Chapter 14

“Guess it’s no use…”

After finishing his shower, Bellver slowly raised his hand with eyes closed, only to let it drop heavily.

Yesterday, after teatime had ended, he’d planned to get back at Bellatrix for what she’d done to him. For the first time, not to cleanse his body but just mindlessly touch himself…

But as his hand rose higher and higher, he felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, stopping him. He also felt intensely embarrassed. The lewd imaginings he’d had—how soft it must be!—made him feel utterly ashamed.

Ultimately, his revenge never even began. Bellatrix could fondle herself so freely, yet for some reason, he couldn’t even bring a finger to her.

He wanted to grope her pretty body everywhere as payback, but his heart wouldn’t allow it. In truth, Bellver didn’t have such intentions anyway—it was about self-respect. Loving and cherishing oneself was important to Bellver, which made self-ab*se unthinkable.

The maid fixing Bellver’s clothes tilted her head in confusion. Why had he suddenly raised his hand, sighed deeply, then dropped it? She worried if he’d fought with his lover.

“Hmph…I really hate her.”

“Did you two fight?”

“No, it’s just something.”

Though she thought they hadn’t fought, the maid believed otherwise. Since meeting his lover, Bellver had always been cheerful—why would he look so down now? How dare anyone make our young master so sad!

At the door, Bellver turned to leave. “I’m going now.”“Please make up soon.”

Their misunderstanding continued; neither revealed their true feelings. Bellver remained completely unaware that his behavior looked like someone sulking after a quarrel. Instead, he felt proud frustration at his inability to commit such minor indiscretions.

“Are you here? Let’s go.”

Upon opening the door, there stood Bellatrix waiting as usual. Seeing Bellver, she grinned slyly. Instinctively, he almost hugged himself to cover up—but restrained himself, feeling her lecherous gaze crawl all over him.

Normally, he’d lecture her for staring so boldly, but today he held his tongue. It was a day of continuous teasing—a punishment from yesterday.

Bellatrix firmly grabbed his trembling hand before he could hide. Soft and small, it fit perfectly into hers.

“Hey! You’re looking at everything!”“Why not? Let the commoners blush more.”“You’re disgusting!”“Maybe it’s time to change that?”“You’re disgusting!”

The surrounding female students blushed furiously at Bellatrix’s bold declaration of possession. Meanwhile, Bellver wanted to d*e—not only from the stares of the girls who saw them as lovers but also because Bellatrix was clearly more popular than him despite being close to him.

Being male, Bellver envied her popularity. Why did she seem so much manlier than him?

In retaliation, he poked her side subtly—the most daring revenge he could muster.

“Oof. Why?”“I’m jealous. Let’s hurry.”

Today, they were visiting Bellatrix’s morning training session after a weeklong absence where she’d left him as a totem. Bellver couldn’t fathom why she’d invited him again.

“Go sit and rest there.”

Bellatrix had been eagerly anticipating this day. To show off her prowess in front of Bellver. Even though she rarely ran or showed off during magic demonstrations, her heart pounded nervously now.

Was it because of Bellver’s body? No, his heart inside her chest always raced wildly too. This tension surprised her. Longer than when facing family members, even.

When she glanced at Bellver, he was staring intently at her.

“Will you be okay?”“Of course. What do you take me for?”“I’ll count on you. You’re our hope.”

She chatted casually with friends while refocusing on the upcoming event.

“I hope she doesn’t get hurt.”

Bellver watched Bellatrix from the stands. Her determined expression deepened as he observed her. His hands sweated, clenching tightly. Something big was about to happen today.

‘Does she have friends…?’

Simultaneously tense and amused by the thought of Bellatrix chatting with another guy—a character he knew well from the original story. While Bellver had no male friends, Bellatrix had already befriended one.

“Am I thinking straight?!”

Bellver startled himself upon realizing his subconscious thoughts included viewing a woman as a same-s*x friend. When had his concept of ‘same-s*x’ shifted?

Feeling lax lately, he resolved to reaffirm his identity often. Such confusion was embarrassing. Shaking his head violently to clear these impure thoughts, dizziness followed, leaving him slumped over.

“Is your girlfriend alright…?”“She’s fine. Isn’t she cute?”“She is, but…never mind. Handle it yourself.”“Of course. It’s starting soon. Watch closely.”“Okay.”

Seeing Bellver’s antics—startled, shaking his head, then collapsing—Bellatrix relaxed. Clearly, he’d been thinking inappropriate things about her. With her tension gone, forgotten worries resurfaced.

“Why am I nervous around someone like him? Who am I?”

Relaxation made the opponent seem insignificant. How could the great Bellatrix ever feel anxious against an extra? She trusted her honed physique and months of effort. Victory would come easily.

“Bellver and Alonzo de Michelaeneas, step onto the arena.”

The lethargic Bellver snapped to attention at the professor’s words. A mock duel? Barely a month into swordplay, this seemed absurd.

Moreover, Bellver hadn’t seen her train once. Always together studying and practicing magic instead. Their opponent, though minor villain material, was still a trained noble scion capable of joining lower ranks of knighthood. What possessed her to request this match?

Confidently waving at Bellver, Bellatrix ascended the arena. Their rival waited smugly.

Bellver stared anxiously at the intense atmosphere, clasping his hands in prayer-like fashion. Please, don’t let her get hurt.

“Begin.”

At the professor’s command, both clashed. Though Bellver could see the sword paths, understanding eluded him due to his ignorance of fencing. All he noticed was Bellatrix under pressure.

“Please, let Lady Bellatrix win.”

He prayed harder. Just don’t get injured, winning would be nice.

As if his prayers reached heaven—or Bellatrix—he reversed the tide, pushing her opponent back until she disarmed and cornered him.

“Winner: Bellver.”

With the verdict, Bellver rushed to embrace Bellatrix mid-breath, overwhelmed with pride and relief for defeating her first antagonist.

Ignoring the audience, he hugged her tightly, laughing joyfully.

“Did I do well?”“Yes! You were amazing!”

“Shouldn’t we separate slightly? For propriety’s sake.”“Why?”

Bellver didn’t understand. Holding her happily, why should he let go? Glancing aside, he noticed others watching.

Realizing their location, embarrassment hit hard.

“What now? Won’t you let go?”“How can I when it feels so good? Special service since you’re so soft.”“That’s harassment!”

Unable to resist further due to sheer embarrassment, Bellver stayed in her arms, quietly protesting unheard by others.

Wishing everyone would vanish, Bellatrix enjoyed the sensation of holding him, lifting him effortlessly.

Since she felt good, she decided to carry him out personally.

“Professor, may I escort him out?”“Permission granted. Such growth is commendable.”“Thanks to you. Much appreciated.”

Hearing this exchange, Bellver relaxed, fearing he’d interrupted a key plot event. Apparently, they’d met somehow.

“Really well done!”

Still eyes shut, Bellver weakly patted Bellatrix’s head in timid approval before quickly returning his hand to his stomach.

Bellatrix smiled seeing his trembling, curled-up form—so adorable. Determined to stay close to this Bellver forever, she vowed to work harder.