TCOSF I CHAPTER 07

CHAPTER 07

“Alright, that concludes today’s class…”

“Noah!”

Before the teacher could even finish announcing the end of class, Emily called out brightly toward Noah.

The scene wasn’t much different from before, but Noah’s reaction to Emily was.

“Emily.”

Noah smiled softly, the corners of his eyes gently lowering as he spoke her name kindly.

“The teacher hasn’t finished talking yet.”

“Sorry. I just really wanted to see you, Noah.”

Even though it was just a little thing, Noah chuckled quietly and carefully brushed back Emily’s pink hair, which had been tousled by her running over.

Emily happily accepted the touch and giggled.

“…You’re really something.”

Noah blushed in embarrassment and tilted his head slightly toward her.

The classmates’ eyes darted between them.

“They’re definitely dating, right?”

“But up until last week, Noah didn’t seem interested at all.”

“Guess he finally gave in. Look at him smiling.”

“But still…”

Even their old-fashioned teacher, Mr. Michael, was glancing at them over his thick glasses while pretending to tidy his books.

It was a rare sight for him—he usually disappeared like a ghost the moment class ended.

And considering he usually turned red and stormed out whenever his lecture was interrupted, this was quite out of character.

Still, as a member of the academy, wasn’t it only natural to be curious about such rumors?

He was slightly upset about not being able to finish his sentence, but honestly, in this noble-filled academy, it was nothing new.

Being a teacher of common birth and barely noticeable, things like this happened all the time.

Sometimes people would even bump shoulders with him in the hall and not realize it.

Anyway, it was clear that their relationship was far more interesting and important than the invisible teacher himself.

And if people like Michael had overheard Noah and Emily’s private conversation, things would’ve been even more intriguing.

‘Tone it down a bit, will you?’

‘We’re dating. This much is fine.’

At a glance, their whispers seemed romantic, but they were anything but sweet.

Noah smiled coldly, his eyes sharp as he gritted his teeth, while Emily responded shamelessly in a low voice meant only for him.

‘Relax your face, or someone will notice.’

Sighing, Noah looked at her like she was a headache.

Ever since he’d signed that contract, Emily had come to see him every single break.

And Noah found it extremely—no, overwhelmingly—annoying.

‘Anyway, you’re overdoing it. You come too often.’

‘What do you mean? New couples are supposed to be together all the time.’

…Was that true?

Noah closed his mouth awkwardly.

He’d never dated before, so he couldn’t say for sure.

And Emily looked so confident that he couldn’t argue.

Still, wasn’t everyone’s reaction a bit too much?

Feeling the stares pouring onto him, Noah sighed.

He was used to attention, but since Emily started showing up, it had gotten ridiculous.

Sure, people were curious—he was popular, and now he apparently had a girlfriend—but it was excessive.

It had to be because she visited him so often.

Noah eyed Emily suspiciously.

‘No, this isn’t working. Maybe twice a day instead…’

“Uh, hey!”

Just as Noah was whispering, one of the students finally couldn’t resist their curiosity and called out.

“Are you two… dating?”

Everyone’s eyes snapped toward them, including Mr. Michael, who was halfway out the door.

Ah.

Noah let out a small sound of realization and smiled faintly.

Actually, maybe it was better to just confirm it and end the rumors.

He gently placed a hand on Emily’s shoulder and smiled sweetly at the student.

“Yeah. We are.”

But Noah hadn’t expected the entire class to shoot to their feet and shout, “What?!”

Mr. Michael dropped his pen case, and his classmates stood frozen with their mouths open.

Was this really that shocking?

Noah blinked, a little confused himself.

•

Whispers filled the classroom.

Noah finally slammed his pen down with a sharp tap.

The noise died down for a moment—then started up again even louder.

“What’s wrong with everyone,” he muttered, rubbing his aching head.

He’d thought that once he openly admitted to dating, the commotion would die down after a day or two.

Dating wasn’t exactly a scandal.

But instead, the gossip only grew worse.

Trying to ignore it, Noah approached one of his close friends, the baron’s son.

“Max, about that ancient history topic…”

“Uh, oh? Yeah… right…”

Max laughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

Noah’s eyebrow twitched.

