NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 34: The unattainable flower doesn't smile
The unattainable flower doesn’t smile.
Even during lunch break, the resentful gazes from the boys in the class never cease.
As Hakuma and I head towards the cafeteria, even the passing seniors and juniors click their tongues at us, even when I’m seated, the piercing stares are really getting on my nerves.
At least during meals, I wish they’d leave us alone.
It’s gotta be tiresome to glare at someone while eating, too.
“Honestly, it’s so unsightly.”
The one grumbling like this is my best friend, Hakuma, sitting across the table.
With his snowy white hair and sharp blue eyes, he’s a handsome guy who lives a school life in human form, but his true identity is a unicorn.
Dealing with the envious gazes aimed at me, Hakuma, my friend seated across the table, furrowed his brows in response. It was clear that those stares were irritating him, I could see the annoyance etched on Hakuma’a dignified face.
“Sorry about that. It’s not Hakuma’s concern, yet it seems like I’ve dragged you into this…”
“No need to apologize. We’re tight, you and me. It’s not like you’re responsible for the fact that those despicable people have created this situation,” Hakuma reassured me, his expression showing slight annoyance. “In the end, it’s your efforts that deepened your bond with Sakura Hizuki, not to mention that detestable Succubus. Their baseless resentment, despite your inaction, only reveals their own shallowness. Isaya has no reason to worry about such individuals.”
“Haha, thanks, man. That actually makes me feel a bit better.”
Hakuma’s blunt dismissal of the issue lifted the weight off my shoulders. He had this dignified and noble demeanor that seemed almost inherent to his species, and while his straightforward approach might not always win him points, it was damn comforting to have him as an ally.
“On my end, I’ve been explaining to everyone that Isaya is still maintaining his virginity”
“Hey, can I have that heartwarming moment back from earlier?” I demanded.
Scratch that previous statement.
My is so inept at providing comfort that he would probably make things more awkward. Heck, it feels like he’s just making things worse, like adding fuel to the fire and watching it about to blow.
Paying no mind to my wounded pride, Hakuba expresses his exasperation, sighing deeply.
“However much we attempt to bolster our spirits, the reality remains unchanged: those two. that succubi and Hizuki have solidified their positions as the dual goddesses of the school’s beauty. Given that people can’t resist wagging their tongues, the enmity emanating from the guys infatuated with them only amplifies over time,” Hakuma elaborated.
“So what should I do then?”I asked, feeling a bit helpless.
“Well, the quickest way is to distance yourself from those two… but we’re talking about Isaya here. Guess that’s out of the question, huh?” Hakuma mused
“Well, that goes without saying,” I responded.
It’s true, it might be an easy solution, and it probably would have quick results, but it’s just not a feasible choice.
As a slave to the young lady, I can’t just walk away, and knowing their circumstances, I couldn’t abandon them. Above all, distancing myself from Sakura would betray the trust she had placed in me.
Not to mention, rejecting this level of jealousy is a small price to pay compared to pushing away Sakura, a girl who already has trust issues.
Hearing my response, Hakuma smirked knowingly.
“Hmph, can’t have it any other way, can we? Well, I suppose there’s no need for Hizuki to take any special action.”
“Huh? But—”
“Have you forgotten your position? You’re the Scarlet Duke’s daughter’s slave, which means you’re her property.”
“Oh. So basically, unless I start a fight, they’ll be damaging the young lady’s property if I get hurt…”
“Right. It’s all about not laying a hand on Isaya and letting his adversaries crumble without him doing a thing.”
“That’s true, but you could say it a bit nicer!”
This is one of those situations where the powerful figure is the mastermind, right? It’s not wrong since the young lady, I mean the Duke’s family, has my back!!
Man, I feel like I’ve become a human minefield. Touch me and you’re out, or maybe I don’t wanna associate with you if you’re the type to hurt others.
What’s truly unnerving is realizing that I myself am avoiding certain people like the plague, ones I’d rather not have anything to do with – kind of ironic, isn’t it?
“And if I had to point out a downside, it would be the fact that anyone who challenges Isaya will end up vanishing,” Hakuma continued.
“That’s not solving anything and it’s not making it any better either. In fact, it’s just making it worse! Rejected!!” I retorted.
