Since Aitinn and Ceress returned from the “Medical Room,” classes continued as usual.
Unlike before, Ceress no longer showed any signs of nervousness or unease.
She sat upright in her seat, calm and composed, ignoring the whispers and sideways glances around her.
Ceress began to imitate Aitinn, no longer caring about outside opinions and focusing solely on her own work.
She had gone through this countless times before and was long accustomed to it.
Moreover, with Aitinn by her side, she was no longer facing these challenges alone.
During the free discussion period later in class, with Aitinn accompanying her, Ceress had no fear of falling into the same awkward situation of being ostracized by the entire class as she had in childhood.
On the contrary, many of Aitinn’s insights into the course material surprised Ceress, often making things clearer and easier to understand than the teacher’s explanations.
After all, with Ruby as a living dictionary, Aitinn could effortlessly pull up any knowledge within the world and even helped Ceress solve several academic problems that had troubled her for days.
Thanks to the help of the “Plug-in,” Aitinn and Ceress finished their discussion task early.
With the remaining time, Aitinn began to share amusing stories from his previous life.
His lively and entertaining narration made Ceress smile involuntarily.
When this ice-cold beauty smiled, she became even more captivating.
Several boys were drawn to her at that moment, seemingly forgetting the rumors that Ceress was a witch—a perfect example of people letting their values be swayed by appearances.
It wasn’t until their friends reminded them that they suddenly snapped back to reality.
Of course, among the crowd, there were also some sour remarks:
“That transfer student Aitinn must be crazy in love. He’s risking everything just to get close to Ceress.”
“You don’t get it. This is what they call dying under the peony blossom—still charming even as a ghost.”
“Skip ahead to the transfer student being drained dry by the witch.”
After Aitinn’s storytelling session, Ceress’s mood visibly improved.
A faint curve occasionally appeared on her lips, and the icy blue of her eyes regained its sparkle.
The teacher noticed the lighthearted atmosphere around Aitinn and Ceress and walked over to their desk.
He pushed up his glasses and began to check on the progress of their group discussion.
Ceress calmly stood and presented the results of their discussion.
Her answer was nearly perfect, with some unique insights that left the teacher visibly surprised.
“Very good, everyone, applaud.”
The teacher nodded with approval, signaling the whole class.
A sparse round of applause echoed through the classroom.
Though reluctant to applaud the “witch,” the classmates had to comply with the teacher’s request.
Many clapped half-heartedly, their eyes still filled with resistance.
No sooner had the teacher left than the murmurs resumed.
“I get it now. Ceress is seducing Aitinn for his knowledge.”
A boy whispered.
“Exactly, that answer was definitely the transfer student’s idea.”
A girl nodded eagerly in agreement.
Some even put on a look of regret, shaking their heads helplessly.
“Poor transfer student Aitinn, toyed with by the witch at her whim…”
These harsh words reached Ceress’s ears clearly, and her body trembled instinctively.
But she quickly steadied herself, maintaining a calm expression.
She remembered Aitinn’s earlier advice and tried not to let those words affect her.
Aitinn shot a cold glare at the whisperers.
They avoided his gaze and quickly looked away.
Then he turned to Ceress with a warm smile.
“Don’t mind them.”
Ceress took a deep breath and nodded.
“Yeah, don’t mind.”
After theory class ended, it was time for lunch break.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Aitinn and Ceress walked side by side toward the Cafeteria, inevitably attracting pointing fingers along the way.
It seemed the “witch” rumor had spread like wildfire throughout the entire academy.
However, after serving themselves, instead of finding a secluded corner, the two deliberately chose to sit right in the busiest part of the Cafeteria.
As expected, once they sat down, the students nearby scattered like startled birds.
Some hurriedly picked up their trays and fled, as if terrified that Ceress might suddenly “blacken” and end their lives.
This feeling of being avoided made Ceress uncomfortable, but seeing the approving look Aitinn gave her, she took a deep breath and calmed herself.
The two began their lunch, chatting naturally as if oblivious to the surrounding gazes.
Ceress smiled softly from time to time.
