Alec disappeared a couple of months ago. Elio disappeared over a week ago. And Isidore and Taryeon went a little crazy a few days ago. That left Maura completely alone as she faced both the recognition and the ire of the noble students.

The results of the field trip had been announced upon their return.

Victoria had performed admirably in the unexpected appearance of a third-stage monster.

That was the official story.

However, it didn't take long for a certain daughter of the Highfield county to let slip that the commoners had 'barbecued that son of a bitch real good.'

It took a little time for the rumor to spread, but when it did, it caught on like wildfire, even if only because Victoria expressed no desire to have it squashed. It wasn't wrong, after all.

And while she couldn't outright speak against Shim, she could at least make sure Maura got the recognition she deserved. The magic she had displayed was worthy of at least that much.

With Alec out of the picture, Maura ended up the focus of both commoners and nobles.

Maura would have been fine if it were just interest.

But there were many nobles who refused to believe that an unknown commoner who didn't stand out in the slightest could outshine the greatest noble of their year. If it had been Taryeon, they could have reluctantly acknowledged it since he at least condensed his magic circle first. He already had a record of being outstanding. He had also had more time to practice his magic, so it was understandable.

But while Maura had also condensed her magic circle quickly, she wasn't first or second. She also didn't have outstanding grades or a good reputation.

Some even suspected that she had spread the rumors herself because she wanted the attention.

In the time since the field trip, her textbooks and school supplies had been destroyed. The door to her dorm had been vandalized. She had been harassed whenever she was alone in a corner of the Academy, which ended up being quite often the last couple of days.

She tried fighting back a few times in the beginning, but she ended up being the one reprimanded and punished, regardless of the situation leading up to it.

In the end, she mostly stopped attending class and spent most of her time on the rooftop balcony where Taryeon condensed his first circle.

After threatening to throw another student off the building if they bothered her, she managed to secure at least one place where she could be alone.

Of course, it wasn't perfect.

"Maura," Nia Lason said after closing the door behind her.

Maura didn't look back from where she was standing, leaning on the railing.

"What is it this time?"

"..."

"Nothing new, then. I told you already. As soon as you find Alec, I'll kiss your and your missy's shoes all you want."

"We have people looking for him, but…"

"But nothing! If that's all you have to say, feel free to turn your entitled ass right around and fuck off!"

"Lady Victoria can protect you if you wish to serve her, Maura."

"One word from her is enough to shut everyone up without me pouring her tea and massaging her shoulders."

"Why should she if she gains nothing from it?"

"Because this is her fault in the first place. She let the rumors spread and spiral out of control!" Maura finally turned around and glared at Nia.

She had no interest in serving someone who would manipulate the situation just to appear like a knight in shining armor.

Maura was familiar with the tactic.

Gangs targeted businesses with subtle tactics until they ended up on the verge of bankruptcy before sending someone to give them an offer too good to resist. Either they accepted or they went under. Most of them accepted without being prepared for what was to come.

If they were lucky, they ended up paying the gang a portion of their profits for the rest of their hard lives.

If they were unlucky, they paid with their lives.

To be fair, Maura hadn't gotten that impression from Victoria. She would most likely end up as another of Victoria's attendants if she accepted her offer.

But she was going to refuse until the end out of principle.

If Victoria wanted to be her friend, she could have just asked. This kind of manipulation tactic would never work on her.

"I will relay your words to Lady Victoria."

"As long as you don't change them. Let her know how I feel without hiding shit behind a fancy facade like you nobles usually do. All of you have proven that's all it is, anyway."

Maura turned back to looking at the horizon.

"Disgusting shit behind fancy facades." She sighed.

Nia didn't say anything else and simply returned to Lady Victoria's side to give her Maura's message. She would not be relaying it word-for-word. There was no way she could talk to Victoria like that.

But she promised to do her best to convey the spirit of Maura's message without breaking etiquette.

***

"So, Nia, you are saying that Maura is a little dissatisfied with the situation?" Victoria asked.

"That ungrateful wench! You gave her the credit, but she just doesn't appreciate it!" Ticka said with strong disbelief and outrage.

"If I may…?" Nia said gently.

Victoria nodded.

"I do not think Maura is interested in the credit for the field trip or this kind of fame. At all."

"Nonsense! Commoners like her can't claim enough achievements! All the commoners I've seen would give their lives to be recognized by Lady Victoria!"

Nia half-ignored Ticka and looked straight at Victoria.

"Is that why you want her, Lady Victoria? Because she is like all the other commoners?"

Victoria thought in silence for a few tense moments before glancing at Madelynn.

"Are we any closer to finding Alec? Or Shim Lester for that matter?"

Madelynn lowered her head. They were not.

"I see. Silence the noisiest ones. And make arrangements for the upcoming 'assignments.' I would like to cooperate with Miss Maura again." Victoria's tone prevented even Ticka from speaking up.

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