The ease of the strong.
It was unmistakable in Alice.
From a distance, it might have been mistaken for arrogance. But coming from her, it wasn't that at all—it was the natural dignity of a noble who had never once doubted her place in the world.
Eyes steady with self-assurance.
A straight back that never bent unnecessarily.
Confidence radiating from every small, composed movement.
It suited her almost too well.
'…No. This isn't the time to admire her.'
Was now really the moment to be standing here, appreciating Alice's presence?
Chasing duels. Provoking pride. Walking straight toward disaster.
I already knew how this ended.
Expulsion.
A stern "recommendation for self-reflection."
And somewhere on the road back to her family estate—a 'mysterious' accident that no one would investigate too deeply.
Before her pride hardened into true arrogance, I had to stop her.
'For Alice, oratory is a solution to problems—second only to dueling.'
