Chapter 113   Historical Kiss (1)

Here were the list of worries in Louise’s head:

Ian and the court officials.

Dean and Claire.

And Simon.

Louise was briefly surprised that “Next semester’s grades” did not make the list, but she couldn’t bring herself to worry about that when classes hadn’t started yet. Fortunately, that meant she would be able to focus on her present concerns, such as the student council—as usual—and their terrible tradition of making the top student serve them.

The student council members were gathered in Claire’s dorm room, sitting at the bed, desk, or floor.

Claire closed the window curtains tightly as she answered.

The curtains blocked the sunlight, dimming the room and leaving the atmosphere relatively cool and calm.

One boy noticed Ian’s absence.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Ian these days was a security liability. Everything he heard and saw was recorded in history, and he received steady taxes and magical protection.

Claire stretched her neck from side to side to alleviate her exhaustion.

Dean Crissis rarely spoke at meetings. Everyone had a moment of surprise because what he said was also quite accurate.

Claire cleared her throat and continued.

And so, the Academy wanted to show off the excellence of this institution through Ian’s perspective.

Claire touched her forehead for a moment. Louise thought it was because Claire had a headache, but when she looked closer she realized it wasn’t the case. Claire’s ears were red, probably out of embarrassment.

Louise urged her to continue. She wanted to know what had happened that made Claire so flustered.

Claire’s voice was a barely audible whisper, while she covered her face with her palm.

Several students echoed the word at the same time and Claire spoke more clearly.

Claire nodded.

Then wasn’t that alright? The Academy didn’t specifically ban relationships.

Most definitely, Louise thought as she rested her chin on her hand. The future scholars poring through the dull records of the Crown Prince’s life would definitely find a kissing scene welcome entertainment.

Everyone was horrified for a moment as they realized the repercussions.

What a terrible achievement. No amount of good work would be able to cover that up.

Louise looked troubled.

If the Academy put out a ‘No Kissing’ notice, the court officials would write that down too.

Claire looked around the room of students with deep regret.

The room was quiet, as no one said who they knew.

*

*

*

Fortunately, the meeting ended in an amiable atmosphere. Claire put forward the students’ “right to know,” which played a big role in giving her legitimacy.

Everyone nodded at Claire’s explanation. It was their duty to warn the students in advance, as it could be a problem for their families if their names ended up where it didn’t belong.

And so, the student council decided to work for the students’ right to know, even though it would be somewhat humiliating to say to them, “Don’t kiss while the court officials are around.” How would the students feel when they heard that? While they might be embarrassed at first, they might become even more desperate to kiss. Humans craved something more when it is banned. The council hoped that their warning wouldn’t backfire.

Louise looked at the students coming out from the meeting, and her thoughts fell on another subject.

The word “kiss” kept circling her mind. The forehead kiss didn’t count, as that was a heartfelt blessing.

He had leaned in deeply towards the couch Louise was sitting at.

He even complained that there were no opportunities to kiss, and that they would have more at the Academy. Louise sighed deeply.

After a moment of grouching, she jumped and quickly added an excuse.

She didn’t know why she desperate to explain to herself. It had been so long since their last kiss. It was unlikely that the honorable Crown Prince would do so anyway. Last time they secretly met in an empty classroom, and it didn’t happen.

…But why?

After pacing for a moment, the thought she had earlier came back to her head. Humans craved something more when it was banned. So, Louise’s strange obsession with kissing was because of that. So she just wanted to rebel!

From Louise’s side came Claire’s worried voice, and Louise was startled and answered quickly.

Louise mumbled and quickly changed her words. Claire grinned.

Louise immediately regretted denying it so forcefully. It sounded like a confirmation to anyone’s ears. Claire pushed the remaining students out of her room and hurriedly locked the door. With only the two of them left inside, Claire sat next to Louise with an expression of curiosity.

Louise sat back and shook her head, but Claire moved in a little closer and grinned meaningfully.

Louise had a broken conscience. Not long ago she overheard Claire’s secret, and the right thing to do was confess. But Claire also had a lot on her plate at the moment, and Louise was reluctant to tell her the truth.

That was what was worrying her, but she didn’t want Claire to set aside her pain for Louise’s needless problems.

Claire touched Louise on the cheek and spoke kindly.

Claire smiled and Louise felt light enough to speak.

She didn’t look happy when she answered. Of course, Louise hadn’t been happy about it either.

In a normal situation Louise would’ve asked “Do you like him?” But now, she couldn’t bring himself to say it. She knew that Claire wouldn’t like a man that kisses other women.

Claire prodded Louise when she didn’t say anything, and Louise nodded reluctantly.

Louise asked the question quietly although she knew the answer. She didn’t want to hear the answer though. She just hoped that Claire would be able to untangle the complexities in her mind.

The wedding was only half a year away.

Louise looked on concernedly. Claire noticed that her source of worry included Dean Crissis as well.

When Claire said his name, Louise felt ashamed. She wanted to continue to ignore her guilt.

Claire touched her lips for a moment. It was natural that Dean couldn’t give up his lingering feelings and acted that way towards her. She didn’t know what to do. The fact was, she said something from the corner of her heart that she should never say.

Claire grabbed her sleeve and smiled weakly.

Over time, that small soft thing might crumble under that crushing weight.

She spoke as if she were just beginning.

Louise already grabbed Claire before she could even finish.