Chapter 34 The Trap of Self-Validation
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
"Aren't you happy at all?" I asked, puzzled.
Kane frowned. "Why would I be happy?"
"Because Ms. Moria isn't pursuing the matter anymore," I said matter-of-factly. "We're both in the clear."
"It wouldn't matter if she did. Let her come at me if she wants." Kane's tone was unnervingly calm.
Alright, I had to admit I had no comeback for that.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. You should rest—you have class early tomorrow morning."
I set an alarm, technically for Kane. It was already late, and I couldn't guarantee I'd wake up on time.
If we overslept, that would be a disaster.
Don't be late. Whatever you do, don't be late, I repeated to myself like a mantra.
But of course, what you fear most is exactly what happens. When I opened my eyes the next day, bright sunlight was already streaming through the window. I grabbed my phone—ten o'clock!
Class was over! The first period had already ended!
"We're late! You need to go now!" I shouted, turning toward the folding bed beside mine.
The bed had been put away at some point, and Kane was nowhere to be seen.
I looked around, confused. "Did he already leave? How did I not notice anything?"
Just then, Jenny walked in carrying my medication for the day. "You're awake. Drink your medicine first."
"Where's Kane?" I asked immediately. "When did he leave? How did I miss it?"
Jenny smiled. "He left at seven this morning. But he came back once to bring you food and drinks."
"I was going to wake you, but he said not to—told me to let you sleep in. He's really good to you, you know."
Jenny deliberately drew out that last word. I wasn't an idiot—I knew exactly what she was implying.
I turned my face away, not wanting her to see me blushing. "D-don't talk nonsense! We're just friends—completely ordinary friends! Nothing more!"
Jenny raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're sure there's nothing more? I've seen plenty of friends in my time, but never ones like this. Mind teaching me how you managed to make a friend like that?"
I was momentarily speechless.
Alright, I'd admit our relationship was somewhat... unusual. But as for how I'd become friends with Kane, I honestly didn't know. Maybe it was just about setting aside prejudice.
"Anyway, no matter what you say, we're just friends! Nothing else! I'm serious!"
I kept insisting, completely oblivious that I'd fallen into the trap of protesting too much.
Sure enough, Jenny shut me down with a single sentence: "Why are you getting so worked up? I never said you two had anything going on."
"I..." Right. I truly had nothing to say to that.
"By the way, I heard you forgave those three girls?"
"Yes." I didn't hide it. "I'm fine anyway. A few more days of rest and I'll be good as new. No need to be vindictive about it."
Jenny gave a bitter smile. "You're remarkably kind. If it were anyone else, those three would've been expelled for sure."
I shook my head. "I don't think that's necessary. Forgive when you can. If grudges run too deep, they become impossible to resolve."
Jenny nodded slowly. "True enough. Let's hope they appreciate your mercy and don't cause trouble again."
I hoped so too. Though I had no idea what they were thinking.
At noon, the lunch bell rang. Even from the infirmary, I could hear it clearly.
About fifteen minutes later, Kane walked in carrying bags of food.
When I saw the variety, I felt immediate pressure. There had to be at least a dozen different items. How could I possibly finish all this?
Not only that, but Jenny came in as well, holding several pastries. "I made these myself. Try them."
Seeing the spread on the table, Jenny smiled wryly. "Looks like my pastries are a bit redundant."
I shook my head vigorously. "No, no, no! Not redundant at all! Please leave them—I can finish everything!"
The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I couldn't finish all this even if my life depended on it!
I turned to Kane. "Um... I can't eat all this. Why don't you join me?"
"I already ate."
Left with no choice, I looked back at Jenny with pleading eyes. "Could you help me with some of this? If I eat all of it, I'll balloon into a sphere!"
Jenny laughed. "Eating more is good for you. You need to build up your strength right now."
I'd already eaten so much yesterday. Eating this much again today was truly too much.
But the food couldn't keep long, and I didn't want to waste it. I had no choice but to force it down.
While eating, I reminded Kane, "Don't buy this much ever again! Just get something simple next time, or I'll get angry!"
I put on my sternest face, hoping he'd actually listen.
Fortunately, it seemed to work. Kane nodded. "Alright. Whatever you say."
I don't know how long it took, but I somehow managed to stuff everything into my stomach. I had no idea how I'd done it. It was honestly a miracle.
"By the way, do you have class this afternoon?"
"No classes. But I took detailed notes from this morning. I can show you."
"If you don't mind, I can also explain what the teacher covered."
I nodded eagerly. "Of course I don't mind! I should be thanking you!"
This morning's class had been Magic Summoning—my most anticipated subject. I'd been worried about falling behind, but thankfully Kane was here.
Kane pulled out a thick notebook and explained everything line by line, not missing a single detail.
Following his instructions, I recited the incantations from the notes, hoping to summon a spirit of my own.
Of course, I hoped my spirit would be a sweet, soft little princess—preferably pink!
But reality was cruel. I still couldn't grasp the trick of summoning.
"Ugh, I'm still not getting it. Maybe I'm just interested in Magic Summoning but don't actually have any talent for it."
Kane shook his head. "That's not true. This is just the beginning. Once you've practiced longer, you'll naturally summon your own spirit."
"Oh, and the Magic Summoning professor said there'll be a test in three days. It counts toward our participation grade and will factor into our final score."
That sentence hit like a death blow, making my heart leap into my throat. "What? A test in three days? That's way too soon! How can I possibly be ready?"
"No, no, I can't stay in the infirmary any longer. I need to go back to my dorm. I have to attend class!"
I tried to get out of bed, but my legs had barely regained any feeling. The result was me pitching forward toward the floor.