My Past Life is Riddled With Many Sins - Chapter 51
In fact, Rupert wasn’t a crucial figure for Regina, so excluding him meant she had only been caught by one of the three. However, the longer she stayed at the academy, the more likely it was that she would be exposed to everyone.
To prevent this unfortunate event, she had planned to withdraw from the academy as swiftly as possible, but a group project had delayed her plans, and suddenly, a monster appeared in her already overwhelming life.
Regina clasped her head with both hands. She had only wanted to graduate from the Imperial Academy and make her parents proud, but somehow her life had become incredibly complicated.
“I miss Melissa.”
She should call her ‘mother,’ but due to the memories of her past life, that term didn’t quite fit comfortably. Yet, being around Melissa always calmed her, and the fact that she often thought of her when distressed might mean she did see Melissa as her mother, whether she admitted it or not.
Feeling a sudden wave of longing, Regina returned the wooden sword and headed to the student cafeteria, hoping there would be some sweet dessert on the menu. Fortunately, the academy’s chefs did not disappoint her.
She was enjoying her meal alone, as usual, when someone sat opposite her.
Was it Fathom? Given their history, she naturally thought of him and glanced up, only to freeze.
“Is it good?”
Prince Iskanda was sitting in front of her.
“Eating well, I see.”
As she was lost in a moment, another comment from him passed by. Realizing it was not a polite greeting but a taunt, Regina felt flustered.
‘He must know my identity through Fathom, right?’
What was his intention? Was he pretending not to know? Why?
Regardless, if he was playing the role of a senior, she had to respond as a junior. After swallowing her food, Regina tried to answer as casually as possible.
“Yes, it’s delicious.”
“You were impressive during the entrance ceremony.”
Was that sarcasm?
“I was called up without any prior notice, so I wasn’t prepared at all.”
“It was the same last year. Seems to be a tradition at this academy.”
“…Did you also go through that last year, senior?”
“Yes.”
Regina took her gaze away from Darien, the reincarnation of Prince Iskanda as he chuckled lightly. She tore her bread into pieces and popped a piece into her mouth. He must have entered as the top of his class. She almost smiled, but she consciously suppressed it, gathering herself and assessing the atmosphere.
It was too peaceful. That was the problem.
Given their inherently impossible relationship, the calm of their conversation felt bizarre. Like watching clowns balancing an overly inflated animal on a stick, wondering when it would burst.
“I didn’t see you at the entrance ceremony.”
If the reincarnation of Prince Iskanda had been there, she wouldn’t have missed him. His presence was too distinct. He was almost radiant even in darkness, so she wouldn’t just pass by.
“We watched it through a magic mirror in the classroom.”
That explained why she hadn’t physically encountered him after the ceremony yet he had recognized her.
‘He must have noticed my presence one-sidedly then.’
Suddenly, Regina grew curious.
Could one truly discern someone’s reincarnation just from their image in a magic mirror? Was it possible to feel it even without physical presence? Such mysterious certainty couldn’t be logically explained.
‘I need to be cautious about being captured on video too.’
Someone related from her past life might see her in a video and alert the information guild for revenge. Considering all the deeds Yekarna had committed, it wouldn’t be strange for them to seek retribution.
As Regina shivered and struggled to swallow the bread that wouldn’t go down easily, Darien’s voice seeped into her ear.
“The moment I saw you walk up to the podium, I thought, ‘This must be fate.'”
Of course, he would think that. His enemy had rolled right into his lap.
“Top students as a couple, sounds good, doesn’t it?”
Regina nearly spat out the wine she was drinking in shock.
What had she just heard? Despite knowing there was nothing wrong with her hearing, the words seemed so unbelievable that she doubted her ears.
Darien’s eyes drooped slightly.
“Don’t like it?”
“No, it’s not about liking or disliking. I don’t understand why you are suddenly acting this way.”
“Because I like you.”
Darien responded as if it were the simplest answer to a straightforward question.
“What?”
“I like you.”
Regina heard the simultaneous clatter of utensils around her. It turned out that the conversation between her and him was a public commodity enjoyed by everyone present.
“Go out with me, Regina Heather.”
Darien added with a princely smile, and Regina could feel the piercing stares flying at her from all directions.
‘He’s one of the academy’s top three most handsome, they said.’
“You don’t have to answer right now. I’m good at waiting.”
His grin was bright, in stark contrast to the glares aimed at her. Regina seriously thought.
Was this part of his revenge plan?
A strong premonition told her that the rest of her time at the academy would not be smooth. And such ominous feelings rarely missed their mark.
* * *
“Shall we talk?”
As soon as she finished her meal, she was surrounded by upperclassmen.
“What are you going to say?”
“You’re not actually considering accepting Darien’s proposal, are you?”
“You’d better behave wisely.”
Women with fans spoke one after another. Regina looked at the fan brigade with a grim expression.
“It wasn’t me who confessed. It was… Darien who confessed to me.”
“Are you bragging about getting a confession from Darien now?”
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