[3rd Person POV]

Camellia – daughter of the Marquis and Marchioness of Fenestra, heir to the largest glassware company and proud business partner of Eden, and an executive in the "Alterisa von Lorya Fan Club" created by the princess of Arcadia herself – was walking through the hallways of Lavinia Academy after school.

She was dressed in her academy's uniform, a light blue and white blazer, a white shirt underneath it, and a light blue skirt that hugged her petite yet womanly figure.

At first glance, there was nothing out of the ordinary about her appearance. But as she walked past a window, something on her collar shined as the orange-red afternoon sun basked her figure.

It was a small pin, a crest in the shape of a pure white snow lily and two light blue spears crossed behind it. At the center was the number "08" engraved in gold.

It was a pin given to the members of the "Alterisa von Lorya Fan Club", and worn only during club activities after school.

It was a shame... Camellia wanted to wear it all the time and show them off to everyone. After all, she was proud to be an executive in her idol's fan club and she wanted more people to join it and help make her school life even better!

Unfortunately, the founder of the fanclub had said that their purpose was to protect her from the shadows and to make sure she could live peacefully during her time in the academy. Making themselves known might do more harm than good.

Alterisa's humility and kindness was well known to everyone, and if they make themselves known, she might push herself to thank each and every one of them and spend her time on them, and not herself.

Although it would be a dream come true, the greatest wish of the AvLFC was to make sure she could have a pleasant school life. They wish for her to spend her time doing what she wishes. And for this, they will gladly stay and protect her from the shadows.

Hah... I wish I could've seen Alterisa-sama's gallant figure during her physical combat class.

She sighed inwardly. The greatest regret she had was not being in the same class as Alterisa like most of the other executives. If she was, she could witness her figure everyday and perhaps even become her friend!!!

Thanks to her mother, Alterisa knew of her and she even sent a letter to her! She had replied, telling her that she would love to meet her in the academy, but there hasn't been any good chance of doing so!

But, it couldn't be helped... As of now, Alterisa was being extremely careful and didn't roam around the academy more than necessary. And it was all because of one person...

The commoner from the city her parents ruled over, Aria.

According to the founder, there is a large chance she would cause harm to Alterisa due to her personality. And Camellia could understand why.

Aria was a spoiled wench with a rotten personality. A girl who would shamelessly use her appearance to seduce and steal men, even if they were already in a relationship. She had done so multiple times in Fenestra.

Now that she's here in Lavinia Academy, she must've set her gaze on the most popular young men in the academy and the kingdom.

That must be the reason... She wants them for herself, but all of their hearts have been stolen by Alterisa-sama's greatness! And Alterisa-sama must've known that she would try to harm her so she could steal those men away.

Camellia clenched her teeth, her beautiful brown eyes narrowed with icy coldness, as she continued to walk with her neck-length, orange-blonde hair bounced with each step.

She was normally cheerful and spirited while still being prim and poised, a shining example of a cute and elegant young lady. But now, the cold, composed, and icy side of her that she inherited from her mother was showing.

Just then, she heard a thud from the corner of the hallway.

She went and peaked, and her eyes widened in shock.

Aria?! What is that wench doing here?

The golden-haired heroine was standing in front of the wall with her head down and her fist against it. She didn't seem to realize her presence.

"What the hell was that...? What the hell was that?! I don't remember that villainess being OP!!!"

Camellia frowned. Simply from her words and knowing that she was in Alterisa's class, Camellia could easily deduce what she meant and who she was alluding to.

Villainess...? Unforgivable.

Her eyes turned colder, and an urge to go there and punish her for bad mouthing her Alterisa-sama filled her heart. But she bit her tongue.

If she did anything against her now with no evidence of Aria's wrongdoing, it would reflect badly on the fan club, and in turn, Alterisa-sama. The best thing she could do right now was to listen to what she's going to say, report this to the AvLFC, and prepare a plan to neutralize the threat.

"And what's wrong with the capture targets...?! I'm the heroine, for f*ck's sake! Why are they being cold to me?! Ellie too! She should've been my sidekick! What's wrong with this world?!"

Capture targets... What is she talking about...? Heroine...? Wait, I've heard the name Ellie... She was the commoner who Alterisa-sama befriended. We're planning on discussing inviting her to the fan club this afternoon.

Camellia began to contemplate her words deeper, trying to figure out what the mentally-ill girl meant. But before she could, the girl began to talk again.