“…What’s with you?”

After a moment of hesitation, Max finally spoke.

“Well, um… Noah, are you really dating that girl? You know, Emily Blair, from first year.”

“Yeah, I am.”

How many times did he have to say it?

Noah nodded patiently, though irritation simmered beneath his calm tone.

But Max just shook his head with a sigh.

“Yeah… I thought so. Never mind, then.”

He looked at Noah with worried eyes before walking off.

Noah clenched his fists under the table.

What was that supposed to mean?

Even through the afternoon swordsmanship class, he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

He’d expected the girls to distance themselves a bit—understandable, though disappointing.

But even the teachers gave him pitying looks, and the boys were avoiding him too.

Why? Why? Why?

As he cleaned his sword in the training yard, the sound of whispers gnawed at his nerves.

Shing.

The blade gleamed as he took a deep breath.

Ignore it, he told himself.

Just ignore them.

But then his eyes met someone else’s—the count’s son, Martinet, who often picked fights with him for being a commoner.

He’d quieted down since Noah became top of the class, but still, nothing good came from meeting that gaze.

Just as Noah was about to look away, Martinet smirked.

A short, mocking laugh.

That was all it took for Noah’s patience to snap.

He smiled coolly and walked toward him.

Martinet looked surprised at first, then quickly lifted his chin with arrogance.

His face said it all: What are you going to do about it, commoner?

Noah gave a silent, ironic laugh and spoke.

“Martinet.”

“…What.”

“How about a spar? It’s been a while.”

His tone was polite, but his smile was sharp.

Martinet’s face stiffened.

He had never once beaten Noah in a duel.

Each loss had built into a festering resentment.

Grinding his teeth, he snatched up his sword.

“You’ve gotten cocky after a few lucky wins. Fine—come on!”

As if I ever needed luck to beat you, Noah thought with a smirk, raising his blade.

“Thanks for agreeing. You can take the first strike.”

“You bastard…!”

Martinet charged, slashing wildly.

Clang!

Noah easily blocked the blow, clicking his tongue.

You call that a feint? Too obvious.

With a short push, he knocked Martinet’s sword aside and swung for his neck.

“Gh…!”

Martinet barely managed to parry, his hands trembling from the impact.

He’s so damn strong for someone who looks like a girl!

But Noah didn’t let up.

He twisted his wrist and swung again, this time for Martinet’s side.

Clang!

The swords clashed again and again.

The exchange lasted much longer than usual—long enough for Martinet to start grinning.

Not bad. He was lasting this long against the top student.

See? He’s not so special after all.

Just as he thought that, he noticed Noah’s faint smirk.

“…You!”

Noah smiled slightly, only for Martinet to realize the truth—Noah had been holding back the whole time.

Every strike had been perfectly measured, just enough for Martinet to block.

Martinet’s rage flared.

“Arghhh!”

He shouted and swung with all his might.

Noah watched calmly, then stepped aside and struck Martinet’s wrist with his sword hilt.

“Ugh!”

The sword clattered to the ground.

A perfect victory for Noah.

Exhaling softly, he sheathed his blade.

“Good match, Martinet. You’ve improved.”

Despite having toyed with him, Noah smiled kindly and offered a hand.

Martinet slapped it away hard.

“Get lost, you creep!”

The smack was loud enough to redden Noah’s hand, but Martinet didn’t care.

He glared and shouted furiously.

“You think you’re somebody? You’re still a commoner, idiot!”

Noah stayed silent.

“And Emily Blair? You think she’s any different?”

Noah’s hand twitched.

Martinet caught it and sneered.

“You think you’ll climb the ranks just because you hooked a noble girl?

Don’t kid yourself. You’re just a pretty face. She’ll toss you aside soon enough. Everyone here knows it!”

Noah glanced around.

No one said anything.

They all just looked uncomfortable, but no one denied it.

A hollow laugh escaped him.

So that’s what it was.

All those stares and sighs—they were just pity for a commoner who’d soon be dumped by a count’s daughter.

He shouldn’t have cared. It was only a contract, after all.

But still…

Noah closed his eyes.

He felt tired.