Chapter 33: The Eldritch Godness is troubled

"Listen, listen, Iris!"

That night, when I returned to the room, Frieda greeted me with a beaming smile.

"What's the matter?"

"You see... Lord Albrecht and I are officially dating now!"

"Wow! That's wonderful, Frieda! Your feelings finally reached him!"

I cheered as if shouting "Yay!" along with Frieda.

"On the train back tomorrow, I'll be sitting with Lord Albrecht, so Emilia can sit with Prince Leonhardt, and Iris, you should sit with Lord Felix."

"That sounds lovely. Changing seats from the way here will be fun too."

Emilia seemed delighted by Frieda's suggestion, but I could only manage a troubled expression.

"What's wrong, Iris? Did something happen with Lord Felix?"

"Well... you could say that..."

"Tell us! We’ll help you!"

Right. I should consult my friends. They’re the ones to rely on in times of trouble.

"Well... please don’t make a big deal out of this, but... Lord Felix confessed to me."

""WHAT!? I KNEW IT!?""

"What do you mean, 'you knew it'?"

I retorted as Frieda and Emilia spoke in unison.

"Because Lord Felix obviously liked you! He was always paying attention to you. If he hadn’t been into you, that would’ve been shocking!"

"Indeed. I believe everyone was aware of Lord Felix’s feelings for you, Iris."

Huh? Really?

Doesn’t that just make me look like a total idiot? Like some heartless witch who kept brushing off his feelings? Cut me some slack here~

"So? Did you accept his confession?"

"I asked for time to think about it."

"You don’t plan to?"

"That’s what I’m thinking about!"

I shot back as Frieda and Emilia pressed me with skeptical looks.

"Alright! Then we’ll give you some love advice, Iris!"

"Please do."

Say what you will, but both Frieda and Emilia already have boyfriends. They ought to give me solid advice.

"First, Lord Felix is prime real estate. No history of cheating, excellent family, top grades, great personality—any girl at our academy would kill to have him as a boyfriend."

"That’s exactly what worries me. Someone like me... could I ever be a match for him?"

"He confessed to you, didn’t he? If you two get along, that’s all that matters."

"Is... is that how it works?"

"It’s not like we’re in the Middle Ages where marriages are political. Unless there’s a huge gap in status or age, people are free to choose. I don’t think I’m a perfect match for Lord Albrecht either, but..."

"But?"

"I’ll just work to become worthy. I’ll strive to stand by his side without shame. Having a goal to challenge, a purpose in life—I think that’s a good thing."

"...I see... That’s one way to look at it..."

"And the best part about having a partner is you don’t have to push yourself alone. You have qualities Lord Felix lacks, and I’m sure he has his own struggles too. So you grow together."

"Like you and Lord Albrecht?"

"Of course! We bonded over literature, so we’re not just lovers—we’re comrades striving to improve our craft together."

"That... does sound nice."

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to think of this as gaining not just a lover, but a comrade striving toward the same goal. In my past life, I never had such a friend… Sniff…

"Since I began dating His Highness Leonhardt, I’ve started many new things as well," Emilia added. "He gives me the courage to take the first step. That’s why every day feels so fulfilling now. Though, admittedly, he’s still a bit too overprotective at times…"

That overprotectiveness is my fault—courtesy of my brainwashing. My apologies.

"It does sound like having a partner brings joy, but… I’d still like time to consider. It’s too soon for a decision."

"Take your time, but remember—youth is short, so don’t dawdle!" Frieda chimed in.

"Right."

I nodded obediently.

"Alright, let’s call it a night!"

"Agreed."

With that, we prepared to sleep. Thankfully, our bedrooms were separate—no risk of them accidentally witnessing my tentacles slithering out. A small relief.

The next morning...

"G-Good morning, Lord Felix..."

"...Ah. Good morning, Lady Iris."

An unbearably awkward tension hung between us.

"Th-Thank you for yesterday, um, indeed!"

"Your speech is devolving, Lady Iris. Just speak normally."

Easier said than done! This was the first time the Eldritch Godness had ever been confessed to—across both lifetimes! And my first time receiving a confession from a man, period! That's just how it is!

"After breakfast, please fill out the questionnaire!"

"Of course, Lord Felix."

Our free stay here came with the condition of completing a survey. Later, I'd have to dutifully fill out its many sections.

Breakfast was simple, but the coffee was exquisite. In my past life, I’d only ever drank cheap instant coffee, so the rich flavor of properly brewed, high-end coffee moved me to tears.

After breakfast, we received the survey forms. Once we finished, all that remained was the journey home.

And that was the real trial.

Because I’d be sitting right next to Felix on the train.

Why would anyone subject two people drowning in awkwardness to hours of side-by-side seating?! This is torture! Someone save me!

"P-Please take care of me."

"Of course."

I bowed like a chess player initiating a match; Felix nodded solemnly.

"Then..."

I took the window seat, while Felix sat on the aisle side.

"................"

"................"

This is agony. Silence reigned supreme.

Frieda and Emilia, meanwhile, were happily chatting with Albrecht and Leonhardt. Since interrupting them was out of the question, I had no choice but to endure this!

"Should... we talk too?"

"Ah. Good idea. Do you have any hobbies, Lady Iris?"

Felix responded to my hesitant suggestion with a question of his own.

"A few. I enjoy reading. Lately, I’ve been able to retain the plots better, so spotting foreshadowing has become its own thrill."

"Did you read the book I lent you?"

"Of course! It was wonderful. The part where the boy prepares for his journey with Agilo made me eager to try it myself, and my favorite scene was exploring the legendary dragon’s cave."

"Ah. I loved the journey prep too. Packing maps, a compass, and food—I’d imagine what I’d bring along."

"There’s something exciting about preparing for an adventure, isn’t there?"

"True. Anticipating what’s to come is half the fun."

We managed to bond over books, at least.

The oppressive silence had lifted, but if this was how it’d be every time we met from now on... I’m doomed. Someone, please—

........................