need to see someone," I said to Layla.
[Lies.]
Ignoring the voice, I asked, "What about you?"
"Me?" she asked, leaning back on the bench and sighing. "These last few days, I haven't been feeling good. I want to do something about it, but I'm afraid it could cause a lot of problems."
I started to sweat when I heard her words.
"What kind of problems?"
Layla shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it's just me overthinking things."
What is she planning…?
Surely nothing good, I have to do something.
I glanced around the campus, watching as students rushed to their classes. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."
She smiled gratefully. "Thanks, I appreciate it."
Still not?
"You want to do something, huh? Like stalking Alfred?"
My sudden mockery caught her off guard, but I could see her amused by my comment.
"It's not stalking if you're keeping an eye on your future husband," Layla replied with a smile.
I laughed at her simple answer. "Ah, that's true. But do not forget, he's not quite yours yet."
"Perhaps~"
I raised an eyebrow at her comment, unsure of how to respond. Layla always had a way of making me feel uneasy. I couldn't tell if she was being genuine or if she had a hidden agenda.
"By the way, what happened yesterday?" Layla shifted the topic. "Uncle appeared to be in a bad mood. "Have you done something heinous again, dear Edward?"
As we continued our conversation, Layla brought up the incident from the previous day. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the mention of my shitty father.
"Has he ever been in a good mood?" I scoffed.
"Hm?"
Layla looked at me with a curious expression. She was never one to hold back her thoughts, which sometimes led to uncomfortable conversations.
"Uncle was in a good mood though…before your mother's death."
This girl really has no tact but I wouldn't be upset because of that.
Considering that our parents were acquainted, she obviously understood what she was talking about. Also, both my mother and her mother had passed away, and our moms had been close. It must be why she spoke without delicacy to me. We shared something in common, which was why I felt a slight sense of closeness with her, and it might be the same with her; otherwise, she wouldn't have even started to talk to me, knowing my previous despicable acts. Like me, she didn't have real friends and knew she couldn't have real friends because she was putting on a facade the whole time.
"Then why did you leave your family?" Layla asked with a curious expression.
I could tell she was trying to establish a friendly relationship with me, but I wasn't going to let her use me for her own purposes.
"Layla, that question doesn't fit your IQ. You know perfectly well about my relationships with Simon, Elona, and my father," I replied, giving her a pointed look.
Every noble in the academy was aware of my strained relationships with my family, so I found it hard to believe that Layla didn't know.
Layla let out a small laugh. "I'm sorry, Edward. I suppose I'm just curious about your life but…"
Suddenly, her cheeks flushed red.
"I didn't know that the great Edward was regarding me like that, I feel a little embarrassed…"
I averted my eyes.
How is she doing that?!
It was too much for my heart.
I wasn't even sure if she was pretending or if she was actually embarrassed. In any case, she was an expert at provoking men's instincts.
Layla nodded in agreement when I mentioned my family issues. "I can relate," she said. "My father hasn't spoken to me properly for years now."
I couldn't resist making a jab at her. "Your creepy brother was there for you anyway."
Layla's expression changed a bit at my comment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Hey! Don't call my brother creepy. He's my family."
I shrugged nonchalantly. "A creep as well."
To my surprise, Layla just smiled at my insult. She was good at keeping her emotions in check.
We sat in silence for a moment before I decided it was time to talk about my plan. "I know what you want, Layla," I said.
Layla's playful side emerged as she responded, "It's not a statement fitting your IQ, dear Edward. Everyone knows I want His Highness."
"I'm not talking about Alfred," I said, meeting Layla's gaze head-on.
She looked at me, a flicker of confusion in her red eyes.
"What are you looking for, Layla? A bond that goes beyond what you had with your mother," I continued.
Layla didn't say anything, but her expression was enough to show that I had hit the nail on the head.
"And Alfred can provide that for you," I said, confident in my analysis.
I got straight to the point, telling Layla what I wanted and what I could offer her.
