Chapter 103
Chapter 103: No One Has Ever Dared to Treat Me Like This
***
"...Carlos."
I looked at him expressionlessly and said.
The red-haired man named A-something-lex's smile froze on his face.
"Uh... Carlos?" He forced the corners of his mouth up, trying to maintain his smile, though it looked quite strained. "Miss, your name is really... haha!"
Those two "hahas" sounded extremely dry. I figured he had originally planned to shower me with compliments after I told him my name. He was probably quite skilled at this, phrases like "your name is as beautiful as you are" or "Miss, your beautiful name makes my heart race" were the kind of tooth-achingly sweet words that would roll off his tongue effortlessly. He'd probably already prepared his script in his mind, but now he couldn't bring himself to say any of it. After pondering for a while, all he could manage was a dry: "It's quite... unique."
Looking so insincere... I really put you in a difficult position, didn't I?
"I know that," I nodded at him. "Can you let me pass now?"
Seeing that I wanted to leave again, A-something-lex immediately extended his arm to block me once more.
"Miss Carlos, I've already given you my full name, so according to noble etiquette, you should tell me your full name as well."
Hahaha, Miss Carlos!
I had been somewhat annoyed, but upon hearing what he called me, I suddenly wanted to laugh.
But I had to hold back my expression.
This guy seemed like the type who wouldn't give up until he achieved his goal. I should just get rid of him quickly.
"My name is Carlos Gonzalez."
"Uh, Gonzalez...?" After hearing this, A-something-lex looked even more confused. "That surname is quite rare even in the Western Continent. Miss, aren't you a Wintermoon? Where are you from?"
"The Kingdom of Huaxia."
"...What kingdom?"
"Carlos Gonzalez... why does that name sound familiar?" One of the men behind him said with a frown.
"I remember, that seems to be the name of some Pontifical Knight..." Another man seemed to recall something. "That's right! It's the Silver Flash who walks through the Abyss. That's his name!"
"Alex, this girl is messing with you."
After their reminder, the red-haired man clearly remembered who the Silver Flash was and realized I was lying to him. His expression immediately darkened.
"...Rude little girl, I'll give you one more chance. Now, honestly tell me your name and what courses you're taking, and I can overlook the fact that you lied to me."
He was already tall and fierce-looking. Now, with his face pulled down as he spoke these threatening words, he looked quite scary... It seemed I couldn't just brush him off easily.
A mischievous impulse suddenly arose in my heart.
I blinked my eyes, clenched my small fists against my chest, took a step back and assumed a timid posture, as if I was really frightened by him, and stammered out a name.
"Vi... Victoria..."
The sweet voice combined with a delicate face must have been devastatingly effective. A-something-lex froze for a moment, somewhat unnaturally looked away, and his expression softened.
"Alex, you scared her!"
"Don't lose your temper. The little girl was just joking with you... seriously, have some patience, will you?"
"Um, little sister Victoria, don't be afraid." Someone came forward, put his arm around the red-haired man's shoulder, and said with a smile, "This guy is just short-tempered, but he's actually a good person. He just wants to be friends with you, don't mind him... By the way, my name is Nelly."
"...Get lost!"
The red-haired man glared at him, and when he looked at me again, his smile was quite gentle, no longer resembling the fierce demon from before.
Heh, men.
The disdain in my heart flashed by, but on the surface I continued to pretend to be harmless: "Can... can I go?"
"Ahem... No~ You haven't told me your full name yet."
The red-haired man cleared his throat, deliberately speaking in a slightly playful tone with a thick smile in his eyes. He was probably trying to appear as a friendly big brother, but unfortunately, with that face of his, no matter how you looked at it, there was an indescribable strangeness to it.
But I still decided to answer him obediently.
"Elizabeth Victoria..." After saying that, I tilted my head. "Or is it Victoria Elizabeth?"
He suddenly froze.
The originally cheerful atmosphere solidified the instant I spoke that name.
"Hey Alex, she said her name is Elizabeth... that's..."
"I fucking know without you reminding me!" Alex roared angrily at the man with his arm around his shoulder, and when he turned back, his gaze became very unfriendly. "Little girl, you're playing me, huh? Very good, you're really something! You even dare to use Her Majesty the Queen's name. You've got some real nerve..."
I looked at him quite innocently.
"Actually, I'm quite timid..."
"Heh." The red-haired man let out a cold laugh. "Aren't you afraid I'll report this to the Queen?!"
Hearing his words, I placed my index finger on my chin, putting on a thoughtful expression.
"Hmm... afraid... or not afraid? Go ahead and tell her, give it a try."
Hmph, how dare he try to threaten me using that woman?
I'm not afraid of her at all!
"You..."
Seeing my fearless attitude, the red-haired man pointed at me. The words he wanted to curse got stuck at his lips as he hesitated.
"Alex, this girl might not be as simple as we thought..."
I heard clearly the low whisper from the man beside him. The red-haired man nodded and asked me: "Tell me, what's your father's name?"
"Scalliger Cornwall Rand Wintermoon." I said without hesitation.
"So you really are a Wintermoon..." He had an 'I knew it' expression, then suddenly widened his eyes, showing an incredulous expression. "Wait, who did you say your father was?! Scalliger... the Grand Duke of Shanter Castle, His Excellency Scalliger?!"
"Mm."
After getting confirmation from me again, his companions immediately erupted into chaos.
"No way..."
"This girl... this young lady, is the daughter of the King of Exotic Weapons?"
"Does His Excellency Scalliger have a daughter?"
"I don't know."
"I think... I only know he has a son named Lafayette... I've never heard of him having a daughter."
"This girl is still lying, isn't she?"
"Obviously still lying."
"The two princesses of the imperial royal family... if I remember correctly, they're both already married and couldn't possibly be here."
"So who is she really?"
"Probably some branch bloodline... really bold, got character."
"Poor Alex... being played for a fool."
"Aren't we the same though..."
When Alex came back to his senses, he was already burning with rage. Apparently convinced that I was toying with him, his face had turned red with anger.
Really, why doesn't anyone believe me when I tell the truth... Was I a shut-in in my previous life? Or was I some insignificant wallflower? Just dominating at home, but once I go out, no one knows me, no one recognizes me...
"Little girl. Do you know who I am?"
"I know." I nodded. "You're A-something-lex."
Who gave him such an awkward, hard-to-pronounce name? Not as smooth as calling Brother Abel.
"...I'm very angry right now. No one has ever dared to treat me like this, no one."