Reincarnation of Villainess Noble Lady (Ch. 143-299)

REIKA-SAMA -271

Kaburagi is acting strangely. To be precise, he's avoiding me. It started with Kaburagi immediately looking away when our eyes met at the rankings list. At lunch and in the hall, he looked away when we passed each other. I'm uneasy by him not wanting to have anything to do with me. Did I do something to make the Emperor angry?

I caught Enjou during an afternoon break in the hall, and asked, "Enjou-sama, did I do something to displease Kaburagi-sama?"

"I haven't heard of anything. Why?"

"He seems to be avoiding me today."

We were never friendly enough to say, 'hey, what's up?' but he never ignored me like this, either. Enjou didn't seem to know, either and put a hand on his chin and asked, "Hmm… Did you meet Masaya over the break?"

"No." I saw him on the last day of exams. I haven't even gotten mail from him since then. "Oh!"

"Huh? What's wrong?"

I have an idea! "Is he angry that I skipped his exam review session?" And I even sent him a defiant reply back.

"I doubt it. He wouldn't hold that against you for so long," laughed Enjou, but I really can't think of anything else. He had the same attitude until then. "Besides, Masaya would tell you if he were angry or irritated."

"As you say…" Kaburagi would call me out to complain, even if it were a holiday, and he'd keep on sending angry mail if he couldn't find me.

"Why don't you ask him directly?"

"With Kaburagi-sama?"

"Yes."

He says it like it's simple, but it's hard for me when Kaburagi might be angry. It's like treading on a lion's tail…

"I can help somewhat."

"You will?"

"Sure. If Masaya's really avoiding you, I'd like to know why."

Since Enjou declared that he'd help depending on the circumstances, I decided to ask Kaburagi after school. Besides, my station in school would be in danger if he keeps on ignoring me…

After school, I spotted Kaburagi and Enjou headed to the Pivoine Salon, so I hurried after them. Kaburagi noticed the patter of my feet, and increased his pace after he turned and saw me.

"Kaburagi-sama!"

"…What?" He reluctantly turned to face me and he scowled at me. He's frightening…

But Enjou nodded next to him, so I pressed on. "Kaburagi-sama, I wish to speak with you."

"I'm busy," he cut me down. Umm….

Kaburagi was about to walk off when Enjou stopped him. "Masaya, Kisshouin-san say she needs to talk. Why don't you listen?"

"Shut up! Be quiet, Shuusuke!" Enjou looked stunned. This is definitely strange… Something's going on for him to yell at Enjou, who's at no fault…

I scrutinized him. "Kaburagi-sama."

"…What?"

"Just follow me."

"Huh? Why should I…!"

"Now, now," prodded Enjou who grabbed his arm. I forced him into the small meeting room, in the reverse of the usual. Enjou blocked the entrance, and Kaburagi smacked his lips.

"So? What? I'm busy, so hurry up." Kaburagi still won't look at me. He probably isn't sitting down, so that he can leave quickly."

"Kaburagi-sama. I cleared the goal you set for me of being in the top 30 on the exams."