"I need Alfred away from Milleia, but you want him. I'll help you by keeping Milleia away from Alfred and by working to have that idiot return your feelings," I said.
Layla looked surprised at my offer, but I could see the gears turning in her head.
"I also want to make something clear. You need to stay away from Milleia and Jayden," I said firmly to Layla.
It was crucial for my plan to keep Layla away from Milleia and Jayden. The slightest harm to them could trigger the villainess' route, and I couldn't let that happen. Saving Milleia's life was paramount.
"I don't know what your intentions were towards Milleia, but I won't let you hurt her," I warned her.
The tension between us was palpable as I stood my ground. I couldn't afford to let Layla spoil everything. My survival in this game was at stake.
Things were going well, but I knew Layla had something up her sleeve. She was becoming envious of Milleia much earlier than in the game, and I had to put a stop to it before it was too late.
It was fortunate that I could meet her in an isolated place.
"Then?"
I turned to Layla and waited her answer.
She had been quiet this whole time, so I had no idea what she was thinking.
Layla gave me a piercing look that felt like she was trying to read my thoughts.
"You're in love with Milleia, aren't you? She seemed to have a high opinion of you."
"Huh?"
Wait, what? Did I hear that right?
[<No, but you did come across as a little creepy when you told her to stay away from Milleia.>]
I felt a vein pop in frustration.
"What are you talking about? I don't have feelings for anyone, and Milleia doesn't have feelings for me."
I scowled at Layla, trying to convey how serious I was.
"If you say so."
Layla replied with a sly grin.
I couldn't tell if she was just teasing me or if she was genuinely suspicious.
"Moreover, she is in love with someone; it's Jayden."
"Jayden? You mean the commoner with a strong legacy?"Layla tilted her head. "How can she fall for him when you who are someone better in all respects, is near her? Is she more into commoner men?"
Was she trying to seduce me with flatter?
It won't work.
"Better?" I scoffed. "He is popular and has better looks."
I couldn't just let Layla believe that I was in love with Milleia, so I had to set things straight. I even brought up Jayden to make sure she knew that Milleia was into him instead. But Layla just looked at me like I was missing something.
"What's up?" I asked her, not knowing what to expect.
Layla just shook her head and gave me a sly smile. "You really don't get it, do you?"
I was confused. "Get what?"
Layla got up and walked towards me, standing close to me. She stared into my eyes and said, "You're not fooling anyone, Edward."
She suddenly leaned in close to my face, making me jump. I couldn't help but notice how good she looked in her blazer uniform, though.
"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to lean away but realizing I was already sitting back against the bench.
Layla stared at me for a moment before speaking.
"That's what I thought," she said, nodding to herself.
I raised an eyebrow. "Can you explain what you're talking about?"
Layla smiled, but she didn't step back. Instead, she ran her fingers down my face, starting at my forehead and ending at my chin. It was a slow, almost sensual movement that made me feel a little uneasy.
"You're more popular than that Jay-what already?," she said, shaking her head. "Anyway, I'm not just talking about your...reputation."
I tried to guess the implication, but before I could say anything, Layla spoke again.
"People like you, Edward. It might have been different before, but in a single month, most of them changed their views because you changed as well. They're drawn to your confidence, but more than that, they like your handsome foreign features. You don't even realize it, do you?"
I shook my head, feeling a little dazed. Was she serious? Could I really be more popular than Jayden? It didn't seem possible.
What the heck?
As a man, that girl was driving me insane.
If it was her plan to pocket me, she proceeded very well.
I couldn't hold back my virgin's reactions, and I could see Layla's lips curling up the more I showed them. She was clearly enjoying all my spontaneous reactions. I saw her often doing that against others, but rarely with me, so I was caught off guard. But I really thought I could deal with her perfectly!
"Yes. Indeed, in looks, you have nothing to envy either; objectively, you are the second most handsome man I have ever seen in my noble life."
"Huh?"