Chapter 4.4

“Now that you’ve answered, can you tell me what that is?”

While she was reflecting on herself, the teacher pointed to the shelf again. She looked over and saw the rabbit mask used only for fan club activities.

“Ah, that is…”

At the fan club meetings, the members wore masks and did not reveal their identities, following a rule made by the then-chairperson. The purpose was to create a space where everyone could talk and share about Felix’s items without any discrimination, purely out of love for Felix.

For someone uncomfortable around men, it was a great gathering.

Everyone wore clothes that covered their entire bodies along with masks, so unless you heard their voices, you couldn’t tell who was a man, which was comforting. Also, everyone was polite, avoiding unnecessary contact.

Moreover, since they didn’t have to talk about their families, no one knew she was the daughter of the Prime Earl family, allowing her freedom.

When people thought of the Prime family, they usually thought of Diana, whether they were nobles or commoners. Diana had caused as much of a stir in the Empire as Felix with her innovative work…

If Felix was famous for his magical revolution, Diana was known as a pioneer of open s*xual culture.

So whenever Erica revealed her family, eight out of ten people would ask her about her sister’s business.

…If it weren’t for Felix’s magical bracelet, she would have been bombarded with all sorts of questions in social circles, even before the dance issues.

Anyway, since she was hiding her identity, only Selly knew she was the fan club president. She was pondering whether to tell the teacher or not.

The teacher wasn’t the type to criticize her for participating in fan club activities. She figured it wouldn’t matter if she told him.

“That is the mask I wear to Felix’s fan club meetings.”

“What? A fan club? There’s such a thing?”

The teacher widened his eyes for a moment and then frowned. He looked as if he had heard something bizarre. 

Could it be that the teacher disliked fan activities? 

She had heard that some people had a negative view of fan clubs because of a few fans who lacked common sense.

“Yes, we don’t do anything big, just hold monthly meetings to decide on the ‘best item of the month.’ All the members love Felix purely, regardless of status. That’s why the name is ‘Felisa.’”

“…I see.”

“And everyone is kind, so no one goes to the Oditolium mansion just to see Felix. They truly participate in meetings to praise Felix’s items and express gratitude to him… So please don’t misunderstand.”

“What? I don’t know what misunderstanding you’re talking about, but I don’t have any.”

“Really? You seemed to look at me strangely earlier…”

“Oh, that was… for another reason.”

The teacher picked up his teacup, hiding half of his face, making it impossible to see his expression.

“Um, Teacher, would you like to come to a meeting? Coincidentally, tomorrow is our meeting day. Oh, if you’re busy or not interested, you don’t have to come.”

“No, I’d like to go.”

The teacher smiled his usual smile again. Fortunately, her invitation didn’t seem to displease him.

* * *

It was a rare outing

The fan club meeting was held in a large salon in the square. Since the teacher didn’t know the location, they decided to meet at the mansion and go together. She was looking forward to seeing the members after a long time.

When she said she was going out, Selly got excited and helped her get ready. Selly always liked this monthly outing.

Although she regretted it wasn’t for a man but a fan meeting, she still hoped for a fateful encounter there, putting effort into her hair and makeup. She also picked the latest fashion for her dress.

But when she mentioned she was going with the teacher, Selly had been bustling since early morning. She kept trying different accessories on her hair, saying none of them were quite right.

Just as she was getting bored and tired, Selly exclaimed, “This is it!” and placed a jewel accessory crafted in the shape of a forsythia flower in her hair.

It would all be covered by the mask anyway…

Knowing Selly’s hard work, she didn’t say it out loud.

“Miss, why don’t you just try to get along with the teacher?”

“What are you talking about?”

“When you two stand together, you look good, and the teacher is handsome and gentlemanly. He’s truly a man you shouldn’t miss in life.”

“Hmm, the teacher is perfect, but I’m not sure if we match. Besides, I have Felix.”

“…Oh dear, you don’t even know what that wizard looks like.”

“I saw him.”

“When was that? Five years ago, wasn’t it? And you couldn’t see him clearly because he was all covered in a cloak.”

“I saw his lips.”

“Why don’t you just marry those lips?”

Oh, listen to her talk. 

When she glared at Selly, she shrugged her shoulders while pretending to be innocent.

“And they say first loves never come true.”

“My parents said they were each other’s first love.”

“…Do you believe that?”

“Yes, why wouldn’t I? Even if it weren’t true, it doesn’t matter. I can make it happen.”

“I applaud your positive mindset, Miss.”

Selly clapped her hands with a blank expression.

But she didn’t change her mind. Felix was a blessing to her, true to his name. He appeared like luck in the alley and gave her the bracelet, which had helped her until now, and through the marriage talks with him, she met the teacher.

And she was overcoming her phobia through the teacher.

With all this, wouldn’t Felix have turned from coincidence to destiny?

Selly kept sighing, saying it was a pity, but the teacher was the teacher.

* * *

The teacher arrived right on time. It was the second time seeing him in broad daylight. Seeing the teacher shining in the sunlight after a long time was so dazzling it almost hurt.

The teacher walked towards the main gate, stopped when he saw her, and stood still. It was as if he had turned into a statue.

“…Teacher?”

“Ah.”

The teacher moved awkwardly, as if life had just been breathed into him. His eyes were fixed on her.

Was it because of the hot sunlight? Why did I feel heat from the teacher’s eyes?

Feeling self-conscious, she adjusted her outfit more.

“Uh… Is there something on me?”

“No. You just look more beautiful today.”

“Really? Selly worked hard today.”

Selly had dressed her in a light yellow dress, saying it was a spring style, and braided her hair beautifully. She inserted flower decorations between her hair strands and used warm colors for her makeup. Finally, she placed a simple hat on her head.

She was satisfied too, but to reiterate, it would be covered by a mask at the meeting…

For her, the silk gloves gifted by the teacher were the best, so she showed them off to him.

“I’m using the gift you gave me well.”

“Good to hear.”

The teacher, as usual, wore a white cloak today, unaffected by the heat. The weather had warmed up, and it was scorching at midday.

“Teacher, you’re wearing a cloak today too. Aren’t you hot?”

“It regulates body temperature, so I’m fine.”

As he said that, he pulled up the hood as soon as they left the mansion.

At that moment, Felix’s red cloak came to mind. Felix, whom she had met only once, had worn a cloak like that. 

Did he always wear a cloak like the teacher?

Walking down the street, strangely enough, no one looked at the teacher strangely. On such a warm day, wearing a thick cloak should have drawn at least a glance. She wondered if it was because of her bracelet but soon shook her head.

The bracelet only affected the wearer.

Perhaps because she kept glancing, the teacher explained her curiosity.

“It has a feature to hide one’s presence.”

“Oh! No wonder.”

As she nodded in understanding, the teacher’s lips curled up.

‘People don’t know there’s a beauty under that cloak.’

The teacher’s appearance was so dazzling that he probably needed such a special cloak to walk down the street. If he walked around with his face exposed, people would stare, or he’d easily get caught by someone like Diana.