He had surely fallen in love with that child at first sight. And quite deeply, at that.

‘What to do?’

In front of 9yearold Robenhalf’s pure love, the fact that Liche was of common birth was no obstacle. His love was blind and deaf.

The highly prestigious Hibetzman Duke family felt insignificant when he thought of Liche.

The problem was that.

How could he achieve his first love?

Robenhalf was quick to assess the situation.

Even if a 9yearold confessed his feelings to a 7yearold Liche, she wouldn’t even know what it meant. They were still young.

Not just marriage, even dating was out of the question.

‘The confession must wait until we’re adults.’

So, what to do until then?

He had to raise Liche’s affection for him.

Robenhalf chose to get close to Liche by using Deon’s close friendship as an excuse.

He stubbornly visited the Ludwick Duke’s residence whenever an opportunity arose, and finally succeeded in having Liche regard him as a close brother.

“Robenhalf, I told you not to come here.”

During this process, someone’s wariness increased to an unavoidable extent.

“I wanted to, but it’s hard for a committee member not to be at the entrance ceremony.”

Robenhalf said shamelessly to Deon, who was holding Liche in his arms and twirling her around.

‘Why are they behaving like that?’

They got along fine when Miss Liche was not around. Philip, who was nearby, didn’t dare to intervene and scratched his cheek awkwardly.

Liche tilted her head further up. Deon’s agile chin came into view.

“Brother, go to class without me. It’s okay.”

“…….”

With a bowed head, Deon expressed his discontent with an expression that felt prickly. In silent protest, Liche stepped forward in Deon’s arms.

“The tuition is a lot. I must attend all the classes since Dad pays for it.”

Yes, the tuition was substantial.

When she heard the amount from the Ludwick family’s servant, Pol, Liche was so shocked that she lost her words.

Fifteen thousand Dergerl for one semester. That was 150 times the price her uncle Tamber was going to sell her for at the slave market.

Had it not been for Hikenka’s condition, the Ludwick family’s finances would never have covered her academy expenses.

It had all started with her desire to check on Pythons.

Regardless of Hikenka’s conditions, Liche vowed.

She would diligently attend the academy for eight years, ensuring Blake never felt like he had wasted money.

“Hey, our house is rich.”

It’s mere pocket change.

Deon grumbled but kept pace with Liche’s steps. Philip followed timidly, and Robenhalf was about to follow when Liche turned her head.

“Brother Robenhalf, you have to stay in the auditorium as a committee member, right?”

Robenhalf, who hadn’t predicted this, smiled ambiguously, trying to think of an excuse.

“That’s true, but—”

“I see. I’m glad we met today! See you next time.”

Not so easy, my crush.

Robenhalf couldn’t even offer to escort her to the classroom at her sharp farewell, delivered with a bright face. He just waved his hand.
“Alright. See you next time.”

It was unfortunate, but it couldn’t be helped. There would be plenty of time in the future.

Deon scoffed maliciously at Robenhalf.

(This is a time separator.)

“Listen well in class.”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t fall asleep.”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t let my words go in one ear and out the other.”

How did he know? Deon vaguely responded to Riche’s nagging and stopped at the corridor corner.

“The door you see inside is the firstyear classroom.”

Riche peeked her head out toward the corner Deon was pointing at.

There was a large double door firmly closed in the long corridor. It seemed to be a classroom large enough to utilize the entire hallway.

“Yeah. Thanks for showing me.”

Deon looked down in silence at the spirited Riche, and ruffled her hair.

“Wha, what are you doing?”

The fine bobbed hair got tangled but quickly found its place again.

Deon tapped Riche’s forehead and said,

“If someone bullies you, tell me right away. I’m leaving.”

Then he turned his back without hesitation before the students crowded, and Riche looked at his retreating figure with a bewildered face, straightening her hair.

Philip, who was watching the situation from the side, spoke up.

“Isn’t it your lordship who bullies the young lady?”

“That’s right…….”

As Philip approached, his face entered Riche’s eyelevel view.

Riche raised her head toward Philip.

A pair of brown eyes that didn’t know the full story awaited Riche’s words.

“Philip, do you notice anything different?”

“Gasp. This day has already come. Please, give me a moment, young lady. I have been trained by Jedd for this situation, but, Miss, if you’ve changed, if you’ve changed—”

“No, Philip. If you’ve changed.”

“Nothing?”

“Is that so?”

It seemed it wasn’t time yet. The wait for Hikenka was harder not knowing when he would come.

She wanted to see Pythons soon.

“Servants can’t go inside the classroom. I’ll be nearby and will come when it ends.”

Riche entered through the door that Philip opened.

The classroom was arranged like descending steps. Each step had long wooden desks and chairs with a glossy finish, and at the bottom floor, there was another wide step.

Considering the three blackboards and the lectern, it seemed to be the podium where the professor would lecture.

‘This spot will be good.’

Riche sat down at the innermost seat of the middle step, where she wouldn’t stand out. It was right next to a narrow staircase.

‘Coming early is nice. I can sit where I like.’

Soon, the classroom began to fill with new students. New students hesitated but sat near Riche, glancing at her.

Perhaps influenced by Duke Roadwik, whom they had seen at the entrance ceremony, there were no whispers about Riche.

Then, the professors began to enter through the door next to the podium.

“Gasp.”

“It’s Professor Rumbla.”

“I saw her during the entrance exam.”

“She’s in charge of the firstyear? Big trouble. She’s extremely strict.”

Seeing the professor who walked in with an upright posture, the students were dismayed.

Among the students, “The PurpleEyed Witch” Rumbla Izmitic was wellknown.

Many words described her, but “Sharp Rumbla” was the most agreed upon. Ignoring her warning even once in class meant you were out.

Her reputation was so great that even today’s new students knew her teaching style.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Rumbla Izmitic.”

After the previous professors’ introductions, it was Professor Rumbla’s turn.

With a stiff tone, she ended her introduction and stared intently at the uppermost tier with her meticulous purple eyes.

“And, Ziegbert Serdiya.”

Ziegbert Serdiya?

The talented name from a duke’s family made the new students murmur.

“Come forward.”

That was when Professor Rumbla continued speaking.

A scream erupted from the back of the classroom.