If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 62

Chapter 32.1

“New regulations related to etiquette have been newly established by the decree. The academy will be the first place to implement them, and we’ll announce and apply the regulations in advance.”

He got straight to the main point without any other speeches. The entire student body listened intently, full of tension.

“From now on, this academy will use the honorific ‘Your Highness’ for the dukes and their descendants of the Solem, Muha, and Chappelle duchies of the Empire. Those below the rank of the three ducal families, that is, the entire student body gathered here, must use honorifics to address them without exception.”

After announcing the decree, the Crown Prince paused for a few seconds as his eyes moved slowly as if searching for someone. However, he didn’t let the silence drag on for too long.

“It’s a very easy and simple matter, so there’s no need to feel burdened. Just do your best and pay a little more attention to etiquette.”

The Crown Prince concluded his message simply and quickly.

“Dismissed.”

The entire student body responded in unison.

Even after the announcement was finished, the students gathered there maintained their solemn posture of attentiveness. Still, the tension that lingered among them slightly eased since they would be able to relax and disperse from the auditorium soon.

“And.”

With just one word from the Crown Prince, the tension in the room surged again.

“There are three transfer students. I heard they were originally introduced separately at the entrance ceremony, right?”

Despite being on an official appearance, the Crown Prince briefly adopted an affable tone.

His voice was so familiar to Ariel that it was unsettling. It felt like he was addressing her. From the moment he mentioned the transfer students, a chill ran down her spine.

“Since the entire student body has already gathered here, I think it’s a perfectly fitting moment to introduce them. I hope the students will welcome them with an attitude of hospitality.”

A bad feeling spread through her.

Ariel sensed the young lady next to her flinching.

There were only three transfer students, and the Crown Prince deliberately addressed them with an affable tone. It was enough for the listeners to think the transfer students had a connection to the Crown Prince. In the end, even the girl next to her felt a sense of distance from her.

‘I guess we can’t be friends anymore…’

Ariel felt a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Transfer students, come forward and stand in front of the platform. All three of you.”

The command echoed like a clap of thunder. It was the Crown Prince’s order, and there was no resisting it.

Ariel stood up as she glanced around.

Everyone was frozen. In particular, the female student sitting next to her was trembling visibly. The lively atmosphere that had filled the room moments ago had completely vanished. It was bittersweet.

‘I even chose a black school uniform to avoid this.’

Instead of blending in with the other students, Ariel found herself in a situation where she had to show her special status in front of the entire school.

Her steps towards the podium were heavy.

As if to display her privileged status, she stepped from the dark green floor onto the white tiles. With the Crown Prince above her, she walked with her eyes fixed on the ground the entire time. It was far from pleasant. As she ascended the stairs with heavy steps, someone walked out beside her. The clacking sound of distinct footsteps echoed in her ears.

Ariel glanced up cautiously.

The person who burst in from the side of the stairs walked straight towards the platform. She stood in front of the podium with her brown hair fluttering, wearing a white uniform.

She had a hunch.

With her confident gait, she seemed to be the owner of one of the five seats placed on the elevated podium. As Ariel followed her and stood side by side in front of the podium, the two of them lowered their heads and fixed their gaze on the floor. It was an act of showing respect towards the imperial family.

The Crown Prince still hadn’t spoken.

Ariel waited in silence, suppressing her breath. She could feel him silently scrutinizing her. It seemed that not only the Crown Prince but also the other people behind her were also watching her. Her stomach burned with the pressure.

‘I just wanted to live quietly…’

It seemed like that would be difficult.

Eventually, the last transfer student slowly ascended the stairs and stood to the right of her. Like Ariel, that person was also wearing a black skirt.

“Anastasia Chappelle. Ariel Huckley. Blanche Mellor.”

The Crown Prince opened his mouth and called each of them by name. The air in the hall froze when the name ‘Chappelle’ was mentioned first—the subject of the regulations announced today was Chappelle, one of the three major ducals who should be bowed to.

Anastasia smirked arrogantly.

“The three are specially recommended transfer students. All students should raise their heads and welcome the three transfer students, and the transfer students should greet their future classmates.”

As the Crown Prince finished speaking, Princess Chappelle quickly turned around and looked down at the auditorium. Ariel and Blanche reluctantly turned towards the students. On the numerous stairs, they looked down at the students, who were arranged in rows according to their lower ranks.

The students raised their faces to look at them.

Gazes from different levels met each other.

‘This is the perspective of the rulers.’

Ariel commented. It wasn’t at all pleasant. It felt like a height that could trigger acrophobia.

“Silence.”

Deboncia, standing on the podium, commanded.

The entire student body bowed their heads in unison. The transfer students didn’t bow their heads. Those who received special privileges couldn’t afford to greet freely since they had to personally display whose protection they were under. Even though she didn’t know the background of Blanche, the person next to her, Anastasia carried the name Chappelle and Ariel was carrying Skylar’s signature. Because of that, it was inappropriate to bow in deference to the hierarchy.

Ariel was quite uncomfortable with this exalted privilege.

“That’s all.”

As the Crown Prince declared the business was over, he was the first to leave the auditorium.

Instead of going down the stairs, he used a separate door behind the podium. Shortly after, Princess Chappelle also exited through the door the Crown Prince had used.

Ariel and Blanche descended the stairs.

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