SPLAT!
I had never felt this helpless and frustrated before.
"Just die already, you pervert!" SCHLAP!
I failed... even though I knew this was going to happen.
"Fucking creep! Your very existence is a burden to this world!" SPLAT!
I stared at him. William stood there, growling weakly at the students he had cursed for so long, yet none of it mattered now. Mud rained down on him—one handful after another. He was being humiliated.
I knew saving him here would only make things worse—mainly because of Kevin, who was glaring at William with cold eyes while gently comforting Lizel.
My gaze drifted to the Headmaster. He watched from above with an indifferent expression. But I knew the truth—inside, he was pleased. He had always been annoyed with William, just like everyone else. If it weren’t for William’s father, the Count, who donated generously to the academy, the Headmaster would’ve gotten rid of him long ago.
"You’ve gone and done it, William," Kevin said as he stepped forward. His hand rose, and the mud-throwing stopped at once. He waited until William was covered in filth and shame before speaking.
"What you did today is unforgivable, William Delimore. Breaking the rules, trying to sneak into a maiden’s room... only someone like you would stoop this low."
William said nothing. His shoulders hung low. The mud covered his face, but I could still see his eyes. Empty. Hollow.
The Vice-Headmaster stepped up then. "After speaking with the Headmaster, we have reached a decision. William Delimore, you are hereby expelled from the dormitories. Your presence there only causes unease among the students. From today, you will live elsewhere."
That was a lie. No discussion had taken place. This had never happened before—not once had a student been expelled from the dorms like this. But because the story demanded it, William was cast aside.
Exactly what I wanted to prevent.
’No... I can’t let this go on.’
The students were ordered back to their dorms.
William turned without a word, dragging his steps toward the main entrance—likely heading for the forest outside to spend the night.
I bit my lip. ...What is this feeling?
Watching him walk away, alone and broken, something inside me began to crack.
Was it my pride hurting because I failed to change the plot? No... it was deeper than that.
I felt sad. No—devastated.
"Emma?" Kevin’s voice reached me, but I didn’t turn. My feet were already moving, carrying me toward the forest.
"Emma?!" he called again, louder this time, but I ignored him.
Screw what the world thought. Screw how much my actions might ruin the story.
All I knew for sure... was that I wanted to be with that man right now.
My lips moved in a chant as I dashed past the security post before they could stop me or even call out.
I knew exactly where he was heading.
And when I reached the place—the small tent he had set up earlier that afternoon, as if he had already known what would happen by nightfall—I saw him there.
Just standing by a tub of water. Not washing, not moving.
He looked... lost.
CRUNCH.
A twig snapped under my foot, and his head whipped toward me.
"You!" His voice was sharp, panicked.
But before he could move or speak again, I dropped to my knees and slammed both palms against the ground.
A massive magic circle spread beneath us, glowing bright in the darkness of the forest.
"W-What... what is this?" His eyes widened, confusion overtaking the panic. Yet he didn’t run.
I stepped closer, reaching for his hand. "This is a purification circle. It dulls curses... sometimes even erases them."
The moment our hands touched, the faint, swirling chains that bound him flickered and weakened. Not gone—but trembling, fading ever so slightly.
The spell was Sixth-Circle. I could already feel it tearing through my strength.
Still, I held on and met his gaze. "Tell me honestly... why did you sneak into Lizel’s room? I know you didn’t want to. I saw it in your eyes. And not just that—most of the things you do, most of the things you say... it’s as if someone’s forcing you."
I tightened my grip on his hand.
"Now tell me... why?"
His expression shifted—shock, then suspicion, then finally... dejection.
"I-I can’t tell you... it tortures me. Every time I try to let others know... it breaks me."
I reached out, steadying my voice. "Inside this circle, it can’t hurt you."
Gently cupping his cheek, I whispered, "Trust me. Just this once, William. Please."
I needed to hear it—no matter what the truth was.
Why does someone as gentle as him have to pretend to be cruel?
Why does someone strong enough to shatter my barrier act as if he’s weak?
Why does someone who truly respects women... insult and harass the one he was meant to love?
He looked at me. For the first time his eyes met mine.
And then, he told me about something I never knew existed in this world.