I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

38. You Dare Compete With Me!? (Seeking Votes~)

“What I lost is none of your concern.”

Facing Henri IV, so poorly timed and oblivious to “reading the room,” barging into their moment, Philora naturally held no amicable attitude. However… regardless of attitude, the instant Henri IV appeared, both Zerola and Philora were compelled to create a little distance.

Certain things couldn’t be revealed lightly, certain facts and vulnerabilities couldn’t be exposed. Now, Zerola understood a little of why Henri III and Queen Louise III had a “clandestine romance”. Because: the fool was me all along! Back then, Zerola had secretly mocked Henri III for lacking the courage to confess, but now… she and Philora were separating just as quickly.

“Is that so? Then I won’t pry. But…”

Henri IV’s gaze swept over them, making Zerola instinctively uncomfortable, yet unable to voice her feelings.

“You two certainly are intimate, aren’t you? Even hiding away in a place like this to eat together.”

“What I do, and where I do it with him, is that any business of yours?”

It wasn’t just Zerola; Philora’s attitude towards Henri IV was noticeably colder than her usual “aloofness.”

“Those excuses you gave before, using your brother’s name, were nothing but lies, weren’t they? What… are you starting to believe them yourself?”

“Oh, not at all~ I’m merely… casually interested~”

Henri IV’s gaze swept again.

Her next words made Zerola frown.

“Besides, I came to find *you*, Philora~ In this afternoon’s class, I believe we’ll be having practical training on the practice field, won’t we?”

Whether Henri IV was doing it intentionally or not, Zerola understood: for Philora at this moment, the biggest “trouble” had arrived.

“I’ve been waiting for this a long time, Philora~ Always anticipating the right moment, for a match with you~”

Because that thorn, pricked at Philora’s biggest weakness at this moment—practice, or rather… the “real combat” to demonstrate her ability.

After all, within the halls of this most prestigious university in the Great Albion Empire, only carefully selected future talents were admitted. As such, their education naturally wouldn’t differentiate based on varying “individual abilities.” Differences in personality, strengths, those were fine, but… at the very least, one had to be well-rounded.

Naturally, this included “real combat”—simply put, using practice weapons to “touch” each other to an extent that wouldn’t cause fatal injury.

Originally, courses like “real combat” were essentially Philora’s time to show off, gain popularity, and bask in admiration. But… this time, the situation had become special, difficult.

Having returned to the academy seemingly unscathed after that earlier incident, Philora was now a “normal person” completely devoid of magic. Even if she could use her status and accumulated reputation to find excuses and avoid these combat courses, but…

Zerora knew: First, Philora probably wouldn’t be willing to evade in a way that would arouse suspicion. Second…

It was happening now: this time, Henriette IV had taken the initiative to provoke. Evading would not be so easy.

Henriette IV left after delivering her harsh words, completely destroying the “intimate” atmosphere that had almost bloomed between Zerora and Philora. After all, time waits for no one, and the academy’s classes resumed normally in the afternoon.

Unlike ordinary lectures, practical classes were always conducted with multiple classes together due to the relatively spacious venues and sufficient manpower. And today’s session was even more special: Henriette IV’s appearance, along with her status, etc., had spread throughout the academy in no time. Everyone was now admiring and longing for this tall and aloof “sister of the White Prince,” eager to witness the strength she supposedly possessed, a strength that rivaled even Philora’s and Moriarty’s.

She hadn’t said it herself, but… rumors had already circulated: Henriette IV’s skills were taught by her brother. How could a disciple guided by someone like Henri III, the “White Prince,” be anything less than skilled?

Currently, within the class.

Thanks to everyone’s considerable interest in Henriette IV’s arrival, Philora was able to enjoy a temporary peace and safety.

That being said, Zerora noticed beside her that Philora’s condition wasn’t good at all. It was no wonder she was so sentimental during this class. Even Zerora would find it difficult to endure the frustration of having “all her abilities vanish.” So, naturally… it was even harder for someone like Philora, who was like a white swan falling suddenly from a high place to the bottom.

Leaning closer to Philora, Zerora whispered, “Should I make up an excuse to take you away? I have plenty of excuses, and no one will suspect anything.”

As long as Philora could safely get through this, Zerora wouldn’t care about “saving face.” After all, her face was for Philora to see. What did she care about losing it in front of others?

However, the response Zerora received next was a shake of Philora’s head.

“No, if this continues, the problem will be exposed sooner or later.”

Perhaps for the sake of “future considerations,” perhaps truly just “unwilling to give in,” Philora’s voice held a hint of stubbornness, her gaze fixed on Henriette IV, who was currently receiving everyone’s attention.

“As long as I don’t fight, just standing here and watching shouldn’t be a problem. Leaving… will affect my status.”

What kind of time is this, still worrying about status? Even with Henriette IV suddenly barging in, you’re still the center of attention!

Zerora was about to say that, but… it was already too late.

Henriette IV’s provocation during lunchtime was far from over! At this moment, she indeed said “Of course, I can show off a bit, demonstrate” while, along with everyone’s gaze, looked towards Philora!

This… was only natural! After all, if Henriette IV wanted to show off, the “opponent” she chose had to be at least decent in terms of status! And in this class, or rather, in the academy right now, the only one who was “worthy” of being Henriette IV’s opponent…

Was Philora.

Trouble was coming!

“Philora, as a newcomer, I want to see if my skills have gotten rusty.”

With an arrogant smirk, she walked towards Philora, under the gawking eyes of the crowd who immediately planned to “enjoy the fight between two royal beauties.”

Directly naming her.

“So, instead of boring wooden dummies and targets, I’d rather find a real opponent.”

“Mind a sliver of your time, to indulge me in a little… bout? Lady Fiora? Seems to me you’re not exactly swamped with pressing engagements.”

—

The new backing for the book should be alright. Hopefully, I can finish it before the holiday season. Waaah.

But since it’s not convenient to post, I’ll have to wait until there’s a picture before posting it. Still Kefier and Niru.