As Linen was happily concluding his private arrangement with Milian, the two heroines were also having a quiet discussion inside the classroom, taking advantage of Linen's absence.
"Elena, are we really going to make up with that guy today?" Hysteria asked reluctantly.
Elena sighed softly.
"Hysteria, this is the fifth time you've asked me that during this lesson. Besides, weren't you the one who suggested making up with Linen in the first place?"
"That's true, but still…" Hysteria lowered her head, mumbling quietly.
In reality, Hysteria wasn't completely unreasonable. By participating seriously in the team match earlier, rather than throwing it out of spite, she'd already demonstrated her willingness to reconcile.
However, she was still the type to talk tough but yield easily when pushed. Helping Linen win in the duel was one thing, but actively apologizing? She'd rather be hit with a stick.
Elena observed Hysteria's troubled expression and quickly understood her dilemma.
It was clear that Hysteria genuinely wanted to reconcile with Linen, but her pride and upbringing made it nearly impossible to speak the words "I'm sorry." Such stubbornness was common among the upper class, yet Hysteria's honesty and innocence, untainted by scheming elites, were precisely what made her endearing. This was also why Elena had so quickly become close friends with her.
Hysteria just needed an easy excuse to save face.
Thinking swiftly, Elena suddenly spoke:
"Hysteria, what if you approach this from another angle?"
"Another angle?"
"Yes. Don't think of it as making up with Linen—think of it as forgiving him instead," Elena suggested gently, drawing circles in the air with her finger.
"What do you mean?"
Hysteria remained confused.
"Do you remember why we were upset with Linen in the first place? It was because he secretly made a deal with Teacher Ken without telling us. So now, when making up, just treat it as you graciously forgiving him because he saved us, and also because he rejected Linda's advances."
Elena smiled warmly.
Hysteria instantly perked up, as if enlightened.
Exactly!
Who needed to apologize and make up with that small fry Norton? After all, the great princess had spent the past two days actively pranking him, giving him a hard time.
Now she wouldn't be groveling to reconcile; instead, she'd graciously forgive him from above. Viewed this way, there was no humiliation at all!
Seeing the renewed sparkle in Hysteria's eyes, Elena laughed softly.
"Doesn't that make it easier?"
Hysteria nodded enthusiastically, her lips curving into a satisfied grin.
Elena truly deserved praise. She'd effortlessly solved this difficult problem, allowing the great Princess Hysteria to show generosity and reconcile with that irritating guy.
Knowing she was willing to stay friends, that annoying boy would surely faint from sheer happiness, wouldn't he?
If he returned quickly, maybe she'd even allow him to have lunch with her from now on, or do experiments together during class—though going to the restroom together was definitely out of the question; she much preferred Elena's company for that.
With these thoughts, Hysteria smiled warmly toward the classroom entrance.
However, Linen didn't return until it was almost time for class to end.
"Hey! Norton, why were you gone for so long? Class is nearly over! Where's Teacher Milian?" Hysteria asked irritably as Linen re-entered the room.
"Teacher Milian was feeling thirsty and went to get some water. She asked me to let everyone know you can practice a bit more, and then class will be dismissed. The room will return to normal afterward…" Linen trailed off, tilting his head slightly. "Also, why is your mouth a little crooked?"
He pointed casually at the corner of his lips.
"None of your business!"
Hysteria, whose forced smile had begun to twitch slightly, instantly snapped at him in embarrassment—but Elena quickly intervened.
Hysteria remembered she was supposed to reconcile with Linen, not keep arguing, though she now found it awkward to speak directly. Elena, noticing this, took the initiative to give her a subtle example:
"Linen, the teacher asked me to fetch some teaching materials from the storage room for next class. Could you come along and help me?"
If speaking openly felt uncomfortable, quietly hinting that she still wanted his company worked just as well. Elena discreetly winked at Hysteria.
Hysteria anxiously watched Linen, uncertain whether this subtle invitation would be enough for the stubborn boy.
"Sure, no problem."
To her relief, Linen agreed readily.
His original plan had always been to become good friends with Elena, so remaining estranged indefinitely wouldn't help. Since Elena took the initiative, he had no reason to refuse.
As for his daily rejection rewards, he wasn't worried. After all, Hysteria was still there.
As long as she kept antagonizing him, everything would be fine.
Keep it up, Your Highness! My daily rewards depend on you!
Seeing Linen accept Elena's invitation so readily, Hysteria relaxed immediately.
That small fry must've desperately wanted to reconcile, but just couldn't say it first. Since that's the case, I, the great Princess Hysteria, will generously give him this opportunity. He should be grateful!
Filled with confidence, she declared proudly:
"Hmph! Norton, for next class, I'll graciously allow you to partner with us during the experiment. And afterward, you can join us for lunch, too. You'd better cherish this rare opportunity~"
Hysteria smugly crossed her arms and raised her chin, peeking sideways to see Linen's presumably grateful reaction.
However, she only saw him pause briefly before waving his hand dismissively, a mildly disgusted look on his face:
"No need, Your Highness. Since you clearly despise me so much, there's no point forcing it. Let's just continue as we have been."
Hysteria's entire body froze at his words, feeling as though she'd been struck by lightning from a clear sky.