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Chapter 137: Capybara in the Water (2)

There was no way that we could ignore her words in the first place, but her admission that she had pretended not to know was an unsettling start.

Of course, no one dared to interrupt Lady Louises words, which she had mustered the courage to say. At the moment, it was more important to hear what she wanted to say than to entertain minor doubts.

I had an older sister.

Fortunately, our silence seemed to give her more courage as she continued speaking. The statement about having had a sister allowed us to predict the outcome. 

And sadly, that prediction was not wrong. Oddly enough, negative predictions rarely missed the mark. Enen was indeed harsh on humans. 

Lady Louise, who was fragile, the attention she received as the youngest, her relatively neglected sister, and her sisters untimely death. 

Those were all sufficient to leave a profound impact, to the extent that she felt resistance towards someone monopolizing love. To the extent that she believed everyone should be treated equally.

So its like that.

To be honest, I had noticed that Lady Louise had drawn a faint line with us. It was something that couldnt go unnoticed. 

For a whole semester, I, along with Young Lord Eric, Prince Rutis, Prince Lather, and Tannian, had all tried to express our interest in Lady Louise. And for a semester, we had been unsuccessful.

I wouldnt have been able to see it objectively if I was pursuing her on my own, but seeing others also hitting a wall made it impossible not to realize that Lady Louise had drawn a line with us.

So, I refrained from actively approaching her. Forcing oneself upon a lady who had clearly drawn a line was not polite. If we do, the faint line would only grow thicker, and any potential wounds Lady Louise could have would become even deeper.

I simply hovered around her and waited for the moment when she would open up her heart, not just as a fellow club member but as a close friend.

Except for the fact that I wasnt the only one thinking the same thing. 

It turned out like this in the end.

When competitors who shared the same thoughts gathered, they secretly checked and balanced each other. However, none of us had managed to get closer to Lady Louise because we were preoccupied with keeping each other in check.

We did build friendships with her, and we could confidently call ourselves her close friends. However, none of us had become a presence close enough for Lady Louise to confide in.

And in this situation, if Lady Louise had opened her mouth first 

Im sorry; I know its too late, but I wanted to say it now.

Rather than opening her heart to someone, what came was nothing less than a declaration to firmly push everyone away. 

It wasnt an apology for not speaking up until now, nor a promise not to do so in the future. From now on, the line she drew would become even more pronounced. 

That much was obvious to everyone, which was why only silence hovered over the room.  That included us, who were dumped before we even confessed, and Lady Louise, who dumped us before any of us could confess.

I looked down at Lady Louise, who was trembling with her head down. Did she think we would get angry? Did she imagine that we would think she was mocking us for not telling us until now and for daring to treat us this way? 

It would be a lie if I said it didnt hurt. But well, we werent exactly blameless ourselves.

Thank you, Lady Louise.

Ironically, maybe we were even more guilty of not being a reliable man to the woman we liked. 

It must have been hard for you to open up, but thank you for telling us everything.

So, the image we presented was not of rational individuals simmering with anger but rather people comforting a friend who had mustered the courage to apologize.

Wasnt that right?

Looking around, I saw that the other four were equally composed. Well, they pretended to be composed, at least.

We even act similarly in situations like this. 

I felt like laughing. We held the same person in our hearts, attempted to hover around them in the same way, had similar thoughts about keeping each other in check, and now, even our thoughts after being rejected were similar.

These were people I had met just this year, but why did our hearts resonate so well?  It was really strange. Were they actually my lost brothers? 

Since Lady Louise has been honest, should I also share my secret?

I spoke softly with a slight smile. The most important thing right now was to comfort Lady Louise, who didnt seem like she would raise her head. 

We should show that we didnt care about the fact that weve been rejected. We should show that we were thankful because she opened up about something difficult. 

To be honest, I have an awkward relationship with my brother.

Upon saying this, I was met with her startled expression. I guess she was surprised that I had spoken so casually about imperial affairs. 

Still, Ive at least succeeded in dispelling Louises guilt.

Mentioning His Highness the Crown Prince was a bit uncomfortable, but I had only described our relationship as awkward, not as a threat to my life, so it should be within safe bounds.

Now that Ive spoken, its the others turn.

I dont have any secrets.

Neither do I.

I guess I spoke too soon.

We burst into laughter as we quickly brushed off the topic. Our hearts were indeed connected. This was how we lightened the mood.