Normally, she would eat alone in some secluded corner or go somewhere quiet after getting her meal.
Because in crowded places, countless eyes were always fixed on her, and boys would occasionally come over to flirt.
Their gazes were intense and blatant, clearly drawn by her looks and figure.
It was truly disgusting.
But when with Aitinn, Ceress felt comfortable and safe.
She looked at the black-haired boy focused on his food opposite her and couldn’t help but smile gently.
Aitinn ate seriously, occasionally his eyes lighting up when he tasted something delicious.
This pure reaction warmed Ceress’s heart.
“Ceress, do you think you’ll be full eating so little?”
Aitinn looked up, noticing the few pieces of greens, some shredded meat, and a small portion of rice on Ceress’s plate.
Knowing she came from a Single-parent Family, he thought she might be saving food for financial reasons.
“No, I just eat little.”
Ceress quickly waved her hand to explain.
She usually ate little at noon because under others’ gaze, her appetite was poor—a habit formed since childhood.
“That’s not good. You won’t stay healthy if you don’t eat enough. Besides, there’s practical training this afternoon—you’ll need energy.”
Aitinn shook his head.
He glanced at Ceress’s slender wrist.
Although mages generally don’t need to exercise much, there is some connection between physical strength and magical power.
Saying no more, he plucked a large chicken drumstick from his own tray and placed it on Ceress’s plate.
Ceress looked at the suddenly added drumstick, her lips moving as if to refuse, but seeing Aitinn’s resolute gaze, she gently nodded.
“Thank you…”
Their warm interaction didn’t go unnoticed by the students around them.
Soon, some busybodies recorded the scene on an academy terminal and sent it to Rufus.
When Rufus arrived at the Cafeteria, he caught sight of Aitinn and Ceress chatting and laughing.
His brows immediately furrowed, as this was far from what he expected.
Why did Ceress seem unaffected by the rumors, even smiling more than usual?
Could it be that this transfer student was behind it again?
Rufus narrowed his eyes and strode directly toward them.
Just as Aitinn and Ceress were clearing their trays to leave, Rufus hurried over with a worried expression, exaggerating a sigh of relief when he saw Ceress.
“Ceress, are you alright?”
Rufus’s voice carried a forced concern, though his eyes were secretly watching their reactions.
He was clearly displeased with the situation.
“I’m fine. I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Senior Rufus.”
Ceress showed no warmth toward Rufus, only a polite nod.
Her voice was as cold and calm as always, betraying no emotion.
“It’s all my fault. After those thugs were defeated yesterday, they couldn’t accept it and have been spreading rumors that you’re a witch.”
Rufus wore a sincere expression, apologizing earnestly.
His voice trembled slightly with guilt.
“When I found out, I was shaking with anger, drenched in sweat even in this heat, my hands and feet cold. I’ll take care of this, Ceress, so please don’t mind it.”
The noble heir poured out a flood of apologies, his expression and demeanor genuine, almost flawless, as if he had become a different person.
“Oh, really? Then I’ll leave it to you, Senior Rufus. But I’m not too bothered by it.”
Ceress only raised an eyebrow lightly, her tone indifferent.
After speaking, she stood and left the Cafeteria without looking back.
Though Rufus was unhappy inside, wondering why Ceress remained so cold, the smile on his face never wavered.
This was only the first step of the plan; he was certain he would be the final victor.
If the current effect wasn’t obvious, then he’d just have to increase the intensity.
“Senior Rufus, you really work hard.”
Just then, Aitinn passed by Rufus and stopped, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.
“Keep it up, I’m rooting for you~”
This act was far too fake.
“Hmph…”
Rufus merely smiled at Aitinn without replying and turned to leave the Cafeteria.
Aitinn shrugged and walked out under the watchful eyes of the students.
Ceress was waiting for him at the door.
When he reached her side, Ceress walked shoulder to shoulder with him.
Her relaxed smile held a hint of admiration as she looked at Aitinn.
“As expected… just like you said, Aitinn.”
Aitinn chuckled softly, his gaze following Rufus’s retreating figure.
“As long as you don’t rush, the one who’ll be anxious is someone else.”
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