What a twist, right? Suddenly going from the guy who became friends with a cute girl to being treated like some corrupt noble who misuses his authority, that’s the pattern we’re talking about!
And the absolute worst part is that it could lead to misconceptions – people might think Sakura and Lilith are being manipulated by authority figures, not to mention it might not just be the guys but also the girls who start seeing us as enemies.
Laziness in finding a solution won’t get you far in this world.
Hakuma gave a dissatisfied expression, saying, “Well, I thought it was a good idea.”
But that approach is just turning me into some sort of villain, abusing authority. It’s a no-risk, all-loss situation, and frankly, that’s not what I’m aiming for.
After receiving a few more pieces of advice, I settled on a plan: I’ll consult with the young lady after school.
It’s not ideal, you know, depending on the same power dynamics, but at least it’s a bit more proactive.
So, I managed to survive through the afternoon classes, and finally, after school ended.
I really wanted to head home quickly, but fate had other plans – a teacher gave me some task to do. I’d like to think that the way the teacher looked at me at that moment was just my imagination, like the same way those guys who were glaring at me did.
But, I mean, he wouldn’t stoop to doing something that childish, right?
Painfully realising where Sakura’s growing mistrust of humanity stems from, I headed to the art supplies room to grab some materials.
The jealous gazes kept coming, so I thought about avoiding them by going through the back of the gym and taking the back gate to leave school…
“—Hizuki-san, please go out with me!”
Aaaahhhh!
Why does everything have to be so complicated!
I almost collapsed to my knees right then and there, but I managed to hold myself back at the last moment. I was so close to the back gate, but why do I have to stumble upon a confession scene like this, of all things?
And to make it worse, it’s a confession to Sakura!
Clenching my lips tightly to suppress a groan, I strained to hear Sakura’s response to the unknown boy’s confession.
I mean, come on, I can’t exactly barge in and interrupt, can I?
As I silently conjured up that excuse in my head, Sakura let out a deep sigh.
Her expression, unlike when she’s with me, was cold and dismissive, with a look that could freeze anyone out.
“I’ll decline.”
“Wh-Why!?”
“Why? Seriously? We only just met today, right? And even if that wasn’t the case, getting confessed to doesn’t automatically mean I’d want to date someone.”
“Th-Then, how about just being friends—”
“I don’t need friends with ulterior motives who are transparent in their intentions. I’m waiting for someone, so leave quickly.”
“U-Ugh…”
The boy who was turned down without any sympathy seemed like he was about to burst into tears any moment now.
Wow, that’s harsh, huh?
But from Sakura’s perspective, who has a deep mistrust of humans, a confession on the first meeting is probably seen as a despicable act.
Even just listening, I couldn’t help but grimace, so I’m worried about how much frustration has accumulated in her heart.
As I was thinking that…
“W-Waiting for someone? You mean that guy Tsujizono, the poor guy who became a slave?”
“Huh!”
“What’s your point?”
Oh no, no, no!
I didn’t expect my name to come up, and I almost blurted out a sound!
It’s kind of unpleasant that I seem to be more upset about being looked down upon by a random guy rather than the happiness of Sakura waiting for me.
I could almost feel an unspoken discomfort creeping up on me, but Sakura’s voice in response to the boy’s question caught my ear.
It’s somewhat heavy and low.
But before I could understand her state of mind, the boy in question spoke up.
“Someone like that isn’t right for you! Compared to someone whose life’s messed up like that, I can make you happy, Hizuki-san—”
“Huh?”
“—!”
Instantly, an overwhelming pressure radiated so intensely that even I, hidden away, could feel it.
It’s like that sensation when a loud noise echoes through a live concert venue and you feel the vibrations in your chest, making your heart vibrate.
Emitting this immense aura, Sakura glared at the boy in front of her with eyes as sharp as a crimson lightning bolt.
To put it bluntly, she was beyond furious, at a level of rage she had never displayed before.
It’s undeniable that Sakura, a half-vampire Vanpir, takes derogatory remarks in stride, but the fact that she became so furious upon hearing disparaging comments about me is baffling.
While I, who had experienced such situations during my time as an adventurer-for-hire, managed to remain composed, the ordinary high school boy was rendered completely paralysed and collapsed on his behind.
