They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System-Chapter 441: How Can You Be So Calm?

"Something big is definitely happening."

But Nnenna didn’t move. She stayed for a while more, then packed her bag and left with the same calm stride she had walked in with.

Outside, a black car was waiting at the gate.

Ava sat inside, anxiously peeking out the window.

Ava sat in the back seat of the sleek black car, nervously tapping her fingers against her knee.

Ugh, where is she?

Her eyes darted toward the academy gate again.

She didn’t dare leave Nnenna alone today. Not after what Carl said. Not after Arthur’s lecture either.

Seriously, she groaned inwardly, I mess up one time and suddenly I’m public enemy number one in the ’Protect Nnenna at All Costs’ club.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Carl’s voice from earlier still echoed in her head, sharp, cold, disappointed. She had never seen him like that.

And Arthur? He didn’t raise his voice, but somehow that made it worse. The way he looked at her, like she had failed a mission of national importance...

Nope. Not doing that again.

I’m not even the one who caused all this! And now I’m stuck playing the bodyguard role while Miss Mystery Girl walks through drama like it’s a runway. Ava huffed.

Why wasn’t Nnenna here yet? Ava glanced at the time again, then peered out the car window, frowning slightly.

But it wasn’t just today. For the past one month, she had noticed something odd, Nnenna never walked with her to the car.

Even when they left class at the same time, Nnenna would find a reason to linger behind. And when she did show up, it was only after most of the students had already returned to their hostels or gone home.

It was almost like... she didn’t want to be seen.

Ava leaned back in the seat, trying to make sense of it. It was confusing. Being seen with the royal family was something most people dreamed about.

Students literally threw themselves at any connection to the palace. Some even pretended to be related to distant cousins of the crown just to gain social points.

But Nnenna?

She kept her distance like it was some sort of secret. As if riding in the royal family’s car was a shameful act.

Ava couldn’t understand it. She didn’t know much about Nnenna’s background, but from what she had seen so far, the girl was polite, calm, and very... private.

Still, Ava had assumed that at the very least, Nnenna would want people to know she had ties to royalty.

And yet, every single day, Nnenna waited until no one was looking to approach the car.

If Nnenna had just let people know about her connection to the royal family, things would’ve been so different.

Everyone would have known not to mess with her. Her life would be easier. She could’ve shut down rumors with a single glance, had classmates sucking up to her left and right, maybe even gained a fanbase overnight.

Honestly, she would be almost as popular as Ava herself, people at her beck and call, doors opening wherever she turned.

And yet...

Nnenna chose to let others look down on her. She let Jana throw jabs at her day after day. She didn’t defend herself when people whispered behind her back or called her names.

Why?

Does she really not care at all? Ava wondered, arms folded across her chest as the weight of confusion and something else, guilt? settled on her shoulders.

She had declared war on Nnenna, just like everyone else. But what kind of war was it, when the other person didn’t even fight back?

Didn’t flinch.

Didn’t hide.

Didn’t care about social status or reputation.

And most importantly, couldn’t care less about fighting her oppositions.

That day... when she tried to warn me not to walk into the cold water and floor trap, Ava clenched her jaw.

She freaking tried to help me!

And I, like a fool, still went through it with my head held high.

I should’ve listened. Ava sighed.

But that act meant something. No, it meant everything.

Because in that moment, she realized the truth:

The war was already over.

And Nnenna hadn’t even lifted a finger. novelbuddy-cσ๓

Ava, the so called opponent, had already lost.

Badly.

"That girl..." Ava whispered to herself, "...she’s different."

Maybe it was time to stop going against her. Maybe, just maybe, it was smarter not to become the example, the one Nnenna’s enemies got taught a lesson through.

Ava gave a small nod to herself, her thoughts suddenly much clearer.

No more targeting her. I’m done.

Before I end up a lesson for others.

After five more minutes, Nnenna finally came into view.

Once she stepped into the car, she greeted the driver softly.

"Good evening, sir."

The elderly man glanced at her through the rearview mirror and smiled warmly. "Good evening, young miss."

Without another word, he started the engine and drove off.

Ava sat beside Nnenna, sneaking glances at her from the corner of her eye. But Nnenna had leaned back against the seat, eyes closed, her face calm, almost serene. Like nothing had happened.

Like she hadn’t just been accused and threatened in front of the whole class.

How can she be so calm? Ava wondered, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

At first, she tried to ignore the urge bubbling in her chest. She told herself to stay quiet. But after a few more minutes, the silence became unbearable. No, this isn’t right. She needs to know what she’s up against.

"...You know," Ava finally said, voice low but firm, "ever since Jana’s little performance, a lot of people have started believing her. Even some of the lecturers and the higher ups."

She glanced at Nnenna, who didn’t open her eyes but clearly heard her.

"I’m not just talking students here. That Year Five student backing Jana? She’s got influence, and with her spreading Jana’s lies, people are starting to think she’s actually Carl’s fiancee and you want to steal him from her."

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