Male Lead, Don’t Push, Pull!

‘You will have a week of free classes after the ceremony as an orientation period.’

‘You will have the opportunity to try out different courses and decide on the last Friday of the week which course you want to study.’

‘There is also an aptitude test for those who have difficulty choosing a course.’

In the midst of recalling what we’d learned at our initiation, another sentence popped into my brain. 

‘Vivian, always choose a subject that will allow you to graduate quickly.’

That’s what my dad used to say….

But I’m going to be here for a few years, so I’d rather find a course that suits my aptitude.

As I was thinking about which classes to take first, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to see Daniel, whom I hadn’t seen since we parted ways at the inn, standing behind me.

Whoa. My little bunny, did you find me first?

“Daniel! Hi!” I greeted him happily.

“Hi….,” Daniel shyly returned my greeting in a small voice. He looked pretty good in his school uniform.

It looked a little big on him, but so what. I suppose it’s better to buy big if you’re going to wear it for a long time.

But you don’t have to worry about that now, Daniel. I may not be able to make your family rich, but I can make sure you don’t run out of money when you grow up!

Because my dad will be calling your house soon!

Daniel blushed shyly because I was now laughing so heartily.

“Why, what’s the matter?”

“No, just. I just thought of something good, and more than that, Daniel, I’m glad we met! I’ve been wanting to take some Defense Against the Dark Arts classes with you and…, ah.”

(E/N: wow, this author lifted that straight out of another series about “witchcraft and wizardry” ) 

Our conversation was cut off by a sudden tug. Startled, I turned around.

And there to meet me as I turned was….

“Vivi.”

Standing there was Kyle, who had only moments before taken the oath at the podium.

Looking very, very unhappy.

Oh, man.

What’s wrong with his face?

It was the first time I’d ever seen Kyle with such a stern face, and I was surprised.

Actually, no, he’d been mean to Sienna before….

I wonder if our male protagonist’s personality is different than I thought.

With some concern, I asked him, “Kyle, is something wrong?”

But instead of answering my question, Kyle asked the wrong thing.

“Vivi, did you see it when I took the oath?”

“Hmm? Of course, I did.”

In fact, we had made very enthusiastic eye contact.

Kyle’s face crumpled at my simple answer.

I said yes because I saw it. What’s wrong?

Oh, I didn’t give him a compliment! I forgot that Kyle is still at the age where he’s hungry for praise.

“I saw Kyle today at….”

Just then, startled by Kyle’s sudden appearance, Daniel tried to sneak away.

Wait, where is he going?

I stopped him, grabbing his wrist to keep him from running away.

“I’m so glad you were able to take the oath as a member of the new students. That was awesome!”

“….”

“Wow, Kyle!”

I purposely added more exaggeration to make it sound good, but Kyle didn’t respond.

What the heck?

After a few seconds of pause, Kyle spoke slowly.

“Who is he?”

“Huh?”

“The kid next to you.”

The person Kyle was referring to was Daniel. Suddenly, it occurred to me that it would be a good idea to introduce Daniel to Kyle now.

Last night, I had put off the introduction because it was late, and I had an unexplained uneasiness that they might not be compatible.

Now that we were officially experiencing the first day of classes at the Academy, the timing seemed right.

“Kyle, let me introduce you!”

This is a future billionaire. Surely, he can be as powerful as Sienna, so shouldn’t we be friends?

With that thought in mind, I smiled broadly.

“This is Daniel Raston. Daniel, this is Kyle Arnan Ygritte.”

“Truly, you’re a prince…. Hello.”

Daniel bowed somewhat shyly. Kyle scanned him with an unflattering glance. It wasn’t an appropriate look to wear when you’re making friends. Before I could say anything, Kyle held out his hand to Daniel.

“Ah, huh?” Daniel mumbled in surprise. 

Kyle tilted his head. His gaze was asking ‘what are you doing without grabbing it?’

Daniel nervously took Kyle’s outstretched hand.

And then–

“Ugh,” Daniel winced. 

“…?” I looked back and forth between them. 

“Nice to meet you,” Kyle finally added dryly, waving his hand. 