Stammering, his teeth chattering uncontrollably, the boy was met with Sakura’s gaze that could pierce through him, and she began to speak.
“What do you know about Isaya-kun?”
“I-I, uh, ah…”
“Could someone like you endure a life like his, in that same situation? Could you accept a being that’s not human? Could you provide the kind of warmth that envelops his body and soul? I’ll make this clear – someone as shallow and insignificant as you will never be able to. I won’t even show you a sliver of my heart. Now get lost, immediately.”
“Aaaah, aaaaahhhh!!”
The infuriated boy, who seemed like he might slice his own throat in a fit of rage, left with a pitiful gait, tears, and a runny nose, as if on the verge of crying.
Sakura, now alone, released the pressure and let out a small, calming breath, “Phew.”
You know, when she gets angry, her speech becomes less formal. Although I’d never say it to her face, in terms of presence alone, she really comes across like a demon lord’s Apostle, just as Earthlings might imagine.
Now, what kind of expression should I put on to leave from here…
“Eavesdropping isn’t really your style, is it, Isaya-kun?”
“Bwahaha!?”
Before I could even ponder that, Sakura approached me with an uncanny sense of knowing and called out, causing me to burst out screaming involuntarily.
Wait, wait, isn’t this strange? Shouldn’t this be strange?
I haven’t made a single sound, so how on earth did she figure it out?
Perhaps my baffled reaction amused Sakura, as she placed a hand over her mouth and chuckled softly.
“Well, you see, when I took a bit of blood from your neck, I infused a trace of magical energy. So, within a certain range, I can sense where you are, Isaya-kun.”
“You have some sort of GPS-like ability!? Always being tracked is like having zero privacy.”
“Oh, come on, obviously that’s just a joke. In reality, I just sensed your magical presence. Hehe, just as Lilith said, you’re quite fun to tease.”
“Mmm…!”
For a moment, believing it, the realization of being tricked flooded over me, engulfing me in profound embarrassment.
Sakura, the mastermind behind this, is far from being the type to make jokes, so realizing that I fell for it only made me feel even more frustrated.
And her playful smile, after successfully executing this childish prank, is just so adorable that I can’t even complain.
“B-But seriously, what a terrible confession. It’s no wonder Sakura got angry.”
“Indeed. It was certainly unpleasant. But personally, I found being insulted for Isaya-kun more unbearable.”
“Well… you didn’t have to scare him so much for my sake.”
Trying to shift the conversation and making a joke about the earlier confession, I was met with Sakura’s calm response, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
It’s like she’s saying, “Of course, that’s what I should do,” but she doesn’t say it directly. Her response clearly conveyed that she was genuinely angry, and I ended up saying something slightly negative out of my inability to find the right words.
“Also, if it keeps people from approaching you casually or reduces jealousy towards Isaya-kun, I don’t mind scaring people as many times as necessary.”
However, she maintained her graceful smile and spoke while placing her index finger against her lips.
“Moreover, I’m accustomed to being feared. After all, I’m a ‘Demon Lord’s Apostle.’ For your sake, I’ll use whatever tools I can, even if it means resorting to scandals.”
“Haha… that’s quite reassuring.”
Sakura’s strength in utilizing even the stain of her own reputation is quite something – I can’t help but let a smile slip.
Normally, one might want to intervene and say that she doesn’t need to go that far. But for someone who doesn’t trust humans, her own reputation being tarnished probably doesn’t faze her.
The boundless kindness she shows to those she holds dear is undeniably heartwarming.
Anyway, putting that aside, I need to remind myself not to rely on Sakura too much.
“Well then, should we contact Lillith and meet up before heading home?”
“Yeah. Let’s do that now… huh?”
As the conversation reached a pause, I tried to leave the area behind the gym, but Sakura noticed something before I did and halted me.
Wondering what it was, I followed her gaze and then…
“Sakiba-san, I like you! Will you go out with me?”
This time, I witnessed the scene where a handsome senior who appears to be a third-year student from the Beastkin tribe was confessing to Lillith.
…Déjà vu, anyone?
[T/n: me, me….]
===
If you like this novel, Please leave ratings and review in NovelUpdates.>>HERE
If you’d like to make a one-time donation to support our translations or subscribe to read up to 5 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi: