Chapter 39 Turning the Tide

Chapter 39 Turning the Tide
After finishing his discussion with Beta Orion and Gamma Kyle, Calix decided to return to the tent and check on Ruella.

Feeling a bit more at ease since they were fellow academy students, their discussions always felt more relaxed because they didn’t have to hold back their emotions too much, they already knew each other well.

Then, Calix’s steps slowed as he saw someone in front of his tent.

"Rubina?" he murmured, hurrying closer.

Rubina was crouched in front of the tent, her body hunched over as she hugged her knees, her face buried there. Her shoulders trembled slightly, holding back her sobs so they wouldn’t be carried away by the wind and cause a commotion.

The morning sun’s growing warmth shone upon her, as if to show that she was the main character this time.

Calix let out a soft sigh, then approached.

"Rubina?"

Rubina startled slightly, then slowly lifted her face and looked at Calix, who stood towering before her, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Calix…" her voice was faint.

A moment later, her sobs broke free, and she threw herself into Calix’s embrace.

Calix gently stroked her head.

"What’s wrong?" he asked directly. "We met not long ago and now you're crying here."

Rubina loosened her embrace, looking back at Calix with swollen eyes. She looked so deeply hurt that her breathing was ragged.

"I…" she took a breath, trying to calm herself, but her voice still trembled. "I want to see Ruella… but,"

Calix furrowed his brow slightly. "Then?"

Rubina bit her lower lip, looking hesitant.

"She… doesn’t want to see me…"

There was a moment of silence. Calix furrowed his brow, he felt a hint of confusion.

"What do you mean, she doesn’t want to see you?" Calix asked.

If Ruella truly didn’t want to see her, there must be a reason.

Rubina lowered her head, her fingers clasped together.

"I... I went inside earlier," she said softly. "I just wanted to apologize… about yesterday…"

"Wait, you just barged right in like that??" Calix asked.

Rubina nodded.

"Ruby, you should have told her first, maybe she was surprised and wasn’t ready to see a visitor. Yesterday was a tough day for her, Ruby," Calix said, trying to explain his point of view.

"What the hell is this? Why does he seem to be defending that slut?! So annoying," Rubina muttered to herself, cursing in frustration.

Rubina lifted her face again, her eyes welling up once more.

"I know… I just didn’t want to hold onto this guilt any longer. Yesterday I didn’t defend her… in front of those women… I was too shocked…" her voice grew even quieter. "I wanted to explain… but she just told the maid to tell me to leave…"

Calix was silent.

"She didn’t even want to look at me…" Rubina continued, her voice breaking again. "I know that I was wrong, but… but I didn’t expect her to be so angry that she wouldn’t even look at my face… S-she hates me, Cal, what should I do? I am really sorry for everything," Rubina whispered.

Her hands rose again to cover her face, and her sobs could be heard once more.

"Rubina…" Calix called softly.

Unexpectedly, Rubina immediately hugged him again.

Rubina’s arms wrapped around Calix’s body, her face hidden against his chest.

"I just want to say I’m sorry…" she whispered between sobs. "I didn’t mean to hurt her… that’s all."

Calix’s hand rose, gently patting Rubina’s back without a second thought.

"I understand," he said briefly. "Calm down first, there’s no need to cry and immediately assume that Ruella hates you."

Rubina didn’t immediately let go of the embrace. Her sobs still echoed, as if she were deliberately trying to slow down time and prolong the moment of their embrace.

A few moments later, Calix pulled his body back slightly, creating some distance.

"Here’s what we’ll do, I will try talking to Ruella," he said.

Rubina looked up quickly. "Really?"

"Yes."

Her eyes sparkled slightly, as if she truly hoped for that.

"Please… tell her I’m really sorry…" she said softly. "I don’t want her to misunderstand…"

Calix nodded briefly. "I will. I will tell her ,okay? Don’t worry, just go back to your tent and get some more rest. Later, if Ruella wants to meet you, I will let you know."

Rubina quickly wiped her tears, then nodded in understanding.

"I want to wait here," she said. "I’m not going anywhere."

Calix glancing at her briefly before finally opening the tent flap and stepping inside. "Whatever you say."

As soon as the flap closed behind Calix, the atmosphere outside changed instantly.

Rubina slowly wiped away the remaining tears she had struggled to shed as she watched Calix from a distance, heading toward her.

That fragile expression slowly faded, replaced by something far calmer. And then a small smile appeared on her lips.

Cunning.

"Look, Ruella, you dared to chase me away, so now face Calix. I’m sure Calix will scold you," she murmured softly, almost as if speaking to herself.

Her eyes gazed toward the tent curtain that Calix had just entered.



Meanwhile, inside, Calix and Ruella were staring at each other in silence. Knowing that Calix and Rubina had met outside, she finally looked away. As the newcomer in Calix’s life and undoubtedly the one he hated the most, she didn’t care if Calix scolded her for making Rubina cry.

"Rue, outside the tent earlier-"

"Rubina already told on me, didn’t she? I’m sorry, but even if you scold me, I don’t want to see her," Ruella said.

Calix turned to the maid standing by and asked her to leave the two of them alone.

After that, Calix approached Ruella on the bed, and only then could he see the traces of tears and her puffy eyes from crying.

"Hey, I understand. If you don’t want to see Rubina, that’s fine. You don’t have to see her. I won’t force you, let alone scold you for it," Calix said as he gently stroked the back of Ruella’s hand.

Ruella didn’t expect it, she was surprised by Calix’s response. It felt as though it wasn’t Calix sitting in front of her.

"W-what's going on?" Ruella wondered in her toughts.