It was a pleasing sight, one that made me glad I introduced the two of them. On a whim, I decided to formally introduce myself to Daniel.

“And I’m Viviane Rosiere.”

“…You mean the Marquise de Rosiere?”

“Yes. Are you surprised?”

Daniel gave a small nod. No wonder, there are only five families in the Empire that hold the status of Marquis. Ahem, my dad is this good.

“I didn’t mean to hide it, but it just happened, hehe. Oh, and Kyle and I are….”

“Best friends.”

Best line goes to Kyle. Oooh, I was going to say that! 

~ Translation by Lurelia | Editing by Valpal | Read only at rainofsnow.com ~

But the real bomb was after that.

“I don’t know how you and Vivi ended up face to face, but…. Vivi is my favorite, most precious person.”

Kyle’s voice was so precise and clear at the same time. It was clear enough to reach the ears of everyone in the room.

“So always be mindful and careful in your behavior.”

And at this moment, I was strongly convinced that everyone in the auditorium was looking at us.

***

Two days after our entrance day.

I was walking down a corridor full of people.

“Look over there. That’s her.”

“Oh, the fiancée…?”

“Yeah. My brother got in this year, so I saw her that day… oops. We should turn around, shhh.”

People whispered as they watched me walk past. When I looked back in the direction of the sound, two upperclassmen turned their heads in surprise.

They both whipped around and whistled sheepishly while they looked off into the garden in the distance.

“Hahh,” I let out a small sigh.

It’s only day two. I’ve only been at the academy for two days, and there are already rumors swirling through the academy about me and Kyle.

What are the rumors, you ask?

The rumor is that I’m Kyle’s fiancée! I’m not his fiancée – not at all!

Me and Kyle are just friends!

But despite my frustration, the fact that my status was high enough to be worthy of him, and the fact that he himself had warned someone to be careful about me had caused the rumor to take wing and spread fast.

I couldn’t believe he even said something. There were even rumors that Kyle had challenged another man to a duel because of me.

I don’t know if it’s fair to describe them as “men” – they were embarrassingly young for that. Though Kyle would insist it was never him.

“Hahhh,” I sighed again, with more fervor this time. I couldn’t help it. 

How the hell did this happen?

Still sighing, I turned to Kyle, who was still following me.

Kyle had an innocent look on his face, like he didn’t know what was going on after making such a huge statement.

It’s confusing to look at that face. Surely Kyle was just saying it as a friendly gesture?

After all, I’ve helped him out on several occasions.

The problem is that people don’t see it that way, and I’ve decided it’s best to keep my distance from Kyle until the rumors die down a bit.

I don’t want to grow apart, but we don’t have to be together all the time.

“Kyle.”

“Mmh?”

“Where are you heading? This is the way to the Ministry of Magic….”

I meekly conveyed the message that it was time to stop following me and go find your own way.

If the rumor that I’m Kyle’s fiancée is getting any traction, it’s largely your fault for following me around all day!

“I’m going to the Ministry of Magic,” Kyle replied meekly

“Really? Why? Kyle’s going to Swordsmanship.”

Unlike me, who couldn’t decide what I wanted to major in until the last minute, Kyle had already made his choice before entering the Academy.

He’s going to major in Swordsmanship, his favorite subject and the one he excels at.

Which means that Kyle’s decision to go to the School of Magic was purely because of me.

I stared at Kyle, not daring to raise my voice. Silently, I urged him to go back.

Then Kyle’s shoulders sagged.

“Do you hate me, Vivi?” Kyle asked, sounding like a lost puppy. 

His abandoned look was on his face, but more than that, I was so stunned by his statement that I whirled around, stopped in my tracks. 

“What?! No! Why would you say something like that?!”

“Do I make you feel uncomfortable?”

“That’s not what I meant, Kyle – not at all! Why would you ever make me uncomfortable?”

I said that, but my conscience pricked at me because there was a small part of me that was bothered by the rumors.

Kyle lifted his head slightly and looked up at me.

“Does that mean I can come with you?”

…When you look at me like that, I can’t help but say yes.

I nodded slowly, and Kyle looked genuinely pleased.

So, yeah, as long as Kyle likes it, I guess it’s okay….

Phew, I don’t know.