Chapter 75 Astonishing Change

Chapter 75 Astonishing Change

Cecilia Blackwood's POV

I had to admit Mr. Crom was right—my mood could only be described as terrible.

And having to hide it from Kane while trying to act normal around him was utterly exhausting.

"What's the other approach?" I asked.

Mr. Crom replied, "Stop compromising. Give them a proper warning—that should work."

"A warning?"

"Yes. These two methods may seem contradictory, but they're essentially the same."

"Give them a warning first, then ignore them. Let them know you're not someone to mess with."

"When you dismiss their actions and remain cheerful despite everything, they'll naturally feel their efforts are pointless."

"But how exactly do I warn them?" I didn't quite understand. After all, I still didn't know who was behind it.

If I investigated deeply, who knew how many people would be implicated? Even Ms. Moria would be put in a difficult position.

Crom smiled slightly. "I know what you're worried about. Just do as I say—it'll work."

"You don't necessarily have to tell Ms. Moria or bother her. You just need to let those students know you're considering it."

"Trust me, to avoid expulsion, they'll tone it down."

I nodded uncertainly. With no better options, I could only follow Mr. Crom's advice and hope it worked.

"Thank you, Mr. Crom. Can I start practicing now?"

Crom shook his head slowly. "Like I said, skip practice today. Handle your situation first."

"Building mental strength isn't something that happens overnight anyway. Take your time—there's no rush."

"Yes, sir."

I rose and left the office. Kane was waiting in the exact spot where I'd left him.

He hadn't moved an inch. I didn't doubt that even if I'd stayed in the office for hours, he wouldn't have budged.

Actually, that wasn't entirely true—he might move to get me food from the dining hall.

"All done. We can go now."

Kane looked puzzled. "Why so quick this time? Did something happen?"

I feigned lightness. "No, Mr. Crom's always considerate with me. What could happen?"

"Come on, let's head to the hill. I want to improve the Dodge Magic Aunt Marina taught me as soon as possible."

I could only hope Kane wouldn't notice anything wrong. Once I followed Mr. Crom's advice and resolved everything, I wouldn't have to deal with this hassle anymore.

I thought I'd hidden it well, but the moment I began casting Dodge Magic, Kane reached out to stop me. "Something's bothering you."

His tone was flat, yet carried an unprecedented firmness.

My eyes dodged his. I couldn't meet his gaze. "What... what do you mean? What could be bothering me? You're overthinking it."

"No. Something is bothering you. Tell me—did someone bully you?"

I could feel Kane restraining his anger, but I couldn't guarantee how long that restraint would last.

"No, no." I waved my hands. "We've been together these past few days. If someone bullied me, you'd know."

"Besides, Ms. Moria already warned them. Even if they had the nerve, they wouldn't dare try anything now."

I tried to keep my tone light, but facts proved I still couldn't fool Kane.

"I know what you're worried about. It's those online comments, isn't it?"

Only then did I realize Kane could see the online discourse. He just didn't know about my vandalized desk, chair, and textbooks.

After all, those classmates only targeted me during Kane's special classes.

"All right, I admit it. That's exactly it." I had to agree now, or I'd only dig myself deeper.

"Need me to handle it?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, no. I already know how to deal with it. Leave it to me."

"Two days at most, and the online comments will disappear. I promise. If things are still the same by then, you can step in."

I could only stall for now. I hoped I could resolve all these troubles smoothly.

Strangely, Kane didn't insist. He nodded naturally. "All right. Tell me whenever you need me."

"Your condition isn't right today. Let's skip practice. We'll try again in a couple days."

"Okay."

On the way back to the dorm, I couldn't help asking, "Since you knew about those online comments, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

More accurately, Kane didn't need to say anything at all. He could have handled it himself—he'd done it more than once before.

Kane said softly, "I promised to respect you and not act on my own anymore. I naturally have to keep my word."

"You're my only friend. I don't want to lose you."

The corners of my mouth lifted involuntarily. It seemed Kane was willing to change for me after all.

The next afternoon, it was time for Kane's special class again.

Unsurprisingly, my desk, chair, and textbooks had been vandalized once more. This time, my books had even been tossed onto the trash bin.

My face showed no emotion. I didn't move to retrieve my textbooks, nor did I wipe the stains from my desk.

I turned to look at the surrounding students, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"I don't know who did this, but I'll say this once: don't push it too far, or don't blame me for what happens."

"I won't pick up those books, and I won't clean my desk and chair. Whoever did it can clean it up themselves."

"I'm leaving the classroom now. In five minutes, when the bell rings, I'll come back. If these things are still like this, I'm reporting it to Ms. Moria immediately."

"No matter who did it or how many people were involved, I'll investigate to the end. I'm confident Ms. Moria will take my side."

"Let me remind you—I'm not joking. This is your last chance. Don't push me."

With that, I turned and left without another word.

This tactic was Mr. Crom's suggestion. I had to give these people a proper warning. Only then could I have peace going forward.

I wasn't sure if it would work. I could only take it one step at a time.

Five minutes later, the bell rang. I returned to the classroom. My textbooks were back on my desk, and the stains on my desk and chair had been wiped clean.

The corners of my mouth lifted slightly. It seemed I'd succeeded.

I looked around at the surrounding students again. "I can let this slide this time, but this is the last time. I don't want there to be a next."