Are you stupid?

Stella sighed, coating medicine on Louises cheek at they sat in the greenhouse. Professor Lassens ring had broken Louises skin and left a mark from ear to cheek. What if it left a scar? In her anger, Stella unintentionally yelled at Louise.

You know the Professor doesnt like you, why would her give her an excuse?!

Louises eyes widened, and she immediately shot back at the other girl.

Well you cant allow yourself to look pathetic in the first place, dont you think?

That was what the original Louise had said a long time ago. However, even if she were now to grab Stellas hair and shake her, she wouldnt truly be the bad guy. She had lost her place as the villainess, though it was a strange thing to get heated about.

Im the villainess here

Of course, she wasnt too keen on the role.

You cant look pathetic!

Stella closed the medicine, drank the tea in front of her and protested against Louise.

In terms of pathetically suffering, arent you the one that suffered more?

Does that red head of yours have a brain? Part of what Ive been through was because of you!

Yeah, it was, so you shouldnt have interfered. Dont you have any other learning abilities outside of studying?

Oh? Whats this? Since when did Stella Lapis possess the grades to question my learning abilities?

I told you! I said learning abilities outside of studying! And you! Your way of speaking has gotten really rebellious!

Theres nothing you can do about it because you dont accept the kind and sweet Louise Sweeney!

Louise gave a mocking smile. The original Louise must have smiled like this when she bullied Stella.

Youre actually a scary character, you know?

Im glad you know.

Louise looked into the distance for a moment, her arms folded. There was little time. They needed to figure out this situation and stop the letter by tonight. If she failed, not only would the Sweeney family be put through the ringer, but Louise may be expelled from the Academy. She had to stop that. Louise had no noble status, and the only thing she could claim was that she was a top student at the Academy.

Heres the problem.

Louise turned towards Stella again.

I dont know who is or isnt Professor Lassens ally at the Academy.

She has connections everywhere

The pair sighed simultaneously.

Anyway.

Louise said something she had to say.

Thank you, Stella.

Your usual way of speaking is back.

Stop making fun of me. Sometimes Im scared of my talent.

What talent?

The talent of saying mean things.

It wasnt so mean. I like it because its so refreshing.

Louise shook her head. She didnt know the kinds of things she would say if she let her guard down. People were better off paying attention to their actions and words, as it was difficult to take them back.

And I apologize. Actually, I was convinced you would write a statement without the best intentions.

Oh, well.

She couldnt help it.

Im sorry I pretended to ignore you.

Ignore me for what?

I mean, that I didnt help you when you were being bullied.

You were thinking of me?

Why not? Im a human being.

I didnt know

Stellas voice was a soft murmur as she recalled the moments of the past. She remembered Louise looking at her, and imagined that Louise must have been gleeful at her predicament.

Youreyoure so kind.

Stella seemed to understand why everyone seemed to defend Louise Sweeney. This heroic young woman would jump into the flaming pit of hell for someone she was thinking about deeply.

You know, Louise Sweeney.

Stella took a seat. Whatever the situation may be, there was something she had to tell Louise first.

Im sorry.

What?

Im really sorry. I mean it. I dont know if youll accept my apology

Louise snorted and smiled.

Didnt you say you wouldnt apologize?

Stella was almost in tears. Diddid she really say that? If she could go back to the past, she would smack that horrible mouth of hers.

Dont be too embarrassed, Stella.

Louise reached across the table and poked Stella right in the middle of her forehead.

Im glad that you apologized. And more than that, I appreciate you for proving it through action.

Even though the effect of that action is useless now.

Both of them put their heads on the table and sighed again.

The greenhouse door opened. Louise thought it would be Simon or Professor Hill, but it turned out to be an Academy staff member.

There you are, Miss Louise Sweeney!

The staff member shouted out her urgently, and Louise shot up from her seat.

Mrs. Sweeney has arrived!

What?

Louise checked the time. It had been less than two hours since that letter was sent. How was her mother already here?

Wait, hold on. Is my mother really here?

Yes, she signed the visitors log. Go to the reception office immediately.

Louise stared at Stella with surprise.

How can this be?

Thats not possible, even if you delivered the message personally instead of the postal system.

It was too soon. Perhaps Professor Lassen had already delivered the summons before notifying Louise, just to get her out of here as soon as possible.

Stella, please finish your statement now.

Louise pointed to the pen and a sheet of blank paper on the table.

And you?

I have to run and plead my innocence. Your statement will be the proof. My friend Simon Hillard said, Nothing in the case weighs more than the victims statement.

Despite that, she felt no reassurance about his words. Louise ran to the reception office and thought about the variety of tricks Professor Lassen could pull off. Maybe she had written Stellas statement herself and put it in the official record. The professor was already Stellas appointed guardian, and the forgery process was probably easier.

Come to think of it, Louise had been helpless at the arts center as well, and it was only by sheer luck that she managed to survive by the skin of her teeth. But now, there really was nothing she could do, even with truth and honesty in hand.

I feel sick

She finally arrived at the office, but her hand hesitated on the doorknob.

What should she say to her mother? She didnt want to worry or disappoint her. Louise couldnt simply stand here forever, and so she carefully opened with door with her eyes squeezed shut.

The faint aroma of tea floated through the doorway. Louise spotted a woman sitting on a sofa facing away from the entrance, and Louise dropped her eyes quickly.

I- Im sorry to have troubled you, Mother.

Fortunately, there was no one else inside. Professor Lassen and the others involved may still be rushing here.

Youmust be surprised.

She heard her mother stand up and approach her one step at a time. Louise was frozen stiff as the sound of her shoes drew nearer.

I cant hold my head up.

But Louise had done nothing wrong, so it was not appropriate to show such signs of weakness. She gathered her courage to put on a more dignified appearance. When her mothers shoes came into view, Louise finally raised her head.

I really didnt do anything really wrong!

And her mothers black eyeswhat? Black eyes?

I know.

The voice was so beautiful. But it was not her voice.

My daughter of the greenhouse wouldnt do such a thing!

Louise doubted her eyes for a moment.

Sir Hesse!

No, Im your mother who loves Louise of the Greenhouse.

Hesse held both his arms open. His makeup was amazing today, and he looked like a perfect woman. Beautiful, even.

But whether he looked like Mrs. Sweeney was another matter.

S-sir Hesse! You must be joking!

It is a joke.

Hesse regretfully pulled an envelope from his arms. It was the letter sent from the Academy to the Sweeneys only a few hours ago.

I intercepted the letter and came running. Im your mama!

Louise was relieved that the letter had not made it home, but now she was more concerned about Hesse, a future count and close aide to the Crown Prince, running around and posing as Mrs. Sweeney. Before she could even react, the door opened.

When Louise whirled around, she saw it was Professor Lassen coming in.

And thenIan? Louise took turns looking between three people in confusion. Was there some sort of explanation for this?

As she tried to process this situation, Ian quickly walked over to Hesse. Louise was impressed with his quick reaction. He must have been surprised that the holy knight of the crown prince was playing a fraud!

When Ian approached Hesse, Hesse lifted his hand.

Its been awhile since we last met, Mrs. Sweeney.

Then Ian kissed the back of Hesses hand and smiled.