Chapter 177

Emma returned to Charon Military School after winning first place in the Youth Boxing Competition and becoming the National Boxing Association's spokesperson. The midterm exams were over, and though she hadn't taken them, she was recognized as having achieved a perfect score. Less than two months remained until the International Krot Competition.

Erza greeted her upon her return. Despite knowing Emma was Liam's girlfriend—a connection he couldn't afford to jeopardize—he relished the opportunity to interact with attractive women, a rare bright spot in his otherwise tedious military school life. He'd even asked Lane to join him in welcoming her.

However, before they could properly greet Emma, a slender girl in a green uniform approached Erza, her flirtatious voice requesting his instruction on a difficult martial arts move. Erza, momentarily flustered but still anticipating Emma's arrival, politely declined, suggesting they meet later.

Emma's arrival changed Erza's demeanor instantly. His enthusiasm was palpable as he greeted her effusively. The girl, Faith Jennings, noticed the stark contrast in his treatment of them, her silent observation confirming Emma's superior beauty. Faith, aware of Erza's preference for beautiful women and his coldness towards her, wondered if her lack of beauty was the cause. She offered a strained greeting to Emma, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Emma directly asked Erza what he was doing, to which he replied he was welcoming her. When she pointed out she hadn't requested his welcome, his annoyance was evident. To expedite her escape from Erza, Emma suggested Faith continue her lesson.

Erza, unhappy with Emma's dismissal, pursued her, leaving Faith behind with a cursory farewell. Faith's friends, emerging from hiding, offered comfort and attributed Erza's behavior to Emma's recent boxing success. They reassured Faith of her own beauty and popularity, subtly downplaying Emma's attractiveness. Despite their efforts, Faith remained doubtful, believing Emma's superior beauty to be the reason for Erza's indifference.

After morning classes, Emma prepared for lunch, only to discover her locker had been tampered with; her clothes and meal card were missing. Lane, coincidentally meeting Emma for lunch, immediately confronted the other girls in the changing room, but received no response.

Emma, calmly assessing the situation, noticed the reflection of several girls in her locker door, chattering amongst themselves as if anticipating her reaction. This confirmed her suspicions. She approached Faith, subtly pointing out Erza's dislike of deceitful behavior and the potential consequences for Faith's actions.

Faith's emotional confession of her feelings for Erza, coupled with her hurt and anger, confirmed Emma's assessment. Lane, enraged, confronted Faith and her friends, leading to the retrieval of Emma's belongings. Despite Lane's fury and a desire for retaliation, Emma opted to let the matter go, prioritizing her lunch and her recent stressful endeavors.

Later, during a phone call with Liam, a nearby student's derisive comment about Emma's supposed pretentiousness was overheard, setting the stage for further conflict.