CHAPTER 60: SECRET HEROINE: THE THIRD PRINCESS

Mel tapped the man on the shoulder, nodding toward the princess struggling to see past the three people ahead.

Though his eyes flickered toward the Princess, he quickly lowered his head, feigning indifference.

Irritated, Mel was about to start chanting her Echo Series when a firm voice spoke up from behind.

"Trying to help her?"

Rosana’s voice boomed, intrigued by Mel’s sudden generosity.

She had known her for less than half a day, but already understood her well enough to know one fact: Mel would never lift a finger without a woman to flirt with.

Raising a brow, Mel murmured. "Something the matter?"

As the Heiress caught the curious glances from Lila and Mel, she merely chuckled before shaking her head. "Not exactly."

With a sharp glint, her eyes then swept over to the front.

The four students shuddered. They had been sneaking glances behind them for the Heiress and the rumoured couple, but the Heiress’s silent pressure loomed closer than their curiosity ever dared.

Even under the academy’s motto of ’everyone was equal’, they quickly shifted away from the queue, a testament to their disbelief.

Mel’s lips curled up teasingly. "Try not to enforce upon others like that, alright, Miss Rosana?"

The Heiress shrugged. "They wouldn’t have noticed if they didn’t peek."

Lila gave a quick, eager nod. "It’s not like we were breaking the rules. No worries, the Discipline Committee won’t come."

"Hoh?" Rosana held her chin for a smirk. "Thought you would have enjoyed the attention?"

Lila huffed. "Even if I do, only when it is something to brag about, not when we were being viewed uncomfortably all the time."

"That last part we can agree on."

Mel laughed softly at the banter between the two Witches, before pulling Lila towards Selaria.

The Third Princess still jumped up and down, her eyes threatening to water with helpless tears.

Sympathy flashed in Mel’s eyes before she poked the large man on the shoulder. "Mr Giant. Mind moving away just for a second?"

The large man turned around to glance at Mel, then frowned at Selaria behind him.

Yet with one gaze at the laid-back Rosana, his expression froze before stepping out of the line to move elsewhere.

Mel held back a chuckle. Maybe she should borrow some of Rosana’s ability to ward off crowds for her next Witchly Operation.

Selaria furrowed at the sight, groaning as she turned to Rosana.

Eying her crimson dress that stood out amongst the uniforms, she mumbled. "Didn’t you say you weren’t the type to help?"

The Heiress tilted her head, wearing a crooked smile. "Something that is done more out of convenience rather than compassion. Feel free to relinquish your gratitude."

Sighing, Mel patted the grumpy Third Princess. "Hello again. You seem to get into a cute scuffle whenever we meet, huh?"

Selaria almost leaned into the touch for a moment before Lila’s bloodlust jolted her out of her trance.

She slipped away from Mel’s hand, reluctantly. "No one told you to meddle in. Don’t tell me you are a big fan of mine?"

"Oh, of course! I am a huge fan of the pint-sized Princess!" Mel’s eyes curved in amusement. "Looks as huggable as a teddy bear!"

Before she could admire Selaria’s faint blush, a pained chuckle escaped Mel’s lips, her hand squeezed hard by Lila.

Lila’s darkened gaze locked onto Mel’s playful eyes. "Remember who you’re with tonight."

[ Envy would only forgive your flirtings if you didn’t dare mention sleeping with someone other than her! ]

[ Envy favourability: 93 - 87 ]

"Sorry, sorry!" Mel flashed an apologetic grin before turning back to Selaria. "You’re also not eating in your room?"

The Third Princess shook her head. "Unlike other Nobles, I didn’t bring any maid, so I’m taking the meals here."

Hearing this, Rosana raised a brow in interest. "You heed my advice, then? At that time?"

The Heiress must confess her surprises, for it was an off-handed jab during her Rite of Inheritance for the Third Princess.

"About leaving the help of my Family? Don’t be ridiculous." Selaria sighed. "Father still hadn’t permitted me outside the capital, so I’ll have to do my best to show my every ability, including my independence."

Her void eyes then glanced off the side, mumbling. "Not everyone can be like big sis or you, Miss Winterscourge."

"Fair enough." Rosana cast a blank stare. "I wish you all the best, Princess."

A self-defeated chuckle escaped the Third Princess. "Sure enough."

Upon sensing an unspoken history between the two, Mel idly squeezed the Third Princess’s puffy cheek. "Anyways, want to eat with us?"

Groaning against Mel’s caress, Selaria muttered. "Don’t play with me like a doll. And would your girlfriend permit it in the first place?"

Lila’s lips quivered. "Uh... I never mind if Mel chooses to eat with someone else. I’m not that petty."

Except against the Dragoness. She secretly glared at Rosana, who dismissed her with a casual smirk.

Gasping a little, the Third Princess squinted her eyes. "Even I have heard how you tongue-kissed Miss Sakura out of jealousy. It’s not my fault that I doubted you."

"Tha-that was an exception!" Lila yelped, then coughed twice. "A-and if Mel flirts with you again, I’ll just kiss her twice as much! That way, I still win!"

No. That doesn’t sound right from any angle, does it?"

Recalling her etiquette lesson, Selaria redirected her gaze to Mel, whose expression brightened at Lila’s words.

A wry smile tugged at one corner of her mouth, as the Third Princess realised how much Mel enabled her jealous girlfriend.

"Ve-very strange, but..."

Despite that, she never rejected Mel’s finger, which was still plastered over her cheek. It bore a strange warmth she had forgotten in a long time, or perhaps never experienced.

Wiping off the memory of her big sister, she nodded with strength. "Sure. Why not just this time?"

In a certain way, she fought for a figure that had long abandoned her.

Perhaps that figure wouldn’t mind her sticking with weirdos then? For a bit of leniency?

Mel noticed a flicker of hesitation from the Third Princess, but she merely smiled and squeezed harder.

Essential figure for Samantha’s Seduction: Acquired.