I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

45. Enough of the Spotlight? (Joyful)

How could a simping fool, beaten black and blue the day before, almost losing teeth in the process, suddenly transform into a life winner, cultivating a harem and navigating a love triangle?

The other students, who usually viewed Zerola as a “simp” or a “clown,” were utterly bewildered. Absurd rumors even spread: that Zerola had somehow mastered a hypnotic technique, using something called “Resonance Hypnosis” to make both Fiora and Henriette IV subconsciously fall for him… or something.

Suspicious as they were, no one dared ask. They could only watch as the “problem student” wore a smug, yet troubled, expression that suggested he could have two women on his arms, but lamented the bother. Then…

They began to wonder if they should emulate Zerola and try their hand at being a simp.

Zerola was aware of all this, but he was also miserable. He wanted nothing to do with a woman as domineering as Henriette IV; his entire heart was set on Fiora. If he was going to show off, it would be with some “affectionate display.” However, that day’s confrontation was just the beginning. She was constantly interrupting his “good times.”

Take… Zerola’s most anticipated “lunch hour.” He barely had a chance to savor Fiora’s “love-filled lunch,” which was significantly more elaborate than usual, when that woman barged in.

“Oh, Fiora, long time no see. Are you now doing the work of servants, making meals? Zerola, if you want to satiate your hunger, I have something prepared~ Carrying that little box around, don’t you feel… common?”

Like…during breaks, the moment Zerola managed to snag some alone time with Filora, before he could even conjure up some cheesy pickup lines, Henriette IV – that creature – would sniff her way over like a hound, doing nothing but standing there.

“What? This is the academy’s public space, am I not allowed to stand? Carry on~”

If not for the fact that she currently possessed zero power, and there was no sign of it returning anytime soon, Zerola figured Filora would’ve already challenged Henriette IV to a duel. Not only that, but Filora, in order to protect her “image,” needed to conceal the fact that she was completely devoid of “power,” making Henriette IV’s constant taunts all the more of a headache for Zerola.

The only thing to be thankful for was: in the recently started classes, even when Henriette IV came to “provoke,” wanting to “compete” with Filora, Zerola now had plenty of excuses to refuse.

Right now, during class, facing Henriette IV’s provocation once again, Zerola’s justification for stepping forward was even more righteous this time.

“Zerola, why are you stopping me again!?”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

Standing in front of Filora, Zerola planted her hands on her hips, a look of complete justification on her face. As for Filora, compared to her initial nervousness, she could now calmly accept such scenes; to everyone else, it just looked like Zerola was still acting like a lovesick puppy.

But damn it, she was actually succeeding, so the atmosphere became rather sour.

“I can’t let Filora actually go out there and get all dirty like you, some unsanitary woman, can I?”

Basking in the envious and jealous gazes of the crowd, Zerola waved her hand dismissively, “Either I continue to substitute, or go away. By the way… didn’t you fail your own opponent in this practical lesson? Why are you butting in here? Are you deliberately trying to be a third wheel? I already told you I have zero interest in you.”

Such a blatant, directly critical remark was something only Zerola would dare say.

However, Henriette IV’s reaction was merely an annoyed fling of her hand, a turn, and a departure; clearly defeated, but unwilling to pursue it further. What did *that* mean?

The surrounding students, thinking this, felt as if they’d just been force-fed several bowls of dog food.

Zerola, however, couldn’t care less. While watching Henriette IV return to her own training field and take her anger out on other students, she returned to Filora’s side.

Then, she whispered, with a touch of showmanship, “See? I told you no one would bother you. I absolutely can make it happen~”

“…Be quiet, we’re in class.”

Although Zerola was immediately kicked away, the crowd still felt as if they had been stuffed with a pot of lemon-flavored dog food, based solely on the two’s simple yet direct interaction.

Once everyone had gone over to Henriette IV’s side because it was “too sour to watch,” Filora, finally having a chance for a moment of privacy, gathered her courage and asked quietly.

“Then… about the recent events…”

“Sorry, we haven’t found even a trace or sign of the ‘attacker’ striking.”

Showing affection, Henriette IV causing trouble… in Zerola’s eyes, these were just minor “diversions.” However, the most critical thing of all, the “attacker,” hadn’t appeared.

Clearly, Henriette IV’s recent “performance” had been conspicuous enough. Setting aside her arrogant and rude attitude, at least in terms of strength, with Filora having not proved herself recently, many people’s attention had been drawn to Henriette IV.

Why… hadn’t the attacker made a move yet?

Looking over, Zerola saw Henriette IV venting her anger by kicking the white-haired elf who’d previously enrolled out of the training field. No one cared about the injured elf; they only cheered for Henriette IV.

Wasn’t that… “standing out”?

Come to think of it, wasn’t that white-haired elf named Ludwig supposed to be skilled? Why was she so easily defeated today?

The next moment, Filora’s cautious move of leaning closer directly banished all of Zerola’s wild thoughts from her mind. Thinking about other women when I’m trying to woo her? Nah~

“If it really comes down to it, we can make an official ‘announcement’ and begin a school-wide…”

“No need.”

Zellora refused outright. Not out of any desire to play the chauvinist, simply… he didn’t want such a thing to steal away time with Fielora within the Academy’s walls.

More importantly: this matter, it *had* to be him. It was a “promise” he’d made to Fielora.

“I’ve already contacted some ‘helpers’, made some ‘preparations’, Fielora. You only need to be a little ‘watchful’ these days. Because, you understand, right? Henri IV is just ‘bait’. And she’s willing to be ‘bait’, too.”

“And recently, she’s been in the limelight quite enough. We just need to wait a little longer.”

“For this… uh, maybe, it’s… next… I need you to ‘endure’ certain feelings, just a little.”

Zellora glanced at Henri IV in the distance. “If you want to teach her a lesson or something, after you get all your power back, I’ll pin her to the ground so you can wail on her.”

Colored illustration tonight.

Birthday wishes and such too for tonight～

Although I’m working overtime today, so tragic.