"...It must be her fault. That damn bitch must've done something to them! Tch. I'll need to think of a way to uncover that bitch's mask. If I can have her show her ugly side, the capture targets would definitely come to my rescue and fall head over heels for me..."

Camellia widened her eyes in shock when she saw her lips curling into a demented smile. And when she heard her words, things finally clicked in her mind.

...I need to inform everyone. We need to protect Alterisa-sama from this wench!!!

--------------------------------X--------------------------------

[Alterisa's POV]

"Hmmm~ They're late~"

Right after class ended, I invited the girls to come to my room to hangout and grab some dinner together later tonight.

Unfortunately, only Illya and Noir could join me in my room this afternoon, while the others could only come for dinner. It was a shame, but the others seemed to be busy with some stuff, so I didn't push further. I know how busy noble ladies could be, even though we're still only 15.

I'm grateful they would spend their precious free time with me.

So now, I'm waiting for Illya and Noir to come. But they're a bit late... It's a bit unusual for those two to be late.

Well, they must have something urgent to take care of. I don't think they're canceling, though, since they haven't sent anyone to tell me about it.

It seems like today is a very busy day for the girls. I wonder why...

Oh well~ I can ask them about it later on.

"Kyuuu~! Kyuu!!!"

"Fufu~ Do your best, Fubuki~"

I waved my hand around, controlling the little ice bunny I made, and played with Fubuki by making her chase it around.

Fufu~ That's right~ I managed to create animals made of ice that could move according to my command~!

A few years ago, right after learning to make things with ice, I learned how to make animals that could move by themselves.

Well... I learned it after numerous trials and errors. Lawliela sama didn't teach me. When I asked her, she seemed amused and told me to try and learn it myself, so I did...

And now, I've also developed an ultimate move using this magic.

Fufufu~ I can't wait to show it off~

After all, it's a spell that managed to shock Lawliela-sama for the first time~ I'm super proud of it!

*Knock* *Knock*

"Ah, that must be them!"

"I shall welcome them. Maria, reheat the pot of tea."

"Yes, Anne-nee~!"

I dismissed the snow bunny and welcomed Fubuki to my lap as Maria-chan prepared the tea and Anne went to open the door.

A few moments later, Anne returned with Illya and Noir, who were both still in their uniform and looking a bit... out of breath.

"Illya? Noir? Why are you out of breath?"

"A-Ah, it is nothing, Alterisa-sama. Please don't worry."

"Y-Yes! Please don't perry, Alterisa-sama. We are fine."

"...Alright. Please take a seat and rest. We still have some time before dinner, so lets have some tea and snacks, okay?"

"Yes. Thank you very much~"

"Y-Yes. Please excuse us."

The two sat down with me on the table and Maria-chan immediately served them the tea she had reheated with a magic item.

The two took a sip of the steaming cup of tea and let out a sigh. They seemed to have been pretty tense... They also seemed pretty tired. I wonder what they're doing before this.

"Illya, Noir, what were you doing before this?"

I noticed the two flinching at my question. Ah, they must think I'm blaming them for being late!

Nooooooo, I'm not blaming you!!! I'm just worried!!!

"Ah, please don't misunderstand! I was not blaming you for arriving late. I am just very concerned. The two of you seemed very tense since arriving here... I was wondering if you were in trouble. Please don't hesitate to tell me. I will do my best to help you girls."

"Alterisa-sama..."

"A-Alterisa-sama..."

I held both of their hands and looked them in the eyes.

I'm really worried. They've never acted like this before. For these two to be this tense... I can't help but wonder if they're in a big trouble.

Don't worry, girls! I will help you with everything I can!!! No one shall harm these cinnamon rolls!!!

The two blushed and immediately shook their heads.

"Thank you very much, Alterisa-sama. But it is fine~ Simply by being with you here has put my heart at ease."

"Y-Yes! There is nothing for you to worry about, Alterisa-sama!"

"Really...?"

""Yes!""

The two nodded in unison with determination filling their eyes.

Hm? Why do they seem fired up all of a sudden?

Did I do something...?

Well... At least they're both back to their usual selves.

"Alright... Then, let's chat for a while before we go to dinner with everyone~!"

"Yes~ I look forward to our dinner tonight~"

"Uhn! It seems like there will be a special dish for tonight's dessert menu!"

"Eh?! Really?! What is it?"

"It seems to be some sort of cake, but I am unsure."

"Ah, I think I've also heard of it in passing."

"Really?! Aaaah~ I'm looking forward to our dinner even more now~"









AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please vote and comment your thoughts~!