When I started laughing, Prince Rutis joined in as well. Yes, he was the one who would join first in such an atmosphere.

I havent lost a single time, since taking up the sword, but it seems Ive lost to Louise for the first time.

I-Im sorry

Theres no need to apologize. Its only natural to reject someone who doesnt suit your taste.

Maybe that was also Prince Rutiss way of offering comfort, albeit in a slightly peculiar manner.

Im actually grateful that you were honest. Itd be sad if you couldnt reject us despite not liking anyone.

Prince Rutiss expression, which was originally cheerful, seemed even brighter now. It was as if he was speaking sincerely rather than just offering consolation.

One-sided love is futile, after all.

Thats a rare thought. 

Prince Lather, who had been maintaining silence, finally acknowledged Prince Rutiss words.

The real problem is if you didnt push us away out of consideration. Sticking together without knowing each others hearts would have been even worse.

Yes, that was a valid point. We could all remain friends after she confided in us like this; otherwise, we would have graduated with a relationship that was neither here nor there.

My gaze inadvertently turned to Young Lord Eric and Tannian. It was now their turn since the other two princes had said their piece.

I feel the same way.

Youve said it all before, so I dont have anything to add. 

What a pity. 

After that, I had a hard time soothing a sobbing Lady Louise. 

She looked so pitiful as she mumbled her apologies and thank-yous, seemingly on the verge of collapse if we didnt comfort her quickly. Ironically, I wanted to cry, too. But I couldnt afford to cry considering my status as a prince, so I convinced myself that Lady Louise was crying on my behalf.

Wow, the second semester is off to a brilliant start.

Young Lord Erics comment made Louise, who had stopped crying, blush deeply. It certainly was an eventful start.

Its a memorable day. Isnt it a day when the five of us got rejected at the same time? 

Do Armenians have a culture like that? 

Celebrating being rejected was not exactly a cheerful tradition.

However, Prince Rutis, unfazed by such reactions, rummaged through the club room and spoke.

Today isnt just about being rejected. Its a day when Louise showed us her true feelings and became closer to us.

His optimistic interpretation was astonishing. 

Prince Rutis wasnt exactly normal, but that was what made him appealing.

Its a pity the club advisor isnt here, but lets start by ourselves. 

Even though it was an unheard-of celebration called a Rejection Tea Party and we didnt know what wed say when the Advisor walked in, we decided to go ahead with it. Everyone seemed a bit dazed, probably still in shock from the unexpected rejection.

Its been a while since weve eaten in the club room. 

Of course, I felt the same way.

***

Ainter explained the situation while Rutis went to refill the tea.

Really? 

Moments like these left my mind blank. 

I thought they were joking when they mentioned celebrating getting rejected. I even thought they were exaggerating when they suggested we all go out somewhere in celebration.

But damn it, this was for real.

What on earth?

This was unexpected. I knew these idiots werent making progress with Louise, and I feared thered be no news until graduation. 

But I never imagined an early ending where Louise rejected everyone before any of them could even confess. How could anyone anticipate such madness? 

Could this also be part of the original story? Was it supposed to go this way? Was this a story where Louise, moved by the determination of those who were rejected, opened her heart to them? 

But that cant be right.

If being unyielding was enough to move her, Louise would have been swayed dozens of times by now. These guys might be competing with each other, but they were persistent.

I glanced at Louise, and she quickly bowed her head when our eyes met. 

You did well.

Trying to organize my chaotic thoughts, I patted Louise on the shoulder. This unexpected early ending was driving me crazy, but the fact that Louise had become open about her trauma was something to celebrate. 

Half of her life had been consumed by that trauma, and she had finally revealed it to others. Now, all that remained was to move forward.

I didnt see this coming.

In truth, I expected Louise to confide in one of the five. I expected it to be a decision-making event when she found someone she loved. 

But instead of making a choice, they were all rejected after she revealed everything.

Thank you, Oppa.

Louise smiled as she raised her head cautiously. The sight of her made me realize how futile it was to even be thinking about this. 

As long as shes happy.

For now, lets just be happy about her escaping her trauma. 

Indeed.

As I continued patting Louises shoulder absentmindedly, I heard Ainters exclamation from beside me. 

I turned to look at him and saw him smiling while stroking his chin.

So thats why. 

Why what?

Im about to lose my mind, so dont beat around the bush with strange hints and just give it to me straight. 

But Ainter, seemingly oblivious to my frustration, turned his gaze to Erich with a look of deep sympathy. 

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