Bellver’s determination not to cause trouble didn’t last long, though it wasn’t by choice.
Fortunately, the only one who heard that chick-like voice again was Roho.
The fact that Roho heard it might be a problem, but since he already heard it once, it’s less of an accident this time.
Who would’ve thought she’d barge in calling out so loudly?
Bellatrix had mentioned she’s a bit loud, but being from a noble family, how loud could she really be?
Because of that, I got such a fright my heart started racing and I had to calm it down in real-time.
And then there was the embarrassment of seeing Roho covering his mouth and giggling like a fool right in front of me.
“Why did you call?”“Man, this kid is out of their mind. Should I fix your sister for you?”
Bellver scowled at the sudden rudeness, though he had been rude first—it was definitely something Bellatrix would do. This must be normal for them; after all, no one said anything against it.
Still, he couldn’t figure out why they were being so disrespectful unless… unless it had something to do with the lack of information Bellatrix provided about these people.
The successor of the Yellow Tower, Tiel, who anxiously sought Bellatrix, confidently took the front seat. She wanted to savor this rare sight longer since she rarely saw her at the academy anymore as a graduate.
“If someone reacts like this in front of me, they must be Salazar—but strangely, this kid lacks venom. Is the rumor true?”
Bellver understood upon hearing more. Bellatrix always warned him not to speak because his voice lacked venom, claiming imitating her would only backfire due to mediocrity.
So Tiel identified Bellver wasn’t Bellatrix just by his voice. Instantly, tension surged through his body. He’d been told not to worry about his body switch being discovered, but still… he kept silent, tightly shutting his lips.
“It seems true, huh, Roho. What do you think?”“I welcome it! After all the effort I put in.”
Tiel smirked broadly after hearing Roho’s reply, believing the rumors were true based on Bellver’s reaction. The gossip claimed Bellatrix dated a commoner boy and completely changed—though it was a huge misunderstanding, she had no way of knowing the truth since the person indeed changed.
Roho grinned watching Bellver remain silent despite speaking fine moments ago. His cold expression made him seem like the usual Bellatrix at first glance. If it weren’t for the peculiar behavior earlier, Roho might have dismissed it as a regular false rumor. He hadn’t met the man yet, so doubts lingered.
“What’s so good about that guy?”
This subtle jab caused no flinch, unlike Roho’s usual taunts. Yet, the clear reaction left no room for disbelief. Remembering that bold undergarment incident sealed it further.
Encouraged, Roho decided to probe deeper. With only three participants during this tea time, he felt confident pushing boundaries knowing Tiel was generally agreeable aside from her chatter.
“A month ago, I saw you wearing something so daring… Aren’t you going to tell us? We’ve known each other for so long…”
Thud! Bellver’s chair rocked violently. Unless someone played a prank, it was undoubtedly his movement. Recalling that embarrassing day filled him with shame—the skimpy underwear incident replayed vividly in his mind.
How did Roho know about that? Efforts to suppress rising humiliation proved futile.
Roho pressed on, certain victory was near thanks to Bellver’s undeniable reactions.
Meanwhile, Tiel struggled to follow the conversation, astonished watching what seemed like the haughty Bellatrix react so girlishly. Curiosity burned: what could’ve happened to change her so drastically, and what clothing could make her ears turn crimson?
“That black thing…”“I’ll talk if you stop.”
Finally succumbing to shame, Bellver spoke. Memories of that terrible day flooded back, making him wish to bury his face beneath the table.
‘It’s too late to preserve Bellatrix’s image anyway, maybe I should just let loose?’
A tempting urge arose but was quickly suppressed—going home afterward would be unbearable. Instead, he resolved to speak since staying silent became increasingly humiliating.
Clang! As Bellver opened his mouth, Tiel dropped her teaspoon in shock. By her standards, now was the moment for vulgar curses or continued silence. Yet, unexpectedly tender words emerged, clashing with Bellatrix’s supposed venomous nature. Where did all that toxicity go? Suddenly, declining the academy teaching position seemed regrettable.
“Sorry, I’m just surprised.”“What would you like to ask, Tiel?”“Nope, I’ll just listen this time.”“Oh my, what’s gotten into both of you? Must be some good news!”
Though maintaining composure outwardly, Roho inwardly marveled at Tiel stepping back—a rare occurrence given her usual dominance over tea times. To him, this was fortuitous. Subtly licking her lips, she prepared like a predator sensing prey.
“What kind of relationship do you share with him? You said you’re not lovers, right?”
Choke! Tiel interrupted again, startled by this revelation. She hastily cleaned herself with magic and gestured to continue.
“What kind of relationship? Are you still getting to know each other? Planning to confess soon? Or perhaps an unhealthy nighttime playmate?”“Unhealthy…?”
Hearing “unhealthy,” Bellver reflexively responded, reminiscent of Bellatrix’s habitual teasing. Realizing his slip, he immediately waved it off.
“Oh my goodness…?”“Not that! It’s nothing like that! We’re still figuring things out!”“Am I dreaming…? That b*stard falling head over heels for a guy…?”“Absolutely NOT!!”
Regardless of his protests, neither believed him. His hasty denial, uncharacteristic fervor, and flushed cheeks painted a convincing picture—they just pretended not to notice his embarrassment.
Still, considering Bellatrix a friend, Roho sincerely wished to offer advice without overstepping boundaries.
“Just in case, watch out for pregnancies. Before accidents happen, I recommend deepening emotional connections alongside physical ones.”“Sister, I suggest finding love first. No matter how much you adore someone, don’t give your body away too easily.”
Bellver felt like tearing his hair out. How could he rectify this colossal misunderstanding? At this rate, Bellatrix would appear as someone desperate enough to compromise her virtue for affection.
No solution came to mind except one—the most severe blunder among past mistakes. But desperate times called for desperate measures; alternatives failed to surface amidst his panic.
“I’m… still a virgin!!”
Ultimately, Bellver clenched his fists under the table, shut his eyes tight, and shrieked at the top of his lungs. There was simply no other way to convey such personal information. Addressing strangers barely acquainted with felt excruciating.
Of course, listening wasn’t easy either. What began as light-hearted jests akin to 0-circle spells escalated abruptly into devastating 9-circle destruction magic. Both Roho and Tiel froze, struck dumb by Bellver’s desperate declaration of purity.
‘Tiel, please don’t say anything.’
Silence often serves best in such situations. Roho understood this, though unsure if Tiel did, silently prayed she’d refrain from commenting.
Unfortunately, Tiel lacked sufficient tact. Predictably, she stepped directly onto the lone landmine before her.
“We’re sorry… Can we help somehow…?”“AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!”
Realizing his catastrophic mistake, Bellver screamed like a banshee. Another major accident added to his list.
